INTERVIEW WITH ROMANCE AUTHOR

1.     Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.

Stellar Heat features two heroes, twins from the planet, Zaphronite. As twins, they must share a mate. One twin, Qwin, wants to wait to claim her. The other, Jak, thinks his brother is being stubborn. Their mate, Lily, forces a decision when she goes into mating fever. Oh, and there are star fights and the discovery of a new planet thrown in for good measure. 

You can find an excerpt on my website, www.scarlettjameson.com  2.     Describe the genre of this particular title, and is this the only genre you write in? 

This is a futuristic erotic romance, and actually the first that I’ve ever written. It was a lot of fun to write this story and build this world, though. I’ve got another idea for a story set in this same world. Normally, I write urban fantasy, and I just sold a romantic suspense novella to The Wild Rose Press for their Jewels of the Night series. I write these under my other pen name, Riley Quinn. 

3.     When did you start writing toward publication? I began to write seriously in March of 2008. I had attended a writer’s workshop given by M.R. Sellars, an urban fantasy author that I’ve followed since his first release. That workshop inspired me. I decided that night to go for it and I haven’t looked back. 

4.     Why have you become a published author? I have to write. There’s too much going on inside my head to not write. I love to read. I’ve always enjoyed escaping into a book since my mom bought me my first Nancy Drew book. Publication seems a natural extension of both of these loves.  

5.     Having achieved your goal to be a published author, what is the most rewarding thing? For me personally, I set a goal and achieved it. I kept pressing on even when it got rough. The fact that I can provide some entertainment to someone else as a result is a bonus. 

6.     Tell us about yourself. (family, education, location, etc.) I live in Bavaria, Germany. We moved here from the central Texas area in January of 2009. I live here with my husband and my crazy dog, Peanut. I’m currently finishing up my degree in social science. After this semester, I have one more class to go. Here in Germany, my only options for work are on the military base so it’s slim pickings. I work part time at the craft shop, where I can indulge my crafty side. I mainly crochet and quilt, though I have been known to try other things, too. 

7.     Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract? Keep on keeping on. It’s easy to get discouraged because this is a tough business, but perseverance pays off. Also, keep learning. Find a couple of great critique partners and listen to what they have to say. 

8.     Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped? I’m a member of RWA National and 3 chapters within RWA. I’m also a member of Romance Divas, Savvy Authors, and Roses Colored Glasses. I can’t say enough good things about all of these groups. It’s not just the technical help that they provide, which is awesome, but the emotional support is rock solid. I’ve met a couple of my critique partners among these writers and made some great friends. 

9.     What are you working on next? I’m finishing up the first draft of my novel-length urban fantasy, ‘OUT OF THE SHADOWS’. I plan to have it polished and shined so that I can pitch it to an agent at this year’s RWA National convention. It’s the first in a series of five books. 

10.     How can my readers buy your book? The easiest way to buy ‘STELLAR HEAT’ is to go to The Wild Rose Press website at http://thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php