Welcome to our New Faces column, where you can meet debut authors in the romance field. This time we're visiting with Rhonda Woodward, whose first book is A Spinster's Luck, now available from Signet Regency.

Rhonda, welcome to TRR! Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Arizona. I live in the urban desert of Phoenix with my husband and dog - and the occasional coyote and scorpion. I love it, but it's a far cry from Regency England, which is what I write about.

Are you coming to romance writing from another job?

I feel fortunate that I can write full time. Years ago, I owned my own business, but with the support and encouragement of my husband, family and friends I've been able to concentrate on my writing career. Despite the creative challenges of mentally living in two different centuries and deadlines, I have found nothing more satisfying - or thrilling - than writing romance.

What led you to write romance?

I've always been a voracious reader. There are more wonderful books in the world than I will ever have the chance to read, but somewhere along the way I developed a passion for telling stories-I try to write the kind of love story I would enjoy reading. Strong dialogue, realistic situations, a touch of humor and, of course, a happy, satisfying ending captures my attention and are the elements I try to build into my work.

Tell us about your road to publication.

Deep down, I always wanted to be published but it took me into my 30s to develop the confidence to put the desire into action. In 2000, I completed a manuscript that had taken more than two years to research and write. Then, I put it away and wouldn't let anyone look at it!

After my initial query letter, Signet/NAL requested the manuscript that fall, stating that I'd be hearing from them within six months. When it had been nearly a year and I hadn't heard anything (because the manuscript of A Spinster's Luck had actually been misplaced) I had just about given up hope. Last December, I received The Call - they liked my book and asked me to write two more! I've been writing practically non-stop since then.

What kind of research was involved for your first book?

I'm lucky I enjoy research! I read a lot of history books on the Regency era. Contemporary dairies, letters and maps were also a huge help.

Tell us about your debut book.

Celia Langston has resigned herself to the role of a spinster governess. The Duke of Severly, the brother of Celia's employer, has never paid attention to a lass below his station, let alone one past her prime. But when he notices that Celia looks down on him, he begins to regard her in a new light.

In the midst of her growing confusion concerning the rakish duke, Fate provides Celia an unexpected encounter with luck, and she suddenly has the chance to live a completely different life. Within the sophisticated innocence of the glittering Regency, can Celia and the duke learn to trust their own hearts and find the courage, despite social taboos, to love?

Who are your influences as a writer?

What a difficult question-there are so many! Here are the authors on my keeper shelves: Georgette Heyer, Mary Jo Putney, Edith Layton, Jayne Ann Krentz, Joan Wolf, Laura Kinsale and Sandra Heath.

In the last few years, this amazing crop of writers has emerged whose work I can't put down: Diane Farr, Gail Eastwood, Jaclyn Reding, Patricia Rice, Julia Quinn, Elizabeth Boyle, Elizabeth Powell, and Susannah Carleton.

And, those are only the first couple of shelves! But seriously, there are so many unique and superb voices in romantic fiction; I'm never at a loss for something excellent to read. This is another reason I love The Romance Reader. This site is such a valuable tool to use when looking for something new.

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

I haven't exactly been in their midst too much lately, as I've been barricaded in my office working on my third book. But they're all extremely supportive and have always said they knew I could do it. I'm not sure I always believed it myself, so their encouragement has been invaluable. A great result of becoming published is that my husband brings me lots of chocolate.

Tell us about plans for future books.

In May 2003, my next Regency for Signet, A Hint of Scandal, will be released. One of the secondary characters from A Spinster's Luck is the hero in my second work. Then in late 2003, my third Signet Regency is slated for release. I can't tell you what the title is yet, but if you keep checking my website, we should be able to announce it within the next month or two.

How can readers get in touch with you?

I love hearing from readers and will always have interesting contests going, new updates and an ever-growing collection of links. Just log on to: www.rhondawoodward.com and enter the current contest or jot me a note!

Rhonda, thanks for joining us and best of luck! Readers, we have a review of A Spinster's Luck in our Regency section.

January 2, 2003