Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Emma Petersen

Interview with Emma Petersen:

Hi Emma, it is great to have you here. 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.

Branded is my first of three upcoming releases from Cobblestone Press. It’s about Ty and Jenny, who have grown up in the same small town there entire lives. And they’ve secretly loved each other the entire time, but circumstances has kept them apart. But when Jenny is called home after a family tragedy, there’s a possibility they may actually get over all of their issues and be together.

- What can we expect from you in the future?

Hopefully what I love most, more stories about love and happy endings. My next release is Dragon’s Mate, it’s about dragon shapeshifters who live among us humans.

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

You can find information on my website, Emma Petersen.com, also at my blog at Emma Petersen.BlogSpot.com, my publisher’s website, Cobblestone Press.com and also by signing up for my newsletter, My Yahoo Newsletter.

- How may readers contact you?

They can email me at author_emma@verizon.net and also via my blog or newsletter.

- Why did you decide to write romance novels?

When I was sixteen I was at my favorite place on earth, my local library, when I picked up a book with a man on horseback on the cover. At the time I didn’t know it was a historical romance, the cover just seemed interesting, so I checked it out. It was Madeline Baker’s Comanche Flame. From that day forward I devoured any romance I could find and after a while I tried to write one of my own. My first was a historical and will never see the light of day!

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

My critique partner and really good friend made me enter a contest for novellas. Before then, I was mostly dabbling, promising myself I would get wip done. I finished that first wip, entered and won the contest and it was like lightening struck. I finished my second and third and submitted them to Cobblestone Press.com.

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

As a treat I read. I’m a writer but I’m also a huge fan of the genre, so when I get a chance I read all I can.

- Where do your ideas come from?

Dreams. I’m a dreamer at heart and I love dreaming up stories that end the way I wish everything in the world would end, happily.

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

I think it’s extremely important. A lot of readers use books as a form as escapism. When a book can make me laugh, it makes me feel good.

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

I write everything, so I have a hand in all genres right now.

- My Favorites:

My favorite dessert is Crème Brule!
My favorite city is Laguna Beach.
My favorite type of heroine is the kick sass and take names later type of heroine. She’s tough and can take care of herself but she still is vunerable enough to open her heart to the heroine.
My favorite type of hero is definitely the alpha male. He’s tough, he’s brooding and he doesn’t take anything from anyone, except the heroine. When it comes to the heroine, whether he admits it or not, he’s wrapped around her little finger.

- What are some of your favorite things to do?

Write, read, shop and hang out on my favorite writers resource forum, Romance Divas.com.

- Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?

I have quite a few, but my ultimate favorite writer is Toni Morrison and my favorite books of all time are, The Bluest Eye, Beloved, and Paradise by Toni Morrison, Comanche Moon by Catherine Anderson, Sunrise Song by Kathleen Eagle, The Color Purple by Alice Walker, and Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice.

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

I’d be here all day if I’ve listed them all!

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

I’m a member of RWA and their Passionate Ink and RWAOnline Chapters. I am also a member, moderator, reviewer, review editor and paranormal co-liaison for the award winning writers resource website Romance Divas.com.

- Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?

All of them are my favorites. I know it’s sappy but each of them have a special place in my heart.

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

Characters, definitely the characters. If my characters are talking to me, everything else will fall into place.

- What are the elements of a great romance for you?

Two people overcoming everything to be together. Neither time nor place can keep them apart. They need and want to be together so badly they’ll risk everything and anything.

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

My characters totally control me. I’ve learned the hard way to do what they say because if I don’t I wont like the consequences.

- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

Don’t give up and don’t give in. This is not an easy job or an easy business but you’ve chose it for a reason, because you love it. One person may so no, but if you don’t query the next one and the next one, you’ll never know if that could have been you’re yes. Learn your craft, join RWA and a your local chapter if possible. A lot of chapters have seasoned writers who are more than willing to share their experiences and expertise.

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, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!

Yours in good reading,
Rose!

Emma's Website Emma's Blog Emma's Yahoo Newsletter
Buy Emma's Books Soon at Cobblestone Press