Welcome to our New Faces column,where we are dellighted to introduce some of the newest authors on your romance bookshelves. This issue we are visiting with Edwina Martin-Arnold, whose new book Eve's Prescription is a Genesis Press release.

Edwina, welcome to TRR! Tell us about yourself.

I was born in San Antonio, Texas, and I was raised in Washington State. I received my Bachelor's Degree from the University of Washington, and I received my Law Degree from the University of Puget Sound (UPS). We had to wear brown uniforms to class...you know like the United Parcel Service (smile!). Not really, but I've been teased a lot about the name. Now, I live in Des Moines, Washington with my husband and three kids.

Are you coming to romance writing from another job?

I was a city and county prosecutor for a number of years before I came home to spend more time with the family. I still find myself in court about once a year, representing family and friends. Also, I help out when my husband needs me to work in one of the businesses. We own the Philadelphia Fevre mentioned in Eve's Prescription, and sometimes I help out there. So I don't always get to spend as much time as I would like writing.

What led you to write romance?

I've been enthralled with romance books as long as I can remember. My older sister and I shared a room when we were young, and she used to read harlequins out loud before we went to sleep. It was always a fantasy of mine to write a romance book. I remember when I left the Prosecutor's Office, they all asked me what I was going to do, and I told them, "I'm going to write a romance novel." First, they'd look stunned, and then they would laugh and laugh. Now, they're all very proud of me.

Tell us about your road to publication.

It was a year long battle. After my manuscript was written, I spent nine months sprucing it up and trying to get an agent. Along the way, I met Noreen Brownley who's from Seattle. She published nine romance books in the eighties and nineties. Anyway, she tutored me and helped me put the book in the format the publishers would want to see. Thanks to her help, I had very little editing to do when the time came. Tired of trying to get an agent, I sent my manuscript directly to the publishing houses. Genesis Press bit, and I must say, they have been a joy to work with.

What kind of research was involved for your first book?

The herione is a prosecutor, something I already knew about, so that part came easy. To develop the hero's character, I spoke to firefighters, searched the internet, and spent time in the library.

Who are your influences as a writer?

I love Bertrice Small. I have been reading her books since I was sixteen. If I ever learn to write as well as she does, I'll really be doing something. I also love Beverly Jenkins, Donna Hill, and Rochelle Alers. I love the story lines and character development. All of these ladies give me something to shoot for.

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

My kids are young. They think it's neat and kind of funny. My husband is very supportive and proud as a peacock. He developed my website at www.edwinamartin-arnold.com. Our friends like to tease him, and ask if he's the test model for the love scenes. He just smiles and doesn't answer.

Tell us about plans for future books.

I'm currently working on my second book. I'm about two thirds done, and I expect to be signing a contract with Genesis Press for that manuscript very soon. Hopefully, the contracts will keep coming.

How can readers get in touch with you?

I can be reached through my email edwina@arnoldnetwork.com, or at my websight www.edwinamartin-arnold.com.

Edwina, best of luck with your future books! Readers, we have a review of Eve's Prescription on our Contemporary page.

May 29, 2000