Monday, December 10, 2012

Interview with Sweet Romance Author Donna Hatch


Whether you like immersing yourself in the Regency Romance era or escaping to a totally new fantasy world, Donna’s historical romance and fantasy romance novels will sweep you away into a magical new world.

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Winter Collection is a compilation of six sweet historical romance novellas, set in varying eras, written by six different authors, with one thing in common: Romance.

Welcome back to my blog, Donna. This book has six short stories by six different authors. Please tell us what your specific story is about.

On the First Day of Christmas, Clarissa’s coach breaks down in front of forbidding Wyckburg Castle, a place where generations of earls have murdered their young brides. An adventurer at heart, Clarissa is as fascinated as she is horrified. When she meets the young widower, Christopher de Champs, Earl of Wyckburg, she’s torn between fleeing for her life or uncovering the handsome earl’s terrible secret, a secret that may land her in the middle of a dark and deadly curse.

Where did you get your inspiration for this short story?

When fellow sweet Regency author Sarah Eden invited me to be a contributing author for this anthology of award-winning authors, I was as honored as I was humbled. I accepted, hoping an idea would come to me. When nothing happened right away, I went to a critique partner and we started brainstorming. I can’t even remember when the curse came into the plot, but suddenly, everything came to light as if my muse had been waiting for me to start asking the right questions. Originally, the heroine was comically paranoid of the mysterious castle and the murdering earl, but then I decided the heroine would be more fun if she were an adventurer at heart seeking a delicious gothic story come to life, complete with a gothic hero. That’s when the story really took shape.

What kind of research did you do?

Since I am already a shameless Regency nerd, I didn’t need to do any research regarding the era, but I did need to double check my facts regarding Christmas traditions observed in the Regency, which were a bit different than the Victorian customs one often thinks of when they think of an old-fashioned Christmas.

That’s interesting. What intrigues you most about writing romances?

It’s split between the development of the relationship and the coveted happily ever after. Both of those are not only fun and satisfying, but crucial to a romance.

Sooooo true!!! Thanks, Donna, for a great interview. And good luck with this new Winter Collection. To enter another contest for another Christmas book, visit my other blog at Thoughts About Writing.

Enter another Christmas book giveaway at http://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com.

22 comments:

Tiffany said...

I've never read anything by Donna but I would LOVE the chance. Her story sounds fascinating. I'm already a HUGE fan of Sarah M. Eden! Thanks for the opportunity to win this great book Linda!!

Debbie Curto said...

I love Christmas and mystery ! Would love to win!

Debbie Curto
likesmusic2@consolidated.net

Charissa said...

It sounds like a fun anthology. You have me very intrigued by the Earl's curse. (char@joyinthemoments.com)

Unknown said...

Romance and Christmas - two of my favorites. Looks like a great book.

Unknown said...

I forgot to leave my email address in the previous comment.
timamurrell@ymail.com
But I also posted about the contest on my blog so this could be my 2nd entry perhaps?
http://bookreviewsbytima.blogspot.com/2012/12/contest.html

beemama said...

Donna is a new author to me, but I must say that I'm intrigued by the premise of her story.
Thanks for the interview and the giveaway.

Shirley
beekeeper5(at)bellsouth(dot)net

sweet historical author, Donna Hatch said...

Thank you so much for hosting me on your site, Linda. And thank you to those who have already entered to win.

Jennie said...

I discovered Donna a few months ago and have been HUGELY impressed with all I've read. Would LOVE a chance to win this. Thanks!

jennieisanangel(at)yahoo(dot)com

RKIrvine said...

I love these authors, especially Heidi Ashworth. An ebook would be a fun read over my Christmas break.
rebecca(at)irvinemail(dot)org

Unknown said...

Linda,
You know how much I love romance, particularly historical romance - but in one newsletter you have challenged with me this one - a fantasty romance, which I don't usually read - and the other book by Ruth - a time travel. OK, I give in - I'd love to read Donna's collection and her beautiful cover enticed me even more. Thanks for this giveaway and the chance to win a great read.

Merry Christmas,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

Lexie@BookBug said...

I'm a huge fan of all these authors! Can't wait to read this one! Thanks for the giveaway!
lexie.bookbug at gmail dot com

Katie said...

I hope I win. This sounds like a book I would love.
rkdmh at comcast dot net

Laurean Brooks said...

Linda, thank you for hosting Donna. She's one of my favorites.

This books sounds fascinating. I would LOVE to own it. It has everything--intrigue, humor, and romance. The best thing about a novella is you can finish it even if you don't have a lot of time. I think of them as the Readers' Digest Condensed books. They still have everything it takes to make a great story, only shorter. My email addy: landtbeth@yahoo.com

Katherine said...

I have read all of Donna's books that are at my library! If I win, I will add this to my library too, after I read it! Thanks!

katsaddress AT gmail. DOT com

Mary Preston said...

I always enjoy a romance read & these look & sound wonderful.

marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Deborah said...

Book sounds wonderful and I would love to read it rdunson(at)knology(dot)net

Anonymous said...

Hello! I have yet to read any books by Donna so this would be a great time to start. Have a great week!! Good luck everyone!!

--DREW
agrigaliunas (at) yahoo (dot) com

Cheryl said...

This is a book I've had my eye on, wanting to read it this season. I haven't read any of Donna's books however I am familiar with several of the other authors. I love their work. I think Donna's adventurous heroine looking for a gothic Christmas adventure sounds like big fun! Hope I will I would love to read and review these stories.

Thanks,
Cheryl

Cheryl(dot)larson(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

charchenko_1 said...

Sounds like a fun read!
lardchar at live dot com

LAWonder said...

I WOULD LOV TO WIN THE SWEET ROMANCE NOVELLSAS.
I LOVE YOUR WRITING. I only own a few of your books but I have checked-out several from our library.
worley.la@gmail.com

apple blossom said...

love to win thanks

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Shawnette Nielson said...

Better late than never. I think Christmastime would be interesting to read about, especially set in Regency times! And a curse? How fun is that.
maynicoleabbey(@)gmail(dot)com