Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc. come from?
My parents cultivated a love of reading early on. Both read all the time, and I had a vast library of their books to read, and when I found other books, they never hesitated in taking me to the bookstore to load up.
How long have you been writing?
I’ve always written, but didn’t seriously consider doing it as a career until 1999 when I sat down and wrote my first book. Two years later I had four books written, and I knew what I wanted to do.
What do you think most characterizes your writing?
Every author has a thread throughout all of their books. For me, it doesn’t matter if I’m writing historical or contemporary, paranormal or military, it’s always good vs evil.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Not using the paranormal element I’ve been using since I began writing.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
Not using the paranormal element I always use.
Who are some of your favorite authors that you feel were influential in your work? What impact have they had on your writing?
A writer picks up things throughout their life. Every book I’ve ever read influences me in ways I can’t begin to understand. It’s why its so important for writers to read.
Are you a full-time or part-time writer? How does that affect your writing?
I write full time. It’s my only job – besides being a mom. There are so many aspects of being an author nowadays with social media, publicity, marketing, conferences, along with the writing, that I normally work 14-16 hour days. I used to leave my weekends free, but even now, I’ll take an hour in the mornings and get 10 pages written on the weekend. With writing five different series, I have to or I get behind.
What are some day jobs that you have held? If any of them impacted your writing, share an example.
Dance teacher, waitress, and bookkeeper
What do you like to read in your free time?
I tend to stick to the romance genre or the thriller genre
What projects are you working on at the present?
I’m writing the 12th book in my Dragon King series and getting ready to do edits on the 11th book. I’ll have the book and edits done, along with a novella in my LaRue series by the end of the year. Then I start the next Reaper book.
What do your plans for future projects include?
I’m releasing a Dragon King coloring book just in time for Christmas. I’m very excited about it. It’s something my readers have been asking for, and I’m glad I get to deliver it to them. I got the rights back to my first ever series that I sold – Druids Glen. Those books are getting fresh covers and will re-release in January in print and ebook. I’m also returning to my roots and doing a historical paranormal series that will debut in 2017. All while continuing my Dragon Kings, Reapers, and the Sons of Texas while wrapping up the Chiasson and LaRue series.
How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning? Do you have any name choosing resources you recommend?
Names are everything. Sometimes I’ll have a name before I flesh out a character. Other times, I’ll choose a name, but it won’t fit the character and I have to search for one that does. I like unique names. I also can’t use a name if it’s someone I know well in real life. At least I won’t use them as main characters.
Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? What is it?
I won’t write horror. I hate those movies, and I can’t read the books.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation so I wouldn’t have to get motion sickness, and I could travel as much as I wanted.
Where is one place you want to visit that you haven’t been before?
I’ve got a huge list of places I want to visit. Paris, Rome, Venice, hell – all of Italy really, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Greece, Norway, Prague, and the list goes on and on
“The Hero (Sons of Texas, Bk #1)” by Donna Grant
THE HERO’S HOMECOMING
Owen Loughman is a highly-decorated Navy SEAL who has a thirst for action. But there’s one thing he hasn’t been able to forget – his high school sweetheart, Natalie. After over a decade away, Owen is returned home to the ranch in Texas for a dangerous new mission that puts him face-to-face with Natalie and an outside menace that threatens everything he holds dear. He’ll risk it all to keep Natalie safe – and win her heart. . . .
Natalie Dixon has had a lifetime of heartache since Owen was deployed. Fourteen years and one bad marriage later, she finds herself mixed up with the Loughman’s again. With her life on the line against an enemy she can’t fight alone, it’s Owen’s strong shoulders, smoldering eyes, and sensuous smile that she turns to. When danger closes in, she holds close to the only man she’s ever loved…
The Sons of Texas Series Links
Join the fun and chat with Donna Thursday, December 1st at 8pm ET
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant has been praised for her “totally addictive” and “unique and sensual” stories. Her latest acclaimed series, Dark Kings, features a thrilling combination of dragons, Fae, and immortal Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with her two children and an assortment of animals in Texas.
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