TINA DONAHUE Scavenger Hunt + Interview! - Alternative-Read.com

TINA DONAHUE Scavenger Hunt + Interview!

Interview with Tina Donahue


Conducted by Sassy Brit
Quick note to our dear readers, hope you have a pen and paper ready, as your TBR book list is going to grow after this! Also, below the interview are the details of how to join in with the scavenger hunt! *Excited scream!*
SB: Good morning and welcome, Tina,

Thank you very much for returning to AR and agreeing to be interviewed. I promise I'll be gentle with you! I'll start by asking for a brief synopsis of your latest book, if I may?

TD: Hi, Sassy – I’d love to tell you about my latest – it’s called Deep, Dark, Delicious and it’s a wickedly sensuous feast. Here’s the blurb:
Eden DeCarlo may have narrowly lost Miami’s best chef competition and the prize money she desperately needs, but she has caught the eye of dangerously virile Rafael Zayas, one of the judges and a wealthy restaurateur. Despite her vow not to let any man derail her life, Eden’s captivated by Rafe’s imposing masculinity, then challenged by the business deal he offers. He’ll invest in her new venture if, for one month, she can satisfy his culinary expectations and the sexual attraction they both feel. Dominant and unashamed, Rafe knows what he wants when it comes to carnal pleasure and will spare no seduction to have Eden in all the ways he demands – naked, wanting, submissive. Within thirty days, he will teach her the delights of yielding to passion, relinquishing all control to him and fulfilling her deepest, darkest and most delicious desires.
 
SB: Sounds fantastic! We will be reviewing Deep, Dark, Delicious soon, so I'll let you and our readers know as soon as it's up! Now, what got you into writing books?

TD: Genetics, I guess (LOL). As a kid, I read everything I could, even cereal boxes if nothing else was available. By the time I was nine or so, I was composing and illustrating my own stories and selling them to parents in the neighborhood for their kids.
SB: What is the most favourite thing you enjoy about the writing process? How about the least favourite?
TD: My most fav thing is being able to live with my characters. Their lives are never dull! My least favourite thing is trying to work out a plot that’s just not cooperating.

SB: What is the last book you read and what are your quick views on it?
TD: No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy – absolutely excellent. What powerful imagery. What a plot! Makes my hair stand on end.

SB: I have that, and agree it is a very cleverly written book!
If you had the chance to get everyone to read one book that you totally love, that was not your own, what would it be and why?
TD: Other People by Sol Stein. First of all, he writes the story in first person, but it’s also multiple POV. Very unusual. Secondly, there’s a great deal of wit in it. And the love story between Tomassy and Francine is simply incredible. I’ve read this book again and again and I never grow tired of it.

SB: I'm going to have to check that one out! Thank you for adding to my TBR list.  Okay, so, which of your own stories is your personal favourite, and why?
TD: Wow – that may be hard to say. Whenever I begin a new story, it becomes my fav because with each tale I learn a bit more about writing and perfect my craft. So, I’d have to say the novel I’ve currently finished is my favourite. However, the one I’m starting to plot may also be. :)

SB: Would you mind sharing what your current WIP is, the genre and how far into it you are, please?
TD: I’ve just finished another contemporary erotic romance. I should have it on my editor’s desk sometime this week. It has a passionate storyline, what I like to call “Heat with Heart”. There’s steamy sex scenes but also a fulfilling romance.

SB: Another one for my list! Have you ever had one of your characters take your story into a different direction? What happened?

TD: Happens all the time. I begin to plot and I see the story in my head. Then I begin to write and the characters take over. I let them. It’s their story and if I tried to mold them to a synopsis or an outline the story wouldn’t have as much punch.
SB: Now, for a few non-writing questions. If I were to look in your fridge right now, what three most unusual items would I find, if any?
TD: Raw peanuts and almonds – I like nuts :)
A jar of dill pickles that’s about two years old – I keep forgetting to throw it out
A hunk of cheese I got as a gift but I may regift it to someone else since I don’t like the flavor.

SB: Are you a morning person or a night owl?
TD: Morning.

SB: Cat or dog lover?
TD: I love both – but I’m a little more partial to cats

SB: I love both, too. I do have dogs, and would love some cats, but they don't see eye-to-eye with felines! They see them as food more than anything. :)
What is your favourite quote?
TD: “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” – Thomas Alva Edison (1847–1931)

SB: Oh, I love that one! Now, I'm sure everyone asks you this, but I have to ask - I see you have modeled professionally, and appeared on billboards, do you have any pictures, or would you like to share which company you were advertising, please?
TD: One of the pictures is on my website: www.tinadonahue.com – I was about four or five at the time. I was modeling for a milk commercial for a Ralston Purina company. I’ve also modeled for Keds and other products.

SB: If you could have anyone around for tea and scones, dead, or alive, who would it be and why?
TD: Lawrence Sanders – before he passed he wrote great, great thrillers. I don’t believe anyone is better than Sanders in that genre.

*Scribbles down the name, and adds to TBR list.*
SB: What is the best information you could give aspiring writers?
TD: Read everything you can, not only the types of stories you want to write. Then write, write, write. And finally, no matter the opposition you face, whether it’s from publishing houses, editors, critics, or fans – never give up.

SB: Finally, where can we find out more about you and your books?
TD: At my website: www.tinadonahue.com – click on “About” “Books” and “Reviews” it’s all there! :)

SB: Thank you, Tina. That was fun. I really enjoyed interviewing you. Good luck with your next book. Do come back and let us know when it is published! 

Scavenger Giveaway Instructions

Slightly different to normal, since this is also a scavenger hunt - Open to UK/International entrants. --STARTING as soon as the details are posted in the comments section. The first reader to contact TINA with all four questions answered correctly will win.  
  1. To enter - please follow the AR blog (publicly) 
             2.  Look out for the questions in the comments section!!

That's it. Good luck! As usual you may, Tweet, Digg , add this comp to your blog, sign the AR Guest book! etc. THANK YOU and GOOD LUCK!


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TINA DONAHUE Scavenger Hunt + Interview! TINA DONAHUE Scavenger Hunt + Interview! Reviewed by Sassy Brit @ Alternative-Read.com on 7:24 am Rating: 5

48 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Hi Tina!
    wow, you sold your first book at the age of 9? incredible!
    and you're a morning person? I envy that... in the morning I'm grumpy and anything but talkative -.- I need about half an hour before I can do anything productive *gg*
    have a great day :)
    Ina

    ps: I'm a follower...

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  3. Hi, Bianca and Ina! Thank you for your comments!

    Since I'm on a different time zone to Tina - I'm going to start by adding the details that she sent me - no questions yet - just what to do, and how today's hunt is going to work!

    From the desk of Tina Donahue:

    For today’s readers, I’m hosting a scavenger hunt contest!!!

    Rules: Periodically throughout the day I will post a question (four in all). Answers found on my website: tinadonahue.com Keep all of the answers until the last question has been posted. Then, email me your answers at tina@tinadonahue.com.

    The first reader to contact me with all four questions answered correctly will win.

    Prize: Your choice of one of my books:

    1. Adored – trade paperback
    2. Close to Perfect – mass market paperback
    3. Bad Boys with Red Roses – trade paperback

    Winner will be announced: January 31st (or earlier) at this site and at my website: www.tinadonahue.com

    Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. Morning, Sassy, Bianca and Ina!

    Hey, Ina - yeah, I sold my first one when I was practically a baby. And yes, I'm more a morning person - it's really quiet then and I can work much better on my writing.

    Looking forward to a great day here ladies!

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  5. Welcome, Tina!

    I do love the quiet mornings too - but I don't like getting up, and I'm always very sleepy! Not sure it does me much good LOL Definitely NOT a morning person.

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  6. Thanks for having me, Sassy - just want to remind the visitors that I'll be posting my scavenger hunt questions periodically throughout the day - so they should keep coming by to check out these comments for a chance to win!

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  7. Hi Sassy and Tina!
    *gg* I love the quite evenings when it's dark outside and the family is already sleeping...
    see you later :)

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  8. I know what you mean, Ina - that's the way it is for me in the mornings - quiet time so you can think.

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  9. Okay, here's the first of my four questions for today's scavenger hunt:

    1. Which reviewer said Adored was “Hot! Hot! Hot!”

    Remember: The answers can be found at my website. Hold on to your answers until ALL questions have been asked, then email the answers to me at my email address.

    Let's get this party rolling! :)

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  10. Hi All! Tina, great interview and you have been busy, lady! I never get tired of seeing your gorgeous covers...now, I'm going hunting.

    Good luck with sales and keep 'em coming!

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  11. Hey, J - thanks for stopping by and your kind words! EC does such a great job with their covers...so sexy. Wish I could meet some guys in real life who look like the ones on their covers! :)

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  12. Ooh! RomantiCon is coming up--those Cavemen are Hot! Hot! Hot! (I borrowed the praise used for ADORED *wink*)

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  13. And here, ladies, is the second question to my scavenger hunt:

    2. In my book, “Just One Kiss” what is the color of the heroine’s hair?

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  14. Hi there!
    how are you all? I enjoy an evening at home watching a film with Eddi Murphy...I so need a little free time and I take every minute I can get...
    best wishes,
    Ina

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  15. I'm good, thanks Ina,

    Glad you are enjoying your free time, and your Eddi Murphy film!

    I've just eaten a huge meal and I'm delaying the washing up....by doing sensible things like tweeting this hunt! It's already half eight, so I'd better get on with it. Don't want to be doing it midnight on a Friday night! But, you know how it is, it will be worse facing it tomorrow! :)

    Oh, just one more tweet and then I'll get to work...

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  16. Hi again, Sassy and Ina.

    Ina - forgot to ask before - how'd you do on your exams????

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  17. Hi Sassy!
    *gg* here it's already 10 (I'm in Austria) and I'm so glad I ate outside today - no washing up for me ;) but you could say it's my fault you can't do it... I'm here chatting with you ;)

    Hi Tina!
    it's so nice you asked - I'm soooo happy this week is over... 5 exams in 4 days...can't believe I survived that ;) but hey, here I am *gg*

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  18. Yikes, 5 exams in 4 days??? You must be sooo tired - how come you're not sleeping, sweetie?

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  19. OH this looks like fun! I'll be playing :0) Enjoyed reading the interview too.

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  20. Hi, Natalie - thanks for stopping by. Yep, we're gonna have fun with this hunt! Stay tuned...only two more questions to go.

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  21. *gg* mh... let me think... it could be that there's a very nice person out there chatting with me *hugs*
    (and my professors don't care about that *sigh*)

    but I will go sleeping in a few minutes... I'm setting an alarm for later and will come back then :)

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  22. You have a nice snooze, Ina, you've earned it. Talk to you later! :)

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  23. Night Ina! Gosh! 5 exams in 4 days - I'd be a walking zombie. And no, not your fault at all! :)

    See you later, take care. Get some zzzzz's.

    Hi, Hali! Natalie!

    Nice to see you here. :)

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  24. By the way - Tina -- I keep meaning to ask you -- have you thrown out that jar of dill pickles yet? :)

    I did the same with some pickled gherkins - I guess my train of thought was that because they were pickled, they should last forever :)

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  25. I did, Sassy! In fact, I tossed them after I did the interview with you. Thought it was time for them to go before they started growing something nasty.

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  26. And here's question #3 for my scavenger hunt (only one more to go - yay!!!)

    3. What is the title of my December 23, 2009 blog?

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  27. Hey, everyone, I'm still hanging out. So funny reading about the pickles--I just threw out a jar today! I love dill pickles and have two more jars that are newer, so I dumped the older...they didn't look real perky!! lol

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  28. Guess pickles aren't feeling the love lately, huh? :) I've been known to keep jelly too long in my fridge, too. Once had a jar six months past the due date. I swear it looked like a new life form was moving inside all that sweet sticky blackberry stuff when I threw it out. EEEK.

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  29. Must of deleted my comment whoops.
    Just in case..
    + I do follower
    + And retweeted on twitter.

    fun conversation..pickles!
    wateva_08(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  30. Hey, Bianca - welcome to the party - please take part in the scavenger hunt for a chance to win one of my books!

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  31. lol, Tina, blackberry and plum jelly are my favs...they never go bad in my house!

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  32. Hi,

    I have a question for everybody. What is everyone reading at the moment?

    Tina, how much research do you put into your books, and how do you go about it?

    Poor pickles are not the flavour of this month!

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  33. Welcome back Bianca, and J Hali - sorry I've just realised I've been calling you Hali, and that's your surname. Ooops. My apologies!

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  34. I am reading Masquerade by Melissa De La Cruz, but i should be getting The Dark Divine, in the post soon, as well as Captivate by Carrie Jones, Deadly Little Secrets by Laura Faria Stolarz and Devoured by Amanda Marrone. :)

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  35. Hey, Sassy - right now I'm reading the books the RWA (Romance Writers of America) sent me for the annual Rita contest. Can't say which ones they are as that's gotta remain anonymous, but they are soooo good!!!

    For research, I get a plot in my head and then I go on the internet and look up the hero/heroine's occupations and what else I might need for the story. For example, in Deep, Dark, Delicious I had to do a lot of research on Cuban cooking (made me so hungry!).

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  36. Hey again, J - yeah, blackberry's my fav, but I always buy such a big jar, I get tired of it 3/4ths of the way through and let it sit too long before I throw it out.

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  37. Sassy, J stands for Joann, feel free to call me that. My middle name is Hali...so it works too! :)

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  38. @Bianca heard Masquerade by Melissa De La Cruz is good, and you've given me more to look into! :) Thanks!

    @Tina, oh, how mysterious! Sounds like a lot of fun! Does that mean you are a judge of the contest? Is there a British branch of the RWA?

    Can't say I've consciously tried Cuban cooking :) but I'm now thinking of raiding the fridge anyway! All this food talk is taking its toll! BTW my favourite jam has to be plum!

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  39. I don't know if the RWA has a British branch, Sassy. Yes, I'm judging the contest - but so are a lot of other authors...they have thousands and thousands of entries each year for the Rita. I'm no expert, but from what I've read, Cuban cooking seems a bit like Mexican cuisine to me...though not as spicy.

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  40. It's been a pleasure hanging out at AR. Tina, congrats on your successes and I wish you mega sales! Goodnight.

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  41. Good night, J - thanks so much for your very, very kind words!

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  42. All right, everyone - here's the final scavenger hunt question:

    4.Which reviewer gave my book “O’Toole’s Promise” five stars?

    I'm signing off for the night. I had a blast today. Thanks so much, Sassy, for having me and thanks to all who came by to say hi!

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  43. Good night Tina :)

    it was really a lot of fun!
    thanks Sassy!

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  44. Good morning! Sorry, I disappeared without saying goodbye, or thank you to Tina :) I was on the laptop and it crashed, and since it was already so late I just didn't go through the whole drawn out process of booting it up again!

    So, THANK YOU very much, Tina, it's been a pleasure and lots of fun!

    Oh, I know the Rita Awards, I usually post about them here! (Must have been sleepier than I thought last night!) It's a big event for RWA members. **By the way, I'm sleepy again as I write this, this morning, I was late getting up! LOL**

    Also, thanks Joann :) that's very kind of you! We've enjoyed having you here!

    Hi, Ina, looks like I crashed (literally) just before you came back! Glad you enjoyed yourself, and hopefully you'll be able to catch up on your sleep over the weekend! Anymore exams to go?

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  45. Bianca, thanks for all those lovely tweets, once I get going on Twitter I can't stop... :)

    Also, I'll be on a look out for those books you mentioned. Hope you enjoy Masquerade!

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  46. Hi Sassy!
    oh, I was only back for a few minutes... I was so ko, I directly went back to bed last night -.-
    on Monday I've my last one and then I have semester break until March :)
    have a great day and see you soon!
    Ina

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  47. Good luck for Monday! I'm sure you won't need it. Then you can relax for a while, well, kind of :)

    Have a great day, too!

    Sassy
    :)

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Thanks for taking the time to leave a sassy comment. It's truly appreciated. I aim to get back to you as soon as possible -- Sassy :)

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