THE WRITE PATH with Haley Whitehall

The Write Path – Haley Whitehall

In this series, authors discuss their books, from what inspired them to what they hope readers take away from their work. My guest today is Haley Whitehall, author of historical fiction and romance.

Let me hand over my mic. The next voice you’ll hear will be Haley’s.

1. What is Wild and Tender Care about?

Wild and Tender Care is my first historical western romance. It takes place in Colorado Territory in 1870. Dr. William Steere is a half-breed and is finding a hard time starting his own medical practice because of all the racial prejudice against Indians. He meets Ida Page at the Independence Day picnic and immediately has feelings for the fiery redhead. Ida is a former shady lady turned laundress. She reformed but the good Christians won’t let her forget her sordid past. Will the town let the two outcasts have their happy ending?

2. What do you think attracts readers to your main characters?

Both of my main characters have had a rough childhood and have more or less learned to be independent and look out for themselves. Underdogs always appeal to me but may not appeal to everyone.

Dr. Steere is an alpha male who is also charming and caring. Alpha males have always been a favorite with romance readers and I hope they will also like seeing his softer side. Ida is a strong-willed woman. Writers always put themselves into their characters, but she has more of my qualities than most. She has taken her tough lot in life without becoming bitter and just keeps fighting for her respect and place in society. I like a feisty heroine who makes the hero chase her.

3. What message do you hope the reader takes away from your book?

My message developed naturally as I wrote this book. I never really set out to tell a story with a specific theme or message in mind. The characters seem to find those out on their own. My message is do not give up on love. There is someone out there for everyone and the right someone will accept your past, faults and all.

4. What was it about your book that made you so determined it should be published?

I thought the message in Wild and Tender Care is one that many people need to hear. I was also tired of reading about strong alpha males who seem more like jerks than heroes in a romance novel. Dr. Steere is my kind of alpha. He is equally strong and caring. I think more romances need to show the tender side of alpha males.

5. Comparing the ideas you had before writing the book with the finished product, would you change anything if you could travel back in time?

There are a few passages which are still a little awkward. After several rounds of editing all the words seem to blend together and it is only after the book is published when I see the remaining flaws. I would like one more editing pass to clean it up, but really I am very pleased with this story and how it turned out.

Buy Links:
Liquid Silver Books ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Barnes and Noble ~ ARe

Author Bio:
Haley Whitehall lives in Washington State where she enjoys all four seasons and the surrounding wildlife. She writes historical fiction and historical romance set in the 19th century U.S. When she is not researching or writing, she plays with her cats, watches the Western and History Channels, and goes antiquing. She is hoping to build a time machine so she can go in search of her prince charming. A good book, a cup of coffee, and a view of the mountains make her happy. Visit Haley’s website at haleywhitehall.com.

Other Historical Romance Titles:

Midnight Caller (Moonlight Romance, Book 1)
Midnight Heat (Moonlight Romance, Book 2)
Midnight Kiss (Moonlight Romance, Book 3)
Soldier in Her Lap

Where to find Haley Whitehall:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/HaleyWhitehall
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LightonHistory
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5752677.Haley_Whitehall
Blog: http://haleywhitehall.com/blog/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Haley-Whitehall/e/B0078EO6CE/
Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/HaleyWhitehall