Book Lovers 4Ever: DANICA WINTERS- MONTANTA MUSTANGS BLOG TOUR

1. Hi Danica, so glad you could be here with us today, would you start by telling us about yourself?

Hi! Thanks for hosting me today! It’s an honor. I see you’ve done your research on me and my work—thank you!

A little about me…. I’m a mom. A crazy mom.A sit-in-the-stands-and-cheer Mom. I’m also a Manager for a small publishing house. Most of my days are filled with popsicles, peanut butter and jellies, market research, marketing strategies, and edits. When I’m not doing those ‘jobs’ I’m an award-winning and bestselling romance author. This year I will put out at least three novels and (hopefully) a few short stories.

2. We want all our followers to hear about The Nymph Series. Could you tell us about it?

Thank you again. I’m so excited about Montana Mustangs. This was such a fun book to write and my fans (as well as my new fans) seem to love it—which always pleases me as the author.

About The Nymph Series…. The Nymph Series is based on one fact: Nymphs are cursed. When they fall in love with a human man, the man is fated to die.

Who doesn’t love the allure of forbidden love?!

In each of the books within the Nymph Series, a different nymph is faced with their own set of circumstances and their own experience with love. I promise they will all surprise you. Just when you think you have the mystery figured out there will be a little more to keep you guessing (Montana Mustangs).

Each of the books can stand-alone, but I would recommend reading them in order as they build on each other and some of the books to come will focus on characters that have already appeared within the series.

Montana Mustangs (off the cuff) is about Aura Montgarten and her sister Natalie. When her sister comes to Montana and disappears, Aura tries to come to her rescue. Death, mystery, suspense, and one heck of a love story follows.

With this book I tried to incorporate all of my favorite book genres, suspense, mystery, paranormal, and romance. There is a little in this book for everyone (plus, it’s based in my favorite/home state!!!)

3. How has living in Montana served and inspired as a backdrop for your book,

MONTANA MUSTANGS?

It was easy to be inspired to write a book about Montana when I’m constantly surrounded by the majestic blue mountains and crystal waters. When you come to Glacier Park or Flathead Lake it is easy to see how a romance author could draw inspiration for romance, mystery, and suspense.

4. Tell us about your “five minute challenge”.

I’m a mom, a Manager for a publishing house, and a full-time author. When people complain to me that the don’t “Have Time” to write a book I always smile and say, “Neither do I.”

And it’s true.

If I had to wait for a two hour window (or more) of silence to work, I would never write.

Instead, I started to challenge myself (please feel free to use my model) and every time I found a free five minutes I write. I’m always the mom in the parking lot after school that has her face behind the computer. When I’m waiting for dinner to cook, I’ll write. You’d be amazed what you can get done in a year if you just seize these little moments to work toward your goal.

5. Starting off for any author can be tough. You have accomplished a lot of wonderful things since your first attempt at writing a romance novel. Have you thought about making revisions in that first work you did or is it something you will always keep on the sidelines?

Thank you! I have considered making revisions to my work, but somehow it doesn’t seem right. I did as well as I could on those first books. Yes, if I took them down I could make them better. But why distract myself from newer projects? Why get stuck in the past by worrying about how you could have done things better? I don’t think there is a writer alive who hasn’t looked at their early work and thought about how better it could have been.

I guess I’d rather spend my time creating better books today (and be thankful to have learned new tricks and methods due to the publications in my past).

6. We would like to hear about the children’s book you published.

I started writing for a parenting magazine and my children’s book. I loved writing it, but quickly found that it wasn’t my true calling. I like the challenge of writing a novel. I like knowing my characters on the deepest of levels. Even the antagonists have a place in my heart (albeit they get only a small slice).

7. Tell us about your teaching class for new authors.

I think it’s important to help new authors. I live in a rural area of Montana and when I started out I knew no one in the writer community. All I had was a desire and drive to write a book. I want to create an opportunity for those with that same desire to come out, ask questions, and learn exactly what goes into publishing a book (and how to make it better). I like to help others learn from my mistakes!!

8. What would you say is the biggest lesson you have learned since becoming an author?

To be a successful author you must be thick-skinned. Writing is parallel to life. Some people will love you. Some people will hate you and the same goes for your books. You just keep your chin up and keep plugging away.

9. What has been your most memorable moment when meeting one of your fans?

The first time I was recognized was a neat moment for me. I was out-of-state and a reader came up to me and was star-struck. I will never forget it—and she and I are still friends!

It’s easy to forget when I’m alone, working behind a computer most days, that people know who I am.

10 What are you working on now and what can we keep our eyes open for from you in the near future?

I just had the third book in the Nymph Series, Winter Swans, accepted. It will be out October 14, 2013. I’m also planning on two more books in the series (though, possibly more depending on my fans).

I plan to write more short stories this year. As for other large projects, I’m just about to start looking for a home for my spec book—in a new AWESOME series!

About Danica Winters

Danica Winters is a bestselling author who is known for writing award-winning books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and often a touch of magic. When she’s not working she can be found in the wilds of Montana working on her patience while she tries to understand the allure of various crafts (quilting, pottery and painting are not her thing). She always believe the cup is neither half full nor half empty, but it better be filled with wine.