Hello Coffee Timers, today I have Anne Hope with me and we are going to talk about her lovely book Where Dreams are Made. Good evening from Coffee Time Romance I’m Hollie and I’ll be interviewing you tonight. I’m starting to get excited but then I can be worse than the kids when it comes to Christmas are you ready or are you a last minute person?
I usually try to get all my shopping done in November. Not because I’m so wonderfully organized, but because I cringe at the thought of entering a mall any time near Christmas. The commotion, the huge line-ups, the endless hunt for a parking spot drive me insane.
When did you first know you wanted to write for a living?
On some level, I think I’ve always known. As far as I can remember, writing has always called to me, whether I was frightening—uh, entertaining—my little brother with ghost stories or imagining a sequel to my favorite movie. I didn’t allow myself to believe I could actually make a career out of it until I’d worked in marketing for a few years and realized the rat race wasn’t for me. My husband crystallized it for me when he said, “Why don’t you just quit your job and write?” That was one of those light bulb moments for me. I remember thinking, yeah, why don’t I?
What was the last movie you saw? Did you like it? Hate it?
James Bond: Quantum of Solace. My husband dragged me to see it, but I must say it wasn’t as corny as I expected. There wasn’t much plot, but the action was good and the heroine wasn’t a total ditz. I actually liked her. I usually find myself rolling my eyes at the women as far as the James Bond movies go. But this time, the heroine was tough and didn’t jump into bed with him at the first sight of his gun. It was a refreshing change.
If you won a million dollars what would you do with it?
The first thing I’d do is buy my mother a house. She got divorced several years ago and has been living in an apartment ever since, struggling to make ends meet. Losing the security of home and hearth was a big blow for her. Nothing would make me happier than to be able to give her a little of that security back. Second, I would use some of the money for advertising and promotion. One of the most important things when you’re a debut author—besides writing a darn good book—is getting your name out there. Giving my career a nice boost would be great. Whatever is left over, I would probably invest.
What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Dynamic, focused (bordering on obsessive), and sociable.
If you were stranded on an island what 5 things would you like to have with you?
Hugh Jackman, Gerard Butler— Oops, sorry. I got sidetracked there for a second.
Let’s see, my laptop would be at the top of the list. I can’t seem to live without it. Does this island have wireless Internet? Some really good books would be nice, along with plenty of bottled water and a case of junk food. I wouldn’t mind a cell phone either, provided I could get service. Is this a deserted island? If so, forget the cell phone. A fully equipped jet complete with pilot would come in handy. No? All right, I’d settle for some flares so I could at least signal for help.
I’m sure you are very excited about your book having read it I must say you have every reason to be. Can I ask what made you choose to write about two characters that have both been so emotionally attacked in their child hood?
Our childhood shapes us, says a lot about who we are and how we deal with adversity. We can either let traumatic events cripple us or rise above them. The latter takes strength, confidence, and courage. For me, watching characters find these attributes within themselves is very inspiring and uplifting. Past experiences influence how we view the world, which people we let in and which people we shut out. They heighten conflict, and conflict is what makes a book interesting.
Daniel’s life on the island is quiet and often different from a lot of other places do you have any experience living in such an isolated way?
No. I’ve always been a city girl at heart. To be honest, I’d go absolutely stir-crazy living on Daniel’s island. But this remote location was the ideal haven (or hideout) for an emotionally scarred character like Daniel.
If you’re characters could take a relaxing vacation where would you send them?
As I write this, I’m sitting by the pool on a resort in Playa Del Carmen. The view is spectacular, the sun warm and gentle against my skin. It’s perfectly relaxing, paradise for most, and yet a character like Daniel would consider it pure hell. He would prefer something far less touristy, not to mention less crowded. Over a decade ago, I went to Hawaii for my honeymoon. While there, we stopped by Kauai. It was absolutely beautiful, lush and tropical, and not nearly as developed as Maui or Oahu. Around us, silence hummed and flowers perfumed the air. Most impressive were the long, deserted stretches of beach. If I had a choice, I would send Daniel and Jenny to a place like this.
Making children’s toys from wood is a specialist job. Where did you learn about a trade that is all but lost for today’s world of microchips?
I learned about it thanks to microchips! I searched the net and was lucky enough to land on a site that belongs to a toymaker. He described everything, from the tools he uses, to the type of wood and finishes he favors, to the pride he draws from his work. It helped me enrich the story by incorporating more detail. It also helped me understand the kind of fulfillment Daniel would find in toy making.
Where Dreams Are Made has been very successful would you like to tell us about some of it?
Before it sold, Where Dreams are Made placed in numerous RWA contests, including the Golden Heart. Since its release, it has landed on the MBAM bestseller list and has received very positive reviews from both reviewers and readers alike.
I have your website and reader email is there any other places you would like to tell your readers about?
I have a page on MySpace and can be found on Facebook. There’s also a Facebook group called Fans of Anne Hope. If readers would like to be kept informed of future releases, contests, appearances, etc. they can also join my newsletter.
Thank you for joining me tonight I hope you have a lovely Christmas and a successful New Year.
Thanks, Hollie! I wish you all the best for the holidays as well. May the New Year bring you everything you desire (just remember, Hugh Jackman and Gerard Butler are already taken).
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