Love, Suspense, and Family Ties:
The Captivating World of Anna J Stewart
From USA Today Bestseller to Heartwarming Romances,
Discover the Talents of Anna J Stewart

Anna J Stewart is a prolific author celebrated for her ability to craft compelling romances that range from sweet to spicy. With over fifty novels to her name, she has garnered a dedicated following and achieved the esteemed title of USA Today bestselling author. Her works span multiple romance genres, with a primary focus on Harlequin's Heartwarming line, known for its heartwarming and wholesome stories, as well as the Romantic Suspense line, which offers a more thrilling and passionate reading experience. Additionally, Anna writes for Arc Manor's Caezik Romance.

Recognized for her literary achievements, Anna J Stewart is a recipient of the Holt Medallion, awarded for her novel "Bride on the Run." Her talent has also garnered her recognition as a finalist in prestigious writing competitions such as the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers' Choice Awards. In 2019, one of her books was even optioned for television, a testament to the wide appeal and adaptability of her storytelling.

Anna's writing always centers around the theme of family, exploring the connections we share with both our biological relatives and the families we choose. Her books capture the essence of love, relationships, and the various dynamics that shape our lives.

Residing in Northern California, Anna J Stewart finds inspiration in her surroundings. She enjoys immersing herself in the world of cinema, attending fan conventions, and indulging in trips to Disneyland, which holds a special place in her heart. When she's not engrossed in her writing, Anna can often be found cooking or baking delicious treats, binge-watching her latest TV addiction, or revisiting her all-time favorite show, Supernatural. She also lovingly devotes her time to wrangling her two mischievous cats, Rosie and Sherlock.

Anna J Stewart has not only enchanted her readers but has also gained recognition from esteemed authors in the industry. Jayne Ann Krentz, a New York Times bestselling author, describes her work as "modern romantic noir at its best." Another New York Times bestselling author, Brenda Novak, commends Anna's talent, stating that she "delivers every time." Additionally, USA Today bestselling author Janie Crouch praises Anna as her go-to author for "unputdownable" romantic suspense stories.

For more information about Anna J Stewart, her books, and workshops for authors, readers can visit her website at www.AuthorAnnaStewart.com. With her remarkable storytelling skills and the ability to weave compelling narratives, Anna continues to captivate readers with her heartfelt romances and memorable characters.

Interview:

Join us as we sit down with the talented and versatile author, Anna J. Stewart, for an engaging and enlightening conversation. In this interview, Anna shares her unique reading experiences, literary influences, and the authors who have left an indelible mark on her writing journey. With a voracious appetite for books since childhood, Anna's passion for storytelling shines through as she discusses her favorite heroes, heroines, and the genres that ignite her imagination. She offers candid insights into her evolving perspectives on books and authors, acknowledging the power of recognition and growth. Discover Anna's admiration for the late Carrie Fisher, her go-to authors for repeated readings, and her honest take on the classic literature that eludes her. Get ready for a captivating discussion with an author who continues to inspire with her compelling narratives and unwavering love for the written word.

What’s your favorite book no one else has heard of?

I read a Scholastic book in grammar school called IN FACE OF DANGER by Mara Kay, about a teenager who, while traveling in Germany with her uncle in 1938 finds herself in the care of a German woman hiding a Jewish family in her attic (even though her son is in the Hitler youth). That book instilled so much inside of me—I read it and re-read it dozens of times. I still have that book on my keeper shelf.

You’re organizing a party. Which two authors, dead or alive, do you invite?

Dean Koontz and Carrie Fisher.

What genres do you especially enjoy reading? 

I love reading just about any genre. I’m always reading romance and romantic suspense, but I’ve recently been reading a lot of horror. Horror was my gateway genre—Stephen King’s Carrie was the first “adult” book I read (and I was very young).

Who is your favorite fictional hero or heroine? 

They’re more comic book and movie inspired, I think. Wonder Woman was an early favorite. Comic book and TV wise. I’m a child of the 70’s so girl power was big for me early on. Princess Leia is a close second. Novel wise, Eve Dallas in the In Death series is an absolute stand-out, but Lizzie Bennett in Pride and Prejudice is a close second.

What books and authors have impacted your writing career?

My favorite childhood book was Ferdinand, the story about a pacifist bull. I think that instilled a real sense of compassion and empathy in me. From there, I feel like Stephen King had a huge influence on me. Just his masterful creativity with character and situation. Like I said earlier, I was really young when I began reading his books and they just opened up a whole world to me. Then I began reading romances, particularly Nora Roberts and that was it for me. That’s when I had a lightbulb “THIS” is what I’m meant to do. Then came Dean Koontz, who excels at combining so many genres within his stories (romance, suspense, horror), if I could come close to doing what he does, I’d consider myself a success.

What kind of reader were you as a child? 

Voracious. I grew up in a neighborhood that had both a used book store and a fabulous library. There are tons of pictures of me as a little girl with a book in my hand. My mother (thank goodness) never said to a book, any book that I wanted to read. She told me that reading is power. Story is power. I think that lesson really stuck.

Have you ever changed your opinion of a book based on information about the author, or anything else?

I recently re-read one of my favorite series of books and in one it’s now clear to me there’s a question of consent on the heroine’s part when she’s having sex with the hero. I didn’t see it before, but I see it now. I’ve definitely had my eyes opened to a number of things I was previously blind to, or didn’t give much thought to. It’s still a great book, but that one scene makes me cringe now. That said, I’m not a proponent of rewriting books because of today’s awareness or sensitivities. Those books were products of their time and shine a light on where we were in society, be it good or bad. Erase all that and we erase history. Suffice it to say, I’m not a fan of this new “editing” out the bad stuff in older books. Recognizing it and acknowledging those flaws should be what drives us to do better now and in the future.

If you could meet any writer, dead or alive, who would it be? And what would you want to know?

Honestly? Carrie Fisher. She had such an iconic way with words and phrasing and that no filter of hers just struck such a chord in me early on. I love that she wrote both fiction and non-fiction and also acted as an undercover script doctor for some very successful films. What I wouldn’t give to pick her brain about story and the power it possesses.

What books do you find yourself returning to again and again?

The In Death series by JD Robb (aka Nora Roberts). I think I’ve read the entire series at least three times. Sherrilyn Kenyon’s earlier Dark Hunter books are still favorites as well. I’ve recently started re-reading The Stand (Stephen King) since I hadn’t read it since the first time. But probably my most re-read book is The Watchers by Dean Koontz. It’s sublime perfection.

What books are you embarrassed not to have read yet?

Oh so many. Seriously. Literature, classic literature, just isn’t my thing. So… boring. Moby Dick and The Last of the Mohicans (the movie was fabulous though) come to mind. Pretty much most classic American literature. Hemingway gives me a migraine as does Fitzgerald. They’re so depressing! I have a greater affinity for British authors in that respect, especially female ones: the Bronte sisters, Jane Austen, Mary Shelley. All of those should be required reading, IMO.

Links of (please full link)

      - Web: www.AuthorAnnaStewart.com

      - Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00M79FNAY

      - Goodreads Author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8475995.Anna_J_Stewart

      - Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/AuthorAnnaJStewart

      - Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/AJStewartWriter 

      - Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/AnnaJStewart