Interview with C.D. Hersh

Welcome, today we are talking with C.D. Hersh! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

In addition to writing we love touring old houses, antiquing, singing, and going to the cottage on the lake. Catherine is also an avid gardener and has drawn Donald into her garden as a day laborer. They figure the couple who plays together and works together, stays together—and that’s just what they aim to do.

How long have you been writing?

We’ve been writing since we were teenagers and we discovered our unique, collaborative abilities in the mid-90s, when we began writing drama at our church. In the summer of 2009 we discovered we could write romance together.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Most recently just sitting down to write has been challenging because life has been getting in the way.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Yes, it is fun when the story is rolling along or we are in the beginning stages of putting the plot together. Catherine has been known to cry when writing particularly emotional scenes.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

Every book is different. Promised deadlines make us very disciplined. We actually took a laptop to the hospital while sitting with an ill friend. But when the muse evades us Catherine has been known to clean the house to avoid the computer.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

Our collaborative writing started as a hobby because of writing drama for the church. Catherine has always wanted to write professionally and did so for a number of years with the local newspaper. Donald wrote various non-fiction items for his job and even received national recognition for one instruction manual. Fiction was just the next step in the process.

Anything and everything. A commercial inspired the setting for Can’t Stop the Music, which is now out of print. A road sign inspired The Turning Stone Chronicles. A visit to a haunted southern plantation B&B inspired our latest book Ghosts and Gardenias, which was originally going to be a standalone book. Then an editor’s question on the original manuscript catapulted us into the “Why not” and “How can we” questions, birthing two more book ideas, thus creating a series.

Let’s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

What are your pet peeves?

People who use “me” and “I” incorrectly when speaking. Catherine is constantly correcting the people on the TV. Donald loves to count the “uhs” that occur in a character’s dialogue in reality shows.

Who is your hero?

Donald grew up with Roy Rogers as a hero but probably his dad was the most important one he copied. Donald is Catherine’s hero because he takes such good care of her when she breaks bones, which she has done frequently.

Give us one thing on your bucket list.

We actually accomplished one item on our bucket list this past year that we thought would never happen. We purchased a cottage on a lake that has now become our place to go write.

What is your favorite hot drink (coffee, tea, etc.)?

Catherine’s favorite is her own mix of hot chocolate. She won’t touch the watery store-bought stuff. Donald likes either Carmel or Peach hot tea.

What would readers find surprising about you?

Catherine cut a record, with an original song on it, when she was a teen. A local radio station played the song. Donald played division one college tennis. He was the seventh man on the six man traveling squad.

If you could go to heaven, who would you visit?

Catherine wants to visit Melchizedek, the mysterious Old Testament king who comes out to meet Abraham. Donald doesn’t know who he would visit.

Just for fun. What is your least favorite:

Hero type – Donald’s is a dark moody character. Catherine’s is stupid man, who doesn’t communicate.

Body part – depends on whose body it’s on

Overused word in a title – Greatest

Genre – erotica, vampire or zombies.

Dirty word – F* or B

Now that our readers know who C.D. Hersh is let’s get down to the business of your book, _Ghosts and Gardenias.

Please tell us a little bit about Ghosts and Gardenias

Trapped in the past by a ghost and haunted wedding dress, Susan Trowbridge must discover the ghost’s killer before becoming the next victim.

Duncan Hawthorn, battling his own demons, finds himself inexplicably attracted to a woman he thought he hated. Should he believe she’s in danger? Should he believe her claims that she’s from the future? Either way he’ll lose the woman who has become his salvation and true love.

What was your hardest challenge writing this book?

Discovering what happens with Suzette’s body when Susan takes her place.

What kind of research did you have to do?

A lot of research was on the Victorian era, concentrating on clothing, food, architecture, guns of the time and doorknobs.

What in your opinion makes good chemistry between your leading characters?

The contrast between the light character of the heroine and the dark character of the hero. He’s moody and troubled and she’s always cracking a joke. Both behaviors frustrate the other person.

Any other works in progress?

We are working on the second book in the series, The Haunting of Garnoa Road. Ghosts and Gardenias is the first book. Also, the fifth book in The Turning Stone Chronicles is in process.

Any advice for aspiring authors?

Never give up. Catherine’s first solo book took seven years to be published. The same day that one was accepted the first of our co-authored books was accepted. Persistence pays off. Don’t wait to write or submit your manuscript. Carpe diem.

Final words?

Thank you for inviting us to speak with you and your followers. Please come visit us on our blog. Don’t forget to read a free sample of our books on Amazon.