I thought I was interviewing another writing, blogging Wiffer, but it turns out Robin is not yet an active member on the boards. How’d we ‘meet’? We’re not exactly sure, but it was either through Pam or Caryn. Come on over to the Will Write for Wine boards, Robin.

1) Where were you born? Where did you grow up? Where do you currently live?

I’m a California girl. I was born in LA and grew up in a small suburb about forty-five minutes from the city. At the time, all of my parents’ friends thought they were crazy for living out in “the boonies.” It was a brand new housing development far from my dad’s place of work, but back then there was no traffic. (Don’t even ask me about traffic now. It’s practically at my front door.) I currently live about ten minutes from my childhood home (my parents are still there), so I haven’t strayed too far. I’m lucky. It’s a great place to live and raise my kids.
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2) What has been your biggest challenge (so far) raising two boys?

Hmm…I have to say I’m thankful I’ve got boys in this day and age and not girls. The biggest challenge is probably all the testosterone in my house! I get to be part of all those wonderful male qualities we know and love, while at the same time making sure my boys are well mannered and know how to be respectful to others.
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3) Do the reptiles in your house keep anyone away (my mother-in-law would never visit again)?

LOL! I wish. (Just kidding.) They’re very nice reptiles and honestly, rarely make an appearance outside of their enclosures.
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4) Do you remember the moment when you decided to write a novel? And is this your first one? What kind of romance novel is it?

I remember the exact moment! In a nutshell, I was working freelance for a website, writing letters from a bride’s perspective about her wedding. The letters pushed the envelope on the heat level (per my instructions) and when I’d finished them (about 25), one of the writers on staff emailed me and asked if I’d ever written a romance novel, and if I hadn’t, I should. A bell went off in my head at that moment, and I decided that’s exactly what I should do. (I had actually thought about writing a novel before that, but didn’t know when or if I really would.) I started reading some romance novels (I never had before, she says, hiding under the chair) and shortly after that sat down to start writing. That was a year and a half ago and I’m having the best time! I just finished my first single title and have written three category and one novella. I write contemporary, but am trying my hand at a paranormal right now.
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5) Your posted excerpt is from the male point of view. Did you have any problems getting into the head of a guy?

Good question! And one I’d love to hear other’s perspective on. I don’t have any problems other than the fact that I do find it harder than writing from my heroine’s POV. (Ha! No problem there, huh?)
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6) Did you spend any time with a veterinarian as ‘research’? If not, how did you research this character?

I didn’t spend any time with a veterinarian. Nate’s occupation is important in that he loves animals and my heroine, Grace, hates them. When they meet, he’s in New York visiting friends so is away from work. Grace is strapped with pet sitting for her best friend and the only thing that makes it bearable is running into Nate and receiving his help with her pet obligations. By the way, I tried to get a little creative with the pet. It’s not a dog or a cat. And it’s not a reptile.
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7) If we wouldn’t let you have romance books on your desert island, what kind of books would you take? (Remember, we must torture the MC.)

That’s easy! I’d take mystery/suspense novels. Until recently, that’s all I read. And embarrassingly, not that often (hiding under the chair again). Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels are a favorite, as well as Sue Grafton, Tony Hillerman and Sujata Massey. And I’d bring all of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files books.
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8. Pantser of plotter? And have you tried it the other way?

I’d say 75% pantser, 25% plotter. I love it when I’m writing and the story takes me in a direction I didn’t see coming.
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9) Given unlimited funds and two weeks, where would you go on vacation?

I’d go to Europe. Since I’ve never been, I can’t pick just one spot, so I’d forget sleeping and see as much as I could!
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10) How did you find ‘Will Write for Wine’?

The wonderful Book Lady, Caryn, introduced it to me.