Interview with author Donna Marie Rogers

Donna Marie Rogers Interview


1. Donna, can you tell us a little about your latest release?

Meant To Be is the sequel to There's Only Been You, and the second book in my Jamison series, which takes place in my hometown of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Garrett Jamison, the heroine's oldest brother from There's Only Been You, is a big moody cop with a heart of gold. But his patience is tested when he meets his new neighbor and her howling cat. Her's a blurb:

She's running from her past, he's unsure about his future. Maybe together they can figure out what was Meant To Be.Officer Garrett Jamison is at the lowest point in his life. He's lost faith in his ability as a police officer after unwittingly setting his sister up with a dirty cop. Garrett ended up getting shot, and his sister's son kidnapped right out of his own bed. He takes a leave from the force, in need of some time to make a decision about his future. Too bad he can't get a decent night's sleep thanks to his sexy new neighbor and her howling cat. Jessica McGovern moves halfway across the country to start a new life in Green Bay, Wisconsin after her ex-husband is convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of their young son. Her new neighbor is as infuriating as he is handsome, but when her ex is released from prison early and shows up in town, Jessica discovers she's never needed anyone more.

2. How long have you been writing?

With the intent to publish, since early 2004. But I actually caught the writing bug back in my mid twenties after getting frustrated over the way a book I really loved ended. LOL I decided I could write a book and give it the perfect ending. Only I quickly discovered it was a lot easier to write a novel in theory than in reality. After filling several notebooks with partially written stories, I lost my confidence and gave up. In 2004 I sat down determined to give it another try, and eight months later I typed THE END of There's Only Been You.

3. What is a typical day like for you? How do you manage family and career?

Because I'm a night owl, most mornings it's a struggle just to drag my bones out of bed. I have a 'nobody's allowed to talk to mommy first thing in the morning' rule, but once I've had a little coffee, I'm good. ;-) I'll usually spend the morning going through my emails and do a little promoting before the family starts eating up my time. Wow, my days are even more boring than I thought! I'm stopping now before I put everybody to sleep...LOL

4.What is your writing process? Do you work on more than one project at a time?

I don't have an actual process, though I do also write under another pen name, Liza James, so I have several projects in the works right now. Not sure if that's a good idea or not, because sometimes I can't decide which WIP to work on.

5. What do you think of promotion, and how much do you do? What are your favorite types of promotion?

I probably feel the way about promotion that most authors do - it's time consuming, and I'd rather be writing. ;-) But promotion is necessary, especially when you're e-published. I promote more heavily when my book first releases; posting blurbs & excerpts to the many loops I belong to, running contests, guest blogging.

6.Where do you see your writing career in the next few years?

I hope to still be writing and publishing. I hope to sell to Harlequin Blaze one day soon. I hope to have written two more stories in my Jamison series, start another series. I'd like to have several more stories under Liza James' belt, including a full-length. I have so many plans for the next few years...I sure hope I can get it all done!

7.What are you currently working on?

The sequel to Welcome To Redemption, a four-story, small town anthology I wrote with my CP/good friend Stacey Joy Netzel. Once we've finished with the sequel, I have two other projects in the works, but I haven't decided yet which one to dive back into next.

8.What are you reading?

Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich, and I'm loving it! I know some say the Stephanie Plum books are starting to get repetitive, but Janet Evanovich never fails to make me laugh out loud. :-)

9. What is the best piece of advice concerning writing that you’ve ever received?

It actually came from author Sherrilyn Kenyon. I chaired the last three conferences for my local chapter, and last year I booked Ms. Kenyon to give a keynote speech. I had heard how touching and powerful her personal story was, and truer words had never been spoken. She had the whole room in awe of her strength and tenacity, as well saddened by her personal struggles. Sherrilyn’s overall message was ‘never give up’, and I couldn’t agree with her more.

Thanks so much for granting us this interview!

Thank you for hosting me, Mary! And thank you, everyone for stopping by! I'm going to give away a download of my new release, Meant To Be, and all you have to do to be eligible is tell us what your favorite song is (or band or group). Thanks again, everyone, and a special thanks to Goddess Fish Promotions!