I am delighted to be speaking with Meagan Hatfield today. Thanks for chatting with us today Meagan and welcome to FAR!

Thanks, Tammy! I am delighted to be here.

To start, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Sure! I was born in LA, but grew up in Orange County, California. Being an only child, essentially raised by my grandparents, I had A LOT of free time on my hands. I gobbled up every book I could get my hands on, and watched movies constantly. Ever since I was little, whenever I would read a book or watch a movie, I always wanted to add new characters, change scenes–sometimes even the ending. I wrote my first, (and only) Young Adult novel in the ninth/tenth grade, and enjoyed everything about the process of writing. But, my main passion had always been for dance. I actually went to college as a dance major. It wasn’t until after I to married, had my kids, and settled in Wisconsin that I tried my hand at writing again. Now, I can’t stop. I write in pretty much every genre, and all under my name - fantasy, historical, paranormal, contemporary and erotica.

Something’s you might not know about me, and maybe don’t want to know, but I’m going to say them anyway...

I love the Lord of the Rings, and have a raging, Legolas problem that I explore it in my fantasy romance novel, “A Magical Encounter.” I am obsessed with France, (and French men), even though I’ve never been there. And yes, I delve into that fantasy as well, with my hot historical romance novel, The Marquis & the Mistress.

I am addicted to You Tube, and Myspace.

Speaking of addictions, I go into withdrawals in approximately 6.5 hours if I can’t check my e-mail, and it’s physically impossible for me to go into a bookstore without buying at least two books. Just ask my husband—he will vouch for me on both counts.

I love Tae-Bo, and have been doing it for over ten years. In 2001, I met Billy Blanks, and taped a video at NBC Studios, Burbank, which was another dream come true. Currently, I work part time at a health club, and spend my days at home with my youngest, writing up all these crazy stories that come into my head.

From what do you derive the most inspiration for your writing?

Um...hot men? *grins*

Seriously, I get ideas from anywhere and everywhere...my dreams, movies, playing pretend with my kids...heck the muse is a fickle creature and can strike just about anywhere. I got the idea for my current paranormal romance, Eternal Love, while getting my daughter ready for the bus. You just never know. Why I always carry a notebook or my AlphaSmart along.

Do you feel as if the characters live with you as you write?

Yes, definitely! Sometimes, they won't even let me sleep. They keep badgering me to tell their story. Some of them, especially the secondary characters, refuse to believe their story is over. Long after I submit, sell or even publish something, they still keep nagging me. Hmm, I guess they are like family then, eh? :-)

Can you tell us about your current release Claiming The Lamb?

Claiming The Lamb, is an erotic paranormal romance novella, included in the Jaded Beasts IV digest by Midnight Showcase. It is the fourth in a six digest set. Each book features four authors, telling stories that revolve around the Chinese Horoscope, and the precious stone, Jade. I didn't know much about the Chinese horoscope, but I did know the last thing I wanted to hear when given this erotic story to write, was that it had to involve a sheep. Yikes! Thankfully, I found a way to tie it in, by making the theme of the heroine's art collection be the 'Year of the Sheep.' Phew! LOL! Here is a small blurb.

For three hundred years, Dragon Lord, Lachlan Black, and his brothers have fought against the evil vampire queen. Yet, he now stands alone. One by one, he has watched her minions destroy his family—taking the precious artifacts they guarded with their lives. Alone, these jade charms wield no power. But together the owner could control all of his Dragon kind—bend their will to wreak havoc on either’s world. When one of the artifacts somehow falls into the hands of a human woman, Lachlan’s only desire is to retrieve it. However, the more time he spends with his unwilling captive, the more she sparks his flame of desire into a burning need to possess not only her relic, but her.

I just finished the sequel to this story, called Enchanting the Demon, dealing with a secondary character from CTL who wouldn't leave me alone.

What does your working space look like?

Now that we moved in our new house, I have an office, which I LOVE. The walls are lined with books, filing cabinets, posters, charts and project information. It's nice, cozy and all mine! It sits off the kitchen, which anyone with kids knows is the hub of the house - LOL! I can keep track of the dog, the cat, and the kids and still write. I love it!

When did you start writing with the intent to publish?

I wrote my first novel, A Magical Encounter - coming soon from Mardi Gras Publishing, simply because I had to. My Grandfather had been like a father to me. He read to me every night before bed and instilled my love of books. After he passed, I internalized everything, and wrote as a way to deal with my grief. However, after I finished it, I realized I wanted to see it published. I joined RWA in Feb. 2005, my local chapter a few months later, and then a couple of online groups. I took online classes, bugged anyone who would put up with me on loops about the business, went to my first conference that summer, and began submitting my story, later that year. So, I guess the long answer to your question, would be 2 years.

Will you give us a glimpse of your upcoming novel, A Magical Encounter?

Okay, we're back to my raging Legolas problem I see. *grins* From a reader's standpoint, I went looking for romance books with more of an Elvish twist. I'd always wondered what would happen to that stoic elf prince's resolve if a willful and beautiful woman had been tossed into the mix. When I couldn't find what I was looking for, I wrote it! The book is kind of hard to categorize because it reads like a historical/medieval, but is definitely fantasy/paranormal as well. Here's a blurb:

Since his wife's murder, nigh a century ago, Elfin warrior Hanarom Avindaul's life has been an endless quest for peace. One he feels is becoming more impracticable each day. Still, he accepts a proposal of alliance with a band of men in a desperate attempt to decimate an evil clan known as dwellers, terrorizing both races. Not long after beginning his journey through the forest to join them, he comes to the aid of an obstinate, yet disarming maiden. He's been fighting for others for so long he'd all but forgotten he had needs—until she enters his world. He quickly realizes this latest endeavor will be like no other set before him. But, never could he have foretold how deeply the pain he senses within her, the first time he sets eyes on her, would haunt and consume his immortal soul.

Kaiya Galbraith had always known her father, the duke, harbored no love for her. But she never fathomed him capable of covertly bartering her life away to a stranger, in return for coin to pay off his debtors. Her dreams of love appeared lost forever. Until she is rescued by a being she's only ever seen in her dreams. Kaiya finds herself reacting to this elf prince as if he uses magic on her. Strong magic, that sends her heart aflutter at just a glance her way. Not only is he handsome beyond description, but when an evil clan ambushes their camp, he plucks her from imminent death into the safe shelter of his arms. A place she discovers, she's all too eager to stay. When the flames of passion ignite between these forbidden lovers, will the bond they forge endure? Or, will her procurer's horrendous plotting, and their insurmountable mortal differences prove too much for their magical love to withstand?

Do you have any special rituals to help you get in the mood to write?

No, not really. I find myself more creative when not propped in front of the computer screen. So, I tend to write free hand, with colored pens. I wrote the majority of A Magical Encounter, in a 5 subject notebook, while playing on the floor with my son, (then 1 1/2 - 2 years old). Heck, I even penned a chapter of my historical novel at the DMV! LOL! Of course, I regret all of this when the time comes to transfer it to the computer, but oh well.

Oh, a glass of wine does help one "get into the mood" when penning erotic love scenes, though. *winks*

Since everybody needs a break, even when doing something they love, how do you like to spend your time away from writing?

I like to workout. If I'm having problem's thinking, or focusing, I'll put in a Tae-bo tape, or run to the gym for a quick workout. It always helps clear my mind. My "To be read" shelves are overflowing with excellent reads, so it's always a bonus to pick one of them up. Then, I love hanging out with my family, or going to dinner or the bar with my friends.

You have 3 wishes, what are they?

For a chance to hug my Grandparents, and tell them, I love them, one last time.

To go to the RT Convention this year with my buddies.

To win the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. I've been entering that thing since I was 13...Ed McMahon owes me!! LOL!

Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?

Of course! There is nothing better than knowing your story touched someone enough to write you, even if it's just a sentence. That's what it's all about.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us today?

First, I would like to thank everyone at Fallen Angel Reviews, for all of your hard work here. It's a great resource for writers and readers alike.

Second, I have a Yahoo Newsletter Group, called - A Little Bit of Magic. Once you're signed up, you'll receive automatic entry into all of my contests, which run about one every three months. I give away everything from LOTR goodies, books and arc's to chocolate!

My fantasy romance short story, Ember’s Desire, is available in the Blue Moon Magic anthology from Highland Press. Claiming the Lamb, my erotic paranormal, came out in October 2006 from Midnight Showcase. This year, I have a contemporary romance novella slotted in the Dance en L'air anthology from Highland Press, and a Torrid Teaser called "The Whole Enchilada contracted with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid. I'm also working on finding my historical romance, The Marquis & The Mistress and my paranormal, Eternal Love homes. *You know - in case any editors are reading this* lol! Feel free to stop by my website to learn more about me or my books.

Oh, I almost forgot...I have bookmarks, brochures, magnets, postcards, etc. If anyone wants some goodies, just e-mail me with your snail mail and I'll pop something in the mail for you!

Thanks for being here today Meagan. Readers be sure to check out Meagan's website. Visit her at Myspace or at Coffeetime Romance

Interviewed by: Tammy