Sunday, August 11, 2013

Author Interview – Colleen Connally

at 5:00 AM

Every writer has their ideas of what a successful writing career is, what does success in writing look like to you? My view on success has changed over the last year. I believe if you are doing what you enjoy, then you are successful. When I first started writing, I didn’t even know if I would ever get published, but I remember those days fondly. My Daddy always said ‘Do what you love, love what you do.’ If you can say that, then you have everything you need.

Tell us about your new book. And why did you write it? Broken Legacy, Book Two of Secret Lives Series, is a story filled with intrigue, secrets and romance.

Thrown into the midst of the Reign of Terror that the French Revolution has become, Lady Eloise has long struggled with the questions arising from her birth. Forced into a marriage she neither wanted or desired, she finds herself drawn to the man who is now her husband. Lord Gerard puts into place a plan to save his children. Marrying Lady Eloise gives him the leverage he needs. Soon, he realizes the woman he married is nothing like the woman she has been portrayed. Never did he consider she would risk her life for him nor did he consider that Eloise would evoke feelings within him he did not know existed.
Thrown into a terror few escape, Gerard and Eloise discover a connection that will bind their lives forever—love. That is if they survive.

My inspiration for writing Broken Legacy comes from history. I have a series under my name, Jerri Hines, set in the American Revolution. Researching the French Revolution, I was struck by the vast contrast to the American Revolution. Moreover, the threat of the guillotine took the French Revolution to a different level. I was drawn to write about how humanity survives in the midst of such evil. It’s not always the well-known heroes that have intrigued me. Heroes are ordinary people doing the extraordinary in a given situation. Not all the good that one does is immediately recognized. Some may never be recognized. But it is from these sacrifices that humanity survives such as the example of Irena Sendler.

Broken Legacy is a love story which highlights just how powerful love can be.

How did you did you develop your writing?  I had always dreamed of writing, but once the decision was made to write, I didn’t have a clue on what it entailed. I graduated college with a science degree. I never took creative writing. I had to teach myself. I took every bit of criticism, praise…basically any feedback until I gained confidence in my writing. I believe everyone has their own style of writing. It’s your voice. I believe you need to keep that voice. Don’t try to imitate someone else.

Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you? My husband is the best. He has always supported me in my dream. I will never forget my first Mother’s Day. He surprised me with a typewriter. (I am dating myself. It was before computers.) Though, it was a few years before I got serious with my writing that gesture touched me greatly. It does help beyond words to have someone who believes in you in that way.

I am fortunate with my family and friends. The only thing that gets confusing is my pen names. I write under three names. I will admit one of my daughters questioned who Colleen Connally was when I first released Seductive Secrets.

Do you plan to publish more books? I have a few already in the works. The third book in Secret Lives Series, Seductive Lies by Colleen Connally, is due to be released late August, early September. I’m also planning on releasing a Civil War saga next year under Colleen Connally, which I’m excited about.

Under Carrie James Haynes, the fifth installment of Whispers of a Legend, is scheduled to be released by this coming Christmas. I also have the conclusion to the Winds of Betrayal series, The Heavens Shall Fall under Jerri Hines, set to be released in 2014.

What else do you do besides write? I have a full time job. I am a medical technologist and work at a major hospital in Boston. I enjoy watching my Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots. I am a country music fan. My favorite artist include Jason Aldean, Blake Sheldon, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, The Band Perry…I guess I have a lot of favorites. I’m an avid reader. I also enjoy walking with my husband and dogs. I’ll let you in on a little secret. I’m not a cook. My husband cooks. My oldest daughter is becoming quite a good cook herself. My kids are so good about taking me to movies my husband doesn’t want to see so I won’t have to go alone such as The Hobbit and The Hunger Games.

Broken Legacy

Buy Now @ Amazon @Smashwords

Genre - Historical Romance

Rating – R

More details about the author & the book

Connect with Colleen Connally on Twitter

Blog http://colleenconnally.blogspot.com/

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