Rosemary Heim is one of Harlequin Intrigue’s newest authors. Her book Memory Reload is scheduled to be released in April 2004.

What’s your book called?
The title originally was Moonshot Memories. That was changed during the publication process. They asked for new title suggestions, I provided them with a (long) list and they selected MEMORY RELOAD.

Where did you get the idea for Memory Reload?This idea has been floating for a few years. In fact, the initial inspiration was the TV series Magnum, PI. I wrote a script for a story that popped into my head. Years later, that story morphed into its present form.

Do you get all your ideas from TV?
No. I was just really into Magnum PI at the time so when the scene came to me, that was the medium I chose to write in. That’s how most of my stories seem to begin – as a scene I get to explore.

How often do you write during a week?
You don’t really want me to answer this one.

Yes, I do.
I write in streaks. I’ve been most productive during Book In A Week. Then I take a break & edit, then write another block in one fell swoop.

Have you worked with a mentor, critique, or plotting partner?
My first critique group taught me all those pesky writing skills like point of view, character, story structure… Not to mention how to listen to critiques of my work and learn so I could improve my story through rewriting. I also belong to a study group that has been very helpful in identifying the finer nuances of genre writing. My new critique group is doing a great job of pointing out all my plot holes. I’ve also participated in less structured groups for plotting and brainstorming.

Did you enter any writing contests?
When I first started writing, I entered a couple contests to get feed back. I’ve also entered the Golden Heart twice. Never finaled, never won any of the contests.

How many manuscripts had you written when you sold?
Memory Reload was my second completed manuscript. I also have an incomplete historical which was my first attempt at writing a novel.

Why did you switch from historical romances to contemporary romances?
Historicals take a lot of research, but so do contemporaries. I had gotten to a stopping point on the first manuscript when I had the vision for the second manuscript. Which was “what would happen if you ran into an old boyfriend, or in this case husband, who you haven’t seen in some time” and I started to explore that idea instead. That story was calling to me more than the historical.

How long did you write before getting your first sale?
From the time I seriously began, which I consider to be when I joined Romance Writers of America and Midwest Fiction Writers, it’s been six years.

What is the most valuable tool you've used to become a writer?
I love workshops. I’ve had the good fortune to attend the RWA national conference every year and that provides access to some of the best teachers available. Plus, MFW has had several workshops, which have been hugely beneficial. Whenever possible, I like to listen to workshop tapes for a little refresher/reminder.

Did you ever get discouraged about selling, and what pulled you out of the pit and changed your situation?
Discouraged? Not really. I knew that along with talent, there is a certain amount of right time/right place in selling, so I just needed to keep focused, hone my craft and put my work out in the right market so it would be on the right editor’s desk at the right moment.

Did you ever get jealous?
It’s dangerous to start comparing yourself to others. Every journey is unique.

How do you feel now that you've made that first sale?
Ecstatic. <G> Selling this book is a dream come true. And a little nervous. No one wants to be a one-hit-wonder.

What's next for you?
Selling another book. I’m debating pulling out the first manuscript to see if it’s worth reworking. There’s also my current work in progress that I need to finish and sell. Not to mention all the story ideas that occur at odd times and just beg for exploring.

Any last words?
Success comes to those who try, who learn and who, when met with failure, pick themselves up and try again, and learn some more.

Copyright ©2004 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited ® and (tm) are trademarks of the publisher