Interview

Hi  and Welcome! Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to interview you for Romance Junkies.  First, can you let us know what projects you are currently working on?  

 

I’m working on a single title novel, Kiss of the Cerberus which is a dark, gritty and of course, sexy paranormal/urban fantasy.  I’m also working on a sequel to my novella, Heart Storm, tentatively titled Passion Storm and the final story to the Three Kinds of Wicked Series to debut from Red Sage Publishing this summer.  It’s going to be a busy spring! J

 

What does your writing space look like? Are you a neat freak or do work in organized chaos?

 

I can’t really say I have a specific space.  I write as far away from family noise as possible. :D  Other than that, all I need is my laptop and a comfy chair.

 

I am a neat freak when I write, and require a clutter free area and LIGHT.  Since I live in Florida, I love writing outdoors more than most anything, and my productivity soars when I can do this.

What does your writing schedule look like? Do you have to have complete silence to write or can you write through any noise?

I prefer complete silence, but can make do almost anywhere if I have a headset and music available. :D

 

What is the most important thing you have learned since you started writing? What advice would you give new writers just starting out?

 

Finish the projects you start.  There is no substitute for find your way to “the end” as often as possible—even when you aren’t thrilled with the results, the process of finishing a piece is the best education I can think of for a writer.  Also, read the very best of the genre you want to write in.  Don’t ignore the classics, either.  Mythology of various countries and cultures is a passion of mine and those stories truly inspire the structure of my own.

 

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say? 

 

Lately, yes.  I’ve recently started a yahoo announcement group, and I have a couple of fans who are very valuable to me with their feedback and support. 

 

What do you find the most challenging in the writing process?  

 

Getting past the halfway mark.  Once the story turns over, I fly toward the finish line, but the first half is often painful—like pulling teeth.  Every time I start a story, I convince myself I’m the worst writer ever and have to take a couple of weeks to regroup.

Do your characters already have names before the story begins or do you have to wait for the personality to develop?

 

It depends on the story.  I have had a couple where names changed after I finished.  My summer release, Wicked Temptation was one of those stories—the heroine’s name simply didn’t fit her once I got to know her, so I let her name herself. :D  We went from Patrice to Sage. It was the perfect name for her!

 

If you had to choose which writer would you pick as a mentor?

 

Actually, I already have.  I’m a rabid Deidre Knight fan gir. Reading her books has done so much to teach me how to handle characterization and multiple POV. Deidre never fails to bring something fresh to the romance genre, and I really keep my eyes open for news of her new releases.

 

How did you meet your true love? Is he more romantic or are you? 

 

I plead the fifth on this, LOL.   Seriously, he was supposed to be my first attempt at a don’t call me, I’ll call you one night stand.  Seventeen years later….

 

What is your ideal romantic vacation? Where would you go and how would you spend your time? 

 

Anywhere as long as DH is with me. If home is where the heart is, then paradise is where DH is. J

 

What kinds of books will we find on your bookshelf?

 

Anything from nerdy textbooks on physics and astronomy to sexy romance.  I’m a bookaholic, and  truly can’t say there’s a genre I haven’t read a good deal of except for romantic suspense and mysteries.  I do read a great deal of literary women’s fiction.

 

MORE FUN…

 

You are at the mall, which store draws you in the most? Have you ever bought something completely crazy and felt guilty after? 

 

I. Hate. The. Mall.  Nuf said LOL.  If I can’t buy it online, it probably won’t get bought.  I did pay two thousand dollars for a mermaid painting on a vacation to Captiva/Sanibel once….just couldn’t go home without her. J

 

What is your favorite room in the house?

 

I really don’t care for the house we live in right now---redecorating hasn’t helped much.  The house is ultra modern and very “Florida”, and that’s just not me.  I’m a Victorian cottage kind of girl.

 

If you could have any superpower which one would you pick and why? 

 

Healing.  I’d give anything in the world to relieve my oldest son of his autism/catatonia.  While both of my sons have autism, our youngest son is a happy kid.  David has truly suffered with his disability, and I’d give anything in the world to take the suffering away for him.

 

Do you have any favorite TV shows that you can’t miss? Are there any that you avoid at all cost?  

 

When I decided I wanted to write, something had to go so I didn’t sacrifice too much time away from my sons needs.  TV was it.  I seldom watch it, but do pick up some series on DVD to watch during sleepless nights.  I love Third Rock from the Sun.  I’m pretty sure it’s a sickness of some kind LOL.

 

What is your favorite way to spend a rainy day? Do you clean the house or kick back and relax? 

 

Reading!  I’m seldom without my Kindle nearby and can even read it while I fold laundry LOL!

 

Thank you so much for the interview. The questions were great and I enjoyed answering them very much!

 

Liana, I’m glad you enjoyed them!  Best of luck with your writing!

By Kim Atchue-Cusella

Romance Junkies Publishing Editor

Top of Page