Sit down Saturday with Dana Mentink

Today we’re celebrating Sailing in Style. 

So, Dana Mentink, where did you get the idea for this novel?
I went sailing! Well, not really. I visited the historic River King paddlewheel boat which is permanently docked in Sacramento. It doesn't sail, but it screams "write a story about me!" 

Is it a standalone? Or part of a series?
            It's the second of the Love by Design series. The first is Return to Pelican Inn which features Cy's sister Rosa. 

How long did it take you to write?
            I'd say about four months or so. 



In looking at the cover, if you could add a caption, what would it say?
It would say, "Do you enjoy a fun and frothy read? Come sail away with me! 

What is your favorite scene?
            Probably the one where Cy's father nearly drowns in the ocean. I know that sounds bad, but there's so much emotion and love in that scene. I cried writing it and reading it! It counterbalances all the zaniness a bit. 

Who was your favorite character and why?
           I'd have to say Baggy the dog. He's a misshapen, malformed mutt that captures everyone's heart!

Tell us one thing you learned during research?
The Delta King has a sister ship, the Delta Queen. They were both launched in 1927 here in California and the Queen still sails in the Mississisppi. 

This is your twentieth novel for Harlequin. Exactly what does that mean to you?
         It's mind blowing but I couldn't POSSIBLY be old enough to have written twenty plus books, can I? 

What are you working on now?
            I'm writing romantic suspense for Love Inspired and a series of dog themed romances for Harvest House. Thanks for chatting with me! http://amzn.to/1K29uB9



Comments

  1. Sorry this "saturday" feature actually went up Sunday! I'm a dork!

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  2. You're not a dork! You got it up here, and I doubt I could have done that! :-) I just hafta say...every time I see this gorgeous, curiosity-inducing cover, I want to grab my deck shoes and hop onto the nearest boat...with a copy of the book tucked into my tote bag! Have a great week, Dana!

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  3. Awww, thanks for the grace, Loree. Hope you have an amazing Sunday!

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  4. Dana, I was going to say, sorry that I missed this yesterday. I'm just starting to read this book. Love being able to go on with past characters.

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  5. Dana - I love romps! I love that part of California and paddle wheels. We have a couple that stop here and I'm so tempted to stow away. Is the dog baggy, hence the name? Am working on AAs for November book, so the thought of a lighthearted story puts me in another frame of mind. Thank you! Happy Sunday! Hope the book is outrageously successful.

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    1. Dear Baggy was left in a bag on the step of a pet shop, hence the name. Thanks for asking, Muriel!

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  6. I started reading Sailing in Style too like Roz Denny Fox. I usually cover my paperbacks with book covers, but that cover is so eye-catching I just like to look at it. I'm glad to see the reappearance of Baggy the dog. And poor Cy. Congratulations on your 20th Harlequin book Dana. I really enjoy your books....including the love-inspired suspense ones. ( :

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    1. Thanks very much, Laurie. You are very kind. :)

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  7. Happy 20th book! It sounds like one of the best ones yet :)

    And I love Sit-down Saturdays on Sundays. No worries!

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    1. Thank you, Amy, and thanks for the blog reminder. Better late than never! :)

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  8. Congratulations on your 20th book, Dana! Wow! I love this cover! I look forward to reading this. :)

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