Interview of Author Darlene Fredette

Today I'd like to present an interview of romance author Darlene Fredette.

Latest Book: Keeping Secrets
Buy Links:
Publisher: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=3&products_id=96
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Secrets-ebook/dp/B005GG7T5W/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312898809&sr=1-1
ARe: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-keepingsecrets-588544-149.html
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/keeping-secrets-darlene-fredette/1104665025?ean=2940013202863&itm=19&usri=keeping%2bsecrets

CONTEST NOTE:
Anyone who leaves a comment will have their name entered in a draw to win a PDF copy of my debut novel, Keeping Secrets. I’ll draw a name on November 14, and announce the winner’s name on my web site. http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com

BIO:
An avid reader since childhood, Darlene loved to put a pencil to paper and plot out stories of her own. Following a career path in administration, she excelled in the art of editing and design, which led to a successful position as Director of Administration and Marketing. Thanks to the support of her husband and daughter, Darlene has been able to fulfill her dream to write full time. Residing in Nova Scotia, she can be found writing in her home office with the family dog never letting her too far out of his sight. To learn more about Darlene visit her web site: http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com

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: In Keeping Secrets, my heroine’s vision was based on Catherine Bell who played Sarah ‘Mac’ Mackenzie on the television show Jag. Catherine’s strong and independent character on Jag matches Samantha in Keeping Secrets. Samantha has just lost her grandmother and has to find the courage to stand on her own and run her late grandmother’s chain of cafés.

Q: If one of your books became a movie, which celebrity would you like to star as one of your heroes? Tell us about your hero.
A: Matt Sullivan, my hero in Keeping Secrets, is based on the good looking Henry Ian Cusick who played Desmond Hume on Lost. Matt is handsome, reserved, honorable, and undeniable charisma…just like Desmond.

Q: What hobby do you enjoy when not writing?
A: I love to read every spare moment I can get. I also enjoy doing crafts with my daughter. We’re always creating or coloring something.

Q: What’s your strongest point as a writer?
A: I don’t even have to think about this one…it’s plot. When a story line first pops in my head, I start planning the plot, the events that pull the reader into my stories. I love to add twists and turns, to have something happen that the reader doesn’t see coming…that’s the best.

Q: What is your favorite romance book that you’ve read?
A: That’s a hard one, because there are so many. If I had to choose, I’d pick Flirting With Forty by Jane Porter. All of Jane’s 5-Spot books are on my favorite list. A recent favorite is The Outlaw Bride by Kelly Boyce. I didn’t want that story to end. I’m also a big fan of Liz Fielding’s book, as well as Sarah Addison Allen, Beth Kendrick, and Jennifer Crusie.

Q: What genre would you like to try writing in but haven’t yet done so? Why?
A: I would like to write a suspense romance story, and will do so soon. I’ve recently come up with a great story line for a suspense series. I made notes in a journal on the plot line and I’m anxious to get into the first story. There’s lots of action and of course, twists and turns.

Tell us where to find you: website(s), publisher’s page(s), blog(s), Facebook page(s), etc. List them all!
http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com
http://www.secretcravingspublishing.com/DarleneFredette.html
Facebook: Darlene Fredette Author
Twitter: DarleneLF

BLURB:
Samantha Witherspoon is a strong, independent, businesswoman, determined to prove her worth as the heir to her late-grandmother’s chain of cafés. When she clashes with Matt Sullivan, the stubborn contractor who refuses her renovation project, Samantha returns to her childhood home to convince him.

Sparks fly, tempers flare, and Samantha quickly realizes that befriending the rugged contractor isn’t as easy as she’d hoped.

Despite her reservations, desire ignites between them under the city stars of Montreal. Matt’s mere touch makes her long for the kind of love Samantha thought she’d never have. When a mystery box reveals devastating family secrets, Samantha decides it’s time to come-clean with Matt. But before she can, her own secret arrives on her doorstep. Samantha’s heart is torn. Will a promise made to her late-grandmother prevent her from finding true happiness?

EXCERPT:
Samantha’s ears twitched at the sound of a crackling coming from the ceiling just above her. She watched as a trickling line split and plaster showered downward like a heavy rainfall.

Suddenly a set of strong arms encircled her and held her tightly, taking the breath from her chest. Her feet were lifted from the concrete floor and she was yanked backward, slamming her and her rescuer into a wall. An image out of a romance novel, where the hero sweeps the woman of his dreams into his arms, declaring his everlasting love, flashed through her mind…until another large piece of plaster fell from the ceiling, crashing loudly on the floor before shattering into thousands of tiny pieces. Samantha no longer saw a vision of two lovers, but one of her, crushed under the debris. She took several deep breaths.

Hammers stopped and were followed by the rush of work boots running across the concrete. “Matt, you okay? Is the lady hurt?” they asked. “That was a mother of a close call!” another said.

Her hero ignored the men and set her back on her feet. His once warm brown eyes were now cold and throwing daggers. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“I...I was...looking for you.” Winded, her breathing was heavy.

From the drooping brows and harsh pressed lips, she could tell Matt was not at all happy to see her, but Samantha couldn’t have been more pleased. Her search was over and the incredibly attractive man she had been seeking had rescued her.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Thank you, Marianne and Romance Books R Us for hosting me and for the great interview. It’s been a lot of fun.