Interview Anna Taylor Sweringen author of One Breath Away
Give a warm welcome to Anna Taylor Sweringen, Author of One Breath Away.
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Anna and One Breath Away.
Why did you choose the cover concept you did?
I had a fabulous cover artist named Angela Anderson. I wanted something to capture the erotic tone of the story and I think she did a great job by focusing on the heroine. I loved the look so much that I asked my publisher if they could come up with something similar for my next novella – although a stand alone – could have a look to tie them all together
Why should we read this book/series and what sets you apart from the rest and makes your book/series unique?
There’s African-American historical romance out there (Beverly Jenkins is my queen) and African-American Christian historical romance (the fantastic Piper Hugley), but mine may be the first African-American historical romances that are also a Christian erotic romance, i.e. is an erotic romance written from a liberal Christian worldview of sexuality.
Tell us something about yourself and allow us to get to know you
I’m a retired United Church of Christ and Presbyterian Church USA minister (hence the liberal Christian worldview) whose interest in romance and social justice have combined in the second chance romances I write. I grew up in the 60’s, shaped by Black is beautiful and a love for Black history.
What secret do you use to blast through writer’s block?
Listening to music. Sometimes classical provides the relaxation I need to start the muse flowing. Other times it’s the words of Gershwin or Cole Porter that stoke my imagination.
Why do you write what you write? Contemporary, paranormal, suspense, etc.
I’ve always loved history in general, but Black history in particular. As a minister I’ve witnessed the power of love and forgiveness. So when I started writing romance I wanted to write stories that shined a light on the history that has shaped me as an African-American while also emphasizing what I believe to be the power that has enabled African-Americans to survive and thrive.
SPEED ROUND FOR A LITTLE ADDED FUN:
Speed Round (one word only answer): Yep, I know torture for a writer!<evil laugh>
Favorite movie: Casablanca
Favorite book: Topaz
Last book read: Midnight
Favorite color: Purple
Stilettos or flipflops: Flipflops
Coffee or tea: Tea – Earl Gray
Ebook or audiobook or paperback: Paperback
Pencil or pen: Pencil
Favorite song: Always
Streak or not: Not
Favorite dessert: Pie
Favorite junk food: Smashmallows
Favorite thing to do to relax: Sleep
Champagne or gin: Champagne
Paranormal or Historical: Historical
Wonder Woman or Top Model: Wonder Woman
Favorite TV show: X-Files
Hot or cold: Hot
POV: Third
I’d die if I don’t have: Fun
Review or Not: Review
Tell us a little more about One Breath Away.
Sentenced to hang for a crime she didn’t commit, former slave Mary Hamilton was exonerated at literally the last gasp. She returns to Safe Haven, broken and resigned to live alone. She’s never been courted, cuddled or spooned, and now no man could want her, not when sexual satisfaction comes only with the thought of asphyxiation. But then the handsome stranger who saved her shows up, stealing her breath from across the room and promising so much more.
Wealthy, freeborn-Black, Eban Thurman followed Mary to Safe Haven, believing the mysteriously exotic woman was foretold by the stars. He must marry her to reclaim his family farm. But first he must help her heal, and to do that means revealing his own predilection for edgier sex.
A peak between the page of One Breath Away:
“Why not you, Mary?”
“Because someone like you only looks at someone like me out of pity.”
Of course. His aunt put him up to this. Anger warmed Mary’s ears.
“Let me go.” She made to pull away. “I want to sit.”
“Please. Not before the music stops.” He timed his plea to the rhythm of the waltz. “I’ve waited all week for this moment.”
Mary gritted her teeth. Heart hurt joined her injured pride. She needed no one’s charity.
“That was cruel of you, sir. No one counts the days until they can ask me for a dance.” Tears pooled behind her closed eyelids. “Anyone in town could tell you that.”
The grip on her hand tightened, forcing her eyes open. The light in his gaze darkened. “Anyone who’d lie to me like that would be taking their life in their hands.” He leaned in so his mouth nuzzled her ear again. “And if you use that I’m-not-worthy tone of voice again, I’ll be forced to prove you wrong with a kiss.”
Alarm shuddered up Mary’s back. “Is—is that a threat?”
“A certainty.” He winked.
A chilly thrill replaced the alarm. She blew out a breath to steady herself. Threat or certainty, both treated her to a delicious revelation—she wanted that kiss. She eyed his lips, imagined their soft yet demanding press against hers. Once more the voice of caution repeated its warning.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Oh, to be forced to flee from such a devil as he. She sighed. What a wonderful problem to have.
“May I visit you at Harvest Home?”
Eban’s voice overpowered her thoughts. She frowned out of her musing. “You know where I live?”
“I have an authoritative source.”
She glanced toward Widow Hawthorne who gave a favoring nod. That kiss no longer seemed a flight of fancy. Her belly quivered. Her lips pursed in a thoughtful pout.
“Why would I let you visit me at Harvest Home?”
“You know better than I.” He stroked the back of her hand as he eyed her throat. She swallowed hard as excitement and fear rippled across the flesh his thumb caressed. Her head swirled, whether from the dance or the danger posed by her partner she couldn’t tell. “It—it would cost too much to say.”
He bent his elbow, pulled her forward again. “Am I not worth the price?”
This time his chest crushed hers. The pressure imitated the closeness of that threatened kiss. A closeness she could no longer deny she desired. Would she let him? Should she let him? Her throat tightened.
“You’re worth the price, but I can’t afford you.”
He smiled that nether-lip-tickling smile again. “I accept gifts in kind.”
Buy links: The Wild Rose Press Amazon
About the Author:
Rev. Anna Taylor Sweringen writes erotic romance under the penname Michal Scott. History has been an old passion of hers. Romance a recent one. The opportunity to combine the two came in the publication of One Breath Away. Michal has been writing professionally since 2008 and belongs to the inspirational, gothic and erotic romance chapters of Romance Writers of America. An unexpected, but intriguing combination of genres for a retired minister.
Author Contact:
Website: www.michalscott.webs.com
Twitter: @mscottauthor1
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with One Breath Away!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged African-American, Anna Taylor Sweringen, Historical Romance, One Breath Away by Tena Stetler with 8 comments.
