Last Monday with…Marie Lavender!

Everyone please welcome paranormal romance author, Marie Lavender!

1. What’s the title of your latest release? Link?

My latest release is Second Nature, a paranormal romance/urban fantasy. It was released on December 8th, and it is book one of the Blood at First Sight Series. The links are below:

Universal Amazon: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00Q7FWIWA

Publisher: http://solsticepublishing.com/second-nature/

CreateSpace link: https://www.createspace.com/5131233

2. Why do you like writing in this genre?

I love it! I can open my mind completely, and let that inner world of the story unfold. I’ve always believed there is a lot more to the world around us than we think, things we can’t even begin to imagine. So, why not take that a step further and believe in the unknown or in fantasy worlds? Is it an escape from reality? Sure, but fiction is as well. Writing about the paranormal gives me the creative license I may not have, say, in historical writing, where past events or historical accuracy is pertinent to the storyline.

3. What do you like to read?

All types of romance – contemporary, historical, romantic suspense. I’ve been reading a lot of paranormal/urban fantasy recently, though.

4. Favorite movie?

The Princess Bride just because it’s historic, really cheesy and romantic. And for a fantasy element? ROUSes, or Rodents of Unusual Size.

5. What are your writing habits? Music or silence? Daily regimen or spurts of creativity?

I prefer silence usually, but there are times when certain kinds of music will enhance a scene. For example, I used Celtic music once when I was writing a historic fantasy story. Mostly, I go with whenever the muse hits me, but sometimes it can be as simple as a particularly poignant sentence that strikes me when I’m doing something else, and then I know I need to add it to my manuscript. When I am really focused on writing a specific story, I try to work on it every day, however. Even if it’s just research, that is one step of progress toward the overall goal.

6. What was the most surreal moment you’ve had as an author?

It was strange, but good. I had opened up my email and bam! There it was, a letter from one of the many publishers and agents I’d submitted to, and instead of the rejection I expected, it was a book contract. That was so exciting, and I probably stared at the screen with tears in my eyes for about ten or fifteen minutes. It was so overwhelming, a combination of happiness and oh-my-god-I-can’t-believe-this-is-real.

7. How can readers find you?

They can find me through my website, blogs or any of the numerous social media sites I currently stalk.

About

http://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/

http://marielavenderbooks.blogspot.com/

http://marielavender.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/marie.lavender.58

https://www.facebook.com/MarieAnnLavender

Tweets by marielavender1

https://plus.google.com/u/0/+MarieLavender/posts

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/marie-lavender/27/187/10a

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6938764.Marie_Lavender

http://authorsdb.com/authors-directory/1578-marie-lavender

http://www.pw.org/content/marie_lavender

http://www.amazon.com/Marie-Lavender/e/B00C10Q94I/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJu8HjRVYCFOqcIoX6ZxdqQ/videos

8. What do you know now about being published that you wish you’d known before submitting?

I wish I’d known that you should probably have a significant web presence before you get published. It’s been a hard journey, but I’ve learned a lot, and I’m still learning!

9. Favorite snack/drink while writing?

I drink lots of water, but I do have a tendency to want chocolate now and then. I try to keep something on hand usually, maybe some dark chocolate.

10. Look at your writing area…what’s the item you keep to inspire you (piece of artwork, figurine)?

I have two main writing areas, my office desk and my bedroom. In my office, I keep a shelf nearby with my published books. I don’t look at them all of the time, but now and then it’s good to remind yourself of just how far you’ve come. I have a poster with a saying: “Life is better when you’re writing.” It was gifted to me by http://www.writing.com/ That can be a good motivational tool.

I also write in my bedroom, either just before I go to sleep or if the mood hits me when I happen to be in there. The walls are covered in light gold with hieroglyphics, and there is this whole Egyptian theme going on. In a way, it helps to keep me from being too grounded in reality, and the scenes come to me naturally.

Thanks for stopping by, Marie! Best of luck with the book!

BB