Featured Interview With Sloane B. Collins
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m a fifth-generation Texan, born and raised in El Paso, then I lived in Independence, MO for 18 years where I met and married my husband. We moved to Tampa, FL, and now we’re in a suburb of Dallas, TX. But since I began writing the French Kiss Connection series, my heart belongs to France.
We’ve been married almost 27 years, and have four adorable cats. Last year a pregnant stray adopted us in time to give birth to three boys, all named after characters in my favorite Julia Quinn novel. They are our children, and frequently steal the show on my Facebook page!
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve been an avid reader since I was very young. My favorite place growing up was the library – there’s nothing like the smell of all those books in that huge building. I devoured books, and still do when I have the time.
I have a little handmade book from some class project in first grade. One of the questions was What do you want to be when you grow up? My answer: Writer. Upon my first reading of “Little Women,” I wanted to be Jo March and write from the heart, and I’ve been writing ever since.
I love escaping into books, whether I’m reading or writing them. It can be the hottest July day in Texas, but I can feel the snowy cold of a December Maine when I read, or the feel the spring breeze blowing through my French vineyards when I write.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love reading. Period. I devour Cozy Mysteries, Historical Romance, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Paranormal Romance. I have so many favorite authors, but two of my most favorite are Sasha Summers and Julia Quinn. I’m now on the twentieth reading of “What Happens in London” by Ms. Quinn. The dialogue and humor in that book is awesome. I mean, how can you not love it when the hero says “I love her so much it makes my teeth ache”?
There are so many authors who have inspired me, but none more so than the women in Dallas Area Romance Authors. These women have taught me so much, and give freely of their time and knowledge. I have developed treasured friendships through DARA and RWA that will last a lifetime.
I have to give a shout out to Candace Havens, who has to be the hardest-working woman I know – she’s an author, a Senior Editor, and a well-known entertainment reporter. She has taught me more about writing and editing in the last year, and I’m so grateful to call her friend.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My debut Contemporary Romance is called Love Redesigned, set in the fictional village of St. Armand in the Alsace region of France. I fell in love with that part of France while writing this book, and am hopeful to get there someday soon. The story was inspired when I met a French fashion designer a few years ago. He started speaking in that delicious French accent, and I knew immediately I had to write about a tall, dark, and ruggedly attractive Frenchman.
This book is about two people who are reunited after the machinations of a scheming cougar broke them up fifteen years ago in Paris. Genevieve is an American cake artist returning to France for her cousin’s wedding. Roman is the cousin to the groom, and is designing the clothes for the wedding party. Seeing her reminds him just how devastating falling in love can be.
They form a fragile truce to make it through the wedding, yet every second together makes their attraction and long-buried feelings undeniable. But old habits and hurts die hard, and while Roman is ready to weave their lives together, Genevieve can’t afford to lose herself in his shadow.
It took me about nine months from start to finish, along with researching France, revising, editing, and polishing.
One of my favorite characters is Daniel, Genevieve’s BFF who accompanies her to the wedding. I hadn’t planned for his character, but he literally walked on to the first page and called her “Sugar.” He’s a hoot!
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