[Anne] Thanks for joining us today, Danielle. Let’s begin with how you get started in writing. How difficult was your journey to publication?
[Danielle] I was fortunate to not only be an avid reader, but to have teachers who encouraged my poetry and attempts at short story writing from the time I was very young. When I won an Honorable Mention in grade school for a National Scholastic writing contest, I knew in my heart what my lifelong dream would be.
Later, I published poetry and freelance work, but novel publication was put on hold until I felt I could balance motherhood with a career attempt. I was very busy raising four boys! My third manuscript and Caribbean novel, THE PRIVATEER, had several close calls in New York for a period of over a year, until I decided to pursue the new electronic venue. Awe-struck Publishing picked it up immediately in 2007. I’ve had two books published since then, with two more due out this year.
[Anne] That is great, Danielle, congratulations! Please tell us about your latest book.
[Danielle] My latest ocean-themed romance is TURTLE SOUP. This contemporary story is about two people with hearts of gold. Jack is a marine biologist trying desperately to save the sea turtle population and Sara has just fulfilled a dream by opening her own soup deli in downtown Atlanta. They are ambitious personalities, but both have grief issues having lost loved ones in the past. It takes a lot of building up and tearing down, but Jack and Sara finally find love.
[Anne] Where did you come up with the concept for your story?
[Danielle] I have always treasured Atlanta, Georgia, years before I ever had the opportunity to live here. My father brought us down from Tennessee on business trips. When the Georgia Aquarium opened, I knew I had a wonderful setting where my sea-roving characters could come home. In addition, a snorkeling experience in St. Thomas with sea turtles was all I needed to bring the concept together. Incorporating a deli owner was simple. Besides the ocean, I love to cook, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to incorporate into a novel.
[Anne] It sounds like a wonderful story, and I love the cover. Okay, say you have this great idea for a book, what do you do next? How much plotting do you do?
[Danielle] I do a lot of daydreaming when I first get an idea for a book. Then I pound the keyboard to release the first few pages. Those opening ideas lead the way and show me which direction I want to take the story. After I let the genie out of the bottle, I settle in and outline my plot. I definitely have to write with an idea of where I am going. No panster here. My plot map is my compass. I love romance and I love adventure--intertwining the two is a fun challenge.
[Anne] In your opinion what are the most important avenues an author should take in promoting their works?
[Danielle] I think with today’s changes in our society (going digital), it’s very important to be available. Advertisements and reviews are great, but being involved with readers and related organizations, makes you “real,” and gives a novel credibility. Whether this is book signings or just socializing online and having a webpage where readers can contact you, both realms seem as important as ever.
[Anne] What is one of the most memorable thing’s that has happened to you since you’ve become a published author?
[Danielle] Probably my first perfect review. To have someone read your book, get it, and then write kind words to recommend it, is icing on the cake. Reader recommendations make the heart glow. Authors need to hear if their work is appreciated. It’s the gift (and motivation) that keeps on giving.
[Anne] Now for a little fun! Do you have any unusual or not so unusual hobbies you’d care to tell us about?
[Danielle] Actually, I do! Recently I have taken up geocaching (www.geocaching.com). I have a good friend who is a pro and she’s always willing to help me out. I’m not very good yet, but I enjoy making a “find,” plus it’s a nice way to spend time outdoors. For those who don’t know, geocaching is using a GPS and finding a hidden cache, or treasure, that someone else has hidden in a public location, leaving the coordinates to it online. It’s becoming a very popular pastime. One thing I have learned so far is I need to get better at reading maps or get a better GPS.
[Anne] You and I have talked about this before. I think it’s very fascinating and it sounds like a lot of fun. I know what I’m going to be doing this summer when I’m not writing. What snack are we likely to see sitting next to your computer when you’re typing away on your next best seller?
[Danielle] When I’m working on a first draft, I have to have something to stop and munch on. I swear I can actually feel it sparking my brain cells, lol. My favorite snacks are LAYS baked potato chips or a few pieces of chocolate.
[Anne] Now let’s pretend you’ve been stranded on an island somewhere in the Pacific. What are three things you would miss the most?
[Danielle] If I had food, shelter, and my family, not very much (grin). The three things I would probably wish for would be books, some good television like “24” or “Fringe,” and chocolate.
[Anne] Great choices! What advice can you offer for any aspiring authors out there?
[Danielle] A rather graphic image comes to mind whenever someone asks me that. I once saw a cartoon of a frog in the mouth of a large bird. The frog looked to be a goner, but his legs were free, and wrapped tightly around the bird’s throat so that he couldn’t be swallowed. Below was the caption, “Never, never, never, quit.”
That’s all there is to it. Even if your work truly isn’t ready, the no’s will teach you something and you will get better, and you will succeed.
[Anne] Where can we purchase your books? And do you have a website we can visit?
[Danielle] Purchase option links to my books are at my website. I love having visitors stop by so I can fill them in on all the details of my releases, blogs, and share what I’ve been up to. Stop by and say hello at www.daniellethorne.jimdo.com.
For a direct link to the well-received TURTLE SOUP, visit http://www.awestruck.net/books/turtle_soup.html
THE PRIVATEER NEWSLETTER is a newsletter with news, reviews, sightings, recipes, and more, that I put out monthly. Subscribers are welcome and sought for at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ThePrivateerNewsletter/
[Anne] Is there anything else you’d like to add?
[Danielle] Only “thank you.” To be interviewed on your blog, having admired those of your books I have had the pleasure to read, is a real honor. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be spotlighted here. I’d also like to include the free recipe found in the back of TURTLE SOUP for you and your readers. It’s a very yummy treat. Enjoy!
Cherry Whip
1 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple
1 can of cherry pie filling
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
1 large 16-ounce container of whipped topping
Drain the pineapple. In a large bowl mix the pineapple, cherry pie filling, and sweetened condensed milk. Gently stir in the whipped topping until blended and smooth. Cover. Chill in refrigerator at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.
[Anne] Wow! That does sound yummy…and easy enough that even I could make it. Thank you for your wonderful compliments. It’s an honor to have you join us. Folks, if you haven’t read any of Danielle’s works, I encourage you to check out some of her releases. She’s a wonderfully, talented writer! And to get you started, Danielle has graciously agreed to give away a copy of Turtle Soup. For a chance to win, just leave a comment. The drawing will take place on Sunday. And remember all entries are eligible for my grand prize drawing at the end of the month.
