Our first guest up this week is none other than the very talented Megan Hart. Not only is Ms. Hart one of the most dynamic writers in terms of style and creativity but she also has a way of mixing up her characters and really driving home the realness of relationships and the intense emotions it takes to make it work and how fragile it is to keep it together.
My friend and I have tossed a few questions her way and she is giving us our starting point for the week.
Welcome Ms.Hart
Please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Megan Hart. I live in the woods. I’m married, I have two kids, three cats, two hermit crabs. A tree house. A purple 1966 Chevy Impala (convertible) called The Phantom. I love Macs and will never, ever subject myself to a Windows PC again if I can help it. I love horror movies and singing karaoke.
How did you fall into the writing business?
I’ve been writing stories since I could write them. First grade, probably. I always wanted to be a writer, but it wasn’t until I was about 12 I decided I was going to be a writer. For real.
What did you do before you became an author?
Nothing that matters. :)
What are you currently working on right now?
Right now I’m working on edits for NAKED, a Spice novel that will be out in 2010, and a book for Berkley Sensation with the working title “Selfish is the Heart”. That one will be out in 2010 too. I have a Spice Brief to write as well this summer. I’m also revising some older books to see if I can find a home for them.
What is a pet peeve of yours (one, two or more…what ever you would like to tell us)?
Slow walkers, esp. if they’re slow-walking in front of me.
Whining
People who can’t own their actions
Indecision
If a song could describe your life, what song would it be?
Probably OH NO by the Commodores, just because it’s a favorite and sums up the sense of longing that sort of infuses just about everything I write.
Most of your books are stand alone, do you ever plan on doing a series set?
I’ve actually done series work, interconnected stories. My books for Berkley Sensation, the Order of Solace novels, are a series (I guess, they’re all set in the same world. But then…they’re not sequels to each other. So maybe they’re not a series.) But I have done series. I might do one again. ;)
Do you have a favorite book and why is it your favorite?
I have so many favorite books I can’t really pick just one! I would say Imajica by Clive Barker and A Boy’s Life by Robert R. Mccammon rank up there as favorites. The Stand by Stephen King. Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, all of the Kushiel books by Jacqueline Carey…The collected short stories of Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov…
What are you reading right now?
Kushiel’s Mercy by Jacqueline Carey
What is your favorite genre to write and why?
Science Fiction and Fantasy because that’s what I also love to read.
If you could choose, out of all your characters, which would be your favorite and why?
Elle Kavanagh and Alex Kennedy. Elle because she lived inside my head for years before I wrote her story; Alex because…um…well…I can’t tell you why, other than I have a soft spot for the wounded heroes who need the right woman to heal them.
What do you do when (if) you get writer’s block?
I don’t get writer’s block. I just get lazy. :)
What do you do to unwind after a stressing deadline is over and the book is out?
I used to play hours and hours of the Sims 2 but now with the Sims 3 being released, I might upgrade. That is, if I ever get some time to unwind…I like to watch movies. And read. And fool around on the internet.
What is something that most people would find surprising about you?
Hmmm. I’m not sure. I seem to get surprise that I actually reply to people when they email me or comment at my Facebook or at my blog. Perhaps the most surprising thing is that I’m not a robot and I monitor my comments and email? :)
Contest Time
We have two fantastic books from Ms. Hart’s collection to give away. TEMPTED and STRANGER are not for the faint of heart, but they are books not to be missed by anyone.
TEMPTED
This one is hard for me, because it really is not about testing a marriage… or seeing what it is made of. The more I think about it… The plot of the book is a husband trying to give to his wife – what he thinks she wants. Truly, that is what James is trying to do. And no one can fault him for that. He is simply trying to please his wife. Anne, tries to accept what her husband is offering to her. To please him. Like every relationship, sometimes you need a change and James is willing to allow the change to happen… Hell, he even encourages it. But the undertone of what is going on… there is more than one relationship at stake her
Anne, so outwardly perfect in the beginning, sheds her image of perfection and shows the world who she really is at her core. Secrets are uncovered. Hearts are broken. And I was on pins and needles, wondering what Anne’s last move would be. Would she leave James and her perfect life to be with Alex? Alex, who makes her feel so different, so unencumbered with the trials and tribulations of family and history. Or would she stay with James and work on their marriage that while good was never truly strong? Could Anne stop trying to please everyone and finally stand up for herself and what she wants?
Tempted © VampFangirl – Lovin Me Some Romance
STRANGER
Okay, up until this point I loved the story. Megan Hart is a truly wonderful writer, and one who portrays human emotions beautifully. But as I continued to read I began feeling a bit anxious. I read romance. Love it. Whether it’s sweet romance or erotic romance. But as this story continued I started losing that romantic feeling…
I actually got this book as a gift after reading a review on Romance Book Wyrm site and I loved her built up to it. Ms. Hart is a new to me author, and with that in mind I was prepared to be as objective as possible. I love the book – there I’ve said. I like the story line, most of the characters were endearing and I doubt the average person would have an inkling of what the world of a mortician is all about. I am not squeamish about death and all it entail by any means, however Ms. Hart has simplified the workings of a mortuary in such a way that i not only now have a healthy respect for that particular profession, but it also highlight the strength of this authors writing.
I had everything a woman could want.
My husband James. The house on the lake. My life. Our perfect life. And then Alex came to visit.
The first time I saw my husband’s best friend, I didn’t like him. Didn’t like how James changed when he was around, didn’t like how his penetrating eyes followed me everywhere. But that didn’t stop me from wanting him. And surprisingly, James didn’t seem to mind.
It was meant to be fun. Something the three of us shared for those hot summer weeks Alex stayed with us. Nobody was supposed to fall in or out of love. I didn’t need another man, not even one who oozed sex like honey and knew all the secrets I didn’t know, the secrets my husband hadn’t shared. After all, we had a perfect life. I loved my husband.
But I wasn’t the only one.
I pay strangers to sleep with me. I have my reasons…
But they’re not the ones you expect. For starters, I’m a funeral director taking over my dad’s business. Not exactly the sort of person you’d expect to fork over cash for the lust and urgency only live, skin-to-skin contact can create. Looking at me, you wouldn’t have a clue I carry this little secret so close it creases up like the folds of a fan. Tight. Personal. Ready to unravel in the heat of the moment.
Unsurprisingly, my line of work brings me face to face with loss. So I decided long ago that paying for sex would be one of the best (and arousing) ways to save myself from the one thing that would eventually cut far too deep.
But Sam was a mistake. Literally. I signed on to "pick up" a stranger at a bar, but took Sam home instead. And now that I’ve felt his heat, his sweat and everything else can I really go back to impersonal?
Let’s just hope he never finds out about my other life…
See a review of Harts latest release
DEEPER
Now, this book deals with things of the past that we need to let go of. It is about things we never say that we should say. You never know when you day will come… and the question you need to ask is "do people know what you really meant to say? do they know how much you love them or how much you hurt them??"
Holding on to the past does not change our future. What you decide to do with what you holding is another story. Bess is literally holding onto to something that is no longer. Nick.
Here’s today question for the contest..
If any of you guys have ever visited Ms. Hart’s blog you would know she is a big music fan especially when it comes to her books.
Jump onto her site and see her playlist for her books, here’s a link to two.
BROKEN – PLAYLIST HERE
TEMPTED – PLAYLIST HERE
If you have read a Hart book – let me know your play list to go with that book. If not just name your book of choice and give us a few songs that set the tone of that book…
Contest Rule
Just leave a comment answering the question – That’s it…
This is open to all commenter’s.
For basic general rules CHECK HERE
And I
I want to enter! but I havent read any of her books, have Deep though, and really want to read it, but I have lots of other stuff to read…
Can I still enter? xD
PS; CONTEST AT MY BLOG GIRL! Go and sign up xD Its for a copy of Meridian!
@Taschima
Yes you can – as long as you name a book you like, and give us a few songs that comes to mind when you think of that book… you are good.
Looking forward to your choice..
And I..
Don't enter me. I already have her books. Just wanted to say they're amazing :)
Awesome post! I already have these books too :), so no need to enter me either.
As far as music goes, I don't really listen to much. Mostly only when I'm driving, but the playlists you have for your books sound wonderful.
I really loved this book too. My book True Love Is Not Common; http://www.eloquentbooks.com/TrueLoveIsNotCommon.html, has similar main characters. I grew up reading this author since high school. Hope my book one day will reach many people as this author. While writing this book, I did a lot of research on this title, and events on Love with people around us.
Hi Ms. Hart!
A while back I had read Taking Care of Business and I listened to the whole Fearless soundtrack by Taylor Swift. Some songs went very well and others just made me giggle like a school girl. For me sometimes the music sets the mood and other times it just doesn't. A few songs that I picked from my list was Torn by Natalie Imbruglia and Pieces by Rascal Flatts, and This Love by Maroon 5.
Please count me in for the contest.
cindyc725 at gmail dot com
I haven't read a book by her, but I have sure seen them around blogland, and I am so tempted.
Cool playlist.
Ok maybe I go with another book then since I can't think of a playlist with those
. Like Daughter of the Forest, and any music really by Loreena McKennitt. For example, All souls night,the old ways and moon cradle
Great interview. I would love a chance to win TEMPTED. The song that comes to mind is, of course, Tempted by Squeeze. I just love that song.
armiefox at yahoo dot com
Wonderful interview!!! I have all of Megan's books as well so please don't enter me! Just wanted to say how much I love her work and I think the playlists she chose for the books are awesome and fit perfectly!! :)
Dirty is one of Megan's books on my favorites shelf. Two songs that I really like from her playlist are, Closer by Joshua Radin and Miss You Nights by Art Garfunkel.
@ Maija P.
Thank you for coming by, I second your words "They are Amazing"
You have fun today – see you tomorrow.
@ Hey Amy C..
I am loving your review of Stranger – and I have something special for you – Just for being the first to kick us off with the banner…
Even the beasties couldn't figure this gift out….
Drop us your snail mail address on Mandi's email – Please put "it's A Take Over" in the subject line..
@ Peter
Thank you for introducing us to your book – The blurb does sound thought provoking and it seems to be a very emotional read – Lovely when authors step outside of the accepted mould.. All the best on our book.
And I…
@ I Heart Book Gossip
Fan girl scream – Taylor Swift – I love her,
you keep on rocking girls – and all the best on your entry…
@Blodeuedd
Totally agree with you, Loreena is seriously moody – for that kind of book..
Have you tried Enya – When I think Daughter of The Forest – I am definitely liking Enya soundtrack for that.
All the best on your entry..
@Armenia…
could that phrase be any more double edge – "Tempted by Squeeze"
I am so checking that one out…
wishing you luck..
And I
@Blanche
Thank you for your support -Hart rock, that most true…
I as well love her playlist….
@Cathy M
Dirty is a "on the fence" read for me – but no less emotional… glad it's a fav of yours…
I absolutely adore Garfunkel – wish he and Simon would get their act together and rock the world again…
And I
Didn't read Tempted. It's on my TBR. Everytime I see the cover it makes me think of Depeche Mode Stripped.
The playlists she chose for stranger fits really well with it. Can't wait to find out for tempted.
Ohhhh yayayay **screaming with delight*** Megan Hart!!! =)
No need to enter me either, I have those books!! Just here to see if I can get a peak at the beasties!!!
And of course to show some love and support for Mandi's place!!!
I haven't read any of her books. I have weird associations so songs that don't seem to fit are what I hear. I like Kim Harrison's Hollows series . I hear Down with The Sickness by Disturbed and Beautiful People by Marilyn Manson.( I told you I was weird)
nice haveing u here megan
love your books
dirty was great
love marroon five, on my ipod lol
please enter me in the contest
love the giveaways, love sexy books
cover for switch is so damn hot
kh
kimehak@yahoo.com
Well, I haven't read any of her books. So, the book I'll do is Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
1. Teenagers-MCR
2. One-U2
3. Fix You-Coldplay
4. Only Time-Enya
5. Do You Believe In Magic- Lovin' Spoonful
infinitemusic19 AT gmail DOT com
I would have to say Just Listen by Sarah Dessen, some songs I think fit it would be, Shinedown-Haley's Comet, 3 doors down- Pages.
lovestoread0708(at)yahoo.com
Hey I'm late to the party but I am a Ward girl…
Zadist to be exact and my music for my Man is Linkin' Park's – "Papercut"…
Please enter me for Tempted…
E.H>
@Aliens
I get what you mean with Depeche Mode, Stripped. The intro is wicked – there is this anticipation before it leads into the song – niccccce…
Couldn't agree with you more about Stranger – too cool..
@Cecile…
I am also about the love – so big wave to you.
Them beasties, keep you fingers cross will be here on Friday… nassty critters they are…
And I know you are a massive fan of Hart's book…
You keep on keeping on girl…
@ BreiaB
I see what you mean weird – definately. But for some eerie reason i get it.. That Manson for me, you either love him or hate him and it's the smae with Harrison book..
Good luck
And I..
@ Anonymous
Can i say "Who the hell does not like Maroon Five" good choice…
Switch – I can't beleive another book is on it's way to drag us through the emotional mindfield again – I can't wait…
@ Bianca
I am seeing your playlist for HP… and yes I am agreeing with you.
Nice mix..
good luck..
And I
@trishalynn0708
Good song for a good read – 3 doors down is a fabulous group my fav by them is "The road I'm On"…
good luck.
@E.H>
Zadist and Linkin Park – never a truer word was said…
Good choice… Ward girl..
Good luck
And I
Woops forgot to post here too!!
I haven't read anything by Ms. Hart but I'd love to…..
In answer for the question for me is The Dark Highlander and any nine inch nails song specifically Closer I hear that song and I immediately think Daegus!
Wonderful interview Mandi and Megan!
While I've read Broken – and loved it – I haven't read any of Megan's other books. I have Dirty but haven't gotten to it yet. Soon!
As for a playlist – I just don't listen to music that often, unless of course my kids are in the car and I just don't think the soundtrack to High School Musical 3 fits any of Megan's books! lol
I'd just have to say that I would think a slow, kind of moving and soulful jazz would be good for Broken. :)
I haven't read Ms. Hart's books, but a book that I love is For A Few Demon's More, partial playlist: Plain White T's – Natural Disaster, REM – It's the End of the World
Dottie
hello girls and boys
"Let The Music Play" contest is now closed..
And I
Thank you all for stopping by and having fun catching up or sharing the love about Ms. Harts books…
I can see some true fans here, some who have just tested the waters and some newbies….
Thank you all…
And I
I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Sara
http://pianotutorial.net
Thanks so much Sara!!!
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