Christy Hayes writes romance and romantic women’s fiction. She’s a member of Romance Writers of America and Romance Writers of America Women’s Fiction chapter. She lives outside Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband, two children, and two dogs.
I love contemporary romance and really anything that someone suggests or whose cover and blurb attracts my attention. I’m not afraid to try a new author and have discovered many new to me authors that I enjoy.
Any must read authors or series?
I’m a shameless Nora Roberts fan and I’ll read anything she writes, although I’m not a fan of the J.D. Robb series.
When did you first start reading romance?
Late in life compared to others. I’d say I started in my mid-twenties, after marriage and kids.
What do you find the toughest part about writing romance?
I’m a pantser so sometimes the most difficult thing is when the plot comes to a screeching halt.
What about the easiest?
The easiest thing about writing a romance is getting lost in the story and getting involved with the characters. What a fantastic way to spend my day—falling in love, creating obstacles, and helping my wayward lovers find everlasting happiness!
What’s your favorite scene or moment from The Accidental Encore, and why? Can you describe it (or provide a short excerpt) for us without giving too much away?
I don’t know that I have one favorite scene, but I really enjoyed writing the scenes between Allie and Craig when they were scrapping with each other. Neither one was trying to impress the other and they let their true personalities come through.
What’s unique about the romance between Craig Archer and Allie Graves? What makes them perfect for one another?
Their romance is unique because they fight it tooth and nail for different reasons almost the entire book. They are attracted to one another and yet they just can’t get past their own fears and quirks to realize it. They are perfect for one another because what Allie lacks, Craig has in droves and what Craig lacks, Allie has in droves. They are opposites that attract and fit together like a missing puzzle piece.
Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
I’m just beginning a three book series based in Southern Colorado. The first book features the son from an earlier book, Shoe Strings. Whenever my kids go back to school, I hope to make some serious progress on the series.
What makes a romance novel a great love story and how would you define “romance”?
A great love story is when an author is able to make the characters come to life for the reader, when the characters touch a chord within the reader, and the reader is able to feel like she is along for the ride. I define romance as a story where the hero and heroine defy the odds, overcome obstacles, and find true love along the way. My favorite romances are where the characters are realistic and their motivations are relatable. These are the types of stories I aim to write.
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Optimistic Allie continues her search for love despite a disastrous relationship and a string of bad dates. She never expects to be tempted by a guy like Craig; he’s rude, crude, and his rough edges are sharp enough to draw blood.
9 comments
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Christy Hayes
August 8, 2012 at 8:07 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Thanks so much for having me, Nat! I love your site and I love reading romances!
Nat
August 8, 2012 at 10:46 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Pleasure to have you here, Christy!
Alyssa @ Hesperia Loves Books
August 8, 2012 at 9:23 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Great interview Christy & Nat. I hope everyone gets a chance to discover what I’ve known for a while now, the fabulousness that is Christy & her writing. Her books are phenomenal and Accidental Encore is no different. Congratulations on your new release ♥
Alyssa @ Hesperia Loves Books recently posted..Giving It Up Blog Tour – Amber Lin Guest Post
Christy Hayes
August 8, 2012 at 10:23 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Awww, thanks so much, Alyssa! So happy to see you here and I appreciate your congrats on the new release!
Nat
August 8, 2012 at 3:54 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Thanks for stopping by, Alyssa =)
Rhonda Hopkins
August 8, 2012 at 12:12 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Wonderful interview! The book sounds like a fun read and I can’t wait to get to it. Congrats on the release, Christy!
Christy Hayes
August 8, 2012 at 4:45 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Thanks, Rhonda!
Maria D.
August 8, 2012 at 3:53 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Fun interview! I’m a huge Nora Roberts fan (though I do like the JD Robb series). I think Christy’s answer to what makes a romance novel a great love story and definition for romance is just about perfect!
Christy Hayes
August 8, 2012 at 4:46 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Maria,
I’ve been persuaded to give J.D. Robb another try
I’m glad you liked my answer about romance. It was a tough one to answer and something I think may be different for different people.
Appreciate your time!