Welcome, Marie Higgins

1: Thank you so much for being here, Marie Higgins.

First up is the obligatory question. When did you first begin writing?

MH: I began writing clear back in junior high which was many moons ago. Back then I enjoyed writing short stories, but they were humorous. Even the early years in my marriage I wrote skits for my community which were performed and judged. I won awards for “Funniest” and “Best Written”. And wouldn’t you know…all these stories had a touch of romance.


2: That's a long time.  Skits sounds like fun.  So what inspired you to write?
MH: I wish I knew what inspired me in the early years. I know when I played Barbies with my sister, we made up stories even then. After I was married and had children was when I started having dreams. It was like I was watching a movie in my head. One day after I’d watched a romance movie only to have it end badly, I had a dream that led me to write my very first romance novel. From that point on the voices started in my head, and ideas came out of nowhere. I couldn’t write fast enough. It’s still like that now. So many stories…so little time.



3: I know what you mean. There's never enough time in a day. Tell me, what do you like the most and least about writing?
MH: What I like most is entering into my own little fantasy world. I can get out of the problems of life if only for a few hours and go to a place where people are falling in love. Then, I love when other people read my stories and fall in love just like I did.

What I like least…having to wait. I’m NOT a patient person. I want my book out NOW! lol Recently, I contracted with an agent, and as happy as that makes me, I want things now. I have to stop and remind myself I’m not the only author in the world. hahaha


4: I think that's what I like least also. Like you, I'm not very patient and grow less so with age. Okay, so what do you for fun and relaxation when not writing?
MH: What? When I’m not writing? But I’m always writing!  Actually, that’s not far from the truth. I work ten hour days at my day job (and I’m on the computer) then I come home and write until bedtime. On the weekends (I get three day weekends) I write like mad. So maybe once in a while I’ll stop to watch a movie with the hubby or to visit with my daughters and grandkids.


5: I love visiting with my grandkids, too.  Which authors do you like to read?
MH: There isn’t enough room on this blog to list all my favorite authors. lol But my favorite authors of all time are; Kathleen Woodiwiss (she is the real reason I fell in love with romance novels), Judith McNaught, LaVryle Spencer, Jude Deveraux, Johanna Lindsey, and Julia Quinn.


6: Oh those are some that I enjoy also. It's hard to answer that question. All right, what’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?
MH: That when you read my stories, I am predictable because... When you read my stories you ARE going to get a happily-ever-after every time. You ARE going to get action. You ARE going to laugh. And…you ARE going to find lots of twists and turns.


7: Sounds like fun. Tell me about your current novel, where I can find it and your website/blog.

MH: My newest release is titled, Hearts Through Time. This book will be at any bookstore. If it’s not there, the store can order it. My books are at Costco and Walmart, too. Or, if you’d rather do online shopping, you can order them through Amazon or Barnes & Noble. My website / blog is - http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com/


Here is the blurb:
When a woman claiming to be a ghost from 1912 appears in Nick Marshal’s new office and begs for help in solving her murder, he thinks he has lost his mind. A scandal that rocked Hollywood almost destroyed his law practice, so he doesn’t need any more fireworks as he rebuilds his life. Still, he is intrigued by Abigail Carlisle’s plea, and he needs clients, even if this one insists she’s dead. The more secrets Nick uncovers, the deeper he falls for the beautiful ghost. Abigail believes Nick is her heart’s true desire, but how can happily-ever-after happen when she’s already dead? The more time she spends with him, the more real she becomes, until Nick can finally touch her. In a strange turn of events, Nick is suddenly whisked back to 1912, two weeks before Abby’s murder, but she doesn’t remember him. When he attempts to win her over so he can save her from a tragic destiny, Abby thinks Nick is courting her for her inheritance. But even if he can rescue her and make her trust him again, how can two people from different centuries be together?

8: I can't wait to read it. I love a good ghost story, especially romantic ones. Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

MH: Yes, I do! It’s a tough world out there. We all go through rejections no matter what we do. But if you love writing, NEVER GIVE UP!! If you love to write, learn all you can about the craft. Take online classes or get with critique groups. And write because you love it, not because you have to.


9: Good advice. I tell people, I can't NOT write. I think it's in my blood. Okay, do you base your characters on real-life people?
MH: ROFL! If I did, you’d think I had a lot of hot-looking, hunky, sweet and romantic guy friends, right? heehee But the answer is no. I don’t base my characters on real-life people.


10: So then, where do you get your ideas and what inspired you to write this book?

MH: Ideas come from everywhere. With this book, I knew paranormals were hot, and I wanted to write a paranormal—but I didn’t want to write another vampire or werewolf. So what’s the next best thing? A ghost! Yet, I didn’t want a scary ghost. Not when I love to be funny. So I just started figuring out what I wanted. One thing led to the next, and soon a mystery ghost story was created.


11: I don't write about werewolves or vampires either. Tell us, what are you currently working on?

MH: Currently I’m just getting some stories ready for my agent to start pitching. After that, I’ll start writing the next book in the series for some of these stories. The Inspy my agent will be pitching first is A Walk In Heaven. Hero has two brothers who are just itching for their own stories! One of the sweet stories I’ve given my agent is a Colonial, Release My Heart. There are a few characters in this story that wouldn’t mind having their own. The same with the Regency, The Sweetest Kiss. Hero has two brothers… Yeah, you get the idea.


12. One last question, is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

MH: Pretty much, my life is an open book. lol I love making new friends and hearing from readers. You can find me on Facebook (Marie Higgins) or contact me on my blog - http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com/


Thanks Roseanne for this great opportunity!



~Marie~