Contest & Interview: Author R.C. Ryan!

Interview:

Hi, Ruth!!

Welcome to Rex Robot Reviews- excited to have you here today! I would like to thank you for taking the time to join us for the interview- we can't wait to hear more about your cowboys :)

1. Which character did you enjoy writing the most &  why?  

Well, I can't say that I have a favorite.  It would be a little like asking me which of my children is my favorite.  Each character is special to me.  These three cousins are very different, and yet share some wonderful family traits.  They're honest and loyal and tough and tender.  I think the other family members are special, too.  Aunt Cora and Cal and Jimmy Eagle.  So I guess my answer is:  I loved writing this entire series, and I'm so glad my readers are falling in love with these cowboys, too.  I love them all. 

2. What inspired your novel Montana Destiny? 

A love of the West.  A fascination with Western movies and novels.  And especially the thought of a modern-day treasure hunt that would involve the entire family.  I know my own family wouldn't be able to resist such a challenge. 

3. If Montana Destiny had a soundtrack, which songs would you choose? 

It would have to open with Garth Brooks singing Rodeo.  I love that song, and it fits perfectly with the bull ride.  Then I think, in honor of Wyatt's background, Travelin' Man, by Rick Nelson.  Oh, and Bonnie Raitt's Let's Give Em Something to Talk About, (for the townspeople of Gold Fever. )  All My Life by Mariah Carey.  I know I'll think of dozens more, but that's it off the top of my head. 

4. Would you rather see your books on the TV screen or the big screen? Why?

The big screen.  The bigger the better.  I've been told that most writers don't like seeing their books made into movies because no actor can compare to a writer's imagination.  But I'd be willing to make that sacrifice.  LOL 

5. How would you say that your interests influence your writing?

My interests always influence my writing.  I only write what I feel passionate about.  Before I ever begin a novel, I have to care deeply about my characters and the situations they find themselves in. It takes so many months of work to create a series of novels, and without that love and concern, the writing would become dull and uninspiring.  While I'm in the process of writing, I'm as caught up in the excitement and adventure as my readers. I just have to see how my characters will resolve all these situations and find their happy ending. 

6. What do you do when you aren't writing? 

I love to garden.  And shop.  And travel. I have a big family and I love spending time with all of them. Since it's springtime in Michigan, I spend most of my non-writing time digging in my gardens.  I love getting my hands in dirt, and coaxing all those tender plants into bloom. 

7. Where is your favorite spot to read/write?  

I do all my writing in my home office.  I have a desktop computer, as well as a laptop.  But though I could easily take my laptop out on the deck in the lovely spring weather, I never do.  I'm conditioned to write only in my office.  When I'm in there, I'm 'at work'.  When I'm sitting on my deck in the sunshine, I'm not working, even if I'm thinking about my latest work.  It's odd, but I never thought about this until you asked that question. I guess I'm a creature of habit.  I work in my office.  I live in my home.

Now reading is quite another thing altogether.  I read everywhere.  If I have a doctor or dentist appointment, I carry my latest book.  Whether I'm in the kitchen, family room, or even bathroom, I'm reading.  Ever since I learned to read (before I started school) I've been a voracious reader.  It's my passion. 

8. If you can take the books of only one author with you to a desert island, which author would you choose? Why? 

Oh, that's so hard to contemplate.  I read such a variety of books.  Fiction, non-fiction, biographies.  I just finished The Help, and I'm currently reading Wolf Hall, by Hillary Mantel (the life of Thomas Cromwell)  I guess I'd have to choose my best pal, Nora Roberts, since she's written enough books to stock a library, and I wouldn't run out of fascinating, entertaining books to read.

9. So, what comes after Montana Destiny? Excited about any other releases or works in progress?

There's a third in this series - Montana Glory, to be released in Oct. I'm really eager for my readers to enjoy not only Zane's story, but to read a satisfying conclusion to the McCord family saga.

In November my story, Almost Heaven, will be included in the J D Robb novella The Other Side, from Jove, with stories by J D Robb, Mary Blayney, Patricia Gaffney, May Kay McComas, and me, writing as Ruth Ryan Langan. These are paranormal, or tales from the other side.

10. Do you have any upcoming events? If so, where can your readers find you?

I'll be in Nashville July 26 through August 2 for the Romance Writers of America annual conference, held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.  On Wednesday, July 28, I'll be signing from 5:30 to 7:30 in the Grand Ballroom along with hundreds of other authors for the Literacy For Life Foundation. This event is open to the public, so I hope to see my readers there.

I'm the keynote speaker for the Detroit Working Writers 110th anniversary, to be held at the War Memorial in Grosse Pointe, Michigan on Sat., June 12, from 11:30 to 3:30.

Thank you, Ruth! 

It's been fun! 

Find R.C. Ryan:
Website
Facebook

Now for the CONTEST!
What is up for grabs?!
 Montana Destiny to FIVE lucky winners!

How to Enter:

~Must be a blog follower (New/Old)

~Leave a comment

Extra Entries

~RT Contest for +3

~Fan 4Star on Facebook for +5

Rules:

-U.S. & Canada Residents Only

-No P.O. Boxes, please.

-Contest ends 06/05/10

-48 hours to get back at me
~Good luck and have fun!  

Contest is now CLOSED and comments have been disabled. 
Thank you to all that participated, winners can be found here. We had 117 entries!