Welcome to New Faces, where we are pleased to introduce some of the newest authors on the romance scene. This week we're delighted to feature Kristina Wright, whose debut category romance Dangerous Curves will be available in early February from Silhouette Intimate Moments.

Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in North Lauderdale, Florida, which is near Ft. Lauderdale. I've been married for eight years to a terrific guy who keeps my computer running and buys me chocolate when I've had a bad day. Jay is in the Navy, so his career has taken us to Virginia and South Carolina so far. We currently live near Charleston but we'll be moving in early 2000, destination unknown at the moment.

I don't have any children (yet) but my "kids" include one dog, three cats, one conure, five finches and a bunch of fish. Needless to say, I can't wait to move with this zoo!

I hold a B.A. in English Literature and I'm pursuing my M.A. I love photography, traveling, movies and reading (of course!). Things I do badly, but I still enjoy, include quilting and gardening.

Are you coming to romance writing from another job?

I've had a variety of jobs but my one true love has always been writing. Thanks to my wonderfully supportive husband, I have the luxury of writing full time and pursuing my dream. It hits me once in a while that I am doing the only thing I've ever really wanted to do. What a gift that is.

When I'm not writing books, I'm usually writing something else. I'm a book reviewer and writer for The Literary Times. I also review for Mystery Buff Magazine. I've written articles, interviews and essays for several publications. Last, but not least, I'm also a greeting card writer.

What led you to write romance?

I started out reading romance in the sixth grade (shhh, don't tell my mother!). I drifted away from the genre in high school and turned to suspense, mystery and horror. I "found" romance again in the early 90s, although I still like my romance with a dash of suspense and mystery.

Tell us about your road to publication.

Like a lot of people, I talked for years about writing a book. But I didn't take the leap and start writing book length fiction until the summer of 1995. My first book was western historical (as yet unpublished). My second book was DANGEROUS CURVES, a contemporary romantic suspense. I got "the call" seventeen days before my 31st birthday-- what a wonderful present that was!! All told, it took me two years and eight months from the time I started writing novel length fiction to the day I sold.

I have only entered four contests, but two of those proved to be turning points in my career. I was a finalist in the Windy City Romance Writers Four Seasons Awards and my editor was a final round judge. She wrote a note on my entry asking me to submit DANGEROUS CURVES if I thought it was appropriate for the Intimate Moments line. I did! Shortly after that contest, I found out I was a Golden Heart finalist. I had the rare opportunity to tell the Silhouette editor who judged my category that I couldn't send her DANGEROUS CURVES as she requested because it was already with another Silhouette editor. That was pretty neat.

When I won the Golden Heart for Best Romantic Suspense in 1997, my editor told me she hoped I'd have my first sale by 1998. Eight months after the conference in Orlando, she bought DANGEROUS CURVES.

I can honestly say that I don't know what I would do without my incredible critique group. We all write different types of books (and have very different backgrounds) and I think that's really helped my own writing. It is wonderful to share the writing experience with people who understand the process. They've been there for me every step of the way-- with support, encouragement and a kick in the pants when I needed it most.

What kind of research was involved for your first book?

DANGEROUS CURVES is set in my home state of Florida, so that part didn't require much research except to refresh my memory about road names. I did do research on alligators, drugs and their side effects, the Florida Keys, airplanes and flying, the FBI and cancer. It's funny how most of the things I had to research play a very small part in my book. But I think these are the kinds of details that bring a story to life.

Who are your influences as a writer?

My reading has always been eclectic and I think my writing interests reflect this. I grew up reading Phyllis Whitney, Barbara Michaels and Mary Stewart. Today I love Jayne Ann Krentz, Tess Gerritsen, Karen Robards, Stella Cameron, Linda Lael Miller, Debra Cowan, Christiane Heggan, Susan Krinard and Sandra Brown, just to name a few.

Outside the genre, I adore Dean Koontz and I still have a crush on Stephen King. I'll read anything by Carl Hiaasen, Edna Buchanan, Iris Johansen, Sue Grafton, Anne Lamott, Tami Hoag, Rita Mae Brown and Barbara Michaels. I'm also a big Dave Barry fan.

Finally, I think everything you could ever want to know about relationships and the human psyche can be learned by reading William Shakespeare.

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

I think my husband likes the idea that he's married to a romance novelist. It makes for some interesting conversations at work. I'm not sure what other family members will think when they read my books. We'll see!

Tell us about plans for future books.

I am working on a number of projects, including several ideas for Silhouette.

How can readers get in touch with you?

Readers can write me at: P.O. Box 50385, Summerville, SC 29485-0385 Or send e-mail to: KristinaCW@aol.com

Kristina, thanks and best of luck! Readers, check out our review of Dangerous Curves.

February 3, 1999