Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Catherine Spangler

Interview with Catherine Spangler:

Hi Cathy. 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.

My latest book is Touched by Darkness, book one in my new Sentinel series. These are dark, edgy, sexy paranormals set on current-day Earth. The hero, Damien Morgan is a Sentinel, a member of a superhuman ancient race (Atlantian). He’s on Earth, in human form, to track Belians, also Altantians, but who have chosen the dark side. The heroine, Dr. Kara Cantrell, is a conductor—a regular human who has the ability to link with a Sentinel and enhance his psychic tracking powers. Matched Sentinels and conductors are always opposite sex of one another and experience intense sexual attraction, which is greatly heightened during a conduction. Because of horrendous past experiences, Kara is unwilling to conduct for Damien—until her son becomes a Belian target, and everything she loves is threatened.

- What can we expect from you in the future?

I’ve got a vampire/prostitute heroine in my upcoming novella, Street Corners & Halos. That will be part of the Demon’s Delight anthology, with MaryJanice Davidson, Emma Holly and Vickie Taylor. Look for it in March 2007.

And . . . more Sentinel books! Book two, Touched by Fire, is Luke Paxton’s story. He’s an ultra-sexy Sentinel who drives a Harley and appears laid back—until it’s time for action. Marla Reynolds is a semi-dowdy accountant who has sworn off men since witnessing her sister’s brutal attack eleven years ago. She doesn’t realize she’s a conductor, until she meets Luke, and experiences pure sexual chemistry. She tries to evade him, but desperation (he’s tracking a Belian mass bomber) forces Luke to kidnap Marla. Then the sparks really fly! It’s due out October 2007.

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

Visit my website at www.catherinespangler.com. While you’re there, be sure to enter my contest. I try to give away something cool every month (like a fabulous pink quartz Sentinel pendant!)

- How may readers contact you?

I love to hear from readers, and try very hard to answer each email. You can contact me at romance@catherinespangler.com

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

I believe all writers draw on life experiences to create their books. I also believe that most authors have a core story in all of their books, even if they’re writing various genres. Since age eleven, I’ve been fascinated with metaphysical topics and the psychic Edgar Cayce. My stories have mystical and spiritual threads through them, and the Atlantis portrayed in my Sentinel books is based on the Edgar Cayce Atlantian readings. Also, I’m Jewish and very aware of the Holocaust. That shows up in my books, too, in my Shielder series (where the Shielder race is being systematically decimated by the Controllers), and in my novellas. Street Corners and Halos, where my heroine was turned vampire in a concentration camp. All of my books have an overriding theme of “overcoming the past”. I think it’s impossible to separate who we are from what we write.

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

If the lucky writing fairies are with me, it takes about six months. But with the day job, family obligations, and trying to promote upcoming books, it can take longer.

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

I’m definitely a “pantster”, both in the creating process and the schedule. I try to write on Wednesdays (my day off), and on the weekends. And sometimes in the evenings, but it’s hard for me to write when I’m tired. I tend to write faster when the deadline is almost on me—LOL.

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

Even though I appear extroverted, I’m somewhat introverted. So I’m best recharged by quiet, home-based activities. I love to read (that and chocolate are two of my greatest pleasures in life), and I’ll also unwind with some television (although I only watch a few hours a week), playing cards online, and even taking a nap.

- Where do your ideas come from?

This is a good question, and one I get asked often. Let me direct you to a blog that was started by author Heather Waters. It’s called The Idea Boutique and has guest authors talking about where they got the ideas for the books they’ve written. You can find it at www.ideaboutique.blogspot.com. My post was the kick off, and you can read it by going to the left-hand side and clicking on my name.

- Do you feel humor is important in women's fiction and why?

I love humor in books, and believe it’s an important element. We need to laugh—it’s truly good for the soul. Even in dark, edgy books, there’s a place for humor. I try to incorporate it in my stories—to give a little comic relief, a short reprieve from the heavy emotional impact of my stories. Sometimes, you have to laugh through the tears.

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

I really enjoy love scenes, and I like having them in my books, and have no problem with making them steamy. I don’t have trouble writing them, as long as I’ve developed emotional bonds between the heroine and the hero. I don’t want gratuitous sex in books that I read and write—I want love making. I want the heroine and hero to come together because they need each other—maybe to ease emotional pain, or to give and receive comfort, or to celebrate being alive, or simply to express how they feel for one another. Without emotional ties and impact, it’s just sex, and that’s not my personal preference.

- What kind of research do you do?

I research as I go, either stopping to look on the Internet, or making a note that I need to do further research and continuing on in the story. I’ll also make phone calls (like police to departments) or send emails to experts for information. I’m a stickler about having correct facts, and will spend time on even a small detail. I probably spent about twenty hours on research for Touched by Darkness, and my husband and I even took a trip to Texas hill country, where the story is set.

- What does your husband think of your writing?

I’ve been married for almost thirty years to my own personal hero, and he’s incredibly supportive of my writing. He knows it’s not a “hobby”, and he doesn’t complain about the time it takes away from the family. When the kids were younger, he was often “Mr. Mom” while I was writing. What a great guy!

- Fill in the blank favorites -

Dessert: Anything chocolate, brownies, carrot cake with cream cheese icing.
City: Chicago
Season: Autumn
Type of Hero: Alpha, but with a soft heart when it comes to the heroine
Type of Heroine: Independent, strong, persevering, determined to hold her own with the hero.

I like to write stories where I identify with the heroine and fall in love with the hero.

- Who are some of your other favorite authors to read?

I have quite a few favorite authors. I can’t name them all, but here are some: Linda Howard, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Rachel Caine, Kim Harrison, JD Robb, Janet Evanovich, Charlaine Harris, JR Ward, Jennifer Crusie.

- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?

Yes—Romance Writers of America (RWA), Dallas Area Romance Authors (DARA), North Texas Romance Writers of America (RWA), FF&P, KOD. I’m also a member of an incredible critique group that includes multi-published authors Linda Castillo, Jenna Mills and Vickie Taylor.

- What do you think of critique groups in general?

I think critique groups are a necessity for a new author. Without feedback, it’s difficult to know what you’re doing wrong, so you’ll keep making the same mistakes. The catch is that you have to join a good group—one that offers positive and constructive criticism and where the members don’t belittle you or attempt to change your voice or story vision. It might take some trial and error to find a good group. The emotional support is a huge additional bonus.

- How long have you been writing? Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I’ve been writing since I was twelve, and before that, I was making up stories in my mind (all those voices speaking to me—LOL). So I guess I was born with the soul of a writer. But I was in my mid-thirties when I started writing seriously, with the goal of becoming published. Then it took seven years until my first sale.

- How many books have you written, how many have been published?

I’ve written eight full-length romances, one young adult book, and a novella. My first two futuristic novels never sold and reside in a box somewhere (and hopefully will never see the light of day). I never submitted the YA book. Five futuristics (the Shielder series) have been published, and I’ve written Touched by Darkness, which will be out January 2007. I’ve also completed the novella, Street Corners & Halos, which will be out in the Demon’s Delight anthology in March 2007. And I’m working on Touched by Fire, which should be out October 2007, and will be my ninth full-length book.

- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?

With me, the characters *always* come first. My stories start with a compelling person (usually the heroine) and a snippet of information about her. Since most romances are character-driven rather than plot driven, this works well for me.

- Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?

No control of my characters whatsoever! They’re constantly surprising me with unexpected actions and new twists and turns to the story. However, I do think my subconscious plays a strong role in these subversions. It’s always active, and busy plotting on my books, even when my conscious mind is engaged elsewhere.

- If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?

Good question, and probably the biggest reason I keep writing. I can’t imagine *not* writing. I believe that we’re all creative in one way or another. Writing is my gift, and I wouldn’t be complete if I couldn’t write.

- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

I know it sounds like a broken record, but I believe two things are vital to become published. The first is: Don’t give up! The second is: Write! Write, write, write! That’s how you’ll develop your style and your voice. Understand that while you have the basic talent, writing is a craft that can be learned and must be honed. So learn! Join a writer’s group and go to meetings, read books and magazines on the craft, and keep writing. Learn about the publishing industry and how to submit queries and proposals. And write. Educate yourself about agents and be selective about whom you submit to. And write. And while you’re writing, keep in mind that perseverance is the key in this business. I firmly believe the ones who reach publication are the ones who don’t give up.

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

Yours in good reading,
Rose!

Catherine's Website Bio Interview Review
Buy Catherine's Books At Amazon