What is your most recent book and what is it about?
I’m so excited to say that I finally completed the third book in my series – A Merchant Street Mystery. It will be out in July 2014. This book is titled – Fortune for Fools and tells the story of risk-taker Zeke Abberley who knows how to be bold when it comes to his antique shop on Merchant Street in Salt Lake City, Utah. He successfully bids on a collection of 1800s antiques in Nauvoo, Illinois that may contain a valuable Hayez painting. However, love is another matter. Afraid that all women are users, he’s always injuring his dates, particularly Lavinia Vega, who works at her father’s art gallery.
Studious Lavinia Vega is tired of proving to Zeke that she has no ulterior motives. When Zeke brings her a damaged painting to restore and authenticate, she is eager to help but not get involved. When she uncovers a hidden map behind the painting that leads to valuable buried coins, the game plan changes. Or so Zeke thinks.
Will the mysteries Zeke, Lavinia and her Poodle, Vivete, uncover teach them that fortunes are for fools and love is everlasting?
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
The edits haven’t come back yet so I don’t know. lol
There are always things here and there that you think you wished you would have included. I can say that for every book. Having my beta readers go over it helps to clear up a lot of these kind of things. On Fortune for Fools, one of my beta readers didn’t think one of the antagonists should have been given a second chance. It gave me the opportunity to go back and explain more about the relationships and motivations between characters.
How did you come up with the title?
I try to use alliterations in my titles. In this series we have Worth the Wait (prequel novella), Time Will Tell,Hunting for Happenstance, and Fortune for Fools. Don’t know how long I’ll be able to keep that up.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and if so what was it?
When I submitted my series idea to my publisher, I had an idea of what each story would be about. I never dreamed that Fortune for Fools would be much like writing a historical with a whole back story of rich Utah pioneer history and a great deal of research. To say the least, it slowed me down and it still surprises me when the characters write their own story.
What are your current projects?
I have two novella projects in mind, but currently haven’t undertaken another writing project. Right now my life is devoted to my family and other endeavors like restoring antique clocks. Just a temporary pause. Trying to finish the last book in the series was a push with all the issues I had going on in my personal life. I need time to rejuvenate.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I’ve always had a vivid imagination and of all my high school and college classes, I enjoyed those involving writing the most. Even younger, I wrote my own radio plays and had my family perform and record them. Whether it’s a story, painting, song, video, clock…I love creating.
What inspired you to write your first book?
One minute I was a programmer/analyst for an aerospace company and the next hospitalized and bed-ridden. Between writing and adopting a Wire-hired Fox terrier, I started to enjoy life again.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I love any author that can hold my interest and get me to both laugh and cry.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I am enjoying Margaret Sutherland’s books that include dogs in the story and also Jane McBride’s series – The Ann and Henry Novels (Henry is a dog). Do I love dogs or what?
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Write what you love and you can’t go wrong.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
In case we haven’t meet yet, I write sweet romance with humor, suspense...and dogs! I love dogs and someone in my books always owns a dog. I feature them on my covers, so my books are easy to spot. I donate time, money, and proceeds from my books to organizations that help abused and abandoned dogs.
Here's what I try to include in every one of my books:
- A clean read with no bedroom scenes or offensive language.
- A tantalizing, fast-paced plot.
- A story without a lot of boring description.
- Down-to-earth heroes and heroines with everyday jobs.
- A rollercoaster ride of emotions you face right along with the characters.
- A special dog to steal your heart.
- A few added facts, a good message, and that important happily-ever-after ending.
Where is the best place for readers to find your book?
You can find all of my books on Amazon at: http://amzn.to/WviRlv. However for my full-length books, it is best to purchase them directly from my publisher. That way, I can donate more proceeds to abandoned and abused dogs. You can get every type of ereader format at their site as well as print: Sweet Cravings Publishing:http://bit.ly/WdkOU0.
You can also find most of my books at:
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/VmNLee
All Romance ebooks: http://bit.ly/1186k6h
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/19kmbY9
Do you have a website?
You bet. You can find me at: http://www.dragonflyromance.com. I would love to connect with readers on Facebook as well. Friend me at:
My page: http://www.facebook.com/DragonflyRomance
Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorDragonfly
Carolina, you are such a dear, sweet person! Thanks for having me on your blog.
Thank you Cindy for agreeing to this interview I can't wait Fortune of Fools to come out and I'm sure my readers can't either. Remember Folks to like Ms. Christainsen's facebook page and checkout her sweet Sweet Romances that are avaliable now. And feel free to Like, Share Tweet and comment. We love the love and we hope you do too!