Interview with Author Ria Gomes:
Hi Ria. 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.
Firstly, thank you Rose for taking the time to interview me.
Coming back to your question, HEAVEN IN HER ARMS, my first contemporary romance, is a heart-rending tale of two high school sweethearts whose love was ripped to shreds on the eve of their wedding day.
Shattered by Darrell’s devastating betrayal, Michelle marries the first man who asks her to in a desperate bid to save her father’s reputation. Five years later, recently widowed Michelle is shocked to discover that Darrell is back with an earth-shattering revelation and vengeance on his mind. He is bent on doing whatever it will take to keep her at his mercy.
- What can we expect from you in the future?
I do so love working from the contemporary platform. I think female readers (and that includes me) can best relate to stories set in the modern times. I have already penned two more romances in the same genre-A Bride to Bed and Sunny’s Girl. I don’t plan on switching sides anytime soon.
- How do we find out about you and your books?
Interested readers may please check out Asylett’s website at www.asylett.com
- Do you allow readers to contact you? If so, how do they reach you?
For me, readers are friends and I would so love to hear from them. The more the better. Anyone interested in writing to me may do so at riagomes@ymail.com
- Why did you decide to write romance novels?
Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve been enchanted by the romances I read. My favorites were Charlotte Lamb, Penny Jordan, Anne Mather, Linda Howard as well as Barbara Cartland. I never outgrew my love for reading romances. So it was but natural that I yearned to write what I loved to read…and a new author was born.
- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
When I create my heroes and heroines, I think of them as unique individuals whose character is shaped by their own life experiences. Their backgrounds and upbringing have molded them into the individuals they have finally become. Of all the three romances I’ve written, none of my heroes or heroines reflect any of my personal traits or experiences, or even of those I know in real life.
- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
I’m not into counting weeks and months as my stories develop, so it depends. Some days the flow is good. My characters know what they want and where they are going so I end up writing for hours on end. Then there are those times when they need something different and I keep reminding them ‘hey, it’s a romance we’re writing here’ and so stay put until we can resolve some issues and find an acceptable midpoint.
- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
I tried keeping a fixed schedule, but soon realized what works for other authors may not necessarily work for me. Even then, there are times when I obstinately sit and write even if I know what I’m typing is sheer rubbish. I keep telling myself it’s at least good practice at the keyboard. Sometimes I salvage bits of what I write, but most times I have to scrap all of it and start afresh.
- What is your writing routine once you start a book?
Again, as I said, this depends on how the story is developing. Sometimes its hours for days on end and sometimes it’s probably an hour's worth of wasted effort.
- Does your family bother you when you are writing - are there constant interruptions?
Oh yes! I am a wife, and mother of two, so it’s but natural that they are always there to demand my attention. I haven’t typed two lines and there comes someone who suddenly needs something. The hubby has something he needs to show me, the kids have no idea where I’ve placed the chocolates I bought them this week, a neighbor I haven’t seen in weeks comes calling, the kids need my help with homework or a project that has to be submitted tomorrow…Exciting, isn’t it? I guess this is what it means to be the centre of attention.
- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
After all the household chores, I think it’s the writing that recharges my batteries! But yes, with whatever time I can spare, I read. Romances, magazines, newspapers…whatever I can lay my hands on and comfortably hold as I have my breakfast, lunch or dinner. The written word works like the most soothing balm when I’m all done in.
- What truly motivates you in general? In your writing?
It can be a lot many things. An inspiring story I’ve just read. A song I’ve just heard. Or sometimes even a scene that’s just come to mind.
- Where do your ideas come from?
There’s nothing fixed about where my ideas come from. What I know for certain is that the best ideas come to me when I’m taking a long drive with my husband doing the driving. It’s during those times when my mind keeps flitting like a butterfly and settles on something I feel compelled to write.
- Do you feel humour is important in women's fiction and why?
Oh yes, I feel that’s very important and I personally love to read stories with a lot of humor. After all, we pick a book to take a ride away from the dreary realities of life. What’s the point of that ride if it can’t make you forget even for that little while that despite everything, life is good…life is fun?
- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?
Since I understand romances best, my take on this question is reserved exclusively for the romance genre. It’s the characters love life we’re concentrating on in this particular genre, and needs and desires are as essential a part of the characters lives as are his or her problems, struggles, goals and achievements. There’s a lot going on in a characters heart and mind at the time when desire is unleashed and one of his or her most essential needs are being met. We wouldn’t be depicting the innermost thoughts and feelings of heroes/heroines in their entirety by keeping their love scenes behind closed doors. Besides, if we can take the time and pains to explain every other facet of the story in explicit detail, why leave out the love scenes?
Having said this, I find it extremely difficult to write the first love scene in every new novel I work on. Stepping into the characters mind and heart, getting the feel of how he/she is going to move takes time, patience and endless effort. I usually have to rewrite the scenes once or twice, sometimes more, before I get it exactly the way my character wants.
- Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?
A long time ago, I’d been very keen on writing children’s stories. There are times when I think I have to try my hand at writing children’s stories again. I even have a standing offer in case I decide to. So perhaps one day I will.
- What does your husband/wife/partner think of your writing?
My husband has been my most staunch supporter…my rock…in my writing career. I had been working as an executive secretary in a well-reputed company here in Oman and when I’d realized I had reached a stagnating point and wanted to quit, everyone thought I was crazy to give up a well paying job. The only exception was my husband. He has respected my decision and stoically stood beside me all these years, giving me the endless encouragement I needed to realize my dreams.
- What are some of your favorite things or hobbies to do?
Cooking, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, sewing, fabric painting and paper craft are some of my favorite hobbies. I am a very creative person and am generally good at any of the crafts I try my hand at. Besides that, I do love listening to music, but the thing I love doing the most is read…read…read.
- Who are some of your other favorite authors and genres to read?
I have no favorites. I simply adore all books. Give me a good story and I admire its author for putting in the effort and writing a great story. Having said that, I would like to add that I’m particularly fond of American Authors. I do so admire their style of writing.
- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?
I am afraid I don’t belong to any author groups. Not RWA. Nor critique groups. Nothing. I doubt any exist in the part of the world where I live. Even if they did, I’d have been reluctant to join. Belonging to any group requires some form of commitment, which then naturally boils down to sharing your time and I simply don’t have that kind of time to attend such activities.
- What do you think of critique groups in general?
I’ve heard they are great, but since I haven’t experienced with any, I have nothing to share in this regard.
- Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Yes, I would go so far as to say that perhaps I was born to be a writer. As a kid, even before I knew what the word ‘writer’ meant, I remember entertaining other children with tales I made up at the spur of the moment. The parents of these children and other older folks who heard me talk couldn’t help but be amazed at the stories I told.
When I turned into a teenager, I thought of penning down the stories forever floating inside my head, and so I had a few to show around, including a few poems as well as a play on David Copperfield. Though my English Teacher was real pleased, no one else thought it important and eventually I was told to forget about writing stories and just concentrate on my academic life. You see, I was a popular student, one of the prime picks for school debates and elocution competitions, but I was just a little above average as far as my studies were concerned, and everyone believed I could do a lot better if only I didn’t fill my head with distractions that wouldn’t take me anywhere. Of course, their intentions were good; only it wasn’t the right decision for an odd bird like me.
So the school debates and elocution competitions were dropped, choir practices were dropped, and most of all, story writing came to an abrupt halt. Then life stepped in with its many responsibilities-marriage, children, a day job-all of it making uncompromising demands on my time. It was years until I really thought hard over where my life was heading and made that crucial decision of dropping my day job and picking up that dream I’d long left behind. I was determined to be what I’d always wanted to be…A writer…and here I am.
- How long have you been writing and working to that goal of being published?
Years. I will shortly be completing a decade since I quit my day job and launched upon this new career. When I started out, I didn’t know much except that I was burning with this need to become a writer. It took time and tremendous patience to learn everything I do today and even though being published was the realization of my biggest dream, I know this beautiful journey has just begun. I intend enjoying every moment of it.
- After you've written your book and it's been published, do you ever buy it and/or read it?
I intend buying paperback copies of the book for signings and gifting to many kindhearted benefactors who have helped me along. Reading the book…I don’t think I can do it for some time to come. I’d only be looking for some more changes I could have made in the story and wouldn’t be enjoying it at all. Perhaps I’ll give it a try after I’ve lost touch for a while.
- Among your own books, have you a favorite? A favorite hero or heroine?
In all of my four books, including the one I’m presently writing, there have been no favorites. No favorite story. No favorite hero or heroine. Each book I write is unique. An enchanting new tale celebrating the endless power of love. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed writing each of my books. I think I’m a little enamored with each of the characters I write about, fascinated by their lives and the story they have to tell.
- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?
For me the characters come before anything else. They are the ones whom I first meet and befriend. Then their backgrounds come into the picture, followed by the setting and their story.
- What part of a book has been the easiest to write? The hardest?
The love scenes, I think. There’s a lot going on in their mind and hearts. In what they want and how they want it. Usually, I have to scrap it up once or twice, sometimes more, before I get it just right.
- What are the elements of a great romance for you?
Everything I should say. A box of chocolates…a bunch of flowers…a trinket bought on the street…a look across a crowded dinner table…soft music and candlelight dinner for two…the rain…the moonlight…a starry night...I can see romantic ideas bubbling in everything.
- Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?
If I’d been engaged by someone to write something for them, I would be writing just what I’m asked to write. My characters may only be inside my head, but they people none the less, and I’ve only been asked to write the story they have to tell. There are times however when I have to keep reminding them that we’re writing a romance that has to make it to the readers. Sometimes it gets tough to keep them from wandering into different directions.
- Have you experienced writer's block---> If so, how did you work through it?
Writer’s block is the dreaded evil that seals the fate of many a good book before it can see the light of day. Sometimes I obstinately try to work through it, which is like hitting your head against a wall, resulting in sheer waste of time and effort. I think a ‘Writer’s Block’ is your mind telling you it needs a break. So I take that break we need. I go and complete some household chores, or dig out that unfinished crochet tablecloth I haven’t touched for ages, or go listen to music or start that book I’d picked a while back and haven’t touched. When I feel inspired to write again, my mind just won’t rest until it drags me to laptop and we get started again.
- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
For me writing is a joy that cannot be described in words. Each story I write is a labor of love, a constant celebration of the Divine talent I was gifted with. Though I know a writer needs to live, I don’t write solely for the money. I write for the pleasure I derive in writing these stories and my greatest reward will be to know that someone out there has enjoyed the stories I have written.
- If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
As I said, I chose to write because I love it, not because I have nothing to do with my time. If I hadn’t been writing, I’d probably go back to my day job. Or engage myself in either of those other activities that can easily take up my time. I’d either have been crocheting, or sewing, or making flowers or painting, or cooking…
- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Whatever you do in life, DON’T GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS. They are the only key to a happier you. If I could do it in these many years, so can you. There are plenty of great sites out there which can help you to get started. All you have to do is start working on what you want to do and how you’re going to accomplish it.
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!
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