Welcome to our Author Ask and Tell in which the published authors of Coeur de Bois Romance Writers of America Chapter respond to the questions of inquiring minds! This month we’re pleased to present Annalise Russell.   

THE PLEASURE OF HIS BED, September ‘08 Kensington,  available from Amazon on August 26, 2008

http://astore.amazon.com/coeurduboisch-20/detail/0758228546/002-9469168-1963245

1. Describe your latest project.

My latest project is actually two. Currently I am working on re-editing, extensively, a book I wrote quite a few years back. This book sold two years ago, however it was never released due to the fact that the publisher folded. I’m very hesitant to give up on this story – it is one of my very favorites.

I am also working on another historical erotic romance, this one with some paranormal elements. The concept of this story is one I’d like to use for a series.

2. What ONE other author do you think readers should read? 

Hmm, I can’t imagine choosing just one. There are so many talented authors. If I had to pick a particular favorite of mine, though, it would be Diana Gabaldon. Her Outlander series not only draws the reader in to fall in love with the characters, but she leaps across the lines of taboo subjects we are told never to write about. And does it artfully.

3. Please share a passage from a favorite author of yours, and what do you like about it?

“But this dream of love, though beautiful, is only one scene in our play. In the procession of the soul from within outward, it enlarges its circles ever, like the pebble thrown into the pond, or the light proceeding from an orb.” R. W. Emerson

This particular passage is from one of Emerson’s essays titled, Love. As a collector of old leather bound books, I’ve read many of the classic authors, yes for fun, but for some reason Emerson’s writing has always spoken to me. His imagery and style of prose tend to sneak up on you with such surprise and layered meaning, that I pull one of his books off my shelf every so often and find a quiet corner for a while.

4. Who would you love to invite to dinner (living or not) and why?

Do I have to cook and clean the house before they come? Okay, assuming they are coming to see me and not my floors, I’d have to say Leif Eriksson and William Wallace, both very important historical figures. And as I write historical stories, who better to get first hand evidence of what life was like when they lived.

5. What’s on your playlist right now (music)?

I don’t listen to music while I write. I find my mind wanders with the notes. I will on occasion listen to music before I sit down to write. To get into a particular mood to write a scene, I mostly listen to Celtic music. As a writer of historical romance, today’s pop music doesn’t have the feel of battle and blood, desperation, love or necessity, which I find Celtic music captures. As far as which Celtic bands I listen to, they would be The Wicked Tinkers (great battle music, lots of drums) and The Chieftans (amazingly haunting melodies). There are also several other CDs I use that have songs by various artists. Oh, and my husband plays the bagpipes, so personal concerts are always welcome. And I often get the opportunity to listen to the local pipe bands practice and play events.

6. Have you had any interesting experiences with one of your readers– via blog, book signing, conference, correspondence?

Well, as my book has not been released yet, I can’t say as I’ve had experience with readers – unless you count my blog. As a new author, I don’t expect strangers to recognize me, or my name. However, at a function I attended a few months back, I did have a young woman who apparently reads my blog recognize me and blurt out “Oh, you’re that author! I love reading those kinds of stories.” Needless to say, I was caught more than a little off guard.

7. Is there anything about being a published author that you wish you’d known before you were published?

Well first, I’d have to say that the one thing I’m glad I didn’t know before I started this journey is just how hard this business really is, on so many levels.

That said, I can’t imagine not writing. I’m such a romantic at heart that stories about love and heartache swirl around inside my head all the time. But I’d have to say that the biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is to follow my own instincts about a story. Input and opinions are great, rules are good to know, but listen first and foremost to your gut. Know that not everyone will read and fall in love with your story, or your voice, or your style. And that’s okay. If your story truly touches your heart, it will touch others.

Also, please provide a short bio or a link to one on your website if you have one.

www.annaliserussell.wordpress.com

Annalise Russell is a true romantic, right down to her toes. She’s been an avid reader of romance novels since she started sneaking them out of her mother’s closet as a teenager. Writing, in one form or another, has been a way of life since high school, thanks to the encouragement of teachers and professors along the way. Now, she spends her days writing for others what she loves to read most, romance.

Thank you!