Love for the written word was instilled early in Harris Channing’s life. She adored listening to her mother read her bedtime stories. She found story time in pre-school and kindergarten the best time of the day…better than recess! And when she picked up her first romance novel at the age of fifteen, she fell in love with the genre and realized that someday she would like to create her own stories. But fantasy would have to wait. Marriage and children and household responsibilities took control…until the kids started school!
When Harris is not cleaning, doing laundry or volunteering at school, you will find her in front of a computer creating stories where excitement and beauty reign supreme and where love and passion collide…
Q: Tell us your background in writing. How did you get started? Did you always want to be a writer?
A: I got started writing in the 6th grade when one of my teachers told me I had a talent for it. The compliment meant a lot coming from her and she backed it up when a story I wrote was chosen as my school's winner for a kids writing conference. While I was attending the conference, I got to meet Peggy Parish, the author of the Amelia Bedelia books. From then on I liked to dabble in writing with the hopes of someday becoming an author.
Q: What do you write?
A:So many things! My published genre is erotic romance, both contemporary and historical. But I’ve experimented in paranormal. Right now I’m working on an historical romance that takes place in the American colonies of the 1700s. I’m also just beginning work on another historical erotica.
Q: How long were you writing before you sold?
A: I took a ten + year hiatus from writing when I started my family, so all told, before I sold my first fictional piece of work, I had written for ten years. Ten long, heartbreaking years!
Q: Do you have a favorite book you’ve written, or a favorite hero/heroine?
A: My favorite hero is always the one I’m working with at the moment. Right now, I’m working on an erotic novella and the hero, Adam is very dashing and clever. But of course, the historical hero is on the top of the list too. Matthew is quite something!
Q: What’s your writing schedule like?
A: Not nearly as productive as it should be! With two kids, two dogs, a husband with an odd work schedule, I piece it in when I can. I wish I could be one of those writers who can crank out 5,000 words in a sitting. I'm lucky to get 1,000 in!
Q: Where do you get your ideas?
A: From everything! I'm an avid people watcher. Wal-Mart is great fodder for my small town characters.
Q: Do you plan out your books? Do you plot ahead of time?
A: Many times I just sit down and write and it comes together in the end. Of course there are exceptions. The paranormal I recently finished had a surprise ending…and even I was surprised!
Q: What do you do when you’re not writing?
A: I love to knit! I'm not really great at it, but I do find it relaxing…does anyone need a scarf? I love to spend time with my kids and husband…we've recently taken up bowling. I love the bumpers and I get to use the kids as an excuse. I also like to read, listen to music, and garden (if the Tennessee weather permits…love spring and fall).
Q: What advice can you give aspiring writers?
A: Read, write, read, and write. Find a critique partner you trust and if you truly love what you're doing, don't let the rejection stop you. I have a briefcase full of those pesky letters.
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