Author interview and giveaway with Aris Whittier

I have been reading some of the posts on Aris’ blog and I just have to share this little paragraph with you (hope you don’t mind. Aris). I just loved it!

“My name is Aris. Aris is pronounced (heiress) and I'm not sure what the meaning is. Several years ago, when I was asked what my name meant, I replied that Aris was a Greek Sexx Goddess (what can I say I'm a romance writer). Unfortunately, my husband happened to be near, he looked over at me, rolled his eyes, and said very loudly "I wish". I've moved on to another story, which happens to be true. I was born in the seventies to a pair of hippies, real hippies. Having said that, I think I got off lucky with the name Aris. It could have been much worse, Fruit Stand or something like that. So, Aris it is.”

Bio:
Aris Whittier is a romance writer. She writes suspense, contemporary, and commercial woman’s fiction. Her debut novel, Fatal Embrace is a romantic suspense that was featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine as a Red-Hot Read. Foolish Notions is a contemporary romance that has just a touch a mystery too. Across Eternity is a beautiful love story that transcends time.

 

Let’s hear a bit more from Aris.

Please tell readers about your current book.
Across Eternity is a beautiful love story that tells of love that transcends time. It will pull at your heart. It is set in the small coastal city of Dana Point, in Southern California.

Who or what inspires your writing?
My inspiration comes from my love of life, my imagination, and the fact that I absolutely love to write about the male / female relationship.

When did you know you would be a writer?
I never aspired to be a writer. However, I’ve always loved to read and write. Growing up, I would read anything from Readers Digest to Stephen King. When I was younger, I used to love to tell stories…my mom called them lies…but I considered it creative story telling… LOL. When I was 16 I pick up my first romance book and I fell in love with the genre. When I was in college I wrote my first romance novel and it was then that I knew I wanted to be a writer

Lies vs creative story telling . . . I think I have to agree with you :) How long did it take you to write your first novel?
Almost one year. It was 78,000 words.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?
I write in spurts and that is very frustrating. Sometimes I’ll write thirty pages in a day and other times I can barely get a paragraph written.

Do you have any writing rituals?
Not really—though I love to have a cup of coffee by my side when I’m writing.

Have you written any thing else?
Yes! I have two other romance novels out. Fatal Embrace and Foolish Notions. I have also written a humorous compilation called, The Truth About Being A Bass Fisherman’s Wife. I have another romantic suspense, Secrets, which I’m just finishing up.

Any advice to aspiring writers?
My advice is to never give up. And write about what you love. Oh, and develop a very thick skin because you’re going to need it. Everything will be judged and nitpicked—your writing, your plot, your characters, your query, your book cover…get used to it. Some of the criticism will be worthy and some of it not. You’ll know what to take in and what to just let roll off.

Who is your favorite Author?
Hands down Judith McNaught.

What is your favorite book?
Once and Always by Judith McNaught.

What are you currently reading? 
I'm currently reading The Catcher in the Rye, by Salinger. About a week ago my son asked me if I'd ever read the book. I was surprised when I realized I hadn't. I was required to read may novels in college but this wasn't one of them. I'm three chapters in and I'm really enjoying the story as well as the verbiage.

How do readers find out more about you?
You can visit my blog at: http://awhittier.blogspot.com/.

Goodreads blurb:

Born a genius; education, wealth, and prestige came easy to Logan Richards. Actually, there wasn’t much that Logan couldn’t learn or acquire. However, he knew there was more to life than money and power. Logan was determined to find the woman who he'd dreamed of his entire life and know what it was like to love her before he died.
Amber Lewis, a waitress for a five-star restaurant in, Dana Point, California, was overworked, stressed, and wary of life since her sister, Heather, had passed away. Then, one evening while working she fell hopelessly in love with Logan Richards, a chivalrous man who felt deeply familiar.
For Amber, it was the beginning of a voyage of self-discovery and renewal. For Logan, it was the completion of life. For each of them it was the deepest sort of love.

 

** Giveaway**

 

Aris has given one lucky commenter the chance to win an eCopy of  Across Eternity.  If you want to be part of the drawing on 31 October 2011, leave a comment for Aris together with your contact details.

Thank you so much for joining us today, Aris.  We loved chatting with you.  Good luck on the road ahead.