Today, I am super-excited to be interviewing one of my favorite authors, Denise Hunter. She’s been a favorite since I read the book Seaside Letters a few years ago. If you haven’t read her novels, I suggest you check them out right now. We’ll wait …
<Connie hums a tune. Denise taps her fingers on the arm of her chair.>
Oh! You’re back? Okay, let’s start the interview.
Denise, to begin, tell us three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I used to be a gymnast, I play the drums, and I eat cereal without milk.
Just don’t do them all at the same time. You might choke.
Were you an avid reader as a child? What did you read?
Oh, yes! I always had my nose in a book—still do! The first series that hooked me was the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
How many books do you have published and where can they be found?
Dancing with Fireflies is my 24th book. They can be found at bookstores everywhere.
Wow!
Tell us about your latest book.
“Dancing with Fireflies” is an emotional story about Jade McKinley, a young woman who returns to her hometown of Chapel Springs, Indiana. She’s pregnant and alone and enlists the help of her “honorary” brother Daniel in finding a man. However, Daniel has been secretly in love with Jade for years and has plans of his own.
Can’t wait to read it!
What are you working on right now?
Currently I’m working on the 4th and final story of the Chapel Springs series—as yet untitled.
How do you choose names for your characters?
I have a baby name book that categorizes names by personality types, stereotypes, etc. I leave it lying around the house a lot, and I’m always afraid a guest is going to see it and get the wrong idea!
Uh-oh, so that’s why you keep getting knitted bootie gifts in the mail.
In three words describe your style of writing.
Emotive, romantic, layered.
Sounds about right.
What are you favorite themes to write about?
My themes seem to revolve around courage. The courage to love, the courage to forgive, the courage to face your past, etc.
What is your writing schedule and where do you write?
On my first draft I write from the time my boys go to school to around 1:00. On subsequent drafts and during the editing phase I write until they get home. I used to write in my office, looking all official with proper posture and everything, but now I slouch in my recliner with my laptop on my lap.
Ah, the writer’s life ;o).
What would you be doing if you weren’t writing?
I went to Commercial Art school, and I love design/layout work, so I’d probably be doing that. Designing book covers would be a great job!
Yes, it would. And you could make beauties like the cover for Dancing with Fireflies.
Thanks for stopping by, Denise. It’s been a pleasure.
***********
Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 20 books, including “Barefoot Summer” and “The Convenient Groom”. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.
In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
When Denise isn’t writing she’s busy raising three heroes-in-the making with her husband.
You can learn more about Denise through her website www.DeniseHunterBooks.com or by visiting her FaceBook page at https://www.facebook.com/authordenisehunter
Dancing with Fireflies
Jade returns home to Chapel Springs after years of protecting her fragile heart. Then along comes Daniel, making her long to dance again.
Creative and complicated, Jade McKinley felt like a weed in a rose garden growing up in Chapel Springs. When she left, she thought she’d never look back. But now, pregnant, alone, and broke, she has no other choice but to return.
The mayor of Chapel Springs, Daniel Dawson, has been an honorary member of the McKinley family for years. While his own home life was almost non-existent, Daniel fit right into the boisterous McKinley family. He’s loved Jade for years, but she always saw him as a big brother. Now that she’s back, his feelings are stronger than ever.
As Jade attempts to settle in, nothing feels right. God seems far away, she’s hiding secrets from her family, and she’s strangely attracted to the man who’s always called her “squirt.” Finding her way home may prove more difficult than she imagined.
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