Wilderness Liaison by Anne Ashby

 Hi Anne, thanks for visiting. Tell us  a little bit about yourself.

Hi, I live in Auckland, New Zealand and write contemporary sweet/clean/traditional romance stories which reflect New Zealand in some manner, either through the characters and/or the setting. I’ve been writing full time for about ten years and have four books published with The Wild Rose Press with another due out early next year. I’m married, have four children and four grandchildren.
How did   you decided to enter  the world of writing?

I’ve always loved to read and dreamed of writing but hesitated because I was unsure how to craft a story properly. Seeing an advertisement for a “learn to write a romance” course was just the catalyst I needed to give writing a try. Without that course I doubt I would ever have had the confidence.

What does your family think of your writing?

I suspect there was a certain amount of “Anne’s just amusing herself pretending to write stories” thought going on in the beginning with some members of my extended family, but I’m very fortunate that my husband has always been my greatest supporter.

Where do you get your ideas?

This question is the most asked and probably hardest to answer because I have no idea. They seem to pop up from nowhere, although often developing enough depth to make an interesting story is more difficult. Watching, listening, being aware of things happening around me, looking at TV, newspaper or magazine articles all helps stimulate ideas.

Can you tell us a little about your book?

My most recent release (March 2012) is called “Wilderness Liaison” and is set in New Zealand. My hero is an Auckland businessman forced to attend a team-building course which includes a tramp (hike) through the bush (forest) for 5 days. He objects to his hosts’ feisty daughter being in charge. She has a longstanding dislike of city folk who don’t appreciate the natural environment. Things heat up when they separate from the group to assist the rescue of an injured deerstalker.

What is your writing process?

When I started writing I still had three children in school so organized my writing day around them. The routine worked well so has continued even though two of them are away from home now and my youngest needs no help. I work on my writing in some manner from 8am until 3pm Monday to Friday. I’m a pantser so when composing my stories I sit at my computer and type whatever comes into my head. Often scenes are written out of sequence and my “finished” work needs lots of editing but I cannot seem to be more structured despite many attempts to be so.

What was the hardest part for you when working on your book?

Working through the “saggy middle” and connecting the more exciting, pivotal scenes with less dramatic ones always presents a challenge for me. Reaching the word count I desire sometimes presents a problem, too. I like to have my stories available to readers in print and digital format and with my publisher that requires a minimum of 65K words.

What influenced or inspired you to write?

I give credit to the Harlequin author Loree Lough who instructed the “how to write a romance” course I attended in Maryland. Not only did she teach me the basics of how to construct a story but she also gave me confidence in my own ability. Without her influence I doubt I would have ever had the determination to see past my first rejection letter. 

Was there a scene that you didn’t add or you removed in your finished work?

My ‘finished’ work always needs heaps of editing so a lot of things get added or deleted at this stage but I don’t think there has ever been a scene which I’ve decided must go (or stay) which needed much consideration. I have had thoughts about spicing up my love scenes but I don’t feel comfortable writing more erotic passages so leave the action behind closed doors.

Do you have a favorite character (from you're book)? Why?

I think my favourites are always the ones I’m writing about now. Although I did really love the two children in “Devon’s Dream” I enjoyed developing the relationship between them as they tried to bring their parents together.

Do you already know what to write next? Can you tell us?

My current story is the story of a secondary character from my first book “Worlds Apart” which I always intended to write. But I’m experiencing a little difficulty as another story is clamouring for exposure. It keeps forcing its way into my head. I think I might need to put my WIP aside and begin this other one.

Where can we find more information about you and your books?

My website – www.anneashby.com. I’m also on Facebook and Twitter as AuthorAnneAshby or at The Wild Rose Press

Do you have any last words?

Just thanks so much for inviting me to hang out with your readers today

You're welcome, it was a pleasure learning all about you and your work.

Now for some fun questions,

I can be lazy and forget work – also its time I get to spend with my husband

I hate?

Moths!

I want to buy?

Material things don’t matter much to me, at the moment I’d like to replace my 20 yr old vehicle with something a little newer, but other than that, I think I have all I need

My favorite song is?

Anything country is usually pretty okay with me

My favorite precious stone is?

An amethyst is my birth stone and I love its colour. Don’t think it’s actually termed a ‘precious’ stone but it’s my favourite.

I want to travel to? Why?

I love to travel. Living on an island at the bottom of the Pacific means New Zealanders are a long way away from anywhere and as a people we love to explore. My husband and I are just home from 7 weeks in US, UK & Italy. I would spend my whole life travelling the world, I’m just waiting for that big Lotto win. Although television has brought so many sights from around the world to us all, seeing new places for real and meeting new people is such a wonderful experience.

I want to meet?  Why?

I’d love to meet HM The Queen, although I’d be so much a blithering idiot if I ever did. Why would I want to meet her? Because I think she’s the most amazing woman who’s devoted her whole life to others, perhaps not in the same vein as a Mother Teresa but I doubt she’s ever been able to do anything she really wanted to do.

My dream is to?

Be a successful writer, and be able to tell my husband it’s okay for him to retire, I’ll be the breadwinner from now on.