Shelley lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband and a small, bossy dog called Scotty.

Typical New Zealanders, Shelley and her husband left home for their big OE soon after they married (translation of New Zealand speak--big overseas experience). A year long adventure lengthened to six years of roaming the world. Enduring memories include being almost sat on by a mountain gorilla in Rwanda, lazing on white sandy beaches in India, whale watching in Alaska, searching for leprechauns in Ireland, and dealing with ghosts in an English pub.

While travel is still a big attraction, these days Shelley is most likely found in front of her computer following another love--that of writing stories of romance and adventure. Other interests include watching rugby and rugby league (strictly for research purposes), being walked by the dog, and curling up with a good book.

SR: Welcome to Sizzling Romances. Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Tell us about your latest release.

SM: Thanks for having me!

TALKING DOGS, ALIENS AND PURPLE PEOPLE EATERS is about an alien bodyguard who crash lands on Earth and the New Zealand cop who is sent to investigate UFO sightings.

Janaya and Luke bond and are powerless to fight their simmering attraction to each other. This results in lots of passionate love scenes. The secondary characters, Janaya's aunt and the dog, Killer provide lots of humorous dialogue while the Torgon aliens, who dress in purple suits, provide the danger and suspense.

SR: How did the idea for this story come about?

SM: Part of my story was inspired by an old black and white TV show that was being shown here in New Zealand about an alien from Mars. At the time, I was playing with the idea of writing a superhero heroine and everything came together in TALKING DOGS, ALIENS AND PURPLE PEOPLE EATERS.

The talking dog in the story is based on our own dog, Scotty. In the story, Killer is always saying, "Do ya have any food?" If Scotty could talk, I imagine that's what she'd be saying. Actually, I know it! Scotty loves to eat.

SR: What did you enjoy writing about this story and why?

SM: With this story, I just sat down and wrote without worrying about a plan or length or what I was writing. It ended up being a romantic comedy -- something that I'd pick up in a bookstore or download from the internet. It's the first book that I didn't stress about while I was writing it. When I submitted it to Ellora's Cave -- that's another story :-). TALKING DOGS was my first sale to Ellora's Cave and I stressed about whether it was hot enough. I really enjoyed writing the humor -- a talent I didn't know I had!

SR: Tell us about any upcoming releases.

SM: I've since sold TALKING DOGS Book 2 to Ellora's Cave. NEVER SEND A DOG TO DO A WOMAN'S JOB is scheduled for release in March 2005. NEVER SEND features Luke's sister, Lily and a hunky alien from Janaya's home planet of Dalcon. Once again, Killer the dog has a starring role. She's a chaperone this time, but not a very good one!

I also have a historical coming in 2005 from Medallion Press. THE SECOND SEDUCTION is set in 1720 England. My heroine, Rosalind, has the sight, while Lucien, my hero is scarred and withdrawn. The Second Seduction has distinct gothic tones but there's a bit of humor in there as well. Add in smugglers and a villain wanting revenge and you have THE SECOND SEDUCTION.

I've recently sold a romantic suspense to Ellora's Cave as well. SUMMER IN THE CITY OF SAILS is about a young woman who comes to the city seeking excitement. She finds it with her next door neighbor, a military man, but she also finds danger when she gets in the middle of a turf war between two crime bosses. SUMMER IN THE CITY OF SAILS also has quite a bit of humor in it. I can't seem to help myself!

SR: What do you want readers to come away with after reading one of your books?

SM: I know I read for escapism -- to get away from the day-to-day drudgery. I like books that make me laugh and feel for the characters. So, that's what I'd wish for my readers -- that they finish my book with a smile on their face.

SR: What are you working on now?

SM: I'm currently working on TALKING DOGS Book three, which is untitled at this stage, and I'm also in the initial planning stages of a shape shifter/futuristic type story. Gotta love those shape shifters!

SR: Please list your publishers here.

SM:
Ellora's Cave
Medallion Presss
New Concepts Publishing
Wings Press

SR: Would you like to donate a prize? If so, please list it below.

SM: : A Portrait of New Zealand calendar.

SR: Email Robin Taylor and put Shelly Munro in the subject line. When a winner is selected, Shelly will post the calendar to them.

Thank you, Ms. Munro, for your time.