The Jaunty Quills are thrilled to welcome Susan Crosby to the sisterhood today. She and I are chatting about her new book, FORTUNE’S HERO, the fourth book in the latest Harlequin Special Edition series,  Fortunes of Texas – Whirlwind Romance.

Nancy Robards Thompson: Welcome, Susan! Please tell us about your latest book.

Susan Crosby: FORTUNE’S HERO has an older hero and younger heroine who are such complete opposites you’d never think they could end up with a happily ever after.  Garrett Stone rescues Victoria Fortune after she’s crushed in the aftermath of a tornado, then he disappears into thin air.  Victoria never gets to thank him, so a few months later she goes in search of her unsung hero.  Garrett thinks he’s perfectly content with his life.  He and the many stray animals who come or are brought to him on his ranch are content together.  They don’t need a woman around.  But even his dogs start to favor the lively Victoria, and Garrett can’t fight his feelings forever.

NRT: What life lessons do the hero and heroine of FORTUNE’S HERO learn before they earn their happily ever after?

SC: Victoria learns about true passion, not just for the man she comes to love but for a particular, satisfying kind of work in a world vastly different from what she’s known all her life.  Garrett learns he can count on another person.  This is huge for him.

NRT: Why will readers enjoy this story?

SC: Garrett is an old-fashioned cowboy, a modern day knight in shining armor—and he wants no gratitude from the woman whose life he saved.  How Victoria wriggles her way into his life leaves him baffled, amused and ultimately deeply in love.

NRT: That sounds fabulous, Susan! I can see why readers will love it, but what will they enjoy the Fortunes of Texas series as a whole?

SC: I personally love the Fortunes, the whole continuity of family and all it entails—support, criticism and a love you can count on, no matter what–unconditional but also honest.

NRT: They sound like quite a bunch!  On another note, what’s a typical writing day like for you?

SC:  I start early in the day because I’m a morning person.  I’m generally done by 2:00, which gives me time for other things.  I begin by reading what I wrote the day before and making changes, if necessary, then move into new material.  When I stop, I almost always write a few sentences about what happens next so that I have a place to start the next day.  It’s rare for me to work on Saturday, and never on Sunday.

NRT: What was your path to becoming a romance writer?

SC: I read THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss in my late 20s.  That fueled the fire for me.  I wrote a few historical romances just for fun, then abandoned that to return to college in my 30s.  After an 8-year pursuit of a bachelors degree in English, as well as raising a family, I got serious about writing for publication.  By then I was more interested in writing contemporary romance.  I went to book signings and talked to authors.  I read like crazy.  Then I sold the 2nd book I wrote—because I’d done so much preparation in advance, I felt.

NRT: What advice do you have for aspiring romance writers?

SC:  Writing is a learned skill.  Yes, you have to be a good storyteller, first and foremost, but the mechanics of writing is a skill you develop.  I had no idea was conflict was when I started.  I thought it meant fighting, and I didn’t like fighting.  Then I learned that conflict drives the whole story.  What is keeping this couple apart now?  More important, what could keep them apart forever?  How those conflicts get resolved in a believable way is the biggest challenge.

FORTUNE’S HERO is my 36th book, and my fourth Fortune continuity.  I love revisiting the Fortune family as much as I love creating my own fictional families.

Award-winning, nationally ranked #1 bestselling author Susan Crosby began writing in 1992 and made her first sale a year and a half later to Silhouette Books, a division of Harlequin Books.  She was selected as their Premiere Author, which is their “rising star,” for Silhouette Desire for her first novel, The Mating Game, released in 1994.

She has since published 35 more novels, including the current FORTUNE’S HERO for Harlequin Special Edition.

Susan has made the USA Today and Borders best-seller lists, and has been nominated for or won every major romance award, including having one of her books, His Seductive Revenge, named by Romantic Times magazine to their Top 400 Romance Novels of the past 2 decades, a list culled from 25,000 books.

I’ve done a lot of talking about buying a new swimsuit but never actually did it.  Me and swimsuit trying on/buying are not friends anyway and the old one piece I had was still looking pretty good and fitting well.

It’s not that I don’t love being in or near the water.  I just dread the trying on swimsuits and freak in a dressing room because every suit revealed way too more of me that I wanted to show.  Ever.  Plus do they have to use the worst mirrors ever in dressing rooms?  Do they get a deal from fun house mirrors or something?

This year I  took the plunge and went shopping for a swimsuit, mainly because the Sodbuster (the new man in my life) spends a good deal of summer  leisure time on the water, and the sun and chlorine had wrecked the old suit I felt comfortable wearing.

The good news is there are plenty of styles available, from string bikinis to one piece to swim dresses.  The trouble was deciding what I wanted and then finding something to fit.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is price doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a quality suit.  I stick with a noted brand because those do tend to last.  Also, I ruled out me in a bikini or monokini or any thing bearing a resemblance to either.  Even if I had ever looked good more naked than clothed, wearing one is just not me.

Second I was tired of a one piece and wanted something different, but not so different as a swim dress.  That has too much of an old Victorian feel to it, plus I looked frumpy in one.  Maybe if I added a hat?  Kidding.  The swim dress has it’s place but it’s just not me.

I went for a tankini style and found two that 1) fit and 2) were becoming on my body.  Also I opted for boy shorts over the very brief bikini bottoms or the  swim skirt.   And because I am a dirt magnet, I chose something with colorful tops and black bottoms instead of all white.

Now that I’ve taken the plunge and bought two swimsuits, I am very relieved and a bit excited to show them off.  Well, at least to one special someone in my life.

What about you?  Most of us dread the swimsuit buying ordeal, but what’s your reason?  Have you opted to buy new this year?  Change your style?

My husband and teenage daughter are flying to England in June for a three week vacation.  Alas, I can’t go with them this year—I’m staying home to look after the house and kitties–but I shall enjoy their photos when they get home and the stories they’ll share in the meantime via email and phone calls.

They have already put together a list of places they want to see, including the London museums, the Peak District, and several castles.  Since my daughter wants to have a career in art and design, and has talked about attending a London college, I expect they’ll visit a few and see what degree programs are offered.

My husband is looking forward to drinking some “real” English beer, and my daughter’s already craving scones with clotted cream.  It sounds like they have a grand holiday ahead.

Just for fun…  If you could travel anywhere in the world this summer on an all-expenses-paid trip(!), where would you go?  What sites in particular would be on your “must see” list?

My parents are having their kitchen remodeled and so the Geek, the kids and I have spent four of the past six weeks out at their house emptying cabinets, painting and (now that the new cabinets and countertops are in) installing the tile backsplash and putting things back. It’s been long days and lots of work, but ultimately it’s very satisfying.

Let me tell you how different my husband’s personality is from my father’s. You know how some people marry their fathers? Well, I didn’t. My father–God love him–is an Eeyore. If you’re going to do a project, you should first carefully consider it from every angle. You should discuss it. Have a cup of coffee while discussing is. Reminisce about that guy you used to know who was an expert at it. Research it on-line (while having more coffee). And then ultimately decide that it’s too costly or too dangerous to do.

My husband–God love him–is a Tigger. If you decide to do a project you should start immediately. You should make quick decisions and you should probably stick to them (after all, your gut instincts are usually right anyway). You should work quickly and decisively. Getting it done is more important than having it be perfect. Besides, once it’s done, then it’s done!

You might wonder how two such disparate personalities work together. Well, the truth is, they don’t. Whenever we arrive at my parents house, the Geek zips in and starts working. He’s usually finished before my dad can drink his first cup of coffee and make the list of potential pitfalls. It must drive my dad crazy. It also drives my husband crazy. They are both too polite (or too wise) to complain much to me about the other one.

Despite that, I understand how they both feel, because I have a little bit of Eeyore and a little bit of Tigger inside me. The Eeyore–well, that’s just woven into my genes. It’s my heritage. But the Tigger … well, I chose that. I married the Geek knowing he was a Tigger. I knew that he’d bounce right in with such verve and spunk that sometimes it would be all I could do to hold on tight and go along for the ride. I picked that for myself. Partly I think because I was fascinated by this approach to life that’s so different from my own and partly because I was instinctively drawn to someone who could balance out my tedious perfectionism.

I don’t think I’m a true Eeyore. I lack that pessimistic outlook on life. But I definitely over-analyze and have the tendency to obsess about every detail, even the ones that really truly don’t mater. As a writer, I’m constantly balancing the Eeyore and the Tigger in me. And trying to accept them as well. Tigger is so lovable, and Eeyore such a downer, it’s sometimes to remember that both personality types bring a lot to the table. We all need Tigger’s boundless enthusiasm. We all need Eeyore’s practicality. And, yes, there are many times as I’m writing a book that I resent both side of my personality. But I could finish a book without them.

So who are you? Are you a Tigger or a Eeyore? Or some other character all together?

One of the ways that we get to know a person is to know what they like.  So, I’m going to list ten things I like so that you can get to know me better.

If you list ten things you like, I can get to get to know you better AND you’ll be entered into a drawing to win your choice of one of the many, many books I’ve picked up at some recent conferences.

Cindy’s Likes:

1. The Hunger Games (books and movie)

2. Twilight (books and movie)

3. Country Music

4. Contemporary Christian Music

5. Writing

6. Reading

7. Top Three Favorite Movies: Pretty Woman, Never Been Kissed, Clueless

8.  Top Four Favorite TV Shows (I couldn’t decide on only 3) : NCIS, NCIS Los Angeles, Castle, Person of Interest

9.  Top Three Favorite Romance Sub-Genres (I couldn’t decide on only 3): Contemporary, Historical, Inspirational, YA

10. Favorite dogs- my blue heeler, Shug and my Shih Tzu, Ernie

So I saw on Kristan Higgins wall that she was trying to make “Hunger Geek” catch on and her daughter said she’d never be able to do it. It made me laugh and reminded me a bit of that scene in Mean Girls where Regina says; Gretchen, stop trying to make fetch happen!

I’m definitely caught up in the Hunger Games and the fever of it has spread throughout my house.

What about you…Hunger Geek or Not?

I don’t know how many of you pay any attention the lottery, but the Mega Millions jackpot is now up to $500,000,000.00. Yes, that’s half a billion dollars. I’m guessing that’s a mind boggling amount of money for all of us. I can’t even wrap my brain around it. Frankly a million sounds like a lot of money or even half a million.

We don’t normally play the lottery at our house though we occasionally buy a scratch off ticket. But my parents play weekly. We’ll probably buy a ticket though for this one because why not. I mean what if? Yes, the odds are astronomical, but in the end someone has to win. So why not me. Why not you?

So for today let’s pretend we’ve won and let’s plan our money. What would you do if you won a huge chunk of cash? Let’s ignore all the responsible things we’d do like pay off debt and the debt of our loved ones cause well, that’s not all that exciting. Let’s instead jump to the fun stuff. Let’s dream and fantasize about all the lovely things we could do with a truckload of money. What would you do if tomorrow you won millions of dollars?

For me earmarking a lot of the money would be easy. First up for the DeHarts a trip for me and the Professor. We haven’t really been on a real vacation, that wasn’t tied to one of our conferences, since our honeymoon. So I’d immediately book us, first class, of course, to a lovely and quiet beach with beautiful ocean views, lots of spa treatments, and delicious fruity cocktails.

Other vacations I’d purchase:
*Walt Disney World for our whole family. Our girls are getting to the age that taking them to the magic kingdom will be such a blast!
*a research trip to Great Britain. It’s been more than 10 years since I was last in England and I’ve been dying to return. This time though I’d love to see Scotland and parts of the country I’ve only seen in my mind and in pictures.

I’d but a minivan. In fact, maybe this is the very first thing I’d do. Pretty much since The Professor and I got married we’ve been a single car family. This has always presented some challenges, but it has been particularly difficult since we became parents. And I’d love a fully loaded, brand new, Honda Odyssey.

Okay so I’ve listed several selfish indulgences, but I would also want to give money to some worthy causes. St. Judes has always been a cause near and dear to my fault so I would send them some money. As well as I would send money to or set up an organization to better fund foster families and families that deal with kids that frankly don’t have much more than the clothes on their backs.

So how about you? How would you spend a windfall of cash?

Julie McCann, it’s just a cartoon…but I feel your pain, sister! Send me your snail mail addy to k.higgins@snet.net, and I’d love to send you a signed copy of CATCH OF THE DAY. Thanks to everyone for sharing their sloppy movie moments. And listen…I cried watching Star Trek last night. No one is dorkier than I am. I say that proudly.

My randomly chosen winners of an autographed copy of HIS ROYAL PRIZE are chey and catslady. Congrats ladies!! Also thank you to everyone for sharing your surprises with me.

Chey and catslady–please email me your address via my website at www.katherinegarbera.com.

Kathy

We all know that women are the target audience for many markets and in politics, too. Sure, sex sells, but it’s usually been directed at men — just think about godaddy.com for example….. Enough said?  But, everyone wants our votes and our spending dollars.  I think that maybe advertisers are beginning to tap the romance reading audience because I’ve noticed new and more commercials aimed at being. . . well, romantic or sexy.

Have you seen this one?

(I especially like the clanging skillets on his manly belt! LOL!)

Or how about this one:

(I can guarantee you that only women can remember where he drops each piece of clothing as he makes his way to the deck!)

Or this one where the irrepressible bad boy uses his roguish smile to entice even the most-hardened noble  and saves the servant girl with a lift of his brow:

And of course, the recent ongoing tv and internet battle between the old Old Spice Guy and the new Old Spice Guy even used one of the best known faces (and bodies) of romance novel history :

The New Old Spice Guy:

versus the Old Old Spice guy:

Have they missed anything in trying to get a woman to buy this product for their man? LOL!

So, clearly they are aiming at the hearts and experiences (and reading memories) of romance reading-women…have they won yours?

Have I missed any that you’ve liked lately? Any that you didn’t? Let me know!

   Terri is head-down, deep in the midst of deadline mania and binge-writing her way to THE END as fast as her fingers can type. This video-based interlude was her attempt to blog. . . with pictures because all her words belong in THAT DA*N BOOK!  She’ll be back among the rest of us soon — in the meantime, visit her website or FB page for more info about her!