An Interview With Author Judy Powell
What books did you love as a child? Why?
I remember joining the library when I was five years old. My very first library book was Ramona the Pest. Once I got started I devoured books – Enid Blyton stories, Nancy Drew mysteries, the Hardy Boys, the Bobbsey Twins. As a teenager I began to read Mills & Boon romance novels and got hooked. I've been an avid reader of romance ever since.
Who are your favorite authors? How did they influence your writing?
My all-time favorite author of romance novels is Kathleen Woodiwiss; my favorite Woodiwiss novel is The Wolf and the Dove. I have 3 copies on my shelf to this day. It was from Kathleen Woodiwiss that I learned the importance of sexual tension in a romance novel, the role of conflict and the use of the black moment to get to a climax. Kathleen provided a hero you could fall in love with and a heroine who was brave enough to stand up to him. She created a fascinating world for her readers and made me want to write stories that did the same.
When do you find time to write?
I have a full-time job along with the responsibilities of being a single mom so finding time to write is difficult. I now rise at 4 a.m. and focus on my writing till 7 a.m.. I rise early every day, even on weekends. This is the only way I can carve out time for writing.
What are the joys of writing for you?
I love creating new worlds and creating captivating stories for my readers. For me, this is the greatest joy of writing.
What are the obstacles of writing? How do you overcome them?
My obstacles to writing include the challenge of finding the time to write, and the age-old habit of procrastination. However, I've found that deadlines are a great motivator for me. I work best with the pressure of a deadline.
What is your favorite genre to read in? Write in? Why?
Although I love experimenting with various genres my favorite is romance. I love the interaction between the hero and heroine, their conflicts and resolutions, and what leads to their final decision to be with each other.
Do you do research for your writing? If so, how do you go about it (Internet, travel, etc.)?
Yes, I do some research for my writing. I use Google and sometimes history texts. When possible I pay visits to the locations in my book. However, I also try to focus on things and places with which I am already familiar (which would require less research).
What advice do you have for other writers?
Carve out a special time in your day for your writing and stick to your schedule. Write every day, no compromises. And read a lot in your genre of interest. Keep on writing until you have a completed first draft, then go back and revise; revising as you go along will slow you down so push through until you get that first draft done.
What are you reading now?
Right now I'm reading Not What She Seems, a romantic suspense e-book by Victorine Lieske, Emma by Jane Austen and Le Monde des affaires, a business text.
Anything else you'd like your readers to know?
I read a quote which said, "The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams." Go after your dreams so that at the end of life you can look back with the satisfaction of knowing you gave your dreams a chance. Live your dreams…
Hot Summer
By Judy Powell
Genre: Sizzling Romance
A hot-tempered spitfire and a strong-willed, arrogant man – put them together and sparks fly!
After her first embarrassing encounter Summer Jones vows to stay away from suave, sexy and oh, so arrogant Lance Munroe. But then she ends up working for the man. Her quick temper and sharp tongue keep landing her in hot water with him but no matter how hard she tries she can't deny her growing attraction for him. Then they go on a business trip to Jamaica – and that's when things get really hot.
Lance is intrigued by the feisty woman who practically tells him off the first time they meet. When they begin working together he realizes how much he enjoys the challenge of taming the little tigress. But, before he knows it, he's the one caught in the snare of passion. The tables are turned – the tigress has tamed the lion.
For a sizzling romance, follow Summer and Lance from Chicago to Jamaica and be swept away in the thrill of their hot summer.
Excerpt:
Summer's breath came in shallow gasps as she sat still, not feeling she could move even if she wanted to. She was like a bird frozen in the mesmerizing stare of a snake, knowing it was about to be eaten alive but not able to make a move to save its own life.
She moaned and closed her eyes as his lips stroked the sensitive skin then moved to the base of her throat where he licked softly and gently. She didn't realize that she was still clutching the handkerchief tightly in her hand until she felt his strong fingers pry hers open to pull it away so that he could seduce her palm with his thumb.
"Relax, baby." He moved his lips up her neck and to her ear. "You're so tense. Just relax."
As he spoke he pushed her back gently into the plush pillows and began to nibble her ear lobe. He gave a lick just behind her ear and shock waves ran down her spine.
"Oh, God," she breathed, "what are you doing to me?"
"What someone should have done to you a long time ago, Summer Jones," he whispered. "Teach you what it means to be a woman."
He dipped his head and slid his lips back down her neck, over her collar bone and down to that oh, so sensitive place between the curves of her breasts. Here he paused and she held her breath, eyes shut tight, wondering if he was going to stop now. She prayed he wouldn't.
She was not disappointed. An involuntary gasp escaped her lips as he slipped a warm tongue down her cleavage, sliding it between the orbs and teasing her soft flesh until her body screamed and she felt she would die from the sweet sensation. She grabbed the back of his head and pressed him into her, wanting more of the pleasure, more of the sweetness.
About the Author:
Judy Powell is a writer and marketing consultant living in Ontario, Canada. Her first romance novel, Hot Summer, placed second in the Toronto Romance Writers Contemporary Romance Competition. She has two additional romance novels in stores: Hot Chocolat, which is the sequel to Hot Summer, and Some Like It Hot, her sensual romance. An excerpt from Judy's first novel, Hot Summer, is featured in Canadian Voices – An Anthology of Prose and Poetry by Emerging Canadian Writers.
Judy loves to learn, and has Master's degrees in Spanish, Marketing, Literature, and Creative Writing and a BA in International Business/Foreign Languages. She loves to travel, and has lived and worked in various countries including France, Puerto Rico, the USA, Canada and Jamaica. She has also travelled extensively throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. International cultures are always featured in her work.
Judy shares information on her books and learning resources at www.judypowell.com
Filed under: Guest Authors Tagged: Bewitching Book Tours, Hot Summer, interviews, Judy Powell
