Interview with Soraya Lane

Hi and welcome to my blog! I'm interviewing Soroya Lane today, so I hope you enjoy learning about this author, and I hope you'll leave a comment, letting us know you were here!

Hi Soroya! Thanks for being here today, and thanks for answering my inquiring questions!

First off, tell me about yourself, and your writing.

I live on a small farm in New Zealand with my husband and young son, as well as our two gorgeous dogs and four horses. I’ve just finished writing my 8th book for Harlequin Romance, and I have to say that being an author is truly a dream come true for me.

How long have you been writing? How many published books do you have, and what genres?

I’ve been writing for about 10 years, and it took me 6-7 years to sell my first book. The Navy SEAL’s Bride will be my 6^th book out with Harlequin Romance, and I also have a paranormal young adult romance which has just been released too.

Do you write in multiple genres or just one? If just one, do you ever consider straying outside your genre?

I love paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance, and my first paranormal young adult book, Change, is now available. I hope to be writing more paranormal romance over the next couple of years, but my home will always be contemporary category romance.

Are you a plotter or do you write from the seat of your pants?

I have to admit that I’m a real “pantser”. I plot in my head to some degree, but I love just sitting down in front of the computer and writing. I always have a basic plan for my books, but the most I ever plot is figuring out what my characters conflicts are, and what’s going to keep my hero and heroine apart!

What is a typical writing day like for you?

I work as a freelance journalist as well as an author, so one way or other I’m always writing something! I also have a toddler, so my days aren’t as structured as they used to be. I’m lucky that I work from home (although sometimes I think it’s also a curse!) and I try to work on my work-in-progress every day. Sometimes I write a few hundred words, other days a few thousand, but I have to say that I couldn’t do it without my mom. She helps me out at least 4 days a week by coming over and looking after my son.

Who do you love to read? Favorite authors, favorite books?

Hard question! I love so many authors, so it’s hard choosing just a few … My favorite category romance author is Karina Bliss, favorite paranormal author is Nalini Singh, and other authors I love include Lesley Pearce, Harlan Coben, Tasmina Perry, Nora Roberts, Nicholas Sparks, Stephanie Meyer … the list goes on!

What is something you'd like to accomplish in your writing career next year?

I’d just love to write more. My dream is to work as an author full-time, continuing to produce the types of books I’m already writing.

If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?

Wow, tricky! Hmmm. I would like to fly – that would be amazing.

If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?

Now that’s easy – a flying unicorn! I love horseback riding, but to be able to ride AND fly, now that would be great!

Tell us a little about your latest release.

I wrote my last book (Back in the Soldier’s Arms) and discovered Tom Cartwright, the brother to that book’s hero. He was a strong, confident Navy SEAL, and I really wanted to find out more about him. This book is about him starting over in a different role within the Navy, and adjusting to life as a civilian instead of being a Navy SEAL. My heroine is a former ballerina turned school teacher, and she is everything Tom needs, to turn him into the man he wants to be.

What is something that you absolutely can't live without? (Other than family members)

My laptop and chocolate.

Could you ever co author a book with someone? If so, who would you choose, and what would you write?

I always hated working on joint projects at school and college, so I think I’m probably best working alone! But in saying that, I do love working on continuity (series) books with other authors, where there is a common link/theme, so long as we’re all writing our own stories.

If you could spend a day with anyone from history, dead or alive, who would it be, and what would you do? What would you ask them?

I know they’re not history yet, but I would love to spend the day with the Obama family. I really admire Michelle Obama as a strong woman, and I couldn’t think of anything more interesting than a day in their company.

What are some of your other hobbies outside of writing?

I love my horses, and my favorite way to spend a day is taking them out for a forest ride that leads to the beach. My husband and I both ride, so it’s a great thing to do together.

If you were on the staff to have a book adapted to movie, what would you pick?

One of Nalini Singh’s books – either one of her psy/changeling series or her archangel series.

What is a talent you wish you had, but don't?

I wish I could sing!

Favorite color?

Blue.

Weather: Hot or cold?

Hot!

Favorite place to read?

Lying on a beach, under the shade of a tree.

Favorite meal?

My mom’s sweet and sour chicken, served over rice.

Favorite non-alcoholic drink.

Coca Cola

If you could travel anywhere and do anything, no limits or money holding you back, where would you go?

I would travel through America and then through Europe, with my son and husband. But I couldn’t stay away for long because I’d miss my animals too much! I always have a minor panic attack just before we go away anywhere, because I hate leaving my two dogs. Given how I feel about them, I probably couldn’t ever go away and leave my son either!

Visit me on-line at www.sorayalane.com or on twitter @Soraya_Lane

Too much armor to let anyone close...  

Ex-navy SEAL Tom Cartwright is struggling to return to civilian life. His little niece is his only ray of sunshine and he agrees to be the "show" in her school show-and-tell. 

Teacher Caitlin Rose knows all about past disappointments-once, she danced in the spotlight but now she shows others how to. She's learned the hard way to rely only on herself.  Yet as soon as Tom looks at her with those big brown eyes, she's done for.... 

About the Author:

Romantic Times award winning author Soraya Lane describes writing for Harlequin Romance as a dream come true. An avid book reader and writer since her childhood, Soraya hopes to be writing heart-warming, emotional romances for many years to come. 

Soraya lives with her own real life hero and young son on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze. 

For more information about Soraya and her upcoming or past releases, visit her at www.sorayalane.com or follow her on twitter @Soraya_Lane, or www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor.

Excerpt:

“Gabby?” Caitlin stood behind her desk, leaning toward her young pupil. “You know how I feel about notes being passed in my class.”

She watched confusion cross Gabby’s face as she put the neatly folded piece of paper on her desk. “But it’s for you.”

Caitlin’s eyebrows rose. “For me?”

Gabby giggled and ran back to her seat. 

“Ten more minutes to finish your writing,” Caitlin instructed, before sitting back down herself. “Then you can all share your stories with the class.”

She carefully unfolded the paper and looked to the end of the letter as soon as she had it open. Tom. His name was printed neatly, his handwriting bold and uniform, as she imagined he was at work. 

For the first time since he’d walked out on her his name made her smile. 

Caitlin looked up to make sure all the children were busy before letting her eyes rove back to the start. Her pulse started to race, her body tingling with … anticipation. She’d never been sent a letter by a man before. 

Dear Caitlin

Gabby came home with a note in her bag last night and it made me think of you. I’m sorry for the way I behaved. Thank you for a lovely dinner and please don’t think I’m some rude idiot with bad manners. My mom would kill me if she found out. 

Meet me Saturday afternoon? I’d like to make it up to you if you don’t mind giving me a second chance. Let’s go hiking. I’ll pick you up around 2pm.

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