AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT ON B.J. DANIELS & GIVEAWAY

As many of you know, I am a super huge fan of author B.J. Daniels. This lady is something else writing her memorable Western Romantic Suspense novels with a flair like no other. I am very fortunate to have been able to ask B.J. some questions and I wanted to share all with you!

1.     Can you please tell us a bit about yourself?

I was born in Houston to a father who loved to travel. I was on the road at two weeks old, so wonder I too love to travel. My family moved to Montana when I was five and, even though I’ve left the state for short periods of time, I always come home. Montana inspires me.

2.    When and how did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I was eight when I decided I was going to be a writer. I’ve always had stories going in my head. Plus my father’s family were storytellers (or born liars.) Uncle Jack always said, “If you’re going to tell a story, make it good or don’t bother.” J

3.    Tell us about your upcoming work?

Right now I’m working on my Beartooth, Montana series. The series began with UNFORGIVEN, then REDEMPTION and now FORSAKEN is out. ATONEMENT comes out in March. I’m working on MERCY right now. My drop-dead gorgeous U.S. Marshal goes rogue to catch a serial killer. His only clue is a woman he tracks to Beartooth. I’m having a lot of fun with it.

I also have more Cardwell Ranch stories. CHRISTMAS AT CARDWELL RANCH comes out Nov. 1. It introduces the first Cardwell cousin from Texas. All five brothers will be making their way to Montana where they were born.

4.    Do you have any mentors? Heroes?

All the writers who have come before me and got me dreaming are my heroes. I fell in love with reading, escaping into those other worlds. I so admired them and wanted to build my own worlds.

BJ and I at the RWA NYC 2011

5.    Can you tell us your favorite character from your books so far and why?

Boy that is hard. They all made me love them, even the villains. Right now I would have to say Maddie Conner in FORSAKEN. She is so wonderfully capable. I love that about her. And she tries so hard not to show just how vulnerable she is. I admire her.

6.    Was it difficult for you to get published?

I lucked out. I cut my writing teeth working for a newspaper, writing a lot and on deadline. Then I wrote short stories for Woman’s World. I wrote a lot of them before they finally bought one because I had to have adventure in mine. I think I wore them down. J I wrote a bunch of short stories and only ended up selling about 40.

So by the time I wrote my first book…I’d done some writing. I sold the first book I wrote – but only after I’d rewritten it several times.

7.    Who are your favorite authors/reads?

Oh gad. I love so many. Lisa Gardner is always a favorite. Same with Elizabeth George. Gillian Flynn, John Grisham, Ken Follett, Jennifer Weiner, Sandra Brown and so many more.

8.    Hobbies aside from your awesome quilting?

LOL, yep I took up quilting and am now hooked. I also love to snowboard, waterski, boat, swim, camp, fish, travel, read, play tennis. I love being on water the best.

Looking totally awesome in a Book Obsessed Chicks tshirt!

9. Does your husband read your books? Do your kids?

My husband read all my books up until book No. 5. J It’s best he doesn’t know what goes on in my books, don’t you think? J My daughter reads them all.

10.    What is your dream job?

I have my dream job. I couldn’t be happier writing books. I have to pinch myself. I never dreamed even half of all the wonderful things that have come from writing – including the amazing people I have met.

11.  Do you have any favorite TV shows?

Oh yeah. I love The Good Wife, Project Runway (how do they come up with those designs? It is beyond me), The Mentalist, Revenge, Empire Boardwalk, Drop Dead Diva (I know), Hostages. I’m sure there are more. J

12.  What’s next for you?

Another six Beartooth, Montana books are in the works that will tell the stories of the Hamilton sisters. I think that will be a lot of fun, finding them amazing men who can handle these amazing sisters – especially when we all know how dangerous Beartooth can be. 

13.  Where can we find you?

In my office. Or sometimes on the tailgate of my pickup out by the lake writing. But most of the time, you will find me writing. The area where I live inspires me and I often have to get out in it and write.

14.  What would you like readers to know about you?

I am bowled over by the wonderful readers I have connected with through my books. It is such a thrill to hear from them. I can’t tell you how amazing it is when they enjoy my books and share my characters and their stories. Those characters become real to me as I write them, but how cool is it that they become real to anyone who reads the book?

I feel so blessed that I get to do this and share Montana and my characters’ stories. (Pinching myself.)

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