Interview with Regency Romance Author Donna Hatch

Author of Historical Romance and Fantasy, award-winning author Donna Hatch is a sought-after speaker and workshop presenter. Her passion for writing began at age 8 she wrote her first short story, and she wrote her first full-length novel during her sophomore year in high school, a fantasy which was later published. In between caring for six children, (7 counting her husband), her day job, her work as a freelance editor and copywriter, and her many volunteer positions, she still makes time to write. After all, writing IS an obsession.  All of her heroes are patterned after her husband of over 20 years, who continues to prove that there really is a happily ever after.

Welcome back to my blog, Donna. This Christmas story is all about the Gift of a Second Chance. Please tell us about your new book, A Christmas Reunion.

Heartbroken at the news that her betrothed has wed another woman, Emily is determined to pick up the pieces of her life and enjoy Christmas with her family. Newly returned from war, Bennett holds a secret and will do anything to ensure Emily, his only true love, never discovers it…even if it means losing her. Fate reunites the star-crossed lovers and reveals the truth that will either unite them or drive them apart forever.

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

It came in the shower, of course, where most of my ideas decide to appear J  I was relaxed, my mind drifting, mulling over reasons why two people in love might have separated, and what might bring them back together. Then the idea of a Dear Jane letter came to me and the characters and plot formed around it. Originally, the title was The Letter but since my publisher already had a book by that title, we brainstormed and came up with Christmas Reunion, then added the subtitle, the Gift of a Second Chance.

That is a very interesting place to get your inspiration. Haha. What kind of research did you do for this book?

Really, the only thing I needed to research was dates and locations of battles during the Napoleonic War and if any convents would have been nearby—I needed to mention a hospital and a nun. Everything else I’d already learned in my last eight years of research.

You love to write regency romances. What intrigues you most about writing these stories?

I love many things about them but mostly it’s because of the men. In Regency England, duty and honor were everything. If a man said he’d do something, especially if he gave his word, he meant it, and others could count him to follow through, even if it came at a great personal cost.

Men in many historical eras were civilized and treated women with courtesy by standing up when a lady entered the room, doffed their hats, curtailed their language, offered an arm, bowed, and a hundred other little things I wish men still did today. But they were also very athletic; they hunted, raced, fenced, boxed, rode horses. They were manly. Strong. Noble. Resolute. Honorable. I love that about them! And that makes them perfect heroes for both historical fiction and historical romance novels.

That is a very good reason for writing your stories during that era. Where can my readers find you online?

Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author.Donna_Hatch

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Donna-Hatch

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonnaHatch.Author

Website is www.donnahatch.com 

Thank you, Donna, for a wonderful interview. I hope my readers will check out your book.