Donna Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting her husband). A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.
A stolen Christmas kiss leaves them bewildered and breathless. A charming rogue-turned-vicar, Will wants to prove that he left his rakish days behind him, but an accidental kiss changes all his plans. His secret could bring them together…or divide them forever.
Holly has two Christmas wishes this year; finally earn her mother’s approval by gaining the notice of a handsome earl, and learn the identity of the stranger who gave her a heart-shattering kiss…even if that stranger is the resident Christmas ghost.
Q&A With the Author:
1. Describe yourself in 50 words or less..
I am fairly introverted as well as wildly emotional, creative, intuitive, and romantic. In addition, I am a highly sensitive person: empathetic and easily startled/annoyed/overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, strong odors, spicy foods, and violent tv shows/movies, as well as emotionally-charged situations.
2. What do you love most in the world?
Besides the 3 f’s–faith (a.k.a. religion) family, and friends– I love reading. Most people are surprised that writing isn’t at the top of the list, but reading is effortlessly pleasurable. Writing, though a big part of me and something I enjoy, is a lot of hard, and sometimes heartbreaking work.
3. What inspired you to become an Author?
I have been a writer since I was a child. Being an author chose me rather than me choosing to be an author.
4. What is your favorite Winter / Holiday tradition?
So many! I love Christmas! I guess if I must pick one, it would be Christmas Eve, when all the hustle and bustle is over, the house is decorated, all the Chrismas lights are on, presents are under the tree, and there is soft Christmas music playing the background while I cuddle with my husband and drink hot cocoa spiced with peppermint sticks.
5. What is your trick for getting past
writer’s block? And what advice do you have for other authors who are struggling to tell their story?
When writer’s block hits, sometimes I just need to take a break and go for a walk. Sometimes I need to read for pleasure rather than for research purposes. Other times, I ask a friend to help me brainstorm. That usually fixes it. Once in a while, I discover that the block is because I missed a plot point, or I don’t know my characters well enough to continue. Brainstorming helps that too.
6. Now that we’ve gotten to know each other, tell me a story. It can be long or short. From your childhood or last week. Funny, sad, or somewhere in between. Just make sure it’s yours. What’s your story?
I play the harp. At least, I did until three years ago. From the age of twelve when I first fell in love with the harp, I have thought of myself as a harpist. I practiced hours a day and I performed in recitals, school concerts, church, and various special engagements. As I got married and children came along, I played less in public but still enjoyed playing at home and teaching to eager students. My children often fell asleep as I played the harp, especially at Christmas. Then, like many, we fell on hard times during the 2008 Recession (which really, should be called a Depression). Even though we faced dark times, we never got so desperate that we felt we had to sell the harp. In fact, my husband refused to consider the option. Then, when my husband finally got a decent job back into his line of work, it came from a company out of state which required us to move our family. We faced a difficult decision. We were upside down on our mortgage, so selling our home was not a good option, nor could we afford to
pay the exorbitant rental prices in the town where we were moving. Our best option was to buy. We could rent our old home, but after years of unemployment and underemployment, we had depleted our savings. This left us with nothing for a down payment. Our only true item of value was my harp. So with heavy heart, I sold my harp. As the delighted new buyer drove away with my harp in the back of her SUV, I stood in the driveway and cried. A large part of my identity and heart left me that day. But our family could now have a decent place to live. Sometimes we must decide what is most important and make sacrifices. One day, I hope to purchase another harp, and I still consider myself a harpist, but for now, I enjoy listening to others play the harp–often while I pen my historical romance novels.
It’s finally my time.
I am an outlaw. The son of Abel Hellock. The legacy of my club.
They all called me too sweet for the life. My club was losing faith in me and the entire organization. I had to prove to them and myself that I was the man my father would have wanted me to be.
When the holidays rolled around, I was more Scrooge than Jolly Saint Nick. That is until she tested me: a girl that I didn’t know but I needed to protect. I wasn’t prepared for how my life was about to change. But if there is one thing I have learned from being in my organization: you have to be ready for anything.
I am Collin Hellock and this is my story.
About the Author:
Bestselling author, Kristen Hope Mazzola, is a Florida native that has found herself loving a North Carolina life. She writes contemporary romance ranging from steamy romantic comedy, sexy erotica, angsty new adult, all the way to sports romance – with dirty bikers, hot military men, and swoon-worthy rockstars in between.
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