With us today is Angela Hart, AKA Cynthia Lawrence, well known author of such tales as The Gathering, Crystal Legacy, Reluctant Heart, Impetuous Heart, Beyond the Threshold, and Dream Shadow.

Thank you, Mrs. Hart, for being with us today.


Your site says you've recently signed with the Baker Literary Agency. I'm sure many of us are wondering how difficult it was for you to accomplish this goal. Could you tell us a bit more about how this came to be?

A twist of fate is the only way to explain how I came to be with BLA. I'm also an artist and was contacted by James Baker to do an oil painting for his wife. Imagine my surprise when he turned out to be a literary agent! Of course, I rattled on about my writing and the poor man either had to suggest I send him something or be cornered for the rest of his life. A few weeks later, I had a contract. However, this is not how it usually works and I've had agents in the past, during my first stint with writing. Let's just say I could paper the walls with the rejections before I ever received an acceptance.

What works have you contracted with them so far?

BLA placed THE DARKNESS WITHIN with Treble Heart books. It will be coming out in print 2005. However, from that came an audio contract for a series of three books based on TDW. They are also due out in 2005.

BLURB for TDW: Within the spiritual realm events have been set in motion that could trigger Armageddon. Locked in Brie's memory resides the key that will lead her and Jake Marlo to the recovery of his missing niece and the revelation that will alter the course of supernatural warfare.

You have so many great works can you pin down just one as your favorite?

Thank you for that great compliment! It is difficult to decide which one is my favorite, but I'm leaning toward THE GATHERING. Perhaps because it was the first book that broke through, but more so because Geena Ryan, the heroine, spoke to my heart. I have been asked to create a series based on that work for audio as well. I haven't received a contract as yet, but I can't wait to get started on it.

You cross genres, and do it well, but some of us would like to know how difficult it is to do?

When you have Sybil tendencies, it is very easy. *crossing eyes* LOL Seriously, I love so many genres that it is difficult to confine myself to one. Being with BLA, though, forces me to focus on thrillers because that is what is hot right now. However, it's not a problem, since once I'm into the book, the characters tell me what to do.

Have any of your works, so far, been difficult to write?

My current project, which deals with bondage, is somewhat difficult because I have to reach into myself for emotions I'd rather leave untapped. However, for that very reason, I think this work has helped me evolve as a writer. Since it hasn't been contracted yet, I can't give you more information then its tentative title, STEEL EMBRACE.

Have any of them been easy?

DREAM SHADOWS just flowed right out of me. Violet Haze, the heroine, in all her impish bravado took control of my brain and wouldn't let go until I finished the story. I don't think I'm through with Violet and her Lord Ash. There might be a sequel.

Your site says you've been married for over 25 years...can you tell us what your husband thought when you said you wanted to be a writer?

God love him, he went out and bought me a Selectric typewriter, and told me to go for it. Then after a writing instructor told him I had talent, he surprised me with a computer. He has always been very supportive of my endeavors. Either that or he fears I won't ever make him another meal. The man, for all his wonderful traits, can't boil water. lol

I see you teach home-schoolers creative writing and art. Is this something you did with your own family?

No, my daughter went through the school system, but one of my best buds home-schools. She asked me to conduct a class one day, word got around and if I didn't balance out my life so carefully, I could teach just about every day.

Tell us more about your alter-ego, Cynthia Lawrence?

Cynthia writes contemporary romance. She is the sane and realistic part of my nature, and she has pretty much gone into hiding, for I prefer writing thrillers, fantasies and supernatural works more. However, one never knows what will happen in the future. My characters have a will of their own and whom-ever screams the loudest gets their story told.

Thank you, Angela, for your time today. If you'd like to visit Angela or Cynthia, you may do so here, www.angelicahart.us.

Thank you so much for contacting me for this interview. I truly enjoyed discussing my work. See you in book land.

Interviewed by:
Mary