Friday, February 19, 2010

Interview with Patti Shenberger

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Patti Shenberger. 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 Mistletoe Seductions.Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?
Mistletoe Seductions is the third novella in The Zodiac Club series, published by eXtasy Books. Evie Weston is a store decorator and finds herself having a very happy holiday season with the twin security officers at her new job. While it is a happy ending, it’s one you will not see coming. I love to take my books and turn the ending up on its head.

Mistletoe Seductions is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?
I have been using Seductions in all the novellas as the last word and wanted something that sounded festive since it was a December release. Earlier releases were Midnight Seductions, Candid Seductions and now Mistletoe Seductions.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I love writing romance. To me there is nothing more wonderful than the happily ever after. I read it and I write it! My past romance novels include historical time travel, paranormal, contemporary, erotic, and magazine length non fiction. You name it, I’ve probably written it.

Are you a plotter or a pantser and how did it affect the writing of this book?

I am a panster, but I do make notes longhand when I am writing if an idea for a later chapter comes to me. For me, plotting is like locking something in, and I want the freedom to be able to swing left if the mood strikes, rather than always having to maintain a straight and narrow course.

Did you have to do a lot of research for the book? What are your favorite research books or sites?

For The Zodiac Club, I needed to research astrological signs. Each heroine’s characteristics are based on her zodiac sign and I wanted her actions and reactions to mirror that. I used Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs for this series. I love to type in whatever topic I am trying to learn more about into Google and see where it leads me. You never know what you might turn up. But that being said, you do have to careful to make sure what you are using is true. Readers will know and they will let you know. (G)

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

I wanted to set the book around the holidays, but really didn’t have a game plan in mind. The idea came to me after we returned from vacation. I started thinking about having Evie come back from vacation to a new job. Add in hunky security men in uniforms and voila. The makings of a very good holiday, if I do say so myself.

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

I think my favorite character was Isabella, my heroine in the first book, Midnight Seductions. She is a late night love doctor dj, and has yet to practice what she preaches. In rides the hot doctor on a Harley and she has her hands full wanting to indulge in her own advice.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research affect your character development?

I really don’t do a lot of predevelopment on my characters. The most I put on paper before I start writing is their name, age, hair color, eye color and body description. Since the novella is so much shorter than a full book, I don’t have a lot of room to get into too much description of her, but I do want the reader to get a feel for her.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

There are so many authors that I read, but my favorites (at this moment in time) are anything by Jude Deveraux, Debbie Macomber, Maureen Child, Annie West, Trish Wylie, Susan Mallery, Starr Ambrose, Michelle Celmer. The list goes on and on. I also read a lot of biographies as well as pretty much any topic that catches my eye.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?
I think having a web page and talking with readers is the best thing you can do. Blogs, interviews, chats all give the reader an insight into you, what you write, and whether it’s something they would like to read. Word of mouth is also a great tool. The more people you tell, the more familiar they are with your work. And here where the chocolate is so yummy, and this chair is fabulous. I love the deep heat massage it has, where ever did you get it??? I'll never tell KW

What do we have to look forward next?

Right now I am plugging forward on a manuscript that Silhouette Desire has and would like to see revisions on. I am also working on another book, a paranormal that I hope to shop around by spring.

Thanks, Patti!

To celebrate her book release, Patti is offering a free book of Mistletoe Seductions to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see who won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)

She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Check out author’s website at http://www.pattishenberger.com/

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good morning Patti. Welcome. How about a girl scout cookie this morning. I stayed up late separating boxes to deliver over the weekend. I love holiday stories and yours sounds like a real treat! There's nothing like a vacation to get your creative juices flowing. Since you write in a lot of different genres, how hard has it been for you to build your name in any particular area? Enjoy yourself today.

Patti Shenberger said...

Hey Kim, thanks for the cookie. My favorite is the shortbreads. Can't resist them!

I think the hardest place for me to build a name is in erotic. It's a new genre, as normally I'm writing contemporary (at least most of the time).

Looking forward to being here and chatting with everyone!

Anonymous said...

I really have to throw one of your books on my "To Read" pile -- sounds deliciously decadent. It's not something I'm comfortable writing, but baby, I can sure enjoy it!

Cindy Spencer Pape said...

Congrats on the new release!

Patti Shenberger said...

Thanks Joanne, hope you enjoy whatever one you choose.

Patti Shenberger said...

Thanks Cindy! Now it's on the the next project... :)

CrystalGB said...

Hi Patti. Great interview. Mistletoe Seductions sounds good.

Anonymous said...

Great post Patti! I want girl scout cookies!

Cheryl

Patti Shenberger said...

Thanks Crystal and Cheryl! I appreciate it. Have to ask Kim about the Girl Scout cookies though (G)

The Scarf Princess said...

Congrats on your new release! I love holiday stories. There's just something extra romantic about them. And I'm impressed by all the genres you write in. Is there any genre that's your favorite to write in?

I would love to read this! It looks super steamy which is my favorite kind of read. Then add in two hotties and I'm even more excited.

joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com

Estella said...

Congrats on the new release.
Are you planning more books with seductions in the title?

Philly said...

Oh, this sounds like the perfect book after a long day at the office! I love that there are twins and I can just imagine the mix-ups. Does she ever mistake one for the other in the story?

Helen Brenna said...

Hi Patti. I just wanted to wish you luck on your Desire revisions! I sold after my Superromance editor wanted to see revisions, so I know it can be done! Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

This is my first visit to this blog. Love the title!

Jennifer said...

Hi Patti, You sound like you have so much fun when you are writing. Thanks for the inspiration!
Jen B.

Patti Shenberger said...

Joder, thanks for stopping by! Actually my favorite used to be paranormal. I love a good ghost story. Now I seem to be back to loving contemporaries. But it changes all the time. Which does keep things interesting.

Patti Shenberger said...

Estella, yes I had a whole line of 12 planned out, but at the moment they are on hold. Had a few things go a bit wonky on the personal front, but I will fall back and regroup. You can count on me for that!

Patti Shenberger said...

Estella, yes I had a whole line of 12 planned out, but at the moment they are on hold. Had a few things go a bit wonky on the personal front, but I will fall back and regroup. You can count on me for that!

Patti Shenberger said...

Hey Phil, nope I'm afraid the story is too short for her to mistake one for the other. Have to keep it tight when you are doing only 5k.

Jennifer, thanks for popping in. I do have fun when writing. That's what it is all about, enjoying the moment and creating something you will love.

Patti Shenberger said...

Helen, thanks for the advice on H/S. I will do my darndest to make sure she loves it. I was thrilled to get the chance to talk to the editor on the phone and go over what she wanted in the way of revisions.

Nan D Arnold said...

Hi, Patti, good luck with the Desire!
Best
Nan D Arnold
Quirky Fiction For Boomer Babes(c)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the new release, Patti, and wish you luck on the revision. I loved your paranormal, The Laird's Lady.

Carol Jo Kachmar

Anonymous said...

Awwww, heck! I'd comment without the temptation of a free read!

BTW -- I LOVE the name of this blog! Any chance I can use that in a title of a story someday? (I'll give you all credit!!)

Anyway, Hi Patti!

Great interview! You blew me a way with a couple of your answers! (Just when you think you know someone...)

For instance, I never would have pegged you a pantser! And to list so very little detail to start characters?

WOW! I'm impressed! (Of course, you knew that.) Your self confidence and presentation of your projected aura suggest a woman who is detailed orientated. I had to re-read the comments to make sure I understood correctly!

You know what I loved most about your interview? The mention of a couple GDRWA members as your personal, inspiring authors.

I think that's so cool. That makes me admire you all the more!

Continued success in all your endeavors!

Patti SHenberger said...

Thanks Nan, I will do my darndest to get that revision done and on its way!

Patti Shenberger said...

Thanks Carol Jo, so nice to hjear you enjoyed The Laird's Lady. It's a keeper (my unbiased opinion of course!)

Patti Shenberger said...

Aw George, glad to see you here and thank you for all the kind words. Yup, gotta keep em guessing, even about me (G). And I do enjoy reading GDRWA authors books. For anyone who doesn't know, that's the Greater Detroit RWA chapter. We have a ton of great authors in our midst.

Anonymous said...

Cheryl, The girl scout cookies are al gone. Sorry. My kids devoured them. All ten boxes of them!

Hi George. Um, I can't speak for the rest of my blogmates, but sure. As long as you give us lots of credit and chocolate!

Thanks for stoppign by everyone. I'll be announcing the winner soon.