All about Donna Grant
Unlike most authors, I didn't always want to write. Oh, I always had little stories going on in my head and my Barbie dolls had the most fantastic lives, but it wasn't until much later that I thought about writing.
I'm a born and bred Texan, and for anyone living in the States, they understand what that means. For those of you not in the States, we Texans do things a tad differently than the rest of our brethren in the US. It really comes down to the fact Texas was a republic before they joined the US, the only state to be able to claim that honor. It's why the Texas flag can be flown at the same level as the US flag.
And now that you've had your Texas history lesson, I'll tell you more about boring ol' me
. My family is my center, they are my life. I love history and doing research. My favorite time period is the medieval era, mainly Scotland and England. But because I love the fantasy genre as well, I mesh my two favorites. My characters love me for this
.
also love to travel. One day I'll get to mark off all the destinations I want to visit before I die. I'm also one of those people who will take in every stray animal that crosses my path. My kids inherited that gene, so at any given time, we have several animals around the house.
Some facts about me:
I was married on the Day of the Dead.
I'm half Cajun, which explains my coloring and passionate nature (read temper )
I'm allergic to chocolate. Seriously.
Favorite color is burgundy and red
Favorite food is Italian
Favorite TV show is Supernatural
Favorite movie is Lord of the Rings trilogy and too many others to list
I'm extremely arachnophobic. It's really not a pretty sight.
How Donna got into Erotic Romance
Quite by accident, I'll tell you that. One of my editors kept asking me to -śspice things up just a little bit more-ť. So, when I had a fellow author ask me to join an erotic romance anthology, I thought I'd give it a try. I found that it wasn't as difficult to write as I had first imagined, and the next thing I know, I've sold a couple of erotic romance novellas.
The Scoop!
Writing for three different publishers keeps me constantly busy. I keep a very specific writing, revising, editing and promotion schedule. I sound a bit anal retentive, don't I? Well, if you know my sock drawer and closet were color coded, you'd probably think I am
.
I'm finishing up writing a set of five novellas that I pitched to my Kensington editor. I'm praying he'll like at least two of them since he's holding another that he likes. After that, I'm starting a new series -“ my first jaunt into contemporary. I'm very anxious about starting the trilogy for it. After that, I have my final novella in my Royal Chronicles series due to TEB. During all of that writing, I've got tons of editing and promoting. I think I need to clone myself.
At the moment I don't have any book signings scheduled, but readers can always find me on my blog (
www.donnagrant.com/blog) or MySpace (
www.myspace.com/donnagrant) if they want to chat. And I ADORE emails from readers. I often answer email when I need a break from writing. It's that or web Sudoku
.
What Donna likes to read...
I love books. I can't ever get enough of them, and my favorites list goes on for miles. Shana Abe, if you haven't read her, get thee to a bookstore and buy one of her books. Her latest two, The Smoke Thief and The Dream Thief are to die for. You really won't be disappointed. I also adore Suzanne Enoch's historicals.
A few of the books I'll be reading this month are: The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt, Eye of Heaven by Marjorie M. Liu and Strokes of Midnight by Hope Tarr.
INTERVIEW
The Sensible Questions:
-
1. What made you start writing erotic romance?
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I always like to try my hand a new things. You never know if you can do something until you try.
- 2. What inspired you to write your first book?
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I was working as an accountant, not something I saw myself doing for years to come. So, one day, I had an idea pop into my head and thought I'd try my hand at writing. As soon as I started, I realized how much I loved it. By the time I finished that book, I knew I wanted to be a romance writer.
- 3. What's your process for writing a book?
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Once there's an idea for a book, I find names for my characters and describe them. Then, because I hate to write synopses, I'll write up a short synopsis to see where the book might be headed. I don't like to plot my book at all. It works better for me, creatively, to let my characters dictate where the book is going as I'm writing. After that, I write up a high concept, title the book, then start writing. I write anywhere from 15-20 pages a day, Monday through Friday so I can have my weekends with my family.
- 4. What do you enjoy about writing?
-
I love everything (except the synopses. Did I say that already? ). Some days, the writing flows fairly easily. Other days, it's like pulling teeth to get the words on paper. Yet, in the end, finishing the book, seeing the words come alive that were once in my head, is such a neat experience. Words can't truly describe it.
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5. What really p's you off about writing?
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The synopsis. Oh, you mean something else? Hmmm…when characters decided they want to stop talking to you for whatever reason. I can't write unless those characters are talking.
- 6. Who would you count as your biggest supporters?
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Besides my husband and family, I have three friends who are also authors. We email all day long every day and really help to keep either other motivated. Its nice to have someone like that that I can bounce ideas off of, and they can do the same with me. Writing is a lonely business. You need someone who understands you and your writing.
- 7. How do you celebrate when you finish a book?
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The first time I finished a book, we had dinner. After that, I just have a nice glass of wine that night and wonder if any publisher will like it enough to buy it.
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8. Describe your writing space.
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I'm blessed to have my own sanctuary. That has a door. I love that door. Kids know that when Momma has the door closed, they better be bleeding or something is broken to knock on it .
My office holds my true passion. Swords, books, Medieval pictures and a view of our beautiful backyard. Of course, since my office is where I spend most of the day, my three cats and long haired Chihuahua are in there with me, so I have beds and perches set up so they can get comfy.
Here are some of my swords:
King Arthur's
sword
Arwen's sword from Lord of the Rings
Barbarian
Sword
And here's two of my babies:
Sassy (my daughter's cat) and Tinkerbell
aka Tink watching the squirrels play
The Naughty Questions:
- 1 How many toys do you have in your toy-box? (and we don't mean Barbie dolls!)
-
a. 
you mean like Barbie?
b. 
giggle…a few
c. batteries baby... I need lots of 'em!
d. my toy box could get me pregnant!
LOL. My answer is B. I think anytime you're married its good for you and your partner to experiment and keep the magic happening. Communication is the key element.
-
2 What or who does your ideal man look like?
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a. younger!
b. slightly older.
c. a little older than that
d. older guys do it for me!
B! I like mature men, a man who knows how to treat a lady. But then again, I do have some hunks that I wouldn't mind getting to know -“ if I wasn't married .
Jensen Ackles from Supernatural Gerard Butler
-
3 Top or bottom?
-
a. top
b. bottom
c. do I have to choose, can't I have both?
d. you mean if it's just him and me right?
C! Variety baby, variety!
- 4 Short shorts or short skirts?
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a. shorts - I'm bootylicious
b. short skirts - ease and tease
c. neither!
B! Besides, I love the grin my hubby gives me when I walk out in a skirt.
-
5 How would you describe you sex life?
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a. Sex, what sex? I live vicariously through my characters.
b. This one time...when the kids were at camp.
c. Real or imaginary?
d. We could make Hugh Heffner blush.
B! Let's just say that my hubby keeps me very happy. ;)
-
6 Have any of your toys accidentally gone "public"? Tell us all about it. (We won't tell)
-
Lol. No, but my kids are still fairly young. We try to keep the toys hidden, but I know one day they'll find them. Let's just hope it isn't anytime soon.
Competition
Donna's Reader Competition
Join my Newsletter for your chance to win by entering your email in the field below and click Submit. If you're already a subscriber, you're automatically entered.
What's the prize?
Tease - Suzanne Forster
Master of Seduction - Kinley MacGregor
A Thief in a Kilt - Sandy Blair
Castle of the Wolf - Sandra Schwab
What's the rules?
All entrants must be 18 years of age or older.
Name and email must be included in entry.
Winner grants the right to use his or her name in advertising and on author's website and/or newsletter.
Winner must respond within 7 days.
Prize is non-transferable and non-redeemable for cash
No substitution for prize allowed.
Please note I cannot be responsible for lost or misdirected mail.
Contest ends January 31, 2008.
Releases
Donna Grant's Releases
The Druid's Glen 5: HIGHLAND MAGIC
A vow made...
For centuries Frang has kept a secret - he's immortal. 'Tis a curse instead of a blessing though. His immortality was bestowed upon him to teach him a lesson, and instead of remaining youthful, the curse turned him into the image of an old man. He's waited for the day he could return to a mortal man, but when that day arrives and he must leave his beloved Druid's Glen, he suddenly finds he might not want to be mortal after all.
A secret kept...
Kenna holds a great secret, one that if discovered could have her burned at the stake. She's not just a healer, she's a Druid. 'Tis a secret she has buried deep inside her. Until Frang. He offers freedom in the Druids, a promise too heady to ignore.
Read An Excerpt:[Click here to expand/collapse]
EXCERPT:
Northwestern Scotland
Fall 1625
For as long as he could remember, Frang had yearned to rid himself of the curse. How many years had passed as he stood in the peaceful magical stones of the Druid's Glen?
Too many.
And it didn't matter anymore. He had left his stones, though they weren't really his. He had guarded the Druids as best he could with the help of the lairds of the MacInnes.
Frang ran a hand down his face and sighed loudly. So many people he watched die, many before their time. He had seen love lost and love found, foes vanquished and even seen the enemy invade a castle to kill innocent children.
Yet, it was all in the past now.
He looked down in to the waters of the lake at his reflection. He had gotten used to seeing the long white hair and beard. It seemed rather...odd...that he looked again as he had that fateful day over three hundred years before.
Frang sat back on his heels and looked over his shoulder. His need to return to the Glen was strong. With the prophecy finished he was no longer needed, but it didn't matter. He could return now. No one would recognize him, but he knew it was just wishful thinking. His time at the Druid's Glen was over. He needed to accept that.
A soft movement filled the air, the only thing that alerted him he was no longer alone. Slowly, Frang rose and turned to face his long time friend.
"Aimery," he said with a welcoming smile.
The Fae commander returned the smile and held out his arm. After they clasped forearms, Aimery stepped back and looked him up and down. "It will take some time for me to get used to this appearance again."
Frang laughed as he raked his hands through his hair and glanced over the impeccably dressed Fae. Aimery's long flaxen hair was held away from his face by several rows of tiny intricate braids that would have looked feminine on anyone else but Aimery.
"The first thing I did was shave the beard." Frang scratched his chin absently. "It has been on my face so long my skin doesn't know what to do."
"It won't take long." Aimery clapped him on the back and smiled as they sat on a fallen tree. "What are your plans?"
Frang shrugged and looked toward the still waters of the lake. "I don't really know. The Druid's were my life, even before the curse. What can I do now?"
"You get to start over," Aimery said after a short silence. "Do anything you want, become anyone you want. Not many get that chance."
"I like who I am," Frang argued. "I am a Druid High Priest who knows more about the Fae and the Druids than any human on this realm."
Aimery's swirling blue eyes met his. The Fae's gaze was intense, never wavering as he peered deep into Frang's soul.
There was no doubt that Aimery was looking into his future. The longer he stared, the more worried Frang became. "What do you see?" Frang asked softly.
Aimery blinked and turned away. "I'm not in the habit of telling someone their future."
"I'm not just someone," Frang reminded him.
With a loud sigh Aimery turned his fair head until his gaze returned to Frang. "You don't want to know your future, my friend. No one ever really does. Live this new life you've been granted and don't look back."
Frang swallowed and stood to pace the edge of the lake. "There are only two reasons you wouldn't tell me my future. One possibility is that I'm going to die very soon. The second is that I'm going to have to make a very difficult choice that by telling me the future, you'll influence me."
He turned to look at the Fae commander only to find Aimery grinning. "I taught you well," Aimery said with a nod. "You'll do fine, Frang."
And with that, Aimery was gone.
For several long moments Frang stared at the log and where Aimery had sat. Decade after decade he had given to the Druids and the Fae, giving his blood as well as his soul all because of one stupid, reckless night that had cursed him for three hundred years.
He looked down at the robes that had been his daily wear as the Druid High Priest. They would only serve to draw attention to him, something he wanted to avoid at all costs. With a sigh he turned toward the road that would take him to the nearest village where he could buy some new clothes.
"And new life," he muttered as he slapped his hand on his leg in agitation of the unknown.
Then promptly noticed the clothes neatly folded on the log. Frang didn't have to wonder if the clothes fit, he knew they would.
"Thank you, Aimery," he said as he reached for the clothes.
With one final glance at his Druid robes, he pulled them over his head. After a quick wash in the loch, he returned to the log and reached for Aimery's gift.
Frang had to admit he liked his new clothes. He looked down at the saffron shirt and bold blue and green plaid with red and orange accents, it was a plaid he knew well, very well. The tall boots were made of supple leather that fit his foot and legs to perfection, and the broach holding his plaid was made of silver and held the crest of the Fae, a dragon head with intricate knot work surrounding it.
There was only one thing left. The sword.
It had been three hundred years since he had last held a sword. He lifted the sword and held it in both hands and he looked over the weapon.
A more beautiful sword Frang had never seen. The pommel was fluted and fit his hand flawlessly. The cross guards and pommel were adorned with the same intricate and beautiful knots that decorated his brooch.
Slowly, he gripped the pommel and pulled the sword from its scabbard. The weight of the weapon was as near to perfect as it could get. Frang stared in awe at the blade where the Fae symbol had been added, and surrounding it was even more of the knot work he had come to love.
He lunged and swung the sword around him testing its weight as he tested himself. By the time he was satisfied with himself, sweat soaked his shirt and ran down his face.
Frang returned the sword to its sheath with a smile. After he folded his Druid robes and left them on the log, he picked up his sword and slung the strap over his head so the sword settled between his shoulder blades. With a sigh, he turned to face his future. No longer was he a Druid, but a warrior.
Donna Grant's Backlist
Please Note - Some of the following links will take you to other publishers websites. Total-e-bound is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
The Shields 1: A DARK GUARDIAN
Genre Historical/Dark Fantasy
ISBN 1-58608-986-4
Publisher New Concepts Publishing
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The Shields 2: A KIND OF MAGIC
Genre Historical/Dark Fantasy
ISBN 1-58608-979-x
Publisher New Concepts Publishing
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The Shields 3: A DARK SEDUCTION
Genre Historical/Dark Fantasy
ISBN 978-1-60494-038-2
Publisher New Concepts Publishing
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The Shields 4: A FORBIDDEN TEMPTATION
Genre Historical/Dark Fantasy
ISBN 978-1-60394-090-0
Publisher New Concepts Publishing
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The Shields 5: A WARRIOR'S HEART
Genre Historical/Dark Fantasy
ISBN 978-1-60394-091-7
Publisher New Concepts Publishing
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The Druid's Glen 1: HIGHLAND MIST
Genre Historical/Dark Fantasy
ISBN 978-1586088323
Publisher New Concepts Publishing
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The Druid's Glen 2: HIGHLAND NIGHTS
Genre Historical/Dark Fantasy
ISBN 1-58308-912-9
Publisher New Concepts Publishing
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The Druid's Glen 3: HIGHLAND DAWN
Genre Historical/Dark Fantasy
ISBN 1-58608-955-2
Publisher New Concepts Publishing
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The Druid's Glen 4: HIGHLAND FIRES
Genre Historical/Dark Fantasy
ISBN 978-1-60394-048-1
Publisher New Concepts Publishing
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The Royal Chronicles 1: PRINCE OF DESIRE in Phoenix Rising II anthology
Genre Historical/Dark Fantasy
ISBN 978-1-58608-882-8
Publisher New Concepts Publishing
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The Royal Chronicles 2: PRINCE OF SEDUCTION
Genre Historical/Dark Fantasy
ISBN 978-1-60394-036-8
Publisher New Concepts Publishing
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