The SHANNON MUIR’S INFINITE HOUSE OF BOOKS column on Mondays and Wednesdays is a place at Shannon Muir’s author website open to interviews and guest posts from other authors. One thing Shannon firmly believes in for readers not only to learn about new books available, but about those who craft the tales behind them. As its name implies, SHANNON MUIR’S INFINITE HOUSE OF BOOKS weekly column features writers from all genres of fiction who want their potential audience to get to know them, and their works, better – and occasionally may offer features from Shannon herself that support readers to discover words.
Today, find out more about WINTER FLOWERS.
Winter Flowers (The Flowers Series #2)
by Tani Hanes
Genre: NA Romance
Release Date: July 20th 2018
Summary:
What ever happened to Pete and Daisy?
When we left them, their daughter had just been born, and some momentous decisions had been made.
It’s now four years later. Their family has grown, as has their love for each other. Clio is a rocky smart, precocious four year old, and she’s been joined by baby sister Francie. Pete’s career as a musician is finally taking off, and things should be rosy; however, fame and fortune bring their own pitfalls, and a voice from the past arrives in their lives, threatening to upset everything they’ve worked for.
Can they survive Pete’s success, and the long shadow cast by Daisy’s past? How will Pete deal with groupies, temptation, and prolonged separation from his family? And how far is Daisy willing to go to protect those she loves?
Join the Santangelos on this rollicking roller coaster second installment of their journey.
Add Pete and Daisy (The Flower Series #1) to Goodreads
Buy on Amazon!
About the Author
- What initially got you interested in writing?
I’ve always liked to write, I’ve always loved words, grammar, languages. I’m half Japanese, and grew up speaking it with my mother. In addition, I studied French, German and Italian in high school and college. The Italian was very helpful when writing the Flower Series because of Pete being from Italy, of course.
- What genres do you prefer to write in?
It must be pretty obvious that I love romance! I mean, they can be categorized as chick lit, young adult, new adult—I’ve even tried paranormal, but all have as their backbone a romance. I have found, since I’ve begun writing, that I enjoy writing about children and animals, though, which was a fun surprise. They’re still in the context of the romance in that they’re the children or pets of the couple, but yeah, writing about little creatures is so fun!
- Are there any authors you prefer to read and why?
I usually like specific books over authors, but there are a few exceptions. I devoured Agatha Christie as a youngster, then moved on to John D. MacDonald and Stephen King. Most of my best bits are based on things I remember from those guys, probably. I think that, because they’re so popular commercially, the latter two especially have a hard time getting taken seriously, but they’re amazing. As far as specific books, my favorite, re-read every year books include To Kill A Mockingbird, Lonesome Dove, Lolita, and Watership Down.
- How did you make the move into being a published author?
Well, I hate to admit it, but it kind of came from laziness! I hated writing query letters! I mean, of course the rejection was awful, and so painful, but I hated the actual act of writing them, of having to make each one to the specs of the person, keeping track of all of them? I think I did eleven (I know, pathetic!), then I quit. I’m married to a crazy smart guy whom I knew could handle the tech stuff, and I was lucky in that I could afford to pay someone else to do some absolutely gorgeous covers, and boom, I was ready to go.
- What do you find most rewarding about writing?
I love hearing from readers!! I talk to everyone who talks to me, unless they’re being horrid, you know, just being nasty for no reason. I hear from them on social media, and sometimes they post pics of my books when they arrive in the mail or whatever, and it’s the best feeling. One reader actually made a bag with the name of one of my books on it, and I nearly cried! Another posted a pic of her wall calendar, with the release date of one of my books highlighted. Amazing.
- What do you find most challenging about writing?
This would have to be a tie between editing/proofing and marketing. The first thing, editing and proofing, is just such an insane process. First you put everything in, then you take out as much as you can. That’s just nuts. And proofing your own work, well, it just can’t be done, you have to get someone else whose grammar and eye are very good to do it.
And the second thing, you’re basically selling yourself, you know? Some people are so business savvy, and they know what to do, but I just don’t. I have no idea where to buy ads, where to place promos—it’s actually amazing that I even figured out to do these blog tours lol!
- Do you have any tips for writers who find themselves experiencing writer’s block?
A couple things. Sometimes speaking into a microphone can work. People rarely have speaker’s block, you know? Just pour your ideas out orally, into your iPhone or whatever, and transcribe what you have after, all of it, even if it’s word vomit; you can edit after.
The second thing isn’t as helpful for writer’s block, but it’s more of a good habit, and might help to avoid it in the first place: Never stop working for the day when you’re stuck, but rather stop when you know exactly what comes next. If you go like gangbusters until you’re stuck, then stop, there’s a good chance you’ll never go back, because you know what’s waiting. If you know what you’re going to write next, if you’re just dying to write it, chances are you’ll be back at it bright and early, banging it out with enthusiasm. This advice came from Wayne Wightman, who is a writer, and the only writing teacher I’ve ever had. He’s amazing.
- What advice would you give to people that want to enter the field?
Hmm. Well, the first thing is obvious, and that is to write something, to complete it. Everyone’s seen the thing about how the goal of a first draft isn’t to get it perfect, it’s to get it written, right? That’s so true. I always tell people who ask me that finished anything is better than a couple chapters of the best thing ever written. The former you can work with, it has potential, the latter is nothing. I didn’t start writing until I turned 50, and I regret it so much. Other than that, it’s all the usual, like pay for the best editor, proofer, and cover you can afford, don’t do it yourself.
9. What do you want readers to take away from reading your works?
This is kind of funny, because it’s a deep question, and I don’t really write deep stuff! My stuff is sweet, sexy romances, so I suppose I’d want readers to feel satisfied and happy? To love New York, where the Flower Series is set? Both the first, Pete & Daisy, and the current release, Winter Flowers, are set in Manhattan, though the third and fourth are set in Europe and Los Angeles, respectively.
My name is Tani Hanes, and I am a 51 year old substitute teacher. I’m from central California and am a recent transplant to New York City. The most important things to know about me are that I’m punctual, I love grammar and sushi, and I’m very intolerant of intolerance. The least important things to know about me are that I like to knit and I couldn’t spell “acoustic” for 40 years. I’ve wanted to write since I was ten, and I finally did it. If you want to write, don’t wait as long as I did, it’s pointless, and very frustrating!
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