When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
This USA Today bestselling author is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, Romance Writers of America, Sweet Romance Reads, and Pioneer Hearts.
Tell us something about yourself both writing and not writing related.
Writing: The excitement of creating happy endings is one of the most wonderful things about writing sweet romances. The characters aren’t just names on the page. They become close friends as their stories evolve.
Non-Writing: Three of my favorite things are roses, chocolate, and my husband (lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller).
Do you have a writing routine? Where do you usually do your writing?
My office is my writing haven. The walls are a soothing spa green, and I keep it neat (for the most part) to keep distractions at a minimum. Two years ago, I quit my day job so I plenty of motivation to treat my writing as a full-time career. Typically, I spend 8-10 hours a day six days a week in my office writing, editing, or marketing by books.
Why do you write in the genre/sub-genre that you do? Any plans in the future to write in a different one?
I’ve always been a hopeless romantic so it’s a natural fit for me to write sweet romances. I enjoy writing both historical and contemporary. If you asked me to choose a favorite, I couldn’t - I love delving into history and playing with modern-day “what if” scenarios. I’ve also written two humorous books based on true stories from my life. And I’ve done one mystery romance. I would like to try my hand at writing a medieval romance and I’ve got plans for a children’s book in the works.
How do you stay motivated when writer’s block hits or your muse won’t cooperate?
Bills are a good motivator (LOL!). Seriously, I’m motivated to keep writing because this is my job, my career, my source of income. It’s also something I absolutely love getting out of bed and working on every day. When I finally started writing my first romance novel, I discovered what I was always meant to do. In those moments when I need an extra dose of inspiration or motivation, I read through notes I’ve kept from fans that touched my heart.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever done in the name of research?
Hmm… covertly photographed cowboy cabooses at rodeos. Honest-to-goodness, it was all in the name of research for a book that will be out for the 2016 holiday season. It was a tough job, but I somehow survived. (Wink, wink)
What’s the best writing advice you were ever given?
Write what you know. My childhood was spent on a farm around cowboys, horses and cattle. It’s a great background for my western romances.
What do you like to do in your leisure time?
Read! I love to read. I also enjoy baking and experimenting with recipes. I have a hot glue gun and am not afraid to use it and I’m something of a Pinterest junkie.
Tell us about your current release in a couple of sentences.
I have two new books releasing Nov. 12.
Capturing Christmas (Rodeo Romance, Book 3)
Life is hectic on a good day for rodeo stock contractor Kash Kressley. Between dodging flying hooves and babying cranky bulls, he barely has time to sleep. The last thing Kash needs is the entanglement of a sweet romance, especially with a woman as full of fire and sass as Celia McGraw.
The Christmas Vow (Hardman Holidays, Book 4)
Adam Guthry returns home to bury his best friend and his past, never expecting to fall in love with the woman who destroyed his heart.
Can you tell us a little about your next project?
My next book will continue the popular Grass Valley Cowboys series with Ben Morgan’s story. I had so many people request his story, who am I to tell them no. The book should be out at the end of the year. Look for The Cowboy’s Last Goodbye (Grass Valley Cowboys, Book 6)
Anything else you’d like to share?
Now through December 24, ten percent of the net proceeds from all my book sales will go to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. JCCF provides financial assistance to rodeo cowboys who’ve sustained catastrophic injuries (which happens more often than you’d think) until they can get back on their feet. It’s am amazing organization. The two books releasing this week help kick off the promotional campaign to raise funds and awareness for JCCF.
Thank you so much for hosting me today, Katherine. I so appreciate the opportunity.
You're welcome. Thank you for doing my interview.
Welcome to the 2nd annual
Cowboys and Christmas
Blog Tour!
Raising funds and awareness for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund
Ring in the Holidays with a Helping Hand
November 1 through December 24, ten percent of the net proceeds from all Shanna Hatfield book sales will be donated to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. The JCCF is a non-profit organization that assists rodeo athletes who’ve sustained catastrophic injuries and are unable to work for an extended period. Every book purchased during this promotional period adds to the donation total. Don't forget to add books to your Christmas lists!USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
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New Releases
New Releases
To kick off the second annual Cowboys and Christmas Blog Tour and the JCCF campaign,
two brand new holiday romances will release Nov. 12!
Capturing Christmas is the third installment in the sweet holiday western Rodeo Romance series.
Life is hectic on a good day for rodeo stock contractor Kash Kressley. Between dodging flying hooves and babying cranky bulls, he barely has time to sleep. The last thing Kash needs is the entanglement of a sweet romance, especially with a woman as full of fire and sass as the redheaded photographer he rescues at a rodeo.
Determined to capture the best images possible, rodeo photographer Celia McGraw is fearless and feisty. Not one to back down from a challenge, her biggest risk isn’t in her work. Danger lurks in the way her heart responds to one incredibly handsome stock contractor. Will Kash and Celia capture the spirit of the season?
Pre-order your copy today! http://amzn.to/1FC8ZQj
Teaser
“Someone like you should be smart enough to know better than to do something that stupid, Miss McGraw.” The man frowned at her as he held her across his lap, riding over to the fence, out of the way of the horses and the men on horseback behind them.
Too stunned to reply, Celia gulped and continued staring at him, gradually comprehending she hadn’t been killed.
At least she assumed she hadn’t died, unless angels wore dusty cowboy hats, dark blue chaps, and were breath-stealing handsome.
Those engaging eyes bore into hers, making her heart skitter in her chest while an entire bushel of butterflies burst into flight in her stomach.
She observed her rescuer. He sat tall in the saddle and had muscles to spare, or so she presumed from the way he easily hoisted her off the ground and onto his horse. A hint of light brown hair peeked out from beneath the brim of his hat. The pale blue shirt he wore almost matched the fascinating shade of his eyes.
Celia experienced the most unreasonable urge to run her fingers along the stubbly expanse of his cheeks, down his square jaw, and over his strong chin. Mesmerized by his full bottom lip, she inhaled a deep breath and nearly choked.
The very scent of him hinted at a lethal combination of freshly fallen snow, a warm winter fire, and sweet seduction rolled into one incredibly enticing package.
Get all three books in the Rodeo Romance series!
The Christmas Vow is the fourth book in the Hardman Holidays sweet Victorian romance series.
Columbia River Pilot Adam Guthry returns to his hometown of Hardman, Oregon, after the sudden death of his best friend. Emotions he can’t contain bubble to the surface the moment he sees the girl who shattered his heart eleven years ago.
Widow Tia Devereux escapes her restrictive life in Portland, returning to the home she knew and adored as a girl in Hardman. She and her four-year-old son, Toby, settle into the small Eastern Oregon community, eager for the holiday season. Unfortunately, the only man she’s ever loved shows up, stirring the embers of a long-dead romance into a blazing flame. When her former father-in-law, a corrupt judge, decides he wants to raise Toby, Adam may be the only hope she has of keeping her son.
You can pre-order your copy today for only $2.99! http://amzn.to/1KQHhvI
Teaser
No. Her fear was for the big, loveable lunk who’d scared her half witless when she saw him tumble off the roof.
“I believe that’s exactly the point.” Adam’s lopsided grin revealed his dimples and made her mouth water for want of his kiss. Aggravated with herself, Tia aimed her fury at Adam. “The point is your recklessness might get you or someone else horribly injured.” She turned around and strode toward the kitchen door. “I insist you…”
A snowball caught her square in the back. Mouth hanging open in surprise, she spun around and glared at him. Adam worked to form another snowball, ignoring her scowl. Incensed, Tia surrendered to the need to stamp her foot. “How dare you!”
“Just like this.” He grinned and lobbed another snowball at her, catching her on the shoulder. Bits of snow sprayed into her face and hair.
“Oh! You are in for it now, Adam Guthry!” Tia bent down and hastily formed a snowball. With unmistakable precision, she threw it at Adam, hitting him on the chin.
He spluttered and returned fire, barely grazing her arm as she twisted away at the last second. Peals of her laughter filled the quiet December afternoon and drew Toby outside as she and Adam continued to throw snow at each other.
“Mama?” The little boy’s lip quivered. “Did you send me inside so you could play without me?”
Don't miss out on the Hardman Holidays series!
You’re Invited to PARTY!
You’re invited to join in the online Cowboys & Christmas Facebook Party, Thursday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (PST). Drop in anytime during those four hours to enter to win great prizes, chat with guest authors, and more (many of the giveaways will stay open until the following morning)!
Here’s the link to the party: http://tinyurl.com/cowboychristmasparty2
The talented guest authors joining in the celebration include:
10 a.m. - Carmen Peone
10:30 - Kayla Dawn Thomas
11 a.m. - Melanie D. Snitker, Author
11:30 - Julie Cerniglia Lence
Noon - Author CJ Samuels
12:30 - Rachel Rossano
1 p.m. - Author Kristin Holt
1:30 - Dani Harper
Enter to Win Prizes!
To enter the drawing for an Amazon gift card, Wrangler Tote Bag, Rock & Roll Cowgirl T-shirt, autographed books, chocolates, and more fun goodies, fill out this form. Winners will be randomly drawn and announced Nov. 16. http://tinyurl.com/cowboychristmasprizes2
Where to Find The Books
Start the Rodeo Romance Series with The Christmas Cowboy.
Travel back to a time of grandeur in the old west
with the Hardman Holidays series.
The Christmas Bargain begins the popular series
and is available free for a very limited time!
Find Shanna’s books at:
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Make sure you sign up for her newsletter to get the latest on new releases and exclusive giveaways!
Such a pleasure to be your guest today. Thank you for hosting me!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Thank you for being my guest. :o)
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