Spotlight on Bella Andre

August 2004

Sharyn: This month's spotlight author is Bella Andre. A relative newcomer to the writing scene, Bella is a rising star. Her heroes make you want to yell "MINE!", her heroines know what they want and aren't afraid to show it. Did I mention she also writes hot sex scenes? I was thrilled to have the chance to interview her.

Bella, thanks for joining me today. I'll start with something easy. Who or what influenced you to start writing?

Bella: I think writing must be in my blood. My father has written umpteen books and even though I've spent most of my life as a songwriter, somehow one day I looked up and I was writing novels!

Sharyn: Why romantica?

Bella: Via one of my writer's groups, I heard that Ellora's Cave were doing amazing things for writers. So I thought, Hmm....I wonder if I can write hot? It took me about ten minutes to realize that I not only could write romantica, but that it was very satisfying to write as well! ;-)

Sharyn: What has been the most memorable moment of your writing career?

Bella: A couple of weeks ago Pocket Books offered me a contract on my next book!

Sharyn: Wow! Congratulations, I know that must feel absolutely amazing. Tell us a bit about your latest release, Shooting Stars.

Bella: Shooting Stars is a time-travel story--my first attempt at that genre. I really enjoy writing characters who are polar opposites of each other. The modern day heroine and the 14th century heroine couldn't be more different--one boldy sexy, the other covent raised.

Sharyn: Why do you think Scotland and Scotsman are reader favorites?

Bella: It's impossible to deny the romance of Scotland! Plus, the clan in Shooting Stars is my actual family clan on my mother's side!

Sharyn: How neat. It must be fun to tie your history in with your writing in some way. What was it like writing a time-travel? Especially since it was a quickie?

Bella: I loved it! I'm not a very patient person, so I get a lot of pleasure from being able to see a story through to completion in 50 pages (as opposed to 400). Plus, because I had never written a time-travel before, it was a wonderful voyage of writing discovery. I can't wait to write another!

Sharyn: Authors in Ecstasy, your debut novel. Was it fun to write a story where the hero and heroine are writers themselves?

Bella: Oh my gosh--this story was *incredibly* fun to write! Particularly the story within the story. Jolene and Zane's story remains one of my absolute favorite ones! And it was a blast to write a story about two writers. I have a thing for artists--I'd love to write a story about a rock star one day soon.

Sharyn: Now What a Queen Wants (in Crown Jewels anthology) was a short but very erotic novella. And the relationship between the h/h was very intriguing. Was it hard to write? There had to be a good balance of many things for this story to truly work.

Bella: Interestingly enough, this entire story came to me while I was standing in the shower and I had to wash the shampoo out in record time so that I could write down my ideas. What was especially fun about this story was crafting a heroine who at first seems like a major bitch--and somehow showing that she's actually a feeling, hurting, real woman on the inside. That's what the hero's job was--to bring that loving woman out of her.

Sharyn: You did a wonderful job with What a Queen Wants; it is my favorite of your works. Candy Store (in Passionate Hearts anthology), great novella with a great title. What was the research like for it? Full of wonderful treats? *g*

Bella: Thank you for the compliments! More chocolate that you imagine...

Sharyn: Oh, I bet. I feel I must mention the recipe for "Callie's Cocoa Fudge". If readers are still hesitant about buying Passionate Hearts, this recipe just sweetens the read.

Bella: Thanks again--although I have to give credit for this recipe where it is due--my fabulous editor, Raelene, pulled this from her grandmother's recipe files. All I did was add some heat. ;-)

Sharyn: Well, Raelene, if you read this interview, "Thank You!" What's a regular day like for you?

Bella: While I secretly crave ritual, I'm not always that great at following it! But, when I'm in the writing groove my day looks like: Breakfast, write, swim, write, walk, goof off with my husband!

Sharyn: Do you have any particular things that must be around before you can begin your writing?

Bella: Not really. Sometimes I light a candle or put some jazz on, but mostly I just need to get my butt in the seat and my hands on the keyboard.

Sharyn: The debate between plotting and not-plotting is one I think will continue to rage one. How important is plotting to you?

Bella: Honestly, I never plot. I hate to plot. I cringe at the thought of plotting. I can't read books about scene and structure or character archetypes....I'd rather be writing the book than reading about writing the book or thinking about writing the book. But both of my critique partners swear by plotting, etc. I think it just depends on our individual personalities and I've always been a "Just Do It" kind of person.

Sharyn: As a romantica author, what do you believe is the appeal? Do you think its appeal will wane any time soon?

Bella: I think this is a great question--one that I ask myself. One of the things that really excited me about romantica--both as a writer and reader--is that I feel like it really breaks down all of the walls that women have put up--have been expected to put up--around our sexuality. Now, with the erotic romance genre kicking serious butt, we're finally able to more openly embrace our sexuality. Whereas, men have been able to do that forever.

Sharyn: What new releases can readers expect from you in the coming months?

Bella: More information on my upcoming release from Pocket will be on my website, www.bellaandre.com, in the coming months!

Sharyn: How about a bit of fun? Name the first five books in your TBR pile.

Bella: It's Not You It's Me by Alison Rusby, English as a Second Language by Megan Crane. And all of Eloisa James' back list!

Sharyn: Some of your favorite authors?

Bella: Cathy Kelly, Patricia Scanlan, Jennifer Crusie, Marian Keyes

Sharyn: Final question, your ultimate favorite dessert?

Bella: Right now I'm really on a chocolate ice cream with chocolate sauce and mini chocolate chips kick!

Sharyn: Bella, thank you for taking time out of your day to talk with me. I really enjoyed it.

Bella: THANK YOU!!! If readers would like to contact me, they can email me at writetobella@yahoo.com.

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