Author's Name: Tawny Weber
Website: www.TawnyWeber.com

Tawny Weber writes hot, sassy romance for Harlequin Blaze.

New Release:
DOUBLE DARE
Harlequin Blaze, May 2007

Mistaken Seduction? Audra Walker has no clue when she sets out to redeem her Bad Girl status that she’ll end up in the middle of an identity theft ring, chased by the bad guy and falling in bed, and in love, with a hot cop. In the end, she learns what family really is, who she really is, and that sometimes, good boys are the best bet.

Brief Excerpt:
Jesse reached for his wallet when a slim hand pressed against his forearm.

“Let me get that for you.”

Jesse’s brain, at least the independent gentlemanly part, shut down. Apparently his vocal cords did too, because he couldn’t say a word. All he could do was stare.

Temptation and pure sin, wrapped in black leather. The still functioning portion of Jesse’s brain cataloged the woman’s features. Huge doe eyes with a thick fringe of lashes dominated a narrow face. Shiny red lips looked like she’d just ate something juicy, tempting him to lean forward for a taste. More>>

On Writing

I’ve read romance as far back as I remember but never thought of writing until my husband encouraged me to try. When I did, I spent a couple months searching the web for anything and everything I could find on writing romance. RWA popped up over and over, so I figured that was the smartest place to start. I joined in March of 2002 and FTH was the first chapter I found! When I looked at what to write, I asked myself what I loved to read. At the time, Harlequin Temptation’s filled my shelves, so that’s the direction I focused.

On the Writing Process

I usually start with a premise or idea (not really sure WHERE those come from, they just seem to pop into my head LOL) and then meet with my plotting group. Once I’ve got a workable plot and characters, I just start writing. I’m linear writer, spending the most time on the first three chapters, over and over and over, before I can move forward with the rest of the story. Other than the partial, I don’t do multiple. I write a single draft, send it out to my CP’s, then edit in their feedback before it goes to my agent or editor for revisions.

On Writing Schedule

I write at night. Usually around 10pm, the writer’s brain seems to kick in (Muse visits, words flow – all that fun stuff). I’ve tried writing during the day before, but I have so many commitments that I can’t get past the interruptions. Besides, there’s something about the dark that makes me feel more creative. I put on my headphones and que up whatever playlist goes with my current WIP, and just write.

On Writer's Block

I’ve experienced frustration and insecurity that made me doubt my writing abilities or story, but I’ve never NOT been able to write. Even if its crap (and I often think it is), I still manage to put words on the page. When I’m frustrated, whining to my CP’s is amazingly helpful. For me, of course. I’m sure it drives them nuts.

On Conferences and Contests

This is a tough one. I don’t believe I sold because of contests or conference pitches. But I do believe that conferences and contests are vital in networking. Both in getting your name out there and making connections, and also in just knowing what’s going on in the industry. I was only a baby diva when it comes to contests, because I only entered when my target editor was the final judge – except the Golden Heart, of course. But I had a few success and those successes did look great in a query letter.

On Getting "The Call"

Amazing. Wonderful, fabulous – all that you’d imagine it to be... it was. The only regret I have is that I didn’t scream and babble – I found out editors really do like the excited response LOL.

On Being a Published Author

What is the best and the worst thing about being a published author? What's the biggest challenge?

The best? Seeing my name on that book cover. Knowing that reading my book might bring the same joy and excitement to readers that other authors have given to me. The worst would be the sudden onslaught of doubts. I was blown away at the number of insecurities that came with the contract!! The biggest challenge is balancing everything. Writing, promotion, goals. Kids, school, hubby. Balance is definitely my biggest challenge. To that end, one of my good friends, Sheila Mohs, dared me to use my blog to post scrapbook pages (I love to scrapbook, but had let it go after I sold because “I didn’t have time”) each week to force me to keep balance. She’s a wise woman, that Sheila.

Best Advice Received

I’ve been lucky in that I’ve received a great deal of fabulous advice. One piece in particular that is fresh in my mind right now (probably because I’m looking at the post it on my monitor) came from Pocket author, Karin Tabke who said “Safe Sucks”. I laugh, but it translates to writing all across the board. To taking the easy route in a manuscript, to not doing promo because it pushes me outside my comfort zone, to not submitting to a particular house/editor/agent/etc because it’s “too lofty”.

Worst Advice Received

Because I write for Harlequin, not to bother with an agent or with promotion. That neither would matter.

On Promotion

I think in today’s competitive market, self-promotion is vital. Granted, there is a nice built in sales factor in writing for category – because readers know what to expect from each particular line which creates an auto-buy angle that translates to sales. But I really don’t think that’s enough. The age-old advice to write a good book aside (because, really, aren’t we all writing the best book we can?) I think name recognition is key to building a strong career. I sent out mailings, bookmarks and excerpts as well as ARCS for reviews. I hold contests, put out a quarterly newsletter, blog on both my personal blog and a group blog. I try to make my website fun, for instance I have a Hunk of the Month contest, inviting readers to come vote for their favorite hotties. I am scheduled for quite a few book signings, as well as a tour of stock signings. Like anything, a fabulous product is vital... but you have to get that product in front of people to have it matter. The key is finding a way to get it there without giving up crucial writing time.

On Agents

I love mine . I think that this business is a tricky one, and if a writer is looking at it as a career, she’s smart to have an advocate on her side that can help negotiate the often tricky steps of that career. Its different for everyone, of course. Some writers are savvy enough and well-connected enough that they can make it all happen on their own. For me, though, I feel much more confident knowing that I have an agent who knows the industry, whose a contract whiz, and who is first and foremost, looking to build my career and make great things happen for me.

On the Future

I just turned in the revisions on my second book, DOES SHE DARE? and am completing my third Blaze, RISQUE BUSINESS. It’s a fun, totally hot makeover story that I’m having a great time writing.

Advice for Aspiring Writers

Read. Read, read, read. It’s the best way to get a feel for what the editors are looking for. The other, most important thing I could advice is “be true to your voice”. It’s what makes you stand out, so hone it and make the most of it!

The Last Word

DOUBLE DARE is out in May – I hope you’ll take a look!!

Visit Tawny online at http://www.TawnyWeber.com