Interview with Maggie Toussaint

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Maggie Toussaint. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.

I understand you have a new release out called SEEING RED. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

Hi Kim! Thanks for the welcome, the chocolate, and the chance to tell-all! (You're welcome. KW)

SEEING RED is a contemporary romance with a mild sensual rating from Freya’s Bower. In the story, a woman wants out of a dead-end job and a chance at happiness. Emma Heartly puts her dream into motion by beginning renovations on a crumbling family property with the goal of opening a bed and breakfast. Trouble is, she co-owns the dwelling with her sisters who don’t support her idea. Even worse, she can’t afford the sexy construction hunk who bids the rehab. To her embarrassment, he puts out a fire in her kitchen during his brief visit.

SEEING RED is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

It comes from the opening scene of the book. My heroine, Emma, is beside herself with pent-up emotion. She’s raised her sisters, been the provider for the family, and it never seems to be her turn to get what she wants. When she finally allows herself to explore her dream, her family throws up roadblocks. SEEING RED is about knowing yourself and saying “I have the courage to take action to get what I want out of life.”

Did you have to do a lot of research for the book?

Renovation projects are no strangers to me. I’ve been personally involved in several property makeovers, and I’m always amazed at how messy they are. I thoroughly enjoyed the “Money Pit” movie where a couple comes to a breaking point during the renovation of their home, and that’s the entertainment level I was striving for.

What character did you like writing about the most, and why?

Though this is clearly Emma’s book, I thoroughly enjoyed writing Quentin’s part. He’s physically strong, hard-working, family-oriented, and seeking true love. He’s been sure he had the right woman four different times, but his controlling nature soured the deal every time. He needs a strong woman, a woman who knows her mind and isn’t afraid to speak it. Trouble is, he is understandably anxious about dating and has decided to do the opposite of his natural instincts with Emma.

If your book was made into a movie, what actor would you like to fill your hero’s shoes?

This took some doing as I’m not current on today’s leading men. But a sampling of women on three different Yahoo loops concur that Gerard Butler (yum KW) is the go-to guy for Quentin’s part. He’s got a strong, physical build, an accessible vulnerability, and a romantic spirit that permeates his work. So, Hollywood, I’m ready for you! Come and make me an offer for the screen rights.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

Imagine if you would, me laughing hysterically, trying not to fall out of my chair! I have books in double rows on the bookshelves lining my office, spilling over onto the floor and crammed in every nook and cranny of the closet. Every author I’ve ever read has inspired me. I love a good story and I reread favorite books for the craft and get yanked into the story every time.
I have my share of best-selling authors on my shelves, plus a wide range of others that have appealed to me through time. I’ve got Nora’s books next to my Jayne Ann Krentz collection, my Steve Berry’s mixed with my Julie Garwood’s, my Hope Tarr’s and Tracy Montoya’s alongside my Diana Cosby debut. I’ve got my original Lord of the Rings books, the Dune series, and my dragons of Pern books wedged in beside my Southern authors (Pat Conroy, Anne Rivers Sidons, and more).

The books I read to my kids, I’ve still got them on my shelves. My eclectic reference books. My writing books. My birdwatching books. I have so many favorites. As for the less favored books, those inspired me too – in reverse fashion. Those motivated me to write a better book.

What do we have to look forward next?

I have a romantic mystery, IN FOR A PENNY, coming out June 18, 2008. After that, it’s a matter of which manuscript gets picked up by which publisher (keep your fingers crossed for me). I’ve had a wild ride this year, with 3 releases in the first half of 2008. I’m looking forward to completing the mystery I’m currently writing and then working on another romance.

Thanks, Maggie!

To celebrate her book release, Maggie is offering a free ebook of SEEING RED to one lucky commenter on today's blog. She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Maggie’s Bio. A scientist by training, a romanticist at heart, Maggie Toussaint loves to solve puzzles. Whether it’s the puzzle of a relationship or a who-dun-it, she tackles them all with equal aplomb and wonder. Maggie writes romantic suspense for The Wild Rose Press, sweet romance for Freya’s Bower, and cozy mystery for Five Star. Besides being a member of Washington Romance Writers, she’s also a member of Romance Writer of America’s Kiss of Death, First Coast Romance Writers, Southeast Mystery Writers of America, Florida Sisters In Crime, and EPIC. She was awarded the WRW Magic Crystal Award for chapter service in 2004. Locally, she writes for The Darien News and is on the Ida Hilton Library Board.

Check out Maggie’s website at http://www.maggietoussaint.com/

Buy Seeing Red from Freya's Bower - http://www.freyasbower.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=112