Interview with Romona Hilliger:
Hi Romona. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* I happen to know that your first book with Romance At Heart Publications, A Shadow From his Past, just came out, and want to say congratulations. We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...
- What can we expect from you in the future?
More romances from the outback of Australia, perhaps with a touch of the para-normal.
- How do we find out about you and your books?
My website: Romona's Pages..., my publishers: Romance At Heart Publications, writing groups, and Hotspot magazine for promoting authors and books
- Why did you decide to write romance novels?
The raw rugged beauty of both the bush and a big number of its men.
- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
A great deal
- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
Between three to four months. However, I did write a book in a week and won a WRITINGRIGHT award for it.
- What is your writing routine?
It begins with a twenty-minute walk for mental and physical stimulation. I write between 9am – 1pm. Break for lunch and another half-hour walk. Writing time. 2pm. – 6pm.
- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
Set schedule as far as possible.
- What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?
My daughters are grown up and no longer live at home, my husband goes to work and I have the house to myself.
- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
Read, play the keyboard or listen to music.
- What truly motivates you in general? In your writing?
The sheer love of the craft
- Where do your ideas come from?
Mostly from my travels across the length and breadth of Australia. Many times from something I’ve heard someone say. I carry a note book and pen for this purpose.
- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?
Yes. Creating a love-scene that is stimulating yet tasteful, is very hard.
- What kind of research do you do?
Reading a big number of books and taking in views and tips from authors far more experienced than myself.
- Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?
Yes. Para-normal
- What does your husband/wife think of your writing?
Always encourages me.
- Do you ever ask him/her for advice?
Yes.
- Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)
I have a husband, two grown-up daughters and a little dog. I’m qualified in Education and Accounting.
Hobbies. Travelling with my husband in the outback, fossicking for gold and gemstones.
- Fill in the blank favorites -
Dessert. Stony Desert, Central Australia
City. Melbourne
Season. Winter
Type of hero. Strong and powerful with a good measure of gentleness.
Type of heroine. Strong enough to pursue what she wants, no matter how hard.
- What are some of your favorite things to do?
Listening to music. Willie Nelson to Parvarotti
- Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?
Coleen McCullock, The Thorn Birds.
- Who are some of your favorite authors?
Diane Gabaldin, Jeffrey Archer and Vikram Seth
- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?
YES
- What do you think of critique groups in general?
Very effective
- How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?
Eight years, including two years of study in Professional Writing and Editing, specialising in Romance.
- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?
None. Can be any of them
- What are the elements of a great romance for you?
Inner conflict
- Have you experienced writer's block---> If so, how did you work through it?
Yes. Stopped dead in my tracks for at least, three days and did totally other things.
- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
To see my work, good enough to be in print. Nothing else.
- If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
What I do part-time, right now. Help with the business side of the tourist motel-restaurant-café complex we bought on the South-West coast of Tasmania.
- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Yes indeed. THE ONLY WRITER WHO NEVER GOT PUBLSIHED IS THE ONE WHO GAVE UP.
Romona, 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!
Romona's Pages... Bio Interview Review
Buy Romona's Books at Romance At Heart Publications