ROBIN PERINI

Angi Morgan & Robin Perini show off their Golden Hearts.

On July 15^th, 2010 Julie Miller introduced me to the eHarlequin Intrigue community. I have the pleasure of introducing new author Robin Perini who’s debut Intrigue, FINDING HER SON, will hit the e-book shelf on February 1^st and regular bookshelves in March.

Julie Miller and I have something in common with Robin…we’re all Golden Heart finalists (along with many other award-winning Intrigue authors). Robin and I were both finalists in 2004 and won our categories later--me in 2010 and her in 2011.

Like Julie and most of our fellow Intrigue authors, we all love Romantic Suspense especially with Happily Ever Afters. But enough about me… I decided to throw out the same questions to Robin that Julie asked me. So here’s a little about Robin and her first Intrigue: FINDING HER SON (which I’ve already read and loved!!)

"Perini keeps the tension taut, the romance irresistible and the mystery so deep readers are going to have to pay close attention to the final, explosive climax." 4.5 Stars Romantic Times 

FINDING HER SON

THE ONLY MAN A DESPERATE MOTHER CAN TRUST…

Investigating a cold case is SWAT cop Mitch Bradford’s worst nightmare—especially when it involves a kidnapped infant. But thanks to an injury, he’ll have to settle for following Emily Wentworth instead of breaking down doors and cuffing criminals.

The prime suspect in a mysterious disappearance, Emily has always claimed she was framed. And as he earns the trust of the incredibly desperate—and unbelievably beautiful— mother, every instinct tells Mitch to believe her. Then new evidence unfolds, revealing an elaborate conspiracy and forcing Emily into a deadly spotlight. Now, torn between loyalty to the badge and his promises to Emily, Mitch may have to make the ultimate sacrifice if he’s to bring her little boy home.

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Award-winning author Robin Perini’s love of heart-stopping suspense and poignant romance, coupled with her adoration of high-tech weaponry and covert ops, encouraged her secret inner commando to take on the challenge of writing romantic suspense novels. Her mission's motto: "When danger and romance collide, no heart is safe."

Devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high stakes adventures with a love story sure to melt their hearts, Robin’s strong characters and tightly woven plots have garnered her the prestigious Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Award. By day, she works for an advanced technology corporation, and in her spare time, you might find her giving one of her many nationally acclaimed writing workshops or training in competitive small-bore rifle silhouette shooting. Robin loves to interact with readers. You can read excerpts, review, sign up for Robin's mailing list and even request trading cards or a Kinlegraph on her website. She'd love to hear from you. 

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How many manuscripts did you write before you sold one?

ROBIN: Whew! I had to go back and count. I have ten manuscripts, not all of them complete. One of them I abandoned halfway through because my hero fell in love with another woman (not the heroine). Kind of put a damper on the story!

Which book was your hardest to write and why?

ROBIN: The current book I'm writing is always the hardest. I love planning my stories. I love having written my stories. But while I'm writing and revising, I'm always wondering if my skill can live up to my vision. Right now, I'm working on my third Harlequin Intrigue, which will be out during Christmas 2012. Royal Secrets tells the story of a woman driven into hiding by an assassin. This unexpected heiress to a throne must protect her young twins by relying on the man who betrayed her–her children’s father.    

I love the story…and I know I'll enjoy having written it!  But right now…it's the hardest thing I've ever done. (And yes, I say that with every book!)  

What do you think is the most difficult thing about being an author?  

ROBIN: Balance! I have a day job and family and friends, so I have to work my author life into an already busy schedule. I must confess, I'm a bit of a nut. Just ask my friends and family. I've tried a million different ways to write over the years, and for now, this works for me. First, I should say that I have a day job, so I work writing around paying the mortgage, and of course the rest of my life—family, exercise, chores, and occasionally a little fun. :-)

I'm actually one of those irritating morning people. I write from 5:30 am – 7:00 am weekdays. Mostly to get the adrenaline pumping because I thrive on deadlines—and being panicked! If you only have an hour and a half, you have to make the most of every second. Also, I write in 'sprints'. 20 minutes of writing and a 10 minute break. This idea was introduced to me my fellow Intrigue author, Angi Morgan and it really works for me. If nothing else my body doesn't go numb from sitting in the chair.

On Saturday, I write for about 5 hours in the morning, and on Sunday, after church, I write for three hours. I usually write new material on those shorter stretches on the weekdays and revise on the weekends. As for promotion—like working on my website, blogs, designing romance trading cards, Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads, I work on those in the evenings as needed—or as the deadlines loom.

And sometimes sleep becomes a luxury. But, guess what. I wouldn't change it for anything! I'm living my dream.

What authors have most inspired your work?        

ROBIN: I have so many authors who have brought me incredible joy and inspired my love of reading and writing. In fact, on my website I have included a page listing many of my all-time favorite books and authors. There are many Intrigue and Harlequin Romantic Suspense authors on the list.

Those books typically evoke deep emotions within me. They are my window into pain, joy, insight, and wisdom. One of my very favorite authors is Sharon Sala. This New York Times Bestselling Author has written novels that twist my heart through a painful suspense-filled journey, but end in hope. Her ability to touch my soul makes me go back to her stories again and again.

Even more than that, Sharon Sala is a mentor to me. She read my debut novel, In Her Sights, several years ago. She believed in me and my book at a time when it was hard to believe in myself. I'm not sure I would be here today without her encouragement. She is an amazing writer, of course, but even a more amazing person.

I'd like to be her when I grow up.

What are you working on now?

ROBIN: I already described what I'm working on, so let me tell you about this year. 2011 was a dream come true. And in 2012, I get the honor of releasing three Harlequin Intrigues. Finding Her Son, which won the 2011 Romance Writers of America ® Golden Heart® Award in Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure as Stolen Lullaby, will be released in March 2012. In the story, a woman determined to find her kidnapped son, and who is suspected in her husband's death reluctantly teams with the embattled SWAT cop assigned to prove her guilt. Cowboy in the Crossfire, in which a woman desperate to protect her young son after he witnesses a murder, is forced into an alliance with the disgraced Texas Sheriff who her family framed, will come out in July, 2012. Lastly, Royal Secrets (working title) will hit the shelves, Christmas, 2012.

I'm living my dream. What can I say?

Tell us about getting “the call” even though it was from Amazon Montlake for your GH finalist: IN HER SIGHTS !   

ROBIN: What an amazing day! I had received a rejection letter on my story, In Her Sights. I loved my heroine, Jazz, a SWAT Team sniper. My literary agent, Jill Marsal, asked me if I would be interested in submitting it to Amazon for a new romance line they were starting. I said 'yes' and about a month later I received a call from my agent. I was at work, and she asked me if I was sitting down. Luckily, I was, because my knees shook, my breath caught and I screeched. Several people ran down the hall to my office, hoping nothing was wrong. I didn't stop smiling all day!

My call from Harlequin Intrigue was no less dramatic. I had entered the Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® contest with my story, Stolen Lullaby. I finalled in the contest. In May of 2011, I received a phone call from my agent, once again asking me if I was sitting down? You guessed it. They wanted Stolen Lullaby. The next day, my amazing editor, Allison Lyons called me. Dream come true. I know I keep repeating myself, but I can't help it. I'm giddy still. In a period of just a few months I'd sold two books!

I just have to say to everyone out there, dare to follow your dreams and be persistent and focused in your pursuit. You can grasp the rainbow, too.

You can find Robin on her website or become a fan on Facebook or on Twitter or on Goodreads.

WELCOME TO INTRIGUE, ROBIN !!

~Angi