Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Interview + Giveaway: Tina Donahue


Today, we welcome author Tina Donahue to Nikola's Book Blog to celebrate the release of her latest novel, The Yearning! In the interview, we talk about ebooks, pet peeves and, believe it or not, privacy! Welcome, Tina!

You write for many different publishers - Kensington, Ellora's Cave, Samhain... Does this mean that you are an eclectic writer?

Never thought of myself that way. Although I write in many subgenres, I am a romance writer, first and foremost. And the reason I write for many publishers is because it’s the best way to get my work out to fans in a steady and quick fashion. With print publishing, the journey from contract to publication could take a year or longer. It’s faster with ebooks. Therefore, I always have something out for publication whether it’s print or digital.

Are there any romance cliches or stereotypes that bug you?

I guess my biggest peeve is misunderstandings, rather than complications, in plots. In every romance, it’s necessary to keep the hero/heroine apart (at least for a time) to build sexual tension. What’s keeping them apart should be a complication. For example, he’d hurt her deeply in the past and she’s afraid to trust him again, even though he said he’s changed. Or he lost his wife/girlfriend in a tragic accident that he feels responsible for (even though he’s not) and now he feels guilty for liking her, so he’s pulling back.

A misunderstanding, on the other hand, is something you or I would consider silly. Something that could be cleared up easily between the couple if they simply talked about it.

One of your earlier hit novels, Close to Perfect, uses tabloids and the paparazzi to drive the plot. Do you think a person's privacy has been compromised by the modern age?

Absolutely. And it’s gotten worse with social networking sites. It used to be that only celebrities and politicians had their most embarrassing moments broadcast for the world to see and comment on. Now, cyber-bullying is a reality for many teens. And adults may find photos of themselves on YouTube, Facebook, etc. without having given permission for those pictures to be used.

I love the sexy covers of your books. How did these come about? Did you have any input when it came to the visual representation of your stories?

My publishers have cover artists who come up with the wonderful art you see. For my ebooks, the publishers provide a cover art form, asking for the hero/heroine’s ages, physical descriptions, a brief synopsis of the story (to get its flavor) and what I, as the author, would most like to see on the cover.

Congratulations on releasing The Yearning! What's next for Tina Donahue?

I have another paranormal coming out in October. This one will be the start of a series, my very first. I’m also currently working on another contemporary erotic romance on the lines of Sensual Stranger, Lush Velvet Nights and Adored, my other works.

Since Tina is uber-cool, she has an awesome (international!) giveaway in store for all the readers. In order to celebrate the release of The Yearning, one lucky commenter will get to choose one of the following books:

1. Lush Velvet Nights (ebook)
2. Adored (ebook)
3. Deep, Dark, Delicious (ebook)
4. In His Arms (ebook)
5. Bad Boys with Red Roses (trade paperback)
6. Take My Breath Away (trade paperback)

Winners will be chosen at random. Winner in continental US has his/her choice of one of the six. Winner outside the continental US wins one of the ebooks. In order to enter, leave a comment with your email. 18+ only.

WIN BONUS ENTRIES:
+2 for following my blog
+2 for tweeting about it (leave the link!)
+2 for linking to it
+4 for blogging about it
+4 for visiting Tina's site and coming back with
the cover you find sexiest!

The giveaway ends February 16th. Good luck!

19 comments:

Tina Donahue said...

Thanks for having me, Nikola!!!

Cheryl Pierson said...

Tina,
Finally, I am FIRST TO COMMENT somewhere for you! I usually always am late to the party with everything else going on, but here I am. I love the interview--great questions, Nikola, and your answers really let me get to know more about you and your writing. PLEASE enter me in the drawing! I would love to win me some TINA DONAHUE BOOKS! LOL BTW, your covers are all just super gorgeous. You must be REALLY happy with them!
Hugs,
Cheryl

Willa Edwards said...

Wait ago Tina on the release. I'm sure it will be a big hit for you.

Marie McGaha said...

Fabulous interview, Tina! You are by far one of the best in the romance genre and that shows with each book published.

R-

Sarah J. McNeal said...

I know what you mean about the misunderstanding problem as opposed to a real obstacle, Tina. I want to see some effort in the plotting and something that seems insurmountable.
All the best to you, buddy, I know The Yearning is going to be an exciting story.

Tina Donahue said...

Cheryl, Willa, Rie, Sarah - you guys are great!!!

Cheryl - yes, I love my covers. The artists are so talented. :)

Willa - thanks, I hope it is a big hit.

Rie - So kind of you to say that. I truly appreciate it.

Sarah - what can I say, buddy - you're the best. :)

Anonymous said...

Great Interview, Nikola and Tina; the questions really gave us a better picture of you Tina!

I sooo love the covers on your books!

Wishing you great sales on all of them!

hugs, Kari Thomas
www.authorkari.com

Tina Donahue said...

Thanks, Kari!! :)

Juana said...

Hi

Great interview and giveaway too. I visited your website and it's hard to choose only 1 book cover they are all awesome. The one that I liked the most is The Yearning.

jmesparza821@gmail.com

Barb said...

Hi There!
I'd love to enter the giveaway! I love all the covers of these books - can't possibly choose a favorite! I'm a gfc follower and can be found at Sugarbeat's Books

or sugarbeatbc AT gmail DOT com

Books for Company said...

Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Please could l be entered?
booksforcompany @ gmail.com

tetewa said...

I'm a follower, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com

Anonymous said...

im following your blog.
your books look awesome, i would love to read one im sure id love it

isabelle

princess_smithee@hotmail.co.uk

Kelly Koya said...

Please enter me for the giveaway, I'd love to read one of your books.

kelly.koya@gmail.com

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

This totally pains me, but no need to enter me (My TBR is a little bit out of control). I'm dropping in to say thanks to Nikola for the e-mal. I've got this posted at West of Mars Win a Book for you.

Tina Donahue said...

Juana, Barb, BooksforCompany, tetewa, Isabelle, Kelly - thanks so much for dropping by - glad you like the covers. The artists are so talented!!

Shannon said...

Thank you for including me in your giveaway.

+2 I follow through google reader.

+4 The Deep, Dark, Delicious cover. =)

tiredwkids at live dot com

Unknown said...

Thanks for such a great giveaway! sounds yummy :-)

+2 GFC follower
+2 tweeted here: http://twitter.com/Stella_ExLibris/status/37529021403111425
+2 I find the Deep, Dark, Delicious cover verry hot! ;-)

stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com

diva1977 said...

Im a GFC follower (bbdiva1977)
Ive tweeted @BBDIVA1977
Ive posted on facebook


Please enter me id love to win