My fellow Avon Addict, Lisa, interviewed Candis Terry to celebrate the release of A BETTER MAN, Book One in the Sunshine Creek Vineyard Series ...
Lisa: Firstly, congrats on the release of your ninth full length novel and first in the brand new Sunshine Creek Vineyard series, A BETTER MAN. Even through you are a total veteran now at this whole "New Book" thing, do you still get the same excited, nervous, mixed emotion with each release?
Candis: Thank you so much! I’m really excited about the new series. The Kincade brothers are super delicious, and this time around I got to include a little mystery.
Honestly, I don’t see myself as a veteran. I’m still learning so much about writing a better book. So for me, each book really feels like the first. I usually get a hard copy a couple of weeks before the release date and the minute I hold it in my hands I feel like I’m getting ready to go to prom. Seriously. All those happy tickles going on inside my heart are like the popping of the cork on a champagne bottle. With a new series I always get very nervous because I really hope my readers will enjoy the new characters as much as the last.
Lisa: How do you feel your writing had grown from SECOND CHANCE AT THE SUGAR SHACK, your debut release with Avon, to now with A BETTER MAN? What is the one thing you have learned that stands out for you looking back?
Candis: I’m reaching outside of boxes I didn’t even know I had! I think the one thing I’ve learned (with the help of my amazing editor, Amanda Bergeron) is to really dig deep into the characters and their situations. More than just a fun story (which I hope they are), I want the reader to get the emotional pull so that they feel like they’re right there in the pages with the hero and heroine. When I receive a note or letter from a reader saying my stories made them laugh and cry, I can’t even describe the absolute satisfaction I feel. Because that’s my ultimate goal–making the reader happy.
Lisa: What are two of the biggest hurdles you have had to jump in order to make your writing career a success?
Candis: Oh my gosh, there have been so many. Balancing a day job, my family, and my writing. Battling self-doubt (probably the biggest one). Finding a new flavor of frozen pizza my family hasn’t suffered through yet. J
Lisa: Do you as an author feel like you have accomplished the goals you set for yourself? Is there anything that stands out for 2016 that is an "I WANT" in terms of goals?
Candis: In the beginning, my only goal was to write a book good enough that a publisher would want to buy. It took me twenty-two years to make that a reality, so anything beyond that was frosting on the cake. I never dreamed I would be the first of anything. But I was the first for the Avon Impulse line and the first to be moved to mass market. I never imagined that my books would be best sellers. Inside this crazy mind of mine, I’m still the chick who plugged away on manuscript after manuscript for years without any success.
I’m not the kind of person who ever asks for much for myself, so an “I want” in terms of goals is difficult. Of course I’d love to be a NYT bestselling author, and I’d love to win a RITA. But truthfully, I really just want to write really good, heartwarming stories for my readers. Without them I’d just be writing for myself, and my characters would be very sad and probably bored as heck with me.
Lisa: For anyone who doesn't know, you didn't become a traditionally published writer until your daughter was a grown adult. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors who think it's too late for them to begin a writing career?
Candis: Yeah, it took me twenty-two long, tough years. I was just too darned stubborn to give up. I came close a couple of times, but as my husband always said, it’s my passion, so why would I quit. My favorite quote is from the movie Galaxy Quest. “Never give up. Never surrender.” If writing is your passion, stick with it. If publication is your goal, there are a dozen ways to make that happen these days. There are pros and cons to writing when you’re older, just as there are pros and cons to writing when you’re younger. There is never one perfect time and one perfect career. I’m a believer that life is what you make it. If being an author is your passion and your dream, make it happen and enjoy whatever opportunities come your way. I’m now heading into my sixth decade of life. Do I wish I could have become a published author sooner? Not really. I think it happened when it was supposed to. And I’m enjoying it every bit of the way.
Lisa: You have had a host of different careers in your life as you mention in your website bio, "From working in a Hollywood recording studio to a graphic designer in marketing; from schmoozing with the likes of Charleton Heston and Motley Crüe". Do you ever use your "past life" as a muse for a story line, a character or a setting?
Candis: I use a lot from my personal life in stories, but it never has anything to do with meeting celebrities (although that was always fun). It does, however, have everything to do with personalities, and lives, and the stories they tell. The characters and settings I write about are a lot more grounded than some of those who live behind a mansion’s security gates. But I could tell you stories about those days. Oh yes I could. ;)
Lisa: One of my many problems when it comes to your romances is that you have too many amazing heroes to choose from, and I can never decide who is my favorite. Some have been my "first", some have stolen my heart, some have made me swoon, and some have made me laugh out loud. Do you have a favorite hero among the bunch? The one who gave you the hardest time, the one who made you cry, the one who you let lead the way?
Candis: Ah, come on! That’s like asking who is your favorite child. But since you asked . . . yes, I do have my favorites. For different reasons. I always compare my heroes with a bag of M&Ms. Each one has a different substance (because, you know, there are regular, crispy, and peanut butter M&Ms now) and each has a different color to his personality. I’d like to note that not a single one of them has ever let me lead the way. I write alpha males. They don’t like to be led by anything or anyone. Specifically, the hero who gave me the hardest time would be (hands down) Jackson Wilder from Sweetest Mistake. I love him, but we argued the entire time I wrote his book. He was hot-headed and passionate about everything and I could barely keep him reined in. The one who made me cry? Well, there are three. Matt Ryan from Second Chance at the Sugar Shack broke my heart so hard I had to stop writing until I could get my stuff together. Reno Wilder from Anything But Sweet because he was such an amazing guy who’d had such a tough life. And Jake Wilder from Truly Sweet. Jake was a hero from head to toe who was so afraid to live life that he made my heart pound through his entire book. The sexiest? Jesse Wilder from Something Sweeter. Jesse. Yeah. Whew!
Lisa: Where do you see your career headed in the next few years? (aside from hitting USA Today and NYT's wink wink).
Candis: I really have no idea where it’s headed. With the generosity of my readers I hope I’ll still be writing books. I have so many ideas in my head there’s no way I could ever write them all. But I’m going to give it a damn good try.
Lisa: What do you hope that readers take away from your romances? Who are the kind of readers that you think your books will appeal to?
Candis: I’d love for my books appeal to everyone. Realistically, if a reader likes blood and gore they’re not going to like my stories. If a reader is looking for a story that is fast-paced, fun, emotional, and heartwarming, then I think we’ll get along just fine. Oh, and if they like pets, because the little furry guys in my stories bring a whole lot to the page. I hope my readers take away a great amount of satisfaction and that my little tales of love hit them in just the right place in their hearts.
Lisa: And lastly...I know that you are a HUGE romance reader as well as author...I need your Top Five Romances of All Time.
Candis: Good grief! Only five? Have you ever seen my paperback keeper shelf or the library on my Kindle? It’s insane. Okay, okay, I’ll try to narrow it down.
1. Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I have two copies of this book because the first one got so dog-eared from me re-reading it so often. Three words. Bobby Tom Denton. Sigh.
2. Whitney My Love by Judith McNaught. Such a wonderful read. My heart pitter-patters just thinking about it.
3. Truly Madly Yours by Rachel Gibson. Another book I have two copies of. Nick’s love for Delaney is just so tortuously sweet and wonderful I will never get enough.
4. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Hey, I’m a Scot, so sue me if I’m crazy over Jamie Frazier and his kilt.
5. Son of the Morning by Linda Howard. Just a breathtaking story with amazing characters. And okay, yeah, another Scot. Can’t help myself.
This has been so much fun! Thank you so much!
Candis: Thank you so much! I’m really excited about the new series. The Kincade brothers are super delicious, and this time around I got to include a little mystery.
Honestly, I don’t see myself as a veteran. I’m still learning so much about writing a better book. So for me, each book really feels like the first. I usually get a hard copy a couple of weeks before the release date and the minute I hold it in my hands I feel like I’m getting ready to go to prom. Seriously. All those happy tickles going on inside my heart are like the popping of the cork on a champagne bottle. With a new series I always get very nervous because I really hope my readers will enjoy the new characters as much as the last.
Lisa: How do you feel your writing had grown from SECOND CHANCE AT THE SUGAR SHACK, your debut release with Avon, to now with A BETTER MAN? What is the one thing you have learned that stands out for you looking back?
Candis: I’m reaching outside of boxes I didn’t even know I had! I think the one thing I’ve learned (with the help of my amazing editor, Amanda Bergeron) is to really dig deep into the characters and their situations. More than just a fun story (which I hope they are), I want the reader to get the emotional pull so that they feel like they’re right there in the pages with the hero and heroine. When I receive a note or letter from a reader saying my stories made them laugh and cry, I can’t even describe the absolute satisfaction I feel. Because that’s my ultimate goal–making the reader happy.
Lisa: What are two of the biggest hurdles you have had to jump in order to make your writing career a success?
Candis: Oh my gosh, there have been so many. Balancing a day job, my family, and my writing. Battling self-doubt (probably the biggest one). Finding a new flavor of frozen pizza my family hasn’t suffered through yet. J
Lisa: Do you as an author feel like you have accomplished the goals you set for yourself? Is there anything that stands out for 2016 that is an "I WANT" in terms of goals?
Candis: In the beginning, my only goal was to write a book good enough that a publisher would want to buy. It took me twenty-two years to make that a reality, so anything beyond that was frosting on the cake. I never dreamed I would be the first of anything. But I was the first for the Avon Impulse line and the first to be moved to mass market. I never imagined that my books would be best sellers. Inside this crazy mind of mine, I’m still the chick who plugged away on manuscript after manuscript for years without any success.
I’m not the kind of person who ever asks for much for myself, so an “I want” in terms of goals is difficult. Of course I’d love to be a NYT bestselling author, and I’d love to win a RITA. But truthfully, I really just want to write really good, heartwarming stories for my readers. Without them I’d just be writing for myself, and my characters would be very sad and probably bored as heck with me.
Lisa: For anyone who doesn't know, you didn't become a traditionally published writer until your daughter was a grown adult. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors who think it's too late for them to begin a writing career?
Candis: Yeah, it took me twenty-two long, tough years. I was just too darned stubborn to give up. I came close a couple of times, but as my husband always said, it’s my passion, so why would I quit. My favorite quote is from the movie Galaxy Quest. “Never give up. Never surrender.” If writing is your passion, stick with it. If publication is your goal, there are a dozen ways to make that happen these days. There are pros and cons to writing when you’re older, just as there are pros and cons to writing when you’re younger. There is never one perfect time and one perfect career. I’m a believer that life is what you make it. If being an author is your passion and your dream, make it happen and enjoy whatever opportunities come your way. I’m now heading into my sixth decade of life. Do I wish I could have become a published author sooner? Not really. I think it happened when it was supposed to. And I’m enjoying it every bit of the way.
Lisa: You have had a host of different careers in your life as you mention in your website bio, "From working in a Hollywood recording studio to a graphic designer in marketing; from schmoozing with the likes of Charleton Heston and Motley Crüe". Do you ever use your "past life" as a muse for a story line, a character or a setting?
Candis: I use a lot from my personal life in stories, but it never has anything to do with meeting celebrities (although that was always fun). It does, however, have everything to do with personalities, and lives, and the stories they tell. The characters and settings I write about are a lot more grounded than some of those who live behind a mansion’s security gates. But I could tell you stories about those days. Oh yes I could. ;)
Lisa: One of my many problems when it comes to your romances is that you have too many amazing heroes to choose from, and I can never decide who is my favorite. Some have been my "first", some have stolen my heart, some have made me swoon, and some have made me laugh out loud. Do you have a favorite hero among the bunch? The one who gave you the hardest time, the one who made you cry, the one who you let lead the way?
Candis: Ah, come on! That’s like asking who is your favorite child. But since you asked . . . yes, I do have my favorites. For different reasons. I always compare my heroes with a bag of M&Ms. Each one has a different substance (because, you know, there are regular, crispy, and peanut butter M&Ms now) and each has a different color to his personality. I’d like to note that not a single one of them has ever let me lead the way. I write alpha males. They don’t like to be led by anything or anyone. Specifically, the hero who gave me the hardest time would be (hands down) Jackson Wilder from Sweetest Mistake. I love him, but we argued the entire time I wrote his book. He was hot-headed and passionate about everything and I could barely keep him reined in. The one who made me cry? Well, there are three. Matt Ryan from Second Chance at the Sugar Shack broke my heart so hard I had to stop writing until I could get my stuff together. Reno Wilder from Anything But Sweet because he was such an amazing guy who’d had such a tough life. And Jake Wilder from Truly Sweet. Jake was a hero from head to toe who was so afraid to live life that he made my heart pound through his entire book. The sexiest? Jesse Wilder from Something Sweeter. Jesse. Yeah. Whew!
Lisa: Where do you see your career headed in the next few years? (aside from hitting USA Today and NYT's wink wink).
Candis: I really have no idea where it’s headed. With the generosity of my readers I hope I’ll still be writing books. I have so many ideas in my head there’s no way I could ever write them all. But I’m going to give it a damn good try.
Lisa: What do you hope that readers take away from your romances? Who are the kind of readers that you think your books will appeal to?
Candis: I’d love for my books appeal to everyone. Realistically, if a reader likes blood and gore they’re not going to like my stories. If a reader is looking for a story that is fast-paced, fun, emotional, and heartwarming, then I think we’ll get along just fine. Oh, and if they like pets, because the little furry guys in my stories bring a whole lot to the page. I hope my readers take away a great amount of satisfaction and that my little tales of love hit them in just the right place in their hearts.
Lisa: And lastly...I know that you are a HUGE romance reader as well as author...I need your Top Five Romances of All Time.
Candis: Good grief! Only five? Have you ever seen my paperback keeper shelf or the library on my Kindle? It’s insane. Okay, okay, I’ll try to narrow it down.
1. Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I have two copies of this book because the first one got so dog-eared from me re-reading it so often. Three words. Bobby Tom Denton. Sigh.
2. Whitney My Love by Judith McNaught. Such a wonderful read. My heart pitter-patters just thinking about it.
3. Truly Madly Yours by Rachel Gibson. Another book I have two copies of. Nick’s love for Delaney is just so tortuously sweet and wonderful I will never get enough.
4. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Hey, I’m a Scot, so sue me if I’m crazy over Jamie Frazier and his kilt.
5. Son of the Morning by Linda Howard. Just a breathtaking story with amazing characters. And okay, yeah, another Scot. Can’t help myself.
This has been so much fun! Thank you so much!
Sooner or later…
Hockey star Jordan Kincade wasted no time ditching Sunshine Creek for the NHL, but his sports career has overshadowed everything else-a truth Jordan confronts when his parents’ deaths bring him home. Now his little sister Nicki is flunking out of school, and only one teacher can help Jordan save her-the shy but incredibly sexy Lucy Diamond, the same girl whose heart he broke years ago. But he’s determined not to make the same mistake twice. If only Lucy would give him the time of day.
Love has a way of catching up with you.
Lucy has no intention of drowning in Jordan’s deep blue gaze again, even if he seems to have turned over a new leaf. Still, his devotion to his sister is impossible to ignore. As they team up to salvage Nicki’s future, Lucy soon discovers that Jordan’s sweet caresses and lingering kisses might just be everything she needs.
Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo
Wine tun at Heidelberg castle
Public Domain (link)
Public Domain (link)
1. Leave a comment about vineyards - have you visited any? I visited several vineyards along the Rhine River when I lived in Germany.
2. Comments are open through Saturday, April 16, 10 pm in Baltimore.
3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 17.
Mahalo,
3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 17.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
:( :( no I've never visited a vineyard.....but then I'm not a big wine drinker.
ReplyDeleteI visited a few when I went to northern California to see my aunt. I also live in Michigan and get to see some up towards Traverse City. I do like them!
ReplyDeleteyes
ReplyDeleteA while back my cousin and her friend went on a road trip to Napa, but I couldn't make it.
ReplyDeleteOnly driven by them.
ReplyDeleteYes napa valley is great
ReplyDeleteThanks
Kimh
I have visited a couple of vineyards in Missouri and one in California.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was much younger, too young to drink, I went on a number of vineyard tours with my parents.
ReplyDeleteI haven't visited any vineyards but I'd like to make a trip down to California one day to tour them
ReplyDeleteI have visited vineyards in many area - Spain, Germany and Napa and Temecula in California.
ReplyDeleteNo, I've never been to a vineyard, but I did go to a whiskey distillery in Scotland.
ReplyDeleteNot the actual vineyards but the distilleries.
ReplyDeleteNone so far
ReplyDeletemy first visits to a vinyard was in northern california many years ago, went to a few in Austria, and more recently to several in Virginia
ReplyDeleteI have visited several vineyards in Napa Valley. The tours with wine tasting are very interesting.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was very young, my mother and grandmother took us along to visit several vineyards, but I haven't been to any since.
ReplyDeleteI'm not much for wine but I think vineyards are beautiful, I'd love to visit Napa one day!
ReplyDeleteI have never visited a vineyard although I love wine
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