Jamie, welcome to A Romance Review. We are so pleased to have you as our Author Of The Month for August 2004. I know this has been a very exciting and busy year for you, so thank you for taking the time to chat with us.

Thank you, Barb, for the warm welcome. I'm so thrilled to be here!

First off why don't you tell us a little about yourself?

Well, let's see...I was a child bride (really ) and at the tender age of 16, I married my high school sweetheart. We have three grown sons (and three pretty incredible daughters-in-law), and as of this coming fall, the count will rise to six adorable, brilliant (of course!) contributions to the next generation of Dentons. (I really am a very young grandma!)

Before becoming a writer, I was chained to a desk for fifteen years as a legal assistant. The career in law was one I thoroughly enjoyed, but I eventually became bored and restless, and just knew I needed something more challenging and fulfilling. In addition to my writing career, I've also acquired my teaching certification in vocational education and for a number of years taught several legal assistant courses in the North Dakota University system, which I loved.

Growing up in Southern California, I collected many fine memories of summers spent at the beach with a group of friends I still keep in touch with today. My husband and I, both born and bred Californians, decided we'd had enough of life in the fast lane, and in 1995 we relocated with our sons to a small farming community in North Dakota. This past June, we made yet another cross-country move (without this kids!), this time to Western Pennsylvania. I couldn't be more pleased with our decision. We purchased a broken-down old Colonial home built in 1900, and while we do question our sanity on that score, as far as restoring this lovely old home to its original beauty (we hope ) we do have our work cut out for us. Rather than wide open spaces and subfreezing temperatures for almost seven months out of the year, we are now surrounded by spectacular beauty and more trees than either one of us has ever seen in our entire lives. We've even been told Ferdinand, our bull of a snowblower may actually get to collect dust! But the true treat is the people. Pennsylvanians are easily some of the friendliest people we've ever had the pleasure of meeting. After ten very long and cold lonely years on the desolate prairie, it's hard not to be enamored with the beauty of the landscape and living amongst friendly faces again.

Jamie how long have you been a published writer?

2004 marks my tenth year as a published author. Four days before Christmas in 1994, I sold my first attempt at a contemporary romance. It's funny; I can still remember getting the call, too, especially the excitement, disbelief and that incredible sense of real accomplishment. Once I came down off the clouds, that is . Just do me a favor, though, and don't ask me what I had for breakfast this morning. That recollection could prove to be a problem.

What path did you take to becoming published?

My guess is that I took the same, familiar path that many other writers have taken, and many more will still take -- one filled with hard work to hone our skills as writers, hours spent studying the craft and of course that all important lighting a lot of candles, prayers, wishes or whatever it is that it takes to get those planets in the right alignment so a sale can happen .

I began writing seriously a couple of years before the Internet exploded on the scene. In fact, it was before Bill Gates and Windows ever really became household names. But, I was fortunate enough to learn about Romance Writers of America not too long after I began writing. Joining the organization and finding a local chapter made all the difference for me. I've always been the type of person who loves to learn, and I knew there was only so much information I could glean from how-to books and articles on writing. Having others to share information with and learn from played a major role in my becoming a published author.

Was writing something you have always dreamed of doing or an interest you developed later in life?

I was in my twenties when I first began to dabble with writing, but I didn't become a serious writer until my 30th birthday. Well, in all honesty, it was about a year before then, but it wasn't until the evening of my 30th birthday when I finally outted my dreams to my husband about what I really wanted to do for a living, and it sure wasn't attend law school as I'd been planning for much of my adult life at this point. The only reason I even told him was because a woman I worked with had a brother-in-law with a used computer for sale and I couldn't make a purchase like that without explaining why I wanted to filch a few hundred bucks from the savings account. Being ever-supportive, he scheduled a side-job for that very next weekend (he was a carpenter and was often hired to do side jobs) and then handed over the money he'd earned.

Although you have written for some of the other lines the majority of your past releases have been under the Harlequin Temptation and Harlequin Blaze category lines. Can you tell us how you chose Harlequin as the publisher you wanted to write for?

Two instances actually played a part in my decision to write for Harlequin. First, when I began writing, I was clueless about Harlequin/Silhouette and didn't know anything existed beyond the Presents and Romance lines. A chapter mate was kind enough to educate me. She took me to the nearest used bookstore (which I also hadn't realized existed) and showed me what I was missing. That day I went home with stacks of series romances and I started reading. The first book I read was a Harlequin Temptation by JoAnn Ross, SCANDALS. Imagine my surprise and delight as I discovered these books were nothing like the old Presents and Romances my friends and I pilfered from our mothers' supply and shared as teenagers. To say I was immediately hooked wouldn't be overstating in the least!

After selling my first book to Harlequin Superromance in 1994, I went through the curse every writer dreads, the evil second book syndrome. I couldn't convince a starving man to take a free sandwich from me let alone sell that next book. By this time, JoAnn Ross and I had become friends, and one day she asked me which of the lines I'd been reading the most, which was my favorite. I'd told her Temptation, of course, and she asked me why I hadn't submitted anything to the line. I thought about that for a bit, and with her encouragement to submit a current project which had just received a scathing rejection letter, I figured I didn't have anything to lose other than another swift kick to my already bruised ego and a few bucks in postage. So I sent the proposal for FLIRTING WITH DANGER to Temptation and about six weeks later, Birgit Davis-Todd called to tell me the evil curse was finally broken. I was going to be a Temptation author!

How long was the process from when you first submitted something for publication until you made your first sale?

It wasn't very long, only two or three months if I remember correctly. The first sale really was the easiest. Selling that second book marks the first real challenge of my career, but it wasn't without learning a few lessons along the way. As horrible as it was to suffer through, I do look back now and am grateful for that time. The pitfalls and disappointments allowed me learn a little about myself as a writer and as a person. I've always said that time is never wasted if it's spent learning something, and those two years, ten months and eighteen days (not that I was counting or anything ) most definitely qualify as a learning experience, one I still value to this day.

When you are working on a project what is a typical day like for you?

My days vary when I'm working on a project, and I have no set schedule that I adhere to on a regular basis and can be found in the office at any hour of the day or night. I tend to work in phases, meaning that I break the process of a book down into smaller, manageable parts. I've often compared my writing process to doing the laundry. As nice as it would be to have the laundry done in one shot, you really wouldn't put all the clothes together in one gigantic load. You break it all down in smaller, manageable loads, and this is what I do with my writing process.

For instance, I start with a great deal of pre-planning or pre-writing. The first thing that always happens is I call my editor and say, "I've got this great idea..." After her (often tentative) approval , the real work then begins, which generally includes learning about my characters, who they are, where they came from, what their goals are, as well as preparing a skeleton sketch of where I think the story will go. Any outside research that needs done is also accomplished during the first phase as it is essential in helping me create believable characters and a plot that will hold water.

The second phase is when I gather all the information I've learned and begin putting it into a more cohesive format. From there, I prepare my first detailed outline, and that's when I know whether or not I do have a story to tell. This outline is what eventually becomes my synopsis, which is then passed on to my editor for final approval.

Once the project is approved by editorial, I enter the third phase, which includes a second outline, this one much more detailed. This outline is done scene by scene, often with snippets of dialogue, note about emotion, characterization, and plot. It also includes each of the major turning points within the story, whether plot or character related. Once completed, I'm ready to enter phase four.

Phase four is the actual writing of the book. From that point on, I tend to ignore the a.m. or p.m. indicators on the clock and put in some very odd hours. I usually write for long stretches of anywhere from six up to eighteen hours, then I'll sleep for four to five hours. When I awaken, I'll maybe do a few chores around the house (my husband is really great about helping out around the house during this final phase of a book), and then it's back to the office for another writing sessions which again can last anywhere from six to eighteen hours. Very little email is answered during the final phase of a book, so once the story is finished, I catch up on sleep and spend a few days taking care of email, paying bills, and just regroup and start thinking about the next book.

I'm extremely fortunate in that my husband and I are empty nesters these days, so there are no longer any teenage boys to monitor or shuffle from one activity or event to the next. Plus, my husband also understands that my writing process simply doesn't happen between 9 and 5, so he's become fairly self-sufficient. He can tell when I'm about to enter the final phase of a book by what type of foods go into the grocery cart. If he sees an over abundance of convenience foods, he's put on alert that he'll be the one in charge of meal preparation for the duration.

Several of your books feature connected story lines, the most recent being the Some Like It Hot trilogy you did late last year featuring a fireman a paramedic and an arson inspector. First of all I am curious how you chose these professions for that trilogy? How much research was involved in writing this particular series?

Essentially, it was the research for the books that led me to write about each of the professions in Some Like it Hot. Initially, I had intended to write a trilogy about a three firefighter brothers, but I found the varied aspect of the various careers in the field incredibly fascinating. I knew that I couldn't not write about a paramedic or an arson investigator.

The original idea for the Some Like it Hot trilogy first occurred to me when my closest and dearest friend, FFI Leslie Crossen was studying to become an EMT (she has since gone on to become a firefighter). We had numerous discussions about the careers of paramedics and firefighters, particularly the mentality of those who serve their community and put their live son the line daily. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend some time with Leslie and visit the Somers Fire Department in Connecticut and during my research; I discovered the unique bond between the personnel (and met some pretty hot firefighters, too!) After a few days in their company, I knew there was no way I could only write one story. I pitched the idea for the trilogy to my editor several months before, but we waited until I had a complete idea for the entire series before going to contract. Finally in the summer of 1999 I signed the contract for the Some Like it Hot trilogy. Previous contractual commitments, an unexpected illness and some changing around of books in my schedule prevented me from writing Cale, Drew and Ben's stories for another three years, but the Perry brothers were never far from my mind.

Why do you think connected books are so popular with readers?

Speaking from my own experiences as a reader, I've always enjoyed the opportunity connected books provide in revisiting old friends. Half the fun of connected books, for me at least, is finding out what happened after the happily-ever-after to characters that I've already met and adored.

I know the Some Like It Hot trilogy was planned from the start but have all your series been planned that way or have some of the books evolved from characters pestering you to have their story told or reader response to secondary characters rather than planning?

Some Like it Hot and Fantasy for Hire, a series I did with another Temptation author, have been the only "planned" series I've done thus far. The first set of connecting books I wrote were what has become known as the "rule" books, RULES OF ENGAGEMENT and BREAKING THE RULES. While I was writing Jill and Morgan's romance, I realized that Carly, Jill's sister whom I knew would run away from her own wedding during RULES OF ENGAGMENT, needed to have her own story. I promptly called my editor and told her what I was considering. She instantly agreed and she scheduled BREAKING THE RULES for the month following the release of RULES OF ENGAGEMENT.

Pretty much the same thing occurred with SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY. I just had to know what happened to Dee's older brother, Jared, so I wrote SEDUCED BY THE ENEMY. The reader response to Jared and Peyton's romance asking for the story of secondary character, FBI Agent Sunny MacGregor, was overwhelming. I knew when Sunny appeared in SEDUCED there was something extra special about her, and thankfully readers felt the connection to her as well. I was given the opportunity to write ABSOLUTE PLEASURE, and to date, it is easily one of my favorite books.

I've already begun to receive requests for the stories of two additional secondary characters, Georgia Tremont and Ned Ball, from ABSOLUTE PLEASURE. Will their stories happen? We shall see, but I will say that I am quite anxious to find just the right man to complement Georgia.

Your most recent Harlequin Blaze title ABSOLUTE PLEASURE was released in July and should still be available. Can you tell our readers a little about this book? Do you have any idea where you came up with the idea to write this one?

Well, as I mentioned, Sunny first appeared in SEDUCED BY THE ENEMY and there was just something a special about her. Her character seemed to leap off the page for me. While I was writing the Some Like it Hot trilogy for Temptation and then working on the Blaze anthology STROKE OF MIDNIGHT with Carrie Alexander and Nancy Warren, Sunny never strayed far from my mind. I knew I didn't have quite as firm a grasp on her whole character as I would've liked, but I knew she wanted to be a profiler for the FBI's Investigative Support Unit. I've always wanted to write a profiler hero or heroine, but when I began to wonder what kind of person becomes a profiler, especially when I took into account the gruesome serial killer cases this elite law enforcement team helps solve, I just knew I was in the right place.

Finding Sunny the right hero proved far more difficult, but what better hero material for a gung-ho G-woman looking to land her dream job than a guy booted out of the organization she holds in the highest esteem? That's when I knew I had the perfect hero for Sunny MacGregor.

The research for the book was some of the most fascinating I've ever done, especially delving into the dark world inhabited by the FBI's elite squad of profilers. The world of professional con artists also proved extremely fascinating, as well, and a little frightening. I may never enter another chance to win a Caribbean vacation again!

Jamie some of your most exciting news at least on the writing front is this month's release of your story in the Brava anthology HOW TO BE A "WICKED" WOMAN. Your story INSTRUCTION TO SEDUCTION features Eden Matthews and Jackson Hunt and it most certainly is the steamiest thing you have written to date. I loved it! Can you share with readers a little about the story line for this one?

In a nutshell, INSTRUCTION IN SEDUCTION is exactly what the title implies. Eden Matthews believes she has a faulty gene pool preventing her from having what it takes to hang onto her man. After she's dumped by her most recent lover, when he tells her she's a zero between the sheets, Eden is determined to make some drastic changes and break the Matthews women curse. She enlists the reluctant aid of her patrolman partner, Jackson Hunt, a man with a reputation as a legendary lover. And, ahem, he doesn't disappoint, either .

What I really enjoyed about Eden and Jackson's steamy romance was the emotional impact Eden's past has on her current lifestyle. I'm a big believer that we're all products of our environment, whether it be good bad or indifferent, yet, despite our humble beginning or whatever tragedies we might face, with the support of people we love, people we can count on to always be there for us, then just about any adversity can be overcome. To me, that's what INSTRUCTION IN SEDUCTION is really all about -- learning to trust again.

How did your writing for this new publisher come about?

My agent truly deserves all the credit for bringing me to the attention of Kensington Brava. My (now) Brava editor called him one day a couple of years ago asking for writers who wrote hot, sexy books. He sent her a couple of my books along with the "popsicle" scene from SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY, which wasn't due for release for several more months. Months later he heard back from my Brava editor that an offer would be forthcoming shortly. Shortly stretched out for several more months before the novella was actually contracted, and another stretch of time elapsed before my editor called and asked me how I felt about being one of the first "Wicked" Women. I fell in love with the idea and am honored to be one of the launch authors for this new exciting series for Brava.

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a writer and your greatest weakness?

I think my weakness and strengths go hand in hand. I'm a pro at procrastination, but my sheer determination to conquer this flaw caused me to develop my writing phases. By breaking down the process into manageable parts, I was able to beat my procrastination habit into submission. Occasionally though, my determination to accomplish a task does take on a tunnel vision role, and that can sometimes get me into trouble. A simple case of not seeing the forest for the trees.

My late mother-in-law used to warn my husband to watch out when I make a decision to accomplish something, because once I do, nothing or no one will stop me. Some refer to this trait as stubbornness, but that has such a negative connotation, don't you think? But, my mother-in-law knew me well. Tell me I can't do something, and my response will always be, "Oh yeah, watch this."

Is the Brava release a change in publishers for you or just an expansion of your writing? Do you plan to continue writing category books as well as single titles?

My work for Brava is a welcome expansion of my writing career. I do have more contractual commitments to Harlequin, but being given the opportunity to write erotic thrillers for Brava is a dream come true that will allow me to more fully explore the suspenseful plots I love, as well as being able to broaden my characterization. So long as Harlequin will still have me, I hope to continue my series romance career in addition to the work I'll be doing for Brava.

Jamie what is the best way for readers to get in touch with you?

Readers can reach me via email at jamie@jamiedenton.net, or by visiting my website at http://www.jamiedenton.net, which has been newly redesigned by the creative geniuses at Dream Forge Media (http://wwww.dreamforgemedia.com). Readers can also write to me at P.O. Box 39, Rouseville, PA 16344. And if they send a 6x9 $.60 SASE, they'll receive an autographed bookplate, a signed "Wicked" Woman cover flat, and other goodies, as well.

Can you share with us any projects you are currently working on? What can we expect to see coming from you for the rest of 2004 and into early 2005?

My next release is scheduled for January 2005. HARD TO HANDLE is the launch book in a new Blaze trilogy, LOCK AND KEY, with one of Blaze's new rising stars, Shannon Hollis, along with good friend, the mega-talented Carrie Alexander. Next up will be the release of my first single title for Brava, tentatively titled THE MATCHMAKER, followed by another, as yet unplanned, Blaze later in 2005 or early 2006.

Is there any type of writing you haven't tried that you would like to try in the future?

Not really. Thanks to the work I'll be doing for Brava, I'll now be writing the kind of books I've always wanted to write, which are hot and steamy romantic suspense.

What one piece of advice would you give someone looking to get his or her work published?

Write, read, and then write and read some more, and keep writing and reading. Read extensively, not just the type of books you want to write or the line you're studying, and not all those endless how-to books, either. Read books from every genre. In other words, arm yourself with a well-rounded education.

Most importantly, always write from the heart. Anything less is cheating not only the reader, but yourself, as well. Your readers, and you, deserve only the best you have to give.

Oh, and when that little demon of doubt sits on your shoulder and whispers in your ear, telling you can't do it, flick him away. Slap some duct tape over his negative, poison-spewing potty mouth because he really doesn't have a clue what he's talking about. You can do it, provided you develop the four cornerstones of writing...Determination, Drive, Desire and Dedication. Each of those are necessary to see you through to the two most satisfying words in any writer's vocabulary...The End.

Jamie what do you like doing in your free time? How do you relax?

Shopping.

I love shopping. My friends call me the Shopping Goddess for a reason. It's a title I hold with great esteem .

For ten years my shopping excursions were pretty much limited to the Internet, so now that we've relocated, I have been blessed with real shopping trips. Last week, for the first time in ten years I was able to purchase a new outfit and actually try it on before buying! I can't tell you what a treat that was for me. Now, instead of digging in the garden when I find myself stumped by a character or a scene, I simply hop in my Cherokee and drive to any one of several malls and shopping centers only minutes away from our new home in Western Pennsylvania. Life just doesn't get much better than that!

To relax, I enjoy losing myself in a complex cross-stitch project. I find that incredibly relaxing, so long as the cats leave my thread alone . I do like to tackle the occasional sewing project, usually something for one of the grandbabies. I especially enjoy crochet projects during football season. There's just something cozy about sitting on the sofa with a ball of yarn while the 49er's pound the Green Bay Packers. Oh, and of course I love to read. I've also become addicted to Yoga, which has marvelous effects physically and emotionally.

Also, now that I'm in a part of the country that provides the opportunity, I've been giving serious consideration to returning to training and competing in the dog world again, or perhaps get back into showing cats again. Both of these hobbies were something I truly missed out on as they weren't available to me during our ten years in North Dakota.

Thank you Jamie for chatting with me. I look forward to your upcoming releases and wish you much success in your career.

And thank you for having me!!