We recently sat down with Rick Adkins, author of "A Love Out Of Time", to discuss his writing and other interests.

How long did it take you to write "A Love Out Of Time"?

Including the research, about a year. I did quite a bit of research to try and get the "feel" of what Montrose, Pennsylvania would have been like in the mid 1890's, as well as the contemporary aspects of the other Pennsylvania locales in the book.

Why a time travel romance?

The story started out as simply a time travel adventure, but the further I got into the story it seemed to me that the romance angle would add greatly to the story. My instinct must have been right - everyone who's given me feedback has told me that it's an excellent story. I really appreciate the support I've gotten from the readers.

Will there be a sequel to "A Love Out Of Time"?

It's not a sequel, but some of the characters are returning in a continuation of the theme. It's scheduled to be published in 2008.

Who are your favorite authors?

My favorite author for some years now, without question, has been Clive Cussler. I know that when I read one of his books, I'm going to be entertained. He's a great author, and the way he weaves his stories together is masterful. His son Dirk is now co-authoring some of the books as well, and brings a new, different perspective to those stories.

Let's see who else - well, there's Stephen Cannell, who always delivers a great story; and Michael Connelly, another Florida resident, whose stories are also extremely good. My wife reads those, too, along with Sue Grafton. Ms. Grafton has done a superb job with her series.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

The cardinal rule: You have to write, actually sit down and write. I've always had a tendency to procrastinate, but a few years ago "A Love Out Of Time" seemed to coalesce in my mind and I started getting it written down. Some days, I could only manage to write a few paragraphs. Other days, it was as if I couldn't type fast enough, the story was coming so quickly. But, when it all started coming together, I knew I had a pretty good story.

Once your manuscript is ready, and if you're fortunate enough to get a publisher -- which is not the easiest thing to do -- your most important contact is going to be your editor. Listen to what they have to say -- they are the professionals who hopefully will help you become a professional.

What else can you tell us about yourself?

I've been very fortunate. I've been married to the same woman all these years, and besides being my wife she's also my best friend, my kindest critic, and my compass. Our children are great, and now we've got a couple of grandchildren as well. Our family is the most important aspect of my life.

I've tried never to lose my sense of humor, which I think is very important. I also love animals, which explains the succession of Siberian Huskies we've had over the last twenty years! All in all, I'd say I'm a pretty lucky guy.