Today I’m thrilled to have Shana Galen, author of the upcoming Sapphires Are an Earl’s Best Friend, with me in the Blue Rose Writing Room. She’s also giving away a copy of her latest release, True Spies.
Welcome Shana.
Can you tell us how long you have been writing?
I started writing in January 2000, so I’ve been writing for 14 years! My first book was published in May 2005, and Sapphires Are an Earl’s Best Friend is my 15thRegency romance (although I’ve written a few others in different genres/under other names).
What’s one thing you absolutely can’t tolerate during your writing? One thing you can’t write without?
Interruptions. I hate being interrupted. I cannot stand it when my husband asks me a question or my daughter slides onto my lap. I like to write alone so no one bothers me. There’s nothing I can’t write without. When you have a young child and a busy life, you make it work—even the dreaded interruptions!
I know exactly what you mean by interruptions.
Is there any genre you won’t read? Write? Can you tell us why?
Paranormal romance. I do read it once in a while, but I find love stories about humans and wolves or angels or whatever a little strange. I’ve tried to write just about everything in the 14 years I’ve been writing. My most laughable efforts were when I tried paranormal.
What historical figure do you wish you could have met?
Jesus. Doesn’t everyone have him on their list? I’d like to see what he was really like and if he was as enigmatic and intriguing as he’s portrayed. Meeting God, so to speak, would be utterly life-changing.
I agree. I’ve always wanted to know what color his eyes were.
What are you most proud of about your writing?
I’m proud of my action scenes. My early books don’t have as much action as my more recent ones, but I noticed reviewers kept commenting on how well I wrote action. I decided to capitalize on that strength, and it turned out to be a great decision.
How do you respond to negative reviews?
I don’t read a lot of reviews—good or bad. The good ones make me feel like my current project is awful because it will never live up to the book being reviewed, and the bad ones seem to expose me for the fraud I really am. Usually I do nothing when I get a bad review, but if I respond, it’s always with something like, “I’m sorry I disappointed you. I hope you’ll give me another chance.” You can’t take it personally.
I love that attitude. Being an author is a fine balance between developing a thick skin and still being a caring, generous person.
What are you most afraid of?
Honestly? I’m afraid of something happening to my daughter. I don’t know if I could go on living if she was murdered or killed.
I understand that completely. My kids are all adults and that thought haunts me daily. I pray for them first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
Do you have a favorite quote?
A writer is a person for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people—Thomas Mann.
It sure seems hard to me on most days!
Okay, now for the quickie questions: Answer in three words or less. Ready? Go!
Favorite Disney Character? Flynn Rider (Collette here. My hero in book four is named Flynn!)
Favorite Fruit? Pineapple
Favorite Hero? Flynn Rider or Cam from Wait for You by J. Lynn
Favorite Eye Color? Blue
Best Vacation Destination? My parents’ house
Food you can’t stand? Meat
What annoys you? Interruptions
Coffee, tea, or something else? Coffee and then Diet Dr. Pepper
Nightgown or Jammies? Jammies
Prefer dogs or cats? Cats
A bit about Shana
The blurb about Sapphires Are an Earl’s Best Friend
Careful, gentlemen—there is more to this courtesan than meets the eye What better disguise for a secret agent than that of a courtesan? Lily Dawson, dubbed the Countess of Charm, is a spy working for the Crown to uncover a traitor. Andrew Booth-Payne, Earl of Darlington, wants to hate Lily for taking up with his father, but something about Lily intrigues him. When he discovers there is more to her flirtation than greed, he knows he must help her uncover a traitor. Even if that traitor is his own father…
Right now Shana is offering an awesome pre-order special. Every reader who pre-orders Sapphires Are an Earl’s Best Friend will receive a Jewels of the Ton-themed package of tea and candy and an exclusive epilogue not included in the book.
Just send proof of your pre-order to
[email protected]. Everyone who submits a pre-order receipt before February 28 will receive the special tea (while supplies last; US/Canada) and the epilogue, and be entered in a random drawing for a Jewels of the Ton-themed spa gift basket.
Here’s how you can contact Shana.
Email: [email protected]
Website: shanagalen.com
Twitter: twitter.com/shanagalen
Facebook:facebook.com/shanagalen
Thanks again, Shana, for joining me here today!
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