Sandpiper Cove: Author Interview, Book Blog Tour, and Giveaway #LoneStarLit

Author Interview 2: Irene Hannon

How long have you been writing?

I can’t remember ever not writing. I think some people are born to write, just as some are born to paint or dance or design buildings or invent new technology or…the list goes on. I’ve always believed writing, like any other talent, is a gift, and people with certain gifts tend to manifest them early.

What kind(s) of writing do you do?

I write contemporary romance/women’s fiction and romantic suspense. In the latter genre, my books are akin to an Alfred Hitchcock movie, with a strong psychological component, versus a James Bond, action-packed thriller. The suspense is more subtle and insidious…until the cliffhanger ending! My books are similar to Nora Roberts’ romantic suspense novels—but without the sex and profanity. My heartwarming contemporary romances, like Sandpiper Cove, would appeal to fans of Debbie Macomber and Robyn Carr.

What do you think most characterizes your writing?

A sense of hope. That no matter how bad things get, a happy ending is always possible. While my books are deeply emotional, you’ll also find touches of humor. In Sandpiper Cove, Floyd and Gladys—the seagull couple—will make readers smile.

Are you a full-time or part-time writer?  How does that affect your writing?

Writing is my full-time job, which  means I write every day, all day. I don’t have the luxury of waiting for inspiration. I like what one famous writer said when asked if he only wrote when inspired: Yes—and I make sure I’m inspired every day at nine o’clock.

Can you give us a sneak peek into your next novel?

I’ll return to romantic suspense in my next book, Dangerous Illusions, which is book 1 in my Code of Honor series. It will be out in October. Here’s the blurb: Trish Bailey is on overload trying to deal with a demanding job, an ailing mother, and a healing heart. When a series of unsettling memory lapses leads to a tragic death—and puts Trish under police scrutiny—her world is once again thrown into turmoil. Detective Colin Flynn isn’t certain what to think of the facts he uncovers during his investigation. Did Trish simply make a terrible mistake . . . or is there more to the case than meets the eye? As he searches for answers, disturbing information begins to emerge—and if the forces at work are as evil as he suspects, the situation isn’t just dangerous . . . it’s deadly.

What’s something interesting, fun, or funny that most people don’t know about you?

I love musical theater, and have been fortunate to play the leading roles in many classic musicals like Oklahoma, The King and I, South Pacific and Brigadoon, to name a few. In a group setting, I tend to stay in the background, but put me on stage and my inner ham emerges!

What do you want your tombstone to say?

She always tried her best.