Author Uncovered: Bonnie Hearn Hill (Author Interview)

Hi Guys! Today, I have awesome author Bonnie Hearn Hill for an interview! She's the author of Aries Rising and Taurus Eyes...both of which are amazing books! Bonnie is uber hilarious!

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Why did you decide to write a book that revolved around astrology and a summer writing course?
My best friend, Hazel Dixon-Cooper, was the Cosmopolitan Bedside astrologer for six years. That stuff rubs off on you. I thought it would be fun to write about a teen who finds an astrology book and tries to use it to change her life.

Who is your favorite character from the Star Crossed series?
I love Logan, my protagonist. I love the ghost in TAURUS EYES, and I really, really love Jeremy, the hot Taurus love interest.

Why did you choose to incorporate mystery as well as astrology and the summer writing course? It's a really interesting combination!
I've written six adult thrillers. I guess I just think like that.

Personally, what is your opinion on astrology? Do you believe in it? Or not?
I never thought about it until Hazel Dixon-Cooper joined my writing class. She made me realize that the Sun sign is not the sum of the person. I learned right along with Logan, my character, but I am not an astrologer. Far from it. I am pretty good at guessing someone's sign, and I use astrology as a shortcut to understanding someone I first meet.

What's your star sign?
Sun sign, not star sign. I am a double Gemini (communicator) with a mad-scientist/want-to-save-the-word Aquarius Moon. Perfect for my jobs as writer/mentor. What's your sign?

I'm a Pisces (March 10), do you have any horoscope advice/sayings for me?
Hazel is also a Pisces, and she says it's the most creative sign but can get sidetracked dreaming and procrastinating instead of doing. Do you know your Moon or Rising?

Which character do you resonate most with, in the Star Crossed series?
Probably Logan because I'm in her head. TAURUS EYES is a love story, and I fell in love right along with Logan. I felt 16 again.

What was the message that you tried to get across to your readers with the Star Crossed series?
Each book has a different message. ARIES RISING is about coming into your own power. TAURUS EYES is about falling in love and learning how to let go of what you love. If there's an ultimate message, it's that no one--not your guy, not your parents, not astrology--can do it for you. The power is within you.

The premise of the Star Crossed series is quite unique. How did the idea bloom? Because of my friendship with Hazel. I knew there were astrology mysteries out there, but I didn't know of any for teens.

What would you have done if you were in Logan's place?
In TAURUS EYES, I don't know if I would have had to courage to do what she did because she knew discovering the truth could mean the end of her relationship. Yet she took that risk for love, and I think we all want to believe we'd make the same choice.

The cover is really cool and creative! Did you have any input in it?
Yes, and so did my agent. My publisher is wonderful, and the whole process was a team effort.

What's the most interesting thing a reader has ever said to you?
"Can you tell me where the bathroom is?" (in a bookstore).

Another is, "My life could be a movie. Why don't you write it, and I'll split the money with you."

Finally, at a signing for INTERN, my thriller, a young woman and her family followed me around the store. When I began to speak, she was on the left side of the room. Then I turned, and she was on the right side, all the time getting closer. When I began to sign, she approached me, the book in a large plastic bag. Finally, she said, "Do you know who I am?" Turns out she had the same name and was the same age as the politician's intern/girlfriend in the book. Although she and her family turned out to be friendly, I was pretty nervous at first.

What’s up next for you book-wise?
Another Star Crossed book will be out in October. GEMINI NIGHT.

Book you've faked reading:
Too many to count. I buy many books to support other writers. I can't say I read them all.

Book you've bought for the cover:
NEVER LET ME GO (Ishiguro) had a wonderful cover, and the book was even better.

Book you're an evangelist for:
47, by Walter Mosley. Read it if you haven't. 47 is the name of a slave, and although the book is marketed as young adult/paranormal, its appeal is universal. I love it.