Mr. Snow: I am married to Heather Snow, and she is a historical romance author with a degree in chemistry who decided she preferred creating chemistry on the page, rather than in the lab. Heather writes Regency-set historical romances with light mystery elements.
Mr. Snow: Business man and scholar would be apt descriptions. I have been an investment banker and bond trader for the better part of two decades now. In addition to avidly supporting my wife’s blossoming career and helping to raise two rambunctious boys, aged 3 years and 3 weeks, I will also graduate from the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis with an Executive MBA in December. Still, I have been known to break out the toolbox now and then. I can fix my own car, plumb a house, trouble-shoot electricity and all that. Just don’t ask me to cook…Heather says no matter what I attempt to make, it all tastes the same. Must be because I put garlic and black pepper on everything…
Mr. Snow: On the phone. It was love at first conversation. I was moving to KC for a new job and she rented me an apartment sight unseen at the high rise apartment building that she was managing in downtown Kansas City. She was trying to find her passion in life after leaving medical school, and she found me instead! The apartment was not that great, but I would have bought anything from her just to hear her siren’s song. We have joked for years that she could make a mint as a “phone actress!” After meeting her and experiencing the joy that she shares daily, I was hooked. After watching her with kids, it became quickly apparent that I would never father a child with anyone but Heather.
Mr. DiPasqua: So you are obviously a voice-man 🙂 Where were you when she got THE CALL from her agent/editor? What was your reaction when she told you she’d sold her first book?
Mr. Snow: When she got the offer from her agent last July, I was away in St. Louis for a week-long class. She was away, too, in Orlando for the Romance Writers of America conference, where she was a finalist in their contest for unpublished authors, the Golden Heart®. Her agent made a public offer of representation at the award ceremony of one of the two other national contests Heather won that night. I was waiting for news but knew she had two award ceremonies to juggle. So, polite and patient Romance Husband that I am, I texted her. Hey, I didn’t want her phone to ring right in the middle… I got a breathless phone call that said, “I just won the Hearts Through History contest and Barbara Poelle offered for me in front of everyone! I have to run now. I’m late for the Daphne’s!” It was many hours later, when we were both in our respective hotel rooms for the night, that I got the whole story.
I was at the office on September 30th of last year when Heather called to tell me that her first book, Sweet Enemy, had received multiple offers and was being auctioned. A week later, the dust settled and Heather landed at NAL. It didn’t surprise me. I’ve always known she could do anything she set her mind to. I am just overjoyed that her dedication will allow her to share her considerable talents with others.
Mr. DiPasqua: Is the hero in your wife’s last book:
Mr. Snow: If only I were half as hunky as her literary heroes, so my answer must be C and D!
Mr. DiPasqua: On your first date with your wife, were you most like:
Mr. Snow: I was more like Prince Charming’s penniless footman. Our first date was magical, if economical. We went out for Chinese food and a movie—the quintessential cheap date. We saw Conspiracy Theory with Julia Roberts and Mel Gibson. When Mel’s character sits outside Julia’s character’s window in his taxi and watches her nightly run, Lauryn Hill’s remake of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” plays. I knew just how he felt—well, aside from the stalker part. I wasn’t able to take my eyes off of Heather, either, and haven’t been able to ever since. That song became our song, and we danced to a fun mix of it and the original Franki Valli and the Four Season’s version at our wedding.
Mr. DiPasqua: Nowadays when you hear the word “ball” do you immediately think:
d) A gathering of lords and ladies.
Mr. Snow: I used to think of football. Now I think of beakers and ball gowns. Sweet Enemy is about a brilliant lady scientist that must embrace lace, lust and eventually love in order to solve her father’s murder. (Heather inserts~ “Hey babe, that’s great! If the market tanks, you could always write cover copy!)
Heather and I also think of our oldest son. His first word was not ‘mommy’ or ‘daddy’—it was “ball”! At 13 months old, he was able to hit daddy between the eyes with his binky from across the room. He must get his athleticism from his mother. Please remember that I am the scholarly type.
Mr. DiPasqua: How long have you been a RH? (Romance Husband). What advice would you give new RH’s about what you’ve learned being married to a romance author? What should a new RH do or not do when his wife is under deadline?
Mr. Snow: I have been a widower (oops, I mean romance husband) for four glorious years now. (We’ve been married for twelve, but Heather didn’t start writing until 2007.)
I strongly recommend having as many kids as you can while your wife is working furiously on deadline to fulfill her first three book contract. We had our first child as she was writing her first book, Sweet Enemy, and our second child while writing her second book. We all know how a newborn’s sleeping habits are great for Mommy’s energy and creativity…
All romance husbands should also start a 20 month masters degree program in a city 240 miles away practically the same day your wife finals in the Golden Heart®. That way, you’re completely swamped with school and work at the exact time she is signing with an agent and about to be published. Your blushing bride will always appreciate your dedication and sacrifice! She won’t mind that you’re gone most nights and weekends in class, leaving her with the children while she’s all-of-the-sudden on deadline… (Thankfully, I am almost finished with school and cannot wait to give Heather the support that she deserves.)
Seriously though, play with your kids as much as you can so that she can have as many uninterrupted writing hours as possible. Call and offer to bring home dinner, because likely, she’s forgotten to take anything out, much less cook it. If you have to, send her away! Also remember to give your bride plenty of material for her book. Keep those home fires burning.
Mr. DiPasqua: Okay, you know I have to go there . . . What’s your response when asked, “So where does your wife get the inspiration for her love scenes?” (Usually by a guy smirking.)
Mr. Snow: Because Heather’s first heroine is a brilliant chemist who, ahem, liked to experiment, I just smirk back and tell people that we affectionately refer to our bedroom as The Laboratory! Unless you embrace your wife and her choice of careers, your buddies and colleagues will be relentless. Just flash that Cheshire cat grin like you know something that that they never will!
Mr. DiPasqua: Great advice 🙂 What character in your wife’s books would she say most resembles you and/or your personality?
Mr. Snow: She is saving my likeness for a real rogue. Stay tuned.
Mr. DiPasqua: Since you’re married to a romance author, I’m sure fans want to know—what do you consider a romantic evening? Dinner and a movie? A quiet evening at home? The back seat of a Chevy under the stars? (Folks, we’re guys. You know I had to add that last one.) What do you think your wife’s answer would be to this same question? 🙂
Mr. Snow: Our ideal romantic evening includes fine dining with ample red wine and a walk under the stars—Heather would say it’s even more romantic if there are plenty of historic homes and/or buildings to look at while we walk, or better yet—ruins. While I am content to inhale her intoxicating scent here in KC, she would prefer that I surprise her with dinner and a stroll in NYC or London.
Mr. DiPasqua: Thanks so much for participating in the A MIDNIGHT DANCE Blog Party. One last question: What would you like us to know about your wife’s latest or upcoming release?
Mr. Snow: I actually have read it! And I’m very proud. Really, she amazes me—and it’s not just because I’m her husband. Other people—smart, talented people unrelated to her—have read it and loved it, too. For example:
Sweet Enemy is Heather’s debut, coming from NAL Signet Eclipse on February 7, 2012. It’s the first in her Veiled Seduction series and the quick blurb is this:
Beakers and ball gowns don’t mix, so when a lady chemist goes undercover at a house party to investigate the earl she thinks may have murdered her father, romance isn’t part of her formula. But it only takes one kiss to start a reaction she can’t control…
Though it’s not out in stores yet, Sweet Enemy, is available for pre-order at these great retailers:
Pre-Order “Sweet Enemy” at:
Rainy Day Books (our local Indie)
Amazon
Books-A-Million
Barnes and Noble
You can find out more about Heather and her writing at www.HeatherSnowBooks.com. And be sure to follow her on Facebook for your chance at winning a complete, SIGNED backlist by Julie Garwood. You can also find Heather on Twitter.
RULES:
To win you must:
1. Answer Mr. Snow’s question, or ask a question of your own—We’re men. We can take it. 🙂 Remember: the more you comment, the greater your chances at winning the GRAND PRIZE.
2. You MUST be a follower/subscriber of Lila DiPasqua’s blog (through Google Friend Connect).
3. Must be at least 18 years of age.
4. Winner will be selected at random on SUNDAY.
Ways to increase your odds at winning are found at the very bottom of this blog.
Mr. DiPasqua: Great chatting with you, Mr. Snow! Let’s hear your responses, folks! 🙂
Congrats on your first book Ms.Snow. It sounds like a great read. If memory serves, & I have to admit if often doesn’t, it was that Fabulous Thunderbirds song…Tough Enough maybe?
If I could, I’d use the waltz that was on during the closing credits of “Howl’s Moving Castle”. The movie was so fun that I tried to waltz up the aisle and out of the theater with my boyfriend. It didn’t work because we disagreed on the time signature, but the idea was valid (and for the record, I was right).
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Everything by Lifehouse, the words are simply…perfect.(smiling) what a wonderful memory…. Congrats on your new addition! Such a busy family and yet you still sound very much in love. Keep finding time for those romantic nights with your hunny, they are so important especially now with so much going on in your house. Having three kids at home myself my husband and I always make a point to take a little time together every weekend for a lilttle romance, or simply to hold hands and watch tv in peace and quiet. Your wife’s book sounds wonderful! Thanks for the chance… Read more »
Mr Snow you are a real romantic I love those answers way to go. I have been married 34 years and we are both big Rod Stewart fans and have seen him in concert everytime he has travelled to Australia (since I was 15) and our song is Tonights The Night and would you believe that when we got back to our hotel room on our wedding night and turned the radio on Tonights The Night was playing as well very nice.We will be seeing him in concert next Feb when he comes back Down Under. Love the sound of… Read more »
First of all, congrats on your new book! 🙂
Well, I don’t really like dancing – and I don’t really like music, either -, so I don’t have any specific song in my mind. But I’d like it to be a happy song so that the old times and other memories wouldn’t come to my mind and I wouldn’t have to cry on how fast did I become a wife 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway,
I don’t know which is the better story – how you and your wife met and how you fell in love with her voice, Mr. Snow, or how she was offered representation! Both unique, one very romantic, one just plain exciting.
Congratulations on your first book! I’ll be looking for it on the shelves. Who could resist ‘a lady scientist who has to embrace lace, lust and love’??:)
Congrats on your first book1 I’ve never really thought about what would be my wedding song, but i suppose i would want something romantic though i have no idea what!
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What an entertaining and sweet interview. And such an exciting time for Mr. and Mrs. Snow with Mrs. Snow’s first book about to be released! Congratulations.
I have to admit that my husband doesn’t dance (!!!) and we had no first dance (or 2nd or last) at our wedding. I’m hoping that he’ll break down and agree to dance with our daughter when she gets married though. LOL.
Thanks for the interview!
Mr. Snow,Since we eloped (my mother did not want me to marry my husband) we didn’t have dance to a particular song. I do remember dancing however it was with more own music than anything else. We will be married 23 years in October.First I would like to say there is nothing wrong with wanting pepper or garlic on everything, however I think you forgot that bacon makes everything taste better or at least that’s what my sons tell me.I don’t quite understand what being auctioned means. I would think when Heather received multile offers, that she would be able… Read more »
Hi, Mr. Snow : ) A picture is worth a thousand words, and the photo of your family says it all: LOVE! May you always be as happy as you are in that photo!
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Hi, Mr. Snow! I enjoyed your interview. I became a friend of Heather’s on Facebook and found out that we are neighbors in KC. I was very surprised. Great to know that a local author will be signing books here in KC since it seems like we don’t have a lot of authors coming here.
I couldn’t remember our wedding song, so had to ask my DH of 38 years. He says it was Love Is A Many Splendored Thing.
Congrats on Heather’s new release!
Loved the interview and learning more about you and Mrs. Snow. I love the picture with the Mr and Mrs Snow and their little snowflake too. *smile* Can’t wait to read the book.
Great Interview! Best of Luck Mrs. Snow on your debut. Cannot wait to read it!
I danced to Hold My Hand by Hottie and the Blowfish. The song represents my husband and I better than all others. Well except for Only Wanna Be With You but My husband doesn’t cry at Dolphins!
Congrats on your upcoming release! And on your new addition to your family. 🙂 Your book sounds great! Cant wait to read it! Havent been married, so no wedding song here. Great interview! Beautiful family you have. 🙂
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Congrats on the new book and Congrats to you and Mr. Snow on that new baby. 🙂 Loved your post. I agree with Virginia C. that picture says it all. Love
I Want To Kiss You All Over by Exhile in the late 70’s. The song said it all 🙂
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Hi everyone! Mrs. Snow here 🙂 Thanks for all of the great comments and well wishes…I’ve loved reading about all of your wedding songs! I’m just popping by to say that I will respond to comments once both boys are napping…wish me luck! Also, Mr. Snow will be coming by as well, but perhaps not until this evening. He’s going to try from work today, but, as you can imagine, the bank’s firewalls can be pretty hairy so he may not be able to get on Blogger until he gets home tonight. Thanks for having us, and more from the… Read more »
Congrats on you upcoming debut! Looking forward to it 🙂
We don’t have a wedding song but my hubbys dad passed away shortly after we met and he would always sing karaoke and his favorite songs to sing were always good country stuff. “the Dance” always brings tears to my eyes when I hear it as that was his favorite and it holds a special spot in my heart.
Thanks for another great interview and good answers 🙂
Congrats on your upcoming debut release, Heather. I would probably choose Coldplay’s “Yellow” or Etta James’ “At Last.”
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Congrats on your first new release Ms. Snow and since I love reading new author I will be looking for it when it comes out. I loved your answers and maybe some day your wife will have time to teach you to cook. I think all men should learn to cook although my husband and son do not cook and they don’t want to learn.
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Congratulations on the debut Mrs Snow!!!
How on earth do you both manage to balance work/family? Sounds like you both do it so well, I’m impressed.
I’ve not yet gotten married, but hopefully some day our opening dance can be a waltz – think its so romantic just music with no vocals and the two of us wrapped in each others arms 😉
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Our first dance was When You Say Nothing At All by Allison Kraus. It is such a beautiful sweet song and since it matched my husband perfect! (He is a man of few words.) I knew it was the song for “our wedding. It was not a “our” song where we chose together but a song I chose for him letting my hubbie know how I felt. Everyone thought it was perfect too!
Thanks for sharing with us today! Loved your interview!
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Babies, Books & an MBA – certainly a full life! You both deserve a vacation (or at least a mini-break) after the MBA is done! Looking forward to reading the books – a new author is always welcome!
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Hi Mr. Snow!
Wishing you early congratulations on getting your MBA in December. You and your wife with your combined accomplishments will have plenty to celebrate just in time for the holidays.
A romantic date with me is dinner and a movie. Nice and quiet 🙂 Or since I’m a hockey fan, watching a game together. Anything works for me really as long as it means spending time with my significant other.
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Snowman A.K.A. Mr. Snow (Jason) here:
Snowman A.K.A. Mr. Snow or Jason here:
First, I would like to thank our gracious hosts, Mr. and Mrs. DiPasqua, for this fine forum. You are providing authors and especially new authors with a wonderful opportunity to connect with romance readers and fans across the world. We would love the opportunity to reciprocate and also pay your kindness forward.
Thank you to all of the participants for your outpouring of encouragement and love. I am humbled by your generosity and sincere sharing, in this my first blog experience. This is wonderful!
Ora, I am sorry that you did not get to enjoy a song at your wedding and hope that your elopement was not a Gretna Green experience! And yes I Jason (not Heather) is writing this. Since I love Heather’s voice so much and since she needed well versed in the romantic arts (critic of romance writing), she agreed to read to me a selection of books from her favorite romance authors. My favorite authors are Julie Garwood, Lisa Kleypas, and Johanna Lindsey. Did I mention that a stipulation of the aforementioned agreement was that Heather had to read to… Read more »
Helen,
Thank you for sharing the Rod Steward story and for adding Sweet Enemy to your must have list. I also love Rod and would (not that I was invited) love to visit the land down under. We need to talk. In high school drama class we had to pick a song and perform a musical mime choreographed to the song.
Can you guess which song I picked?
No it was not a Gretna Green experience. My mom found out in less than a day afterwords. She was livid, however my daddy accepted it since he liked my husband. She had a change of heart after she she found out she was going to be a grandmother for the first about a year later.
Now it is time to judge the “your song contest”. Actually, there is no judging as the prize winner is determined by random draw and who am I to judge anyone else’s taste? Oh, what the heck…here goes. Sherree,We need a ruling from the audience, but I think that Sheree was disqualified for pointing out that she was right in the song disagreement with her beloved. I am sure that she was right (as most women are usually right in any argument). However, we men do not like having it pointed out, even in jest (fragile egos you know ).… Read more »
Ora,
Congratulations on 20 plus years of marriage. It sounds like the elopement worked out pretty well. Funny thing about everything tasting better with bacon is that bacon is what I put the black pepper on. When you fry bacon with enough pepper, it seems to caramelize and tastes sweet.
I have never heard the name Ora. It is interesting. Will you share its derivation? Short for? Are you an empty nester now?
Well, I must have attempted too leave a comment to early this morning because it’s not here!
I just wanted to say that it was a fun post and I enjoyed it. I also said that I loved the picture of the three of you.
The question I had asked – what was your favorite romantic vacation and would Mrs. Snow agree with you?
Thanks!!
kacbooks(at)hotmail(dot)com
Hello again, all! Sorry for the very late response, but as you can deduce, the boys didn’t nap at the same time today… Thanks for being so nice to my husband :). This was his first blog experience and I think he had fun! Thank you, every one, for your comments. I’m going to answer a few questions: @Ora ~ RE: auction. Yes, if you’re fortunate enough to have more than one offer, you can choose which house to accept. However, it also gives you (and your agent) a chance to negotiate better terms (as far as schedule and/or marketing… Read more »
Mr. Snow, You are a good man. Liking her voice is one thing, knowing she is the one after watching her with children shows you know what will be important in the marriage/mate you want. You were looking at the heart & soul, not just the package. You two have had your hands full. Two little ones the age of yours is enough to handle. School and writing are much more than you needed to add to the mix. It certainly worked out well for you though. Julie Garwood’s historicals were the first romances I ever read. I looked for… Read more »
I have really mess up today – my apologies! I neglected to leave the necessary info on my previous comment and answer the question.
I was married by a JP and did not have a reception, so no song.
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Karen,
We both agree that Kona Hawaii was our most romantic vacation. We spent a week exploring the island and each other. We watched the sunset at South Point Beach and climbed a water fall in the jungle. Adventure, discovery and romance go hand in hand. Our driving trip down the Pacific Coast highway is a very close second, though…Redwoods are majestic, Hearst Castle amazing and the views all through Washington, Oregon and California stunning.
I was smiling as I read your response to the romantic vacation – sounds wonderful! Thank you.
Mr. and Mrs. Snow, Thanks so much for coming out to A Midnight Dance Blog Party…I enjoyed reading all the wedding dance stories!
Mr. D
Pat,
Jim Croce definitely gets the sentimental vote. He was one of the greatest American folk singers.
congratulation for new book release. always happy to know there is a new book release. it is time to read a new story
Ora is a derived from Orrie. It’s Spanish for gold.
Have you ever watched a Jane Austen movie, and if so – how many. Which is your favorite?
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I love reading debut novels and how delightful for Ms. Snow that she got such a pretty first cover. Hopefully it will be an omen for all covers to come.
And how excellent to have a chemist heroine! I don’t believe I’ve come across another in my previous romance reading, but one of my favorite heroines of all time is also a chemist – Flavia de Luce of “the Sweetness at the bottom of the Pie”, highly recommended.
Hmmm… I danced to the Disney’s version Lion King song at the wedding. I think I was so fed up with all the details of the wedding that I just picked a song that we kind of both don’t hate… 🙂
Thanks for sharing the wedding photo and the family photo with the baby! LOL @ Heather creating chemistry on the page. Can’t wait to read about the real rogue character she’s going to write.
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Ohhh, I loved this interview! What a wonderful couple! Love the commitment and feelings you share!
My fiance and I plan to dance to “Always and Forever” at our wedding. He said it is the song he thinks of in relation to us. It describes how we feel about each other.
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