Pam Mantovani

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

My husband and I enjoy DIY projects and gardening. I always hesitate to say I quilt, because I don't do the piecework. Instead I like coming up with designs to hand-stitch on the top. And, of course, I usually have a couple of books I'm reading

When and why did you start writing books?

I've always been a reader and when I was younger, whenever I'd finish a book, I'd think "I wish I could write". It quite simply never occurred to me to try. Then, after we moved due to my husband's job, I literallly took pencil to notepad and wrote a few lines. That was it, I was hooked.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I think, writing took me on. It's provided me not only a creative outlet but it's given me numerous opportunities to grow as a person and to meet the most fabulous people who have changed the way I look at myself.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

I think there are 2 - The Rancher's Replacement Wife and The Christmas Baby Bargain. The Rancher's Replacement Wife pretty much wrote itself and I'm a sucker for anything and all things Christmas.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

I think Cowboy To Her Rescue....I'd written the book, submitted it and then was floored when my editor pretty much told me to write the whole thing over again. With this being the 3rd book in my Cowboys of Burton Springs series, I think I slipped into the bad habit of relying too much on characters from previous books and didn't focus enough on Syndey and Ryland, the heroine and hero of this book. However, I am so pleased with the revised book, and truly believe it's a much stronger storyline.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Nora Roberts, hands down....anything and everything she writes. The last book of hers that I read that has stuck with me is The Awakening. There were aspects of the heroine's character and journey that struck me deep in the heart.

What book are you reading right now?

Pack Up The Moon by Kristan Higgins....it's beautifully written, full of heartache balanced by humor

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

It's the characters. I can't think of a book I've written that didn't start with the characters. Then, I try to figure out what's the conflict, what's the attraction.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Reading, quilting, DIY...notice no where do I mention cooking or cleaning

Do you have any new books in the works?

I've just turned into my editor the 4th book in my Cowboy series, and have started another...along with the vague idea for yet another.