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Debora:
Welcome to The Romance Reader's Connection! We're
excited to have Jane Porter, our first Harlequin Presents author, as
the Author of the Month. Jane,
tell us about yourself, and how you came to write for Presents. You
were the first American Presents author in many years, right?
Jane:
I'm a native Californian, raised in the Central Valley, now raising my
family in Seattle, Washington. I
have two boys and we're-gulp-thinking of trying for another. Reading
has been my escape my entire life. I
don't think I enjoy anything half so much and the love of reading
turned into a love of writing. I
wrote my first picture book in third grade, my first 'real novel' in
fourth grade and tried to write my first romance when I was still in
high school. It took me over 12 years of writing and submitting to
Harlequin to sell to Presents. I
submitted to Presents first, then after several rejections moved to
Silhouette and Harlequin Toronto. But
editors at Special Edition and Superromance weren't comfortable with
my voice and style. I
think I tend to write "big," larger than life. And
it didn't fit with the other lines. I
eventually sold to Presents because I'd met the senior editor at a
small conference and she knew I'd read Presents for years, and
suggested I give it a try again. My
first sale, ITALIAN GROOM, was written specifically with Presents in
mind, and yes, I was the first American bought in quite some time but
this year several new American and UK authors debut with Presents. It's
wonderful to see Presents continue to grow and develop.
Debora:
Do you deal directly with your UK editor(s)? Have
you come across any special differences or challenges with being
American and having British editors?
Jane: I
love working with the UK office! The
editors are fantastic. They're
kind, gentle, insightful, and they respond very, very quickly to
authors and unpublished authors alike. Writing
for the HM&B office in London has allowed my style to grow and my
voice to shine. I wouldn't change my editors for anything!
Debora:
Why do you think some romance fans avoid Presents or think that
they've outgrown them? I've been on e-lists where readers have said that Presents
tend towards violence between the hero and heroine. I don't think this at all, but think some Presents do explore
the darker side of love.
Jane: I
think these readers haven't read current or modern Presents.
Presents today have a wide range of voices and styles, as well
as intriguing themes. There
are some Presents authors, like other Har/Sil authors, who write a
lighter, sexier book; some who write a more emotional, less explicit
story; and others who mix it all up and deliver intensity and passion
in all its forms. I'm one
of the newer authors who mix it up, and I mix it up by writing about
the themes closest to my heart-love, hope, faith, courage, redemption.
And in that sense, yes,
this does explore the darker side of love because love isn't easy. People do make mistakes. We're often looking for forgiveness and second (and third. and
fourth.) chances. I
frequently write about men and women who haven't gotten it right yet
and wonder why love has eluded them. And
then I'll write really hot stories where women are afraid to let go
and accept the sensuality and passion because they're afraid of such
intense feelings and raw sexuality. Truly,
Presents covers the entire spectrum of story-telling and the authors
who write for the line are among the best selling romance authors in
the world. I'm one of
those who reads across the Har/Sil lines so I know what Presents
offers-and I'm obviously very proud of Presents and what we offer
readers.
Debora:
What is it about the alpha hero? What
makes you want to write them? So
many American romance fans prefer the beta hero, but I say there's
nothing like an alpha hero.
Jane:
What is it about the alpha hero? Well,
personally I've never dated a beta hero. It's
just not in my blood. I
was raised in a very strong family and my mother and grandmother are
strong women. You don't pair strong women with passive men. That's
not to say that great alphas are aggressive. They're
assertive. I think lots
of women, and readers, have mixed up the definition of alpha and beta
because a wonderful alpha hero doesn't need to be harsh, cruel, or
rough. A true alpha male
is strong, smart, physical, and sensual. He's protective of his woman and family. He'd never walk away from his mate or his children. He'd
do anything to provide for those he loves. This
is the secret of the alpha. He's
the ultimate lover, partner, protector.
Debora:
IN DANTE'S DEBT and LAZARO'S REVENGE were both wonderful books.
How did you come to write about Argentina? I'm
looking forward to Anabella's story! BTW,
I loved the info and photos from your trip to Argentina at your
website. http://www.janeporter.com
Jane: I
love trying new things, and researching new places, and when I was
reading an issue of Architectural Digest a couple years ago the
magazine featured a count in Argentina who raised Arabians. I
was fascinated by the count's beautiful estancia and his lifestyle. That
article planted the seed for IN DANTE’S DEBT and now that I've
traveled to Argentina, I've truly fallen for the country. It's
a gorgeous, cosmopolitan and sensual place.
Debora:
You've written a sheikh book, THE SHEIKH'S WIFE. Why
do you think sheikhs have always been so popular? Do
you think 9-11 has diminished their appeal?
Jane:
Sheikh books are selling hotter than ever, and the book I'm writing
now, THE SULTAN’S PRINCESS, is very much a desert romance, in the
style of Valentino. It's
exotic, erotic and fun. I
think sheikh books will continue to sell well because 9-11 was about
extremists, not culture.
Debora:
Who are your favorite authors?
Jane:
When I read for pleasure I love historical romance. Stephanie
Laurens, Shana Abe, Karen Marie Moning, and of course, one of my
favorite authors ever-Christine Feehan. I
love her Dark series, and SCARLETTI’S CURSE was fantastic, too.
Debora:
What are you working on now?
Jane:
I've just started my brand new mini-series for Presents, The
Princess Brides. It's
a trilogy featuring three royal sisters who must all make
marriages of convenience to save their kingdom--but whether or
not they can go through with the marriages, now there's the story!
Debora:
Do you have any plans to write for any other Harlequin or Silhouette
lines, or to expand to single title?
Jane:
I've already done a special project for Harlequin, participating in
the new Cooper's Corner series, and I've been asked to write
for Blaze as well this year. But
yes to the single title. I've
always written "long"-long contemporary, long historical and
I'd love to really explore love and relationship issues in a longer
format again
(Click
for a review of IN DANTE'S DEBT)
(Click
here for a review of LAZARO'S REVENGE)
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