Really excited to be talking with author Jeanne Hardt today about her debut novel Marked: River Romance, Book 1. I’ve been a follower of Jeanne’s blog for some time now and have learned quite a bit from her writing advice. I am looking forward to finally getting to read one of her books! I believe you historical readers are in for a real treat!

Cora Craighead wants more than anything to leave Plum Point, Arkansas, aboard one of the fantastic steamboats that pass by her run-down home on the Mississippi River. She’s certain there’s more to life out there…somewhere. Besides, anything has to be better than living with her pa who spends his days and nights drinking and gambling.

Douglas Denton grew up on one of the wealthiest estates in Memphis, Tennessee. Life filled with parties, expensive clothing, and proper English never suited him. He longs for simplicity and a woman with a pure heart—not one who craves his money. Cora is that and more, but she belongs to someone else.

Cora finally gets her wish, only to be taken down a road of strife, uncertainty, and mysterious prophecies. When she’s finally discovered again by Douglas, she’s a widow, fearing for her life and that of her newborn child and blind companion.

Full of emotions, family secrets, and the search for true love, you’ll find it’s not just the cards that are marked.

Welcome Jeanne! Tell us a little about yourself — who you are and what you write.

I’m a North Idaho transplant. (Please, no potato jokes!) I moved to Tennessee in 1993 to pursue a career in music and acting. But, by industry standards, I was already over-the-hill. I’m still happy to say that I was able to do quite a bit of musical theater, voice over work, and commercials. As for singing, I do that in church. I started writing romance novels in 2010, inspired by a dream. And now, it’s my true passion. I think it’s probably the real reason I came to Tennessee. I’ve fallen in love with Southern history and most of my novels take place in the South in the late 1800’s.

Looks like Marked is book one in a series. Can you tell us a little bit about book two? Is it a continuation of this story, or will it feature a new romance?

Book two will pick up one week after the end of “Marked.” It’s a new romance featuring an unlikely pair. Entitled, “Tainted,” book two is the story of Francine, the French prostitute who you will meet in book one. The hero in book two is the new boat captain, Luke Waters, who is the son of a preacher. Yes…I can see those raised eyebrows, now.

What is your writing process? Do you plot everything meticulously or do you dive in headfirst without a rope?

I start with a basic plot. I use a white board to map out my plot points. I know how the story will start and how I want it to end, but the middle sort of works itself out. Sometimes my characters take me in different directions than I ever thought I would go with the story. They reveal things about themselves that have actually changed how I end the story. And yes, I talk to myself in different character voices. But luckily, my husband hasn’t threatened to have me committed.

Tell us something you love about Cora. In what ways do you think your readers will relate to her?

I love Cora because she’s not your typical heroine. She’s naive and flat-chested. Through the course of the story, she grows up and takes charge of her life. I think readers will love her innocence, and will cheer her on, wanting her to succeed.

Tell us about Douglas. Would you consider him an alpha or a beta hero?

I recently read that there is a hybrid male called the ‘gamma’ who is an alpha male with a sensitive side. I think that sums up Douglas. He’s not afraid of speaking his mind, but has lived under the thumb of a step-father who hasn’t given him the time of day. He tolerates the man to appease his mother–and he’s a very good and loving son. He longs for a simpler life, and when he meets Cora, he’s mesmerized. I could tell you more about him, but don’t want to risk any spoilers!

I’m always so interested in the research historical authors must have to do. What sort of research did you need to do for Marked?

I read a book about a gambler on the Mississippi, who made his rounds on the steamboats. It was non-fiction, and quite interesting. I also researched the area along the river to decide where I wanted Cora to live. Plum Point is actually where some of Mark Twain’s stories take place. And speaking of Twain, I read articles about him as well as some of his writing. He loved the river and was passionate about the idea of piloting a steamboat. The most fun I had was getting a tour of the American Queen, an enormous steamboat that was docked in Chattanooga, TN and preparing for a cruise. After that tour, I went on the Delta Queen. It stays docked in Chattanooga and has rooms that you can stay in overnight. The woman who gave me the tour of that boat had some great historical facts for me. Now I really want to take a cruise and hope that comes to pass. Also, when I completed the book, I sent it to a friend whose husband is a steamboat historian. There was only one little tidbit I got wrong, so with his input I was able to correct it. Even though I write fiction I like it to be as accurate as possible.

How does your background in acting influence your writing?

More than anything, I think it influences my character dialog. In fact, when I started writing my first novel, I had too much dialog. I was used to writing scripts! I think it also helps me to visualize the movement of my characters.

Who are some of your favorite authors and what are you currently reading?

I’m a big fan of Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis. I love fantasy. I read very little romance when I was younger, but when I look back on it I would say that the first exposure I had to romance was Mary Stewart’s Arthurian Legend books. I read them over and over and fell in love with Merlin. More recently, I’ve become fond of Nora Roberts and Jude Deveraux. I’m anxiously awaiting CJ Redwine’s final book in her trilogy, and I also just finished reading, “Heavens to Betsy” by Beth Pattillo. (One of the most enjoyable books I’ve ever read!)

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about Marked?

My stories are not typical romances. I was told that “Marked” would more likely be categorized as Women’s Fiction. However, I do promise a happy ending. I think that in our industry, it is very important. And, I hope that my readers will enjoy getting to know Cora as she searches for true love.

Marked is available on Amazon

Visit Jeanne’s blog: http://www.jeannehardt.com

Follow Jeanne on Facebook or Twitter

As long as I can remember, I’ve been involved in the creative arts in one form or fashion, and in November of 2010, a dream inspired me to write my first novel. Having moved from the Northwest to the South in the mid-nineties, I’m drawn to Southern history. Though I moved to Tennessee to pursue a career in music and acting, once I set my hands on the keyboard, I realized that I had discovered my true passion, and I’ve not stopped since. I am now a member of RWA as well as my local chapter, Music City Romance Writers, where I serve as President Elect. In addition to writing, I’m an actress and perform with the Murder Mystery Players. I believe the theatrical experience has helped me tremendously with character development and dialog in my novels. My stories are far from typical romances, and fall more into line with women’s fiction, though I do believe in a happy ending.