Interview with Genevieve Scholl

Joining us today is Genevieve Scholl. Thanks for the taking the time to answer some questions for those of us still struggling to be more disciplined with our writing.

When/why did you start writing? Did someone or something influence your decision?

   GS - I started writing when I was a Junior in High School, because I was being bullied. It was a way for me to escape the world and the people that were making my life hell. I would write all of my feelings and eventually the feelings would turn into stories of revenge and more. Now, I just love to write. I’m not really sure where my inspiration comes from, but I’m glad for it every day, because if I didn’t write I think I would go insane.

What do you write?

  GS -  I write mostly Romance, but I am venturing out in other genres as well. I am mostly known for my Naughty North Pole Novels.

Was writing something you always dreamed of, or did a story just come to you one day? If you weren’t writing, what would you be doing?

  GS - Writing just sort of snuck up on me. I’d be a full time photographer if I could.

On to the fun questions – Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

  GS - I don’t think I have a typical writing day. I write when the mood strikes, I get inspiration, etc. I usually have to have my coffee and my rings on (why I have no clue), but everything else changes depending on the day.

How many hours a day do you write? How many days a week?

  GS - It varies. Ideally, I’d like to write every day, but it never happens that way; even if I have the time.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

  GS - I start out as a plotter, but things usually turn out way different than expected.

How do you handle distractions during your writing time?

  GS - Just take it one moment at a time. I usually always have paper of some kind on me, and if I don’t  I find the nearest thing that can be written on; which happens to usually be my hand or a wrapper lol

Self-publishing – What made you decide to self-publish?

  GS - I can’t really remember to be honest. I hadn’t even heard of self-publishing before I published Love Claus. It’s strange that I don’t remember, but I don’t regret it one single day.

Have you ever thought about being a hybrid author, the kind of author who traditionally publishes and self-publishes?

  GS - No. The community alone is enough to keep me as an Indie.

How long did it take before you were making a “real” income from your writing?

  GS - I haven’t really. I mean, I’ve done okay on some of the books, but I’ve never been able to live on it. I have a feeling I never will be able to, and that’s ok, because I have enough of everything else to occupy me and bring in an income. Besides, I'm not in for the money.

Finally, do you have any advice for those who want to turn their passion into a true career?

  GS - Write!!!!!!!! Don’t second guess, don’t worry, don’t edit… Just write. Like my favorite image on Facebook says: “Write drunk, edit sober.”

Thank you so much for taking time out of your day!

You can find Genevieve on Facebook. She's always full of great tips, and a lot of fun!

You can find her books, like the infamous Naughty North Pole Novels, on Amazon.

 

Note: Portions of the proceeds from ALL of Genevieve's books and short stories are donated to charities. Currently, those charities include The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Toys for Tots, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Breast Cancer. More will be added soon.

 

Interview with Author Sandra Love

Joining us today is Sandra Love. Thanks for the taking the time to answer some questions for those of us still struggling to be more disciplined with our writing.

When did you start writing? Did someone or something influence your decision?

SL - I started to write this past year! I was reading Bitter Fruits by Sarah Daltry and was like, hey I want to do this. Many authors had inspired me to write. Genevieve Scholl was one of the authors who would talk me through it every day!! She is also my editor, publisher and cover designer.

What do you write?

SL - Right now I write YA Supernatural. I do want to write a Romance novel one day! I have started one, but right now I want to work on my Broken Wings series.

Was writing something you always dreamed of, or did a story just come to you one day? If you weren’t writing, what would you be doing?

SL - The story just came to me one day! I wanted to bring it to life on paper. I really want to work with special needs children.

On to the fun questions – Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

SL - I wake up, have some coffee, and start to write. My cats decide that’s the time to start playing.

How many hours a day do you write? How many days a week?

SL - Well with the new year I plan on writing for 2 or 3 hours a day, and 5 days a week. I do have book two coming out April 18^th. So excited about that!

Are you a plotter or pantser?

SL - A plotter.

How do you handle distractions during your writing time?

SL - I am good at shutting things out. I usually put my phone on silent and unplug the internet. *laughs* so I don’t get tempted.

What made you decide to self-publish?

SL - For the time being I think self-publish will be great for me, so I don’t have to have that added stress.

Have you ever thought about being a hybrid author, the kind of author who traditionally publishes and self-publishes?

SL - I think right now I just want to self-publish. I want to wait and see how people react to my first book.

How long did it take before you were making a “real” income from your writing?

SL - Well my first book was just released on December 22^nd 2013, so I haven’t had any income yet. I’ve sold plenty of books but amazon hasn’t paid me *laughs*.

Finally, do you have any advice for those who want to turn their passion into a true career?

SL - Just follow your heart and never give up. J

Thank you so much for taking time out of your day!

You can find Sandra Love's books on Amazon here and here.

Or follow Ms. Love on Facebook, Goodreads, or Twitter.

 

 

Want to know a little more? Here's a blurb to Broken:

Broken by Sandra Love

Cordelia Rose has a horrible life. She gets bullied by students at school, beaten by her father, practically abandoned by her mother, and wants to end her life and suffering. But when some strange things start to happen, she questions whether or not she has a purpose in this life.

Then she meets a brother and sister that means more to her than she realizes. They are her protectors, and her kindred spirits. Just like her, they are bruised and broken, though for different reasons.

When she finally discovers the truth of her existence, her mind is jumbled with everything She has to take in; not to mention the battle she has to fight inside and out.

A little about Sandra Love

 

          My name is Sandra Love, I live in Olivet Michigan and I am 33 years old. I live with my boyfriend Brad and my son Charlie. Charlie is 11 years old and he battles with Autism and ADHD. He is my world. I did attend college, where I studied Accounting and Ancient History. I am very fascinated with Mythology. Norse Mythology is my all-time favorite. I love learning about the Gods and Goddesses.

         I am a big time cat lover, I swear I will end up being the crazy cat lady. I have 3 cats Stubby, Odin and Thor. I do take care of a stray as well his name is Louie. I want to save all the cats in the world.  J

          In my spear time, I love to read. My favorite genre of books are YA Supernatural, but I read anywhere from Erotica to Fantasy to Romance. I love to read and review for authors. I am a BIG supporter of ALL authors. They have inspired me to write.
          Speaking of writing my first book is YA Supernatural. It is book 1 of 3, with a Prequel. I really enjoy writing, it allows me to escape reality for a while. I hope you all enjoy my first book.
          I am really a boring person; I rather stay in and hang out with my cats and my family then to go out.

 

 

 

Interracial Erotica Author Tracy Ames Joins Me on My Adventures

It’s with great pleasure I introduce Tracy Ames. Tracy, thank you so much for joining us. Can you tell the readers, what inspired you to write your first book?

First, I’d like to thank you for having me. You’re a peach!

Trust me, the honor is all mine!

Nick and Alyanna, the main characters in Seduce Me, were my golden couple from my column days. The readers took to them and soon there was a grassroots plea for full novel. At the time I was working fulltime as a software engineer so I shoved it to the backburner. Long story short, I scribbled the first two chapters of the manuscript while dying a slow death in one of those long, boring ‘town hall’ meetings corporate America inflicts on its innocent masses. I guess my inspiration was fueled by my unyielding love of writing, an overactive imagination, and a sore bum.

Is there a message in your novels that you want readers to grasp?

Absolutely. The message I try to convey in all of my stories is that no one is perfect; there are going to be ups and downs and the only way to truly experience happiness is to let go of our selfish limits we place on love. Forcing love to live up to our expectations by saying ‘You have to love me this way, within these set guidelines, or no way at all’ inhibits its growth and sooner or later we out grow it. Then what? We write the relationship or blame our mate. It’s a common scenario but I think the essence of this message is lost when writers take the easy road by glossing over the fallibility of the characters when in fact flaws add depth and makes our characters relatable.

What books have most influenced your life?

I love the classics specifically the writings from the Brontës. In fact, readers drew parallels between Mr. Dermot from my novella and upcoming novel Spanked and Charlotte Brontë’s Byronic hero Mr. Rochester which tickled me pink because my character was very loosely based on the Duke of Zamora.

Can you tell us what book(s) are you reading now?

Oh, this is dangerous territory! I’m currently traveling so my literary arsenal has gone mobile. I’m juggling three new reads Yes Ma’am by Kay Jaybee, Wet by Charisma Knight, and Check Mated by BJ Thornton (I love this book!). I’m also re-reading In Sleeping Beauty’s Bed: Erotic Fairy Tales by Mitzi Szereto and Transported by Sharazade.

Will you share a little of your current work with us?

You can find part of my fall release, Beg Me, on my site until the end of the month as well as Spanked my novel being published in 2012.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Research is the most difficult and the most enjoyable aspect of my process. I put in a ton of hours fact checking, and needling through the minutiae of my subject matter before my pen hits the paper.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I’m royal historian and self-avowed history geek. As a child, other little girls were satisfied with pretending to be the princesses we saw on television. Not me! I was more interested in her lineage which is why incorporating those elements into my first two books came with ease. Since then, each new topic has fortified me in one way or another.

While you were writing, did you ever feel as if you were one of the characters?

Without a doubt. Coming in at a close second in the area of difficulty is the emotional tax all writers pay while writing. There are two particular scenes in Make Her Want It which struck accord with my readers—some experienced crying fits. Those scenes were extremely taxing and very emotional but that’s what good writing is about…it’s a mental/emotional rollercoaster.

What are your expectations for the book?

I try not to put too many expectations on my work. I hope to entertain as many readers as possible, and steer clear of bad press and cacophonies.

How are you same/different from your main character?

There’s a little bit of me in my characters. Those close to me will attest to my wackiness. Catch me around 2am, which is when I normally write, and you’re in for a real treat. I infused Alyanna with my spirit of independence and lady-like virtues while Sonya, my heroine in Make Her Want It, received the implacable stubbornness of my youth and my razor sharp tongue.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Continue to write even when you believe you have nothing to say. It’s disheartening to hear neophytes say, “I have nothing interesting to say.” Stop trying to be someone else. Keep writing; sooner or later your voice will find its way from beneath the pile of grot. Trust me, most writers cringe when they read their early work. You’re no different.


I want to take the opportunity to thank Tracy for joining us today. I’m sure there will be a lot of readers updating their TBR lists after this.

You can find Tracy at InterracialErotica.net.

Seduce Me can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Make Her Want It can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.