1--What’s the name of your latest release?
BEYOND POWER is a romantic suspense. It’s book 2 in the Florida Wildlife Warriors series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone.
2--What is it about?
Here’s the back-cover copy for a sneak peek:
Sultry romantic suspense set in Florida's untamed wilderness. . .
When your heart's involved. . .
If you dare venture beyond Disney's magic and Miami's high-rises, you'll find yourself in Florida's untamed wilderness. A bush pilot and officer for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Josh Tanner is one of the tough cops needed to manage these rugged areas. And the minute he finds Delilah Atwood deep in the woods without a good explanation, he knows something is very wrong...
All the stakes are raised. . .
Delilah barely escaped her ultra-fundamental militia family years ago. Now she's back to save her sixteen-year-old sister, and no government man is going to stop her. Josh isn't going to stand by and watch Delilah risk her life, but unless he can get her to trust him, she may end up being the next victim.
3--What word best describes your heroine?
At first, awkward. Delilah is super-smart and much stronger than she knows, but because of her upbringing, she lacks confidence in herself and in social situations. It’s fun to watch her find her way.
4--What makes your hero irresistible?
Josh, known as Hollywood to his friends, is utterly charming, tough, easygoing, and completely secure in who he is. He’s also absolutely determined to protect Delilah, even though she insists she doesn’t need protection.
5--Who are the people your main characters turn to when they need help?
Josh turns to his family and his FWC squad, and Delilah turns to nurse Kimberly Gaines, who helped her escape years ago.
6--What do you love about the setting of your book?
BEYOND POWER is set here in Central Florida’s wilderness areas, which I love. We have 600,000 acres of forest, crystal clear springs and rivers, all kinds of wildlife. It’s beautiful and untamed and unlike anywhere else.
7--Are you a plotter (follow an outline) or a pantster (write by the seat of your pants)?
I am a bit of a hybrid. I set up a story skeleton with all the big scenes and turning points outlined, so I know where I’m going. But I don’t make it too detailed, or I feel like I’ve already told myself the story and don’t want to write it anymore, LOL.
8--What is an ideal writing day for you?
A day where I get up early and the words flow like water. Those are a lot like unicorn sightings, but wow it feels good when things work out that way.
9--Do you listen to music while you write, need total silence, or do you have the TV on?
I listen to 1930s instrumental jazz, especially Sidney Bechet. I occasionally try other musical genres, but if there are lyrics, nope, won’t work. I end up singing along and not actually writing.
10--How do you approach research?
I do some initial research before I start writing and then, as I’m working on the first draft, I put notes in the text, reminding me to come back later and dig deeper. If I fall down the research rabbit hole right then, it’s much harder to get back into the story flow.
11--What is your publishing journey story?
Like most writers, my story has lots of twists and turns: years of rejections, followed by lines closing (twice), editors leaving, changing agents, but despite the many frustrations, the stories still call me back to the keyboard. There is something about taking that story in my head and corralling it onto the page that’s like nothing else.
12--Do you have critique partners/writing groups you want to give a shout-out to?
Leslie Santamaria has been my sounding board and dearest friend for almost twenty years. I also adore Lena Diaz and Jan Jackson, who are amazing encouragers.
13--What’re the most frustrating things about being an author?
When someone inhales my book in an afternoon and then says, “Great. When’s the next one?” I’m delighted they enjoyed it and I wish books were like mushrooms that spring up overnight without effort, LOL! At the very least, I wish I could write as fast as people can read!
14--What’s your favorite scent?
The ocean. Always. Give me the scent off the water and the wind in my face and I’m a happy girl.
15--What movie will you watch no matter what if it’s on TV?
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Every time. It takes me back to childhood. I always cheer for the sweet, wide-eyed misfit who saves the day.
16--Do you like breakfast, lunch, or dinner best?
Dinner. It seems like there are so many more options and choices. When I have time, I enjoy experimenting with new recipes.
17--What’s one thing you wish you knew more about?
Other cultures. I am fascinated by the differences in language, values, food, and architecture, even in countries that are right next to each other geographically.
18--What’s the silliest thing you’ve recently done?
Hmm, not sure if it’s silly, but I got a really short pixie haircut and went back to work as a glass-bottom boat captain at Florida’s Silver Springs after 8 years away. I’m having a blast and love my short cut.
19--What can readers expect from you next?
There is one more book coming in the Florida Wildlife Warrior series. Josh’s brother Pete is due his adventure and happy ending.
20--How can readers reach you?
Thanks for having me as your guest. I love to hear from readers! Here’s where to find me:
Website Facebook Instagram BookBub Goodreads Pinterest Amazon Author Page
Florida Wildlife Warriors #2
Sultry romantic suspense set in Florida's untamed wilderness...
When your heart's involved...
If you dare venture beyond Disney's magic and Miami's high-rises, you'll find yourself in Florida's untamed wilderness. A bush pilot and officer for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Josh Tanner is one of the tough cops needed to manage these rugged areas. And the minute he finds Delilah Atwood deep in the woods without a good explanation, he knows something is very wrong...
All the stakes are raised...
Delilah barely escaped her ultra-fundamental militia family years ago. Now she's back to save her sixteen-year-old sister, and no government man is going to stop her. Josh isn't going to stand by and watch Delilah risk her life, but unless he can get her to trust him, she may end up being the next victim.
Romance Suspense [Sourcebooks Casablanca, On Sale: January 26, 2021, Mass Market Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781728222929 / eISBN: 9781492672593]
Connie Mann is a licensed boat captain and loves writing romantic suspense stories set in Florida’s small towns and unspoiled wilderness. She is the author of the Florida Wildlife Warriors series and the Safe Harbor series, as well as several stand-alone titles. When she’s not dreaming up plotlines, you’ll find “Captain Connie” on Central Florida’s waterways, introducing boats full of schoolchildren to their first alligator. She is also passionate about helping women and children in developing countries break the poverty cycle and build a better future for themselves and their families. Besides boating, she and her husband enjoy hanging out with family and friends and planning their next adventure. Connect with Connie online at www.conniemann.com
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