Pump Up Chats with Contemporary Romance Author Barbara Weitz

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Barbara Weitz lives in a quiet suburb of Chicago with her husband and a mischievous German shepherd, thankful her three grown sons are grown and off making mayhem elsewhere. A career executive secretary for most of her life, she has also held a variety of mundane and unusual employment opportunities, during her sons growing years. This, coupled with a passion for animals and music, has helped shape the fictional characters she creates. She invites you to visit her website at: http://barbaraweitz.com

Thank you for this interview, Barbara. Do you remember writing stories as a child or did the writing bug come later? Do you remember your first published piece?

A: Writing bug. So that’s what caused this affliction. Whatever the cause, all creative writing as a kid was required by English teachers. As a mom, my sons often heard stories I wove on the spot to entertain them. The demands of a busy family and the need to work and earn money derailed any serious thoughts of writing until much later in my life. Therefore, it’s easy to remember my first published piece. “Teed Up for Love“, was released in May of this year.

What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?

A: Frustrating…pressure to write another book with the same joy as I had writing “Teed Up for Love“, which is actually my sixth completed book. Since I work well under pressure, a new seventh book will be released early next year.

Rewarding…readers who contact me to say how much they enjoyed “Teed Up for Love“. Especially when they talk about relating to my heroine or some sub-plot character they particularly liked and want their story written. These have been pinnacle moments for me. It means my goal has been reached. One that strives to entertain, give you a smile or two, sometimes a tear, or a moment of escape from our crazy world.

Are you married or single and how do you combine the writing life with home life? Do you have support?

A: Married and a loaded question. My hubby thinks I’m nuts to want to spend endless hours at a computer with “fictional” characters when I could be with him for heaven’s sake! <grin> Remember, my serious writing began after my family was raised. Now that he sees completion, he’s more supportive. Sorta. He won’t read what I write. After all, it’s romance. Between you and me, I think he’s afraid of the hot scenes…heheh Luckily, other family members, readers who want more, and gung-ho work associates are my greatest support system.

What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing? Where do you like to vacation? Can you tell us briefly about this?

A: Gardening. At home, there’s no better place to unwind than among the beauty of nature. Cooking is also a passion. For vacation, I love sitting on a beach with nothing going through my brain except enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the surf. It’s a 360 from my life in Chicago.

If you could be anywhere in the world for one hour right now, where would that place be and why?

A: That’s a very hard question. Here’s a thought that just came to me. Paris in spring seated at a quaint sidewalk cafe with an incredible view at every turn of the head and Hugh Jackman buying me lunch. There’s a rose lying across the table. A gift from him. I don’t know. I like the guy. He’s not overly cute, built, charming…what’s not to like. Sorry, wish I had a more “peace throughout the world” moment to relate here but that’s what popped into my mind because I’m a romantic at heart.

Who is your biggest fan?

A: My German Shepherd, Heiko. He’s a constant companion in the computer room and has “trained me” to toss a ball when my fingers aren’t busy on the keyboard. He also knows there’s tasty “crumbing” to be had as I often eat meals there as well. Plus, he will listen to endless brainstorming about plot issues without complaint if I discuss it with him in the universal doggy language…baby talk. Dog lovers…come on, tell me I’m right here? By the way, Malcolm, the cute little doggie in “Teed Up for Love” is Miranda’s confidant.

Where’s your favorite place to write at home?

A: Snug in a small corner of my husband’s home office. I don’t need much space or ambiance to write. All the color is in my mind.

Do you have any pets?

A: The rascally dog I just mentioned. Go to the About page on my website and you’ll see the cute face that often stares at me in an attempt to initiate play. We’ve always had a dog or two in the house. I love cats but I’m allergic to them. With three boys, we’ve also had fish, birds and a hamster or two or three. They don’t live long. Yes, sad but true.

Tell us a secret no one else knows.

A: I’m addicted to “bad boy” heroes. Then I guess the secret’s out now that I’m published.

What’s on your to do list today?

A: Complete this interview then catch up on the laundry, grocery shopping and figure out what’s for dinner. Ah, life as a writer is so glamorous.

Now I’ve got a couple of fun questions for you. If Tom Hanks, in the movie Cast Away, unearthed a copy of your book, how would that help him find a way off the island?

A: Since my heroine in “Teed Up for Love” is a contemporary woman with an addiction to historical romance and an active dream life about rakes, I’d say Tom would jump with joy upon unearthing my book with its eye-popping colorful cover. He’d read it over and over because he’s having wonderful dreams about a sexy she-pirate from the Regency Era, who sails to his island and ravishes him, then takes him away with her on her pirate ship. When he awakes one day, he’s disappointed it’s a dream, until he spots a gleaming yacht anchored near his island and a beautiful dark-haired beauty combing his beach for sea shells. Ah, the fantasy life is great! Anything’s possible.

You have a chance make it to Hollywood and become a big screenplay where you’d make millions of dollars. What would impress them more – your book cover, an excerpt or your author photo – and why?

A: Hands down, an excerpt because I really love bringing humorous, colorful characters alive on the page. Characters that I strive to make convincing enough to reach through the silver screen to an audience and bring out some emotion or reaction or just be an enjoyable diversion. My, my, what fun this is to speculate!

You just got word that your book has received the 2011 NY Times Bestselling Book Award and you have to attend the ceremony to give an acceptance speech. Anyone who’s anyone will be there and it’s your shot for stardom. What would you say and who would you thank?

A: After they revived me by waving a chocolate bonbon under my nose, I’d trip up the steps to the stage, then tremble pale faced while holding the award (assuming there’s an award or plaque…I wouldn’t know), and say: This is unbelievable and humbling to stand here and accept this incredible award (or plaque…I’d probably kiss it). Never in my wildest dreams did I expect this honor when I began this journey six years ago. I’m honored.

Then I’d acknowledge my husband, who has finally found the guts to read romance, and my dog for keeping me company. I guess it would be a no-no if I didn’t gush over my publisher, agent (assuming I have one by then) and editor. Right? I don’t know. You’ve got me in foreign territory here.

Lastly, I’d thank my readers. Without you, I’m nothing. Your reading my book is our journey together into a fun sometimes zany place. I’m sincerely honored when you take a chance on my books.

I understand that you are touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in December via a virtual book tour. Can you tell us all why you chose a virtual book tour to promote your book online?

A: I want to reach e-book romance readers who want a quick read with lots of plot and character development, some heat and a story with a little mystery thrown in for good measure. E-readers are the wave of the future so this tour seemed the easiest way to reach that segment of the reading public. Print books will never go away, I hope…but maybe. Who can say what our world will look like in a hundred years. I for one, in this century, love holding a book yet like the mobility of an e-reader. The e-reading public is here to stay, and I want to reach you.

Thank you for this interview, Barbara. Good luck on your virtual book tour!

A: Thank you. It’s been fun and challenging to answer your questions.

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Aiken Brown, SON OF A SOLDIER

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Jennifer Chase, FLOWERS ON HER GRAVE

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Bacon Press Books

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Mary Lawlor, FIGHTER PILOT'S DAUGHTER

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Karen-Anne Stewart, ASH TO STEELE

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Question of the Day

How do you make sales happen for you?

A lot of hard work! I sponsor a lot of on line parties, festivals and contests. Book sales don’t magically happen, believe me. An author has to work hard to earn her readers. And then she has to work hard to keep them by giving them something they’ll enjoy reading. I try hard to make my books worth a reader’s time.

-- Sheila Roberts, Author of Winter at the Beach