Interview with Catherine Mann

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Catherine Mann. 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 COVER ME. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

COVER ME is the first in my new military romantic suspense series. “Elite Force” features air force special operations pararescuemen, trained in high-risk rescue, combat or humanitarian. More books are already in the works with HOT ZONE (December 2011) and UNDER FIRE (May 2012.)

COVER ME is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

COVER ME fits the story on a number of levels. The book is a military suspense novel, so the COVER ME refers to the hero and heroine watching out for each other. The book is also set in Alaska, so there’s a very literal sense of keeping warm. And of course it’s a romance, so COVER ME has a sexy connotation on those cold Alaska nights.

Would you describe your book as a cozy, mystery, suspense, or thriller?

I would call it military romantic suspense, but it’s been interesting to see some of the reviews coming in label it s a thriller. All have agreed it’s steamy!

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I’ve always been an avid reader of both romantic suspense and romances. So it’s a natural fit for me to write in both genres for Sourcebooks, Harlequin and Berkley. As for the military angle, my husband served for over twenty years as an air force aviator.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

I had already decided to write a PJ series and was brainstorming ideas when I came across an article in National Geographic about the Aleutian Islands. The article noted how Russian missionaries referred to it as “the land that God forgot.” That sent a real chill down my spine. I knew then, I’d found the place to set the first book in the “Elite Force” series!

Do you have all the key suspense/mystery elements thought out before you begin writing?

When I begin a book, I have a basic outline in place, along with a number of key scenes in mind. I have character sketches for all the main players, including the villain. However, I do have to say the villain in this story really surprised me. I had a major revelation about his character about three weeks before I turned the book in and had to go back and re-work all his scenes. While I was surprised at the twist my story took, I am thrilled with how it all played out!

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

My husband served for over twenty years in the Air Force and is awesome about brainstorming story ideas and plot points. He proofreads my books for fact checking. I also live only a few miles away from Hurlburt Field, headquarters for Air Force Special Operations Command. And in a lucky twist of fate, my chiropractor also happens to be a retired pararescueman. He’s been great about sharing stories about his active duty adventures.

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

I always enjoy creating a new military squadron – especially coming up with their back stories and call signs (nick-names.) Once I have my crew/team, I’m ready to roll!

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 keep files on characters with lists of their histories (or as much as I know when the story starts.) I also choose photos of actors and actresses who resemble those characters. Research adds layers to those characters, like suiting them up for battle.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

I’m an avid romance reader and have been a long time fan of books by Suzanne Brockmann, Lori Foster, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Lisa Gardner, Linda Howard, Teresa Mederios, Christina Dodd… My list could go on and on.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

It’s tough to know what’s the most effective, but I do know what’s the most rewarding. I truly enjoy interacting with readers on Facebook (Catherine Mann author) and Twitter (CatherineMann1). I can also always be reached through my website: www.catherinemann.com

What do we have to look forward next?

I have a wonderfully busy few months ahead on the shelves:
COVER ME, Sourcebooks, July 2011
BILLIONAIRE’S JET SET BABIES, Harlequin Desire, Oct. 2011
IRRESISTIBLY HIS, Harlequin Showcase, Nov. 2011
HOT ZONE, Sourcebooks, Dec. 2011
PROTECTOR, Berkley Sensation, March 2012
PROMOTED TO PAPA, Harlequin Desire, April 2012
UNDER FIRE, Sourcebooks, May 2012

Thanks, Catherine!

CM: Thank YOU for inviting me to hang out!

To celebrate her book release, Catherine Mann is offering a free book of COVER ME to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see if you 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...

Bio.
USA Today bestseller Catherine Mann has over two million books in print in more than twenty counties. A RITA Award winner, she lives in the Florida panhandle with her flyboy husband, their four children and menagerie of pets.

Check out author’s website at http://catherinemann.com
Buy at amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Cover-Me-Catherine-Mann/dp/1402244959/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290033156&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Cover-Me/Catherine-Mann/e/9781402244957/?itm=1&USRI=catherine+mann+cover+me