1. What ages are your characters?
Depends on the book. Sometimes they're in their 20s, others their 30s. It depends on the story, honestly. And then there's my current work-in-progress about Aunt Ida, which takes place on her 98th birthday. In Play Me we have a romance between an 85 and 82 year old, even though it's not the primary story. I think characters come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. Everyone has a compelling story to tell.
2. What special things or places inspire you to write?
The obvious place is Newfoundland, of course. But conceptually, the act of falling in love inspires me. The subtle things that transform attraction into something deeper. I find it interesting when people fall in love with surprising partners. Maybe it's because my husband, who I now know is my ideal match, is so far off the kind of guy I was attracted to in my early 20s. I find it interesting that our soul mate can be so far removed from what our brain, and libido, ever imagined. And yet, there's that moment when something deep in your soul goes "BING!" the moment you meet them. That's what inspires me. Finding that moment.
3. What is the one message you hope women will receive when they read your stories?
That romance doesn't have to be over the top gestures, although it can be that too. Romance can be the way a man holds your hand. It can be that joke he tells that only you find funny. It can be a simple gift of candy, or a lavish display of chivalry. Romance is what speaks to your heart, whether it's simple or complex. Sometimes I think we're all expecting flowers and chocolate and fancy dinners and jewellery as the ultimate "romantic" gestures. I know I do, when it comes to flowers and fancy dinners. But I've learned over time that there's more to love, and romance, that just those things. And I hope my characters show my readers just that.
Now, how about clicking this link here and going to visit Katherine Givens to see how she's answered these questions. And don't stop there. Follow the whole Romance Weekly gang and show them so love. :) By the way, isn't her book cover beautiful??? If you click the book cover, you'll go to Amazon's page where you can buy her book. I haven't read it yet but I'm about to pick it up. I'm a sucker for a beautiful cover.