Authorsday - Phyllis Campbell

Today I put Phyllis Campbell under the microscope. Check out how well she holds up.


When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I have been an avid reader of romance for several years…since 1987. I didn’t know I wanted to write until I started having movie-like dreams about romance. Then one day I decided to try. That’s all it took and now my muse won’t shut up. lol

How did you pick the genre you write in?

When I first started writing, it was modern-day stories, but I loved to read historicals. Kathleen Woodiwiss and Judith McNaught were my favorite authors, and because of their great stories, I learned all I could to write historical.

What drew you to the subject of Spanish Eyes?

A few years ago, I was an obsessed fan of Antonio Banderas. I would meet at my friend’s house every Wednesday to watch one of his movies. I realized I needed to write a story with him as my hero. That’s when I created Anton Carerra…my Spanish Hunk! Once I figured out his goals / motivation / conflict, I found the perfect heroine for him. The story took off and because of the adventure in the plot, I couldn’t stop writing.

Describe your book.
Not even disguises can deceive the heart.
In a world when women must fight for every right, Rebecca Wakefield is determined to become a Pinkerton Detective. Her plan? Capturing the notorious thief, Anton Carerra; a man known as much for his womanizing as he is for his brilliant criminal mind. Will he steal her heart, too?
Lady’s man, Anton Carrera is smitten with Rebecca from the very beginning. He wants nothing more than to seduce the stiff Miss Wakefield, until he learns she is investigating him for a crime he didn’t commit. She is innocent and naïve; convinced he is the villain her superiors have painted him. But her over-zealous determination places both of them in danger and he is forced to play the honorable rogue.
Sweeping her away to Padre Island off the coast of Spain seemed like a clever idea at the time. But how can he protect them both from his own uncle’s murderous games when Anton’s heart falls victim to a woman as full of independence as she is desire…

Also – check out the awesome book trailer! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUvcspphTjA


Did you encounter any obstacles in researching it?

No obstacles at all. I had to do some research on Spain and the towns surrounding their ports. I also had to look at pictures those towns in order to describe the places where my hero and heroine journeyed. It was fun!


How many rejections have you received?

Too many to count. Actually, I had counted them a few years ago, but then stopped once my three-inch binder became full. Keep in mind, I had more than one story being sent out at a time, which is another reason the binder is so full.

What was the best writing advice someone gave you?

To write what I love…and don’t give up. If it’s something I love doing, then keep at it until I’ve reached my dream. Every time I want to throw my hands in the air and say the hell with it…I remember this advice. Writing historicals is what I love…so I will keep trying to reach my dream.


What was the worst? Did you know it at the time?

Oh…I’ll never forget this one. I actually had a critique partner (who was part of a group I was with) tell me to stick to my contemporary stories…because I just didn’t have a historical voice. Funny thing is, when my first three historicals were published, all three were best sellers for several months in a row. PLUS review sites gave them all 5-stars and Recommended Reads. I’m soooo glad I didn’t follow this lady’s advice. Heehee


9. What do you consider your strengths in terms of your writing?

I happen to think I’m pretty good at writing emotion…and sexual tension. One reviewer labeled me Queen Of Sexual Tension. Then another reviewer picked up on it, then another…and now I use that as my signature line. I also think I’m pretty good at writing suspense since most of my stories have enough of it to keep the reader turning the pages.

10. What’s your favorite quote?

“Success is a finished book, a stack of pages each of which is filled with words. If you reach that point, you have won a victory over yourself no less impressive than sailing single-handed around the world.” ~~ Tom Clancy



Author Bio:

Phyllis Campbell is an award-winning, multi-published, and best-selling author with Champagne Books, The Wild Rose Press, and Bookstrand Publishing. Most of her reviewers have given her the title of “Queen Of Sexual Tension”. Married with kids (and three grandchildren), Phyllis has lived in Utah all of her life and enjoys family activities when she’s not writing her next sensual story. Visit her website at http://www.phyllismariecampbell.com/


Book Blurb:
Rebecca Wakefield is determined to become a Pinkerton Detective. She must capture the notorious thief, Anton Carerra; a man known as much for his womanizing as he is for his brilliant criminal mind. Will he steal her heart, too?
Lady’s man, Anton Carrera is smitten with Rebecca from the very beginning. He wants nothing more than to seduce the stiff Miss Wakefield, until he learns she is investigating him for a crime he didn’t commit. She is innocent and naïve, but her over-zealous determination places both of them in danger and he is forced to play the honorable rogue.
To purchase –
http://www.bookstrand.com/product-spanisheyes-15658-330.html

Or at Amazon’s Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/Spanish-Eyes-BookStrand-Publishing-ebook/dp/B002YLUXMS/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262464837&sr=1-7