Interview

Hi Justus, and welcome to RomanceJunkies.  First, can you let us know what projects you are currently working on?

 

I will be releasing the first erotic romance book I ever wrote titled MY WARRIOR.  I spent the last year rewriting it.  This book will be released in March.  I am also plotting out my next book in my BARBARIANS OF MALKA series.

 

Where do you get your ideas for your stories? Do you have to do any research for them? What is the most interesting thing you have learned?

 

The ideas for my stories just pop into my head. I will be listening to some music or maybe looking at some artwork then a storyline will pop into my head.  I do have to research for my books to make sure I’m as accurate as possible.  The most interesting thing I have learned during my research that there is a lot more to the BDSM lifestyle than I originally thought.

 

How do you name your characters Do they have to have their personality before you can name them or do they have to have a name before the personality can emerge?

 

I have a character naming software and a book of baby names that I use.  But I have a firm idea what my character is like before I can pick the perfect name for him or her.  I look down the list of names until I find a name that is perfect for my character.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a writer?

 

Promoting my books properly.  There are so many ways to promote your work. You have to find a way to get your work noticed.

Have you ever taken any classes to hone your skills? What advice would you give a new writer starting out?

 

Yes, I have taken online classes and I’m thinking about taking a couple of courses at my local college. You should never stop honing your skills. The best advice I can give to a new writer is to never give up. One of my favorite quotes is,  “a professional writer is an amateur that didn’t quit.”  I don’t remember the person who said this quote, but I have it tacked up on my storyboard as a reminder to myself.

 

Do you remember the day you were told that your book was being published?  Can you take our readers through that day?

 

I remember the first time I had a story published online. I was so thrilled, I danced around my house :)

What is your most interesting writing quirk? Do you have any superstitions or writing rituals?

 

Well, let’s see. I have a large storyboard on my wall where I keep pictures that remind me of my characters and I love to listen to music when I’m writing love scenes.  When I write I go into my own little world and when I’m done writing for a day it always takes a couple of moments to come back to reality.

 

What do you hope readers take away after reading one of your books?  What do you want them to feel?

 

I want them to have really enjoyed the book.  You know that satisfied feeling you get when you have read a really good book - that is the feeling I hope readers get when they finished one of my books.

If your life were a movie, what would it be called?  What would the theme song be?

 

This was a tough one, but I would have to say my movie would be Rollercoaster. The theme song would be Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield.

 

What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment so far? What do you see in the future for yourself?

 

My biggest accomplishment has to be me getting the nerve to publish that first book and the drive to keep going.  I hope to get published at one of the bigger publishing companies, to walk into my local store and see my book on the bookshelf would be so cool.

What is the first author that you can remember getting hooked on? How have your reading tastes changed over the years?

 

You know I don’t remember what the line of books was called, but when I was a teenager there was this line of teenage romance books. Oh my God I loved reading them.  Now I read a lot of paranormal romance books, and historicals.

 

MORE FUN…

 

What are your favorite TV shows?  Which shows could you do without ever watching?

 

I just love America’s Next top model, Lost, and Heroes.  What I don’t really like are those relationship reality shows.

What are three words you would use to describe yourself? Are they the same words your family/friends would use?

 

Loving, generous and fun.  My family would probably use those same words.

 

What kind of music do you listen to?  Do you have a favorite band?

 

I love music, I listen to everything from Mozart to Metallica. I love Enigma, their music inspires me.

 

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Why or why not?

 

Yeah I made a couple of New Year’s resolutions. I want to stop the diet thing and learn to eat healthy and exercise more.  The weight will come off and stay off this time.  And I want to focus on my career.

 

Thank you for interviewing me. It was fun :)

 

It was our pleasure.  Best of luck with your future writing projects!

 

By Kim Atchue-Cusella

Romance Junkies Publishing Editor Pam Sacknea

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