Prolific contemporary romance author, Sara Orwig, stops by Fresh
Fiction to discuss her career, traditions and her 102nd book REUNITED WITH THE RANCHER.
Describe the relationship between Tom and Emily Knox. Were there
challenges in writing it?
REUNITED WITH THE
RANCHER is about an estranged couple whose young child has
died. My vision for that book was that losing a child has to be one of the most
agonizing, disruptive events in a marriage. It was a challenge to write about
such a loss and so much pain. The love between Emily and Tom has to be deep and
lasting, strong enough that they can’t give up even in such a traumatic situation.
What is your favorite part about writing Contemporary Romance
books?
My favorite part of writing contemporary romance is just that—it’s contemporary.
There is an immediate feeling about contemporary—it’s today and what is
happening now. It is current places and fun background things like limos and
rodeos and terrific makeovers.
Do you have any traditions you enjoy during early Spring?
Early spring means my husband and I can get the garden ready for flowers and
some easy-to-grow veggies. We love and raise roses. My favorite rose bush is a
Chrysler Imperial. Early spring means I can walk outside. One spring tradition
is at Easter the family gets together for the grandkids to dye eggs and bake a
bunny cake.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
When I was growing up, I never thought of being a published writer. As far back
as I remember I loved books. It didn’t occur to me to try to become a published
writer until after I was married. I wrote and sold a short story and then
started writing books.
How long does it take you to write a book?
My writing schedule isn’t routine. I had children and now grandchildren. I’ve
taught in high school. I’ve also taught at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Later I worked for a state agency where I retired three years ago, so I don’t
have regular hours or a regular schedule. When I travel, I carry an iPad. I
have a laptop and a PC. I write in airports, in the mountains, wherever I have
some time. There isn’t a regular, consistent amount of time.
Where do you get your inspiration to write about a heartbreaking past
and a hidden family secret?
Stories come out of living, going through the happy times, as well as the
painful moments. I’ve known sorrow and I’ve known joy, so that all goes into my
feelings about what happens to characters in my stories and how they deal with life.
How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?
I had my 100th. book out in July 2016, EXPECTING THE RANCHER’S
BABY, Harlequin
Desire. This year in January, THE RANCHER’S NANNY
BARGAIN, Harlequin Desire, was
out and now this March, REUNITED WITH THE RANCHER,
Harlequin Desire, will be
book #102.
My favorite Desire book is a TEXAS CATTLEMAN’S CLUB book, THE PLAYBOY MEETS HIS
MATCH. My favorite of all 102 books is a Harlequin Regency Romance, THE
FAIRFAX BREW.
What book are you reading right now?
I’m currently reading several. Sometimes I read more than one at a time. I’m
reading an old book that I love and read over and over again: The Joyous Season
by Patrick Dennis. I love that book because I can laugh all the way through it.
I’m also reading Maureen Child’s THE BABY INHERITANCE, Karen
Booth’s PREGNANT BY
THE RIVAL CEO and Maisey Yates’s TAKE ME, COWBOY.
What are your current projects?
My May book, THE RANCHER’S
CINDERELLA BRIDE, Harlequin Desire, is the third book
in a series called Callahan’s Clan, about Texas best friends whose
relationship changes to their surprise. The fourth and last Callahan’s
Clan book, THE TEXAN’S
BABY PROPOSAL, Harlequin Desire, will be out this
summer and then I’ll have a new series called Texas Promises.
What advice do you have for writers?
My most important advice for new writers would be to network with other writers.
Go to writer’s conferences and enter writing contests. Advice for writers in
general is to stand up often if you sit to write. Walk, swim, go to the gym,
whatever works. Exercise is essential for me.
SARA ORWIG'S love of reading developed into a love of writing. In addition
to her writing career and lectures, Sara holds a Master's degree in English and
is an adjunct professor at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond,
Oklahoma where she teaches a course in novel writing and has been
Writer-In-Residence. Married and mother of three, Sara was one of the first six
inductees into the Oklahoma Professional Writers Hall of Fame, along with C.J.
Cherryh, Robert L. Duncan, Marilyn Harris, Harold Keith, and Dwight V. Swain.
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