Hi Diana, so great to have you here!
I think I am right in saying you are the first author I have hosted who writes for White Rose Publishing, previously part of The Wild Rose Press. They publish inspirational romance which grows in popularity with each passing day it seems. Why do you think this is? I consider myself a very spiritual person and think we all seek the good and the peaceful in our lives. Do you think this is the reason more and more women are turning to inspirational romance?
And one last thing before we start the interview...I absolutely ADORE your cover, beautiful!
1) When and why did you decide you wanted to be a published author?
I don’t know that I ever decided, I just never wanted to be anything else. Well, for a short time I wanted to be an oceanographer. I couldn’t swim and gave up, though I did join Greenpeace, LOL.
2) What is the best and worse thing you have learned from an editor/agent?
I learned so much about editing, being about to cut a lot of words, yet maintain the integrity of the story. The worst thing, hmm. Probably that I can’t keep everything I think is important.
3) Favourite author/s?
Nora Roberts, Jane Austin, Stephanie Laurens, Eloisa James.
4) What is your typical day?
No such thing. Mine and my husband’s schedules change so much there’s no way to do anything typically.
5) Share your blurb or short excerpt from your latest release with us. EXCERPT:
“Your pastor says I’m marked for death.”
The abruptness of the announcement left her momentarily speechless and quite unsure she’d heard correctly. “What?”
“He thinks the devil’s trying to kill me.”
She looked closely for any sign of humor, but Gunnar didn’t have a sense of humor she was aware of.
“Why does he think that?” she asked.
“I told you I have nightmares, right?” Tessa nodded. Gunnar ran his finger along the edge of his napkin. “Well it goes a little beyond that.”
Tessa listened, enthralled, as Gunnar described in terrifying detail what he suffered in the night. A few things made more sense – his hostility for one – and she now had a better grasp of what pushed him toward suicide. God, how had he coped so long with the torment?
“I’d say Pastor’s right,” Tessa said when he finished.
“Great.”
The waiter arrived with their plates then disappeared. “You said when you had the gun to your head,” she shivered inwardly, “it didn’t feel like you. It felt like you were being driven.” Gunnar met her eyes across the table. “I believe you were.”
“Demons, right?” he asked. Tessa inclined her head. “Can they do that?”
“They can’t pick up your gun and shoot you with it,” she said. “But they can be persuasive.”
“Yeah,” he grumbled.
Tessa glanced around the small room. To an eavesdropper the conversation would seem like mumbo jumbo and ordinarily she wouldn’t care if strangers thought her “out there” or weird, but she kept her voice low in consideration for Gunnar’s privacy.
“When was the last time you had one of those dreams?” she asked.
“It’s been a while. Thank God.” He made a sound exactly between a chuckle and a snicker. “I mean that.”
This time when Tessa reached for his hand he left it under hers, turning it upward to lightly grip her fingers. “But you don’t think it’s the end,” Tessa said.
He topped her thumb with his and rubbed gently. “It’s like they’re constantly hovering. Waiting for the right time.”
Tessa refused to acknowledge the chill that swept through her.
“I know when they come for me, I won’t be able to stop it,” Gunnar said. “And one of these times they’ll pull me back there and I won’t come out.”
6) Did you plan this book? Or write it as it came?
First the second, then the first.
7) What surprised you the most when you became a published?
How supportive everyone at White Rose Publishing is, from all the authors to the publishing staff.
9) Do you have a dedicated writing space? What does it look like?
I’m usually at my kitchen table but lately I’ve set up a desk in my husband’s walk-in closet, LOL. There’s quiet and a nice scene of an outdoor café hanging on the wall. Even a candle =-D
10) What’s next for you?
I have several books in the works and the next will be whichever I finish first.
Finish with details of where readers can find you – website, Facebook, Twitter etc
Website: www.danapratola.webs.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaPratolaAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/DanaPratola
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11025050-the-covering
Pelican Book Group: http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php
Barnes and Noble.com http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-covering-dana-pratola/1104473665?ean=9781611161014&itm=4
Really enjoyed talking with you, Dana and I wish you all the luck in the world with your future sales and success. Okay, Dana is waiting to hear from YOU! How do you feel about inspirational romance? Any favorites?
Great interview ladies!
ReplyDeleteI love this book.
PamT
Great interview, Rachel and Dana. Dana, that's a bummer that you had to move in to your husband's closet to get peace and quiet. Tough time of year to write!
ReplyDeleteWhat a busy, informative site you have here, Rachel. Merry Christmas!
Great book by a wonderful author! Dana, I can't wait for what's next. Rachel, lovely blog!! :-)
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you both ~