“Marianne Arkins is Today’s Featured Author!”
Marianne is the author of sweet, sassy romance!
Hi, Marianne, and welcome. I’m glad you’re here today! I hope the weather in New Hampshire is warmer today. It’s chilly here this morning but our weather forecast is for 55 degrees this afternoon.
Tell us a little about yourself and what makes you tick?
I’m a bit of a control freak. I’m also totally into routine and don’t much care for surprises. I plan my days, and am not terrifically spontaneous. In a way, that can be really good for folks I hang out with—you know where I am, when I’m there and you know you can count on me to do what I say I’ll do (barring a disaster).
I’m a wife of almost twelve years, a mom of an almost 9 y.o. daughter who I homeschool, I write, I dream, I wish…
I love to be alone, though I seldom get to be. I wonder if that’s a writers trait? I enjoy gardening (even weeding!) and wish I lived somewhere with a longer growing season. I am a mostly vegetarian with a coffee and chocolate addiction. And, I think that pizza and PB&J sandwiches are my favorite foods.
Name the one item in your closet that is a constant favorite…the one that always gets worn even though you might have something newer or better?
Jeans, for certain. And, in the winter I have a “Monterey” sweatshirt that I love. In the summer, I have a particular t-shirt that is my fave (it’s what I’m wearing in the picture on my website), but it’s about worn out and I’m distraught about it. I wish I’d bought a dozen when I first got the thing!
How does the writing process work for you? Do your stories come to you all at once or page by page?
I typically know the ending before I know the middle. And, my beginnings will change constantly, as I try to start where the action begins. In “One Love for Liv” I originally started with her on a date with Geoff, and he brings her home and forgets his coat, and she finds the incriminating receipts. But, it was dull and not where the action was. The story really begins with her deciding to take steps to see if he’s cheating…so that’s where I bumped the beginning.
The ending is written by the time I have the first couple of chapters completed. It’s the middle I am consistently surprised by! I know where the H/H are headed…I’m just never sure how they’ll get there, by what means, or how many detours they’ll take along the way. It makes writing interesting for me.
If you could bring one character to life who would it be and why?
One of mine? Hmmm…maybe Camilla in one of my WIPs, because I’m certain she and I would be BFF. But, if I wasn’t married, I’d choose Duncan from “Now That We’ve Found You”. He makes my heart go pitty-pat.
Since you are published with several short stories plus two books, do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Sure! Write. Learn. Join a crit group. Write. Write. Write. and Submit.
Seriously, I know a dozen people who want to be published authors—but never take the time to actually write or submit. I’m the worlds biggest nag with my friends when I know they want to pursue publication. I like to think of it as constant encouragement
But, the fact is: you’ll never be published if you don’t write, polish and submit.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with us?
I’d love for the folks reading this to share with me what they think is the most romantic hero of all time for them—either in a book or a movie, and why. I’m always intrigued by the differences of opinion in what people think makes the perfect hero.
Mine? Hmmm… In a book? Probably Roarke from the “In Death” series. A movie? I love the hero, Jack, in “While You Were Sleeping” and Prince Henry in “Ever After”. I fall in love with them each time I watch the movies.
I wonder… are they both beta heroes? I mean, they’re strong and solid guys, but I don’t think I’d consider them alpha males. I wonder what that says about me.
Marianne, thanks so much for being here today - best of luck with “One Love for Liv” and for your upcoming May release, “Change of Heart”! Readers visit her website and blog. And I’m looking forward to reading your comments to Marianne’s question about romantic heroes.
Buy here!
BLURB FOR ONE LOVE FOR LIV:
Olivia “Liv” Leigh, wealthy socialite and spa owner, suspects her fiancé of cheating on her, so she takes drastic steps to discover whether appearances are deceiving. And if those steps require a bit of stalking, a change of appearance, a hippo-sized dog named Spike, and sacrificing her manicure to clean house for a sexy but sloppy man whose neighbor is determined to break several of the strangest Guinness Book of World Records, why should that be a problem?
Mike, a happily single auto mechanic, is more than content sharing his bachelor pad with piles of laundry, dirty dishes, and a sneaky ferret. But when a half-crazed woman in a bad wig shows up on his doorstep, what’s a nice guy to do? Why, invite her in, unknowingly help her in her search for the truth and, in the process, fall head over heels for a woman who’s never been less his type.
Review: “One Love for Liv” is the kind of book that you never tire of reading and re-reading. This fast-paced and witty read actually made me laugh ‘til I cried in several parts. I can guarantee that I can’t even think about pizzas without my eyes misting over after I read the story. Ms. Arkins’ fresh and interesting writing style will attract fans of offbeat romantic romps. “One Love for Liv” can easily become your much needed break from life’s harried pace. Ms. Arkins is definitely an author to look out for!
- Bramble Nymph, Literary Nymphs reviews - Rated: 5 Nymphs
March 25th, 2008 at 7:23 am
This was so refreshing. Loved learning about Marianne, and her book sounds terrific.
MM
March 25th, 2008 at 7:26 am
I’m a control-freak, too! I’m so glad I’m not alone in that. LOL!
My favorite rom hero in a book: Eric in the book Honey Moon by SEP. Gosh, he’s so internally tortured, I just love it. LOL!
In a movie: Mr. Darcy in P&P (boring, but there you go)
Have a good one!
March 25th, 2008 at 7:30 am
Hmm… I LOOOVE Darcy from Pride and Prejudice (either version thank you). He’s brooding and handsome and puts his foot in his mouth then apologizes for it.
Great interview, Marianne! See I told you you were fun! And a hard act to follow.
Thanks ladies!
March 25th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Thanks for visiting, Lula! And Jennifer, LOL on the control thing…it can be very frustrating sometimes. Ceri & Jennifer, Mr. Darcy is quite the smoldering hunk. Thanks for coming by to see me!!
March 25th, 2008 at 10:50 am
I’m going with Rhett Butler, in both the book and the movie. He’s a rebel, he’s brave, he’s sexy, he’s doting father, and he knows what Scarlett wants and needs before she does. An alpha male, yes, and I’m sure I would have butted heads with him too, but…who doesn’t love the scene where he asks her, as a mourning widow, to dance? Or where he flees burning Atlanta, to save both Melanie and Scarlett? Or when he returns to her, time and time again?
March 25th, 2008 at 11:19 am
My fav romance hero in a movie is the guy from Sweet Home Alabama. (I’m drawing a total blank on names right now. LOL) I also lovvve all of SEP’s heros. I’m a sucker for a football hero.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Seems like I’m in the Mr Darcy fan club! Colin Firth as…in that shirt! Oooh! Also loved his perpetually confused character in Bridget Jones. A beta male,in that, I think:)
Good Luck, Marianne!
xx
Sheryl
March 25th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Hello! Marianne is great! She gives great interviews and makes me laugh! Her and her peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I kind of like the character that Mel Gibson played in “Braveheart!” He stood up and died for what he believed in. Thanks for a great interview…..Cindi
March 25th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Okay… my favorite hero is Miach from The Mage’s Daughter. Yes, this book has only been out for three months, but he’s far and away my favorite.
Why do I love him? Because he’s tender, and he tries to understand the woman he loves. Because he’s always there for her, no matter what. Because he’s humble instead of arrogant, preferring to be underestimated and not minding at all if people think he’s a nobody, instead of one of the most powerful mages in the story. He doesn’t have a problem refraining from sword fights merely to prove himself, even though we later discover that he’s more than competent with a sword.
He’s just the perfect hero, in my mind!
March 25th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Great interview. Marianne’s book sounds good.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Hi Marianne!
Thanks for sharing and for the blurb - haha, pizza and PB&J? Interesting food choices- though I like them both as well.
My favorite romantic hero? Well… I have a few. Historical, would probably be Derek Craven from Dreaming of you, or Sebastian in Devil in Winter, both by Lisa Kleypas.
Contemporary… Ren Gage in Breathing Room, or Bobby Tom Denton in Heaven, Texas both by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Of course I like a lot more, but these four might be at the top of my list.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Wow, too many heroes to choose from to pick a favorite. I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I agree with what you said here:
“I love to be alone, though I seldom get to be.”
This sounds so much like me. I have three kids, a husband and a full time job and relish what little time I get to myself. It’s funny because I love to be around people, but if I don’t get some alone time, you’ll see one cranky lady. LOL
March 25th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Fabulous interview, Marianne.
No, I never would have guessed you were a control-freak!
I have to agree with you about Roarke. Every time I imagine that Irish accent combined with him pushing vitamins and such down Eve’s throat I get chills. You’ve gotta love a man who knows what his woman needs and is willing to use force to make sure she gets it! *sigh*
March 25th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Allie, I tend to block Rhett from my brain because I didn’t like GWTW (I know… I knoww, I’m weird).
Patti, SEP does write a great hero–I agree with you there!
Sheryl, I love Colin Firth…thanks for stopping by!
Cindi! Thanks for the kind words
Kathleen, I haven’t read, or heard of that book. But I love the genre, so will have to look it up. Thanks!
limecello, I love Bobby Tom! I think he’s my fave SEP hero.
Deirdre, yep to much togetherness makes me cranky, too, LOL.
ChrisMM… what you talking ’bout? Hmmm?
March 25th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Okay, have to say it even if you don’t like him much, Rhett Butler - in many ways he was one of the first of the Alpha Males to reach the masses, and in Clark Gable’s capable hands on the screen, he was the epitome of elgance, ruthless determination, and edgy romance. How can you not love a man like that?
Great interview and promo, Marianne - good luck with everything!!
Always - Denyse
March 25th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Enjoyed the interview! One Love for Liv sounds really good!
March 25th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Great interview Marianne.
Movies: Rhett Bulter (Gone With The Wind) because he’s sexy and a force to be reckon with. He can carry me up any stairs and ravish me.
Book: Roarke (In Death Series) because he is drop dead gorgeous and I want him.
TV: Pierce Brosnan (Remington Steele) I love his accent and his body woo hoo
March 25th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
HI Marianne,
I would have to say Daniel Day Lewis as hawkeye in the Last of the Mohicans.I loved the scene where he tells Cora-you stay alive,no matter what occurs! I will find you.
No matter how long it takes, no matter how far, I will find you.
March 25th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Marianne Arkins rocks!
My Favorite hero? Well, I just love Mr. Darcy. Though the one that really makes me woozy is Aragorn. Though Athos of the Three Muskateers ranks pretty high too.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Hi Marianne! My idea of a perfect hero is someone who loves the heroine for who she is, is always there for her and opens himself up to her. Roarke from the Eve Dallas series is my fav.
March 26th, 2008 at 5:14 am
Well, folks… it looks like Roarke wins, hands-down
Thanks to everyone for swinging by! I had fun reading your comments!
March 26th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Great interview. I am enthralled with your novel. My heroes are Gary Cooper in High Noon and Wyatt Earp in Tombstone.
March 27th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Great interview. I really must add your book to my BTB list. It sounds like great fun.
So many heros, so little time. I think my favorites are Rhett Butler & Mr Darcy, but John Thornton from North & South is right up there too.
March 29th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Hi Marianne, that was a great interview and I like the sound of your book. I can’t really name one perfect hero, There are too many and they vary widely. But they are all strong, yet considerate men.
sandie