Hello all!Welcome to ROMANCING THE GOLD COAST, the very first Historical Romance event to take place on Long Island. The four day event will take place at the historic, Mansion at Glen Cove and will include fun and games, as well as a High Tea and a Costume Ball.
A few times a month, leading up to the event, am attending author will be featured on the blog and posted across social media. Please enjoy the author's responses and have a peek at their books!
The lovely Tabetha Waite is one of the Featured Authors! Here is more about Tabetha!
Please
tell us a bit about yourself and what you write.
I
am a small town Missouri girl that held on to a dream for 30 years! I am
happily married to the love of my life and have two wonderful daughters. I was
always an avid reader, but when my grandmother introduced me to the older
Gothic novels that she used to read, I found an interest in romance. Moving to
Harlequin, Zebra, Avon, I found that I was hooked on the HEA! This was also
what spurred me to write my own romance. I chose historical because I love the
balls, the gowns, and the polite society that goes with the territory of the
era. However, I have also written an erotic contemporary short, as well as a
fantasy short. I’m always ready to push the boundaries of my writing.
How and why did you become a
writer?
It
all started at the age of nine. My fourth grade teacher would give us writing
assignments. She always said she liked reading my stories, and for a shy,
bullied girl, her encouragement started this long journey, one that gets more
interesting every single day.
Was it hard for you to get
published?
You
could say that! I was notified in February of 2016 that a small publishing
company accepted my first novel. They liked the premise of “Why the Earl is
After the Girl,” so I was offered a contract. I will always be grateful that
they gave an unknown a chance. However, that was the third book I’d written and
sent out to agents and publishers. The first two were promptly rejected. Of the
three, I have all of my 63 rejections letters that I received before I got ‘the
one.’
Who are your favorite authors and
what do you read in your spare time?
There
are soooo many authors that it’s hard to narrow it down! But I will say that my
bookshelf is full of Sabrina Jeffries, Victoria Alexander, Sophie Jordan,
Andrea Kane, Lisa Kleypas – the list truly goes on! However, I also adore Sarah
J. Maas and J. R. Ward. Reading their books has inspired me to possibly branch
out into the paranormal and fantasy genres. Who knows what the future holds?
What hobbies do you have?
While
a lot of people consider collecting dolls creepy, I find that their smiling
faces are a comfort to me. Several of my aunts also enjoy it, so it’s almost
inherited! I also can’t seem to pass up the chance to browse a flea market or
antique mall. I love hunting for a bargain, or something unique to history.
What is the hardest thing about
being a writer?
The
market is terribly competitive, which is why it’s so hard to find someone to
represent you and your work. It’s hard (and expensive), to sift through the
promotion opportunities that work for you, but that’s why it’s good to have an
author community. I’ve had some great advice! At the moment I also enjoy being
an indie writer. I like that I can pick my own covers, ones that match the
characters I’m bringing to life on my laptop. I just try to write what I’d want
to read and hope that my readers will enjoy the adventure.
If you weren’t an author, what
would you do?
I’m
not really sure. I always thought it would be fun to be a DJ. I love music and
can’t read or write without it. More than likely I’d be sitting at a desk
somewhere waiting for five o’clock. As it stands, I work as a part-time lunch
lady at the local community college. It’s been great meeting all the new
students each year. There are some amazing people out there.
Favorite hero and heroine from
your books? Why?
All
of my characters have a special place in my heart. But then we are with them
almost every day for hours upon end. But if I had to choose one, it would
probably be Orion and Athena from my first book, “Why the Earl is After the
Girl.” That couple helped to get me noticed and so they are special to me. And,
of course, it was great how Athena constantly frustrated Rion to no end!
Favorite hero and heroine from
another author’s books?
For
historical romance, that honor would have to go to Candace Camp and her
matchmaker’s series. To this day it’s hard for me to forget Francesca and the
Duke of Rochford. I remember them fondly to this day, as well as my all time
favorites – “A Rose in Winter” by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss and “Midnight Bride” by
Kathleen Drymon.
What’s your favorite food and
drink?
That’s
a tough one! Hmm. Food would have to be some type of sub sandwich. Even if I
can’t figure out what I might be hungry for, that always sounds good! And, of
course, ice cream! For drink - alas, I love Pepsi OR Coke, but I try to limit
myself on how much I indulge.
Why are you looking forward to Romancing the
Gold Coast?
Location,
location, location! I’ve always searched for an excuse to go to New York, but
honestly, the prospect has always been daunting. When I learned of this event,
I was ecstatic! Not only is it going to take place on impressive Long Island,
but it’s also a chance to dress up and rub elbows with fellow authors and
fantastic readers! It was perfect!
LINKS!
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| OCTOBER 1-4, 2020 |
