Interview with Suzanne Marie Calvin:
Hi Suzanne Marie. 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.
“Love Thy Neighbor.”
Concerned that Piper may never settle down, Nana, the well- meaning but over-zealous grandmother who raised Piper after her mother died, decides to take out an ad in the local paper –
"Marry my granddaughter and get a free tuxedo.” Now practically every bachelor in El Paso County Colorado is showing up on Piper’s porch and, frankly, she’s running out of creative ways to get rid of them.
To make matters worse, her new neighbor is spying on her. Dane Garrity writes for the local newspaper, and every time Piper chases away another potential groom answering Nana’s ad, Dane tells all about it in the Gazette. Dane is a man on the lam from one of the most humiliating mistakes he’s ever made. Designated Bachelor #3 in a "reality TV" fiasco that entailed vying for the hand of sexy, eligible actress/bachelorette Liza Duchane, Dane was rejected--on national television--in the final episode of the show. Never mind that the reality-TV-hungry public voted him as their number one pick for Liza. Hounded by paparazzi, Dane flees LA and decides to hide out in small-town Manitou Springs, Colorado, where he moves into the house next door to Piper.
Piper doesn’t want a new neighbor, much less one of the male persuasion. The last man who lived in that shabby grey Tudor next door stole her heart and her bank account. As far as she is concerned, Dane’s new home is possessed, and he may as well be the devil incarnate…with a sexy set of dimples. She’s certain Dane is hiding something beneath that maddening “I just want to be neighborly” exterior of his. She just doesn’t know what. Yet it seems the angrier she gets with him, the more she wants to throw herself into his arms and kiss him senseless. The man is just so aggravating!
As far as Dane is concerned, his neighbor is a wacko. Not to mention sexy. And frustrating. Sexy. Intriguing. And, oh, did he mention…sexy? He isn’t sure whether he wants to throttle her or kiss the hell out of her and is exasperated when the latter is what he thinks about most. She drives him crazy, but he just can’t stay away. The more he discovers about Piper Davis, the more he wants to know about her, and it isn’t long before he realizes this zany, irrepressible, tough woman is really smart, loving and tender. Falling no longer becomes the problem – it’s how fast and how hard.
When past mistakes come back to haunt them and threaten what Piper and Dane could have built together, hearts and trusts are broken -- but can they be repaired? Can Piper learn to trust again? Can Dane convince her that his love is worth taking a chance? Whether the answers lie in an open palm, a deck of tarot cards, or inside two tortured hearts, join Piper and Dane on a wild, passionate ride filled with laughter, tears and maybe even the strength and courage to love again.
- What can we expect from you in the future?
Another paranormal. I am working on what I hope will be a series of four books entitled Elements of Magick. Witches, Shamans, Ghosts and Magick!
- How do we find out about you and your books?
By going to my website at www.SuzanneMarieCalvin.com or my publisher’s site www.amberquillpress.com
- How many readers contact you?
On an average, about 15 a month.
- Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?
Definitely. Actually, my readers fell in love with Fallon and Myles, in “Bewitching the Bachelor,” and convinced me to write a story about Fallon, which is also in the works.
- Do you have a favorite comment or question from a reader?
Actually, no. Every comment or question from my readers becomes my favorite. I just love the feedback and support!
- Why did you decide to write romance novels?
I actually started writing novels at the age of 11, after I laid hands on my first Nancy Drew mystery. I would handwrite mystery after mystery, then when I discovered Judy Blume, everyone started falling in love!
- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
Actually ALL of my personality and life experiences go into my writing in some way, shape or form. If it’s not something I’ve experienced, it’s something that has me curious.
- When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?
I’ve written, in some form, since I could pick up a pencil. I have a short, three sentence story, that I even illustrated, which was done in kindergarten, in which I spoke about having blue hair and glasses. When I was eleven and handwriting novels, I knew I’d someday see my stories published. From there, you just have to take off!
My first MS was probably submitted about 13 years ago… and…sadly… rejected. But – hey – we all know what they write about Stephen King!
- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
It depends. “Bewitching the Bachelor” was done in two months and I consider it one of the best I’ve ever written, but it pretty much wrote itself once the family trees were mapped out and the research was done. I couldn’t write it fast enough to keep up with my creative process!
“Fiona’s Fancy” took about 8 months. “Love Thy Neighbor,” I think, took about four. But I moved from California to Colorado somewhere in there, so I may be off on the time on that one.
- What is your writing routine?
Um…. As of late, it involves the moon phases, planetary positions, and how many minutes I can squeeze out of a day.
- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
I go with the flow. Enough said on that! Lately, my flow has had me experiencing things that inspire my novels, rather than sitting down to write them.
- What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?
I pick times of the day when I know there won’t be interruptions, so that usually works pretty well for me. It also usually involves staying up late at night to accomplish that!
- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
I buy new batteries.
- What truly motivates you in general? In your writing?
Life and love.
- Where do your ideas come from?
I’m not sure. But I’ve been told the process of retrieving them is probably scary.
- Do you feel humor is important in women's fiction and why?
Definitely. Because life is funny. At least mine seems to mirror most of the “I Love Lucy” episodes. The black and white ones, anyway.
- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?
Sometimes. It’s taken me a while to be able to write them without blushing. My love scenes can be pretty explicit. And if a friend is reading through one for me, I can’t even be in the same room. But I don’t think I could write a book without one. My characters take on lives of their own and, often, the sexual tension is pretty high, so at some point, that has to make one heck of a connection.
- What kind of research do you do?
For the sex scenes??? Or the whole book??? I’ll go with the latter.
It actually depends on the book. For instance, with “Fiona’s Fancy,” I already knew quite a bit about holistic medicine, herbs, and things like that. But I didn’t know much about making soap, which is what Fiona’s best friend Piper did, so I researched soap making and actually took it up as a hobby. This helped later, to further enhance “Love Thy Neighbor.”
For “Bewitching the Bachelor,” I researched information on the witch trials and I also had to be creative as far as putting together family trees that spanned decades. It was all fun!
- Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?
I think I’ll probably always stick with romance.I am currently working on a lesbian romance that has more traditional elements. Most of the gay/lesbian romances out there are erotica. I’m trying to create a romance with a more traditional flair. I think there’s a calling for them and it’s a need we’re not responding to because we keep forgetting that same sex couples often love as traditionally as heterosexual couples do.
- What does your husband/wife think of your writing?
My life partner, Diane, is an avid supporter of my writing. She often believes in me and in my talent much more than I do!
- Do you ever ask her for advice?
Definitely. She reads most of what I come up with, in fact. She’s a very captive audience!- Fill in the blank favorites -
Dessert: Chocolate cake
Season: Autumn
City: Manitou Springs, CO and Guffey, CO
Type of hero: Strong, but tender. Passionate. Romantic. Rough and rugged. With a great sense of humor. Appreciates his Venus-type for everything she is.
Type of heroine: Strong, self-assured, but knows having a Mars-type around can be kind of handy. Sexy, but she doesn’t always know it. Laughs at life and herself. Isn’t afraid of who she is or what she stands for and she isn’t afraid to let the Mars-type of her dreams know it, either. Most of all, she’s human.
- What are some of your favorite things to do?
Take long walks; window shop; look at antiques; long mountain drives; play with the kids, the dogs, the cat, and the horses; dabbling with soaps and herbs; reading; laughing; counting clouds; wishing for snow; cuddling on the sofa with a good movie -- and spending all of those moments with Diane.
- Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?
I am pretty partial to anything witchy that Nora Roberts writes. I also love the ebook authors I’ve read, and think very highly of my fellow authors at Scheherazade Tales.
- Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?
I think everything I’ve read has influenced my writing in some way.
- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?
I’m a member of RWA.
- What do you think of critique groups in general?
I think that, when you’re matched up with the right people, critique groups can be an amazing asset to any writer.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
Owning my own publishing company with Diane and operating it from our mountain cabin.
- Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?
That’s a tough one, but if I have to be honest, I’d have to say my favorite book is “Bewitching the Bachelor.” It was so much fun to write and I loved how it flowed so perfectly. However, my favorite characters are Cal, Fiona and Piper from “Fiona’s Fancy” and “Love Thy Neighbor.”
- What book for you has been the easiest to write? The hardest? The most fun?
Easiest was “Bewitching the Bachelor.” Hardest was “Love Thy Neighbor,” but it was also tied for the most fun. Also most fun was “Fiona’s Fancy.” Well… Okay… “Bewitching the Bachelor” is tied for most fun, too.
- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?
It depends. Most of the time, it’s the characters. However, with “Bewitching the Bachelor,” it was the story.
- What are the elements of a great romance for you?
Most people will probably disagree, but I like I certain amount of realism. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in the story, but I like real characters. People I can relate to. People who, by the end of the book, I feel like I know.
- What is the hardest part of writing/the easiest?
The hardest part is hitting a brick wall. That usually happens when I don’t let the characters lead. The easiest is when I sit down and it flows and I just go with it, instead of choosing a moment to sit down and force things.
- Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?
LOL They control me. And it is SO MUCH FUN!
- Have you experienced writer's block---> If so, how did you work through it?
Yes I have. I work through it by either taking a break, or canning the whole chapter and starting fresh.
- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
Having someone read my books and enjoy them, then tell me they feel like they know my characters and that they’ll miss them once the story is done.
- If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
Teaching creative writing.
- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Don’t give up! Keep writing! Keep the ideas rolling! Keep submitting! You’ll find the editor out there who will appreciate your voice and your ideas!
Suzanne Marie, again, 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!
Author Links:
Suzanne Marie Calvin Email
RAH Links:
Interview Review
Purchase Links:
Buy Susan Marie Calvin's books at Amber Quill Press