Spotlight, interview,
and giveaway:
The Winemakers
by
Jan Moran

1956: When Caterina Rosetta inherits a cottage in the countryside of Italy from a grandmother she’s never known, she discovers a long-buried family secret — a secret so devastating, it threatens the future of everything her mother has worked for.

Many years before, her mother’s hard-won dreams of staking her family’s claim in the vineyards of California came to fruition; but as an old murder comes to light, and Caterina uncovers a tragic secret that may destroy the man she loves, she realizes her happiness will depend on revealing the truth of her mother’s buried past.

From author Jan Moran comes The Winemakers, a sweeping, romantic novel that will hold you in its grasp until the last delicious sip.

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Jan Moran is a Rizzoli bestselling and award winning author. She writes historical women’s fiction for St. Martin’s Press (Scent of Triumph, The Winemakers), contemporary women’s fiction (Flawless, Beauty Mark, Runway), and nonfiction books (Vintage Perfumes, Fabulous Fragrances). Her stories are smart and stylish, and written with emotional depth. Jan often draws on her international travel and business experiences, infusing her books with realistic details.

The Midwest Book Review and Kirkus have recommended her books, calling her heroines strong, complex, and resourceful. She likes to talk to readers at www.janmoran.com and on social media. She lives in southern California and loves lattes and iced coffee, anything chocolate, and Whole Foods Double Green smoothies to balance it all out.

Connect with the author:  Website   Twitter   Pinterest   Facebook   Instagram

Q & A

What genre do you write and why?

My favorite genre is the 20^th century historical saga, followed by contemporary mainstream. The Winemakers and Scent of Triumph take place in the first half of the 20^th century, a pre-computer technology period I find highly textural and engaging for storytelling. As for my contemporary books, I enjoy writing these because they’re a break from detailed historical research. With smart, sassy heroines, they’re also a lot of fun to write.

Do you snack while writing? Favorite snack?

While I was writing The Winemakers, I admit I found myself tasting a little as I was writing to capture the feeling of the wine. Ordinarily I graze as I write, nibbling my way through writing sessions. If I’m being good, then I have tea, fruit, nuts, avocados, and crunchy veggies. Popcorn is a comfort food, as is good dark chocolate! And did I mention great vats of coffee?

Where do you write?

Variety is good for me; I write in bed, at my desk, in the library, quiet coffee shops – sometimes I even record spoken scenes on my phone as I’m walking.

Is there a specific ritualistic thing you do during your writing time?

I always write better with music; I like different types of music depending on what kind of scene I’m writing. As for editing, at the moment I’m partial to Spanish guitar because it keeps the mind sharp and alert. Maybe that’s why I wrote about Spain in one of my novels…

In today’s tech savvy world, most writers use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written parts of your books on paper?

If an idea strikes, I’ll write on anything that’s handy—napkins, receipts, envelopes, blank checks. Occasionally I’ll write in longhand at the beach, or by the fireplace on a wintry day. This helps me capture the mood of a scene.

If you could go back in time, where would you go?

When I’m writing, I immerse myself in the music, history, and culture of the period I’ve chosen. If I could choose only one trip, I’d travel to the court of the Russian Tsar, because Tolstoy’s War and Peace has always been a favorite book. (I’m also a real sucker for Quantum Leap and Dr. Who television episodes.)

However, the best use of time travel for me would be to experience the time period I’m writing about. Imagine returning to Napa in the 1950s, or Montalcino in the 1920s, as we do in The Winemakers. Now that would be a truly immersive reading experience.

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