
Hey, Tawny. It's great having you with us today. I love your hot and steamy Blaze books---yowza! What gave you the idea for your Undercover Operatives?
Thanks, Gannon! I love visiting the Romance Dish. You are all so welcoming and fun here! And thanks, too for loving my Blazes! Hot and steamy are so fun, aren’t they? I sure hope readers find a lot of hot steam in the Undercover Operatives series. I actually came up with the idea for the second story, SEX, LIES AND MIDNIGHT, a year or so ago. I knew Maya had a falling out with her con-artist father and started wondering what it’d take to get her back home, and how her one-true-love would play into that scenario. From there, it sort of mushroomed (don’t they always?) Before I knew it, she had two brothers, and her for-once innocent father was deep in the middle of a series of criminal activities. I’d actually pitched the stories from the perspective of the con artists, but ended up focusing instead on the FBI task force instead. I’m hoping if the stories do well, I can write more from the perspective of Hunter and his Undercover FBI cases.
Did you always want to write category romance?
I was a late bloomer. All my life, I’ve been in awe of romance writers. I love the genre, and figured the authors had direct access to the Romance Gods, with regular visits from the Emotional Healing Fairy. When I first considered the scary idea of writing my own romance, I knew I’d want to go in one of two directions. Light paranormal or Temptation (the line that birthed Blaze). These were my absolute favorites to read, and I figured since I might be the only one reading my own work, I should make it easy on myself *g*. But after hitting the internet, joining RWA and a few writers groups, the word on the street was that paranormal was dead (let’s all pause to laugh now... silly rumors). Then I compared the publishing process between single title and category – and I’ll be honest, the pressure of sales numbers in a first book scared me a little *g* Harlequin offered such amazing support for starting writers through all the contests editors judged and through eHarlequin, that it seemed like an easy choice for me to veer toward Temptation. Then Temptation closed (pausing again to sob a little). The editor who’d been this close to buying me for Temptation suggested I try for Blaze. Luckily, my voice, smart ass style and tendency to focus on the sexual elements between the hero and heroine worked pretty well there.
I'm giggling at you being told that paranormal was dead. LOL Those crazy rumors! Since you gave some thought to writing light paranormal when you first started out, have you ever considered writing one now?
LOL well, light paranormal still isn’t setting the market on fire, so I supposed as far as my writing goes, paranormal is still dead (which always makes me think of vampires. Haha... get it? Dead? Okay, I’ll stop). I would love to write one someday, though. Or I should say write another one, as I have one I was starting to shop around when I sold to Blaze. But I (and my wise agent *g*) just don’t see the market being strong enough in that direction to be able to justify the time and focus. My writing deadlines are so tight already, it’s hard to find the time to sit down and write something not contracted. But someday, my light, clever, sexy witch stories will get written!!!
How long does it typically take you to finish a book? How many do you publish per year?
It takes me about 3 months to write a 60k Blaze and I’ll have 4 books out in 2012. I’ve written novellas in 6 weeks, and taken as long as 4 months on books when I’m juggling multiple edits and revisions on other stories, but yeah, 3 months seems to be my sweet spot.
In your free time (*pausing for you to laugh*), who are some of favorite go-to authors?
LOL –I do have free time. It’s somewhere around 4am, just after I finish my writing session and before I crash for the night (morning?). My absolute fave authors are Nora Roberts, Vicki Lewis Thompson and Jennifer Crusie. Their books are what made me want to write. They’re my comfort reads.
I
see we have the same taste in authors. *g* There's nothing like a
good comfort read to make everything all better. Speaking for myself,
I'm glad you were inspired to write, because I love reading your
books. But if you could pick another career to have, what would it be?
We
do have good taste, don’t we? ;-) I love comfort reads. It’s so great
to fall into a story and know that you’ll feel great when you get to
the last page. And thank you so much, I’m thrilled you love the
books!! There’s nothing more magical to an author than hearing those
words. If I wasn’t writing, I’d definitely still be working as an
intuitive consultant. I’m a certified hypnotherapist, Reiki Master and
tarot reader. I think the years of counseling and delving into deeper
meanings through the cards is one of the things that helps me most as a
writer, though. It makes me look for deeper reasons for the characters
actions and emotions.
Obviously, you are one busy lady, so tell us what a typical Tawny Weber day is like?
Crazy.
:-D Okay, not so crazy, but usually more on the hectic side than
mellow. We homeschool, so a typical day starts with that. My daughter
has her own desk in my office for school, so between lessons and while
she’s working on her own, I try to get online and deal with emails and
social networking, but that always depends on how school is going.
Afternoons she has activities, so that’s when I try to catch up on
those emails, etc that I didn’t get to in the morning. Between 4 and 9
is family time. Housework, dinner, hanging out with my husband and all
that. And then at 9 I get to work. I’ll often write until 3am,
although my husband has been known to get up for work at 5:30 and still find me at my desk.
Thanks for all the fun, Tawny. Now, I'm going to take a page out of your book and have you answer the "quick six".
Summer or Winter? Summer, but only because I hate being cold. Otherwise I love winter. It’s quieter, and more introspective.
Alpha or Beta? Gamma :-) I like a hero that has no issue with the heroine’s strength, but is strong and take charge.
Beach or Mountains? Beach. Anything by water is wonderful!
Pie or Cake? Cake, preferably chocolate.
Dog or Cat?
Wince... (looking around to make sure my cats aren’t nearby, then
whispering... ) Dogs. I love cats, but love dogs just a little more.
Colin Firth or Matthew Macfadyen (as Mr. Darcy)?
Will I get in trouble if I say I haven’t watched either? (holding up a
cute puppy to avoid anything anyone might throw at me over that
confession). But as a rule, I adore Colin Firth. He’s just so cute.
What question would you like to ask our readers?
I’d
love to know your readers' thoughts on aphrodisiacs... Yummy or sneaky?
Do you believe they exist, or are they just the result of the power of
suggestion?
I’d
like to thank the lovely ladies here at the Romance Dish for this
awesome welcome and for letting me hang out here today. I hope you,
and all of your readers, have a fabulous holiday season!!
***Tawny is giving away a copy of Sex, Lies and Mistletoe and a hand-crafted candle to a lucky commenter.***
Congrats on the new release and series, Tawny. I do believe there are such things as aphrodisiacs, but I also think that sometimes just the power of suggestion is enough to arouse.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Tawny on your new series.My TRL is growing. :)
ReplyDeleteI think it's just the power of suggestion which has it's benefits too :) But I also think the connection has to be there between two people or however many are involved. lol
Thanks for the interview today.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Tawny you must be the only person on the planet NOT to have seen PRIDE AND PREJUDICE with Colin Firth as Mr Darcy. SWOON!!
ReplyDeleteAs for aphrodisiacs; absolutely the power of suggestion.
Hey Tawny!!! It's so good to have you back with us. I'm can't wait to read this new book. It sounds fabulous!
ReplyDeleteWith regards to aphrodisiacs, I believe most of the time it is the power of suggestion. But I also believe that certain tastes can make a person very happy and content and thus more open. Does that make any sense?
Hey, Tawny! Thanks for dishing with us today about your yummy new series. :-)
ReplyDeleteI think the power of aphrodisiacs is mostly what people believe. The power of suggestion can be an incredible thing.
Jane said: I do believe there are such things as aphrodisiacs, but I also think that sometimes just the power of suggestion is enough to arouse.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Jane.
Carol L. said: But I also think the connection has to be there between two people or however many are involved. lol
ReplyDeleteI would say that's definitely true, Carol. :-)
Marybelle said: Tawny you must be the only person on the planet NOT to have seen PRIDE AND PREJUDICE with Colin Firth as Mr Darcy. SWOON!!
ReplyDeleteMarybelle, that's pretty much the reaction I had. LOL
Buffie said: But I also believe that certain tastes can make a person very happy and content and thus more open.
ReplyDeleteOh, Buffie, that's a really good point.
Hi Tawny! YOur book sound good. sorry to say I have never read one of our books YET but will have to look for it when I go shopping..Good luck with the new book!!
ReplyDeleteDonna
Aphrodisiacs are all in the mind, but can be successful like a placebo ocassionally is. When you knowingly eat them, you are in the mind set for the expected outcome.
ReplyDeleteSo, it it works for you and your partner, go for it.
Orientals especially believe in the allure of aphrodisiacs. I think there is something arousing in the thought that a certain food may increase your sexual response or diminish your inhibitions... like oysters.
ReplyDeleteI say go for it! What have you got to lose?
deerdoe69 said: Hi Tawny! YOur book sound good.
ReplyDeleteYou are really going to enjoy this book. :-)
Anne said: So, it it works for you and your partner, go for it.
ReplyDeleteGood advice, Anne. *g*
Laurie G. said: I say go for it! What have you got to lose?
ReplyDeleteI think most men wouldn't complain about that. LOL
I have been waiting on this one. Such a happer camper that it is here.
ReplyDeleteI believe aphrodisiacs are more the suggestion than fact. Some people consider chocolate an aphrodisiac and we all know that if that were the case, well, lets just say there would be an abundance of happy men and there would be no work getting done anywhere except the chocolatiers.
So excited Sex, Lies and Mistletoe is out! Love Caleb and Pandora's story and can't wait for the other two books in the trilogy to be released *g*
ReplyDeleteAfter reading a certain awesome love scene in Sex, Lies and Mistletoe I'm certainly a believer in aphrodisiacs ;-)
PJ, we love y'all, too, over in the Lair! Fun post for a wintry Monday.
ReplyDeleteTawny, I think most if an aphrodisiac's power is suggestive, but I wouldn't discount the chemical. I finished SL&M last night, BTW, and thought it was great. Caleb is a major hottie!
Congrats on the release and series, Tawny. Nothing better than a sexy Christmas story. ;)
ReplyDeletePower of suggestion, I think....however, when I indulge with chocolate (okay, a daily thing for me), it does help to soothe my flustered and anxious being. Haha! That's the excuse I give just so I can have a daily dose.
Anyway, I enjoyed the interview today and wish you the best on the series.
Congrats on your new release Tawny! I have been hearing a lot of good things about this book and I can't wait to read it. Thanks for sharing it with us today.
ReplyDeleteHi Jane, and thanks :-) I'm super jazzed about SEX, LIES AND MISTLETOE and about the series! I hope readers are, too *g*
ReplyDeleteThere's definitely a lot to be said about the power of suggestion, isn't there. Our brain is our largest erogenous zone, after all. But like you, I like to believe there just might be a little something extra out there, too :-)
Hi Carol :-D
ReplyDeleteThanks tons!! I'm always thrilled to add to the teetering delight of a TRL!
And ooooh yeah, you're so totally spot on with the connection between two people. That sexual energy, the heat, the chemistry - those can't be beat!
Good Morning everyone (okay, so late morning and early afternoon for most *g*). Thanks so much to Gannon and the lovely ladies for the welcome today! I'm excited to say hi to everyone and see what you all think about the lure of aphrodisiacs :-D
ReplyDeleteLOL Marybelle, you just might be right. I was a little afraid to answer that question, to tell you the truth.
ReplyDeleteAnd chalking another one up to the power of suggestion :-D
Hey Tawny! I'm so excited about this book! Woot! Hello Dishies! *Waves madly* Love to come over here and love it when a Bandita's on the "hot seat" - Grins.
ReplyDeleteAphrodesiacs - hmmmmm....I think they exist. I think they're fun if everyone's on board and agreeing. If it's a "slip them a mickey" kind of deal, not so much. :> But it depends on how it's done, really. How's that for fence sitting. Heehee.
I love Colin Firth as well. He was astonishingly good in The King's Speech. Wow, great movie. And Loved him in Bridget Jones too. :> I liked him as Mr. Darcy as well. (Still, my fav is Alan Rickman.)
Hi Buffie :-D Thank you all SO much for having me back! I'm always thrilled to be here. Thanks tons for the woots for the story, too :-D
ReplyDeleteI love how you put this:
But I also believe that certain tastes can make a person very happy and content and thus more open.
I totally agree. I think some foods create a chemical trigger in people, much like certain scents do. So if we are connected to a certain flavor -or have very sexy memories of it *g*- then it's going to trigger a post-hypnotic sexual reaction. Aka, it's an aphrodisiac LOL.
Clearly I need to see P&P with the gorgeous, swoon-worthy Colin ASAP, right?
ReplyDeleteI'll put it on my holiday treat list :-D
Congrats on your new book!! Love all of your books!!
ReplyDeletestaniszeski3824@comcast.net
Hi Donna :-D YAY!!! I do hope you'll check it out - and then let me know what you think :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd I really appreciate the good luck wishes! A new release always brings with it a whole pack of nervousness *g*
Hi Anne :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree- most everything begins in our brain, including arousal. I like your idea of using whatever works, too *g*
Dianna said: Some people consider chocolate an aphrodisiac and we all know that if that were the case, well, lets just say there would be an abundance of happy men and there would be no work getting done anywhere except the chocolatiers.
ReplyDeleteROFL, Dianna!!
Beth said: After reading a certain awesome love scene in Sex, Lies and Mistletoe I'm certainly a believer in aphrodisiacs ;-)
ReplyDeleteI hear you on that, Beth!!
Nancy said: Caleb is a major hottie!
ReplyDeleteBoy, is he ever, Nancy! *g*
Deb said: I think....however, when I indulge with chocolate (okay, a daily thing for me), it does help to soothe my flustered and anxious being. Haha! That's the excuse I give just so I can have a daily dose.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good reason to me, Deb. ;-)
Virginia, I hope you enjoy the book when you get a chance to read it.
ReplyDeleteI have to run out for just a teensy bit to interview a Sheriff's Deputy (oh, yeah, its a rough life being an author *g*) for my Dec 12 book, Panty Thief. Gotta get those details right!!! I'll be back and catch up with everyone asap, though!!!
ReplyDeleteParty on ;-)
Hey, Jeanne! *waving madly back atcha*
ReplyDeleteIsn't Colin Firth the best in whatever he does?? Loved The King's Speech---he was brilliant!!
Oh, Alan Rickman's voice is ah-may-zing!!
Hey, some of my fave people all in one place. How fab is that? Howdy, Dishies and Tawny. Tawny, congratulations on the release of SEX, LIES AND MISTLETOE. I love your books and I've been hanging out for this one - it sounds like such delicious fun.
ReplyDeleteHey, Tawny! Congrats on the new release.
ReplyDeleteI don't really believe in aphrodisiacs. I think it's power of suggestion or setting a mood.
My question to you -- when do you sleep?
Hi Tawny! Always an awesome day when you come to visit at the Dish!:)
ReplyDeleteWhile I do think there may be chemical reactions within some foods that trigger sensual responses I believe that the most powerful aphrodisiacs are within the minds and imaginations of the participants. Guess that's my long way of saying my vote goes to "power of suggestion." ;-)
Hi, Tawny and Gannon! Delightful interview. Tawny is our wild, slightly mad Bandita mainly because it's clear there's NO sleep in her schedule!
ReplyDeleteYou know I love your sasssy, smart-ass voice, so I'm glad you found your niche in Blaze where you fit perfectly.
Hmmm, aphrodisiacs are absolutely necessary to my way of thinking. Just ask anyone over 55 or 60!
BTW, I want your sweet spot! What??? Your writing sweet spot!
Hi Tawny! Congratulations on your new release, Sex, Lies, and Mistletoe! Looking forward to reading it. Just got your Sex, Lies and Midnight in the mail today, so looking forward to reading it. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAphrodisiacs? I don't really believe in them. I think it's more of a point in what is in your mind: a thought, look, special smell, etc. Actually, the mind is the best aphrodisiac.
Anne, I think a placebo is a fabulous way to describe aphrodisiacs power. Our minds are amazing. If the brain perceives something as real--whether it is or not-- it reacts as if it is.
ReplyDeleteLOL Laurie, I have to admit, the only thing oysters stirs up in me is my gag reflex *g*
ReplyDeleteBut like you say, there are many cultures that accept aphrodisiacs as fact. That kind of belief is it's own power of suggestion, isn't it!? And hey, why not try some cinnamon chocolate and see how much fun can be had... as you said, what've you got to lose?
Aww, Dianna, you're such a sweetie :-D thanks for waiting patiently! I hope you decide SEX, LIES AND MISTLETOE is worth it!
ReplyDeleteROFL about the abundance of happy men and chocolatiers. Would that that were the case, huh.
But I do think science has prove that chocolate does have certain properties that the brain reacts to. I'm not sure, but I think it might be relaxation or some sort of stress release? That could definitely tie in with aphrodisiacal thinking *g*
Smooches, Beth :-)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't do it without you!!! Never, ever.
I'm telling you, people, the woman has the patience of a saint :-)
Happy release to you Tawny! I do believe there are aphrodisiacs but that it mainly comes from how a person perceive something. For one person it could be and another not :)
ReplyDeleteHey Nancy :-) YAY, more Bandita love!!! I'm with you on the bulk of aphrodisiacs power lying in the power of suggestion.
ReplyDeleteBuuuuuuuut..... I never say never to there being other possibilities. Even if they are scientific ones LOL
And hey, thank you so much for picking up SL&M, and for the Caleb love.
Thank you so much, Deb :-) I love Christmas stories, too. They add such fun and that little extra touch of romance to the season.
ReplyDeleteAha - you are our proof that chocolate soothes :-D That, right there, has to count at least a little, right? *g* I think it's enough to justify your daily dose, for sure.
And thank you so much for the good wishes for the series, and for liking the interview. Gannon is so fun to chat with, this was a breeze *g*
Wooot!!! I'm thrilled to hear the word on the street is positive about SEX, LIES AND MISTLETOE, Virginia :-D Thanks for letting me know.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks, too, for the congrats :-D
*waving wildly back* Jeanne!!!!! Hey you :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm always chilly, so a hot seat feels mighty toasty right now ;-) and it's a great place to perch and admire your fence sitting *ggg* Nicely done! I'm going to agree with you, but am not leaving my warm seat for the fence. Just not.
Now The Kings Speech I did see!!!
Hi Dawn :-) Thanks so much!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd now the party is complete, with Foanna here to stir up even more fun :-D
ReplyDeleteAnna, I'm always giddy when you say you like my books. The author love is so mutual. and thank you so much for the congrats ;-)
I think they are great. Your mind can be a powerful thing.
ReplyDeleteLOL Trish. Sleep? What's that?
ReplyDeleteNah, I sleep. Not nearly as much as I should, or would like, but between books I indulge and go to bed at midnight! And weekends I don't have to be up for school, so I sleep until I'm done :-)
I like your setting the mood angle. I think that has a major effect, again, of putting the brain into the 'mood'
Hey there, PJ :-) Thank you so much!! I love visiting the Dish.
ReplyDeleteWow, the reality of aphrodisiacs isn't winning many votes today :-) But I'm totally on the same page you are on the power of chemical reactions.
*snicker* Awww, Jo, I sleep. Sometimes. But I'm happy to credit my slight madness on exhaustion LOL.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you so much for the wonderful woots for me finding Blaze. I do love writing for this line.
LOL on the aphrodisiac support for mature love. And hmm, my sweet spot? Can I finish with it, first? *ggg*
Anna said: I love your books and I've been hanging out for this one - it sounds like such delicious fun.
ReplyDeleteHey, Anna!! Delicious fun is the perfect description for this book. :-)
Trish, I was wondering when Tawny sleeps, too. ;-)
ReplyDeletePJ, we'll put you down for the "power of suggestion" group. *g*
ReplyDeleteJo said: BTW, I want your sweet spot! What??? Your writing sweet spot!
ReplyDeleteJo, I'm glad I wasn't drinking when I read that or my poor keyboard would have been toast. LOL
Cathy P. said: Just got your Sex, Lies and Midnight in the mail today, so looking forward to reading it. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteCathy, I have that one in my TBR pile, too.
Na, it does greatly depend on perception, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cathy! I can't wait to hear what you think of Sex, Lies & Midnight :-) And, of course, of Sex, Lies & Mistletoe! I hope you like the Black siblings stories.
ReplyDeleteThe mind truly is the best aphrodisiac. And if the studies are true and we only use a miniscule percentage of our brain's power, can you just imagine how much power sexy suggestions could have if we tapped into more brainpower!! Oooh lala.
Tawny, it's been so much fun having you here today, as always!! *g*
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Na :-)
ReplyDeletePerception is everything, isn't it!? Just like tastes in heroes, food, etc, it's different for everyone.
Hey Runner ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks!!! They are great, huh :-)
Gannon, thank you SO much for the wonderful day!! The Dish is my favorite place to visit, you're all so welcoming and warm and fun over here!!!
ReplyDeleteI had a fab time, and hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!!!
Belated hello!! What a fabulous interview, Gannon and Tawny! Tawny, your organizational skills scare me! But, um, one demerit for never having seen either Mr. Darcy! I truly love them both in the rol but must confess to serious love for the Colin Firth version.
ReplyDeleteTawny, I just got SEX, LIES AND MISTLETOE delivered and already, I can't put it down! I love the intriguing set-up and I know I'm going to enjoy the next two books in the series, too.
Now, about aphrodisiacs. Yes, definitely, yes. But I think it helps to have a little chemistry going on beforehand. Once you know the chemistry is sparkling between you two, just add Bernaise sauce! Yum!!
I always love to read Tawny's books.
ReplyDeleteI think there is something to aphrodisiacs since the senses can affect moods. Good food & drink can realax, scents can set the mood.
Kate!!! Hey there :-)
ReplyDeleteBwaahaahahaha on fearing my organizational skills. And I'll take the demerit without pouting :-) And I'll definitely be rectifying my horrible error and watch P&P with the darling Colin asap!
Ahhh, yay that you got Mistletoe and are liking it! I really, really hope you like the next two as well :-)
Mmm, sparkling chemistry with a side of Bearnaise :-D now that sounds like a delish recipe for a yummy aphrodisiac. You're so clever *g*
Hi Tawny ~ This is a great site. Thanks for the link to it.
ReplyDeleteI think there is such a thing as an aphrodisiac. I can't wait to read SL&M
Thank you so much, Di :-D I appreciate that so much!
ReplyDeleteI think the senses are key to a hot love scene, and bringing in foods that inspire even more heat? Yowza :-) Good times!
Hi Kaelee :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you stopped by! The Romance Dish is fabulous, isn't it. It's always a great time here, I hope you continue to visit :-)
I hope you enjoy SL&M when you read it, too :-D And woot for another aphrodisiac vote!
ups..
ReplyDeletecongrats Tawny on your new release
i never read blaze genre book bf, but i can tell you that my friend really love this genre and your book is one of her fav author
maybe i will try it oneday ;)
Great interview. I must admit I am a bit surprised that a romance writer hasn't seen at least one of the newer versions of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. I too am partially guilty on that point. I own both videos. The one with Colin Firth has been watched several times. I haven't even opened the other one.
ReplyDeleteAs for aphrodisiacs, I think it is a mix of several factors. Some things do raise interest and cause chemical changes in the body. Chocolate raises endorphins and makes us happy. In the same vein, the power of suggestion can't be overlooked.
Hi Tawny, I very much believe in aphrodisiacs, especially phermones. My husband says he knew he wanted to marry me after our first date because I had "Big Boobs" (his words, LOL) and smelled so good. You can pick which was the aphrodisiac, we have been married 33 years.
ReplyDeleteAbout Light Paranormal: I am so sad that there is not more of it. It is such fun to read, Kathy Love does a wonderful job with it; so please hang in there!
Hi Eli, and thank so much. Its always wonderful to hear that people enjoy my books. Please, wish your friend my best :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd I hope you'll check them out someday, if hot, sassy romance is your thing *g*
Happy Holidays!!
Awww, Pat :-( Now I feel even worse *g* I'm a bad, bad romance writer.
ReplyDeleteI do love your take on aphrodisiacs! I think there are so many factors that can come into play. Attraction, chemistry, triggers through food, and of course, the power of thought. All combined, and whoohoooo, hot times! *ggg*
ROFL fsbuchler :-D Well... It does sound like your husband experienced love at first sight, along with that aphrodisiacal lure. Congratulations on 33 years!!! That's a wonderful love story right there.
ReplyDeleteAnd yeah, I wish light para would be a bigger draw. There are a few authors doing really well with it, and Kathy Love rocks!