Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a gal who loves my family, my cats, horses and travel. Castilian Heat is my first book and was inspired by my several travels to the miraculous country of Spain. The passion of the regional population touched me on an emotional and spiritual level; it is the people of Spain that inspired my first novel – and the character of Cruz Terran
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Castilian Heat was inspired by both my own incipient Irish eccentricity (as mirrored in the heroine, Sheila Donahue) and by the Latin culture in Spain (and that influence on my fiery hero, Cruz Terranova). Because I love a sense of danger and, believe it or not, the old campy James Bond movies, I added a touch of adventure and international intrigue to this romance tale.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, my writing habits are a bit out there. I write in great spurts, not with any kind of regulated daily discipline. I work best when I’m living life fully with my children, cats and horses and then transferring that passion when the feeling hits me to write. I’m not one of those prodigious writers who sit at a computer 15 hours a day — I’m a ‘binge writer’ — which I believe is just as viable as the obsessive compulsive writer to scroll out words daily.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by novels raging from Gone With The Wind, Pride and Prejudice and Madame Bovary, all the way to The Bridges of Madison County. Also, by one film – An Affair to Remember, with Cary Grant. I cry every time I see that movie.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently outlining and doing research for my sequel to Castilian Heat, as the story lends itself to a series. Because of my ancillary interest in the ancient Roman Empire, I’m also toying with a romance novel against the backdrop of Imperial Rome, and the tyrant Caesar, Caligula. A film that sticks in my mind as a romance with this same venue is The Robe with Jean Simmons and Richard Burton. Plus … I loved Rome when I went there back in 1996.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m so new to the business, I have no favorite website, but twitter and Goodreads have been very helpful.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I suppose if I’m in any position to advise new writers (as I’m a new writer myself) is to stay passionate about your story and the people you populate in it. Stay excited, stay motivated. Write when you can – but always with the vision that one day you will complete your book and publish it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard for everyone and I pass it on now is from Winston Churchill: Never, never, never, never quit.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Lady Chatterly’s Lover.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next is really trying to promise this first novel, Castilian Heat, as well as working on the sequel. I’m also committing myself to reading at least one book a month, in different genres, not just romance. In this way, I feel I can broaden my style and knowledge, versus restrict myself to one genre and its parameters.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Favorite book of all time – that’s easy: Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell. Did you know she won the Pulitzer for it in 1936? Hard to beat Scarlett and Rhett Butler against a backdrop of the Civil War.
Author Websites and Profiles
Monica Hart Website
Monica Hart Amazon Profile
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account