January 16, 2015

Author Interview with Tanya Hanson

Today I have Tanya Hanson from The Wild Rose Press telling us about her holiday story, The Christmas Room. I can personally read Christmas stories all year long!

Title: The Christmas Room
Author: Tanya Hanson
Series: The Twelve Brides of Christmas
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 70 pages
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Released: November 17th, 2014

BOOK LINKS:


1. What inspired you to write this book?

My amazing editor Nic D'Arienzo asked me to represent the Cactus Rose Line in the boxed set The Twelve Brides of Christmas. Since brides and Christmas are two of my favorite things, I couldn't resist. My theme was Four Calling Birds. (Sizzling Hot Books has given it a five-heart review!)

2. Why did you choose the setting for The Christmas Room?

We were visiting family in Oahu right after I heard from Nic...so I wanted to somehow get an American cowboy to the islands. Even though Hawaii has a long, rich ranching history, it’s a fun and different setting for a Western historical romance.

3. Did you do special research for The Christmas Room?

Oh, yes. The history of Hawaii in 1890 is both fascinating and tragic...and nothing we learn about in mainland schools.  American businesses wanted control of the sugar industry and all but dethroned King David Kalakaua. And I needed info on “mele kalikimaka”--Christmas customs in Hawaii.

4. If your book had a soundtrack, give us a list of a few songs that would be on it.

Anything by Iz. ( Israel Kamakawiwa’ole.)  You might have heard his rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.


5. I love his version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow! What would women find irresistible about your hero?

Well, first off, who doesn’t love a hottie cowboy LOL. Roonie is loyal, keeping a deathbed promise even though it means traveling across the ocean and landing in a foreign land where he doesn’t know anybody. Plus...he's been injured. Any normal woman would love nursing him back to health. Most of all, he falls in love with a grandmother. (Hold on...she’s only 34!) And he’s intrigued as to why she--Martita--keeps a room constantly decorated for Christmas.

6. I can't resist hot cowboys. *wink* Which actors would play your hero and heroine in a movie?

Unsure about an actress, but Anson Mount of Hell on Wheels seems to be my hero of choice these days LOL.

7. I'm a fan of the show Hell on Wheels. Anson would be a good fit. What’s on your bucket list?  

Having one of my books made into a Hallmark movie. Tee-hee.

8. That would be wonderful! Share three random facts about you.

(a)  I am terrified of down escalators and lurk until somebody starts down ahead of me.
(b)  I muck and feed at our local horse rescue.
(c)  I rode around a glacier in a giant snow coach on my birthday.

9. Have you ever experienced something unusual that influenced a story?

Yes, helping my husband through testicular cancer. My hero Hooper Martin in an inspy novella, Sanctuary, is a TC survivor. (Praise God, Hubs can now use the “cured” word.)

10. That's amazing! If you could write anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Jasper, in Alberta, Canada, in a little cabin at the Athabasca River. I'd love to create a Canadian outlaw-hero.

11. Your advice to new writers.

Google your pen name before you do anything. I did not and now share cyberspace with a giant-bosomed porn star with not-very-nice movie titles. Sheesh.


BIO:

Award-winning author Tanya Hanson lives with her firefighter hubby on California’s Central Coast. Her heroes are always cowboys, so much so that she recently took a wagon train trip around the Tetons. Favorite things are traveling with Hubs, wine tasting with her posse of five bff’s, volunteering at the local horse rescue, and being gramma to two little boys who are the halves of her heart.

AUTHOR LINKS:
@TanyaHanson

Tanya recently also came out with Outlaw in Love, book three in the Lawmen and Outlaws series. An outlaw and a nun falling in love...really?



Thank you for telling us about  The Christmas Room. I adore Christmas stories. :)

Please leave Tanya a comment! :)



Unicorn Bell: This is the last day of my debut week as co-host on Unicorn Bell. I re-blogged 3 old posts that I believe many writers can find useful. Today's post is Mastering the Art of Action Scenes.


86 comments:

  1. Road around a glacier on a snow couch? Now that is unique! So is the setting for the book. And I don't think we learned anything about Hawaii's history in school. What a shame.

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    1. Hi Alex, thanks so much for posting today! The Athabasca Glacier was incredible...coldest I've ever been, ever LOL. And that glacial blue color, it's surreal.

      Yeah, I taught American Lit and did a whole unit on the Native Americans...and those same attitudes landed across the ocean to the native Hawaiians. Grrrrr.

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    2. I don't remember learning anything about Hawaii's history in school either.

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  2. this sounds fantastic!! And at first I thought Anson Mount was Potsie from Happy Days haha I used to love him! But then I googled it and I see it's a different fellow.

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    1. Haha! Nope, Anson Mount is a different fellow. :P

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  3. LOL, yeah I think that was Anson Williams. I just love HoW, sob. It's only gonna be on for one more season when it starts up again. I am so happy to see you ere today, Beth Ellyn. I hope 2015 has started off great for you!

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    1. Just for one more season? Aw shucks! Well, after they killed off Elam I wasn't sure how they could carry it on much longer.

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    2. I heard it's the last season because the railroad finally has to meet in Utah? Sob.

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  4. Chrys, thanks so much for letting me hang out here today! xo.

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    1. You're welcome, Tanya! You can come back and hang out anytime. :)

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  5. Hi Tanya - Great interview! I love learning new things about my friends! And I agree about Anson Mount...what a guy, what a name! I have The Christmas Room on my TBR list. Hope to read it soon. Sending love, have a great weekend!

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    1. Anson is pretty dreamy...and I say that because I'd have dreams about him after watching Hell on Wheels. ;) Thanks for stopping by, Charlene!

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    2. Hi Charlene, well you know me and Hawaii, and with Roberta living there now, it's such an easy trip to take. I hope you like the book. xo As for Anson, hubba.Thank God for Netflix LOL...btw, thanks for always being there for me.

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    3. I understand about those dreams, too, Chrys. Sigh.

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  6. Great interview! (One of my early choices for a pen name was already taken by a porn star as well- romance writers and porn stars!)

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    1. I don't remember what my first pen name pick was, but I remember Googling it and finding out the same thing! :P Thanks for stopping by, Sherri!

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    2. You guys are so smart. For me, Tanya Hanson just doesn't sound porno enough, but...the first person who found this out was my next-door-neighbor boy googling my pen name! Yikes.(Actually she spells is HansEn, but most people make that mistake anyway. Sighing...)

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    3. Sherri, thanks so much for posting today. It means a lot! xo

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  7. OMG! I don't like escalators, either. Great interview.

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    1. Oooh, I had to go down the one at Target yesterday all by myself...I felt the cold sweat arising....at least it's a short ride there. Shiver...thanks for stopping by, Janie! SO appreciate you!

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    2. Escalators must be a common fear, because I hate them too! When I had to go on one, I thought I was going to tip forward and fall down the whole thing. And it was a huge one in a mall.

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  8. Tanya, I read Christmas stories all year, so I'll get to yours very soon. Nic is a great person isn't she? I loved all the people with whom I dealt at Wild Rose Press. Best wishes for continued success!

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    1. Hi Caroline, oh, yes, Nic is so supportive and downright nice while being the consummate professional. Great ot write for. Thanks for visiting with Chrys and me today and for your friendship, always! xoxo

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    2. Thanks for stopping by, Caroline!! I also read Christmas stories read-round. :)

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  9. Jasper would be an incredible place to retreat. In the summertime though. If it were winter I'd start thinking The Shining.

    I rode one of those snow cats on the Athabasca Glacier back in 1982 I think it was. What an incredible experience I agree.

    Best wishes on the book!

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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    1. hi Lee, oh, those giant snow coaches were the best! It was the experience of a lifetime I even bought toy coaches for my little grandsons LOL. I still remember the icy air on my face, and our hottie Aussie driver! So glad you could stop by today. It means a lot.

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    2. Thanks for leaving Tanya a comment, Arlee!

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  10. This sounds like a wonderful story, Tanya. Congratulations! I'll pop over and pick it up. ;) And great interview ladies.

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Robena! And for getting Tanya's story. :)

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    2. Hi Robena, thanks for coming by and posting! You're the best. Hope to see you SOON. xoxox

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  11. Great interview! Left me with 3 to-do's: Google Anson Mount, hop onto Amazon and get The Christmas Room, and then go back and Google the "other" Tanya Hanson. ;)

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    1. Sam, you always make me laugh. Let me know what you think about Anson...he's my screensaver. As for the "other" me, yowzers. Hugs to you my friend! xo

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    2. Thanks for stopping by for Tanya's interview, Samantha. And those are three great to-do's. ;)

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  12. I look forward to reading your books set in Hawaii. I have always enjoyed reading about the history of the islands. It is a beautiful place. I enjoyed your post very much.

    Robyn Echols writing as Zina Abbott

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    1. HI Robyn, so good to see you here. Hubs and I have traveled much to the islands over the years, and with his sister just moving there for business, wow, are we in Hawaiian heaven! The History of the islands is both beautiful and heart-rending. As per the "western world" arriving and trying to "fix" their wonderful ways. I hope you like the book. I do have another one planned in the islands...a laundress doing wash who finds a love note to her in a hot "paniolo"s pocket. This story seed actually happened to a Lanai friend's grandmother! Real life love is always the best.

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    2. Thanks for leaving Tanya a comment, Robyn! I'm glad you enjoyed her interview. :)

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  13. Love your Hawaiian setting for a cowboy Christmas story, Tanya! And Anson Mount could be the star of every historical as far as I'm concerned. ;-)

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  14. Hubba, Kady, I'm with you there about Anson. I guess I should have included a pic of him in my post today. Sigh. Thanks to Netflix I can drool even off-season. And he sounds like such a nice guy, too...adopting a rescue dog and not getting all celeb. Thanks for stopping by today! I so appreciate you.

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  15. I'm also terrified of down escalators, particularly since there's now metal hardware in my right leg. I don't have such a problem with up escalators, but whenever possible, I always take the stairs or lift instead of a down escalator.

    Hawaii is such a rich setting for a book, with so many possibilities. It's such a different place from the continental states.

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    1. I'm afraid because I don't like heights, but the metal in my back is a close second reason.

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    2. Didn't mean to bail here....we left on a little MLK road trip and my smartphone refused to let me comment!!!!!!! Grrrrr. I'm at the condo now and can catch up. Sheesh.

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    3. Chi Carrie-Anne, thanks so much for stopping by. I loved writing about Hawaii. Even though it's after christmas, I really was excited when Chrys had a spot for me to talk about it!

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  16. Excellent interview! I like IZ's Over the Rainbow, too. He has a great voice!

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    1. Hi Sherry, howdy...finally trying to catch up. We first heard of Iz --and heard his music--when we were in Oahu the day he died in 1997! Wow, all the mourning. He is such an icon. They held a state funeral for him. Thanks so much for commenting today!

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  17. I enjoyed the interview. I love Christmas stories. I'll put it on my reading list.

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    1. Thanks kindly, Judy Ann. I love christmas stories and movies all year round...Hallmark Christmas in July totally rocks LOL. I so appreciate you commenting today.

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  18. How great that Tanya's editor asked her to write something just for a special series! That's confidence. I had no idea there were ranches in Hawaii. Sounds like a great book. I'm wishing Tanya much success! :)

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    1. Hi Alexa, it was a massive honor! Plus I got to write a christmas story LOL. Sea captain Vancouver brought cattle over to the islands in the late 1700s and the animals were considered so,special by King Kamehameha he gave them free reign...but ranching soon became a successful industry. Thanks so much for posting today!

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    2. sorry about the Alexa, Lexa. Grrrr. Darn autocorrect.

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  19. Oh, I love your idea of setting a Western romance in Hawaii!!! I've always wanted to set a story there. And you're right, Hawaiian history is fascinating. Loved your blog and good luck with your release!!!

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  20. Howdy, Hebby, thanks so much for,stopping by and commenting, I had such a great day here, and thank you, Chrys, for making me feel so welcome. Hugs to all! Oh, and aloha!

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  21. Well, Anson Mount could be a hero in any book :) Your story sounds terrific. I will love learning more about Hawaii

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    1. Hi Barb, oh, Anson and those baby blue eyes could melt stone, no? I so appreciate you coming here today. Hawaii is a very inspiring place, for sure. Xo

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  22. Terrific interview! I'm scared to death of the down escalators. I have a panic attack every time I have to ride them. The ones going up bother me a little. But NOTHING like the down. Every time I ride one down I can see me landing SPLAT. UGH. I've always wanted to visit Hawaii. Your book sounds wonderful. I hope to get a copy. Thankful your hubs has beat cancer.

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    1. Hi Robyn, I am quite glad I mentioned the escalator terror today. Now I realize I am not alone. 😉 Me too, I can get up fine, but down. Gosh, I am getting chills just writing the words. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your good wishes for my guy. Actually, THAT ordeal was terrifying. God is good for sure. Xo

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  23. Although this wouldn't be a book I'd likely read, I find the location and period (Hawaii--wasn't it still the Sandwich Islands--in the late 19th century) interesting. Did Tanya find Mark Twain's travels in Hawaii in the mid-1860s, as found in Roughing It, helpful?

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    1. Hi Sage, yes, the western world referred to the islands that way, and as an American lit teacher, I did mention Twain in the story. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  24. Congratulations, Tanya, on your new book.
    I love Hawaii, and that version of Over the Rainbow was something played at my wedding years ago.

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    1. I removed my first comment because of all the autocorrect typos I didn't see before I hit publish. Sheesh. Like Iz being It'.s. Anyway, what I tried to say...hi, Cynthia, what a romantic song! I love how Iz sings emotion without yelling or screaming.

      There. Got it right the second tIme. Xo

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  25. Congratulations Tanya on your new book. Like the title - The Christmas Room a lot.

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    1. Hi Rachna, good to hear from you. My sister in law, who is more sister than in law LOL, helped me come up with the title. glad you like it!

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  26. Loved your honest- and candid answers! Congrats on your new book.

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    1. Thanks, Linda, for posting and for the good wishes! I so appreciate you stopping by.

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  27. You rode on a glacier but an escalator scares you? hmm lol Congrats on the book.

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    1. Yup, Pat, go figure. At least after this blog and revealing my embarrassing secret, I know there are others out there LOL. Thanks for the comment.

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  28. Congrats to Tanya on both of your new releases.

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    1. Thanks, Squid. I sometimes wonder if there is a fourth outlaw story in me...my Ed thinks so. We will have to see. Thanks so much for the kind words and for stopping by.

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  29. Chrys, just saying again--a big giant thank you for letting me spend some time here with you and all of these fine people! Hugs!

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    1. You're welcome, Tanya! I was surprised to log into today and see so many comments arrived since I was last one. You sure are popular. ;)

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  30. That song is nice. I was listening to it while I was reading the rest of the post and I didn't realize it had mashed a few other songs into it. Tanya sounds like a great writer, but that's hilarious about the porn star ;) I wonder who pops up first when you type the name into Google?

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    1. I don't know Michael. That would be a Google experiment. ;)

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    2. Hi Michael, I think one version also includes It's A Wonderful World. It is,wonderful. Thanks so much for commenting!

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  31. I love Christmas stories. I get addicted to the Hallmark movies every year. I hope one of her books is made into a Christmas movie. I'd totally watch it!

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    1. A Fantastic interview, Chrys. I love you questions - especially the one about which music would the story best represent. Being musical, I often think about a musical theme when I write.

      Wishing Tanya all the very best and much success.

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    2. Stephanie, I'm right there with you watching those Hallmark Christmas movies. :)

      Nicola, I love to listen to music when I write and to create soundtracks for my stories.

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    3. Hi Stephanie, howdy to a fellow Hallmark addict. Thanks so much for the post. I am on a little vacay with Hubs and came online to more comments. Nice!

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  32. I'm fascinated by the Christmas Room. Thanks for posting about the book and the background.

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    1. Thanks for the encouraging remark, Clee. It has been awesome being here with Chrys and meeting so many new people.

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    2. You're welcome, C Lee!

      And I'm glad you post was such a hit, Tanya! :D

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  33. Sounds like an amazing book!! My fave Somewhere Over the Rainbow!!!!

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    1. Hi Cathrina, so good to see you here. Iz sure is something. And I hope you do like my book some day. Xo

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  34. I find cowboys so hot I married a Texan. ;) The idea of a western romance set in Hawaii is intriguing. Great new spin. And did you say outlaws at the end? Swoon.

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    1. Hi Shannon, lucky you! (Although hubs is a fireman and that's pretty hot, too...no pun intended lol. ) I had never been to Texas but a whole back mthe publisher held a retreat in Bandera at a real ranch. It was all awesome! I love,outlaws too...Outlaw in Love's Ahab is a real favorite of mine! Thanks for stopping by.

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