Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Gracie Mckeever

Interview with Gracie Mckeever:

Hi Gracie. 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 BENEATH THE SURFACE, an erotic paranormal (interracial/psychic) romance. BENEATH THE SURFACE is Book I in The Matchmaker Series and is about former Madison Avenue ad exec EJ Vega who's just landed a seven-figure advance from Renegade Publishing. Older sister Evelyn convinces him he needs a fashion makeover before he goes on his first national book tour and has just the person in mind to turn his wardrobe inside out. EJ, too late, recognizes the handiwork of his oldest, matchmaking sister Angela, and by the time he realizes what he's gotten himself into, a very hot and uptight personal shopper has invaded more than just his wardrobe; she's invaded his soul. BENEATH THE SURFACE is due out April 2006.

- What can we expect from you in the future?

BETWEEN DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT is an erotic paranormal (interracial/psychic) romance that features Zane Youngblood, a high school social worker who wants to save the world one child at a time, and reluctant psychic Nova Foxx, the survivor of a near death experience, who wants only to save Zane. BETWEEN DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT is actually one of four full-length novels that is being serialized in Love Interludes, Siren Serials, beginning March 1, 2006. The complete novel won't be released (as an individual title) until later this year in December.

Coming up in June 2006 is cross-genre (interracial/psychic/shapeshifter/urban fantasy) erotic paranormal romance SPELLS CAST IN SHADOWS which follows the story of psychic ranch owner Montana Freeborn and centaur-turned-man Seth Phoenix. Montana has been having visions of the "pony-man" since she was a child, her first live encounter with the centaur after a near-death experience when she was five and Seth saved her from drowning. More than two decades later, the pair meet again and this time Montana's doing the saving.

Then of course I have other books in The Matchmaker Series coming out later this year and early 2007, all titles to be released and available from Siren Publishing, Inc..

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

Readers and fans can find out all there is to know about me and my books at my website Gracie Mckeever.com or by visiting my publishers' sites at Siren Publishing, Awe-Struck Books or Fictionwise.Com.

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

Most assuredly they do. I've gotten quite numerous encouraging fan comments saying how much a reader enjoyed a specific book, article, review, short story or poem that all make my writing more worth-while than had I not shared it at all.

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

A couple of readers' comments about the conversational, down-to-earth voice of my books and newsletter made me realize that I was doing my job and had hit my intended mark getting readers' interest and making them feel comfortable and at ease with my writing enough to suspend their disbelief and enjoy what they're reading.

- Why did you decide to write romance novels?

I love reading romance, love the rich emotions a good romance novel can evoke, and the discovery process involved in following a hero and heroine's journey towards each other. Writing romance novels wasn't a conscious decision as much as it evolved from my love of reading romance and my falling into a niche that I've always been drawn to, and which brought me such enjoyment.

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

The time varies, but on average, from conception to first draft it usually takes me four months. But that's just the first draft. I finished the first draft of BENEATH THE SURFACE in two months, but as every writer knows a writer's work is never done (as my currently working on edits and rewrites for BTS can attest J). I have an upcoming book that took me about two years to finish.

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

Actually, I've been burning the candle on both ends with, reading/reviewing, writing, edits and a full-time job. Any suggestions for recharging (or replacing) my batteries would be greatly appreciated.

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

I LOVE writing love scenes and have actually always leaned towards the more graphic side of descriptions in my work. Initially, I did find it difficult writing love scenes, not so much reading them, however, and I always liked reading books that kept the bedroom door firmly open. This is probably why I enjoy writing erotic romance and erotica so much now. The genre allows me to drop the restraints that apply to writing the typical "romance." (using euphemisms for body parts, purple prose, etc.). With the no-holds-barred nature of erotic romance and erotica I can let my sexual muse run free; it's very liberating.

- Who are some of your favorite authors?

I love Octavia Butler's writing and have read all of her books—series and individual titles. I currently have FLEDGLING at the top of my TBR pile and can't wait to dig into it…as soon as I find the time between editing, revising and working on my own books/series J.). I love Ms. Butler's imagination, down-to-earth writing and her ability to tackle difficult social issues in her fiction without sacrificing the story and characters to her platform. Sherilynn Kenyon's DARK HUNTER series is also a favorite of mine. As with Ms. Butler, I love Ms. Kenyon's rich imagination and story-telling ability, especially in this series.

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

I am a proud member of Electronically Published Internet Connection (Check them out – EPIC's Website)

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

I've been writing since I was seven and have always seen myself engaging in some form of writing (whether it be fiction, non-fiction, or poetry) ever since I was a child.

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

All total, seventeen. Five are currently published, eight are currently under contract and due to be released in 2006 and 2007. That leaves four unpublished books, the learning experience, half-a-million words that got me to published author.

- What book for you has been the easiest to write? The hardest? The most fun?

BENEATH THE SURFACE was the easiest and most fun to write. And it's turning into the hardest (and most fun) to edit and revise too. My editor has shown me possibilities and angles to a subplot character and story arc that I had never considered and I'm currently exploring that arc with much relish.

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!

Gracie Mckeever Interview
Buy Gracie's Books At Amazon
Buy Gracie's Books at Siren Publishing
Buy Gracie's Books at Awe-Struck
Buy Gracie's Books at Fictionwise Books