Today I'm over the moon to have fellow Noble Romance Author Margie Church on the blog today. She's chatting it up about her newest release Nopeming Shores and giving away an eBook copy to one lucky commenter. Tell us what inspires you in life and you'll be entered in a random drawing for a chance to win.
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What motivates Margie Church, the author? Why do you write?
It's in my DNA. If my husband said, "That's it, no more writing," that would be a deal breaker. If I'm not writing, I'm usually thinking about writing. I've often thought about what I'd do if I couldn't type any more. I sometimes write with my eyes closed to avoid having the words get in the way of what I'm "seeing" in my mind. Yeah, I'm hard core. I'm also a Type A personality. I'm driven. Period.
What is your favorite genre to write and why?
Romantic suspense. I love a story that keeps me turning the pages to find out what's going to happen next. And I love it when a reader writes to say they couldn't put my book down. Even though not all my books are suspense per se, they usually have some elements of suspense or a Red Herring to them. I never want a person to say one of my books is predictable.
How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you have a set routine or do you write when the mood strikes?
Between my EDJ of writing, and the books and promotions, probably 10 -12 hours a day. More on the weekends if I can. I am extremely disciplined (except for the research part – then I'm a procrastinator) and try to write 1,000 words a day. Blog posts don't count. I had three novels and a short story come out this year. You can't accomplish that if you don't flog the pen. J
Tell us about the most intriguing character you've created.
The leader of the vampire nation, Ladislav Husek, from Dangerous Love. I finished "writing him" more than a year ago, and I still think about him. He's a vampire with an extremely vicious streak. He's physical, controlling, vindictive, secretive, misguided, lovesick, and deadly. He's the poster child for a vampire sociopath. His secret side is what also gets him into trouble and drives his meanness. I can't share more without giving away key elements in the plot. He also used to "wake me up." Writers usually have characters on their minds when they're writing the story. I'm no exception. Usually I forget about them once the book is done. But Laddy would interrupt my sleep and he's still on my mind.
What did you do when you found out your first book had been contracted?
I hooted and hollered. I'm sure my feet didn't touch the floor for a week. But the coolest thing was what my husband did. He gave me a pen and asked for my autograph. I framed it for him.
Do you have any words of inspiration to aspiring authors? What advice would you offer a writer trying to publish?
There's so much to learn about the craft and about promotions. Fall in love with the word patience, even if it kills you. LOL First, polish your writing skills so you'll continue to get contracts and find readers. Then, get a decent website up and a blog. Don't go crazy. There's always time to improve your site and blog.
Tell us about your current release.
Nopeming Shores (no-paw-ming) is a sensual paranormal romance (ghost story). It's unlike any book I've ever written. J. Andrew Lockhart supplied original Japanese poetry to help tell the emotional tale of love beyond the boundaries of death.
Blurb: Nopeming Shores by Margie Church with J. Andrew Lockhart
An IED snuffed out Gabe Holliway's life, but couldn't destroy his love. Using his unique gift, Gabe struggles to help his young wife, Lily, rebuild her shattered future.
But when Gabe's ghost reaches out to her, Lily fears she's lost her last hold on sanity. Can she trust what she discovers and what her heart says? When she sees Gabe face-to-face, can she believe her eyes?
When love transcends death, the answers are found in Nopeming Shores.
Amazon buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Nopeming-Shores-ebook/dp/B005UUTQMI/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1318604389&sr=1-4
Do you have any upcoming projects in the works?
I'm writing a follow up book to Hard as Teak called Krewe Daddy. The reason I say follow-up instead of sequel, is because it centers on Drew, a secondary character in Hard as Teak. Readers requested this book since Drew didn't get a happily after. Krewe Daddy is about the man Drew was in love with when he met Teak Hildalgo and moved to Minnesota. The accidental meeting between Drew, and his former lover, Luis, in New Orleans renews their passion.
About the authors of Nopeming Shores:
Margie Church writes romance novels with a strong suspense element, in keeping with her moniker: Romance with SASS (Suspense Angst Seductive Sizzle). She has a degree in writing and editing and has been a professional writer, editor, and journalist for over 25 years. If you enjoy books you can't put down, read one of hers.
Margie lives in Minnesota, is married, and has two children. Some of her passions are music, flower gardening, biking, walking her dog on moonlit nights, nature, and making people laugh. She also writes children's books under the pen name, Margaret Rose.
Margie's website: www.RomanceWithSASS.com
J. Andrew Lockhart specializes in Japanese style poetry and has been writing poetry and short stories for over 30 years. Many poetry books and journals have published his work, some of which have been translated into Japanese, Russian, and Finnish. Tangled in Wisteria, his first solo collection of poetry, was published in 2007.
Andrew was once an attorney, and is now an elementary music teacher. He lives in Van Buren, Arkansas, is married, and has four children.
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Okay READERS...Nopeming Shores is definitely on my TBR list, but you may not have to wait. Margie is being kind enough to give away an eBook copy to one lucky reader.
Inspiration often plays a huge part in a writer's life, but you don't have to be a writer to be inspired.
Inspiration often plays a huge part in a writer's life, but you don't have to be a writer to be inspired.
We'd love to hear what inspires you. It can be anything! Leave your answer in the comment section along with your e-mail address and Margie will select one random winner.
Thanks for joining me, Margie.
Ella
