This week we have Intro on Author on: Joanne Dannon. She has a new release, An Unforgettable Holiday.
She also has a message:
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Joanne Dannon on the web:
How do you keep coming up with fresh characters and stories?
I believe it’s important for writers to get away from their desks and go for a walk, see a movie, catch up with friends and/or do day trips. Being outside and away from the office allows us to refresh and get ideas. New restaurants/cafes or places I visit usually inspire me to think of story lines/plots to use in my stories.
Most of the settings I use in my books are places I have travelled to or visited. Whether local or international, there are plenty of wonderful places that can bring out brilliant ideas for books.
Who do you like to read?
I love romance (of course) and generally read romance however, I do enjoy a good thriller especially by James Patterson, Harlan Coben and Daniel Silva.
What’s your favorite place to read?
When the weather is warm I love to sit on the porch, in the back garden because it’s so relaxing. In winter, I prefer to be snuggled up in bed!
What are some of your reading pet peeves?
I want to be swept away when I read, and want the author to have spent time in writing a brilliant story for their readers.
I dislike stories that are contrived or have convenient endings.
Do your characters stick with you after you’ve finished a book and if so, how do you handle it?
Most definitely. I spend a lot of time creating my characters and to me, they’re “real”!
I had a small…..okay, a big fan girl crush on my tap dancing, singing superstar, Alex Jackson, who I created in “Kisses under the Spotlight”. Every time I hear certain songs it triggers memories of him and I think about him. When I went to the Michael Bublé concert (when he was last in Australia), I couldn’t stop grinning because to me Michael was Alex Jackson, my awesome character :)
How do you handle writer’s block?
I’m lucky to be surrounded by some brilliant romance writers and if I need a brain-storm, they are only a phone call away :)
What motivates you to write your books?
I love writing. Just like reading an awesome book, I get swept away with the creating and writing of two characters. I love the changes they each make to each other so they can now fall in love.
When I’m writing, it’s like I’m there, in the book. I feel their emotions and am often tired after a long spell of writing because I pour my heart and soul in to each book.
Tell us a little about your book….
An Unforgettable Holiday includes two novellas that are perfect for the holidays. They are sweet, clean romances with a splash of faith. My heroines are Australians who find love when they least expect it, on vacation.
When falling in love isn’t as easy as falling in love.
A Magical Christmas in Jerusalem
Australian project manager Kiara Lonsdale is career focussed and determined to provide and care for the grandmother who raised her. Taking time off work to vacation has never been high on her agenda, but this year she’s made an exception. She’s helping her gran fulfil a life-long dream by accompanying her on a Christmas to the Holy Land tour.
Jacques Lenoir and his extended family run tours in Israel and he’s committed to their business. Jacques feels responsible for his grandparents’ welfare since they risked their lives, and others’, as operatives in the French Resistance, during the War.
But over romantic dinners in the desert, camel rides, and mud baths at the Dead Sea, sparks fly between Kiara and Jacques. Will this only be a holiday romance or will a touch of Christmas magic make it last a lifetime?
A Magical Chanukah in New York
Lisa Sassoon has shunned the scandal of her loser ex-boyfriend cheating on her by escaping to New York. Instead of sightseeing, she’s become a recluse focussing on helping the less fortunate at a homeless shelter.
Gabe Olivari, entrepreneur and savvy business New Yorker, can’t let go of the pain of losing his best friend. So caught up in his own grief and believing he doesn’t deserve to be happy, he compensates by pushing everyone close to him away.
But when Lisa and Gabe meet, there is an instant connection that forces them to question not only their behaviours but their aspirations.
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on:
Wow, awesome cover! I like the blurbs, sounds wonderful stories. Congrats on the release!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Karen :)
DeleteI just loved writing these stories. They're sweeter than what I normally write but aimed at readers who want to sit back and have some chill out time over the holidays :)
The book sounds interesting and a lovely interview too!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Christine, really appreciate you saying :)
DeleteWhat an interesting take on a holiday romance. I love the settings!
ReplyDeleteMe too :) thanks so much Theresa :)
DeleteI love both New York and Jerusalem so it was so easy to write romances set there :)
Hello, Joanne. Good luck with your latest!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much - appreciate you dropping by :)
DeleteOoh! I love holiday romances! Awesome, thanks for letting us know about these.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the release Joanne!
Thanks so much Crystal :) I also love holiday romances :)
DeleteLikewise, and lately, you'll find me cuddled in bed with a good book as well. I know those thriller authors as well, so I hope you continue to enjoy their books!
ReplyDeleteThanks Olivia :) A reader like me - yeah! Love curling up in bed and reading - just bliss!
DeleteI love the setting you have here in these stories. I'm going to read this book.
ReplyDeleteHi Mandy - thanks for dropping by and thanks so much, I really hope you enjoy it x
DeleteCongratulations on this latest book release!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Theresa :)
DeleteGetting out is definitely important. Writers are often stuck at home, at their desks, alone. Venturing out for fresh air and fun are a must for our creativity. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree Chrys! Unless it's bucketing down with rain, I'm out everyday walking. I need the outdoor air for my sanity :)
ReplyDeleteThis time of year, we all need to take time to relax with a good book. Your sweet holiday stories sound perfect.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Susan - I agree with you.
DeleteI reckon blissful romances are the best way to relax :) Thanks so much for the well wishes and for dropping by x
Sounds such sweet stories. I love to read holiday romances at this time of the year specially.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Joanne on the release!
Thanks so much Ann :) Yes, these are sweeter than what I normally write but they fit in with the holiday theme :)
DeleteIf you read them, let me know what you think :)
Thanks for dropping by x
The cover is definitely eye catching. I love the sound of these two stories. Awesome. Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Greta.
DeleteI have a fab artist who does my covers but I chose the couple. As soon as I saw them, I knew I wanted them on my cover :) They suit both novellas - hooray!
Thanks for the well wishes and dropping by x
Good interview. :-) And I really like the cover.
ReplyDeleteContrived stories and too-easy endings are two of my pet peeves too.
Thanks so much Misha - so nice of you to say.
DeleteI hate it when the books and/or movies are wrapped up conveniently. It makes me think the writer was invested in their story.
I always love to add a twist that the reader didn't expect :) I've had a few comments about that in my debut novel, Falling for Mr Wrong, lots of twists :)
Thanks for dropping by x
Very good review and interview. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
I envy you the ability to come up with lots of good story ideas! I have a friend who writes PNR and she comes up with ideas all the time. I can go through years and only write "ok" premises. Keep writing, Joanne, and good luck with all your books!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear that you don't like the "convenient ending." I even prefer one that leaves me wondering what actually happens to one that tidies everything up so that it's perfect. It was great to read your interview. Thanks.
ReplyDelete