Welcome to New Faces, where we're pleased to introduce debut romance authors. This week we welcome Teresa Carpenter, whose category romance The Baby Due Date is available now from Silhouette Special Edition. Let's meet Teresa.

Tell us about yourself.

I'm a native Californian, 5th generation, and I've lived here all my life. My education includes some college. I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers, lots of nieces and nephews, though no children of my own. We're a real close family though so I get to spend time with the kids then send them home, the best of both worlds.

Are you coming to romance writing from another job?

In my other life, I'm in the mortgage banking business, which means when I'm not creating and developing dreams for my characters, I'm helping real life people with their real life dream of owning their own home.

What led you to write romance?

I've read romances for as long as I can remember. Started in middle school and never stopped. I decided I wanted to try to write one myself during the 1980's glut, when the quantity outdid the quality, and I finally figured I could do better than this. Well, hopefully I accomplished that, but only after learning my craft for about 13 years!

Tell us about your road to publication.

I received encouragement from very early on. In fact when I looked back on my career, I only received an outright rejection once and then the editor asked to see any other work I had. I immediately sent out what became my book, THE BABY DUE DATE. But not for that editor, she had to turn my story down because it had too much emotion for her line! She did refer me on to other possible lines, one of which was Special Edition which eventually bought the book. I'm in a great critique group of seven wonderful writers. I'm the third in our group to publish since we started meeting and another of the members had published previously so now over half the group is published authors.

What kind of research was involved for your first book?

I had to research the procedures for artificial insemination, but I used very little of the data because I wanted to keep the details intentionally vague. The book is set in San Diego where I live so little research was needed there, but I did go to Sea World to refresh my memory as to what was where, then cut back on those details too. Oh well.

Who are your influences as a writer?

I'm a great fan of Linda Howard, Jayne Ann Krenz and Nora Roberts. I've actually had my writing likened to Nora Roberts (I wish) and Danielle Steele if you can believe that wide spectrum. Probably something specific in my writing caught these readers attention. But I can aspire.

What does your family think of having a romance author in their midst?

They are so proud they're about to burst their buttons.

Tell us about plans for future books.

I've had a proposal into my editor that she's shown great interest in, but she had some questions she wanted answered so I've been reworking the synopsis. I'll be sending that back to her tomorrow. It's the story of a big city homicide cop turned small town sheriff and the nurturing woman who heals his emotional wounds and teaches him to love.

How can readers get in touch with you?

They can reach me through Silhouette Books or at my email address, teresa.carpenter5@gte.net

Thanks, Teresa, and best of luck! Readers, check out our review of The Baby Due Date.

July 20, 1999