Interview

Hi Stevie and Welcome!   First, can you let us know what projects you are currently working on?

 

Well, my main project is a fantasy, a vampire story, which is going rather slowly at the moment.   I also have a couple of others vying for attention, another fantasy and an idea for a contemporary – which is probably why my vampire story is floundering, too much bubbling inside my head!   I used to be able to stick to one story at a time but that seems to be getting more difficult.   I’m going to have to be stricter with my muse!

 

How do you fit writing into your schedule? What does your workspace look like?

 

With difficulty!   I work full-time at my day job so that really only leaves evenings and week-ends.   What I wouldn’t give to be able to write full-time.

 

My workspace is basically the dining room table (which we only get to use for dining for special occasions!), where I have my laptop, pen and paper for scribbling down notes, my dictionary/thesaurus and, of course, my coffee mug!   Oh, and my docking station for my iPaq, which I use for a lot of my reading these days.

 

Do you do a lot of research for your stories? What is the most interesting thing you have learned?

 

Depends on the story.   For the fantasy ones, not so much, just let my imagination run riot.   For my historical work, definitely.   I had to do a lot of research for my novel, CANE.   I found myself fascinated by the life on sugar cane plantations - for both the owners and the slaves.   It was both interesting and horrifying just how hard it was to actually produce the stuff.

 

Are you a plotter or do you write as it comes? Do your characters start with names or do they have to have personalities before they can be named?

 

I have tried to plot my stories but invariably the characters have their own ideas on where the story needs to go, and often they are right.

 

I find that I need a name to make the characters come alive.

 

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

 

Well I hope they are satisfied that they have read a well- thought out story with a good strong characters and lots of romance at its heart, something they can equate with.

 

What genre would you love to write but haven’t yet? Is there one you would shy away from?

 

If you’d have asked me that a short time ago I would have said Contemporary.   It always seemed easier for me to write about any time but my own – as odd as that might sound LOL!   I’ve been quite happy to write Historicals, SciFi and Fantasy. However, I broke that barrier recently and now have a short Contemporary story coming out in the near future from Torquere Press.

 

Have you taken any classes to hone your skills? What classes/workshops would you recommend the most?

 

No, I just sorta fell into writing for my own pleasure, progressed into writing fanfiction – where I found slash – and from there into publication.

 

Do you have any hobbies that you do in your spare time? Is there something you would love to learn but haven’t had the chance yet?

 

What spare time LOL?!   Writing was my hobby, now it’s my obsession.   If I have any ‘spare’ time it has to go to my family.

 

What kinds of advice would you give a new writer? Is there anything that you have learned that you can pass on to someone just starting out?

 

Write what you feel – I know it is commonly said you should write what you know but I think it’s more important to drop all those restraints and let yourself go.   It’s what’s at the heart of the story that really matters and that can only come from within.  

 

And once you have your story, perseverance.   It’s yours, you believe in it, make a publisher believe in it too.  

 

How did you meet your husband? What is the most romantic thing you have done for each other?

 

Nothing too exciting here I fear, met my husband (many years ago I have to say!) through my sister’s boyfriend.   Romantic? Hmmm, my husband is one of those men who think it’s romantic to buy me a fancy new iron for Christmas!  All well, if I think more on his words than his idea of gifts then I have no complaints, saying he loves me is never far from his lips.

 

What kinds of books will we find on your bookshelf? What is the last book that left a big impression on you?

 

Hmmm, have to say the last few books I have bought have been eBooks, m/m stories that get my pulses racing and I have found some wonderful new authors.  

 

On my bookshelves there is a large collection, bought over many years of romance, historical, sci-fi and fantasy fiction, scattered among them are a few classics.   Also, there are quite a lot of reference books that are now proving useful in my own writing, particularly the history and geography tomes.  

 

MORE FUN…

 

Do you prefer to jump up and embrace the day or have a lazy breakfast in bed?

 

Heck, don’t have time or inclination for a lazy breakfast-in-bed, want to get on with my day!

 

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

 

Determined, hopeful, introvert

And no, doubt very much if my family would use those words!

 

What is your favorite TV shows? How about ones that you would stay away from?

 

Like drama and action of all kinds, and not surprisingly sci-fi and fantasy are high on my agenda.   Hate reality shows – find nothing ‘real’ in them at all!

 

What is your favorite dessert? Do you make it yourself or order it out?

 

This is a hard one, I have a particularly sweet tooth and dessert is my favourite part of a meal!   But I guess anything chocolate is always a favourite.   I make a mean chocolate gateau with cream filling and real chocolate topping.   Yum!

 

Stevie, thank you for spending time with us—it has been a lot of fun.   Best of luck with your writing in the future!

By Kim Atchue-Cusella

Romance Junkies Publishing Editor

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