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ALL THE WORLD’S A PAGE Starring:_Annie West 

4/12/2013

34 Comments

 
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ANNIE WEST writes wonderful contemporary romances with feisty heroines and hunky heroes. I love her sheiks and I love her settings which she evokes with skill and perception. And she’s offering a give away of one of her titles to one lucky commentator. Read on to find out more…

Welcome, Annie, and thanks for treading the boards with us today!

Thanks, Susanne, it’s lovely of you to invite me along! I’m so pleased to be here.

 

1.      Are you inspired most by places, people or experiences and how do these work their way into your writing?

I think it all ends up in the mix. Often it’s only after I’ve written a book that I can identify how scenes or characters’ reactions might have been influenced by certain things. That’s always fun and often surprising. The sense of place is very important for me, even if a good deal of description is cut out in the editing, so having a feel for locations is important. As for people and experiences – I suspect all writers draw on emotions and interactions they have experienced. On the other hand, I’d never write a book based on someone real.

2.      Please share one of your favourite moments of inspiration with us.

I was working one day when the title ‘The Unwanted Wife’ popped into my head. I liked it so much I wrote it down. That wasn’t enough though. I found myself pondering who she was and why she was unwanted, even though I was in the middle of another book at the time. I was so desperate to discover the answer I asked lots of writer friends why she might be unwanted and every time I knew, within seconds of them explaining their idea, why that wasn’t right. Not that they weren’t good ideas, but they weren’t right for this wife. Finally, finally, I discovered why she was unwanted. She’d turned up at her husband’s estate on the very night he was holding a high profile party to celebrate his engagement to another woman. He, of course, had believed his wife to be dead. As soon as I worked that out I knew I had to write it. That story became ‘The Greek Tycoon’s Unexpected Wife’.

Titles are often difficult to pin down; this has to be one of the most interesting approaches to writing – beginning with a title then asking all the right questions to draw out the story.

3.      Who would you cast for a movie/TV series as your main characters if given the chance?

I don’t usually cast actors in the starring roles of my books, except for some reason in the case of my most recent release: ‘Captive in the Spotlight’. For that one the actors were so easy to choose: Joe Manganiello for Domenico and  Diane Kruger for Lucy.

I think Joe inspires everyone! And yes, I can ‘see’ him as Domenico!

4.      What is your favourite holiday?

Hard to choose but I’ve just been looking at photos of a holiday I spend in the Dordogne region of France with my husband. Great company, excellent food, picturesque towns, romantic castles and lazy, sunny days – it was fantastic!

5.      Do you read reviews of your books? What do you do when you read a not-so-nice one?

Generally I try not to, though when I’m alerted by a reviewer I’ll check it out. As for negative reviews – I remind myself that everyone has different tastes. I saw a negative review once that seemed to be based on an intense dislike of a character’s name. You never know what else, in addition to the story you’ve written, affects how much people enjoy your work or not.

6.      How many times were you turned down before you finally got published?

Multiple times. Sorry – I haven’t gone back to count them up. But on the positive side I did sell the first short story I’d ever written to a national magazine. That gave me such a boost and made me hope I could sell my novels one day.

7.      If you could meet anyone, alive or dead, and spend an hour with them who and why?

I’ve always been completely fascinated by the idea of meeting people from the past. I think it’s because I’ve always been a history buff. Asking me to choose one single person is impossible. I’d opt for a Tardis, and like Dr Who, I’d have no trouble understanding and speaking whatever language I needed. Wouldn’t that be marvellous?

Can I hitch a ride please?

8.      What is your favorite book of all time that you can reread a hundred times, and it still feels like the first time?

I can never choose one favourite. My reread book used to be ‘Lord of the Rings’ but I’m finding I go for something shorter now. Give me a Georgette Heyer or perhaps Loretta Chase’s ‘Mr Impossible’.

9.      What do you need to set the mood for you to write?

Quiet or alternatively white noise like voices in the background. I’ve been known to write in cafes or playgrounds, but if I can tune into a conversation or the lyrics of a song it messes with the writing.

10.  If there is one genre that you have not written in yet, but would love to try writing a book in that specific genre, what would it be?

I love historicals and romantic suspense but I’m not sure I’ll ever try publishing in either.

11.  How many blurbs did you have to write before the final one?

Well, the truth is, I don’t get the chance. My publisher writes them. When I read the back cover copy it’s always intriguing to see what they come up with!

12.  What are you working on now?

It’s a marriage of convenience story though I’ve only just realised that! Thanks for asking, Susanne – it’s good to have such things clear in my mind (G). It’s about a couple who come together through mutual lust then through duty, never expecting love to blossom. Poor things. Why do I always like to torture my characters?

(You know you love doing it, Annie!)

13.  Would you like to share an excerpt from your writing or a photo or music link that inspires you?  From ‘Captive in the Spotlight’ (This excerpt is posted by arrangement with Harlequin Books SA):

The camera crews parted. There, striding towards her was the man she'd expected never to see again: Domenico Volpe, shouldering through the rabble, eyes locked on her. He seemed oblivious to the snapping shutters as the cameras went into overdrive and newsmen gabbled into microphones.

   He wore a grey suit with the slightest sheen, as if it were woven from black pearls. His shirt was pure white, his tie perfection in dark silk.

   He looked the epitome of Italian wealth and breeding. Not a wrinkle marred his clothes or the elegant lines of his face. Only his eyes, boring into hers, spoke of something less than cool control.

   A spike of heat plunged right through her belly as she held his eyes.

   He stopped before her and Lucy had to force herself not to crane her head to look up at him. Instead she focused on the hand he held out to her.

   The paper crackled as she took it.

   Come with me. The words were in slashing black ink on a page from a pocketbook. I can get you away from this. You'll be safe.

   Her head jerked up.

   'Safe?' With him?

   He nodded. 'Yes.'

   Around them journalists craned to hear. One tried to snatch the note from Lucy's hand. She crumpled it in her fist.

   It was mad. Bizarre. He couldn't want to help her. Yet she wasn't fool enough to think she could stay here. Trouble was brewing and she'd be at the centre of it.

   Still she hesitated. This close, Lucy was aware of the strength in those broad shoulders, in that tall frame and his square olive-skinned hands. Once that blatant male power had left her breathless. Now it threatened.

   But if he'd wanted to harm her physically he'd have found a way long before this.

   He leaned forward. She stiffened as his whispered words caressed her cheek. 'Word of a Volpe.'

   He withdrew, but only far enough to look her in the eye. He stood in her personal space, his lean body warming her and sending ripples of a tension through her.

   She knew he was proud. Haughty. Loyal. A powerful man. A dangerously clever one. But everything she'd read, and she'd read plenty, indicated he was a man of his word. He wouldn't sully his ancient family name or his pride by lying.

   She hoped.

   Jerkily she nodded.

   'Va bene.' He eased the case from her white-knuckled grip and turned, propelling her through the crowd with his palm at her back, its heat searing through her clothes.

   Questions rang out but Domenico Volpe ignored them. With his support Lucy rallied and managed not to stumble. Then suddenly there was blissful space, a cordon of security men, the open limousine door.

   This time Lucy needed no urging. She scrambled in and settled herself on the far side of the wide rear seat.

   The door shut behind him and the car accelerated away before she'd gathered herself.

   'My bag!'

   'It's in the boot. Quite safe.'

   Safe. There it was again. The word she'd never associated with Domenico Volpe.

   Slowly Lucy turned. She was exhausted, weary beyond imagining after less than an hour at the mercy of the paparazzi, but she couldn't relax, even in this decadently luxurious vehicle.

   Deep-set grey eyes met hers. This time they looked stormy rather than glacial. Lucy was under no illusions he wanted her here, with him. Despite the nonchalant stretch of his long legs, crossed at the ankles, there was tightness in his shoulders and jaw.

   'What do you want?'

   'To rescue you from the press.'

   Lucy shook her head. 'No.'

   'No?' One dark eyebrow shot up towards his hairline. 'You call me a liar?'

   'If you'd been interested in rescuing me you'd have done it years ago when it mattered. But you dropped me like a hot potato.'

   Her words sucked the oxygen from the limousine, leaving a heavy, clogging atmosphere of raw emotion. Lucy drew a deep breath, uncaring that he noted the agitated rise and fall of her breasts as she struggled for air.

   'You're talking about two different things.' His tone was cool.

   'You think?' She paused. 'You're playing semantics. The last thing you want is to rescue me.'

   'Then let us say merely that your interests and mine coincide this time.'

   'How?' She leaned forward, as if a closer view would reveal the secrets he kept behind that patrician façade of calm. 'I can't see what we have in common.'

   He shook his head, turning more fully. Lucy became intensely aware of the strength hidden behind that tailored suit as his shoulders blocked her view of the street.

   A jitter of curious sensation sped down her backbone and curled deep within. It disturbed her.

   'Then you have an enviably short memory, Ms Knight. Even you can't deny we're linked by a tie that binds us forever, however much I wish it otherwise.'

   'But that's-'

   'In the past?' His lip curled in a travesty of a smile. 'Yet it's a truth I live with every day.' His eyes glowed, luminous with emotions she'd once thought him too cold to feel. His voice deepened to a low, bone-melting hum. 'Nothing will ever take away the fact that you killed my brother.'



 

14.  Please share your favourite cocktail recipe or celebration photo.

I love bubbly for a celebration, and really, life is full of things we ought to celebrate and usually don’t. My current favourite celebration cocktail is a nip of Chambord (French black raspberry liqueur) topped up with sparkling wine. The only problem is that it slips down very easily so beware!

Kir Royale! I should have guessed you’d be a champagne lover, Annie!

Thanks for taking a star turn today, Annie, and for your kind offer of one of your fabulous books.

Annie has kindly offered to give away one of her titles to someone who shares the most unusual or memorable premise they remember for a romance. So what’s yours?


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34 Comments
Anna Campbell link
4/13/2013 07:52:13 am

Hi Susanne! Hi Annie! Happy Sunday to both of you. I'm delighted to say the sun is shining here after a week of really heavy rain. Amazing what a bit of brightness does!

Annie, first of all congratulations on your wonderful Captive in the Spotlight. One of your best, I think. I'm not surprising it's garnering such great reviews.

And yes, please to a kir royale. Such a lovely celebratory drink.

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Annie West link
4/13/2013 08:19:42 am

Morning, Anna. Somehow I can see you sipping a Kir Royale right now. After all, as the first person so serve me one, I'm sure you'd enjoy it. Must say using the Chambord makes it extra special.

So glad you've got sun up there. Me too. A perfect morning to relax by the pool with friends and celebrate. How soon can you get here?

Thanks for the congratulations on 'Captive'. How lovely of you to say it's one of my best. It felt that way as I wrote it but you know how hard it is for the author to get a good perspective on what they've written. It was fantastic though, the way Lucy and Domenico just took over the pages - talk about sizzle and intensity.

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Susanne Bellamy
4/13/2013 08:55:24 am

Hi Anna! Glad I bought extra champagne. Just knew a Decadent Sunday Morning with Anna and Annie would be fun!

Have to say, I love Domenico too and every time I think of him, it's Joe M. I see after Annie's comment. Delicious!

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Annie West link
4/13/2013 10:04:28 am

Susanne - laying in extra champers is always a good idea. It never goes to waste.

I'm so glad Joe M works for you as Domenico. I think they're a perfect fit.

Efthalia link
4/13/2013 08:03:59 am

Annie, wonderful interview.

I'm with you I'd love to write a historical one day. You can do it, something tells me you can.

Black raspberry liqueur and champagne...mmm that sounds like something Susanne and I would definitely like. :)

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Annie West link
4/13/2013 08:24:20 am

Efthalia - you haven't tried one? Do, do. It's a real teat. Just the thing for sitting back and enjoying a well earned sense of achievement when it's celebration time. At least I think so. Definitely not an every day tipple.

Hey, thanks for having such faith in my writing. Historical romances are one of my first and continuing loves but the practicalities of writing one scare me witless. How intriguing that you'd love to write one too. What period? I love regencies but there are so many fascinating times and places and I'm rather fond of the Edwardian too. On the other hand, writing contemporaries lets me get away with some things I couldn't otherwise and I do so enjoy writing what I currently do. If only there were more hours in the day and days in the year.

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Susanne Bellamy
4/13/2013 08:56:50 am

Definitely, Effie!
We can't drink Moonlight Martinis ALL the time!

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Annie West link
4/13/2013 08:25:37 am

Susanne, thanks for the invite to pop over today and thanks for the lovely elegant Kir Royale pic you've added. It sets a lovely tone!

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Susanne Bellamy
4/13/2013 08:51:59 am

You are welcome, Annie! Delighted you can be here. Was the Kir Royale a good inducement? :)
I was lucky when researching for images. I first tasted Kir Royale in France and fell in love with it too. It seems such an elegant drink.

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Annie West link
4/13/2013 10:06:31 am

Susanne, yes, a perfect inducement. I first tasted KR in Sydney with Anna Campbell and then in France (where it felt extra special, I have to say). We had a major celebration here at home recently and they featured again - as you say - elegant as well as tasty.

lily malone link
4/13/2013 10:36:57 am

Hi Annie
Lovely interview. I feel a kindred spirit thing happening. First - I have been to the Dordogne area in France, I spent 2 weeks there in 2007 and had the most wonderful time. Second, Lord Of The Rings is one of my re-reads (and I don't know how many times I've watched the movies).
And I love champagne.
I also love this excerpt. Talk about writing with emotion!
Thank you so much for being on Susanne's wonderful All The World's A Page.
Lily M.

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Annie West
4/13/2013 11:37:37 am

Lily - obviously we're soulmates! Isn't the Dordogne the most gorgeous area? I've been reliving the trip vicariously by reading a mystery series set in that area. As well as the mysteries they're full of local food, drink and scenery. Sigh. I so want to return. In fact I found myself posting about Chateau de Fenelon on Facebook just the other day.

How to terrific to find another Tolkien fan. I've watched the films umpteen times too and I suppose lately that's taken the place of rereading. I'll have to get back to the text one day soon.

I'm so pleased you enjoyed the excerpt. That scene was marvellous to write because of all the strong emotion. I find those seem to fly!

Smiling here at the thought of you sipping bubbly while reading Lord of the Rings.
***************

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Susanne Bellamy
4/13/2013 04:10:25 pm

Aren't I the lucky one, Lily, for having such great guests? Thanks for your very welcome support each week. I always look for your lovely comments!

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Claire
4/13/2013 06:20:35 pm

Hi Annie and Susanne,
I'm afraid I don't have a story premise to share with you today, but I just wanted to pop my head in and say I really enjoyed reading your interview, Annie, and hearing about what inspires you to write such fantastic books. Your take on bad reviews was also particularly interesting. Keep up the good work (and the Kir Royales!)

Reply
Annie West link
4/13/2013 07:07:19 pm

Hi Claire. I'm so glad you enjoyed the interview. I loved the questions Susanne asked. Not all my stories are inspired by titles but that one stuck in my mind.

Bad reviews can be so hard to deal with so I prefer to avoid them when I can. As for the Kir Royales - next time I have something to celebrate I suspect we'll try them again.

Thanks for dropping by.

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Annie West
4/13/2013 07:11:37 pm

Hi Claire. I'm so glad you enjoyed the interview. I loved the questions Susanne asked. Not all my stories are inspired by titles but that one stuck in my mind.

Bad reviews can be so hard to deal with so I prefer to avoid them when I can. As for the Kir Royales - next time I have something to celebrate I suspect we'll try them again.

Thanks for dropping by.

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Susanne Bellamy
4/14/2013 06:19:31 pm

Thanks for stopping in, Claire. I'm intrigued by Annie's sources of inspiration, and how she shapes them into such great stories.

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Annie Seaton link
4/13/2013 07:47:00 pm

Annie
A fab interview. I love the way the unwanted wife came into being!
Cheers
Another Annie

Reply
Annie West link
4/13/2013 08:26:24 pm

Hi Annie! I'm sure there's power in our name. So many authors with our name, or variations. Glad you enjoyed the interview and the story about the unwanted wife. I've written two stories because of a title now. In both cases it was strange how I knew exactly what wasn't right and was sure when I'd hit on the 'right' story for the title. Funny the way the mind works.

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Susanne Bellamy
4/14/2013 06:22:21 pm

Annie X 2!!! I love the premise of "The Unwanted Wife" and how Annie W worked through to the story. I think this approach has much to recommend it, if you can just get that title! Would love to try it one day! Thanks for 'dropping in'!

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Annie West link
4/14/2013 07:43:09 pm

Susanne, I should mention that it took me quite some time to come up with the story so it's not a quick approach - at least for me. Maybe that's why I don't do it all the time. I think I've only written two books from the titles.

Sharon Archer link
4/13/2013 09:22:32 pm

Hi Annie and Susanne
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview!

Annie, I have Captive in the Spotlight on my TBR pile! Can't wait for an opportunity to curl up with this book - the excerpt is fantastic! And I must Google your inspirations for the characters because I'm not familiar with the names... though I'll possibly recognise the faces when I see them. It'll be nice to know how you pictured them.

I must say your fave drink looks like a wonderfully wicked indulgence! Something I'm going to have to try!



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Annie West link
4/13/2013 10:47:37 pm

Sharon, I hope you have fun googling those two actors. They are so suited to Domenico and Lucy! Glad you enjoyed the interview. Hope you also enjoy 'Captive' when you get a chance to read it. Maybe with a Kir Royale at sunset?

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Kandy Shepherd link
4/13/2013 09:37:43 pm

Hi Annie and Susanne
Great interview--both questions and answers!
Annie, I so remember the wonderful opening chapter of THE GREEK TYCOON'S UNEXPECTED WIFE--now that was a memorable premise--the thought-she-was-dead wife turning up at her husband's engagement party. It was a complex,interesting and passionate story.
Your extract of CAPTIVE IN THE SPOTLIGHT has me hooked--I must read it asap!

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Annie West link
4/13/2013 10:50:07 pm

Hi Kandy, how terrific that you recall the opening of Stavros and Tessa's story! I have vivid memories of writing that. I made things so difficult for him I wasn't sure how I was going to untangle things for the pair of them but I was so looking forward to it as I wrote. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the extract from 'Captive'.

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Susanne Bellamy
4/14/2013 06:24:08 pm

Thanks, Kandy. Lovely to have you visit.

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Juanita Kees link
4/13/2013 10:40:44 pm

Hi Annie,

Moonlight Martinis? Sounds awesome :D
Loved the excerpt from Captive in the Spotlight - but then I'm a huge fan of yours already. Lovely interview, ladies.

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Annie West link
4/13/2013 10:51:43 pm

Hi Juanita, I confess I've never had a moonlight martini. It's got a certain appeal, definitely.
Thanks for taking time to comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview, and the books!

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michelle douglas link
4/14/2013 11:02:09 am

Susanne and Annie, what a lovely interview! Annie, I adore the title "The Unwanted Wife." What a shame you didn't get to keep it. :-) Also, I'm saying yum to both the marriage of convenience story you're working on, and Kir Royales.

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Susanne Bellamy
4/14/2013 06:27:14 pm

Hi Michelle. Thanks for dropping in. I definitely prefer Annie's title, but I like titles that intrigue. TUW does make you wonder why she's unwanted and by whom, so I think it works better than 'unexpected'. My two bits worth!

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Annie West link
4/14/2013 12:45:52 pm

Michelle, I thought that title had a ring to it. But it was thought 'Unwanted' had too many negative connotations. I prefer it to the published one but the main thing is that it inspired the book and for that I'm thankful.
Glad you like marriage of convenience titles and Kir Royales. I suppose you could enjoy the two together!

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Vanessa Barneveld link
4/14/2013 03:54:09 pm

Hi, Susanne! Hi, Annie! I'm giving you a standing ovation for a fabulous interview! I'm a late arrival for this performance, but I hope you won't hold that against me.

Annie, I'd love to see you tackle writing a romantic suspense because I'm positive you'd do it so well. And a thousand times yes to having access to the TARDIS!

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Annie West link
4/14/2013 04:55:13 pm

Vanessa, wouldn't a TARDIS be just fantastic? As I child I used to long for one. Hm, thanks for the vote of confidence on the romantic suspense. Maybe one day...

Doesn't Susanne do a great interview. I had fun answering these questions. Thanks for stopping by.

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Susanne Bellamy
4/14/2013 06:16:07 pm

Glad you could make it, Vanessa! Never to late to see a great show and thanks for your standing ovation. I'm delighted Annie could take a star turn -- seems appropriate when we're talking about "Captive in the Spotlight"!
And I look forward to reading Annie's romantic suspenses one day! I'm certain they'd be absolutely rivetting.

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    Story elements surround us every day, from new places to a favourite piece of music or an odd moment witnessed in passing that becomes a scene in our work. On this weekly post, fellow authors will share some of what inspires their stories and their lives. Sit back and make yourself comfortable with the drink of your choice as the curtain rises. 

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