My next guest comes from Down Under and is last year's RWAustralia Lyn Wilding Meritorious Service Award winner. She also comes baring...umm, bearing a gift - a gorgeous hero from her current novel... :-)Name? Serena Tatti
Where are you? Tullamarine, Victoria
How many years have you been a member of RWAustralia? I've been a member of Romance Writers of Australia for 13 years and it was RWAus that led me to the Melbourne Romance Writers Guild.
What genre do you write? Currently, I'm targetting Mills & Boon Sexy Sensation.
Who are your favourite authors? I mostly read category romance but, oooooh, where to begin! Maxine Sullivan, Fiona Lowe, Robyn Grady, Nicola Marsh.
What inspired you to write romance? I've always had a romantic streak and I believe in love. It seemed like a natural progression to write about it. If I could, I'd write legal thrillers like John Grisham, or fiction based on science fact - like Allan Eckert's The Hab Theory (one of my all-time favourite books!) - but I find writing stories with yummy heroes, sympathetic heroines, emotional turmoil and happy-ever-after endings very satisfying.
Who's your dream publisher? It would have to be Mills & Boon/Harlequin. I've been reading most of their lines for, ahem, over thirty years.
What's the best thing about going to conference? Truthfully, I love catching up with friends and writers I've *met* online through the loops like ROMAUS. I also love doing the workshops - and no matter how much you know (or think you know) you can always learn something new. Nothing beats a lightbulb moment in a workshop!
 |
| Serena's vengeful hero |
My greatest strength as a writer is...being able to see what is wrong with a manuscript - but it really only happens with someone else's story :)
My latest WIP (work in progress) is about...a heroine whose family business is about to go under. Enter the hero to save the day, but his intentions aren't at all honorable. He's there for revenge.
When I write I like to...immerse myself in the story. I concetrate so completely that outside noises don't permeate and if you want me to reply to something, you really need to grab my attention first.
My best writing milestone to date is...having my manuscript held over for publication for the following year by Premium Press America...unfortunately they closed the romance line before my book was published :-( But on a positive note, they loved my book!
Serena, thanks for answering my questions! If anyone would like to know more about the Melbourne Romance Writers' Guild you can check out their website or their Facebook page.
Posts
Ooh, I'm first! Which means I get first dibs on that gorgeous hero Serena arriving baring...uh, BEARING! Serena, lovely to see you here! Love hearing about your writing and your writing life. Hiya Kylie!
ReplyDeleteAnna, you have to share the hero - play nice! :-)
ReplyDeleteNuh! ;-)
ReplyDeleteAnna, how do you do that - be first everywhere I go :o
ReplyDeleteSerena I completely agree re the conferences. Always something can trigger an 'aha'/'oh yeah that' kind of moment. And the in-person time is priceless.
Ms.Campbell (in best teacher voice)!
ReplyDeleteHey, Nicky, I think we're going to have to rewrite the saying "The early bird catches the worm" to "The Anna snaffles top poll position!" :-)
Hi Serena and Kylie -
ReplyDeleteI see, Serena, that you started reading when you were 1 yr. old -- as I must have since I've been reading Harlequin for about 30 years:)
Thanks SO much for the pic of the gorgeous man. He's yummy.
Hi Anna,
ReplyDeleteYep - we can rely on you to be first!! And you can have the hero if you can put a name to him...I have no idea who he is. He was in an aftershave ad.
Thanks for coming over and saying hi
HUGS
Hi Kylie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for having me as your guest. Thought I'd bring some dreamy chocolate swirl cheesecake to get the party going :)
Happy to share the hero (Carlo in my book) but would love to find out who he is - so it's *Who's that guy?"
Hi Nicky,
ReplyDeleteAren't conferences the best! I can't make the whole one this year (my fave nephew and Godson is getting married on the Saturday) and I hate to miss out on even a minute of the fun - er - hard work!
Thanks for saying hi
Hugs
Hi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteYes, you're absolutely right, of course. I started reading at an extremely young age. (BTW the cheque's in the mail)
Yes, yummy hero. Though he can be moody.
Thanks for calling in
Hugs
Hi Serena
ReplyDeleteJust thought I'd sneak in while everyone's fighting over the hunk in your pic, and steal him away! lol
Many things can inspire us with our writing, but I must say, I find your hero VERY INSPIRATIONAL!
I've already registered for the conference and am looking forward to many of those lightbulb moments you mentioned.
Looking forward to seeing you at the next MRWG meeting.
Michelle
Great interview, Serena! And very, VERY yummy hero!
ReplyDeleteI'd love a slice of that chocolate swirl cheesecake, thanks...
So thrilled to hear you are coming to conference (even a shortened one) this year, Serena, so we can finally meet F2F.
ReplyDeleteNow if you'll just pass me a slice of the yummy cheesecake I'll stand in line for my turn with your aftershave man - just to sniff the scent, of course *wink*
Serena, your offer of chockie cheesecake is a hit, along with your hero! You sure know how to make your readers feel welcome. I'll take a slice served by our unnamed man, thanks! :-)
ReplyDeleteLooks like we'll be seeing Anita, Michelle, Nicky and Anna at conference.
Hi Cheryl & Jennifer! Thanks for stopping in.
Hi Michelle,
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping in, though very sneaky of you to steal Carlo away ;-P
And am I right - this is your first conference? You will have a blast!!
Hugs
Hi Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteYou've already tried my cheesecake at a couple of MRWG retreats. Here it is (Great idea Kylie!!)
Hugs
Hi Anita,
ReplyDeleteYes I'm looking forward to meeting you and a few other RWA people who I've grown to love and admire. My last conference was the previous Melbourne conference but I was on the conference committee so was too busy to get to know anyone.
Enjoy the whiff :)
Hugs
Hi Serena, thanks for the delicious pict...um cheesecake...oh I give up, they're both delicious:) Congratulations on a great interview, and because you're too lovely to toot your own horn, I'll share how wonderful, generous and kind you are with us girls at Melbourne Romance Writers. Big hugs.
ReplyDeleteHey Kylie, just got another cheesecake ready. Would you like Carlo to serve it to you now?
ReplyDeleteThanks for having me here :)
Hugs
Aw thanks, Lia. You're a sweetie. It's such a great group.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Hello Serena,
ReplyDeleteI'm joining in late to the party but it's great to see you here. You are an inspiration and a fabulous person to boot. Love you!
PS, cheesecake and beefcake, my favourite combination!
ReplyDeleteHi Ebs,
ReplyDeleteThanks, you're gorgeous :) Yep no woman can resist cheesecake (and chocolate cheesecake at that!) and beefcake :)
Hugs
HI Serena and Kylie! I'm with everyone else on the yummy pic - he's very dark and brooding, perfect for a vengeful hero!
ReplyDeleteI agree about lightbulb moments in workshops at the conferences, Serena! There's always something to learn or the opportunity for a new slant on something you think you know! And so great to meet friends, old and new!
:)
Sharon
LOVE the guy! Serena didn't mention her stellar strength which is proof reading and grammar! She totally rocks at that. Mwah!
ReplyDeleteHi Serena,
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you here Serena. You are a talented writer who is very generous with your time and knowledge. You're a fantastic support to your friends, The MRWG and RWA and their members.
Love your sexy hero and drooling over your delicious cheese cake, or is it the other way around. :) Oh well, not long until MRWG's next retreat where we get to sample the cheese cake and shame you can't bring tall dark and delicious...
Thanks Kylie and can't wait for your book to come out.
Hugs,
Margaret Midwood
prinnylia & Ebony - I agree with you both about Serena!
ReplyDeleteSharon - conference is always a fun time. I'm so looking forward to this August.
Grammar & proof-reading! Fiona, this was something she didn't mention. Oh, to be good at this!
Margaret, sounds like you guys have a fun time when MRWG meet. How many cheesecakes get eaten while your work is being discussed???? :-) A few, I bet!
And thanks, Margaret, for your comment about my book - I've just gone through talking to my editor about ideas for the front cover, getting excited as this means progress towards the final product!
Hi Sharon,
ReplyDeleteWhat could be better than tall, dark and brooding! (Um, tall, dark and brooding with chocolate cheesecake ;-P)
Conferences are always like the best of two worlds - you get to learn and you also catch up and make new friends (even behind the scenes :))
Hugs
Hi Fiona,
ReplyDeleteI'm still waiting to find out the hero's real life name :)
Thanks for the rave :)
Mwah back atcha!!!
Hugs
LOL Margaret, I guess it can go either way - both the cheesecake and the hero are delicious and droolworthy!! Can't wait for the next retreat!! Roll on May!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the lovely words, my friend.
Hugs
Hi Kylie,
ReplyDeletere: "Grammar & proof-reading! Fiona, this was something she didn't mention. Oh, to be good at this!"
Don't know why but I'm anal about it and after proofreading the conference notes for the last Melbourne conference, it earned me a spot as proofreader for Hearts Talk. LOL.
I'm so looking forward to your book coming out. It's sooooooooo exciting. You've worked long and hard and thoroughly deserve it.
Hugs
Hi Serena,
ReplyDeleteI totally can't stop looking at that guy, my goodness me he's gorgeous!!!!!
*fans herself*
Hey, it's one of my fave ever people!! Serena, we must have joined RWA around the same time. Oh how I used to look forward to those newsletters (still do!) and soaking up ever morsel of info I could lay my hands on. Best is the friends you make. Looking forward to seeing you in Melbourne!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Serena,
ReplyDeleteApologies for coming in late here,I have a lot on my plate at the moment. That chocolate cheesecake certainly sounds yummy.Great interview, and I love that gorgeous hunk. My kind of man, dark, sexy and brooding. Definitely hero material.
Regards
Margaret
Hello Serena and Kylie,
ReplyDeleteI'm so late to the party but just wanted to say a big hello to you both. Lovely interview :-)
Cath
Serena, it's easy to see why everyone loves you. I've never met a more generous person, and you're a wonderful writer and have terrific editing skills (Serena edits my manuscripts before I send them to my editor), and I hope there's a contract in the mail for you from M&B for that next book.
ReplyDeleteLove ya!
Maxine
Serena, what a lovely bunch of ladies you have in the MRWG. How long have you all been together? Do you meet regularly?
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for dropping in! I think we've gone through about three of Serena's cheesecakes by now.
Hi Serena,
ReplyDeleteDropping in late to say hello and to concur with everyone's comments about how wonderful you are! A true friend, a beautiful soul, and someone I'm proud to know.
Congrats on the interview and I can't wait to read more of your hunky hero.
And I'm dying for more of your sinful cheesecake. Roll on May for the retreat. Oh, what the hell...let's get some for the next MRWG meeting!
:-)
Hugs & love
Elvina
Hi Mel,
ReplyDeleteLovely to see you here. I know what you mean - he's totally droolworthy! Still no luck with finding out who he is in real life. For me he'll always be Carlo :)
Hugs
Hi Robbie!
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping in. Think of all those years that we were members but hadn't yet met. Though I do remember on the Ozromance loop when you sold to Rocky River - almost as vividly as when you sold to Desire! Yeah!
Look forward to seeing everyone at the Melbourne Conference!!
Hugs
Hi Margaret T,
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming in. I know it's a stressful time for you at the moment, so I really appreciate it.
Hope you're enjoying your slice of cheesecake with your own hero :)
Hugs
Hi Cath,
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by. Enjoy some cheesecake and join us in drooping over the hero :)
Hugs
Aw, Maxine, aren't you a bambola! (That's Italian for doll :) ) Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Hi Kylie,
ReplyDeleteWe have a wonderful group of ladies in the MRWG. The Guild was started in November 1990 and we had our 20th anniversary party last year. It was soooooooooo much fun!! No chocolate cheesecake, but a few of us had our own hunky heroes there and there were wonderful goodie bags.
We meet once a month at the Fitzroy Library and we started catching up early for coffee because the days can be quite busy and we needed time for a chat. We have an official part of the meeting, and then chocolate rewards. We're renown for those :) Every writing milestone is rewarded with a piece of chocolate. The more you do, the more chocolate you get. It works very well. We then have a ten minute workshop given by one of our members. Sometimes it runs a little longer and topics can be anything from Active versus Passive Voice, to exercising for writers. Then we break for lunch and in the afternoon we have either critiquing, or a workshop which can be in house or given by outside speakers (such as Anne Gracie, Trish Morey, Bronwyn Jameson, Anna Campbell, Annie West) In June we'll have the lovely Paula Roe presenting a workshop for us!
Thanks and hugs
Hi Elvina,
ReplyDeleteAw thanks for saying those lovely things about me. (My bank account is going to be seriously depleted because of all these cheques I have to send out!!)
Will see what I can do about the cheesecake for the next meeting, though I wouldn't want you to get sick of eating it. LOL.
Hugs
Hi Kylie, Hello Serena.
ReplyDeleteKylie, you have a lovely person visiting today and see I came in so late!
Lovely to see you here, Serena, and I loved reading about you. And yum, cheesecake, my favourite, I like the strawberry flavoured and the original so if any slice still left please...
Nas - you must have slept in! :-)
ReplyDeleteSerena, what a testament to your wonderful self to have so many visitors! I can heartily agree with what many have been saying - you come across as a very generous and compassionate person.
Hi Nas,
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming in and saying hi! Though we only *met* recently, I feel we are already old friends. I hope you can make it to Australia one day soon.
As it happens I had some home made strawberry cheesecake at my niece's 13th birthday last night. I've saved you a slice!!
Hugs
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait Thanks, Kylie, what a lovely thing to say. And thank you for having me as your guest. I've had a ball!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm sooooooooooo looking forward to buying your book when it comes out!! This is so exciting!!
Hugs
I'm very late but wanted to say hi, Serena. Was lovely to meet in person last year. We are so very lucky to have such a giving person in RWA. Thanks for all you do Serena!!
ReplyDeleteHi Eleni/Helen,
ReplyDeleteAw thanks for saying such lovely things about me :) It was great to finally meet you at Tracy O'Hara's booksigning. And having lunch with you both afterwards. RWA has some great people on board :)
Hugs