Interview With Rod Casteel:
Hi Rod. 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.
Mistress of Table Rock opens in Branson Missouri in the year 2006. After the death of his wife and daughter, nothing is the same for him. Selling his Boston based electronics research and development company, and his home, Scott Mathis turns to Scuba Diving to escape from the memories of the past.
When he arrives at Table Rock Lake, he meets Aleecia, an employee of the marina, who has been assigned to help get him settled and familiar with the area and the lake. She is also hiding, in fear for her life. She has a secret that endangers not only her life, but also the lives of anyone who knows about her.
- What can we expect from you in the future?
I am working on the sequel to Taneika: Daughter of the Wolf . WILD IN NEW YORK; Daughter of the Wolf (ll) is about Taneika’s Daughter.
- How may readers contact you?
- How do we find out about you and your books?
I have two websites, http://www.authorsden.com/rcasteel ,and http://rcasteelonline.com/, or through my publisher at http://www.ellorascave.com/
- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
Not sure about the personality but in some books, especially Mistress of Table Rock my experience as a diver played heavily in the inspiration and writing of the story.
- When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?
I first started writing in Dec of 2000. Before that, I had never dreamed of writing. The first book I wrote, Texas Thunder was selected as a semi-finalist in the 2001 Molly contest. The first book I submitted was Crimson Rose . This book was written around the after affects of the 1983 bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut Lebanon.
- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
It depends, the shortest time was 6 weeks. Mistress of Table Rock took four months.
- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow ?
I write as the story comes to me.
- What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?
There are interruptions, at times but not often.
- What is your writing routine?
When the story is flowing, I am usually up writing by 4:30 or 5:00 in the morning and have, on occasions, written until time for bed.
- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
Doing something physical.
- Do you feel humor is important in women's fiction and why?
Humor is a part of life, or should be. Often times life becomes so overwhelming we forget to laugh and smile. Reading often provides an escape from life’s pressure allowing us to rise above them, if just for an hour or two.
- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?
Love/Romance/Sex is probably the most fundamental of emotions. It’s part of who we are and how we are made. As far writing them, I find it a challenge at times to bring the emotional impact of love scenes into the writing. Without it though, it becomes more mechanical and fails to keep the readers interest.
- What kind of research do you do?
I do research mostly on the net or asking questions of people knowledgeable in the area. When possible and or practical, I visit the area I’m writing about.
- Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?
Well, I have finished a romantic suspense, two science fictions, and a contemporary.
- What does your wife think of your writing?
She supports me completely. Though we often times want the computer at the same time, I’m pretty flexible.
- Do you ever ask her for advice?
Some times, when it involves medical practices and procedures that I can’t find in her medical library I will seek her help.
- Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)
I am retired from the U.S. Navy, I have two grown children and enjoy scuba diving and hunting. I am certified as a rescue diver and swift/flood water-rescue operations.
- Any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Write for the pleasure of writing, the challenge of finishing the story and don’t be discouraged by negative comments. Remain open to constructive criticism. Believe in yourself, and what you are doing, but more important than anything else, don’t quit.
- How many books have you written, how many have been published?
I have finished four books, all of which have been published.
- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
This is probably the most difficult question you have asked. The rewards of being a writer come in different stages and degrees, like the rungs of a ladder. From finishing a book, which in its self is a major accomplishment to the acceptance and publication of the book and receiving a favorable review of it. Probably the most satisfying reward is being stopped on the street, in a store, or to receive a letter stating the person enjoyed your book.
Thank You Rod. I know we will all be waiting and watching to see what comes from your pen next. Please, keep in touch, and keep us informed.
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
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