Heart-to-Heart: Marcia James

As our 28 Days of the Heart blog tour continues, we go heart-to-heart with author Marcia James. Her novella Love Unleashed releases on February 25th. James lost her mother to a heart attack last year and her participation in the 28 Days of the Heart contributes to a wonderful cause. Take the time to get to know this terrific lady.

Daily Dose: What type of movies make you cry? When was the last time you cried in a movie?

I tend to tear up at Hallmark commercials, so remembering the last time I cried in a movie is tough. I’m a sucker for sentimental things. So any movie with a heartwarming moment is going to get a watery response from me. ;-) I try to avoid any movies labeled “tearjerkers” so I don’t become dehydrated! Ironically one of the most romantic moments in a movie ever—in my humble opinion—was in the 1995 decidedly unromantic movie Outbreak. There’s a scene toward the end between Dustin Hoffman and Renee Russo that is the epitome of love.

Daily Dose: Share a little about why you chose to participate in 28 Days of the Heart.

The American Heart Association (AHA) is a wonderful nonprofit organization fighting for an important cause. I’ve participated in their Go Red for Women event since its inception. Then, in 2009, my mother passed away from a heart attack. When All Romance eBooks announced it was holding a contest for published authors to submit a short story for an AHA fundraiser, I knew I had to enter. And I’m thrilled my story, Love Unleashed, was one of the 28 stories chosen for the campaign.

Daily Dose: What do you enjoy reading? Can you name your five favorite authors?

I read (and listen to books-on-C D) in a wide range of romance subgenres, as well as mystery/suspense. I tend to avoid bloody or depressing books, however, and gravitate toward romantic comedy. Picking my favorite five authors is almost impossible, but here are five (in alphabetical order) I can highly recommend:

• Susan Andersen
• Suzanne Brockmann
• Susan Elizabeth Phillips
• Nora Roberts
• Patricia Sargeant

Daily Dose: Reading romance reduces stress and can help relax you from your worries. Do you feel that writing romance helps you cope with your own worries and stress?

Yes, definitely! I really enjoy imagining a romantic story, fleshing it out on the computer, adding humor and the love scenes. Especially adding the love scenes! ;-) Having the opportunity to explore my creative side is empowering, and writing feel-good books with guaranteed happy endings is a wonderful way to let go of worries and stress. Daily Dose: Have you become more or less romantic since you began your writing journey?

Spending time dreaming up romantic plots and heartwarming or sexy scenes definitely has an influence on one’s personal life. ;-) That said, my husband and I have always been fond of romantic gestures—leaving mushy messages on each other’s voicemail, hiding love notes where the other will find them. We also celebrate the 13th of every month since we were married on May 13th. But writing about a hero and heroine’s struggle for their happily ever after does put one in a romantic mood. ;-)

Love Unleashed

His best laid plans... DJ “Rabid Ron” Hart has a grand scheme to win back the woman he loves. It involves an animal adoption fair, a goofy hairless dog named Charlie and an offer she can’t refuse.

Her hidden desires... Cara Wilson has fantasies she’s never admitted, and her ex- boyfriend still features in her erotic dreams. If only he didn’t keep his bad- boy urges so tightly leashed.

Tonight they’ll learn that winning sometimes takes losing control.

Marcia James

Marcia James writes hot, humorous romances and finaled in eleven romance writing contests before selling her first comic romantic suspense, At Her Command, to Cerridwen Press. In June 2009, her short story, "Rescue Me", appeared in Tails of Love, a Berkley benefit anthology. In Feb. 2010, Love Unleashed, her next short story, will be released as part of All Romance eBooks' 28 Days of Heart campaign.

Marcia is an advertising copywriter and marketing consultant, and she presents author promotion workshops. In her eclectic career, she has shot submarine training videos, organized celebrity-filled nonprofit events and had her wedding covered by People Magazine. After years of dealing with such sexy topics as how to safely install traffic lights, Marcia is enjoying “researching” her novels with her husband and hero of many years. Visit her website to learn more about Marcia James.