Author Angela Britnell

Romance novelist Angela Britnell was born in a small village in southwestern England. As a young graduate, she joined the Royal Navy and served for nearly six years. Her last assignment was to a NATO Headquarters in Denmark where she met a tall, dark, handsome stranger, US Naval Officer Richard Britnell, who became her husband. (Hmm, her biography is beginning to sound like a romance novel, isn’t it?)

From Denmark the cross-cultural couple moved to Sicily where their first son was born. Then it was on to Monterey, California and the birth of their second son. From there they moved to Patuxent River, Maryland and birthed their third son. Richard's last naval assignment was to London where they “spent a wonderful three years,” Angela says. (Yet, the son-bearing trend was broken.)

Richard then retired from the Navy and they relocated to middle Tennessee, near his childhood home. In 2001, on a whim, Angela signed up for a creative writing class. From there, her career path as a romance novelist was forged.

Angela’s most recent novel, “Opposites Attract” has been released by Desert Breeze Publishing. We’re all aware of online dating services promising to match singles with their most compatible companion. Well, the matchmaking agency in “Opposites Attract” takes the reverse approach. So, thanks to the meddling of their respective parents, Holly, an “uptight British policewoman” is set up with Brett, a “laid back Southern writer”. “A weekend in Paris turns magical but secrets, lies and sheer stubbornness threaten this romance before it hardly gets off the ground. This pair will fight love all the way and it's a question of who'll give in first,” the book’s description says.

“Opposites Attract” is available for digital download from Amazon.com, BN.com, and www.AngelaBritnellRomance.com.

On Angela’s website you will also find details about her first novel, “Truth and Consequence”, and her other published works including two short stories published in an anthology entitled, "Gathering: Writers of Williamson County," and other short-stories featured in various international magazines.

Angela graciously took the time for a Creative Day Cafe interview:

You said you attended your first writer's workshop at the age of 40. In what ways did you express your creativity before you began writing?

I've never had the aptitude for anything like sewing, knitting, crafts etc although I admire anyone who does. When my boys were younger I did take a cake decorating class and made all their birthday cakes for years but I've long ago abandoned the icing tips! I've also done a floral arranging class and calligraphy at other times with limited success. It sounds really sad but until I discovered my passion for writing I didn't have much of an outlet for my creativity.

Your career and your husband's career have taken you to a variety of places. Of the many places you've lived, do you have a favorite?

I obviously have a soft spot for Denmark where we met but if I had to pick one I'd go with Sicily. I love the people, the food, and just the way of life in general. Taormina is one of my favorite cities and although popular with tourists doesn't have the wall-to-wall crowds of Rome or Venice.

Do you envision any of your former residences becoming the settings of future novels?

I have written a short novel set in Sicily but it hasn't sold yet so we'll see! I can imagine maybe writing one set around Monterey, California at sometime - it was the first place I lived in the US and loved it.

What other expressions of creativity do you enjoy?

I don't think eating dark chocolate and drooling over Johnny Depp counts does it? I enjoy listening to a wide range of music although my piano playing days are best forgotten. I also enjoy good movies - the last one I really enjoyed was 'The King's Speech' with the wonderful Colin Firth.

If "Opposites Attract" were to be scripted into a movie, which current celebrity would you cast as Holly? Brett? (bonus: Holly's mother? Brett's father?)

If I can pick someone who's not an actor but a country music singer I'd choose Dierks Bentley for Brett as he fits my mental picture. For Holly I think Emily Blunt could do a good job although her coloring is on the pale side but we could send her to a tanning salon first. Elaine, Holly's mother, I'll go for Judi Dench, brilliant actress and still a very attractive woman. For Brett's father Dean I'd pick Harrison Ford partly because I think he'd be perfect but also because I'm a huge fan of his and as the author they'd need me on set for consultation right?

What is your favorite online resource for writers?

It's difficult to pick just one. I'd go for 'Preditors and Editors' as a good place to check out potential agents/publishers. I love the fact nearly all publishers/agents now have all their submission guidelines online so you don't have to find the expensive Writer's Market book and hope the details haven't changed since it was printed. Also being a member of the Romance Writers of America and the Romantic Novelists' Association I'm active in their online groups. If you've got any craft/research/submission questions for example someone will either know the answer or tell you where to find it out - it's amazing how generous most writers are with their time and knowledge.

A random question: How closely do you follow the "Royal" gossip? Were you in England at the time of the royal wedding?

I'm a huge fan of the Royal Family in general and admire the Queen tremendously. Most days I read the Daily Mail online and keep up with the latest gossip. I think Prince Harry would make the perfect 'bad-boy' hero who only needs the love of the right woman to complete his life! Yes I was in England for the wedding although have to admit I watched it on TV in Cornwall about 300 miles from London. I was planning a trip close to that time and shamelessly admit to choosing my travel dates to fit in with the wedding. It was wonderful to be there and see all the non-stop coverage - I soaked it in. Luckily my husband remained in Nashville!