What is one of your favorite things about writing?
My favorite things about writing: imagining I am inside the scenes I create, telling my friends that I wrote a book, and trying to put out my best work.
When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
The characters come to me before the entire plot. However, usually my characters appear after the title.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I am a pantser by nature although I have a general plot in mind and I work out the detail as I write.
When you’re writing, who is more in control, you or your characters?
Definitely, I am in control. My character do what I want them to do, think or feel. Sometimes I have to tell them they cannot do whatever they want.
Can you write sex scenes at any time or do you have to be “in the mood?”
I think because I not particularly fond of graphic sex scenes, I can write gentle sex scenes when it’s time for the characters to engage. I do not have to be “in the mood.” I save my moods for my husband.
What do you like best about writing?
The challenge to finish the book is fun for me. It keeps me occupied on long days.
What is the most difficult thing about writing?
The most difficult thing for me right now is getting to the final edition of the manuscript. I keep catching paragraphs or scenario that I revise every time I reread.
What do you like about writing series books?
Most series that I have read are about a local, a group of friends, or a family. My series is about the relentlessness of true love. So, it’s the theme in my current trilogy that I love to write and flesh out with the characters.
What is one of your favorite ways to learn about your characters?
My favorite way to learn about my characters is to set up a scene and think what would I say or do there. I put myself or someone I know in the same situation and imagine what he/she would do, say or feel.
What do you feel are some of the pros and cons of self-publishing?
I am in the middle of epublishing as I answer this question. I assume by epublishing you are referring to self-publishing. If so, the biggest pro for me is the absence of deadlines. I do not think I could write effectively if given deadlines. I like to schedule my own which means my time is my own to balance as I need. Another pro would seem to be the bigger royalty. However, the dollars that I spend on hiring editors, proofreaders and covers take away from the bigger royalty. Also, I like the facts that I am in control of the entire process (except formatting), I keep the rights to my book. The big con is that it was a big learning curve for me and it takes a lot of time, talent and money.
Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
I might hear or read a phrase that would be a good title and go from that. I might remember something from childhood that I saw imagine the ‘what ifs’.
What are your favorite research resources?
So far, my favorite research resources are the internet and the library. I read both fiction and non-fiction accounts, novels, newspapers, and watch a lot of T.V.
What usually comes first for you, characters or plot?
Characters come before plot.
Do you find it harder to write novels or short stories?
I find it very difficult to write short stories.
The Relentless Brit : http://amzn.to/1T8Xphm ebook, print and audio
The Relentless Italian
The Relentless American
Would you tell us about your latest release?
My latest and first release is The Relentless Brit, a tale of sex, love, romance, espionage, and spies during World War II.
What are you working on now?
I am finalizing The Relentless Italian and writing The Relentless American.
If the main characters in your latest release were invited to a masquerade party, what costumes would they wear?
Marie Gentile would wear something from Downtown Abbey, since her lover is a noble.
Charles would wear a gas mask and an oversize old brown raincoat.
What makes the hero of The Relentless Brit hot?
He is understated. As a spy, he is not James Bond. He is soft spoken, drinks wine, protects and is patients with Marie.
Do you have a favorite character or characters you feel especially close to?
I am especially close to Sophie [The Relentless Italian]. She is not biographical in any sense. However, I am her ‘wanna be.’
If you could meet one of your characters, which one would it be?
Hannah The Relentless American. I would go to her shop and sit with her for hours at a time. I would work for her.
Do you prefer writing your heroes, your heroines or do you like writing both equally?
I love writing both.
If you were a shapeshifter and could become any one item owned by your latest romance hero (or heroine), what would it be?
One of Sophie’s animals, probably horse.
If you could step into one of your books, which one would it be?
Definitely, The Relentless Italian.
Would you tell us about yourself?
I am a Jersey Girl living a free-style life on the Space Coast in Florida. I do not work anymore other than write my books. I have a wonderful husband who puts up with my terrible housekeeping. I cook dinner almost every night. I feel bad that he works full time and comes home hungry and exhausted or else I would eat quesadillas, fruit and hamburgers.
What are your favorite genres to read and write?
Historical Romance
Where can we visit you online?
My author page at Facebook.com/sarinaroseauthor
My website: www.sarinaroseauthor.com
My email: sarinarose2010@outlook.com
When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
I live in Florida so I go to the beach once or twice a week. I like to knit and sew. I sometimes ride my bike. I swim in my own private pool. I volunteer at a textile museum and lead a discussion group in publishing at two senior centers.
How long have you been writing?
I wish I could tell you that I have always been a writer, but that would a lie. I have only been writing seriously for four years.
To you what makes a great romance hero?
Strong in body, mind and spirit with a goal greater than bedding the heroine.
To you what makes a great romance heroine?
A great romance heroine for me has to have something great personal to accomplish besides having sex with the hero.
Do you have any particular writing habits? (Listening to music, best time of day to write, etc.)
I sit in my comfy leather chair in my kitchen family room and turn on the T.V. to the QVC shopping channel or CNN. I rarely listen to music except when I am driving.
Name three fictional characters (not your own) that you find hot. They can be from books, movies, or TV.
Jamie in the Outlanders, James Bond , and Captain Kirk.
If you could be any kind of shapeshifter, what kind would you be?
I would be a female labradoodle. I have a male and he is my boyfriend. He follows me everywhere and is always up my butt. I would like to talk to him in labradoodle talk.
What is your favorite season?
Summer, summer and summer.
What book are you currently reading?
The Outlanders, Book 1
What is the last movie you watched?
Full Metal Jacket, for research on the Vietnam Era, for The Relentless American
What is your favorite comfort food?
Chocolate, of course and Diet Coke mixed with a leftover coffee with cream.
Do you have any pets?
I have a blind Shih Tzu and an energetic labradoodle. I adore both. They are my buddies during the daytime, but sadly they abandon me as soon as my husband comes home from work.
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