Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Melissa Schroeder

Interview With Melissa Schroeder:

Welcome to Romance at Heart’s grilling of the author. I am glad that you could take the time to answer our questions.

- Please tell us about your latest book.

I have three actually coming out. Voices Carry paranormal/futuristic from Loose ID, Grace Under Pressure, romantic comedy from Liquid Silver Books, and The Hired Hand, romantic comedy, from Whiskey Creek Press. The first two should be out in August/early September, and The Hired Hand will be released September 1st.

- What can we expect from you in the future?

I have two more contracted works, both contemporary: A Little Harmless Sex, Loose Id, and A Calculated Seduction, from Whiskey Creek Press. I am also hoping to finish up two more books in the series that Voices Carry started, Lost in Emotion and Hard Habit to Break. I am also plotting a sequel to The Hired Hand entitled Hands on Training.

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

You can visit my website. Melissa Schroeder.com

- How may readers contact you?

Melissa@authormelissaschroeder.com

- Why did you decide to write romance novels?

I picked up a Linda Howard book thinking it was a suspense, hadn’t read romance ever. After that I couldn’t put it down. I read everything I could get my hands on and knew I wanted to write romance.

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

A lot. I am sarcastic as can be and a lot of my freaky humor shows up in my voice.

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

Depends on the length. A full blown novel(at least 90,000 like Grace Under Pressure) took a couple months to write the rough draft.

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

Go with the flow of the family.

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

Read, watch movies, spend time with my family.

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

Yes. I can’t write without humor.

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

Sometimes. I learned to allow my characters to set the pace and it makes it a lot easier.

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

I am busy working on my first historical. It has been a joy and a pain, but I have loved it

- What does your husband think of your writing?

He is very supportive. There were plenty times I thought about quitting but he'd always talk me out of it.

- Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)

I’m married with two kids. I love to read and cook. I have a BA in English and history.

- Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?

Jenny Crusie is my favorite contemporary writer and it’s a toss up between Amanda Quick and Christina Dodd for my favorite historical. My favorite book to read is Crazy for You by Jenny Crusie.

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

I am an RWA member and a member of several critique groups

- What do you think of critique groups in general?

I think a good critique group is wonderful but a bad one can ruin your writing. I’ve been very lucky. I joined Romcritters.com and have found a group of very supportive writers.

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

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

That is really hard but I have to say, The Hired Hand has to be my favorite so far. Mainly because I feel in love with Liam the hero. I didn’t realize until about half way through writing the book that I used Remy(Dennis Quaid in The Big Easy) as the model for him. He is yummy. Favorite heroine, is one I am writing now from Lost in Emotion. Genoa is the heroine.

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

A little of both. I come up with the premise, and then hand it to them. They do what they want most of the time.

- Any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

Keep at it. I had so many people tell me I wouldn’t make it but I had twice as many telling me I would. Learn your craft, read, and write, write, write. You never know you can’t do it unless you try.

Thank You Melissa for taking this time from your busy schedule to spend with us here at Romance at Heart. I know we will all be waiting and watching to see what comes from your pen next!

Yours in good reading,
Rose!

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