It’s Thursday!

That means it’s time for another interview with our American Title finalists. Today we have with us finalist, HOLLI BERTRAM.

MAI: Welcome Holli. Tell us what the title of your book is.

HOLLI: Curses!

MAI: Great title! What is it about?

HOLLI: Mid-life crisis takes on a whole new meaning when a single kiss triggers unexpected powers in Julie Dancer and her empty nest is suddenly filled with a leather-clad Guardian, a vengeful Shadow Walker and a powerful man determined to have sex with her to break a curse.

MAI: Ooh, sounds very sexy! How long have you been writing?

HOLLI: I started my first manuscript ten years ago; the year the first Harry Potter book was published. There must be some good writing karma in that, right?

MAI: I believe so. Tell us a little about how this book came about.

HOLLI: The idea for this book came about when my oldest son started college. Even though I still had two boys at home, I began to wonder about Life After Kids. Julie Dancer, my heroine, has just sent her only daughter off to college. She is plunged into an amazing adventure where she discovers new things about herself and the world, and she has two handsome men vying for her interest. I like that view of the future.

MAI: Wow. Very interesting how the story came about. What was your expectation when you first entered the contest?

HOLLI: Depends on what day you asked me. I think most writers ride a “they’ll love it/they’ll hate it” roller coaster after they submit something. My strategy is to submit and then try not to think too much about the possible outcome. It keeps me sane, mostly.

MAI: Well, I guess that explains why I’m going crazy here, lol. What was your reaction when you learned you were a finalist?

HOLLI: I got the email while at work. I think I pumped my fist in the air with an emphatic “Yes!” and immediately emailed my critique partners and my husband. Then I had a major attack of anxiety.

MAI: I can definitely relate there! What has been the most rewarding part of this experience so far?

HOLLI: The most rewarding part of this experience is getting to know my fellow finalists. They are a wonderful, generous group of women.

MAI: I’m definitely in agreement there. What has been the worst part of this experience so far?

HOLLI: That’s easy. By far the hardest part has been telling people about the contest and asking them to vote. I’m not practiced at promoting myself, so this is a learning experience for me.

MAI: In one word, how would you describe this experience?

HOLLI: Magical.

MAI: I like that! What kind of advice do you have for other American Title hopefuls and/or aspiring writers?

HOLLI: A good critique group can be invaluable, both to help you hone your craft and as support through the ups and downs of the writing life.

MAI: Any last words?

HOLLI: Thanks for inviting me and the other AT IV finalists to your blog!

MAI: I second that, Sylvia. Thank you so much for allowing me to post these interviews here. And thank you Holli for a wonderful interview. Good luck in the competition!

Alright everyone. Next week (Monday, November 12th) starts voting for Round 2 of the American Title Contest. Please check back at the Romantic Times website to see which eight finalists have advanced to the round and cast your vote!

We have only two more interviews to go, both of which will be posted next week. I want to thank everyone for taking the time to read these interviews the past four weeks. I hope you’ve all gotten to know the finalists on a more personal level and get a feel for the books they write and their personalities.

And thank you for the wonderful comments. Your support and excitement makes all the difference to us. It’s been a whirlwind of a journey, and we are very grateful to have you along for the ride. It really is all about the fans and support. You guys keep us sane and motivated and grounded, so on behalf of all the finalists, THANK YOU.

Look forward to seeing everyone back here next week. Leave your comments for a chance to win some prizes. And don’t forget to vote on November 12th!

Mai Christy Thao
maichristythao.com

Tags: american title, dorchester, paranormal, romantic times