Laura Haley-McNeil on Travel & Romantic Suspense
~How Far Would You Go For Your Readers? ~
In this interview, romantic suspense author Laura Haley-McNeil talks about her love of romantic suspense, how travel influences her books, and the importance of one’s readers.
Welcome Laura…
What was the most interesting place you ever visited?
I’m originally from California and now live in Colorado. I’ve spent most of my life traveling in the west, but little on the east coast. My husband is a good sport so when I told him I wanted to visit the south, he agreed. We’ve visited many interesting places, but one that fascinated me was Charleston. I love it when a book’s setting is so important that it becomes a character.
I had read Pat Conroy’s South of Broad and had to know what was so special about this area of Charleston. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with this amazing city. I’m drafting a book now that will be based in Charleston and I’m enjoying writing this book because it’s helping me to remember the city and the people.
Another city I visited that impressed me is Prague in the Czech Republic. It’s a beautiful city and fortunate that it wasn’t bombed during World War II so many of it’s old buildings still stand. If you have seen the movie Amadeus, you will realize how beautiful this city is—this movie was filmed in Prague. My husband is a pianist so visiting the city was meaningful to him also. As we crossed the Charles bridge, we expressed our amazement that many famous composers also crossed this bridge. Now wouldn’t that make a great premise for a time travel book? I don’t write time travel, but that’s definitely a book I’d want to read!
Where is your favorite place to write?
We live in a very small house, which is fine for two people, but it means that I don’t have an office. Instead, I sit in a chair in the family room, prop my laptop on my lap and write. The family room used to be a breeze way between the laundry room and the garage so it’s very small. Whoever designed the family room did me a great favor by adding large windows that overlook the patio. Again, one of the previous owners built planters along the wall surrounding the patio. I love flowers and spend most of the year planning what to plant in the spring so that I have a beautiful view from spring to fall with flowers blooming all season long. The winter is beautiful, too. I love watching the snow fall. I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful place to write.
How did you choose the genre you write in?
The first time I read a romantic suspense novel I was in heaven. I love romance, and I love mysteries. To have them in the same book was amazing. That’s what I wanted to write. I love larger than life men and women who aren’t afraid to stand up for what is right. I love reading a book that crafts a plot around the mystery and the romance.
Do you ever experience writer’s block?
Because I still have a day job, I’m often tired when I get home from work and it would be so wonderful just to relax and read or go out with friends, but I also love to write. To switch my mind from work to writing, I start reading. While I’m reading ideas come to me that I believe I should be writing and after a while I put the book away and start writing. It’s not perfect, but it gets me started. I don’t edit while I write. Because I don’t always know where the book is going, I keep writing because I want to find out the end of the book. I find that writing is like reading. I sometimes surprise myself with the direction the story takes. I hope the reader is surprised, too.
Can you tell us about any other upcoming books, series, or writing plans?
I love books with brides on the covers so my next series will be a brides’ series. How’s that for deciding what you want to write? I’ve written the first book and have started the second. I hope to release the first book in the series this summer. This series is called the Beaumont Series. I have the images of the covers in my mind. Now I need to start working with my cover designer. I’ll be posting more information about this series in my blog and on my website later this spring.
What project are you working on now or what book will be next?
The romantic suspense series I’ve been writing has six books. The series is called the Crystal Creek Series. It’s a ranch in Colorado that is loosely based on the ranch where my father was raised. The sixth book in the series is Defending Her Heart. It’s available for preorder now and will be released March 27, 2018.
Do you have any websites, blogs, or books about writing that you would recommend?
I listen to podcasts when I drive to and from work. Two that have been immensely informative are The Creative Penn by Joanna Penn and Self-Publishing Formula by Mark Dawson. Both authors are British. They’ve been self-published for years and share a wealth of knowledge. If you’re looking for information about writing and publishing, I’d recommend their websites and podcasts.
Is there anything special that you would like to say to your readers and fans?
No one is more important than your readers and fans. There isn’t an author who doesn’t love you. If you have a favorite author, please let them know how you fell about their writing. I follow Danielle Steel who is very busy and very famous, but she takes the time to reach out to her readers. Another writer who has impressed me with his outreach to his readers is Ken Follett. I once heard a radio interview with him. It’s my understanding he lives in the UK, but this interviewer lived in California, so Ken Follett flew to California to give the interview in person. When asked why he did so, he replied, “I want to sell books.” What better way to sell books than to interact with those why buy your books? It was a wonderful interview and I was very impressed with his gregarious personality. I hadn’t read his books before, but now I’ve read several.
Defending the Heart by Laura Haley-McNeil
His head says no. His heart won’t let go.
JT Whitloch can’t close his eyes without seeing the body of the woman who drowned in his swimming pool two years ago. Though he doesn’t remember that night, he blames himself for her death and walks away from a life that gave him everything he ever wanted…almost everything. His move to Crystal Creek gives him the solitude he longs for, but still he can’t find peace.
Then Gretchen Moore moves to town, and she doesn’t just stir up his desire. She stirs up his past, a past with a secret so deadly it could destroy her.
Gretchen wants nothing to do with JT. Because of him, someone wants her dead. The terror from his past forces them into an alliance that soon ignites their passion. Fighting these feelings leads them to the secret of the woman floating in JT’s swimming pool, but the knowledge doesn’t ease JT’s inner turmoil. Instead, it reveals an answer that could destroy him and Gretchen. His own destruction he could accept, but he’ll defend Gretchen to his death.
Guarding Her Heart is the 1st book in the Crystal Creek Series
Buy Links
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Learn More About Laura Haley-McNeil
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LauraHaleyMcNeil/
Twitter https://twitter.com/laurarmcneil
Website http://laurahaleymcneil.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lauramcneil
Loved the interview. Look forward to reading your books.
Thanks so much, C. F., and thanks for dropping by! I appreciate Zara for giving me a chance to share my thoughts on writing. Life goes so quickly, it’s nice for a chance to be introspective once in a while. LOL! Enjoy the rest of your week!