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Welcome
to Roundtable Reviews. It is such an honor to finally get to
interview you. Did you always want to grow up to be a writer?
I've
been a storyteller for as long as I can remember, anything from penning
tales of Western journeys in second grade to a Civil War romance in
seventh grade. I detoured for a while, working for a newspaper,
theater company, and college. About five years ago, I decided to
pursure my long held dream of being a romance novelist - and I'm so very
happy I did. I love my job!
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of your Wingmen Warrior books.
In my opinion, they are the best Military romances out there. How
many more do you have planned at this point?
Thank you, Tracy! I'm jazzed to have the chance to tell these
military stories that, as an Air Force wife, are so very close to my
heart. There are more Wingmen Warriors lined up in the future,
with a single title Wingmen story being released in March from
Silhouette Books and then returning to SIM for Tag's story in May 2004.
I also recently signed a three book contract with Harlequin's new single
title imprint HQN - where I'll be starting up a new squadron of Air
Force flyboy stories.
Congratulations on your well-deserved RITA win! How did it
feel?
I'm still stunned - and thrilled! I was so nervous and shocked
walking up to accept the award that I dropped my speech on the stairs.
Luckily, my editor helped me retrieve it because I'm not sure I could
have spoken coherently on my own without my notes. Many thanks
again to the Romance Writers of America for sponsoring the contest!
Your husband is in the Air Force. So you move around quite
frequently. Can you name some of your favorite areas where you
have lived?
There really are special memories from every place that we've lived.
When you know you're only going to be stationed somewhere for a few
years, most of that time is spent soaking up the culture and sites of
the area... and then time to head on to the next adventure.
However, our time at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana holds a special place in
my heart since that's where I started seriously writing and where I
found the support of my first RWA Chapter. (And the food in
Louisiana totally ROCKS!)
Another of my favorite Harlequin authors, Joanne Rock, is a friend
as well as being your critique partner. Any chance the two of you
will collaborate in the future? Please?
I'm having a blast working with Joanne on a critiquing basis. It's
a delight to be able to read her stories months before they hit the
shelves - and how cool that I get to call that work! We're both
having fun simply reading each other's stories, but maybe one day it
would be fun to collaborate if the right project came to mind.
You have four children, which means any schedule is out the window,
but you’ve succeeded to find writing time. I have to say I find
your article, “Writing
With Kids (Without Losing Your Marbles)” to be very true and
entertaining. I have two, a 1st grader and 4th grader, and two
keep me plenty busy. I was ready to throw a party when they
returned to school! You’ve managed to find time to write, but
how do you manage the guilt? (The thing I have the harder time with when
my youngest turns and says, “You never pay attention to JUST ME
anymore.”)
You mean mothers aren't supposed to feel guilty?! I thought
that was a part of the job description! ;-) Seriously, thank
you for checking out the article. I had fun writing that one on my
laptop while the kiddos splashed through the sprinkler. As far as a
working schedule, I set weekly page count goals and make a list of other
writing tasks that need to be accomplished by Friday. If I make my
goal, the kids know I can play over the weekend. Therefore, they
have a vested interest in helping me stay on schedule. In the
summer, I set more immediate rewards. For example, if they stay
out of my hair in the morning, at lunchtime we'll have a picnic.
(And I may or may not have to pack pages to edit while they play at the
park.) I thoroughly enjoy working at home, writing my stories
while receiving soggy hugs from my kids after they step out of the pool.
Writing a love scene has to be a tremendously personal thing.
Going back to the first scene you wrote was it as hard as people would
imagine?
The characters set the tone for each book so they were running the show
for that first love scene!
I love the newer addition to your site (www.catherinemann.com)
– Wingmen Recipes! How long until the next recipe goes up?
I'm so glad to hear you're enjoying the recipe page addition to the
website! I've just added a new cookie recipe for PRIVATE
MANEUVERS, and will be adding a recipe for STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT in
November when the book is on the shelves.
All readers have their very favorite couples in the world of
romance. I have to say, I think your Zach and Julia (UNDER SIEGE)
and Livi and Reid from Elizabeth Grayson’s A PLACE TO CALL HOME top my
list. Who are yours?
Thank you for adding one of my couples to your list! How cool!
As far as my favs, I would say John Medina and Niama from Linda Howard's
ALL THE QUEEN'S MEN, Easy and Shey from Marilyn Pappano's HORSEMAN'S
BRIDE, Jake and Zoe from Suzanne Brockmann's ADMIRAL'S BRIDE, and Dan
and Pheobe from Susan Elizabeth Phillips' IT HAD TO BE YOU.
What’s up next for you?
In March 2004, my first single title hits the shelves, ANYTHING,
ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, a "Wingmen Warriors" spin off. May
2004 brings the Wingmen back to Intimate Moments with Tag's story, JOINT
FORCES. And then in November 2004, I'm participating in a military
Christmas anthology (HQN Books) with Rachel Lee and Merline Lovelace -
A SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS. Also in November 2004, I will have a
Bombshell book on the shelves, a part of the Athena Force continuity
series. My heroine is an Air Force test pilot. FMI and updates on
the stories, check out my website at: http://catherinemann.com
Thanks
so much for taking time out of your very busy day!! It has been my
pleasure and to quote on of my favorite authors – “You Rock!"
Thank you, Tracy! And thanks so much for including my work on
your awesome new site.
Catherine Mann
**2003 RITA Winner**
STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT, SIM 11/03
ANYTHING, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, Silhouette Books 3/04
JOINT FORCES, SIM 5/04
http://catherinemann.com
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