Monday, March 12, 2012

Interview with Sweet Romance Author Ruth J. Hartman


 Ruth Hartman is a “humorous” romance author and licensed dental hygienist. She lives in rural Indiana with her husband. Ruth’s “furry children” are her cats: Maxwell and Roxy. She’s pretty sure Max is German. He likes eating sauerkraut out of the pan.



Welcome back to my blog once again, Ruth. It’s fun talking to you. You write humorous romances. How fun! Please tell us about your new book.

“Grin and Barrett” is a quirky romance about two dentists. Remmie Grin and Victor Barrett. Their offices are right next door to each other and they go to ridiculous lengths to steal each other’s patients. Along the ride, though, they find out they have feelings for each other. But they’re both too stubborn to admit it.

The names of the main characters are hilarious. Where did you get your inspiration for this novel? 

I’ve worked in dentistry for nearly 30 years. I’d written two dental romances before this one. “Flossophy of Grace” was about a hygienist and a patient. “Pillow Talk” was about a tooth fairy and her dentist. I decided the dentists needed a book of their own.

You put a lot of humor in your books. Is it hard to come up with such humorous ideas or does it come naturally?

It comes naturally. I guess because I’m so goofy. I find the strangest things amusing. Like the piano-playing cat on those pistachios commercials. Or the woodchucks actually chucking wood on the insurance commercial. I don’t know. I just find stuff funny. My sister and I can just look at each other and start giggling. There may not really be a reason. But, who needs a reason, right?

I’m also a klutz. And you’ll see a lot of that in my books for the heroine. Klutzy characters make their own fun. ☺

What kind of research did you do for this book?

I didn’t have to do a whole lot, since I’m surrounded by all things dental every week. The dentists are compilations of several I’ve known over the years. Although, I’ve never met a dentist exactly like Victor. His character was different than any of my other heroes. I just wanted to try something new. So I made him opposite, in several ways, from heroes in my other books.

In our last interview, you mentioned that you add real life situations to your stories. Can you tell us an experience that you added in this book?

I played up the height difference between Victor and Remmie. My husband is nearly a foot taller than I am, and it keeps things interesting. Like dancing. We recently went to a dance sponsored by his employer. We went out on the floor for a slow dance (he won’t do the fast ones) and I noticed we had to hold each other differently than other dancers. While some of our female friends could look almost eye to eye with their husbands, and could have their arms around their date’s neck, either Garry would have had to lean way down for me to put my arms around his neck, or I’d be on tip toes all the time. Even though I wore boots with heels.

So, I just ended up with my arms around his middle and rested my nose on his chest. Which was better than my nose in his armpit. It’s not the easiest position to have a conversation with someone. The scene with Remmie and Victor tied together in a three-legged race is an example of that.

Your book sounds so much fun to read. Thanks for this wonderful interview, Ruth. And congratulations on another humorous love story!

33 comments:

Unknown said...

Just reading the interview made me smile. Thanks, Linda

Carol N Wong said...

I really love quirky and this already sounds like a winner by the description.

I would love to read a text version of this story.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Katherine said...

That does sound funny! I'd love to read it! I have very tall brothers, so I can understand the problems of height differences! Book.

katsaddress AT gmail. DOT com

Darcy Flynn said...

What a fantastic title to your book! It sounds like a really fun read! I would love to read it!

Blessings!

Miss Mae said...

I do know what you mean about the height difference and trying to avoid the nose in the armpit! LOL Same with me and my hubby!

Your book sounds delightful. Wish you many sales!

*Since I don't enter giveaways, please don't enter my name*

Thank you!

Unknown said...

i would love to win the book...it sounds too good to be limited.

marianne dot wanham at gmail dot com

Gail Pallotta said...

Hi Ruth,
This sounds like a fun book to read. Thanks for sharing with us.
I enjoyed your story about you and hubby on the dance floor.

My Hyer Space said...

Enjoyed the interview. Sounds like a fun book to read thanks agent3547@aol.com

CrystalRosette said...

Really sounds like a fun book! I'll keep an eye for it when I visit the library...

Thanks for the giveaway! Since I'm not from the US, I'd like to try for the eBook please!

Sweetiee.gal(at)hotmail.com

apple blossom said...

I like reading romance humor books. thanks for chance to win

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Laurean Brooks said...

Ruth, I WANT this book. I need a good laugh. I can tell from this interview and your book that you would be loads of fun to run around with. But you might get us both in trouble.

Put my name in the hat several times. LOL (Just Kidding...unless you want to.) LOL

landtbeth@yahoo.com

Mutti said...

OH, how fun! How did I miss her first two books? I cannot wait to read this one and find the earlier ones! You do find the best authors, Linda! Thanks!

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read this story :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Ruth J. Hartman said...

Thanks, Marianne :)

Ruth J. Hartman said...

Thanks, Carol. I love quirky, too!

Ruth J. Hartman said...

Kat, my husband's whole family are taller than average. I'm 5'7, but when I'm around them, I feel about three feet tall.

Ruth J. Hartman said...

Thanks, Darcy. That title took me a while to come up with, but once I saw it written down, I just knew it was the one :)

Ruth J. Hartman said...

Thanks for your comment, Miss Mae!

Ruth J. Hartman said...

Thanks, Marianne!

Ruth J. Hartman said...

Thank you Gail. Sometimes he arranges his armpit just at the spot where my nose will be when he hugs me. He thinks it's funny. He's such a GUY! :)

Ruth J. Hartman said...

Thanks for your comment, My Hyer Space!

Ruth J. Hartman said...

Thank you, Crystal :)

Ruth J. Hartman said...

So do I, Apple Blossom. They're my favorite!

Ruth J. Hartman said...

Laurean,

I like that kind of trouble when all you can do is laugh at the situation :) With the exception of a memoir and a children's book, all of mine are goofy!

Ruth J. Hartman said...

Mutti, thanks for your comment. How sweet :)

Ruth J. Hartman said...

Thanks for your comment, Karenk :)

Ruth J. Hartman said...

Thanks, Linda for hosting me on your blog again!

Jill Watkins said...

This looks like a fun book- and I like her sense of humor!

Thanks for the giveaway- I would love to win a copy of this book.

Jill.watkins (at) gmail.com

Ruth J. Hartman said...

Thanks for your comment, Jill. Love your profile pic!

Ruth said...

Humor and mystery sounds really good! I would love to read an e-book!
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com

Ruth J. Hartman said...

Thanks for your comment, Ruth :)

Linda Kish said...

This book sounds like a lot of fun.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Weaver Clarke said...

Congratulations, Carol Wong! You are the winner of this fabulous book. I know you'll enjoy it.