13: Questions for Sharon Cullars

Thirteen Questions for Sharon Cullars

I was introduced to Sharon Cullars' writing with Again. Then I read and enjoyed The Object of Love (watch for a review soon) and knew I wanted to interview her. She agreed to answer some questions. Thanks, Sharon!

Alyssa: How long have you been writing, and why did you choose romance?

Sharon: Professionally, I've only been writing a few years, but my venture into fiction and poetry started in college over twenty years ago. I didn't actually attempt my first novel until the early 90s, though. The story was a fantasy/paranormal tale (still not finished; maybe one day) and writing it was such fun that it made the process seem less intimidating and I knew one day that I'd finish at least one novel.

As for romance, I stumbled into that with Again, which I had planned to be a horror story but it began morphing into something entirely different, merging erotic elements with historical and contemporary plotlines. My agent wasn't sure how to pitch it and it made its rounds to the various houses. Eventually, she pitched it to Kensington/Brava and voila, it was a romance story.

Alyssa: Do you plot your stories or just sit down and start writing?

Sharon: No, I don’t have the discipline to plot a story. I start with an abstract idea and work from there. The progression of ideas comes as I type, and I let the story lead me where it wants to go.

Alyssa: Talk about your writing process. For instance, do you write during certain times of the day, certain number of words/pages a day?

Sharon: I am probably the most undisciplined writer you've probably read. My writing schedule is all over the place. I attempt to write when I can, but sometimes the muse leaves me and I become distracted. I'm trying to force myself into a better writing habit with less distractions and more focus. I find when I'm writing for myself, I'm less productive, but when a deadline is looming I find the incentive to keep going even when I don't feel like writing.

Alyssa: When I read Again, I enjoyed the story's rich writing and unique plot. How did you come up with the idea for the book?

Sharon: Again began as a fluke. Having failed on a print-on-demand project called Celia (a paranormal mystery), I decided that I wasn't cut out to be a novelist. Then a co-worker suggested I write another book. I looked at her like she was crazy because it had taken me a couple of years to pen Celia and I didn't think I could even write another sentence. But I put aside my feelings and began what I thought would be a horror tale. And somehow, as I sat writing it, it became more erotic and then the idea of reincarnation began rearing which led to the historical aspect of the tale. Of course, then I had to research and fortunately, I found information on the elite 19th century New York black class, which was fodder for the story.

Alyssa: I love Sean from The Object of Love. How did you come up with his character and how did it evolve?

Sharon: (Sheepish grin) Sean is a fantasy of mine. When I got the two-book deal with Brava, I had no idea what I would write for the second book. I'm a beta male lover and the idea of a younger male who is mature and complicated figured into my own fantasy of what type of young male would attract me. So I fleshed out the idea and he grew from there. Of course, I had to actually plot the story and I was taking a chance of starting the story with a death, but I knew it would add depth to the story of Lacey and Sean. The son, Calvin, was very hard for me to write, because I didn't like him much in the beginning and I didn't think the readers would respond to him sympathetically, but from the reviews I've read, fortunately I was wrong.

Alyssa: I love older women/younger men romances, but I know some readers don't. Did you worry about this when you wrote The Object of Love?

Sharon: No, because my editors Hilary Sares and Kate Duffy gave me the freedom to write what I wanted. I didn't even consider the ramifications. Besides, I couldn't be bothered with societal prejudices against older women being with younger men, because some of these same naysayers see nothing wrong with its polar opposite (older men/younger women), and I hate double standards against women. As I wrote the story, I researched online about May/December relationships and found an online community dedicated to these relationships. Initially, I thought the twenty-year age disparity between Lacey and Sean might seem a bit much, but when I began reading the accounts of actual women in loving relationships and marriages with men who are twenty, thirty, even forty years their junior, it convinced me that love really doesn't have any restrictions. After all, Sean and Lacey are also interracial, and there are those who don't like these types of pairings, either, but I wouldn't let their prejudices stop me. A love story is a love story.

Alyssa: I haven't read Bad Boys with Red Roses. Would you like to share a blurb or excerpt for it?

Sharon: I have a blurb and excerpt at http://sharoncullars.com/excerpts.htm.

Alyssa: What is your favorite thing about writing? Least favorite?

Sharon: Here I probably differ from other writers, I suspect, who say the actual writing is their favorite part of the process. For me, it is when I finish the story because I am so riddled with doubt as I write that I often fear I'll never finish another story again. So when I actually do finish, the sense of accomplishment brings self-vindication and I know that I can probably write another story. As for the least favorite aspect, writing can be a joy, but there are times when it's more a job, and as with any job, there are highs and lows. My particular lows are when I hit a creative wall (think wall of pain in a marathon) or when I get bored with a scene and it impedes my progress. I just have to write through it, though, and keep going, much like my metaphorical marathoner.

Alyssa: What is the best writing advice you've received?

Sharon: To keep writing despite the negative reviews. I got this advice from a writer friend, a wonderful horror writer, Gary Braunbeck, who on occasion gives me feedback and advice. I also got the same advice from romance writer, Monica Jackson, whom I emailed in tears when I encountered a withering comment about Again on the message boards. I told both I was thinking of quitting, but they wouldn't let me. Monica threatened to find me and kick my butt if I quit. I was in the middle of writing The Object of Love at the time and was already going through a mental block because my mother had suffered a stroke. I literally froze up and didn't think I could write another word, I was so devastated by the criticism. But thankfully, I did get through it, and I'll never let negative reviews affect me that way again.

Alyssa: What's the last book you read and enjoyed?

Sharon: Because of real-life issues and an irregular writing schedule, my reading has taken a nose-dive in the last couple of years. Usually, my tastes lean toward horror and sci-fi/fantasy, and I have enjoyed books by Terry Goodkind, Caleb Carr (whose historical mysteries provided a template for my historical scenes in Again), Gary Braunbeck, Guy Gavriel Kay, Octavia Butler, Tananarive Due and Lincoln Childs/Douglas Preston. I have also read Notes of a Scandal by Zoe Heller because I became curious about the book after I saw the movie.

Ironically, I've only started back to reading romance after a twenty-year lull. I've read and enjoyed books by Monica Jackson, Robin Schone, Suzanne Brockmann and have bought books by Roslyn Holcomb, Nalina Singh, and a few others that are on my TBR list (I truly will get around to these soon).

Alyssa: Do you have a favorite movie from the past year?

Sharon: The last movie I saw was Notes of a Scandal and I thought the chemistry between Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett was absolutely mesmerizing. I also liked how the movie approached a dicey subject. I’m also pondering whether I will see Shrek 3 (which is garnering mixed reviews). Yes, I tend to also like animated films geared toward the kiddies. I loved Monster House from a couple of years ago.

Alyssa: If you could take a week-long vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Sharon: I love Vegas, and have been there more than a few times. I've been to Hawaii and loved that as well. But the adventurer in me (the me I could be if I wasn’t well…you know…me), longs to be an archeologist on some dig in the Southwest (finding the Anasazi remains, maybe) or in Egypt (finding an unknown Pharoah). I'm envious of the those who recently found a sunken ship with treasure, not so much because of the treasure (estimated to be worth around $5mm), but because of the sheer adventure of actually finding the ship after what I would assume years of searching. And as for the lazy vacationer in me, I'd like to see Hong Kong or visit Japan one day.

Alyssa: What book is coming out next or what are you working on now?

Sharon: Right now, I don't have anything else coming out with Brava. Author Gary Braunbeck has given me info on another horror anthology coming out (I submitted one story to a previous horror anthology, Masque V), with a theme of werewolves in all their incarnations, so I'm trying to write a short story for that and hope that it’s accepted. Also, I am penning an erotic story I hope to submit to Samhain Publishers. On spec, I've begun a historical mystery set in Chicago during the Civil War, featuring an African-American female detective who works with the Pinkerton Agency (you can read the first chapter at http://sharoncullars.com/novel.htm) as well as a horror story featuring a stunt woman on a horror movie set in Arizona where eerie deaths began happening (first chapters at http://sharoncullars.com/nightfalls.htm).

Got to keep writing no matter what.

Alyssa: Thanks for answering my questions! Best of luck with your stories. They sound interesting, and I hope they all find a home.

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13: Questions for Kelley Armstrong

Thirteen Questions for Kelley Armstrong

I'm a huge fan of Kelley Armstrong's writing, so I was thrilled when she agreed to do an interview. Here are the 13 (+1) questions I asked her.

Alyssa: You host a very active message board on your site. How did that get started, and how has it evolved?

Kelley: I started the site back when Stolen came out. I'm a former programmer, so using the Internet for promotion comes naturally to me. The discussion board started life as a simple "leave a message" page. That was unwieldy, so I switched to a full blown discussion board. It started with forums for each book, writer forums and book recommendations and slowly grew.

Alyssa: Since you have a message board, I imagine you get a lot of reader input. How do you balance that with your need as a writer to be true to the story?

Kelley: It's something I've had to learn to deal with. I firmly believe that an author has to listen to her readers. That's who I'm writing for and who pays my bills. However, while I recognize that I'm creating a product, I don't see it the way a manufacturer would--give the customer whatever they want. I have to balance what readers expect (and want) with what keeps me happy as a writer. If I completely followed my feedback, I'd be writing nothing but werewolf novels and I'd burn out after a few years. It can be frustrating when I'm talking up my latest book at an event...and getting "that's great, but when's the next werewolf book?" But so long as sales are good, I know I'm satisfying my average reader, so I'm happy.

Alyssa: What is your favorite thing about writing? Least favorite?

Kelley: Most favourite? Storytelling in general. That's what I love. Least favourite? The parts of the job least related to writing. Accounting, business, promotion...

Alyssa: Do you have a writing schedule (number of hours per day, days per week)?

Kelley: My youngest goes to school every other day. So I have 2-3 days a week of solid writing (or editing). Then I squeeze in bits on the other days.

Alyssa: No Humans Involved came out this month. I'm sure I'm not the only one who was eager to see Jeremy again. Do you have a favorite scene from it?

Kelley: Hard to answer without giving parts away because my favourites are later in the book! There's a scene near the end where Jaime explores her powers that I really liked writing.

Alyssa: Do you read your books once they've been published?

Kelley: No. I'd only find parts I wish I could change!

Alyssa: You recently sold a trilogy to Harper Children's. Can you tell us about that? Will it be set in the Otherworld?

Kelley: It's young adult. It will be set in the Otherworld, but without any overlap of characters. So the same concepts, races etc with all new characters.

Alyssa: Characterization is one thing I really love about your books. What's your secret for creating unforgettable, complex characters?

Kelley: Best advice I ever got was to know your characters. Really, really know them...and don't feel obligated to show it all in they story. For example, with No Humans Involved, I loved showing other sides of Jeremy, but they have all been part of his character since the beginnning--there just wasn't a way (or a need) to show them until now.

Alyssa: I have to ask about Clay, because I think he's so completely fascinating. How did you come up with his character?

Kelley: Honestly? No idea. I started Bitten in the early nineties, so it's been over a decade since I created him. The process is long since lost to time! I know he evolved a lot over the writing of the first book, but that's all I remember.

Alyssa: You have another book coming out this year: Exit Strategy. It's for a new series. Can you talk about that?

Kelley: It's a crime novel about an "ex-cop turned ethical hitwoman." No supernatural elements at all. I don't know whether it'll become an actual series. Right now I'm contracted for two books, so I'm only counting on that.

Alyssa: In your books, bad things happen to good characters. Is it hard to write these scenes?

Kelley: LOL. I should probably say "yes," but it's not as tough as it might seem. If it's the death of an innocent character, then I feel bad about that. But if it's a bad turn of events for a good character (Paige getting booted from the Coven, Clay hurting his arm) then I tend to see it as fodder for books to come, rather than a tragedy. I don't enjoy doing it, but I see it as giving my characters a challenge that will be good for the series.

Alyssa: Which of your characters is most like you? Which character would you spend free time with?

Kelley: Most of my main characters share some traits with me. I could say that Eve is least like me. Most like me? Not so easy to answer. We share things in common, but I don't see myself in any of them--like my friends rather than my children. You could say that when I create a character, I intentionally make someone I'd like to hang out with because we will be hanging out together, as I write their stories. But there aren't any I'd want to be with 24/7 either!

Alyssa: If you were given an extra hour in each day, how would you spend it?

Kelley: Reading. I don't do nearly enough reading these days. Too much of my work involves reading (editing, research etc) than when I sit to read, it's probably for business, and that makes it harder to do so for pleasure.

Alyssa: What’s the last book you read and enjoyed?

Kelley: Speaking of reading... Ha! Last book I read was an advance copy of Linwood Barclay's mystery/thriller No Time for Goodbye and I really enjoyed it.

Alyssa: Thanks so much, Kelley! I appreciate it.

To celebrate the release of No Humans Involved, I'm giving away one of Kelley's books--winner's choice! All you need to do to be entered is post here and tell me either which of her books is your favorite and why, or which one you'd like to try and why (if you haven't read her yet). I'll draw a random winner from everyone who enters here. Feel free to enter through May 17, 2007. I'll announce the winner May 18.

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It's easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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13: Questions for Megan Frampton

Thirteen Questions for Megan Frampton

Here, at last, is my interview with author Megan Frampton. Her first book, A Singular Lady, was published in 2005.

Alyssa: Hey, Megan. Thanks so much for joining us! I received several interesting questions, so let's get started. Gram wants to know what you think of living in NY vs. New Hampshire.

Megan: Well, I haven't lived in NH since sixth grade, but the town we lived in was tiny--only about 1,000 people--and the nearest McDonald's, even, was thirty minutes away. It was very quiet, very conducive to reading a lot. Which I did, since we didn't have a TV. I love NY, but I'm not living the typical "NY" life: I'm home every night, I don't eat out, I'm just a stay-at-home mom who happens not to own a car.

Alyssa: Joelle asks a similar question--how did you decide to settle in Brooklyn?

Megan: I used to live in Manhattan, and when my boyfriend and I broke up, I could only afford Brooklyn. I love it--it's like Manhattan without the tourists. Very diverse, and culturally interesting, and there are, indeed, trees.

Alyssa: Kristie's question is one I've wondered about, so I'm glad she asked! She says, "I love reading about your life with your son and husband. My question is what is the story behind your real life romance and how did you meet your husband?"

Megan: I met him when I was working at a music magazine and he was the music director of his college station. He ended up interning for me, and we were friendly then, although we were both living with people. Then I moved out to Brooklyn, ran into him at CBGB's, and invited him to my housewarming party. We started dating soon thereafter, and we've been together since--18 years later. We've been married for 12 of those years now, and our son is seven.

Alyssa: Ellie asks if you intended to write when you were pursuing your education. What motivated you to write?

Megan: I always loved reading romances, and (to respond to Sharon, below) I read Regency romances in particular. I got laid off after 9/11, and decided if I was going to be a stay-at-home mom, I'd be a SAHM who wrote. I thought if not now, when? And it was as simple as that. I had no intention of writing when I was in college, although I did major in English literature.

Alyssa: Sharon's question: How did you decide to write romances and to write about that particular era?

Megan: See answer above.

Alyssa: Jackietoo asks this question: "I've been wondering about Regency romance heroine beauty/hygiene habits. I mean, the ladies always have skin like rose petals, sweet breath, and hair like sunshine. What's up with that? They have no AC and they're all stuck together in those ballrooms under hot candles or riding behind stinky horses. How do they do it?"

Megan: The magic of fiction! Nobody smells, unless it's manly musk-type smell, and our heroes and heroines always have the oddball habit of bathing every day. The one that always throws me is when the hero runs his hand up the heroine's leg--all that leg hair! I just open my suspension of disbelief eyes and move along.

Alyssa: Pearl wonders how much reading you do now that you are writing. What is your favorite kind of book?

Megan: Romance, especially Regency and paranormal. I read a lot still, which probably means I'm not writing as much as I should be.

Alyssa: On a similar note, Principessa wants to know your favorite classic book.

Megan: Jane Eyre or Pride And Prejudice. Very standard for a romance writer.

Alyssa: Bamabelle asks if your heroes are inspired by people you know or celebrities.

Megan: Both; my characters always look like celebrities in my head, but their character flaws are drawn from people I know, including me.

Alyssa: Traveler's question is whether an author or mentor influenced your writing.

Megan: Yes, several; Jessica Benson helped me when I was just starting to figure out how to write Regencies, Marianne Stillings got me on the path to finding my voice (and remains a good friend), and along the way I've been helped by many, many authors, including Eloisa James, who gave me a cover blurb for A Singular Lady.

Alyssa: Wylie Kinson poses this scenario: there are only two male models left in the world. Who do you pick for your cover - McDreamy or McSteamy?

Megan: You know, I don't know because I don't watch TV that much. I probably seem like a snob, but I've been watching Rome on Sunday nights--I know who McDreamy is, but not McSteamy. I'd pick Lucius Vorenus for his hard-assed attitude.

Alyssa: Now, I'd love to hear what you're working on now.

Megan: I'm in the midst of writing Road To Passion, a Regency-set historical with an opium-addict hero, a Marquess, and an illegitimate vicar's daughter. She's of high morals and low-class, while he is the opposite. It's a marriage of convenience/road romance, and it's a boatload of fun to write. I hope to be finished with the first draft in a couple of months.

Alyssa: Oh, this story sounds terrific! I hope it's picked up by a publisher so I can read it.

And finally, share a little about the mystery prize you're giving to the contest winner.

Megan: Well! It is a movie based on a Barbara Cartland novel called The Lady And The Highwayman, and it is quite possibly the worst movie I've ever fast-forwarded through. It stars a young Hugh Grant, who's got this weird high-pitched voice, and acting as bad as a second-grade pageant. It is a hoot, if just to horrify yourself at how bad it is.

Alyssa: LOL! I may have to see if I can get it through my local library so I can have the pleasure of fast-forwarding through it.

Thanks, Megan, for taking time to answer our questions.

Megan: Thanks for asking the questions, all, and thank you, Alyssa, for hosting the contest!

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It's easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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13: Interview with Gena Showalter

Thirteen Questions for Gena Showalter

I'm delighted to bring you another author interview. This time, I'm interviewing Gena Showalter, author of Awaken Me Darkly, Playing with Fire, The Nymph King, and many others.

Alyssa: Hey, Gena. Thanks so much for joining us! I've enlisted some help with the questions, so let's get started. Mindy wants to know when you first decided you wanted to write as a career.

Gena: I was about . . . oh, 22, I think. I had already changed my major in college three times because I couldn't decide on a career -- actually, I couldn't see myself doing anything long term. I'd always been flaky, had never held down a job for long and was (allegedly) voted Worst Employee Ever a few times. So one day I just sat down and had a heart to heart with myself. What did I like to do? What could I do? What would I refuse to give up? There was only one answer: Writing.

Alyssa: A question from Catslady: How did you find out and how did you react when your first book was published?

Gena: It's actually a pretty funny story. An editor at HQN faxed my agent saying the phones were down and she couldn't call, but that she was interesting in making an offer for my book, The Stone Prince. By the time their phones were working, the editor was on vacation. And when my editor returned, my agent had just left for vacation. So I had to wait two tortuous weeks before I got the offer. When it came in, my agent called me and I screamed and laughed for about an hour straight.

Alyssa: Joye's question: Do you make a quick outline of events you want to happen in your story or do you have an idea and then just sit down and start writing?

Gena: I get an idea and then sit down and write. I try to let the characters lead me wherever they want to go. Sometimes I'll even be writing a scene and think, "What does this mean? Why do I need to write this? Why are you doing this?" I'll keep writing, though, knowing I can cut it later if needed. But then, a few scenes later, the reason will reveal itself. All I can do is smile and pat my characters on the backs. I love those moments!

Alyssa: Amy S wants to know if you have a set routine that you follow when you write.

Gena: I try to write everyday, a chapter a day. Sometimes life gets in the way, but that's usually my goal.

Alyssa: Now a question I've been curious about. How do you write so quickly?

Gena: One word: obsession. Sometimes it's like I have a ghost standing over my shoulder, whispering into my ear,"Why aren't you writing? You need to be writing. That story isn't finished yet." And so, the book becomes all I can think about. Also, I let the story play inside my mind like a movie as I'm writing, each scene leading into another scene so there is a constant flow of words. I don't stop and worry if I'm using the right words or if it makes sense (during the rough draft stage, that is). I just get the bare bones down on paper, knowing I can fix it all later. That's a huge time saver.

Alyssa: Ashley A asks if you ever get writer's block. And if so, how do you combat it?

Gena: I feel very blessed in that I've never really had writer's block. Once I'd written three chapters of a book (Catch A Mate), and the characters refused to take me to the next scene. I realized it was because I'd written the book in 1st person when it needed to be written in 3rd. I switched tenses, and boom. The story flowed. Other than that, I like to think that the words/scenes are always there, and that sometimes it's just a matter of forcing myself to sit down and write, even when other things are calling my name.

Alyssa: A second question from Amy S: What are the best and worst things about being a writer?

Gena: I love the creativity, the possibilities, and holding the finished product in my hand, but most of all I love knowing I entertained someone. What a rush! The worst is actually a parallel of the best. Sometimes it's crushing to learn you've disappointed a reader and that they'd rather eat maggots than read you again :)

Alyssa: Jennybrat asks if you use real life inspiration for your characters.

Gena: I do. I am a people watcher/listener. I take from life, the stories I hear, the things I see people do. Things that happen to me, things that happen to others. Everything is fodder for my books, nothing is safe LOL

Alyssa: One thing I enjoy about your books is the world-building. Can you talk a little about how you create such vivid worlds and people?

Gena: It goes back to the movie-thing. The story plays in my head and I just write down what I see. And the people, well, I might be a little crazy admitting this, but they become real to me. I love spending time with them and telling their stories.

Alyssa: Chantal wants to know if there will be more Atlantis books?

Gena: Yes!! I'm actually working on Layel's story right now. I've always had a soft spot for him. I'd tell you about the story, but I don't want to give too much away! Let's just say he needs a strong woman to whip him into shape and leave it at that :)

Alyssa: A question from KimW: What is the one thing you've always wanted to do, but never had the courage to try?

Gena: Everything that scares me, I've tried at least once. I don't like fear. It drags a person down. So I try to push myself past it. However, having said that, I hate speaking in public. I'll do it, don't like it, but I will do it.

Alyssa: You've done book tours and book signings. Do you have a favorite book signing experience?

Gena: Absolutely. I had the most amazing time on a book tour through Chicago and Detroit with Levy. I met the most amazing authors. We laughed, talked shop, and just enjoyed each other.

Alyssa: Let's close with this: tell us about the books you have coming out next.

Gena: In June I have two books. One, a contemporary romance called Catch A Mate:

Suspicious wives hire Jillian Greene to smile, flirt and prove that no man can be trusted around a pretty face. Enter Marcus Brody, who’s been hired to prove the same goes for women. And Jillian is no exception! She can’t help breaking her “never get physical” rule when the heart-stoppingly gorgeous Marcus walks into her life. But can she really overcome her cynicism about the opposite sex to trust in Marcus? And can he do the same?

The other, Red Handed, is the first in my young adult alien huntress books. July marks the release of Blacklisted, the sequel to Red Handed. Then, in September, the first in my Lords of the Underworld series will be released. I am soooo excited about that book. The Darkest Night.

Ashlyn Darrow has only to stand in one location to hear the conversations that have taken place there – no matter how many years have passed. These voices are too much, a living nightmare, driving her to Budapest for help. There she finds a man trapped in a hell of his own. A man who has been cursed to die every night in the most painful way possible, only to awaken the next morning knowing he’ll die again. All too soon the pair is caught in a dark passion that might very well destroy them both. . .

Alyssa: Oh, these sound intriguing. Thanks for answering our questions, Gena. I appreciate it!

Gena: My pleasure!

Now, as promised, I've selected one person who submitted questions to receive a copy of The Nymph King. I had a coworker draw a name, and the winner is . . .

. . . Amy S

Amy S, please e-mail me (the address is at the top of the left sidebar) with your address so you can get your copy.

Thanks, everyone, for participating!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It's easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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13: Questions for Sasha White

Thirteen Questions for Sasha White

Author Sasha White graciously agreed to help me with this week's Thursday Thirteen. Since the contest generated so many terrific questions, she answered thirteen instead of ten (which was my original plan).

1. Linda H asked this question: Out of your books, which one was your favorite to write?

Sasha White: So far, I think it's tie between THE CRIB, my novella in the PURE SEX anthology, and DEVIL's JEWEL which will be in my SEXY DEVIL anthology. Both have suspense elements that made writing them a lot of fun.

2. Here's a second question from Linda H: How did you become published? What influenced you to become a writer and what is your story about making it happen?

SW: Becoming published? Well I just wrote a story and submitted it. I know that sounds simple but it's true. One thing I had going fro me when I started out was I didn't know it was supposed to be hard to get published, so I was intimidated at all. As fro what influenced me . . . I love reading, and I often read stories that I thought could've been better, or where missing something so I thought I'd give it a try.

As simple as my answers are, do not make the mistake of thinking I think writing is easy. It isn't, but I do believe if you want something, anything, all you need to do is go for it.

3. From Ali: Which of your published books do you hold close to your heart? And why?

SW: All of them, because they came from my mind, and my heart. Some were funner than others, some more emotional, some harder or easier . . . but all hold special memories for me.

4. Debby asked: Who are your favorite authors and what books are on your keeper shelves?

SW: Kelley Armstrong, Kay Hooper, Janet Evanovich, JR Ward, Cathryn Fox, Beth Williamson, JJ Massa. Keeper shelf is full of these authors . . . everything I can get from them. :)

5. From Amy S: Have you ever based a character on a family member or friend?

SW: I've given main characters the job or careers of family and friends (makes for easy research) but characters actually based on their personalities, only once or twice . . . and those are secondary characters. I did a contest once last year where I created a secondary character on a reader who won the contest. That character is BRINA JO, she's in the first story in LUSH, my April release from Aphrodisia. :0

6. Aisling asked: What is your favourite romantic pairing of all time, e.g. Ross and Rachel, Bones and Booth, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

SW: Buffy and Angel. from the first three seasons of Buffy . . . after that it sucked. *grin*

[Note from Alyssa: I thought I was the only one who felt this way! Glad to know I have company.]

7. From Caffey: Having written the futuristic books with Amber Quill Press, do you plan to write other genres besides your contemps with Kensington? If so, what genre would you like to write?

SW: I just finished a paranormal for Kensington. It should be out in December (I think) My Berkley HEAT books will always be contemporary, as far as I can think anyway . . . but who knows with the others. I don't plan that far ahead. LOL

I enjoy the futuristics, and paranormals . . . so you never know. :)

8. And a second question from Caffey: If you could invite any five authors to your home to dinner, who would you invite and what would you love to ask them?

SW: Beth Williamson, JJ Massa, Kelley Armstrong, JR Ward, Sydney Croft.

My first question would be . . . What would you like to drink? *grin*

9. MD wanted to know what books are on your TBR list?

SW: Natural Law, Joey Hill
Hard Evidence, Pamela Clare
Children of the Night, Mercedes Lackey

10. From Mary J: What books did you read as a child?

SW: Archie Comics
Sweet Valley High
Har. Temptation

11. Here's a question from Maria: When you're writing your book, do you go out spotting male talent for inspiration, or do you use movie stars, models, etc.?

SW: Actually I do neither. LOL I'm a binge writer. I do nothing for months, then bury myself at home, I usually gain about 10-15 pounds with every book. LOL My heros are from my imagination. Once in a while a magazine ad, or actor will inspire me, but it's not that I go looking for them, it's just like they jump out at me . . . and I think WOW, that's ____ !

12. LindseyAnn wanted to know: Have you experienced any of the things your heroines have experienced in those steamy love scenes you write?

SW: UHmmm Yes. Not everything, but some of them . . . definitely. *grin*

13. Debbie E asked where you get your BDSM ideas.

SW: Some are fantasies of my own. Others I get from talking to people who are either kinksters or 'in the lifestyle'. Or just talking with my friends . . . or listening to the guys sitting at the bar when I'm at work. LOL I'm nosy, I ask all sorts of unPC questions LOL

Sasha, thanks for answering our questions. I appreciate your time and candor.

SW: Thanks Alyssa, for doing this, and thanks for the questions everyone!! This was fun!!

Now, as promised, I've selected one person who submitted questions to receive a copy of Kink. I had a coworker draw a name, and the winner is . . .

. . . Mary J

Mary J, please e-mail me (the address is at the top of the left sidebar) with your address so you can get your copy.

Thanks, everyone, for participating! I have another author review/interview lined up, so watch for it later this month.

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