Introducing…
Thursday, November 29, 2007Arianna Hart
I recently read Stranded by Arianna Hart and wrote to let her know how much I enjoyed it. I also invited her to be a guest here on my blog and she agreed to do an interview…
What is your favorite part of being a writer? Least favorite?
My favorite part of being a writer is seeing my thoughts, feelings, and invisible friends between the covers of a book. I’m a HUGE reader and when something that’s been in my head makes it onto a book shelf, it’s just such a rush. I love making up stories and exploring new worlds while still in my jammies.
My least favorite part of writing is the business part. I’m TERRIBLE at promoting myself. I hate it, I always feel like I’m bragging or something. Ugh!
How long have you been a writer?
I’ve been published since October 2003, but I’ve been writing or dreaming up stories my whole life. I just found a notebook at my mother’s house that had a half written story in it that I’d started at age 14. It was terrible!
Is there anything you would like to write, but haven’t? For example, any other genre you’d like to try?
I’d really like to write a young adult novel, but I can never seem to get past the third chapter. You’d think since I teach teens I’d be all over writing for that audience, but I just haven’t quite nailed it yet.
Who has inspired you as a writer?
So many people! Nora Roberts, because she’s my favorite writer, my family because they’ve had so many different struggles and have come through them, and Meg Cabbot because she didn’t let rejection deter her. I have so many more but I don’t want to bore you.
If one of your books were made into a movie, what book would you choose and who would you cast as the leads?
Hmmmm, so many!! I think the only character I’ve ever based on a real person is Reza from SABLE FLAME. While I wrote him, all I could think of was Johnny Rzeznik (lead singer of the Goo Goo Dolls). The heroine, Sh’rell reminds me of Angelina Jolie I think, dark hair and pouty lips and unafraid to be female.
Describe yourself in 3 words
EEEKKK! Only 3? Okay. . .
Stubborn
Friendly
Goofy
What do you like to read?
I love to read so many things! I’m a huge fan of romantic suspense. I love historicals, contemporary romance, military romance, mysteries, erotic romance, science fiction/fantasy/paranormal romance, and romantic comedy to name a few.
Where can readers find you online?
My website is www.ariannahart.com and my blog is on there, but I admit I’m not wonderful about keeping up with either the blog or the website. (remember the promo thing?)
I’m better about keeping up on my Myspace page www.myspace.com/ariannahart and blog there somewhat more regularly.
What is next for you?
I have so much going on right now, it’s crazy and fun and scary all at the same time! I have two books coming out in print from Ellora’s Cave and one from Samhain Publishing. I have a new romantic suspense, LEAP OF FAITH, coming out from Samhain in either the spring of summer, and I’m working on a futuristic for Samhain as well. I have a few other projects on various editors’ desks and I’m crossing my fingers about those. Oh, and then there’s the whole family, holiday, work thing too. The fun never ends!
Is there anything you’d like to ask readers?
I’ve always wondered if anyone cared about reading an author’s blog if all she does is talk about her life in general? I mean, I don’t have very controversial topics on my blog, but besides that, what do readers want to read about on the blogosphere? Do you just want to know when a new release is coming out? Or do you want to hear about how my daughter has chicken pox? What do you want to know?
Thank you, Ari for that great interview!
Readers, how about answering Ari’s questions above…as a little incentive, everyone who comments will be entered to win a free e-book, reader’s choice, from Arianna Hart.
You can find out more about her books at www.ariannahart.com/books
Must be 18 to enter!!! Please read the contest rules as well before entering!
Winner will be announced here and in the sidebar under “Contest Info” Thursday, December 6 so please check back to see if you won!!!
*and don’t forget to check below and in the sidebar to see if you won one of the previous contests
Hi Jennifer and Arianna,
thanks for the great interview!
I must admit I mainly read blogs to better get to know the authors! It’s almost to get a new friend and of course I want to know how my friends are doing! I laugh with you when one or two funny thing happen and I’m sad when sad things happen to you or your family. I like better to buy and read books by authors that I know a little bit more than total strangers!! So please keep up with blogs about yourself and your family!
As for new realeses, I can always read about them on your website!
Best wishes, Eva
Thanks for the great interview, Jennifer and Arianna! I agree with Eva–I don’t really expect to learn about a writer’s books from her blog (although I don’t mind those kinds of posts!). I’ve enjoyed blogs as a way of getting to her and her fans, and then visiting feels a bit like being part of a little community. So yes, I like hearing about your life and what’s important (or unimportant) that’s going on with you! BTW, your books sound great, and congratulations on all your success and upcoming releases!
Hi, Ari
On author blogs… I love to read about upcoming books or excerpt on both upcoming and current books… reading about what’s going on with the author is cool, too… but I love knowing more about books, lol
I have read and enjoyed a couple of Arianna’s stories so far, and always find new ones to add to my wish list. As for the blog question, I most enjoy reading those blogs that have a combination of both personal scoop and book releases.
Hi, Ari. Jennifer, Stranded was one of the first Ari books I read when she was first published, read many more since.
LIke the Goo Goo Dolls, too.
Forgot about the blog. I don’t most want to read about mundane things. I’d say hobbies and interests, like talking about the Goo Goo dolls, lol, or maybe fairies since I know you like them. Things that others might have in common and catch their interest. And of course, the book news. Seasonal, you could talk about Christmas, maybe tell others about the special stuff going on in NY or Mystic.
I can’t imagine trying to keep a blog interesting on a daily basis, but then why does it have to be daily really. Better you than me trying to figure it out, lol.
I haven’t read Adriana Hart’s books. I would like to try it. Love the cover for Devil’s Playground.
I like to hear about an author’s view on reading and writing books. I don’t necessarily need to know about the everyday happenings of their home life. Some author’s don’t have a problem with revealing their private and home life, but I think I’d rather read about a new release or book recommendations.
Ari - baby
Cool interview. I like when you announce book news…like the upcoming LEAP OF FAITH, which I’ve read and you know how much I loved it
L~
the announcement of books would be great so i know which ones i should read next, also what a awesome interview
Love the cover and the questions/answers!
I have several author blogs that I read. I love reading about the every day things that happen, kids fighting, pets being naughty, that sort of thing. Once in a while there will be a post about a book, or a contest, but I stick around for the day-to-day crap that happens to everyone.