Author Interview & Giveaway: Rionna Morgan on her novel "The Wanting Heart"

“The Wanting Heart is a sexy, intriguing, modern-day western romance.  

A fun summer read.”  

-- Kat Martin, New York Times Best Selling Author

McEckK is the winner of the Giveaway!  

Amazon - B&N

Read The Wanting Heart's review

Rionna Morgan will answer reader questions in the comment section below!

GIVEAWAYS

1.  Comment below to win a free copy of The Wanting Heart for your eReader!

- Winner will be drawn using Random.org -

2.  Enter Rionna's Win a Piece of Montana.  

What and when can you win?  

Your answer is here. 

Rionna Morgan's debut novel The Wanting Heart hit bookshelves and eReaders on July 9th!

Read an excerpt.  Watch the trailer.

Rionna, thank you so much for taking the time during the Romantic Writers Association conference to speak with me and Ravishing Romance's readers.  We know this is a very busy and hectic time.  Without further adieu, let's discuss The Wanting Heart.

Q:        A man wants to murder Kate.  Before killing them, he gives his victims a small gift.  Why that and not something else?

A:        I did a lot of research on serial killers while I was writing The Wanting Heart.  What I found in my research is that many killers have a pattern.  Some even left items of significance.  I chose the red rose for Luke because it has great symbolism.  Red is a very passionate color.  The rose is elegant and romantic.  On the surface, a red rose can seem harmless and beautiful.  Taken too far the romance can be stifling and the passion can turn to hatred.  That deeper level was what I was working towards in The Wanting Heart.

Q:        The Wanting Heart has violence, specifically when the story is told from the killer’s point of view and through his treatment of Kate.  Was that hard for you to write?

A:        Yes.  I cried writing those scenes and would have some pretty depressing days because of the amount of emotion I was trying to convey.

Q:        In many romances the alpha male hero saves his lady from her troubles.  Why doesn’t Blake ever save Kate?

A:        I believe that women are stronger than they’ll ever imagine.  I don’t believe we need to be saved.  I think it is wonderful to have friends and loved ones on our side, but if there is any saving that needs to be done; we definitely can do it. 

Q:        You and Kate both have red hair, a history in rodeo and were raised around horses.  Did you base Kate on yourself?  If so, is there a Blake in your life?

A:        In a way, yes, I suppose I did.  At the time when I began writing The Wanting Heart, I was very similar to Kate.  As far as a cowboy in my life, no the man who is the hero of my heart, wears a tie and not a hat.  He dances with me in our kitchen, laughs with our kids and we stand with each other through all of life’s adventures. 

Q:        Is The Wanting Heart the first in a series?

A:        Yes, that was my intention when I began writing.  Kate and Blake’s story would be the center for the other stories to come.  Each new book would feature one of Kate’s friends as the main character and her journey to find what her heart needs, wishes and knows. 

Q:        The Wanting Heart is your debut novel, but what was the first novel you’ve ever written and what’s happened to it?

A:        The Wanting Heart is the first novel I ever wrote.  It began as a very different story, but over time evolved into this one.  I’ve added and removed entire casts of people.  I’ve changed the title several times.  But, Kate and Blake were constant element. 

Q:        What’s next for you?

A:        I have another book being released later this year.  It is entitled Judge Thyself First.  It features a profiler who uncovers a 20 year-old murder at an Alabama prison.   

Q:        Romance Writers of America.  You’re going this year.  Where can readers find you?

A:        I left early for the conference so that my family and I could go to Disneyland and the beach for a few days.  I am happy to report that we’ve been to Laguna Beach swimming and watching the sunset.  Magnificent!  And yesterday my three daughters got to meet Cinderella.  I cried.  So awesome!

I am still available by e-mail and Twitter.  I plan to post updates pretty often.  As far as the conference goes, I have several meetings I’m attending.  I am president of Montana Romance Writers so I am attending a chapter leadership meeting.  Also, many Crimson Romance writers will be in attendance this year, so we are planning a dinner to meet each other and share our wonderful successes and friendship. 

Otherwise, my time will be devoted to connecting with readers and other writers.  I am so very excited to share my experiences, learn from others and buy some great books!!

Thank you so much for having me with you today.  I have so enjoyed working with you.  Our conversations have been so much fun!  I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on Judge Thyself First.

All the Best,

Rionna

Rionna - I will read whatever you like.  This has been wonderful.  - Sallie

Rionna is a founding member of Montana Romance Writers; she reads as much as she can possibly hold, and she loves most of all combining the chilling edge of a knife with the sweet surrender of romance.  Rionna shares her home in Missoula, Montana with her husband, her four children and the mountains outside her window.  Please be invited to stop by www.RionnaMorgan.com - she loves the company.

Learn more about Rionna Morgan and her upcoming titles on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

Ask your questions and you shall receive answers!