BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--INTERVIEW WITH HISTORICAL FICTION AUTHOR GINA DANNA

Today we sit down with author Gina Danna who writes historical fiction and historical romance set in Ancient Rome, Regency England, Victorian England, and the American Civil War. Learn more about Gina and her books at her website. 

When did you realize you wanted to write novels?

Probably in my twenties when I read a ton of Regencies and other historicals and realized I knew the plot in the first few pages. I thought, wow, I could do this! Mulled with the idea for years. Took my son going to college to actually start.

How long did it take you to realize your dream of publication?

Three years after starting to write.

Are you traditionally published, indie published, or a hybrid author?

I am a hybrid author.

Where do you write?

Just about anywhere. Get the most done at home, of course, but I take my laptop to work to write on my breaks or on a plane when I’m traveling.

Is silence golden, or do you need music to write by? What kind?

At home and anywhere else, I’d prefer silence but work is crazy so there, I’ll put on a soundtrack to listen to, like the recent one I’ve been going to is Ken Burns American Civil War (that PBS series).

How much of your plots and characters are drawn from real life? From your life in particular?

Well, this last series is on the Civil War, so from real life (Grant, Lee, Rosecrans, etc). And there are a few from my real life, who shall remain nameless. J

Describe your process for naming your character?

Always a hard one! In this series I’ve been writing, mostly from my family, since my mother’s family has been here since like the 1700s. I always get the Hero/Heroine kinda told to me by them and then the rest? Always difficult!

Real settings or fictional towns?

For most – real; for Regency – made up

Everyone at some point wishes for a do-over. What’s yours?

In my personal life? My choices in men and in college degrees. Love history! But wow, hard to market outside museums (and I did have a wonderful career in museums – educator/curator; but when there’s a financial cut, they’re hit hard). And men? Well…

You’re stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves? A ton of books, great wine and a dog. J

What was the worst job you’ve ever held?

Branch Office Admin at Edward Jones – hated it from day 1! But needed a job. BORING plus, I failed accounting in college (I’m a mathematician – accounting makes no sense to me)

What’s the best book you’ve ever read?

Hard to decide. Woodiwiss/Heath/Bob Mayer (his Civil War book, which he’s now cut into 3 books)/wow..so many more

Ocean or mountains?

Ocean!!!!! (I’m in landlocked Dallas now – I’ve lived near water all my life up to 3 years ago; so weird!)

City girl/guy or country girl/guy?

City girl here

What’s on the horizon for you?

More writing. Working on a Christmas novella (which is a challenge – I’ve never had a short book) and researching for book 4 of the Civil War series.

Rags and Hope

Hearts Touched by Fire series, Book 3

Thanks to his father’s political machinations, grieving widower Colonel Pierce Duval only wants to leave his family home in New York and return to his Union command in Tennessee. A chance and harrowing encounter with a true-blue Southern belle stirs emotions he thought long buried. When her safety is at stake, how can he not help her? 

Cerisa Fontaine ran away from her wealthy Louisiana home to build a new life away from her family’s awful secret. But her controversial marriage and southern drawl make her a pariah in New York. Her situation becomes downright perilous when her husband is killed in battle. Alone and penniless, Cerisa is forced to seek employment at the only establishment that will accept her: a brothel.

Each for self-serving reasons, Pierce and Cerisa embark on a journey to Tennessee posing as a married couple. But as secrets stand between them, passion wages its war within them. All too soon, they must make a life altering choice: remain loyal to their cause, or give in to their heart’s desire.

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