Meet Dani Burke

As I've said here once or twice before, I was pretty much a closet writer up until the time my first book was published. As it turned out, I wasn't the only one who'd been holding back---soon after I made my big announcement, I found out that my aunt, Dani Burke, had also been writing a novel!  Since then we've had lots of fun going back and forth about our common passion, and I'm so very proud to announce the release of Dani's debut novel, Highway to Love.

I just received my copy from Amazon (also at Barnes and Noble & Indie Bound) and I'm so excited to get to it, especially after reading her fun answers below. 


Le Interview: 

1.  What was your biggest inspiration for writing this book---the thing that grabbed onto you and wouldn't let you let it go?

Seriously? It was my friend Mary that wouldn't let ME let it go! The first pages I wrote were about four people meeting under unusual circumstances. I kept wanting to know what would happen to them next in their journey to find love. Honestly, I didn't want the story to end. In fact, my epilogue said that very thing. I had grown so attached to my characters. The epilogue gives you a glimpse of the ongoing journey and sequel. The decision of not including this was left to my copy editor. She wanted it saved and developed more in book two. (Side Note: Book 2? Is she kidding? All my friends want Book 2 also. I just finished Book 1!)


2.  What do you think it is about Highway to Love that sets it apart from other romance novels out there?

For this I will use one of my editor's quotes: "This book is probably set apart from other romance novels in that the author maintains the protagonist's resistance to her true love for so long. Instead of there being other types of obstacles in the way of their relationship, it is Alex's own mind that keeps her from him."


3.  Which character was the most fun to write and why?

Obviously the most fun character (well, to me) was Joe. After all, who wouldn't want the perfect man? He was the most fun and interesting character for me to develop. Because he has a guarded personality, you don't really see who he really is. You wonder what he is thinking. But then sometimes he would come up with some funny comments as well as schemes to finally get the woman he loves.


4.  What has been the most surprising thing to you about the publication process, either before or after your book was released?

It amazed me that the publication process is so detailed and involved, especially the editing process. It gave me a tremendous new respect for fellow authors. I didn't realize it would take so much time for completion of the final product. But it was worth it!


5.  If you had to pick one song that captures the essence of Highway to Love, what would it be?

The easiest to answer would be Mariah Carey's "Vision of Love." When you read it you will see I have tons of song references. Many inspired my chapters and I wrote while listening to particular songs.

Now it's my turn to answer these same questions for Dani.  I'll naturally let you know when that interview has posted at her place. ;)




Le Blurb:

Soon-to-be-married Alexis Parker and her flirty friend, Stephanie Bradford, find more than they dreamed of when Alexis's Lexus sputters and dies on a Chicago expressway. The hilarious and disconcerting events that follow introduce both of them to construction workers Joe Baker and Mike Murphy. Readers bounce up and down on their bumpy road to love.

Stephanie Bradford's attraction to Joe Baker initially blinds her recognition of Mike Murphy's charms. When Joe and Alexis arrange a "by chance" meeting, their romance is kindled.

Alexis Parker's engagement to Richard Churchfield causes her to ignore his selfishness and personality flaws, and repeatedly question her attraction to very generous and noble Joe Baker. Highway to Love takes the reader on a pothole-filled journey as Alex repeatedly denies Joe's love and her own feelings. Joe possesses the extraordinary patience of a man in love. His kind and charismatic friend, Carolyn, often shares her feminine perspective with him along the way. As Alex's emotional and moral beliefs are tested, she is forced to create a new and more appropriate definition of true love as she sprints to the finish line.

About Le Author:

Dani Burke has always been an avid fan of women’s fiction. She finally decided it was time to try her hand at a little story telling of her own. Having resided in the Chicago area the better part of her life, it seemed appropriate to use this location as the setting for Highway to Love. Dani has spent her career with various legal teams in several real estate industry related companies. Currently she is a Legal Administrative Assistant for a Chicago real estate developer and resides with the love of her life in a Chicago suburb

Thanks for stopping by, Dani!