Retreat Guest Blogger Donna Alward

Award-winning author Donna Alward has the best job in the world: a combination of stay-at-home mom and romance novelist. In 2001 she penned her first novel and found herself hooked on writing romance. In 2006 she sold her first manuscript, and now writes heartwarming Romances from her home in Nova Scotia, Canada. Donna loves to hear from readers; you can contact her through her website at www.donnaalward.com or through her publisher. Twitter: @DonnaAlward Facebook 

Are Characters Reflections of the Author?

Do you ever wonder if the characters in books are much like the writer? I get asked occasionally if a certain character is like me, and the answer is of course. There’s a part of me in every character I write, because that’s how I relate to them and build their outlook on the world.

Which is a little scary, actually, because when you write deeply emotional stories it’s kind of like standing outside in your underwear.

When Shirley, Fiona and I sat down to talk about the sisters in the Holiday Miracles Trilogy, it was funny how I could see our individual personalities forming in each one.  Shirley’s character, Grace, is independent, a bit sassy, and possesses an innate sense of style. That’s how I see Shirley – her shoe closet is a work of art and she always seems so put together. When we first met I’ll confess I was a little intimidated. The woman has it goin’ ON. I look at Shirley and think Gee, why can’t I do that?

Fiona’s character, Faith, is more of a peacemaker rather than someone who makes a big time about anything. Fiona and I are really good friends and she is always all smiles and really quite logical. I do get the feeling though that if she were ever really fed up and riled she would be a sight to behold. But Fi, for the most part, is really easy to get along with. We’ve been roomies for two RWA conferences now and it’s easy as anything.  When life starts blowing around like a hurricane, Fiona is like the eye of the storm.

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And my character, Hope – well, I can speak about her far better than the other two. Hope is a bit of a perfectionist. She likes to do it herself so she knows it will be done right. She’s a bit of a control freak. Which has served her well professionally, but she also has a softer side that she doesn’t show, because she’s very afraid of getting hurt.

And you know, that’s something that sounds very familiar. I’m a super sensitive person and I feel rather deeply – I must, because I write romances where I don’t skirt around the tough stuff. But when it comes to my own personal emotions I often lock them down if they are too painful. It’s not always a good thing, I don’t think. But I understand it. And I also think that’s why I love the romance genre so much – my heroines always find the one person who they love and trust enough to see them in their underwear (metaphorically AND literally). My husband is that person for me, and after more than twenty years he hasn’t run away yet.

Sleigh Ride with the Rancher

A week before Christmas, city girl Hope McKinnon finds herself snowbound with rugged rancher and all round do-gooder Blake Nelson. What is it about this handsome, generous man that has her blood boiling and her pulse racing? 

Blake knows his ranch is the last place that Hope wants to be, but somehow her presence feels so right! Hope is the first woman guarded Blake has wanted to be around for a long time. Her visit may be temporary, but he has one more night to convince her to stay….

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