Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: April Star

Interview with April Star:

Hi April. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...

- Please tell us about your latest book.

Tropical warnings is the first in my cozy romantic suspense Wanderlust series. As a former fulltime Rv’er who traveled the American highways for over 16 years, I saw and heard the need and desire for mysteries with a campground setting. It wasn’t until I managed a resort (for ten years) that characters and situations came into play.

- What can we expect from you in the future?

As many books, or more in this series as in Sue Grafton’s alphabet series. And as much or more hot romance as that found in Janet Evanovich’s novels.

- How do we find out about you and your books?

Go to authoraprilstar.com..

- How may readers contact you?

I love to hear from my viewers and readers. Email me at AuthorAprilStar@aol.com or go to my web site and join in on the fun by entering my current contest and becoming a member of my newsgroup.

- Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?

Very much so. Writing is a very lonely profession regardless of how many handsome hunks are created.

- Do you have a favorite comment or question from a reader?

My favorite comment came from a reader who referred to my site as “the foxiest he’d ever seen.” He went on to tell me all about his “visions” of buying a motor home, parking it along a beach or forest, his motorcycle as his only other alternative wheels, and writing. It was nice to know I had readers and viewers of the opposite sex.

- Why did you decide to write romance novels?

I love to read them. I like my romance stories to have an element of suspense. I’ve been told I created my own genre with “Cozy mystery romances!”

- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

Much of my life experience goes into my writing and I consider what I think and dream about as a part of those life experiences. I try to keep my personality out of the stories because there are far more interesting people I have observed and talked with. I combine many personalities into each character I create.

- When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?

I was in junior high school when I first knew without a doubt I wanted to be a writer. Many times I was “punished” for filling notebooks with stories rather than doing the required math or science assignments. I submitted my first story 24 years ago through the encouragement and support of family. I now have my writing room wallpapered with rejections. With writing, I believe many are called—but few are chosen. There are countless “One Book Authors” out there and I think its sad when that is where the dream begins and ends with anyone’s creative talent.

- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?

My last book, a single title mainstream suspense, took a little over six years. Normally, however, I would say anywhere from 8 to 14 months.

- What is your writing routine?

I MUST have music for the moments! This is usually anything from the Flashdance CD to Celine Dion and, for those sultry, sensuous scenes…I like Mozart and ocean soundtracks. But always some form of music. Also, I light a candle to help “light my way” and before a writing session…I workout kick-boxing the days frustrations away.

- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?

Having a full time “real” job it often becomes sporadic. I try to write at least four to six hours every evening and eight hours Saturday and Sunday’s—there are no days off for this writer.

- What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?

My family is very supportive.

- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?

I like to walk along the beach or lakes or just take a drive.

- Where do your ideas come from?

All over. I have always been more of a listener than a talker and many of my ideas come from hearing about the lives of others.

- Do you feel humour is important in women's fiction?

Absolutely!

- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?

Sometimes I get an idea of a scene in my head, but when I go to write it down I think, “No way! That would be humanly impossible!” But, I usually end up tossing caution and realism to the wind and just let my heroine run wild with her fantasies.

- What kind of research do you do?

Much of my research consists of police procedures and crime scene investigation. My current work in progress deals with much in the way of forensics.

- Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?

Not right now.

- What does your husband think of your writing?

My darling husband is very supportive and attentive. He has dealt with the artistic temperamental quirks with the patience of a saint. I doubt I’d be where I am today without his constant presence and love in my life.

- Do you ever ask him for advice?

Sometimes.

- Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)

I have no children, just three little Maltese babies who are my writing mascots. I grew up attending catholic schools and I suppose that’s where all my self-discipline comes from—the nuns with the sticks! I have four brothers and no sisters. I’m a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature and The Writer’s Digest Novel Writing Course. I also took some course on the road at Vaasar College. I’ve been a member of Romance Writer’s of America, Mystery Writer’s of America, and The Author’s Guild for over ten years. I try to attend at least 1 conference every year just to network and learn from the real pros. My hobby is exercise…any form of physical fitness especially kick boxing.

- Fill in the blank favorites -

Dessert. Hot Fudge Sundae
City. Kenai
Alaska Season. Winter
Type of hero. Compassionate and sensitive.
Type of heroine. Strong and determined.

- What are some of your favorite things to do?

Read, of course and gardening.

- Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?

Nora Roberts, but I don’t really have a favorite book.

- Who are some of your favorite authors?

Stephen King, Jennifer Cruise, Linn Random, Patricia Cornwell

- Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?

The stories I read as a child and later, the love of my life.

- What do you think of critique groups in general?

I never had much luck with critique groups. I work better with just one partner. The critique partner I have I’ve worked with for close to ten years and she’s wonderful as well as tough—but tough in a way that helps me to grow and mature as an author.

- Where do you see yourself in five years?

On the NY Times bestseller list.

Thank you very much April, for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!

Yours in good reading,
Rose!

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