Author Interview on Ink Well

Hi all,

I'll be over at Ink Well today for an interview, stop by!

Get a copy of the Rulers of Darkness Box Set (Books 1,2&3) for  $0.99! Purchase HERE!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I began writing when I was in middle school. Actually, I wrote the first draft of Caressed by Moonlight a long time ago, but decided to rewrite it over one summer while my husband was deployed. School, working, and writing helped occupy my time.

Where do you draw your inspiration for your books?

Honestly, I could be anywhere doing pretty much anything and be inspired. But, mostly, imagination strikes while I’m listening to music in the car. I commute a lot and love playing Pandora Radio in the car. Some of my top stations are: Tech N9ne, Shinedown, Classic Rock, and Love Songs.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

The most surprising aspect of creating my books are the characters. I love developing their backgrounds and getting to know them. It really is an adventure to create their world. I generally start off with a rough outline of the overall book layout, but the characters really lead my writing.

Do you hear from your readers much? What is the most memorable response you’ve received from a reader?

When I started out in 2010, I didn’t really know what I was doing. I had just launched my first indie published work, Caressed by Moonlight (Rulers of Darkness #1). I was trying to figure out how to spread the word. I stumbled upon the first review site I’d ever read, Vampire Romance Books. I contacted the owner and offer her my book for review. I was surprised she accepted and absolutely shocked when she gave me a fantastic review – my first ever.  The interaction I had with her and continue to have are the most memorable.

Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre? Is there a genre you would be interested in writing, but not sure it would be a good fit for you?

I enjoy reading paranormal romance and vampires are my favorite. So, I decided to write what I love. I would like to try my hand at contemporary romance and perhaps military romance. My husband is active duty so I think I’d be able to put a nice spin on the stories, maybe even share a few of our own experiences. I also have a Y/A novella in the works, The Darkest Light.

What was the hardest part of writing this book?

The most difficult part of writing a book is the ending. There are so many times that I wish I could just go on and on with my character’s stories. It can be tough finding the right timing, placement, and cut off for a book especially if it is a part of a series.

Vampires hit a huge high in Literature about ten years ago with books like Twilight and the Sookie Stackhouse novels. Over the past 100 years, they have constantly dipped in and out of interest for readers. Do you fear/feel the interest in these types of paranormal creatures might be waning at the moment? If not, what do you feel is the thing that keeps vampire so appealing to readers?

Like you said, vampires have captured the imagination for some time. I think, much like an genre or product, it will have it’s high and low points. However, I started reading paranormal romance well over 10 years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. The key with paranormal romance is there are some many creatures to chose from. Yes, vampires are my favorites, but I think the genre in general will stay alive and strong. Vampires were huge, then werewolves and witches, before moving to shifters. The possibilities with vampires and the entire paranormal romance genre is endless, which is why I think readers are hooked – I know I am.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I’m fortunate to live a beautiful place in Southern California. There are some many things to do. When I’m not writing, I hang with fun loving Italian family – cooking and talking. It’s always a party with them. My husband and I love Football – I’m Green Bay all the way and he’s proud be part of Raider Nation (boo…hehehe). On sunny weekends we take our pups, Kelly and Barrett, down to the beach or out for a hike. We like to stay active.

What books have most influenced your life most?

Companions of the Night by Vivian Vande Velde hands down the most influential book in my life. I read it back when I was 12. A friend of mine found it in the school library and suggested I give it a try. At that time I was a poor reader and I hated it, but this book turned everything completely around. I met and fell in love with vampires then and I have never looked back.