Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Mary Martinez

Interview with Mary Martinez:

Hi Ms Martinez. 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.

Peek A Boo (I See You) was released at the first of this month from Champagne Books. It is about Jenny McGregor, she's the lead singer for Blade a punk rock group, although that's what the fans call her. In her private life, she's very mellow almost opposite of her stage persona. She starts to receive notes signed only by Runner. At first she ignores them thinking the nut will get tired and stop. When Runner reveals he knows very personal things about her, she finally goes to the authorities. Dan Janson is assigned to her case. He thinks she's a party gal who likes sex, drugs and rock n' roll, not necessarily in that order. As you can imagine the sparks fly when there is a very definite attraction between the two.

-What can we expect from you in the future?

I have two books coming out in 2007 from Triskelion Books. Mr. Romance August 2007 and Romance and Misconceptions date TBA. I have another manuscript Chick Magnet that I'm hoping to have a contract for soon. My current work in progress is an adventure/suspense series about Ravyn and Kent.

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

You can find excerpts and where to purchase my books on www.marymartinez.com. You can find out more about me and my family on my Blogger, and also on My Space.

-Why did you decide to write romance novels?

I've always wanted to write, but thought, yeah like I could write a book. When my kids were young, I always had a book at hand, doctor visits, when they were asleep in my lap, etc. It was usually a romance. Actually, Historicals were my favorites back then. When I finally tried my hand at writing a novel, it was a Historical. My three kids were young and I had to drag them to the library for research. I made it to 100 pages, gave up and determined that I'd wait until they were older to write. It was the worst thing I've ever read, it got trashed.

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

I think all my characters have a little bit of 'me' in them. Or someone I'd like to be more like. I use some of my life experiences and travel in all of my books. I'm a parrot head, (Jimmy Buffett fan) so I mention Jimmy in all my books. If there are children then something my grandson's have done, usually make it in one of the scenes. Unfortunately, if I need to trim, that's usually what gets cut. My novels are set in places that I have been and am familiar with.

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

I try really hard to have some kind of schedule; unfortunately, life always gets in the way. I tend to make the best of it and go with the flow.

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

Spend time with family and friends. If I have the money, I love to travel. I get great ideas from places I've been. I love to listen to music. There are a few TV programs that I'll take time out to watch, just to let my brain rest.

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

Yes, in fact I plan on it. I have a young adult series called Summer Space Camp that I want to finish once my current genre career takes off. I also have a few ideas for some horror. I'm a big fan of Stephen Kings and would love to write some really bizarre novels. With a lot of brain teasers and twist's and turns that keep the reader guessing. And of course sitting on the edge of their seats.

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

I'm a member of National RWA and I’m the VP of the Utah Chapter of RWA. I'm a member of EPIC. I have been a member of several critique groups. Now I have a couple of URWA fellow members that read my work.

-What do you think of critique groups in general?

I think they can be the best thing that ever happened to you and the worst thing. I've belonged to several, and I firmly believe you have to pick your partners very carefully. I've had partners that after reading their critique of my work I've been in tears and have wanted to quit writing. That is never good. I've written and published an article in our URWA newsletter. It's available to read at http://www.marymartinez.com/Critique%20Groups.htm

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

I have written five books, two are published, two are contracted to come out next year. The last one I hope will follow the pattern soon.

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!

Mary Martinez' Website Mary's Blog Mary's MySpace Interview Review
Mary Martinez's Books are coming to Trisk
Buy Mary Martinez's Books at Champagne and Fictionwise
Buy Mary Martinez's Books at CoffeeTime
Email her at mary@marymartinez.com