Thursday, December 17, 2009

Welcome to Rebecca Royce's guest blog


Welcome Ms. Rebecca Royce to Love Romances and More, thank you for joining us.


Did you always want to become a writer?


So the answer to that question would be YES and NO. I know that’s a funny way to put it. But, in my heart of hearts’ I wanted to be a writer. Absolutely. But I also had this feeling that I had to find something to do that would be more ‘practical.’ I suffer from this because I really am a very down-to-earth person, all paranormal writing aside.


But, ultimately, my desire to write won out and it helps that I have a very wonderful husband who supports my decision to do this.


What is the most, and the least interesting fact about writing?


The most interesting fact about writing is that it so out of my own control. Half the time, it feels like my characters decide what is going to happen in the book and I’m just along for the ride.


The least interesting thing is the amount of time you spend alone in front of the computer simply cleaning up the writing you did from the day before. It’s a very one step forward, two step back process.



How do you plan to celebrate your first release?


This is actually my third release, but with my first release we had a major family dinner and cake. Wait, hold the presses, the cake was for my son’s 4th birthday. The book released the same day. (Laughing)


How did you celebrate your first release? What was it like to see your book in a bookstore? Do you have a special ritual for celebrating a book release?


I try not to think too much about the releases. I try to promote them as best I can, give myself a little pat on the back, and then keep writing. You don’t hear very much about how your book is doing until later so the actual release day is just like any other. The most important thing is to just keep writing.


How did your family react to fact that you write romance novels? Have your family read your book?

I think they didn’t expect to like the books as much as they have. They were nervous about just how ‘erotic’ the books would be. But, I’ve been very lucky, because they have liked the characters and the ‘world building’ so they’ve enjoyed reading them.

They’re extremely supportive, they buy every book, and as I’ve always known, I am extremely gifted in my family.


Most authors are also avid readers. Is this the case with you? If so, who are some of your favorites? Have any influenced your writing?


I could write you an essay with just the names of my favorite writers and how they influenced me. But here are some of tops. Christine Feehan, Nora Roberts, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Nailini Singh, and Lora Leigh. Outside of the paranormal, I like Amanda Quick, Jayne Ann Krentz (same person, I know), and Elizabeth Lowell. Also Virginia Kantra’s selkie stories are brilliant. Laurell K. Hamilton is a gift to the writing world. Most recently, TJ Killian has really inspired me.

Each of them has taught me something about character and world building that has been priceless.



Do you feel each of your characters live with you as you write? Do their lives sometimes take over a part of your life? Can you name an example? Do you have living role models for your characters?

They live with me, they yell at me, and they decide what is happening with their books. (Laughs) I frequently think about their lives more than my own. It’s funny. Recently, I wrote a book and when it was done, I thought, wow, she reminds me of my friend. But that wasn’t on purpose. So I don’t know if they’re role models as much as they give my characters traits I admire.


Where do you get the inspirations for your books?

Everywhere. Standing on line at the grocery store or waiting at the dentist can inspire an idea to form.


Do you find it difficult at times to write love scenes?


Oh yes. I admire authors who write them easily. I guess when it comes down to it, I am shy. (Laughs) But I’m learning and its getting easier. It depends on the characters too and how open they are.


Do you have a problem with deadlines and have you ever suffered a writers block?

The one time I suffered writers book, what I managed to do is write something else and come back to the previous work. I do not have a problem with deadlines. As with my school work when I was younger, I’m almost always early for my deadlines. I do my work the day it’s assigned or sent to me.


Do you prefer stand-alone books or series (As a reader or a writer) ?

In both cases, I prefer series. I like to see characters over and over again.


If you could change places with one character from your book, who would it be and why?

I don’t know if I would want to. They’re having a hard time. But, I would like to be in Isabelle’s shoes from “Love Beyond Time” while she is travelling backwards through time just to see what that is like.


What is your favorite book from the books that you have written so far? Who are your favorite hero and heroine, and why?


I don’t have a favorite. It would be like asking me to choose between my children. (I have three) My favorite is whatever I’m thinking about or writing at the time. Love Beyond Time’s Kal and Isabelle will always hold a place in my heart as they were the first book I ever finished. They’re strong and tough despite terrible odds. I admire them very much.


Would you like to give another genre a try?

I would love, someday, to be inspired to write a contemporary novel with no paranormal elements. I think it would be really challenging. But, I have not had that happen yet.


Which book was the hardest to write and which the easiest?

Whatever I am writing at the moment feels like the hardest and the one I finished feels like the easiest. It seems like a strange answer, but it’s the truth. I always remember the previous book as very easy, even if it wasn’t, and think what I’m doing at the current time is really hard.


If you could choose of your books for a movie, which one would it be and who would you as the cast?

After I have finished a book, I always cast them. It’s funny. But I’m not going to say who because I want my readers to picture them for themselves and not as I would see them. If I’ve done my job, they should see them as I see them anyway.



If you could travel through time to visit a special time period or famous person, what or who would it be and why?

Oh wow. I would really like to have known my grandmother who passed away when I was a little girl. I might move back to see her. Or to hang out with my mother when she was a teenager.


I guess I’m pretty lame. I wish I was saying, hey I’d like to be there to watch them invent fire but I’m very glad to live in a time when that is done.



Do you listen to music while you are writing and if so what music is it?

No, I listen to three small children screaming. I don’t need music to write. I find it distracting.


Big congrats to your latest release, can you please tell us something about the book?

Love Beyond Time:


The fight for mankind’s existence begins with…two halves of a perfect whole.


Born one half of a perfect pair, Kal has spent his life believing his other half is gone. But when fate thrusts Isabelle into his arms, he will have no choice but to become the man he was destined to be. That is, if he can battle his own demons first.


Not willing to accept her heritage as an Outsider, Isabelle tries to hide from the truth. But when Kal’s life is on the line, she will have to step forward and embrace her powers or watch everything she has come to love disappear.


Genre - Fantasy Romance

Length - Novel

Heat Level - Sweet/Sensuous



Are you working on anything right now, and can you tell us a teaser about these projects?



I have a number of books coming out soon. I’m always working on my Westervelt Wolves and I have a new series starting that is also Fantasy romance. Please check out www.rebeccaroyce.com for more info!

7 comments:

Sandy said...

Great interview, Becca. I learned a couple of new things about you.

J Hali Steele said...

All of that alone time in front of the screen is worth it when you turn out the great stuff you do!

Nice interview, I always learn something new about you.

Jeanne said...

You have good taste, Becca.
just about every author you named is one of my faves.
Jayne Krentz in particular was the first author whose works I read years ago and thought, "Boy this is what I want to do!"

DawnsReadingNook said...

Hi Rebecca and welcome to LR&M.

This so unds really good and frankly, I am a sucker for fantasy books. Thanks for feeding my addiction. Going to check out your website now as well.

Dawn

Z(Aasiyah/Nolwynn) said...

Lovely interview, Rebecca! Your books will stir up a storm, I'll bet on that!

Hugs!

Anonymous said...

Love your work Rebecca, great to learn more about you.

cheers
barb

Anonymous said...

Love your work Rebecca, great to learn more about you.

cheers
barb