Cherry Adair lives in Western Washington and collects people, teapots and books. Lots of books. With their two grown daughters out of the nest, Cherry and husband David have lived under the dominance of their feline, T.C. (Temporary Cat), for ten years, and have recently acquired a Schnauzer puppy. Cherry owned an Interior Design business before discovering that writing was even more fun than decorating. When not glued to her computer or reading, the former RITA finalist can be found puttering around her flower garden.

Cherry Adair is a fascinating lady with a vivacious personality. It was a pleasure meeting her online and I'm looking forward to settling down soon to read her latest book KISS AND TELL which is right on top of my TBR pile! If you haven't already been to Cherry's website, you simply must find a few minutes to stop by and check it out. You won't be sorry!

KISS AND TELL
Ivy Books
September 2000
Buy Now

A Heart to Heart with Cherry Adair

Jacqui: When did you first start writing? What made you want to become a writer?

Cherry: I've always loved to make up stories. I still have some of the "stories" I wrote when I was about two. (My handwriting hasn't changed much from those illegible squiggles, either!) Romance is my first love. I've been writing off and on for years. I was interior designer, and owned an interior design business in the San Francisco Bay Area for many years. I loved the creativity of working with colors, fabrics and textures, and enjoyed working with the public, at the time my business was my passion. Then romance walked into my store, and I met someone I loved even more. I sold my business to get married and wrangle…er…raise a family. A ready-made family of two adorable daughters, three cats, two dogs, a hamster (who lived in the stuffing of the sofa) three gerbils, a mouse, a chicken and a canary. And I wrote in between…Life.

Jacqui: How long have you been writing?

Cherry: Forever. As far back as I can remember. When I was about five or six I'd cut pictures out of magazines. I'd write the story and dialog, then send it back to the same magazine I cut the pictures from hoping they'd buy it. They were quite amused by my perseverance, and eventually did buy one of my 'stories' for their magazine. As I remember I got about $5.00.

Jacqui: Did you always know you wanted to write romance novels?

Cherry: Absolutely! I read my first Harlequin romance, a Mills and Boon, when I was about twelve. I was hooked. I started scribbling then, and never stopped.

Jacqui: How many books have you published till date?

Cherry: Two. The first was a Harlequin Temptation called The Mercenary.

Jacqui: What satisfies you about your writing?

Cherry: Everything It's frustrating at times, it's invigorating at times, it's pure joy at others. I can't imagine doing anything else.

Jacqui: What and/or who inspires you?

Cherry: People. Life. It can be wonderful, or plain crappy (Can I say that?). I always try to remember this isn't the dress rehearsal

Jacqui: What do you find comes to you first - the characters or the situation/plot for a new story? Once the basics are in place, what do you do next?

Cherry: Usually it's the characters, then I try to put them somewhere they'll be really uncomfortable

Jacqui: Of all the books you have written, which story or character is your favorite? Why?

Cherry: Always the characters, or story I'm writing at the time, will be my favorite.

Jacqui: Have you created any secondary characters that you'd like to feature as the main character in a book yet to be written?

Cherry: Always

Jacqui: How important is research in your writing?

Cherry: VERY important. No matter how much about a subject I *think* I know - the moment I start researching - I realize how *little* I knew

Jacqui: In your writing career, have you received any awards or nominations for your work you'd like to tell your fans about?

Cherry: I was nominated for RWA's RITA Award for The Mercenary. And as silly as those nominees for the Oscar sound when they say what an honor it was just to be nominated… It's TRUE. Just the nomination was enough to make me do the snoopy dance for months

Jacqui: What did it feel like to sell your first book?

Cherry: Like a dream. It was quite amazing and thrilling. I knew David would want to hear every little detail so while I talked to Malle Vallik, my brand new, wonderful editor at Temptation, I wrote copious notes so I could share every nuance of the conversation with David later. I took five pages of notes on a legal pad. Later when I wanted to read about the exciting event I saw I'd written the entire thing in shorthand. Which would have been fine if I KNEW shorthand!! It was gibberish. Nevertheless I still have those pages in my scrap book.

Jacqui: Who has influenced you the most in terms of developing your personal writing?

Cherry: I never stop learning. I read a great deal, go to workshops etc. It's an ongoing process and another part of the business I really enjoy.

Jacqui: What is your writing schedule? Could you briefly tell your fans about a typical day in your life?

Cherry: I work from 9 to 5. I have to be dressed, with my face on, before I sit down at the computer. I know many authors like to write wearing sweats or their jammies, but I'd never have gone out to work half dressed, so I can't be home and work half dressed either. Besides - what if there was a fire? I'd have to run out into the street with no face on?? Erk! I don't think so!

Jacqui: What would a perfect romantic evening or weekend constitute of for you?

Cherry: If you'd asked about the perfect weekend - I'd say it would be to have the time to sit down with a towering pile of books, a pot of tea and a blankie. Romantic? I'd have David under the blankie with me

Jacqui: What type of author are you? Do you plot and plan the story before you actually sit down to write it, or are you more of a "fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants" writer?

Cherry: Yes

Jacqui: Is there anything in particular, like music, etc., that helps you get into the mood to write?

Cherry: It's strange - I can happily read while the T.V is on, but when I'm writing I like absolute silence. I always have a vanilla candle burning, and T.C. my cat sits on my desk watching every keystroke. But writing is my job. I sit down and do it.

Jacqui: Almost every author at some point or another suffers from writer's block. Have you ever had that problem? How do you deal with it?

Cherry: Someone once said it isn't writer's block - it's writers blank Yes, I've had it, it's hideous, but it happens. When it does I know I zigged instead of zagged in the story, and go back to see where I took the wrong direction.

Jacqui: What is the best advice you have ever received in regard to your writing/career?

Cherry: Never give up.

Jacqui: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Cherry: Behave as though the book you are writing has been sold. Give yourself a deadline, and keep it. Visualize your book on the shelf. As soon as you have mailed your manuscript , start your next book. *Don't* hang around the mail box or phone waiting for a response. Keep writing, keep looking forward. Writing isn't for sissies.

Jacqui: Have you seen an evolution in your writing? How or when did it come about?

Cherry: It's a natural evolution to change with the times.

Jacqui: Have you dreamed of writing a particular type of story or even a story in a different genre that you haven't done as yet?

Cherry: I love what I'm doing now - but if I wanted to write something else I'd certainly give it my best shot.

Jacqui: What is your most favorite part of being a writer? The least favorite?

Cherry: My least favorite part of being a writer is - writing. My favorite part of being a writer is - writing. My MOST favorite part of being a writer - HAVING written

Jacqui: How do you handle life's interruptions?

Cherry: I'm learning (slowly) that I *can't* fix everybody's problems, and neither should I. (There's that Aries - I can fix the world thing!) I have my phone turned off when I'm working. And I don't leave my house from Monday until Friday after lunch. No errands, no grocery shopping, no dentist appointments. It makes a huge difference time-wise to consolidate all my 'out' things for one afternoon.

Jacqui: Do you have your own list of favorite authors?

Cherry: Anne Stuart, Linda Howard, Carla Neggers, Nora Roberts, Eileen Wilks are but a few.

Jacqui: What can your fans look forward to in the next twelve months from you?

Cherry: I have a Temptation coming out early next year, followed by another Ballantine Ivy single title due out next summer.

Jacqui: When is your birthday?

Cherry: March 31st I like to add 10 years to my age so people so ' Wow you look young'

Jacqui: What is the url for your website?

Cherry: http://www.cherryadair.com. My husband, David, did it for me. He's getting as much fan mail about the site as I am for Kiss and Tell

Jacqui: How can fans get in touch with you?

Cherry: E-mail cherryadair@uswest.net or snail mail P.O.Box 1686, Kent, Washington 98035

Jacqui: Cherry, Thank-you so much for sparing the time for this interview. On behalf of Heart Rate Reviews, I wish you success in your writing career. I'm also looking forward to your next release in 2001. Thanks again!