This interview with Derek Hart was first published in February 2008. Derek Hart is the author of Secret of Dragon's Eye: Book One, Secret of the Dragon's Breath: Book Two, and A Favor for FDR.

Where were you born and raised?

Two part answer. I was born in Beloit, Wisconsin, which was a great place to be a small boy, but my father was transferred to Chicago when I was in the 5th grade, so I really grew up in suburban Wilmette, Illinois.

What was it that first got you into writing and when did you start writing?

Freshman college English. My teacher suggested I had real talent and I should consider pursuing it seriously. I didn’t really believe her at first and it wasn’t until several years later that I wrote my first novel.

Which writers have influenced you the most?

Action and adventure writers, for the most part, including Hammond Innes, Alistair MacLean, Jack Higgins, Douglas Reeman and Robert E. Howard.

What kind of things do you write?

The genres I feel most comfortable writing are historical fiction and action & adventure. I have also written several novels that fit in the fantasy vein.

What are you working on now?

The third book in my dragon series – Secret of the Dragon’s Claw, a swashbuckling romance – Claws of the Raven, and a thriller – The Carla Conspiracy.

What is your writing day like?

I write every day for at least an hour, not including editing. I’m most effective at night, since I am not a morning person. I spend some time always researching a future book and reading too.

What’s the most exciting thing about writing for you?

Creating the characters. Plots are very easy for me, but I love how the characters develop and grow as I write.

What’s the most frustrating thing about writing for you?

Not having enough time to work on all the things I want to focus on and not being able to write full time. I still have to rely on the 9-5 corporate job to really pay the bills.

What’s the best piece of feedback that you’ve had from your audience?

I recently received an email from a woman reader who told me that after she read one of my novels, she had to go outside and work in the garden to alleviate herself of all the pent-up sexual tension. She went on to let me know that there wasn’t a weed remaining in that garden by the time she was finished. It was more detail than I needed to know, but I also considered her comments a great compliment.

Do you write for a particular audience, or is your first priority to satisfy your own creativity?