Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing since the early 1990s and published my first book in 1996 with Kensington Publishing. I’ve since published thirty-two books, with four more coming out before the end of 2020. I’ve published for five different publishers over the years and, just recently, stepping into the fascinating world of self-publishing.
My author tagline reads: Nancy Fraser–jumping across romance genres with gleeful abandon. I definitely live up to that motto. My muse is fickle and, in order to keep her working, I have to give her variety.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
D*mn Near Perfect is up for pre-order now, with delivery on August 28, 2020. It’s an ultra-steamy romantic comedy with a cougar heroine and an artist cub hero. I was inspired by a previous upstairs neighbor who, like my hero, was in desperate need of some WD40 for his bedsprings.
Right after D*mn Near Perfect, I’m releasing a contemporary romance titled, Return of the Wolfe, the first book in my Love of the Land Series. It’s also up for pre-order and releases on September 11, 2020.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Probably my most unusual is the fact i create my cover before I write my book. I may see a nice stock photo, or a beautiful background and it inspires me with an idea for a book. I give it a working title, create a beautiful cover, and then outline the book.
Equally unusual, I suppose, is that I write two or three books at a time, jumping from one to the other. When I’m stalled on a plot point or scene, I’ll close down the book, switch to the next. Usually, after twenty minutes or so, the first book is screaming at me to come back.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My romance influences are earlier on in my writing career, namely Elizabeth Lowell, Jude Devereaux, and — of course — Nora Roberts. I appreciated their crisp style, their sensuous love scenes, and they way I learned something (a fact, not a skill) from every book.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a paranormal romance titled, The Secrets of Gable House. I’m in the galley edit stage, which mean I have to force myself not to make changes. The release date is set on October 2nd, so I have to keep that pesky muse focused. I’m also about halfway through a steamy holiday book, His Sexy Secret Santa, which comes out November 6th.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use a variety. I do appreciate the newsletter blasts, like that from Awesome Gang. I also do BookBub ads and, occasionally an Amazon ad. I don’t do Facebook ads because my results have never been significant. And, because my books tend to be steamy, my ads often get rejected for going against their standards.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The most important advice is don’t give your book to your mom, your cousin, your best friend for evaluation. They are going to tell you “it’s great”, even when it needs work. If you’re self-publishing, find yourself a good editor. It costs but, in the long run, it’s worth it.
Also, set yourself goals. Short goals, easily attainable, longer goals for six months, and a five year plan. Then, work toward the goals. Write something every day, even if it’s only a page or two that you eventually trash.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Too many to count. The advice on setting goals came from the late Kate Duffy, undoubtably one of the best book editors to have touched a romance author’s life.
BUT…if I’m being honest, the one piece of advice that will stick with me forever came from the goddess herself, Nora Roberts, and it was: Put your butt in the chair and write!
What are you reading now?
At the moment, research books mostly. I start a new book series in January and I want to make sure I have the location and heroine’s job down pat.
I’m also determine to finish the rest of the stories in Last Chance Beach: Summer End box set. I was lucky enough to be one of the 14 featured authors. The rest of the ladies are fabulous, I just need to find time to read their stories.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing, doing book tours after each release, learning more efficient ways to promote, and then … more writing. I am planning to take the month of December to sit back and chill with my sons, their wives, and my five grandchildren. However, I don’t see that lasting for long before I’m anxious to get back to my computer.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The first two are easy:
Chain Lightning by Elizabeth Lowell — the book that hooked me on romance and probably the most perfect contemporary romance I’ve ever read (including my own).
Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Devereaux — the first romantic time travel I ever read.
Both books I re-read at least once per year.
And, probably, a survival book on how to build a hut from tree fronds and fifty ways to serve coconut.
Author Websites and Profiles
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