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Monday, January 14, 2013

Interview with Author Barb Han and Giveaway


Today I would like to welcome author Barb Han to RFTC. Barbara is currently on tour for her book Seducing Avery and has stopped by to answer a few questions. Please give Barbara a warm welcome.

Barb Han lives in North Texas with her husband, has three beautiful children, a spunky Golden Retriever/Standard Poodle mix, and too many books to count.

When she’s not writing, researching, or otherwise getting lost in a story, she volunteers at her children’s school, is in the kitchen ‘creating’ dinner, or can be found on or around a basketball court.

Writing contemporary romance and romantic suspense has been a dream come true for Barb—something she’s wanted to do for as long as she can remember. She left her corporate job, at her husband’s urging, and has been happily playing with her imaginary friends ever since.

In her down time, she plays video games and loves reading with her children. She also enjoys traveling with her family. Many of the places she visits end up in her books.

Places to find Barb:

First off, can you tell us a bit about you?
First and foremost, thanks so much for having me here today!

The inverted pyramid writing style I learned in Journalism 101 couldn’t hold my interest for long. I wanted to add description, characters, and points of view to my work. I knew I was in trouble when my editor at a Fortune 100 company called me down again (sigh) for having too many adjectives in my stories. I traded my business suit for yoga pants, and have been happily writing from home ever since (where I get to keep most of my descriptive words).

What else? I live in North Texas with my husband where we have three beautiful children, a spunky Golden Retriever/Standard Poodle mix, and too many books to count. When I’m not writing, researching, or otherwise getting lost in a story, I like to volunteer in my children’s school. I enjoy cooking, too. Oh, and in my down time, I can usually be found on or around a basketball court.

Did you always want to be a writer?
Ever since I can remember, I wanted to write. I had this silly notion I’d need to get a ‘real’ job when I grew up and that I’d secretly write at night and on weekends. I’d heard one too many stories about painters who became famous after their deaths, so I innocently believed that’s how it worked. My need to write overpowered my need for a high-paying job so I studied journalism in college. My emphasis was PR and my minor was marketing so I could get a paid writing job in corporate America. I didn’t care what I did, really, as long as I got to write. Many a boring, er, exciting, Marketing collateral piece was born that way. :-)

What kind of writer are you? Panster or Plotter?
Oh, good question. I’m a total hybrid. How’s that for not committing to either one? Stories come to me in many ways. Sometimes, it’s a character who sticks around in my mind. Other times, a situation pops into my thoughts and the people show up later. I let the situation or character marinate for a while before I sit down to write, which is good because this usually happens when I’m working on something else and have another idea in the pipeline waiting its turn, too. I always seem to have more ideas than writing time. Once I learn more, I nail down the conflict by asking myself what’s most important to the people in the story and why they can’t have it? I have a rough outline, mostly in mind with a few notes jotted down before I start writing. When I think I have enough to move forward (some stories dance around in the back of my mind for a few years before they take center stage), then it’s go time. I start writing and let the story take me from there. I always know how a story will end before I sit down to write it. Sometimes, I’m right.

Where do your ideas come from?
Pretty much everywhere. I’ll see a woman standing next to the flower section of the grocery who keeps stealing glances at an arrangement of roses and the questions start pinging. Why is she standing near the roses and not walking right up to them? Is it because she recently lost someone and that particular arrangement reminded her of him, and she can’t face it? Or does she long for someone to send her a beautiful bouquet? When was the last time someone sent her flowers? Does she always wear red? Was that a tear I saw escape before she could sniff it back? Or, is she acting? Then a thunderclap moment happens and I’ll ask, does she really work for a secret agency and is watching a target while looking for weapons? She could break the glass vase and be ready to strike at a moment’s notice.

This happens pretty much everywhere. Carpool. Coffee houses. You name it. Although, I’ve mostly learned to find the ‘off’ button at the grocery, or I’d come home empty handed and my family would starve.

A la Twitter style, can you describe your book (or series) in 140 characters or less.
Okay, I’ll try. Here goes: A billionaire playboy can get anything he wants…except the woman of his dreams. Can career-focused Avery keep their relationship business only?

What are some of your favorite kinds of stories to read?
I’m an eclectic reader, so I read most genres. My biggest criterion is an HEA. Having said that, I love contemporary (an obvious choice given what I write); romantic suspense; mystery; women’s fiction. I’ve been known to dive into paranormal and YA. Aren’t there a lot of great YA books out right now!

Do you have a favorite book and if so what is it?
Do you mean right now? This changes weekly. I tend to devour books. At this moment, I’d have to say my favorite is...well, I can’t decide. There are too many great stories out there! I recently finished Cindy Gerard’s Last Man Standing. What an intense read! I loved it. On the lighter side, but oh-so-sexy, I just finished Candace Havens’ Take It Like A Vamp. The first line of that story is, “It’s sad when your best friend makes your panties, melt...” By now, I think everyone’s read Jennifer Probst’s The Marriage Bargain. I love her feisty heroine, and who doesn’t love a man who can cook? My go to person for a read with sexual chemistry that fires all over the page is Abby Green. The Legend of De Marco is her new release and will be my next read.

What are the scenes that are the hardest for you to write?
The hardest scenes for me to write are the ones which stretch me in some new way. These are often born out of feedback from my agent or editor.

If you could have dinner with any three authors, who would you choose and why?
First and foremost, I’d choose Stephen J. Cannell. I had an opportunity to meet him when he was alive and missed it. It’s my one big regret. He has inspired me in so many ways with this work ethic, his dedication to telling a story in the best possible way, and his personal courage. I’d be honored to share a meal with him.

He only wrote one book and it was non-fiction, but the second person would be Bruce Lee. He was my first crush (I was five when he died) and most likely the reason I dated my Asian husband (shhh...don’t tell him that!). Seriously, Bruce was brilliant and focused, and, let’s face it, he could nunchuck the heck out of injustice. He was the ultimate alpha male. Plus, with all his Hollywood connections, I bet he could tell some interesting stories.

I would definitely try to balance out all the testosterone at the table with my last dinner guest. Last, but in no way least, would be Sandra Brown. I have a total Fan Girl crush on her (in a non-stalker way). I love her writing voice. And when it comes to sparing with words, I bet she could hold her own even against Mr. Lee. Plus, wouldn’t it be cool to see how these three very different people related to each other?

Last question, are you working on anything right now?
Why yes, thanks for asking. I just turned in another billionaire story. This one is much darker than my first, and the hero and heroine have a past they have to overcome to find their happy ending. Daegen is dark, sexy, and damaged. (I love a wounded hero who can only be saved by the love of a special woman.) Rae has her own issues. Her problems run deep. She’ll find out if she can she go back to the one man she can’t forget and find love in second chances.

Here’s an exclusive excerpt:

He couldn’t stop himself from wondering if her breath still caught when he stroked behind her knee? Or when his tongue rolled behind her ear and he breathed on her lobe? Did her body vibrate when his fingers grazed the inside of her silky thigh?

Seeing her again brought out a dormant thirst no woman since her could quench. Her reason for showing up didn’t matter. He had every intention to get her back in his bed where she belonged.

Only this time, they’d part on his terms.

Lifting her wrist ever so slowly, he held her gaze while brushing a kiss on the tender place where her arm joined her palm.

She held secrets. He intended to find out what. “Your room is over there. Don’t get too comfortable.”

A breath came out in a huff. Her pink lips pouted. “No threat there.”

Threat? Interesting word choice.

Threat could be measured. Threat weighed a hundred-twenty-five-pounds and stood five-foot-seven-inches.

Threat had a name. Rae Stevens.


Avery McAdams believes in order to truly be herself she needs to keep her head down, her guard up and her focus on her career. Until she’s hired by sexy, charismatic Ryker Li to pull off the event of the century, and he shows up personally to convince her to handle his next party. When she meets him face-to-face, she realizes a piece of her wants him to see her as attractive, which goes against everything she’s convinced herself she believes.

Rich, powerful Ryker has made an art form of getting what he wants, when he wants it, and then moving on. But something about Avery makes him want to stick around.

When he finds everything he never dreamed to look for in a woman, can the billionaire playboy commit to the biggest deal of all? Or will a lifetime of mistrust and suspicion turn them forever into rivals?

Purchase: | Amazon |
"When you despise something, you'd be surprised at what you're willing to do to avoid it." She picked up the blanket, noticing how the air in the room had gone thin. Avery couldn't swallow. Her throat dried up and her stomach quivered. Being near this man made her pulse thump at the base of her throat. Because when his gaze landed hard on hers, it spoke pure sex.

Thick, sooty lashes framed the most intoxicating shade of exotic brown eyes. His high cheekbones framed hard planes on his face, anchoring perfectly full, perfectly formed lips.

Looking at those lips almost made her forget he thought himself too important to attend the charity event he lent his name to. She quirked an eyebrow at him, curious as to why he really stood here in her office? After all, he'd been too busy or too good to show last night. Then again, why would a man like him waste an evening on orphans when he could have any supermodel he wanted at his side, and in his bed?

Coffee. She needed caffeine. She gripped the Styrofoam cup and took a sip.

His thick lips curled. "What is it now?"

Check out whats up for grabs.

Up For Grabs:
  • 1 lucky winner from the ENTIRE tour a $10 Gift Card (Amazon/B&N)

To Enter:
  • Leave a meaningful comment or question for Barb.
  • Please leave your email address along with your comment to be entered. 
  • Giveaway ends February 8th

Good Luck =)

69 comments :

  1. Good morning! Thanks so much for having me here today.

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  2. Very interesting post. I have this book, but wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it.

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  3. Thanks so much for stopping by, Jerrie! So glad you enjoyed Avery and Ryker's story!

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  4. Great interview, Barb. You must have one of the all-time best book covers. I'm not a beach person, and this makes me want to head to the sands. As to the plotter/pantser question? You are so heavy on the pantser side. LOL As long as it works for you and clearly, it does. Good luck with your tour.

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    2. Thanks so much, Marsha! And thanks for stopping by this morning! I got lucky on the cover! Wish I could take credit, but the cover artist was Rae Monet at The Wild Rose Press. I'm definitely a hybrid when it comes to being a plotter or a panster. :-)

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  5. Terrific interview and I loved the excerpt. We have a very similar writing style. I'm a bit of a hybrid myself. I have this book as well, haven't read it yet, but it's waiting for me. Wishing you much success, Barb!

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    1. Thanks so much, and thanks for stopping by, Joanne! I can't imagine a rigid plotting style, can you? I do hope you enjoy Avery and Ryker's story! Much success to you in your writing career.

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  6. Haha, only a pantser would say they are a hybrid. A plotter never would.

    Fun interview, Barb. Bruce Lee, huh?

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  7. Ha! So true, Clover!! Only a pantser would say that! Yep, Bruce Lee. Wasn't he dreamy??

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  8. Its so great to see an up and coming author really work so hard! Congrats on Seducing Avery and Gone!

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by and thanks for your kind words.

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  9. Sounds like a great book! Congrats!

    maybe31 at yahoo.com

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    1. Thank you! And thanks for stopping by this morning!

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  10. Sounds like a great book! Congrats!

    parisfan_ca@yahoo.com

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    1. Good morning, Laurie! Nice of you to stop by. Thanks so much.

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  11. Hi, the excerpt and interview certainly got my attention. You are a new author for me so can't wait to get started on this book.
    Thanks,
    Lori
    lorih824 at yahoo dot com

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    1. You just made my day, Lori! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!

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  12. Hi, Barb, I'm not here to enter, just to pimp your book. Avery and Ryker's story is a fun read, everyone grab your copy. :)

    The new billionaire story sounds intriguing, good luck with that! I'm waiting to get my kindle back from my bff so I can dive into Gone!

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by, Diana! You'll have to let me know what you think of GONE! Have a great day!!

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  13. I like the idea of money doesn't buy everything.

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    1. Good morning, Mary Jo. So true, isn't it. Some of my favorite things in life are hugs from my children, an unexpected kiss from my husband, chats with my friends...all free!

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  14. Sounds like a good book. I can totally see where your characters could take over this story.

    kvmatlock at gmail dot com

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  15. Hi Kim! They can be fun that way. When they do take over, it's just as fun for me to find out where it's all going. :-)

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  16. Congrats Barb on the new release! It sounds fantastic! Thanks for sharing :)

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    1. Good morning, Erin! I'm happy to be here. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!

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  17. I wanna go to that dinner party: Cantrell, Lee, Brown. Sounds awesome!

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    1. I'd love that, Regina! And oh how you'd add to that conversation!! We could have a lot of fun!! :-)

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  18. Have fun on the tour, Barb! Congrats on the release of Seducing Avery - I've got it on my wish list, and Gone, too.

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  19. I enjoyed the interview and learning more about you. Thank you for the excerpt, it was great.

    Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. So nice to meet you here. I'm so glad you enjoyed the excerpt. Take care!

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  20. WONDERFUL INTERVIEW AND SEDUCING AVERY SOUNDS HOT!

    linda_bass@sbcglobal.net

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    1. Thanks so much, Linda! Not a bad way to warm up during the frigid temps we're having here in Dallas. :-)

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  21. I can understand the Bruce Lee thing. Thought he was kinda hot as Kato. :)

    Kelli
    krolvaag@gmail.com

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  22. What an interesting interview. I've read some of Barb's writing, and I think she is at the start of a great career! Good characters and good plots - what more could you ask for in fun fiction? Thanks for helping us get to know an author better ...

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words, Emily! So glad you stopped by. Take care.

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  23. I had fun visiting with you today and getting to learn more about you. I love the book cover and the excerpt sounds great!

    Good luck in your writing career and I hope we hear more great things about you!

    sarah-hoss AT hotmail.com

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    1. Hi Sarah! Thanks so much for stopping by. It's so nice to meet you. Thank you for your encouraging words! Take care.

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  24. Sounds and looks like a very interesting read.
    olga_sergejeva (at) hotmail.co.uk

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    1. Hi Olga, thanks so much for your comment! Have a great afternoon!

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  25. Hi, Barb! I'm writing my meaningful comment-I love reading your excerpts. You are a fantastic writer.

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    1. Thanks for your meaningful comment, Vicki! Love it! :-)

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  26. Great Interview Barb! And lovely bookcover. I want to go drift in that water.

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    1. Doesn't that look amazing about now? (It was 27 degrees in Dallas last night and much colder in states where some of my friends live.) Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Renee!

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  27. Hi Barb,

    I look forward to reading your next book. If it's like the first one, it should be another winner.

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    1. Thank you so much, Vicky! And thanks for stopping by tonight!!

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  28. I read about this book awhile ago but I forgot to write the tile down. I'm so glad it's on today. I think the book sounds great. Thanks for the excerpts.

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    1. Hi Lori! Thanks for stopping by! I'm so happy you liked the excerpts!! I do hope you enjoy reading Ryker and Avery's story. Stay in touch and let me know what you think. Take care!

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  29. Thanks for the post, I find your choice of proposed dinner companions very interesting. Very good choices. lisagk(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thanks, Lisa! And thanks for stopping by!! Wouldn't that make for interesting conversation? Take care!

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  30. Sounds like a great read!!
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com

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  31. It's been a very long time since I saw a Bruce Lee movie.

    My favorite reads change with the wind.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. We pulled out Enter The Dragon the other day. My teenage son loves to watch it. :-)

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  32. I was always a Bruce Lee fan. His dedication and love of his sport was inspiring. Which leads me to believe that you have that same drive. Seducing Avery was a really good read. Since I don't usually read romance stories, there seemed to be something in way you put it together that kept me captivated. Just started on "GONE" and wow can't wait to see how this one ends. Thanks for being who you are!

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    1. You made my day, Juanita!! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!! I admire Bruce Lee for his dedication too. Stephen J. Cannell is the same. He inspired me to wake up at 4 a.m. to write every day while my daughter was a baby. I hope I have half of their work ethic! :-)

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  33. I had to laugh at the 'too many adjectives'. SEDUCING AVERY is going to be a great read thank you.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Hi Mary! Thanks so much for stopping by!! Gotta love those old newspaper men. ha! I do hope you enjoy the book. Take care!

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  34. thx u Barb for ur donation in this giveaway...
    looking forward to read ur book...
    the cover is awesome...love it !! :)

    -nurmawati-
    chikojubilee at gmail dot com

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    1. Good morning Nurmawati! So nice to meet you here. I really hope you enjoy the story. You made my day!!

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  35. That was a nice interview.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(Dot)com

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. Take care.

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  36. Thanks for the great interview! This book sounds like a wonderful read...I'll check it out!
    ivegotmail8889(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  37. I love a story where the playboy finds his true love and settles down. There are always good sparks when people work together.

    Ann(dot)sheiring(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I love how only one woman can tame a billionaire playboy, don't you? And work romances are too fun!!

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