Sharon Kendrick first sold to Harlequin in 1985. Her medical romance debut was Nurse in the Outback and since then, she has written ninety-three books. What she loves most about writing for Harlequin is the artistic freedom to create powerful love-stories which transport her and the reader into a different world…
Don’t miss Sharon’s next book, The Ruthless Greek’s Return, out July 2015!
Follow Sharon on Twitter, Facebook and be sure to stop by her website!
1.What book first got you hooked on Harlequin?
Working my way through the list of the fabulous Sara Craven, who manages to break the rules and get away with it. I love all her books but Comparative Strangers is the one which really nailed it for me. Pick it up and get sucked into the love story featuring a very unlikely hero, who happens to just ooze more sex-appeal and charisma than you could ever imagine.
2. How did you celebrate selling your first manuscript?
I drank champagne and danced all night!
3. Which of the many books you’ve written has stayed with you the most and why?
I have a soft spot for Surrender to the Sheikh – I think I was a little bit in love with Prince Khalim and Maraban became very real to me.
4. What’s top of your TBR pile?
The Miniaturist – the debut novel by Jessie Burton. I’m half-way through – just reading it in tiny chunks (joke).
5. What book do you wish you’d written and why?
This is a very tough question! The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe.
6. What’s harder – first or last lines?
First lines, definitely – because you’re trying to convey the sense of the story in a single sentence. Last lines often write themselves.
7. How do you choose your characters names?
I like hard, alpha names for my hard, alpha heroes. Heroines I have to work harder at. Sometimes a story won’t work if the name isn’t right. For surnames I often open the newspaper without looking and then stab my finger around until I find something suitable!
8. How do you push through writer’s block?
My editor is brilliantly wise and patient if I get stuck. Often the reason for writer’s block is when the characters aren’t working – so I ask myself “why”? You should never try to push your protagonists in a direction they don’t want to go.
9. What’s the best career advice you’ve ever had.
Write the best book you can.
10. Your preferred writing snack?
I try very hard not to snack.
11. Who is your favorite fictional couple?
I’m rather fond of Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara.
12. If you could rewrite your life, what would you change?
I would have spent the day with that gorgeous American singer…
13. What would your readers be surprised to know about you?
That I speak fluent Finnish. (Actually, I don’t really).
14. What is your most overused word?
Actually.
15. If I wasn’t a romance author, I would have liked to be…
Another impossible question. An actress.
16. When was the last time you said ‘I love you’?
On Friday.
17. What does love feel like?
Depends which stage of love you’re talking about – it can be a dance, a drug, a dagger or a duvet…
18. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Watching trashy TV.
19. What’s your most romantic song?
This Guy’s In Love With You
20. Every hero needs a…
heart.
There you have it, another fab Interview with! – with some brilliant writing advice from the wonderful @Sharon_Kendrick!
Happy writing!
One reply on “Interview with… Sharon Kendrick!”
*…just reading it in chunks* – LMAO
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!