My guest blogger is Marguerite Arotin, not only a fantasy and historical romance writer but also my webmistress. Despite knowing her for a few years, I’ve learned new things from her responses to questions, so I’m delighted to have her as my guest blogger.
How long does it take for you to write a book?
When I am dedicated to completing it, usually about 6 months. When life, my evil day job, or my son’s life gets away, it tends to be longer
Do you do a lot of research for your books and if so, how do you do that? I’m a research junkie so yes. Internet, books, if there’s someplace local that I can visit to do hands on research, I’m all for that.
Do you have a favorite author?
Several but in different genres. For romance it would have to be Linda Lael Miller, Horror and anything else he dives into- The masterful Stephen King. Fantasy- J.K. Rowling because I love the world she created with Hogwarts, and just recently in Science Fiction I fell in love with the writing style of Douglas Adams. I love the way all his rambles end in punch line
Was there any one thing that particularly inspired you to write?
I had been writing off on on since the third grade when I wrote a Halloween Fairytale of sorts for a class project. When I finally decided to send out the stuff I was writing to publishers, it was because my husband had just lost his job and I wanted to help provide for our little family. By the time he found another job, I was hooked on the writing lifestyle.
What’s the best and worst part about being a writer?
Best part- creating a world and populating that world with characters you adore. Worst part- Deadlines and critics.
How do you balance a personal life with a writing life?
It’s easier now that my son is older and hangs out in his room a lot of the time. When he was younger, I had to watch writing the sex scenes while he was around because he’s nosy and will read over my shoulder.
What do you consider the most important elements of a great book? Characters, Characters, Characters ! You can create a great plot but it means nothing without creating characters everyone can relate to.
What are you writing/reading now?
Currently alternating between writing a vampire romance with a twist, and a civil war time-travel romance inspired by a Gettysburg visit.
Where can we find out more about you and your books?
my website- http://www.ohioromance.net/
If you could be a character in one of your books, which one would you choose to be? Probably Janet, my heroine from The Last Sorceress. It would be fun to step into a new fantasy realm with sorceress power
Do you have a favourite character from your books?
Dazzart the Bold. He’s an ogre but a lot sexier than Shrek
For series writers only: What do you especially enjoy about writing a series as compared to a stand alone book? When I wrote Return of the Prodigal Daughter for The Wayback Texas series, it was fun to help create a small Texas town and work with already established characters.
What do you do to unwind, put aside the hard work of writing, or otherwise enjoy life?
Summer time, without a doubt, the beach. I had been taking my son to our local beach since he was two years old. We make a day out of it and have a lot of fun. Fall ,winter, or inclement weather I love to go to the movies with my family
