Like a lot of readers I have a tendency to “collect” authors. Being a huge fan of the Harlequin Historical line, it should be no surprise then that I have several lengthy backlists sitting in my TBR pile. One of those authors is Jillian Hart, and it was during a conversation with Sybil a while back that she mentioned how much she enjoyed her HH titles. That was enough for me. I pulled out my copy of The Horseman and fell desperately, hopelessly in love. As part of TGTBTU’s month-long spotlight on Harlequin Historicals, Ms. Hart agreed to sit down to an interview. Enjoy!

Wendy the Super Librarian: Like a lot of writers, you mention in your bio that you “scribbled stories in your spare time.” When did you get “serious” about your writing, and look towards publication as a goal? How long did it take from when you got “serious” to your first sale?

Jillian Hart: I think it took me about five years after I made the serious decision to work towards publication. Although I do think it was all that scribbling over the years that made a difference when I decided to get serious. I was very fortunate to land at Harlequin Historicals. I am deeply grateful to the editors who bought me and who taught me so much about writing. Those editors and the line hold a dear place in my heart.

WtSL: You have a deep and impressive backlist, with your McKaslin Clan series being a big cornerstone. When you wrote that first book, did you imagine the series would take on a life of its own? Did you plan it that way, or was it a happy accident?

JH: When I wrote that first book, I had no idea that the heroine’s sisters, and, later, cousins would became the McKaslin Clan. I loved writing that book, some books are just closer to your heart than others, and I wanted to go back and revisit that family. When I submitted the proposal for the sisters’s books, Joan Marlow Golan, who is now the executive editor of Steeple Hill books, named the series The McKaslin Clan. I would not have the same backlist and writing opportunities without Joan’s support and guidance, along with my own wonderful editor and the line’s supportive senior editor. I am very grateful to all three of them. So, nope, I had no idea what I was getting in to when I wrote the first McKaslin story, but it was (as you say perfectly) a happy accident. 🙂

WtSL: I think you wrote one of the quintessential beta heroes in Dillon Hennessey (The Horseman). That being said, I remember wanting Nick Gray in High Plains Wife to grovel to the point where his knees were bloody stumps! You obviously have no problem creating divergently different characters! Can you tell us a little bit about your process for creating your characters?

JH: My process for creating characters is very simple. I don’t create them as much as I let them come to me. Sounds a little weird, doesn’t it? I mostly start with a kernel or truth – just one that is powerful or defining, let it simmer, add to it, and let it simmer some more. It often takes a couple of these kernels before I begin to truly feel a character and hear their distinctive voice. For Dillon’s character, I liked the idea of a strong, good man who was shy. After letting this mull, I realized a man like that might be gifted with horses; he might work with his heart and not with force and treat others that way too. I let that simmer. And so on. I guess I try to find what makes the character unique and an individual, regardless of type or role, and do my best to get him on the page. And thanks for your kind words.

WtSL: I was blown away by your publication schedule for the rest of 2008 (5 books and an anthology story)! Is this the busiest writing year on record for you or did everything just fall into place for 2008?

JH: It was definitely my busiest writing year at Harlequin on record! Yikes. I’m grateful to my editors for being so enthusiastic in their scheduling, and I had the best time of my writing career. I put in quite a few long work days, but I got to meet some characters I fell in love with and stories I was transported to. Not surprisingly, I’ve taken a few months off completely, and have just started back to work. My 2009 year is much lighter!

WtSL: I have to ask, because Sybil and I are such big fans of your Harlequin Historical writing. Lately you’ve been very busy writing for Harlequin’s inspirational Love Inspired line. Any plans to return to HH?

JH: I actually have never technically left Harlequin Historical, although it looks like it since I haven’t had a book out in ages. I worked myself into burn-out. Not good. I know! I didn’t see it coming and then it was like hitting a wall. There were no words left. I was devastated. My editors were wonderful. They amended my contract giving me time to recover and contracted me for shorter anthology stories, which were meant not to be too taxing. I was able to write contemporary stories, which was a great relief. I was still writing, so I knew the historical words would come back. It was just a matter of resting that part of my writing muscle. When I was asked to write for the new Love Inspired historical line, I couldn’t say no. The editors, knowing of my burn-out, were exceedingly patient and generous when I went past my deadline, but the words were coming, so that was at least good. I feel like I’m through the worst, but I’m keeping my historical schedule very light for the next few years. I have two more anthologies coming out for HH, one scheduled for next spring and one undetermined. Both will be Brooks brothers stories. After I finish my current contract, we’ll see what the future holds. I will always want to write for HH. Like I said, the line is dear to me.

WtSL: Given that you’ve written contemporary inspirational stories, and historical romances, how excited were you when Harlequin announced plans for their Love Inspired Historical line?

JH: Very. I had been hoping for a line like that ever since Love Inspired was launched over ten years ago. I had several stories that felt too sweet for HH that I had never written, but wanted to. It was a perfect fit for those stories.

WtSL: Tell us a little bit about the books readers can expect from Jillian Hart this summer.

JH: I have the continuation of the series 3 McKaslin Clan out in June and August. Her Wedding Wish is Danielle’s story, and Her Perfect Man is Rebecca’s. I loved writing those stories for different reasons. It was a challenge to write Danielle’s story because of her husband’s disabilities and the sadness of a man not being able to remember his wife and his children. Her Perfect Man was fun, taking me back to a time when I worked at a summer day camp when I was a college student. High Country Bride is a July release from Love Inspired Historicals, and I totally fell in love with the hero, Aidan. The sample chapters will be up on my website soon if you want to take a peek.

Thanks for taking the time to interview me.

WtSL: Thank you Jillian!