This week's Intro to Author is on Christina Hollis and her latest release novel His Majesty's Secret Passion. And there is a Giveaway!
Intro- I'm the author of...
My
names is Christina Hollis, and I'm the author of seventeen romance
novels published by Harlequin Mills and Boon, and the new contemporary
romance His Majesty's Secret Passion, which is published by The Wild Rose Press.
My Life- (short bio) I
was born in Somerset, England, and met my husband on a blind date.
While working first in the financial sector, and then as a technical
librarian for Rolls-Royce, I wrote non-fiction for national magazines.
After moving to the Gloucestershire countryside, my first full-length
novel for Harlequin Mills and Boon, Knight's Pawn, was
published under the pen name of Polly Forrester. During a career break
to raise my family, I wrote award-winning short stories. Then in 2007,
my first Mills and Boon Modern Romance, The Italian Billionaire's Virgin, was published.
As
well as romantic conflict, I like my books to capture the countryside
in all its moods. When I want to escape from the pressures of everyday
life, reading is my idea of luxury—along with a large slice of cake, and
a cup of tea!
Influences- My
father was a voracious reader and introduced me to the works of writers
he enjoyed, such as Henry Williamson and H.E. Bates. My grandmother
loved romances, but never had time to sit down. When I was a child, I
would read Catherine Cookson books aloud to her while she cooked, mended
or did any number of other jobs around the house.
How I write- I
carry a notebook with me everywhere, so I can scribble down anything
that catches my fancy. Actually creating a book is the least romantic
part of my life! I write every day, including holidays. Between Monday
and Friday I keep office hours. While my son gets ready for school, I
deal with my emails and update social media. I get back from the school
run at around 8:15am, then I work through until 4pm. I combine the
afternoon school run with a 2-mile power walk (my love of cake, plus
sitting at a desk all day is not a good combination!). I get back to the house at around 5:15pm, then it's emails and social media all over again.
Motivation- (why you write?) I
love to capture things I see and hear, including the pictures inside my
head. When I can tell a story at the same time, that's even better. The
very best thing, though, is when a reader tells me how much they
enjoyed my work. That's the perfect motivation for me.
His Majesty's Secret Passion
Leo
Gregoryan is determined to be the perfect king. Loyalty to his country
means sacrificing his
own happiness, but he’ll divert the energy he once
poured into his dream of becoming a doctor toward royal duties. All he
needs right now is a stress-free vacation–no future queen need apply.
Sara Astley escapes to the luxurious Paradise Hotel after she’s dumped
by her partner, who then stole the promotion she’d expected. She hides
her broken dreams behind a tough exterior. Her stubborn streak makes her
a challenge Leo can’t resist. His special brand of hands-on persuasion
seduces Sara into enjoying the holiday of a lifetime. Their fling can't
hurt either of them–or so they think. Leo's focussed on being the ideal
hero. Sara knows what she wants, and that’s independence. Then a
revelation tears them apart, meaning things can never be the same
between them...
Buy Links:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Wild Rose Press
I love that you read to your grandmother! That is such a wonderful thing. *makes note to do this myself*
ReplyDeleteThanks, Meradeth. Gran rarely sat down, as she was always cooking, cleaning or mending. I was her PA, keeping her up to speed :D
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Christina! It's nice that blind dates sometimes do work out. :)
ReplyDeleteYes— it was so funny. My mum loathed my then steady boyfriend, so when he rang me up, she told him I was going out with another guy. Then she arranged this blind date with our next door neighbour's brother, sight unseen! I was inconsolable, until I opened the door to the hunk who became my OH. He was, and still is, drop dead gorgeous. And a born romantic!
DeleteI'm always amazed by writers/authors like you, Christina, who can churn out book after book. I just don't see how that's possible - all the while raising kids and dealing with life. Congratulations on your latest!
ReplyDeleteSomething tells me not to trust Leo. He's look at the camera rather conspicuously. Smiles.
I laughed when I read your comment about Leo— if it's possible to be secretive in a good way, then that's Leo. His family need him to be strong, and sacrifice everything for them. He's willing to do that, but it sets the Alpha male he is against the distant, reserved king he's *supposed* to be...
DeleteI also came from a bookaholic family - and am so very grateful.
ReplyDeleteI am in awe at your productivity though - and your busy life.
Thanks for commenting, Elephant's Child (or should that be "O Best Beloved"? ;) ) Writing is my full time job, so apart from the full-on years of baby-raising, I've always worked office hours. It's amazing how much you can get done like that when there's a deadline looming, although the balance between homelife and work gets so blurred, it's practically erased.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your latest book, Christina. Nice to "meet" you. I enjoyed reading about your daily routine. You're a busy young lady. (Gorgeous cover.)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
Thanks, Beverley. I'm lucky to have a job I love, and a very supportive family. I couldn't do it without them.
DeleteSounds like a fun book. Congratulations to the author.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Vanessa. It means a lot to me to hear from readers.
ReplyDeleteYour grandmother was a brilliant woman! What better way to promote a love of books in one's grandchildren than by having them read them aloud to her? I'm not saying you wouldn't have become enamored with books... and writing... without her encouragement, but I like to think she helped. (And I'm gonna have to do the same with some of MY grandchildren, too. Love it!)
ReplyDeleteI'm in awe of any writer capable of publishing so many books. Good for you! And good luck with your latest. It sounds terrific.
Thanks, Susan—my grandmother was an amazing woman. While my grandfather was working in India, she raised four children while running an old house in the middle of nowhere, without an automatic washing machine, fridge or freezer. That's hard, relentless work.
Deleteinteresting bio
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
Thanks, BN!
DeleteCongratulations, Christina. Love the bio. I can imagine you sharing time with your grandmother. Best of success.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joylene. My grandmother was an amazing woman, and much missed.
Deletecongrats, Christina!
ReplyDeleteI've learned to take a notebook with me where ever I go after scrounging around for paper on the go on more than one occasion.
Thanks for the congratulations, Stina. Notebooks are my treat. I've got them everywhere: in my bag, beside the bed, in the car—you never know when inspiration's going to strike!
DeleteThanks for the great interview. It is always fun to hear from authors.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lady Lilith. It's lovely to be invited!
Delete