Welcome my guest for this weeks spotlight Tricia Schneider. Grab a comfy chair and get to know a great writer I'm sure you will be putting on your TBR pile!
Blurb:
Melora Merriweather is searching for a fellow witch to protect her from a scheming uncle with plans of marriage. When her carriage overturns on her journey, she is rescued by a mysterious man whom she learns is the very person she seeks. But, he’s not the witch she thought he was…
Sebastian Collins should have left for London days ago. Now a snowstorm has trapped him with a woman who has come seeking protection, a woman who intrigues him like no other. And with each passing hour, his hunger for her grows…hunger for her kiss, her caress, and her blood.
“You are Sebastian Collins? Of Caldwell House?” she asked. Had she made some horrible mistake? Who knew how old this letter might be? There had been no date written on any of them. Could this have come from a previous owner of the single address she had managed to discover leading her here? But, no, it could not be possible. Her dreams never misled her.
“Indeed, I am,” he answered, relieving her fears. He paused briefly, and then continued, “But there is no Mrs. Collins.”
Comprehension dawned. The blush of embarrassment and dread crept up her neck. To her surprise, Mr. Collins stiffened in agitation.
“I-I am truly sorry,” she stated, suddenly understanding his reaction. At least, now it made sense why Mrs. Collins never entered her dreams. “I had not realized she had passed. I apologize for the grief I have surely inflicted on you.”“No, no,” he said, with a shake of his head. He appeared to have difficulty speaking for a moment until at last, with a deep breath, he reclaimed his composure. Still, he kept his eyes cast down, toward the fire. “You fail to understand. I have never married.”
Melora stared at him. Confused, she looked again at the letter in her hand. “But the letters…?”
This time, his head snapped up, and he looked in her direction. She inhaled sharply at the sight of his light blue eyes staring at her. Into her. Through her. Sharp. Piercing. As if he searched her soul for the answers to his questions.
Do you do anything to get you into the zone to write?
I use visualization. I try thinking about my story throughout the day, then when it’s time for me to write, I’m ready to tackle the next scene. When I sit down to write, I’ll go back two or three pages, re-read what I wrote and then jump right in.
Which authors inspire your writing?
There are several who inspire me, such as Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Daphne duMaurier and Stephen King to name a few. Lately, I’ve taken an interest in Kelley Armstrong. Her writing and world-building amaze me! Her stories captivate and intrigue and her characters are so well-rounded they leap off the page and become like real people. Not to mention how prolific she has become. She writes paranormal novels and short stories of varied length.
What is your favorite book, character and why?
Oh, to narrow an avid reader’s favorite book down to only one is simply cruel! I have too many to name! But, the book that most influenced my writing is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. This gothic novel is full of romance, mystery and suspense, as well as having a historical English setting. And my heart goes out to Mr. Rochester. He is a passionate man tortured by his secrets and his love for Jane.
Do you prefer to write erotic or sweet?
I suppose I’m somewhere in between…sensual perhaps? Steamy? Okay, okay, more erotic and not at all sweet!
Which famous person, living or dead, are you drawn to?
Gerard Butler. I’m definitely drawn him! Most of my heroes happen to look like him, too. You know, just in case my books are ever made into movies…
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Traveling the world!! Or at least Europe. My husband and I visited Germany several years ago and we both desire to return. It was such a lovely place! I’m hoping in five years I’ll have enough in savings for an extensive research trip. I would love to set some stories there. Of course, I’ll still be writing in five years with several novels and short stories published.
Finish this sentence: I know I’ve made it when_______________?
I can tell my husband to quit his job and stay home to watch the kids while I write full-time. I don’t want to jinx myself, but I imagine my kids will probably be in college by the time that happens! Really, I just like to write stories that people read and enjoy. If I can do that without having to go get a ‘real’ job again, I’ll know I made it.
What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Just keep writing! I like to sing this to the tune of Dory’s ‘just keep swimming’ from Finding Nemo to encourage myself. It’s the best advice I’ve ever received. When you finish a manuscript and send it off to an editor, what do you do then? You write another story. Just keep writing, and writing, and writing. With each piece your writing improves, your skills sharpen, and you never know when the next story you write will be the one you get published. Never give up!
What do you see yourself writing in the future?
Whatever I write there will be romance involved! My romance sub genre interests are varied, but the one thing that remains the same is the love story, whether it’s historical, paranormal, suspense, futuristic, etc. Right now I’m writing paranormal romance in the Regency Era. I have a few other story ideas that are urban fantasy with romantic elements, of course, and young adult paranormal romance. It’s something I might consider.
If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?
Super speed-reading powers! I have an enormous TBR list and so many new books are being published every day. My writing takes away from my reading time, so it would be nice to read super fast, to get a book done in say an hour instead of a couple days. OR maybe I should have super fast writing powers! Instead of taking six months (or more!) to write a novel, I could get it done in a day. Yeah, that’s way better!
What time of the day are you at your best to write?
My writing times are flexible. I have 3 young children (ages 16 months, 4 & 5). Usually, I try to write at night after my kids are asleep, but there is the likely chance that I will fall asleep completely exhausted from my busy day. Lately, I’ve been writing during the day while my children are napping. That seems to be working better. So far! Next month, my schedule might change again! I sort of go with the flow these days.
And now for something completely different…
What do you look at first with an attractive man or woman, face, body or smile?
I suppose it’s the face. Well, in particular, the eyes. They say the eyes are the windows to your soul. And a smile really lights up someone’s eyes, so I guess I like smiles, too.
Explain your perfect day.
Oh, I can really get imaginative for this one! But, I’ll keep it simple. My husband doing ALL of the housework, cooking meals, and watching/playing with our kids which will allow me time to sleep in during the morning (that alone would be nice!) and write the rest of the day.
What is the most decadent dessert you can’t say no to?
Coffee flavored ice cream with bits of chocolate chips on top of warm from the oven cake-like brownies, all smothered with hot fudge. With a cherry on top. Oh, yum!
Do you have a favorite holiday what is it and what makes it special to you?
Christmas is my favorite. I love the decorations, the music, the ‘feeling’ of it. And I really enjoy giving gifts. It’s such a pleasure to watch someone opening a gift. I enjoy the smiles and laughter.
What key words describe you best?
Rose-colored glasses. Daydreamer. Romantic.
Want more of Tricia? Here is where you can find her
To buy: The Wild Rose Press
For more information about Tricia and her books visit her website.
Thanks for the interview, Shannan! This was fun! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! This book sounds really good, I will be adding it to my TBR pile.
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Shannan asks some great questions! Thank you, Tina! :)
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