I first met Harris through an online critique group. Since then, she’s been a great friend and awesome critique partner. So who better to offer the first interview on my blog!

Harris writes wonderful, deeply moving stories with super hot sexual tension! Her characters are compassionate and unforgettable, just like her. Join me in welcoming Harris!

Tell us your background in writing. How did you get started? Did you always want to be a writer?

I got started writing in the 6th grade when one of my teachers told me she thought I had a talent for it. It meant a lot coming from her and she backed it up when a story I wrote was chosen as my school’s winner for a kid’s writing conference. While I was attending the conference, I got to meet Peggy Parish, the author of the Amelia Bedelia books. From then on I liked to dabble in writing but it wasn’t until my late teens that I really started putting pen to paper with a purpose.

What do you write?

My published genre is contemporary erotic fiction. But at this moment, I’m deep into a paranormal romance. I’ve always loved historical romance too and cut my writer’s teeth working on but never selling one of those…maybe someday!

How long were you writing before you sold?

I took a ten + year hiatus from writing so all told, before I sold my first fictional piece of work I had written for ten years. Ten long, heartbreaking years!

Tell us about your first sale, “the call” and the first book you sold.

My first ‘book’ was actually a set of short stories for Whiskey Creek Press Torrid’s “Torrid Teasers” line. When I first got ‘the call’ that “THE BODY DOUBLE” had been accepted, the feeling I got was amazing. I jumped up and down. I think I hyperventilated a little too!

Do you have a favorite book you’ve written, or a favorite hero/heroine?

My favorite hero or heroine fluctuates with whatever I’m writing. My favorite pubbed heroine would have to be Libby, from my novella, “SPEED TRAP”. She’s had a rough time but she fights hard to get her life back.

What’s your writing schedule like?

Not nearly as productive as it should be! With two kids, two dogs, a husband with an odd work schedule, I piece it in when I can. I wish I could be one of those writers who can crank out 5,000 words in a sitting. I’m lucky to get 1,000 in!

Where do you get your ideas?

From everything! I’m an avid people watcher. Wal-Mart is great fodder for my small town characters.

Do you plan out your books? Do you plot ahead of time?

Many times I just sit down and write and it comes together in the end…with the paranormal I’m currently writing, I plotted and outlined…and it looks like I’m going to have to rethink the ending! Just gotta love a book that surprises it’s author.

Who are you favorite authors/favorite books?

Hmmm, I love Catherine Cookson, Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, Patricia Cornwell, Julia Quinn…I could go on and on but do you really want me to?

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I love to knit! I’m not really great at it, but I do find it relaxing…does anyone need a scarf? I love to spend time with my kids and husband…we’ve recently taken up bowling. I love the bumpers and I get to use the kids as an excuse. I also like to read, listen to music, garden (if the Tennessee weather permits…love spring and fall),

What advice can you give aspiring writers?

Read, write, read, write. Find a crit partner you trust and if you truly love what you’re doing, don’t let the rejection stop you. I have a briefcase full of those pesky letters.

Where can we find you on the web (website, blog, facebook)?

I am all over the web!

Here’s my Website: http://harrischanning.bravehost.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/harrischanning
http://www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com/

And feel free to look me up on Facebook! I’m the only Harris Channing…although there is a Channing Harris! Or e-mail me at: harrischanning@yahoo.com. I would love to hear from you.

Thanks Lori!

And, as a special gift, Harris is giving away a free download of one of her books! For a chance to win, leave a comment with your email. Read below for an excerpt!

When Cupid arms his bow on St. Valentine’s Day, anything can and will happen!
Four Whiskey Creek Press authors reveal these passionate stories of romance and love that give us all hope…there’s new romance blended with a strong dose of humor, a blundering love Angel struggling to get things right, romance for the young at heart when it seemed too late, and the conquering of the greatest of romance cynics with the power of love. Enjoy this anthology of fun and love, for the romantic in each of us!