Rhonda Penders - Publishing Powerhouse and Author

Rhonda Penders is a force of nature.  She's smart, not afraid to voice her opinions, and will move mountains to accomplish tasks she's set herself to.  Two such successful tasks have made her a powerhouse in the publishing world.  She's the co-owner and co-founder of The Wild Rose Press, a highly recognized romance publishing house, as well as a talented writer - writing under the pen name, Roni Adams.

Today Rhonda has agreed to answer a few questions about herself and share a little about her latest release, The Chauffeur Wore an Evening Gown.

Thanks for being with us today, Rhonda.  Interviewing publishers is always a treat.  So many people want to know more about the person(s) behind the business.  You know.  What makes them tick.  With that in mind, let's jump into our interview.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
"You can't edit a blank page."  As a writer - this means write even if its crap or not good.  It's something.  You can always go back and fix it.  You can't fix what's not there.

What's your birth sign and does it accurately reflect your personality?
I'm a Taurus.  Oh yes, my sign fits me well.   (Individuals born under this sign are thought to have a practical, reliable, patient, affectionate, sensuous, ambitious, and determined character.)

Describe your perfect day.
Waking up at our place on the lake, writing for several hours before my sons wake up.  Then hang out on the boat or jetski with the family, followed by dinner on the deck, and a campfire on the beach.

List 3 adjectives that describe you best.
Stubborn, outgoing, organized.

What did you do last night?
Took my youngest son out for ice cream. I let him drive so he can practice for his road test.  Then I read a magazine on the deck.

What was the last book you read?
It was by Susan Wiggs - Marrying Daisy Bellamy.  I've read this entire series and absolutely love it.  This one was no disappointment.

What actor would play you in a movie about your life?  
I've always thought Sandra Bullock would do a good job with my life.

Back in highschool, which group were you in?
I wasn't the most popular, but not a nerd either.  I ran somewhere in between.  I had a lot of friends crossing a lot of groups.  I was VERY involved in a lot of activities - not necessarily sports, but student government, drama, newspaper, etc.  But yes, a cross population of friends.  No one particular group.

If you could be a superhero, what power sould you like to have?
The ability to transport myself anywhere at any time.  I hate flying.

If you  could take a trip anywhere for 30 days with money not being a consideration, where would you go and what would you do?
At this point, I think I'd like to travel to Ireland and around that area.  Maybe the UK and Scotland.  That's sort of my next "to do" trip.

Rhonda's (aka Roni Adams) latest release is The Chauffeur Wore an Evening Gown.  I love this title!  Here's an excerpt.

Erin shook her head. "I'd really like to help you out, Mr. Stone.  But I simply can't fit into something that's too small.  And to be honest, I'm not sure that's something I sould be doing anyway."

"You're my only chance of not walking n there and having to make a lot of explanations.  Please, at least try it on."

Erin chewed her bottom lip.  She'd heard that designer sizes were cut different from off-the-rack gowns.  Not that she'd know; heck, the last time she wore a long gown was as a bridesmaid in her cousin's wedding. She twisted in her seat, her eyes wide as she registered his request.  "Try it on? Where?"

He spread his arms. "In here.  I'll step outside and give you privacy."

Erin couldn't believe he was really asking her to do this.  "Sir, I'm afraid that's simply not one of the services we provide."

He nodded.  "I'm a very good customer of your brother's.  A regular customer, you might say.  I'm sure Patrick has told you to do whatever it takes to keep his customers happy."

"Within reason, sir." Erin narrowed her eyes.

"I'm not asking you to sleep with me; I'm simply asking you to try on a dress."  His lips twisted into a sneer as if she was being ridiculous at the very thought.

She drew in a deep breath.  "And if it fits?"

"If it fits, we'll talk."