OOPS later than I hoped but well worth waiting for
The (nearly) Naughty Nine with Dianne Hartsock.
This week our naughty nine have an erotic romance twist
Welcome Dianne to Raven's Nine for the Week.
I realize just how busy you are, so I'm really glad you could drop by.
Thanks for having me on your delicious site Raven! What a fun way to start my week.
Q We'll get this one over first, tell us a little bit about yourself.
A Sure thing. By day I’m a floral designer. I’ve always wanted to be a painter but really suck at it, so instead I paint with the color of flowers. Sounds corny, huh? But that’s how I feel when the colors come together in a beautiful arrangement.
At night I turn to the love of my life, writing. Nothing excites me more than when my plots fall apart and my characters take control of the keyboard. They take me places I’d never thought to go and experiences I’d only dreamed of. It’s fun and hard work and agonizing and wonderful.
Q Thanks, now we can probe a bit more. How do you relax?
A I have to smile here. Not everyone will think this is the best way to relax. But after working all day and writing in the evening until my brain grows numb, I like to pull up my TBR list on Goodreads and pick an m/m erotic short to read. You might not think that’s relaxing, and often it’s not! But I can slip into someone else’s shoes for fifteen hot minutes, then go to bed to some yummy dreams.
When it’s a day off and I have more time, I’ll grab a cup of coffee or glass of beer with friends, go see a movie, actually sit down and read for an hour or so! When my husband’s home we’ll go to the coast for the day or laze around the house doing…um…things.
Q What is your favorite genre to read, and why?
A I like the creepy thrillers of Dean Koontz, the chill that Robin Cook’s medical thrillers give me and the excited rush I get reading C.J. Cherryh’s fantasies. See, I can’t pick just one genre! These books wake up my imagination and scare me. They’re full of mysteries to solve and lives to save and heroes to cheer on.
Q and of course to write, and why?
A This last year I’ve been flirting with the men in my m/m erotics. I can’t resist those gorgeous bodies straining against each other… ehem…
Shelton in Love
Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/shelton-love
Shelton is falling hard for his best friend and roommate, finding Nevil’s dark good looks and moments of gentleness almost impossible to resist. But Nevil is more interested in affairs of the body than the heart. As Shelton’s desire for the man grows, he wonders if he can change Nevil’s mind. But does he even want to? Nevil might not stay, once he learns Shelton’s secret, and then his loneliness would be complete.
Shelton’s Promise
Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/sheltons-promise
Shelton has a gift he’s eager to give to Nevil. At a party, Nevil flirts with one man after another, keeping Shelton on his toes. Then Percy, an ex, shows up to complicate things. Despite his best efforts, Shelton can’t find the right moment to give Nevil his gift. Will Nevil ever let Shelton get close to him, or will Shelton have to keep the gift in his pocket all evening?
Shelton’s Choice
Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/sheltons-choice
After a year of bliss with Nevil, Shelton is offered the promotion he's been working toward at the bank. Unfortunately the new position is in another state, and Nevil doesn't want to move. As tension mounts between them, Shelton is given another challenge in the form of a besotted coworker. Torn between the pressures at work and at home, Shelton has to choose his future. That is, until Nevil takes the decision out of his hands.
But my favorite genre is the paranormal thriller. My novel ALEX was published this last May and I can’t wait to get to work on its sequel. Don’t worry! I always have several hot as hell characters to keep the story titillating. Otherwise, where’s the fun?
Alex
Solstice Publishing: http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Alex%252d%252dPDF-EBOOK.html
Alex is twenty and confused. He always is. He hears the cries of children, the screaming women. He sees the brutal images of the tortured victims. Severely abused as a child, he is left with horrible scars on his body and even worse scars within his mind. Even though it puts him in danger, he’s compelled to help those who call to him. He’s driven, motivated by his visions to rescue them and uncover the killer. When he can, he helps the police; yet some detectives suspect he’s the cause of the problem, not the solution. Often, Alex finds himself alone and afraid in a world he doesn’t always comprehend.
Q Where do you prefer to read? (or write) What do you wear? And eat? (OK, I know this is cheating as well, but we need all the gen in our naughty nine)
A In winter, I love to read on the couch, in my cotton pajamas, with a fire burning on the hearth. I usually have a bowl of popcorn next to me. In summer, I’m lying on the lawn in tank top and shorts, hat, with a cold beer and cheese/crackers at my elbow.
As for writing, I’m pretty much always in the same spot, at the dining room table with my laptop. I have a wall of windows on my left and the patio doors across the room overlook my flower garden. I’m in the clothes I wore to work that day, usually jeans and a nice blouse. Days off, I’m in comfy sweats. Coffee’s always on and I try to munch on healthy foods, though if there’s chips anywhere near me, I’m a goner.
Q So three things you love
A My husband Mark. My daughter Jennie. My son Tim.
Okay, I also love dark chocolate and dark beer and holding hands with my lover.
Q Three you don't
A Being cold. Isn’t it summer yet?
Getting up for work after only five hours of sleep. I just had to finish that scene, didn’t I?
House work when my characters are on their knees begging for attention. They are cute that way, though…
Q Three things you would like to happen in the next three years? Feel free to add to the three things you don't,
A Finding a publisher for my fantasy adventure novel.
That my husband finds a job he can be happy with.
Both my children close to graduating from college.
B. I don’t want the world to end in December. I have too many more books to write!
I don’t want either of my kids to drop out of school.
I don’t want to lose the joy I have in writing because its become a chore.
Q lastly the quick fire round...
Favorite Color- Red
Book of all time- The Return of the King, J.R.R. Tolkien
piece of music- Optimist, Zoe Keating http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4ZMkkunnCE
That's it painless eh?
It was great! I’m usually too busy for much introspection, but it was nice to pause and see where I am in the world.
Thanks for dropping by and giving us a peek into your life. Feel free to add any links to blogs websites etc so we can all find out what you are up to.
Feel free to contact me anytime!
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock
Thanks for having me over, Raven!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. Lovely to learn more about you Dianne. I'm useless at flower arranging and can only admire other's creations :)
ReplyDelete*waves* Hi Doris! It's actually much easier than it looks. I'll have to tell you the secret to it one day. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun interview. You inspire me, Dianne, in your commitment to your crafts!
ReplyDeleteThanks D.D. That means a lot to me, coming from such a talented author as yourself. Hope your New Year is going well. :)
ReplyDelete