Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Dana Marton to the blog. We are chatting about life, romance, family and her newest release The Third Scroll.
Can you please share with us a little about yourself
I’ve been publishing for the last 10 years and have 30 or so books out there at this stage. I love my job. The most difficult part is to keep focused. I read pretty much every genre, so my ideas are all over the place. I try to be more consistent in my writing, however. Most of my books are romantic suspense. THE THIRD SCROLL is my first fantasy romance title. I’m so excited! It’s the book of my heart, a story that I waited ten years to finally see in print. I’m very glad that I never gave up. And so are my readers. The response has been absolutely overwhelming. Normally, I get one reader mail for about every thousand books sold. With THE THIRD SCROLL, about a third of the people who buy the book have written to me about how much they loved it and asking when the next one is coming out. The amazing support has been beyond my wildest dreams.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
Yes! I did take a detour through the business world first, though. But in my heart, I always knew I was a writer, and I was always working on something, writing after work or at night. My friends and family weren’t the least surprised when I finally started writing full-time. I’ve been writing since first grade. I think when something is truly in your heart, it will come out sooner or later. Your life will just never feel complete until you acknowledge and embrace your deepest purpose.
Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
Silence is my only requirement. I start writing as soon as I get up in the morning and keep going until dinner time. I dreadfully neglect everything else, including yard work and housework. At the beginning of my career, I went to a writing workshop. The speaker talked about how difficult it was for women to succeed at a career, because we always put ourselves last, after husband, kids, pets, dishes, laundry etc. etc. You can’t say, I’ll write after the housework is done. Housework is never done. She said to ask yourself the question: Would you like to be an award-winning author someday or an award-winning housekeeper? Work your priorities.
Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
The most rewarding part is hearing from readers. It’s absolutely the best part of my day. And it’s gotten so much easier with Facebook and Twitter. I swear every little note makes my day. I’ve made so many friends through my writing, and I’m grateful for every single one.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
My latest book, THE THIRD SCROLL, is about a budding healer who is sold into slavery, thrust into the savage realm of barbarian warlords, the same realm which claimed her mother years ago. She must avoid the displeasure of her warrior lord as well as the cruelties of the concubines. Yet a greater danger looms when she catches the eye of the most powerful lord of the land and he takes her for his Pleasure Hall.
It’s a story filled with twists and surprises. I’ve been humbled by the reviews so far. RT Reviews called it “An ambitious, vividly imagined epic fantasy.” Kirkus Reviews said, “Readers will find it impossible not to care what happens next…” Honestly, I’m just dancing with excitement at this stage.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
I’ve always been fascinated by stories about healers. I loved Ayla, the heroine in Clan of the Cave Bear and Claire in Outlander. I love strong, resourceful heroines. In a historical setting, in a time when women had little power, sometimes the power of healing was the only thing left to them. Through that they could gain strength and some influence, grow into their own potential. My heroine’s character came to me pretty much fully formed. I just kept writing to see what happened to her next. She surprised the living daylights out of me a couple of times! lol
Can you share with us your current work in progress?
I just began working on the follow-up story to THE THIRD SCROLL. It’s such a wonderful, rich world. Going back to it is a real treat for me.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Love Jean Auel, Diana Gabaldon, Nora Roberts, Susan Mallery, Maria V. Snyder, Robin D. Owens, C.L. Wilson… Too many names to list here.
Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
I’m sure they have.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Summer Days from Susan Mallery. I love her Fool’s Gold series. She also writes strong women, and her stories are incredibly layered.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you so much for having me! Instead of raffling off one book to one lucky winner, how about this… I’ll drop THE THIRD SCROLL to 99c (from its regular $3.99) at amazon? Click HERE
And to sweeten the deal even further, I’ll send a free book bag to the first five people who leave an amazon review then email me their address. (danamarton at yahoo dot com). Giveaway is open to US, Canada, Australia and EU.
Enjoy!
Dana Marton
Good interview! The Third Scroll sounds like an interesting book
Thanks for the lovely interview, I really enjoyed reading it. And The Third Scroll sounds very good, especially as I also love Jean M. Auel, CL Wilson and some others you named. There is too little romantic fantasy out there, so I have put your book on my wishlist 🙂 Good luck writing the sequel.
I promptly went and downloaded your book from Amazon, not sure yet when I will get an opportunity to read it, but am definitely looking forward to it.
Maria–Thank you! Can’t take credit for the interview. I was provided with the very thoughtful questions. The interviewer made me look good 🙂
Aurian–Love that name! How unusual. Might have to use it for a future heroine 🙂 I love romantic fantasy, too. I’ve been reading it for years. Can’t believe I’m finally writing it!
Kerry–Thank you so much for buying the book. I really hope you’ll enjoy it.
You had me at Warlord…bought it!
Thank you, Debi!!!!
I enjoyed the interview. The book sounds good.