Interview of Author Elaine Hopper

Today it's my pleasure to present an interview of romance author Elaine Hopper.

Latest Book: So You Want To Marry Our Mom
Buy Link: http://www.amberquillpress.com/AQP_upcoming.html

BIO:
Elaine Hopper knew she was a writer and hopeful romantic since she was six. She didn’t know which she wanted more – to be a reporter like Lois Lane or to steal Superman from Lois Lane. The only thing she wanted to be other than a journalist was an astronaut. Instead she grew up to be a customer service manager, romance writer, and kid and cat wrangler.

Q: What’s the first thing you did when you received word you’d sold a book?
A: I filled out the book info sheet and cover art request form and sent it right back. And of course announced it on Twitter and around the web.
Seriously, I don’t really celebrate anymore. Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy. I’m thrilled. But my family’s blasé and like, “Oh, that’s nice. Can you drive me somewhere…” Or, “Can you loan me twenty bucks?” If I have $20 left for myself from my day job payday, I might treat myself to sushi or my favorite chicken salad from Tijuana Flats.

Q: If one of your books became a movie, which celebrity would you like to star as one of your heroines? Tell us about your heroine.
A: I have to really think about this question. Although Doug’s actor popped right into my head, Jackie’s isn’t. Paige Turco (Kevin Bacon’s wife in “Taking Chance”) would make a great Jackie. She’s beautiful and graceful and yet can be a lot of fun. She resembles the picture of Jackie in my mind.

Q: If one of your books became a movie, which celebrity would you like to star as one of your hero? Tell us about your hero.
A: Dennis Quaid would make a great Doug in “So You Want To Marry Our Mom”. Doug is a laid back kind of guy. He’s a 40 year old divorced plumber. He’s been in love with his best friend Jackie for a few years. But she’s widowed and he’s been giving her time to grieve. Also, since Jackie’s an erotic romance novelist, he’s afraid a poor plumber isn’t exciting enough. After all, she writes about swashbuckling pirate kings, rich doctors, jet-setting captains of industry, and time-traveling saviors of the world. He can’t measure up. But he sells himself short. Not only is he gorgeous and a really nice guy, he’s heroic in a normal, everyday way.

Q: Do you eat comfort food when writing? If so, what food inspires your imagination?
A: I have to have at least a large Diet Coke filled to the brim with ice. Sometimes I eat, too, but not always. As I write a lot at Borders café, sometimes I get a bagel with cream cheese or a rice krispies treat to nibble on.

Q: What genre would you like to try writing in but haven’t yet done so? Why?
A: I’ve written in most genres. At least my pseudonym has. However, I’ve not written much in historical romance. I have a couple time travels that go into the past so that’s the closest I’ve come. I think I’d really enjoy writing them. My daughter and I watched “Sense and Sensibility” last night for the first time and loved it. We’ve long been fans of “Pride and Prejudice”. Like my mom, I also enjoy watching movies set in the Wild Wild West.
I work full time and have five kids and now young grandchildren, and historical take a lot of time to research. So I’ve been putting those off until I have more time to research. For instance, my 10 year old grandson’s spending the weekend and I’ve been doing a lot of things with him instead of writing. We’re just getting ready to go to the dollar theater to see “How To Train Your Dragon”. Then, the kids (my “kids” are 15, 19, 26, 28, and 29) want to grill out for Memorial Day tomorrow, too. We’d also go swimming if not for this bronchitis that’s been kicking our you know whats.

Q: Facebook, MySpace, Blogs, Chats, or Twitter. Which do you like best and why?
A: I’m trying to be active on Twitter, blogs, Facebook, chats, etc. I have to say, however, my pseudonym is not as shy as me and is a lot pushier so she steals a lot of my Twitter and blogging time. I’ll just have to get more assertive and demand more Elaine Hopper time in front of the cameras and on the keyboard. In fact, I haven’t set up an author Facebook or Myspace site for Elaine Hopper, except for my personal one for family and high school buddies. I need to do that and this was a good kick in the butt to get in gear and do that. It’s tough having two personalities. I’m starting to answer to the other one more, even though Elaine Hopper’s my real name. To really answer your question, my very favorite social media is Twitter. I’m totally addicted. I tweet as Elaine Hopper. Just not nearly as much as Ashley (my alter ego) does.

Tell us where to find you: website(s), publisher’s page(s), blog(s), Facebook page(s), etc. List them all!
http://www.elaineannhopper.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/elaine_hopper
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/always-a-bridesmaid-p-3940.html
http://www.amberquillpress.com/AQP_upcoming.html

BLURB:
Jackie Duarte's deceased husband, Vance, talks to her more now that he's dead than when he was alive. When their daughter signs her up to be the bachelorette on a show where her kids get to help pick their new dad, Jackie doesn't know who drives her nuttier. The kids who act out on national TV, the ghost who won't shut up, or Doug, her best friend who's been ignoring her but declares his love after it may be too late. She doesn't need a second marriage where she's ignored. If Doug really loves her he's going to have to prove himself over the other hot bachelors ready to drown Jackie in affection and attention.

EXCERPT:
Joey interrupted the chaos in her mind. “And meet Doug Applebaum, Jackie’s best friend now and since her husband died. He’s her rock, her mainstay, and the man who’s secretly, madly in love with her.”

A cacophony of emotions collided and exploded inside her. Tingles shot down her spine and her knees buckled. She clutched at the railing as her ears rang with a dizziness she couldn’t quell. Joy warred with fury and doubts. Her eyes widened and she took a step back away from Doug when he moved as if to hug her. “Is this true?”

“Whoa! You didn’t tell me this was a soap opera.”

“Butt out.”

Doug nodded, his eyes darkening with an intensity that threatened her sanity. “Yes. I thought I’d have time to court you and make you fall in love with me. Then you went on this damned show.”

“Keep it PG, guys.” Joey shook his finger in Doug’s face. “This is a family show.”

Pulling Doug to the bow, she lowered her voice as the lousy cameras dogged them. “Why didn’t you tell me? You’ve hardly come around in months. You never call any more. How was I supposed to have an inkling you love me?”

Doug hung his head. Before he could take his next breath, the sea breeze whipped up, blowing his hair across his face. He reached up and tucked it behind his ears. “I didn’t want to push you. I thought you needed more time…”

Incredulous, she wanted to throw up her hands. “More time to be lonely? To miss you? To…”

Amazement and hope flashed across his eyes. “You missed me?”

“You missed him?” Vance echoed. “I should have known. It’s always the best friend.”

Feeling like a scratched CD, she repeated, “Butt out.”

Remembering how abandoned she’d felt, she nodded and veiled her eyes. Feeling as dark and deserted as it loomed, she looked out to sea. “Oh yeah. And very unloved, unwanted and lonely.”

She turned her accusing gaze back to him. “I want—no, make that need—a man who will be there for me. A man who will romance me, spend time with me and cherish me and my kids.” She dragged in a ragged sigh. “I don’t need another cold relationship and especially not another dead marriage.”

“I’ll be there for you and the kids. I swear it.” Doug took her hands in his, his gaze imploring and hopeful.

Sparks zapped her and she snatched back her hands and hid them behind her. Physical electricity wouldn’t be enough this time around. “Words won’t do. You’ll have to prove yourself.” On a choked sob, she ran past him and almost knocked over the camera man. “If you can.”


 Anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you! I deeply appreciate all your time and effort on my behalf and on the behalf of my fellow authors. I’ve enjoyed chatting with you.