Interview with Author Natalie Anderson and Giveaway

Today I am happy to welcome back to RFTC author Natalie Anderson. Natalie is celebrating the recent release of Flirting to Win and has stopped by to chat. Please give Natalie a warm welcome.

USA TODAY bestseller Natalie Anderson writes fun, frisky, feels-good contemporary romance for Harlequin Mills & Boon and Entangled Publishing. With over twenty books published, she's also been a Romantic Times Award nominee & a finalist for the R*BY (Romantic Book of the Year).

She lives in Christchurch, New Zealand with her husband, four children and what feels like a million ducks.

Places to find Natalie:

| Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter |

First off, can you tell us a bit about you?
I’m a Kiwi – born and raised in New Zealand. I have a few years ‘out’ in the UK before returning and settling down here in the South Island of New Zealand. I’ve worked as a researcher in law libraries and corporate banking, took time out to be an at-home mum and decided to ‘finally’ write a book. I’ve not stopped writing since!

I’ve got four gorgeous kids and a wonderful husband. It’s very busy but in such a fun way. I feel really lucky.

Did you always want to be a writer?
Yes I did – from the time I thought about having a ‘job’ – I’ve always loved stories and reading and living in my own imagination—it’s a fun place to hang out! ;)

What kind of writer are you? Panster or Plotter?
I do plot a bit now to get me started—I have to anyway as I need to give my ed and idea of what my story is going to be like. So I have some scenes and key points and I do work on my characters’ backstories and stuff so I can be sure I do actually have some conflict and some journey there! But then I ‘pants’ my way through a draft—and it is really a pants draft! It’s so messy and all over the place. But I need to do that really dirty discovery draft so I really get the story. The characters always hold something back until I’m right at the end, so I have to go back and work it in! It’s an ugly process really, but it works for me =)

Where do your ideas come from?
They just show up. Seriously. They just pop in from somewhere… I get them all the time (and in dutiful writer fashion I have a battered little notebook that fits into my pocket so I can write them down and not FORGET them, which I am prone to do). I get them from reading (especially the tabloids! LOL), from watching people, talking to people. If you’re open to them, ideas are everywhere!

A la Twitter style, can you describe your book (or series) in 140 characters or less.
It’s summer in London and it’s game on for the champions of flirt. Three heroines find lust, lies, laughter and just maybe, love.

What are some of your favorite kinds of stories to read?
I do write what I love to read—so give me some sexy, uplifting, funny stories and I’m a happy gal. Having said that I do LOVE crime as well (so long as it’s not too gory). And I’ve got kids ranging in age from 6-10 so I read a lot with them. I think some of the middle grade fiction out there is SO awesome – funny, emotional and brilliantly written. I love reading them J

Do you have a favorite book and if so what is it?
No, I can’t name a single favourite!!!! That’s just too hard J So I have several. I do have some ‘comfort’ reads that I turn to when I’m really, really tired and want an absolute escape. They’re ones I’ve been reading since my early teens—basically anything by Georgette Heyer and Mary Stewart.

What are the scenes that are the hardest for you to write?
It depends to be honest! I do think the scenes where it all falls apart for the couple are hard to write. I’m feeling as sad and crappy as they are! It can be too easy to skip over and get to the good stuff again… but you do have to slow down and go deep. It’s also horrible when you set them up to fall apart and then realise you’ve got no idea how to get it sorted between them again!

If you could have dinner with any three authors, who would you choose and why?
Well, I’m going with past and presents authors ‘cos this is a wish, right? Georgette Heyer – because she’s such a legend and I think she’d be fascinating to listen to. Stephen King for the same reason and Neil Gaiman because I think he’s mega inspirational as someone who’s followed his own path and is simply brilliant. I don’t think I’d say a word through dinner, I’d just be in awe!

Last question, are you working on anything right now?
Yes! I’m always working on something =) I’m finishing another novella that’ll be out in a duo next year, plus I’m tweaking a paranormal YA that I also hope will be out next year and just for fun I’m writing a very silly story with my kids. But as soon as that novella is done I’m diving into a full length contemporary romance trilogy – I can’t wait to get into it, the first hero is already teasing me!

Thanks so much for having me here again! And can I just tell you and your readers that BARGAIN IN BRONZE is currently FREE at Amazon!

So be sure to grab it here.

Bargain in Bronze
If you can't take the heat...

Entrepreneur Libby Harris's specialty is making her famous muesli. So when an Olympic hopeful invites her to his flat to make her delicious cereal, she's bewildered when his brother Jack walks in, accusing her of trying to ruin his brother's career. Libby has every intention of staying single, but with Jack around, no way can she suppress the personal pleasure she's long denied herself.

Investment banker extraordinaire Jack Barnes's attraction to Libby is instantaneous, but he's raised his two siblings after their parents died in an accident, and it's been all work and no play for as long as he can remember. He can't let down his guard now--not when his brother is so close to the gold. But keeping Libby busy and out of his brother's life challenges every ounce of his self-control.

Until now...

Neither wants a relationship, and though they can't deny their incredible chemistry, Libby and Jack agree that what they have is temporary. So when things start to sizzle between them, will they be able to take the heat?

Seduction in Silver
A limited engagement...

For two weeks Nina Breslin had passed an enticing stranger when catching the Baker Street Tube to go to work. So utterly sexy, and enticingly foreign, she figures he's eons out of her league--until the day he makes an outrageous proposal.

Dr. Eduardo Ruiz needs a break from the heart-breaking reality of his job. So when he finally introduces himself to the vivacious woman he's been admiring, he quickly realizes they could help each other with their sticky situations...and have great fun in the process.

They agree to an outrageous plan. For one night only, she'll masquerade as his girlfriend to appease his overzealous family members, and he'll accompany her to meet with her ex-fiancé's friends, pretending to be her attentive lover. Can they play by their own rules, or will they succumb to the pull of seduction?

Gamble in Gold
The one that got away...

Seven years have passed since shy Lexie Peterson had her heart trampled by her teenage crush. When she comes face to face with him in London, she vows to stay strong against his charms. But there's something about the man who has always made the impossible seem possible.

When Luke Marchetti walks into his flat to find Lexie in a negligee, all he can think of is having a little flirt and fling. But sweet, caring Lexie is all grown up now, and her determination to keep him at a distance makes him realize she deserves more than he can offer.

One kiss when they were younger ignited a passion that lasted seven long years. But is it enough to entice the two to take a gamble on love?

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

1 lucky commenter will win a eBook copy of Flirting to Win

To Enter:

• Please leave a meaningful comment or question for Natalie.
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