Today I am happy to have author Dana Wayne as my guest. Thank you, Dana, for joining me on my website.

Dana, can you tell us about yourself and your background? What do you currently do outside of writing?

Well, I am a 7^th generation Texan and still reside there with my husband of 38 years and counting. Prior to my retirement in 2013, I traveled around the country as a medical software trainer. Now, I divide my time between family functions, some writers’ group functions, and my writing. I am also an avid tent camper and absolutely love Dutch oven cooking!

What books have you written, and what are their genres? What audience are they aimed at?

Secrets of the Heart is my first novel and I am so proud to have it out there! It is a contemporary romance with a dash of suspense. Anyone who enjoys a good romance will enjoy this tale of true love and second chances.

What prompted you to write Secrets of the Heart? What message(s) do you want readers to take away?

I actually got the initial idea maybe ten years ago after a conversation with this traveling nurse who worked for the same home health agency I did. It was literally one of those ah-ha moments when the idea hit and the what-ifs started coming, and before you knew it, a story was born.

As for what readers will take away from it, I hope a belief in true love and second chances.

Do you write short stories, articles, or have a blog? Where can we find them?

I have written short stories though I much prefer novels. I have also contributed to a couple of different writers group anthologies. I have a blog on my website where I post snippets from my work, random thoughts and other things.

What do you find the hardest about writing? The easiest?

The hardest part is dividing my time between writing and “life.” I can literally get lost in a story and hours can go by before I surface, so it became necessary to make a plan and stick with it. Now, I focus my mornings on things I need to do, grocery store, laundry, cleaning and, of course, time with my husband. Then after lunch, usually around one or two o’clock, I hit the office. But I try to save Sundays for church and family.

The easiest part is getting an idea. Just about anything can spark one. When it does, I write it down right then or I know I will forget it, and I place it in a folder I maintain called “Stories to Write.”

What’s next for you after Secrets of the Heart?

I am deep into my next one, a western historical, tentatively called Mail Order Groom, which should be out by Christmas.

What special thing about yourself would you like to share with readers?

I am a die-hard romantic! I love the whole hearts and flowers thing… and I am married to the most unromantic man in the world! But he does surprise sometimes and that makes his efforts all the more special to me. But I have to say, he is very patient when I rave on and on about whatever scene I’m struggling with. In fact, he has listened to me so much now he will ask me, “Well, how in the world are Ty and Emma today?”

How can we follow or contact you?

I love hearing from fans and they can reach me via my website, or Facebook and Twitter (@danawayne423).

Email is also an option at danawayne423@gmail.com.

Where can readers buy your book?

Secrets is available through my website, my publisher’s store at Book Baby for Secrets of The Heart, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Awards or recognition

I’m happy to say Secrets of the Heart was given a 5-Star Review by Readers’ Favorite, one of the fastest growing online book review companies.

Venture Galleries Blog for Readers and Writers also features Dana on Saturday Sampler: Secrets of the Heart by Dana Wayne.

Awards

December 12, 2016
Secrets of the Heart is on Books and Benches’ 10 Books We Think You Should Read This Winter list.

February 13, 2017
Secrets of the Heart is a finalist for the Sceal Award for Contemporary Romance