Marcia James writes hot, humorous romances. In addition, she supports a number of nonprofit organizations that assist diverse causes, including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the Humane Society … But I’ll let her tell you about these organizations and how she became involved with them.

Please help me welcome Marcia James, our first Novel Hearts interview.

Could you tell us a bit about the romances you write?

I write comic romantic mysteries and funny contemporary romances. All of my romances include a Chinese crested hairless dog as one of the characters.

I’ve been writing fiction for over five years, and nonfiction – including advertising copy, print articles, and corporate video scripts – for over 25 years. My first release was At Her Command from Cerridwen Press. My June 2009 release is a short story, “Rescue Me,” in the Berkley benefit anthology, Tails of Love.

How did you learn about the charities you support?

When I lived in the Washington, D.C., area, many of my freelance writing company’s clients were nonprofit associations. I created their print materials —from press releases and brochures to newsletters and annual reports. Since I was often involved in the planning stages of their nonprofit events, my husband and I would go to their silent auctions and other fundraisers. We enjoyed these events so much, they became a mainstay in our social life.

In addition, when my husband and I were married, we asked our guests to consider donating to a charity versus buying us wedding gifts. One of the charities that benefited from that was the Epilepsy Foundation.

Now that I live in Central Ohio, I continue to support the local chapters of such charities as the American Cancer Society, the March of Dimes, the American Heart Association, and the Humane Society by attending their events and contributing gift baskets to their silent auctions. I also donate to regional nonprofits, such as the Cozy Cat Cottage no-kill shelter, and to several of the local school systems.

In what ways do you support these charities?

I enjoy making gifts baskets filled with books, wine, candles, and other goodies. The charities can use these baskets in several ways—in their silent auctions, for raffle prizes, or as “thank you” gifts for hard-working volunteers and contributors.

In addition to these personally donated baskets, I make promotional baskets filled with “Marcia James” items and books that I donate to romance community fundraisers, such as Brenda Novak’s online auction for diabetes research and Lori Foster and Dianne Castell’s Reader & Author Get Together fundraisers.

What exactly do these associations do, and why do you think this work is important?

Having worked closely with nonprofits as a freelance writer, I understand that they fund invaluable research, help the ill and injured, feed and shelter the poor, rescue unwanted animals, and basically do vital jobs not handled by government and corporations.

How can readers get in touch with you?

My Web site, http://www.MarciaJames.net, has a “Contact Me” page with both an e-mail address and a snail mail address. I love hearing from readers!

Marcia, thank you so much for agreeing to be our first Novel Hearts interview. But especially thank you for helping to support so many vital charitable organizations.