E Harlequin Interview with
Romance Author Charlotte Hughes
Astrological sign:
November 1 -- Scorpio
What do you love most about being a writer?
Setting my own schedule. Seeing my cover art for the first time. Hearing from readers just how much they enjoyed the book. Receiving my advance before my phone is disconnected.
What do you like least about being a writer?
The isolation. I like to work in front of an audience.
Do you have a favorite locale or setting for your novels? What is it and why is it your favorite?
Most of my books, with the exception of a couple, have been set in the South. It’s what I know – how people live, their dialect, colloquialisms, localisms, etc. Pretty sad that I don’t get away often.
Which of the books you have written is your favorite?
I was and still am very proud of the mysteries I wrote because of the research that went into them. I scared myself writing them! I am lucky that I can move from one genre to another with ease. I am also very proud of my book, “A New Attitude,” because I could relate so well to the heroine. I, too, went through a painful divorce, but I could never find the nerve to hang myself from a fake ceiling beam as she tried to do.
What is your favorite recent Harlequin or Silhouette or MIRA title by another author?
I like Iris Johanson’s books.
What are your five all-time favorite books (with authors)?
I love Janet Evanovich’s books, all of them, since we share an odd sense of humor. I’m also a big Patricia Cornwell fan and buy all of her books. Some of my other favorites are “Where the Heart Is,” and “The Honk and Holler Opening Soon,” both by Billie Letts, and I enjoyed Ann Ross’ book, “Miss Julia Speaks her mind.” My all-time favorite is “To Kill a Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee. I’m fairly crazy about my own books as well.
What one specific piece of advice would you give a would-be writer trying to kick-start a career?
Learn everything you can about the craft. Learn to take constructive criticism. Don’t expect to become an overnight success. Writing is hard work and takes discipline. Listen to your agent and your editor(s) because they know the business, and they want to see the book succeed as much as you. Don’t buy a Jaquar until the money is in the bank.
Briefly summarize how you began writing.
My husband at the time was transferred to Kansas, 1100 miles from my family. We arrived to find two feet of snow on the ground. I had never seen more than a dusting of it. Also, my husband traveled extensively. Here I was, surrounded by snow, didn’t know a soul, wasn’t crazy about my new job, so I decided to become a writer. Just like that! I pulled out my typewriter and began writing an historical romance about a plantation owner’s wife giving birth. I felt it important to use all the gory details. The word “bile” seemed to play a big part in historicals at the time so while this woman is giving birth and squealing like a stuck pig, the slaves are choking back bile. I think I used the word twenty-seven times in the first chapter. Later, when I reread it, the book was so bad I had to choke back a lot of bile as well.
As a romance writer, what are your greatest goals?
No matter what kind of book I write, I strive to do my very best. I want my books to have an impact on readers, even if it simply allows them to escape for a little while. Like while waiting for your name to be called by an IRS auditor.
Challenges?
Every book is a challenge, no matter how many you write, but knowing there are so many fabulous authors out there competing for shelf space is a big one. We need bigger shelf space. If Kmart and Wal-Mart were to get rid of their automotive department, which none of us is interested in to begin with, we could sell more books.
What gives you the most satisfaction in your job?
Knowing that I wrote the very best book I could even if my life was falling apart at the time.
Describe the ultimate romantic meal.
I love to eat by candlelight. Ever notice the darker it is the better we look?
What is your all-time favorite romantic movie?
Any movie where the heroine ends up with the guy who owns the limo.
What is your all-time favorite romantic song or composition?
“When it Comes to Love I Like a Slow Hand.” The Pointer Sisters.
What is the most romantic gesture or gift you have received?
I think the most romantic gesture is when a man puts his hands on a woman’s face and looks into her eyes. The greatest gift is when a man does something nice for you that you didn’t expect, simply because he cares for you. A gift does not have to have monetary value as long as it comes from the heart. Having said that, I am still impressed with fine jewelry.
How do you keep the romance alive in your relationship?
By being that person’s best friend and confidant. It opens the door to intimacy. I have found Victoria’s Secrets lingerie helpful as well.
What tip would you give your readers to make their lives more romantic?
Don’t take love for granted. I’ve seen husbands and wives bicker in the company of others, and it leaves me cold. If couples would remember what attracted them to one another in the first place and make their relationship a high priority, they would feel more loving toward one another. Fresh flowers, a phone call at work, a special card – all of these things help.
I also find it very romantic if a man takes time to bathe on a regular basis.
Where is the most romantic place you’ve ever traveled? I have traveled some, but I would love to be in the mountains, especially in fall, when the air is nippy. I can’t imagine anything more romantic than cuddling in front of a roaring fire with the one you love. Also wearing a thin sweater when it’s chilly helps. How many times have our heroes noticed those “enticingly erect nipples?”
Do you have a good luck charm or superstition?
I believe we create our own luck, but it still helps to know people in high places.
Share one of your favorite indulgences with us.
I have this wonderful French-milled powder that I sprinkle on my pillow before I go to bed. I love specialty soaps, perfumes, pretty nightgowns and lingerie. I enjoy scented candles and bubble baths; all the things that make me feel like a woman. Of course some men are allergic to all this. To that I say, “Lock the door on your way out.”
What quality do you most admire in a man?
I admire the fact that they don’t have to wear makeup to look good. A hairy chest and a butt like Fabio is another plus. I insisted on honesty. Other than that, I’m attracted to men who wear crowns, sit on thrones, and rule small countries. I think I would make a wonderful queen, and I look damn good in a tiara.
What is the one thing you've always wanted to do, but never had the courage to try?
Pick up a man at a bus station. I like a man who is well traveled.
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be? A kept woman?
What quote or personal saying do you live by? Who said it?
“I want a sensitive man. One who’ll cry when you hit him.” From a greeting card.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
Trying to think of excuses as to why I’m going to be late on my next deadline.
END OF INTERVIEW
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