Interview with Author Nancy Barone Wythe:
Hi Nancy. 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.
“Nostos- The Homecoming” is my first story, published by Solstice Publishing. It is a Romantic Paranormal Suspense novella of 15 k that deals with the immortal love between Robyn Wainright, an FBI agent, and her gorgeous British Prime Suspect, Aidan Hartland, Lord of Westlake. She is determined to nail him for murder. He is determined to make her remember their immortal love.
- What can we expect from you in the future?
I’ve just completed the third book of my SICILIAN LOVERS series and at present I am working on a Romantic suspense novel and I also have a paranormal on the go.
- How may readers contact you?
Please contact me any of these ways:
Facebook under NancyWythe.
My website: nancybaronewythe.webs.com
My Publisher’s website: www.solsticepublishing.com
E-mail: nancybaronewythe@yahoo.com
My books can also be found on Amazon Kindle, Coffeetime Romance and Fictionwise.
- Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?
My fans are those whom I write for besides myself, so yes, they do. But my stories always come from my heart and they have to be able to stay in there once they’re complete, too, so I write about things that most of us want.
- Do you have a favorite comment or question from a reader?
I always love it when they ask me who ‘the gorgeous jerk’ in my story is and how can they meet him.
- Why did you decide to write romance novels?
Writing gives me a sense of control- or I thought it did- until my characters started bossing me around! They wake me up at night with nudges and whisper into my ear, “You forgot to make me say…” and then I have to turn the light on (a fortune awaits the inventor of fluorescent, glow in the dark paper!) and jot it all down. Poor husband…
- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
Lots of it. My husband (being British and a real brain-teaser) was the inspiration for Aidan. As a matter of fact, when we met, it was all about who said the wittier thing, very much like Aidan and Robyn. Obviously the writer in us filters our experiences and sensations.
- When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?
I used to write our school plays since I was in Junior High. I liked anything that involved creative writing, but was too shy to submit anything. I’m glad I did in the end!
- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
It depends on the length and how much research is necessary. I’m always writing in my head and jot down snatches of dialogue as they come, wherever I may be. I might use an element of dialogue or a narrative passage even after months have gone by.
- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
I write every day, as much as I can. I have this thing where I can’t stop even if I’m sleep-deprived. It would be like walking away from someone who’s talking to you!
- What is your writing routine once you start a book?
First I start out with snippets of dialogue, a face, a gesture, and jot them down in a notebook I always keep with me. Then I build the skeleton (typical 3 acts) with the crescendo of events. I change font color for different parts. Love scenes in red, her POV in pink and his in blue. Investigations/ clues in green, etc.
- What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?
My writing table in the dining room is my ‘oracle’. Although I have a study where I stash files and things, I prefer to sit by the window where I have a view of our olive grove. The family knows how important writing is for me, and I don’t interrupt during ballgames in turn.
- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
Sleep, write, watch tv, see friends, go to the movies, travel, walk on the beach.
- What truly motivates you in general? In your writing?
I like to get things done. I may be a bit slow in starting off, but once I’m on the go I don’t stop until it’s done. What motivates me in my writing is the freedom of creating any character I want, in any setting and any lifestyle. It’s like having the chance of choosing a new identity for yourself.
- Where do your ideas come from?
They come from images, sounds, smells- anything that catches my interest. Eavesdropping is good, too!
- Do you feel humour is important in women's fiction and why?
Absolutely yes- what’s life (and fiction) without a good laugh?
- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?
I find them extremely difficult to write. If I’m not in the mood I’ll just write LOVE SCENE in red and then go back to it later
- What does your husband think of your writing?
My husband is ever-supportive. But then so am I.
- Do you ever ask him/her for advice?
Yes, he is my ruthless filter. He tells me what is highly implausible and cheesy, and that gets me back on track.
- Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)
I have a University degree in English and French Languages and Literature. I’m an English teacher and I live in the Sicilian countryside near the sea. My life inspired my SICILIAN LOVERS series.
- Fill in the blank favorites -
Dessert. My favorite dessert is apple pie
City. My favorite cities are Florence, Paris and London
Type of hero. My favorite type of hero is the guy that drives you mad and makes your skin tingle when you think about him
Type of heroine. My favorite heroine is the one that gives the hero a tough time.
- What are some of your favorite things to do?
I love being lazy, reading, taking long bubble baths and curling up in front of the fire, but I also like to travel, go for walks and see my long-distance friends.
- Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?
I love Sidney Sheldon and read all of his books over and over. I also like David Lodge, T.S. Eliot , Synge and Yeats. I have lots of favorite books. I love “How Far Can You Go?” by David Lodge.
- How many books have you written, how many have been published?
So far I’ve written “Nostos- The Homecoming”, “The Sicilian Stranger”, “Sicilian Blood”, the latter two being the first of my SICILIAN LOVERS series in which my heroine travels to Sicily and meets a mysterious and dangerous Sicilian.
- After you've written your book and it's been published, do you ever buy it and/or read it?
I always buy a copy for good luck. I don’t read it until many months later in order to be objective.
- Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?
All my heroines have a tiny bit of me, or better, who I’d like to be! I don’t have a favorite. I put out only what I really love.
- What book for you has been the easiest to write? The hardest? The most fun?
The hardest was Nostos because I kept wracking my brains in search of a myth. I wanted it to be special; I wanted them to be special and for them to have a reason to want each other and no one else.
- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?
The characters- all the time. They’re the ones directing the story, speaking to me. Sometimes I’ll see him or her in the street. Oh, for a camera!
- What are the elements of a great romance for you?
Uncertainty, conflict, respect no matter what, scorching desire and maddening frustration.
- What is the hardest part of writing/the easiest for you?
The easiest is filling in the blank canvas. I love to make up worlds and people. I decide what major scenes will create the backbone of the story, then I decide how they’re going to get there. The hardest part is polishing. It is never good enough. But as much as I love it, it is strength-sapping.
- Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?
They don’t even know I exist.
- Have you experienced writer's block---> If so, how did you work through it?
Not yet, but I’m dreading it! Some say it’s a necessary evil but I don’t agree with the ‘necessary’ part!
- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
Watching how my characters fly the nest and live their own lives. Sometimes they write home.
- If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
I’d be trying to be a writer. I can’t imagine not writing.
- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Absolutely! Allow yourself time to mature into being a writer, but don’t waste any time. Write, write- anything, as much as you can. And read. I recommend Strunk and White’s “Elements of Style”. And be humble and listen to the pros.
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!
Cover Artist for Nostos: Dara England
Cover Artist for The Sicilian Lovers Trilogy: Dara England
Photograph for Sicilian Blood taken by photographer Silvio Rizzo
