Sophia Tallon: (AUTHOR INTERVIEW) Tina Donahue

Today I will be interviewing Tina Donahue! Enjoy, and remember if you ever want to be interviewed Contact Me!

First of all, tell us a little about yourself!

The best way to do that is with my bio.

I’m an Amazon and international bestselling novelist in spicy, paranormal, contemporary and historical romance for traditional publishers and indie. Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Romantic Times and numerous online sites have praised my work. I’ve won Readers’ Choice Awards, was named a finalist in the EPIC competition, received a Book of the Year award, The Golden Nib Award, awards of merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competitions, and second place in the NEC RWA contests. I’m featured in the Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market. Before penning romances, I worked at a major Hollywood production company in Story Direction.

On a less serious note: I’m an admitted and unrepentant chocoholic, I brake for Mexican restaurants, and have been known to moan like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally while I’m wolfing down tostadas. I’ve flown a single-engine airplane (freaking scary), rewired an old house using an ‘electricity for dummies’ book, and am horribly shy despite the spicy romances I write.

What inspired you to become an author?

I’ve always written stories even as a child. I wrote my first book when I was nine – Dimples the Adventurous Flea about a flea that jumped from dog to dog to ‘see the world’. When he was on a French poodle, he was in France. An English bulldog – yep, England. I also illustrated it and went around the neighborhood selling copies to my friends’ parents. My first book tour. J

What was the main inspiration for your most recent book?

Like Lauren in Wicked Takeover, I worked in a division of a large corporation. In fact, I had basically created and tirelessly nurtured the division for over 10 years. Shortly before Thanksgiving, my job was eliminated. That’s corporate speak for they wanted someone cheaper. We’ve all heard the horror stories. As I was plotting Wicked Takeover I knew I wanted Lauren to suffer the same fate career-wise as I had (and to be told in the same cold manner). Then I came upon the idea to have her inherit a business she knew nothing about – a tattoo parlor. Quite a stretch for her since she was in HR at her corporate job.

Who influenced you the most in life?

The countless authors I’ve read from little on, certainly too many to name. I’ve always loved to read. To me, books were a way to escape and live another more exciting life.

What is the kindest thing someone has ever said and or done for you?

I would have to say the unending support the ladies on my street team give me. Pamela Leonhardt, my PA, is amazing and tireless in getting out the word on my books.

Do you have a favourite author? (Or name a few)

I love so many, but I adore Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid’s Tale), Stieg Larsson (The Millennium Trilogy – The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest), Lawrence Sanders (Love Songs), Dean Koontz (Intensity and Odd Thomas), Stephen King (Carrie).

What is the best writing advice you have ever received?

Talent won’t see you through. To make it in such a competitive and difficult industry, you need persistence. You need to read, read, read and write, write, write. Nothing can substitute for that.

Did you always want to be a writer and if not what did was the first thing you wanted to be or do?

Given that I was writing as a child, I think I always wanted to write for a living but didn’t really consider it seriously until I got to college. At first, I majored in art thinking I’d be a commercial artist, but that never thrilled me as writing did and does.

Do you like to listen to music while you write? If so, who are your favourite artists?

I only listen to music while I write to drown out other noises and then only instrumental music. I actually prefer total silence. I love many popular artists (Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Maroon 5, Meghan Trainor, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift…), however I can’t write and also hear lyrics.

What helps you write when you're stuck and or have writer's block?

Exercise on my stationary bike. For some reason, as soon as I’m exercising the juices start flowing.

After a long day of writing etc, do you have a favourite tv show you like to watch?

I have many: This is Us, Designated Survivor, Grey’s Anatomy, Blindspot, The Black List, Superstore…

What are you working on currently?

I’ve begun to plot book 5 in my Wicked Brand series – Wicked Takeover is book 1.

When you're not writing, or working, what do you like to do?

Hang with friends, drive, go out to eat.

What are some of your most favourite books of all time?

Two top choices: The Handmaid’s Tale and The Millennium Trilogy.

Which of your characters do you love the most and why?

That’s difficult to say. I love them all while I writing them and then love the new ones I create.

Which of your books are you most proud of?

Wow, another impossible question. I’m proud of each one. Each took a lot of imagination, skill, and persistence to get on paper.

What is the title of the last book you read/was it good or bad?

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. Absolutely amazing. The courtroom scene was one of the greatest scenes I’ve ever read.

Is there anything specific you'd like to try writing about in the future?

I began writing thrillers and switched to romance. I’d like to return to thrillers someday.

What is an interesting or hidden talent you have?

I have an artistic nature and trained to be an artist before I moved into writing. I love to decorate and to design clothes.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why would you choose it?

I’d love to be able to fly or dematerialize and rematerialize somewhere else. Travel without any hassle.

Is there anything else you'd like my readers to know?

Books 2-4 for Wicked Brand are in the works. Book 2 has already gone through edits. I’m currently in edits on book 3.

Where can we find you on social media?

My links:

FB Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/DonahueTina1/

Email: tinadonahuebooks@gmail.com

Website/Blog: http://tinadonahuebooks.blogspot.com/

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1wFmIu6

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1ziy4IU

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1Dl8DHy

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tina-donahue

Triberr: http://bit.ly/1CE2ec7

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1yFLeMx

Amazon author page: http://amzn.to/1ChWFkO

Kensington: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/author.aspx/24772