Denise: You've been married to your high school sweetheart for over 25 years. You hardly hear that anymore. Is there a secret to your marriage's success?
Gloria: My husband and I married at a young age and I like to tell people that over the years we've made a point of growing together rather than growing apart.
Denise: How difficult has it been moving from Alabama, Connecticut, New Hampshire and living now in Florida?
Gloria: Because most of the time I was busy raising my two children it wasn't too difficult. I always looked at a new place as an adventure. But I can truthfully say I'd rather live in Florida than up in the Northeast - only because of the winters. I much prefer warm weather.
Denise: What kindled your interest in writing romance? Tell us of your experiences with that first manuscript and the one that was published.
Gloria: My husband moved us up to Connecticut, which was 1,500 miles from my friends and family so I had a lot of free time on my hands while the kids were at school. I always loved to read and romances were my favorites. I decided I'd write one and so I did. But it didn't sell. It took me a year or longer to realize I needed help to learn how to write a book. I joined Romance Writers of America and went to workshops they hosted as well as taking the train into New York City where Romantic Times held workshops on how to write a book. In 1989, I sold my first book to Warner Books, Passion's Choice, which was published in 1990.
Denise: I see you've written under three names: Amelia Grey, Gloria Dale Skinner and Charla Cameron. Why is that?
Gloria: Three different publishers.
Denise: What time periods do you enjoy writing about the most? How much research goes into every title?
Gloria: I enjoy reading history. I love the Civil War, Regency and Westerns the best to read and to write about.
I read quite a few books on the time period before I ever start a book. With my Regencies, I have a woman who is very knowledgeable on the time period to read and edit for errors for me. We make it as accurate as we can.
Denise: Let's talk about your newest novel, "A Taste of Temptation." What scandalous actions have landed Andrew Terwillger with the title of a notorious rogue? And who was it that he caught snooping around his bedroom?
Gloria: Andrew loved his freedom to gamble, drink and pursue all the beautiful young ladies of the ton into the wee hours of the night. He had no intentions of settling down to one woman as his two best friends had.
Denise: What little action caused a number of matrons to demand a certain young woman's reputation be protected?
Gloria: A kiss from a very desirable and tempting young lady named Olivia Banning.
Denise: The only solution appears to be marriage. Was this an acceptable alternative for the troubled couple?
Gloria: In the beginning, neither of them wanted marriage of course -- which always makes for fireworks!
Denise: What did you love most about this book?
Gloria: I like it that Andrew and Olivia got caught by love when they least expected it.
Denise: When will Berkley have the novel at major bookstores?
Gloria: December 6, 2005.
Denise: Are you writing your next book or will you be focusing on "A Taste of Temptation's" promotion?
Gloria: Right now I'm doing a little of both as well as preparing for the holidays!
Denise: Does your husband support you 100% on all your writing projects?
Gloria: He's my biggest fan. And he has read ever book I've published.
Denise: Does he tell all the people he works with about each new title?
Gloria: Absolutely.
Denise: How have you promoted your novels?
Gloria: I do online promotions like this one and send out an e-mail to everyone who sends me a note from my website. I send a postcard announcing the book to every fan who has ever written to me as well as family and friends. I always have an ad in Romantic Times.
Denise: Do you have any favorite writing resource books?
Gloria: Oh, way too many to mention. I have quite a collection of history books from furniture and clothing of the time periods to the history of the time periods. I love books.
--Interview conducted by Denise Fleischer
Nov. 2005
Copyright Denise Fleischer
Gloria Dale Skinner has written under the names of Amelia Grey, Charla Cameron, as well as her own name.
