I am so happy to be interviewing fellow Wild Rose Press author, Helen Hardt today - Helen writes hot stories for both Wild Rose, Ellora's Cave and most recently, Aspen Mountain Press. Prolific and generous with her knowledge, welcome Helen!
1) Who is your favourite author and why?
Thank you for having me today, Rachel!
Wow, that is a tough question. I enjoy so many authors. My friend April Vine, for instance, writes sizzling stories with a humor and grace that leaves me breathless. My friend Cari Quinn is equally talented. My friend Monica Kaye is nothing short of truly entertaining! I guess if I had to choose, though, I’d say Lisa Kleypas. She is the one who inspired me to try writing romance. Her stories are so full of emotion, which is what I strive for in my own work.
2) When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I guess when I started writing with the goal of publication. I didn’t consider myself an “author” until I was published.
3) Describe your writing space?
I am lucky in that I have a home office. It’s a fairly large room. My desk and credenza sit near the bay window. On my wall are my college and law degrees along with my writing awards. Opposite my desk are my bookshelves that are stacked three deep. So many books, so little time! Behind my desk is a smaller shelf where I keep my books related to the craft for easy access while I’m working.
4) What are you reading now?
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
5) How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?
I’ve written many! Fourteen have been published. A favorite? That’s a tough one. Usually it’s the one I’m working on at the time. If I have to choose, I have a soft spot for Blood Wolf, my werewolf story at The Wild Rose Press (in the Got Wolf Volume One anthology.) The hero is a little tormented (I’m a sucker for a tormented hero) but loves his heroine with a fierce passion that even he doesn’t understand. I truly enjoyed writing him.
6) 
>What comes first, plot or characters?
It depends. Sometimes the title comes first. That was the case with Thai’d Up, an erotic short at The Wild Rose Press, and Pianist Envy, a novella at Ellora’s Cave. With those titles, I knew I had to write the stories!
7) Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?
Oh God, yes! I don’t know a writer who doesn’t. I’ve found the best thing to do is to just sit my butt down and write. I’ve gotten some of my best stuff when I had no idea where I was going. The longer I keep from just sitting down and doing it, the harder it is to get back in that chair.
8) What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I spend a lot of time attending my sons’ sports and music performances.
The older is an award-winning pianist and vocalist, and the younger a championship football and basketball player. I also love to cook, read, go Harley riding with my husband, and relax!
9) Tell us about your latest book?
I have two current releases:
Pianist Envy is a contemporary erotic novella at Ellora’s Cave.
Blurb:
Huge success has so far eluded musician Jane Rock. Coming from a modest background, she’s had to work hard for everything she has. When a music agent attends one of her rock band’s performances at a local club, she thinks her big break has finally come, until an inebriated—though handsome and muscular—patron spoils her show.
Classical pianist Chandler Hamilton has had most of his success handed to him due to his family name. He has his reasons for detesting rock music, but he finds himself drawn to beautiful and talented Jane. Although the two sizzle between the sheets, outside the bedroom they bicker endlessly and envy what they perceive as the other’s good fortune. When Jane needs a favor, Chandler resists. Can love blossom amid clashing notes and tempos?
Calendar Boy is a contemporary erotic novella, and is part of The Cougar Club series at Aspen Mountain Press.
Blurb:
Forty-five year old erotic romance author Stacy Oppenheimer has always been an introvert, and her recent divorce has left her scared of her own shadow. But when her favorite cover model, Michael Moretti, corners her at a writers’ conference, she swallows her inhibitions for a moment and teases him a little.
Michael Moretti, age thirty-six, knows his career as a cover model and exotic dancer is rapidly coming to an end due to his age. He has his own reasons for attending this conference—find an attractive older woman who he can woo into keeping him in the lifestyle to which he’s become accustomed. Lovely Stacy fits his requirements nicely.
With Michael’s help, Stacy begins to overcome her shyness and engages in some exciting activities both outside and inside the bedroom. But she’s nobody’s sugar mama, and she makes that clear to him when she finds out his ulterior motive. Too bad for Michael, who finds out he just might be in a little deeper than he thought.
10) What’s next for you?
Getting back into the swing of things! I have several works that need polishing so I can get them submitted. I also have lots of ideas for my Ellora’s Cave editor. It’s just a question of getting them done! Story of a writer’s life…
Bio:
Helen Hardt is an attorney and stay-at-home mom turned award-winning romance author. She met her real-life hero in law school, and they live in Colorado with their two teenage sons. Helen writes contemporary, historical, paranormal, and erotic romance for Ellora’s Cave, The Wild Rose Press, and Aspen Mountain Press. Her non-writing interests include Harley rides with her husband, attending her sons’ sports and music performances, traveling, and Taekwondo (she’s a blackbelt.) Visit Helen at www.helenhardt.com and www.helensheroes.blogspot.com.
Great interview, Helen and two fantastic-sounding releases! Off to purchase right now, loving the covers, you must be thrilled! Helen is waiting for your questions and comments, guys....
