Back in February, I made a quick trip to the Big Apple to see WICKED - I posted pictures on ALOHA ON MY MIND at this link and this link. My college friend invited me ... and I met her sister-in-law ... who commented that her other sister in law is romance author Nina Pierce. I invited Nina for a cozy chat ....
USA Today bestselling author, Nina Pierce, resides in New England with her high school sweetheart and soul mate of thirty years and several spoiled cats who consider her staff. She spends her days at the keyboard writing romance stories, blissfully creating chaos for her characters by throwing in a villain or two, a little murder and a whole lot of mayhem as they struggle toward their happy-ever-afters. You can check out all her books on her website, ninapierce.com, and follow her day-to-day happenings on Facebook (link) and Twitter (link).
Kim: Can you share your favorite sight, sound, and smell of the Northeast?
Kim: Can you share your favorite sight, sound, and smell of the Northeast?
Nina: The rolling hills near my home dressed in the sunset hues of autumn. The rhythmic wash of the ocean against the rocks, it sooths all my stresses. And the smell of a pine forest after a rain, it’s like the fresh scent of Christmas in the forest.
I love the northeast!
Kim: What was your family's reaction to your "spicy" romance novels?
I love the northeast!
Kim: What was your family's reaction to your "spicy" romance novels?
Nina: I came at writing a little differently. I was a science teacher at an outreach facility. It was the job of my heart. But 9 years ago the multiple sclerosis that had been percolating in the background of my life reared its ugly head. I had to give up the classroom and find something I could do sitting on my butt…enter writing. I wrote 3 complete novels without garnering any publisher’s interest.
I stepped back and did what I do best—research. What I found is that the erotic romance market was breaking wide open (and believe it or not this was 5 or 6 years before Fifty Shades). So I wrote the same romantic suspense story but threw the bedroom door wide open. And voila! My novels became the DANGEROUS AFFAIRS series.
And what did my family think? They were ecstatic. They’ve always been really supportive. Many of them won’t read my books, especially the very sexy ones, but they buy them. I have the best family. ;)
Kim: Who or what helped you along the path to publishing?
When I first started writing, it was just me and the computer. About 6 months in I discovered Romance Writers of America (rwa.org). After joining the national organization I discovered there were many chapters, some of them online. I joined these smaller chapters and found great support in other writers. I also began taking online writing classes and entering writing contests. Author judges are amazing. I learned so much about crafting a story through their invaluable critiques. It meant so much to me that I now judge two or three major writing contests to help new writers on their journey to publication.
But the greatest support came from the local chapter of Maine Romance Writers. I went to their monthly meetings and made some amazing friends. It’s through them that I found my first publisher. It was nice not to navigate the turbulent waters of the publishing world alone. I always recommend new writers find a writing or critique group for support and encouragement.
Kim: Tell us about your books - what inspired them?
My newest release, IN HIS EYES (link), is a romantic thriller (not as sexy as my other titles) set on the coast of Maine. The story actually stemmed from some winter renters my mom had at her beach cottage one year. They were going through a separation and splitting weeks between home and the cottage. Of course there was no serial killer or FBI agents roaming the beach that winter.
Kim: What's next for Nina Pierce?
I stepped back and did what I do best—research. What I found is that the erotic romance market was breaking wide open (and believe it or not this was 5 or 6 years before Fifty Shades). So I wrote the same romantic suspense story but threw the bedroom door wide open. And voila! My novels became the DANGEROUS AFFAIRS series.
And what did my family think? They were ecstatic. They’ve always been really supportive. Many of them won’t read my books, especially the very sexy ones, but they buy them. I have the best family. ;)
Kim: Who or what helped you along the path to publishing?
When I first started writing, it was just me and the computer. About 6 months in I discovered Romance Writers of America (rwa.org). After joining the national organization I discovered there were many chapters, some of them online. I joined these smaller chapters and found great support in other writers. I also began taking online writing classes and entering writing contests. Author judges are amazing. I learned so much about crafting a story through their invaluable critiques. It meant so much to me that I now judge two or three major writing contests to help new writers on their journey to publication.
But the greatest support came from the local chapter of Maine Romance Writers. I went to their monthly meetings and made some amazing friends. It’s through them that I found my first publisher. It was nice not to navigate the turbulent waters of the publishing world alone. I always recommend new writers find a writing or critique group for support and encouragement.
Kim: Tell us about your books - what inspired them?
My newest release, IN HIS EYES (link), is a romantic thriller (not as sexy as my other titles) set on the coast of Maine. The story actually stemmed from some winter renters my mom had at her beach cottage one year. They were going through a separation and splitting weeks between home and the cottage. Of course there was no serial killer or FBI agents roaming the beach that winter.
Kim: What's next for Nina Pierce?
Nina: I have a couple series, A TOUCH OF LILLY and SHADOWS OF FIRE that I’d like to finish. I’ve been plugging away at them, but my muse keeps walking away bored and I can’t seem to convince her to stay and play at the computer. About a week ago she inspired me with a complete series that takes place out west based on a family that owns a ranch. Each story will be how the siblings find their true loves. It looks like they’re going to be another sexy read. The ideas have finally come together and I’m really excited about writing these stories. Hopefully the first couple will be released this year.
Mahalo, Nina, for joining me at SOS Aloha! I am giving away an ecopy of IN HIS EYS to one randomly selected commenter.
It’s always wonderful to be noticed … or is it?
To those around her, Maggie Callaghan appears to have the perfect life…a handsome husband, three beautiful children, and her own business. But beneath her thin veneer lies a dark past and self-doubts. When evidence of her husband’s infidelity surfaces, Maggie leases a cottage on the Maine coast and prepares for her inevitable divorce. But a serial killer is on the hunt—and he’s marked Maggie as his next victim. Now her beachside retreat is the focus of an undercover FBI investigation targeting the murderer who’s left a trail of bodies across two states. As lies and secrets are revealed, Maggie realizes her life depends on knowing who’s protecting her—and who’s got her in his sights.
To those around her, Maggie Callaghan appears to have the perfect life…a handsome husband, three beautiful children, and her own business. But beneath her thin veneer lies a dark past and self-doubts. When evidence of her husband’s infidelity surfaces, Maggie leases a cottage on the Maine coast and prepares for her inevitable divorce. But a serial killer is on the hunt—and he’s marked Maggie as his next victim. Now her beachside retreat is the focus of an undercover FBI investigation targeting the murderer who’s left a trail of bodies across two states. As lies and secrets are revealed, Maggie realizes her life depends on knowing who’s protecting her—and who’s got her in his sights.
To enter the giveaway,
1. What do you know about Maine? I love Maine lobster!
2. Comments are open through Saturday, April 26, 10 pm in Baltimore.
3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 27.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
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| The view from Makapu'u - Hawaiian for "bulging eye" |
Isn't that funny how you met Nina? I think Maine has a few lighthouses although I haven't visited the state.
ReplyDeleteBarbara
The world is a very small place sometimes. ;)
DeleteThe folks from Maine are hardy soles with the weather and the sea!
ReplyDeleteTina
Tina, I grew up in southern Maine, but lived 23 years in northern Maine on the Canadian border ... now THOSE were long, cold winters!
DeleteI have visited Maine once, several years ago. It's a beautiful state. I loved the Portland Head Lighthouse!
ReplyDeleteThe lighthouses are definitely amazing and beautiful, Linda!
DeleteThanks for the fun interview, Kim...I bet you are better than most with your links to everyone in the romance book world! I had the wonderful opportunity to have my first and only whole lobster to eat while in Maine. It was a pretty intimidating sight but wow, so delicious! There is such beauty there that I was in awe of the connection to nature but I know for sure I would not want to be there during the winter as this California girl definitely does not want to live somewhere that cold!
ReplyDeleteIt's so funny to hear this perspective, ELF. Growing up in Maine we just take that whole-lobster-on-your-plate thing for granted. But it's totally worth the work it takes to get to the meat!
DeleteI've never been but I bet it gets really cold up there.
ReplyDeleteLoved Wicked - saw it twice with my daughter.
It can get cold in the winter ... but summers are beautiful and definitely the time to visit. (Though fall with the foliage is also gorgeous!)
DeleteI've always wanted to visit Maine! LOL... there was this Barbara Streisand movie where she sat and ate maine lobster... lol :) Congrats to Nina on her new release and thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen that movie with Streisand. I'm sure it was funny! I hop you check out the book, Erin.
DeleteI love lobster but I've never been to Maine.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a place not to be missed, Danielle. I would just suggest going during the warmer seasons. ;)
DeleteI've never been to Maine, but I would love to visit it one day. I love lobster, and have had Maine lobster.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing like having Maine lobster on a summer night on the back deck with some corn-on-the-cob and steamed clams. I hope you have a chance to visit, Diane. It's really a beautiful place.
DeleteI've never been there but I know it's beautiful especially in the Fall.
ReplyDeleteThe fall is just gorgeous! I hope you get a chance to visit some day, Carol.
Deletethey have lobster
ReplyDelete:D Yep, Maine sure does!
DeleteMany years ago we took a trip to Maine - lovely scenery. I don't remember where we were on the coast, but I do remember that in the middle of summer, the water was freezing cold.
ReplyDeleteLOL! Yeah, it's not very often the ocean is warm in Maine.
Delete