Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Loraine Mer

Interview with Loraine Mer:

Hi Loraine. 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.

Christmas Proposal is a story I wrote that’s based on the real meaning of Christmas. I added a few touches of romance and erotica. Here is a brief excerpt of the mild part of the book. This is a scene I think is hot.

Excerpt: Christmas Proposal
[*Might contain adult vocabulary offensive to some people*]

“Come here.” He extended his arm in invitation.

She shut the door behind her and closed the distance between them, pausing to stand in front of him.

He took her by the waist and placed her on his lap while gazing into her eyes. He surprised himself but not wanting this to be just sex. He wanted a connection with this woman in his arms. The mixture of soft brown color and caramel of her eyes reminded him of honey, harvested from the wild bees of the forest. It would be so easy to lose himself in them as he did in her lips earlier.

Her eyes fluttered close as his lips met hers and moved languidly over her softness, nibbling, savoring. He slipped his tongue into her mouth and a fight of wills started. He wanted her to be submissive while she wanted to conquer.

He was a bit disappointed when she stopped kissing him, and her mouth moved to his neck which she explored thoroughly with her tongue. She kissed and licked him behind his ear, her lips moving softly and leaving a wet trail. Her teeth caught his lobe, biting gently.

His heart beat increased and a groan formed in his chest and slipped through his lips. His hold on her waist tightened when she moved to stand, not wanting the heat of her body away from his own. His hand tangled in her dress and it ripped, baring her body to his gaze. The tearing sound was sexy and satisfying as well as the sight to welcome him.

- What can we expect from you in the future?!

Some new stories, and I want to experiment with different genres like horror (vampires), mystery and historical (if I can finish the research for it). Then there is a Young Adult romance novel. And a series of historical crusaders that are vampires and another project that is just an idea about dating services and a serial killer.

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

Check out my webpage lorainemer.com and the StarDust Press webpage.

- How may readers contact you?!

My e-mail is loraine_mer@stardustpress.com, well the one I check most often. And through yahoo messenger live at lorainemer@yahoo.com if they want to have live chats with me.

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

Yes, it does. They help me improve my writing because in the end it’s for their own enjoyment. I’ve received many comments from readers about some short stories where they let me know that they would have liked more this or that. Once I go through revisions I take those comments into consideration and after updating I notify them. Some times I hear back from them letting me know if I improved or not.

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

Yes, in erotica and any genre I love to hear if it had the effect I expected. Something like, ‘I cried at this part of the story’ (if it is a drama), ‘I was so scared’ (if it was horror) or even something like ‘This character was so funny’ (if it was something humorous).

- Why did you decide to write romance novels?!

Because life is all about romance. Not only romance between two people but being in love with who you are. You need to love yourself before you can love another person. You need to love life before you can start thinking of spending it with another person. I want to show that in my writing. You can’t let yourself down. Not for your dear life. Add that spice in your daily routine. Read something that give you hope, that makes you love another thing and you’ll reach happiness in your life and will be in love with everything around you.

I write romance because I’m in love with love.

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

A bit in each piece. There is always something of mine in every character. Even when they are quite different from each other they are all part of me. I pour myself in my writing through pieces. Maybe a character can see life as I do, or as I would like to. Another can have my mannerisms, well… the list goes on.

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

My stepfather and best friend prompted me to write stories since I was eight. They were childish but still they were seeds of what I write now. Every single second I find inspiration in something different. I used to find inspiration in seeing a spider making a web, an ant carrying food to its big city, a bee looking for pollen or the caress of the wind against my skin in the beach.

I submitted my manuscript at the very last minute. I was unsure of doing so. I was thinking that because my main language is not English I would never be able to publish any of my stories. I admit they need more work than most but StarDust Press saw the potential in my story and not my country or main language. They were looking for a Christmas story and thought mine was good enough to be published.

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

It all depends in the length of the story and how loud my characters are talking. They are the ones who tell me the story. I wrote “Christmas Proposal” in about a month. I’ve been writing “Cold Fire” for a year now and all I have is eight chapters. Then there’s “Warriors of Darkness: Eat the Night” halfway through and now I’ll delete it all to start all over again because the characters are asking me to write it right. Doing research is the hardest part.

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

I used to have one. I need to go back to working on my writing schedule but it is hard. I used to go bed at 7 pm and wake up at 4 am to write ‘til 6:30 am and then go to my daytime job for 10 hours.

Now, a few Stardust Press authors get together and we challenge each other to get working on our stories. I have quite a few friends that are authors as well and we keep motivating each other.

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

They are both. Lol. There are times that they will not even offer me a cup of coffee so they would not disturb. Then there are others that they would call me for anything. Last time I tried writing, my dad’s phone rang. He picked up and ended up talking the entire time in the room I was in. While I was trying to write.

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

Yes, they are. There are many feelings, many emotions. There is no way to be able to describe a love scene without leaving a little bit of yourself behind. I can picture the scene, I can feel what my character’s feel while I’m writing the scene. Sometimes I write it vaguely, let it stand for a while and after I finish the book I try to go back to it and work on the scene. There are times I write too much and keep switching POV’s (Point Of View). Ask my editor, she’ll be able to tell you.

- What kind of research do you do?!

For “Dating Death” I’m rereading my criminology textbooks. I am grateful for those books. Plus, I always enjoyed that class and I’m glad I actually remember many things I learned in that classroom. Still there are things I’m still researching such as profiles, cases and psychology.

For “Warriors of Darkness” series I’m doing research on medieval times. I’m looking for foods, clothing, etc.

- Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?!

I have too many favorites. But this is one I couldn’t put down: “He Said Yes” by Patricia Waddell.

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

Wow, they are quite a few: Stephanie Laurens, Laurel K. Hamilton, Miranda Jarred, Christina Dodd, Elaine Coffman, Julie Garwood, Linda Lael Miller, Heather Graham, Judith McNaught, Patricia Cornwell, Karyn Monk, Julie Garwood, Jean Kalogridis, Mary Jo Putney, Johanna Lindsey, Charlaine Harris, Victoria Alexander, and the list goes on. \

- Where do you see yourself in five years?!

I hope to be writing with many books under my pen name and a few under my real name in my main language, at least one would be nice. I would love to be earning enough to move to a better house and be able to have some money to spare.

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

Since I was a child. I have many novels started since I was eight. But it was not until two years ago that I found out I would love to have a book published. Now I do. And I love the feeling.

- After you've written your book and it's been published, do you ever buy it and/or read it?!

No need to buy my book, but yes, I did read it after it was published. Not only because my editors asked me to check it out. But I was so proud I saw my ‘baby’ grown.

A book is like giving birth in many ways. You start with a few words. I get mad at it whenever it took a turn you didn’t expect but as with your children, you love it and let it go its own way but as the writer you suggest the characters to go one way or the other. You sent it to the publisher and signed a contract to sell it. You gave away your baby to marry another person who will support it, etc. After it is published, you enjoy it in another way.

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

For me, it would have to be the story. I see it growing until I have an idea of what it will be. When I see what’s happening I’m able to see the characters clearer. Sometimes I don’t even know the setting until I’m finished writing. In other circumstances, like in my historical novel, the setting is important and I can’t start writing until I know more about the place the story is going to take place.

- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?!

Sharing the story with other people. Being able to tell my character’s story to others. Being able to entertain or send a message through my story.

- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?!

Never give up in your passions. You don’t need to be the best writer in the whole world you just need to communicate an idea, a story. Someone out there will see your value. The most precious jewels are the ones that are hidden. At some point they are ready to go out and shine for that someone that picks them up. A publisher will see your own value and will want your work. Never 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, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!

Yours in good reading,
Rose!

Loraine's Website Review Coming Soon
Buy Christmas Proposal