Today I’m interviewing fellow Soul Mate Publishing author Stacy Hoff about her new release, Desire in the Arctic.
Q. How long have you been writing?
A. I’ve written stories ever since I was old enough to hold a pencil. Writing professionally, however, took me a whole lot longer. My career started off slowly. Towards the end of the 1990’s I published quite a few fiction and non-fiction freelance articles for several publications. Around 2002, I started drafting my first full-length manuscript. Unfortunately, I would often get distracted. As a mom, wife and full-time attorney, it was hard for me to find the time (and stamina) to make any headway. It was stop-and-go for many years until I finally decided that I was serious about getting a novel published.
Q. Tell us about your road to publication.
A. Despite having published articles in various papers I knew I needed help writing a full-length manuscript. I joined my local chapter of Romance Writers of America (RWA) and attended the chapter’s annual conference. A dozen editors and agents were available for pitch appointments. I signed up for several timeslots. The feedback I received from them was quite positive, but most were afraid to buy my book. The fear was that my blend of contemporary romance with action/adventure was a little too different from their norm. One editor, however, was open to not only “different” kinds of books, but ones that blended genre lines. Soul Mate Publishing, Inc. bought DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES and released it in 2014.
Q. Do you have any advice for an aspiring author?
A. Join RWA. After that, join a local RWA chapter. Belonging to these groups was the best decision I ever made as a writer. I have become so much better at my craft because of their classes, mentoring, critique groups and workshops. Most importantly, they’re the nicest people you’d ever want to meet.
Q. Tell us about your latest release.
A. My latest release is the sequel to DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES, my first published book. Wanting to continue the storyline, but in a much more dangerous climate, DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC was born. It was just released on February 3, 2016. (The book blurb follows below.)
Book blurb
Ana Davis has been given the promotion of the century—from secretary to television producer. But the new job is not without its problems. The network will do anything for ratings. In the executive’s scramble to come out on top, they reveal Ana’s newest show—one she’s forced to star in herself. She’ll have to survive in the Arctic Circle for twelve days. If she wins, she’ll get the prize money she desperately needs. But the stakes are high, she could lose her very life. Good thing she’s been paired with expert survivalist William “Redd” Redding, a mysterious, solitary and very sexy man. Too bad she thinks he doesn’t even want to talk to her.
William “Redd” Redding is a former Special Ops Marine in need of cash to help a cause near and dear to his heart. What he’s not in need of, however, is Ana Davis—his clueless but captivating partner. It’s up to Redd to ensure the two of them survive in the most dangerous, hostile environment of all. But worse than snowstorms, predators, and a scarcity of food is an even greater danger—Ana. Resisting her, when he wants her more than anything, is his hardest challenge yet. How does he go about protecting her when his ultimate goal is to protect his heart?
Excerpt
“I’m not into surprises, Ana,” Redd said gruffly. “Not when our lives are on the line. Do you have any survival skills or don’t you? I’ve got to know exactly what I’m dealing with.”
“I-I’m sorry,” Ana stuttered, although she wasn’t sure what she was apologizing for. Her slow response, or for not being somebody better?
“Just level with me, okay?” he said again, gentler this time. “I won’t be mad. Panicked, maybe. But not mad. At least not mad at you.” He managed to give her a small smile. She wished to God it was sincere.
“All right, I’ll level. But I hope you won’t be too upset. I don’t have any survival skills at all.”
“None at all,” he repeated tonelessly.
“Well, no. I grew up in Brooklyn. The show wants me to say I’m from Manhattan but you said you want me to be honest.”
“Have you at least gone camping before?”
“Yes!”
“Great.” He exhaled hard, his expression showing relief. “How often do you go?”
“I’ve only been once, actually. But that still counts, right?”
“That depends,” he said, looking as if he had a sudden, severe headache.
“I went during summer camp, right after seventh grade. My whole bunk slept outside. It was fun. The counselors even let us roast a whole bag of marshmallows.”
She could have sworn she heard him swallow. It was almost as if he was choking on one of those marshmallows.
“Any hiking experience?” he asked weakly.
Be engaging, Ana. Don’t look so scared. Crack a joke or something. She managed a playful smile. “Close. I’ve told people to take a hike.”
He bit down on his lip. It looked like he was in pain. “Fishing?”
“No. The closest I’ve gotten to fishing is picking up jars of herring from the supermarket.” Taking one look at his ashen expression, she added, “I’m a fast learner though. If you teach me how to do these things, I’ll catch on quick. I even managed to learn a whole lot about wilderness survival before I came up here.”
“I think I need a beer,” he said, abruptly changing the topic.
“I can get you one, if you want.” Ana felt her face go hot.
When he stepped away, she put a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. “Look, I’m sorry I’m not what you wanted in a partner,” she said quietly. “I kinda got forced into this. With no notice for me to prepare.”
He swallowed again, seemingly making a determined effort to soften his countenance. “I’m sure you’ll do fine. Just do what I tell you, and we’ll get through this ordeal as best as we can.” His face was so scrunched up now he could have been a shar-pei puppy. “How’d they force you?”
“I’m their newest producer. I don’t have much track record yet, so . . .”
“That explains it.”
Author Bio
Stacy Hoff is a writer, as well as an attorney. She has practiced law for almost two decades, specializing in contracts. Romance novels have always been her secret passion. She writes her romantic stories until the wee hours of the night. Stacy lives in New England with her husband and two boys.
Stacy loves to connect with people on social media. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook as follows:
https://twitter.com/authorStacyHoff
https://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff
You can also e-mail her through her website:
Buy Links
AMAZON LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC by Stacy Hoff:
AMAZON LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES by Stacy Hoff:
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