Tell us a little about your writing. What type of stories do you like to write? Any characters you like to write about? Any themes you find especially inspiring?
At this time, I prefer to write erotic paranormal romance, specifically about vampires or shape shifters. With the current series I am writing, the theme I have running through each is of the heroine having some personality or physical problem she has to overcome, and of course the vampires involved, the heroes all have problems.
What is your favorite part of the writing process? What are your most dreaded tasks? Anything special you do to get through the tough parts?
Probably the favorite part is the research. Putting all the background materials onto paper from there is the next favorite. The dreaded is any battle conflict I may bring in. Doing the fight scenes aren’t easy for me. I usually ask for my husband’s help.
What’s a typical day look like for you? What’s your writing schedule? When you’re not writing what are you doing?
I work late into the wee hours of the morning, two to three o’clock, so I don’t usually get up until ten in the morning. I do some housework, then settle in to checking email messages, do some promo, then do some writing. Recently I’ve been doing more editing on new releases than writing on WIPs. I pretty much don’t do much else. Husband and I have plans this year to attend a few conferences and events for a break in our routine.
When and why did you begin writing?
Began writing about a year and half ago after reading husband’s manuscripts and helping him proof and edit. I attended a women’s show and met a local romance author and was intrigued by her writing and decided to give writing a try. The next thing I know I had a finished work to submit.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When the second manuscript was accepted for publication. I figured the first one was a fluke and by luck, the second must mean I had potential.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep at it. Write, write, write. It’s like the old adage, practice makes perfect. My writing is improving the more I do it. I’m not perfect, and never will be, but I’m better than the first book I wrote. The only other advice is the same I told my employees when I had my own business before retiring, enjoy what you do, if not, time to move on and find something that does. So, if writing stops being fun, stop and do something else. Right now for me, it’s fun!
What author is your work most like? What author would you like to be more like?
Touchy question. I really don’t know if I have a style similar to anyone. I’ve been writing for about a year and a half and finding my way.
What would you like readers to take away from your stories?
To escape and enjoy the read. Nothing philosophical, nothing earth-shattering. Just pure unadulterated fun and fantasy.
What inspires your stories?
Whatever idea pops in my mind at the time.
What is your favorite comfort food?
I’m on a diet right now, so anything yummy tasting would be a comfort food compared to what I’m eating.
What do you do to relax?
I like to sew or make jewelry to free my mind. The concentration needed keeps me from thinking about the next scene in a story, otherwise I could prick a finger on a needle or drop a bead into the carpet by mistake.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Shopping for clothes.
If you could have one wish, what would it be?
Really personal, to be in better health.
What is the one thing you most want to do that you haven’t yet?
Travel to Egypt and cruise the Nile River and visit the archaeological sites.
Please tell us about your current projects and where we can purchase it. Where can we find you on the web?
I currently have three projects under contract with Secret Cravings Publishing. The first released on January 12, Born to Be Wild, the second is due out March 7, My Life as a Dog, which I co-authored with my husband, and the third is due to release April 11, The Cougar and Her Vampire. My website is: http://cynthiaarsuaga.weebly.com and the publisher’s website is: www.secretcravingspublishing.com/CynthiaArsuaga.html .
The following is an excerpt from Born to Be Wild:
“Who’s we?”
“The Bounty Hunters Society. We keep a complete list of known vamps with their histories, locations, and business dealings. Maybe I’ll do a split screen and check them simultaneously to save us some time.”
Stefan gave her a fierce squint and fell back in his chair with his arms crossed over his chest.
“What? You think we don’t watch you vamps and network, Stefan? How do you think we do our job so well? You never figured out our secrets before now?”
“I didn’t think you were…sophisticated, no.”
“Welcome to the world of technology. Now show me your list. I don’t have the entire night you know.”
“Are you always this demanding?”
“No. I’m anxious about finding out if our suspicions are right. I’m kidding about the entire night thing. I can stay awake just as long as you can.”
“Are you challenging me prinţesa?”
“Me? Of course not. Now, how about the list?” But if I were, I’d beat you, for sure.
They faced off with similar taunting grins.
With a few keyed entries on the keyboard, a list of vamps and their respective businesses came up on the monitor. Two hours later and faintly blurry-eyed, Alex stretched her arms over her head and stood.
“Do you have anything to eat here? I’m just a bit hungry and thirsty. This late night work has thrown my diet out of whack.”
“No, I don’t entertain humans here and have no need for your kind of food. Sorry.”
“Great. Not even any soda or even coffee?”
He laughed. “Alexandra? I’m a vampire, why would I have soda or coffee?”
Knowing it broke Rule Number Nine, she asked, “Hmm, how about some of that wine you suggested earlier?”
“Let me check. Any particular vintage you prefer?”
“Anything with a cork and not a screw top is always nice.”
He wrinkled his brow. “I think I can do that.” He pushed back from the desk and swiftly moved into the kitchen area, leaving Alex in the study.
“Don’t entertain women much, do you?” She mumbled as he left the room.
“I heard you, Alexandra.”
“I wanted you to, Stefan.”
Thinking the time had to be late; she walked to the computer and checked the monitor clock—3:49 AM. Oh my God! No wonder I’m exhausted!
Stefan returned with two glasses and a bottle of Syrah.
“You were serious about the wine? Do you know what time it is?”
“If I had to guess, about four.”
“Not quite, but close enough. I need to get back to the hotel and can’t have anything to drink if I’m going to find my way there.”
“Or perhaps you could stay here. You could work on the computer while I’m resting.”
“Resting? Where would I rest? I’m not an insomniac. I need sleep too.”
“You can use the bedroom on this floor. I have my own space downstairs.”
“Pour away, big boy. I’m thirsty.”
If you could be any paranormal creature, what would you be?
If I had to choose, I guess the vampire, since that is what I’ve written about. If I write about something else, other than the Yorkie shifter, I’d probably want to be that one. A wolf is in the works for next Christmas. We’ll see how that fits in to my wish list.
2 comments:
Congrats on your sales - may you and your husband have great success!
I have to agree that research is the fun part of the process. I enjoyed reading your interview and wish you the very best.
Post a Comment