As part of the 2017 Where Are They Now? series, I am happy to host award-winning author Dana Wayne from Texas, USA, as my returning guest today. Dana has some exciting updates for us in her interview below.

Dana Wayne also writes practical, thought-provoking articles. Her guest article, “Misconceptions About the Romance Novel,” will post tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Interview with Dana Wayne, Author (July 2016)

Guest Post: Your Book is Done — Now What? by Dana Wayne (Feb. 2017)

Interview with Dana Wayne

Author Dana Wayne

Awarding winning author Dana Wayne is a sixth generation Texan who still resides in East Texas with her husband of 39 years (and counting), a Calico cat named Katie, three children, and four grandchildren. She routinely speaks to book clubs, writers’ groups, and other organizations as well as coordinating multiple writing events, such as conferences and workshops. She appears on numerous writing blogs.

Her debut novel, Secrets of The Heart, was awarded The Best In Texas for Contemporary Romance from the Texas Association of Authors, was a finalist for the 2017 Scéal Award for Contemporary Romance, earned Reviewers Top Pick, and was chosen for Top 10 Books to Read This Winter by Books & Benches online magazine.  The second book, Mail Order Groom, released in April 2017, garnered 5-Star Reviews from Readers Favorite and Books & Benches, and was selected as Reviewers Top Pick by Books & Benches.

Affiliations include Romance Writers of America, Texas Association of Authors, Writers League of Texas, East Texas Writers Guild, Northeast Texas Writers Organization, and East Texas Writers Association.

Speaking with Dana Wayne

What were your most significant accomplishments over the past year?

I had several high-five moments since last we talked. My debut novel, Secrets of The Heart, won the 2017 Best in Texas–Contemporary Romance award through Texas Association of Authors Contest, and I was so very excited about that. My second book, Mail Order Groom, released in April of this year to multiple 5-Star Reviews, and is doing very well. I was also nominated as 2017 Top Female Author sponsored by The Author Show and received the One Lovely Blog and Blogger Recognition Awards.

SECRETS OF THE HEART — Book Trailer

MAIL ORDER GROOM — Book Trailer

What was your greatest obstacle?

As with most writers, it is finding the time needed to do all that has to be done. Your ‘job’ doesn’t end when you hit ‘the end’! I am still learning about the marketing aspect of writing, which to me is the most difficult thing to master.

What are you most proud of?

I love it when someone tells me they laughed or cried when they read something I wrote. That is the biggest compliment you can give a writer, because it means their feelings and emotions show through the writing.

What are your goals or upcoming projects for 2017?

I am working furiously on my third book, a romantic suspense that involves a ghost! This is a big stretch for me and I am learning a lot as I go. I also have a Christmas novella I want to finish and a cookbook of my favorite recipes, but I think that will have to be on a 2018 to-do list.

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

I love meeting and talking with readers. I am very interested in what they have to say and will answer all emails as soon as possible. I firmly believe a writer is nothing without a reader.

Added July 17: Dana Wayne’s book covers have won awards!

Where can we find your books?

Secrets of the Heart and Mail Order Groom are available in e-book and print through my website as well as the links below:

Amazon — Barnes & Noble

How can we contact you?

• Website
• Blog
• Twitter: @danawayne423
• Facebook page
• Pinterest
• Email: danawayne423@gmail.com
• YouTube Channel (book trailers)