Sherry Gloag

Please give a warm welcome to my first guest, popular romance author, Barbara Edwards.

Thank you for inviting me to visit. Like every writer I love to talk.

Why did you choose to write paranormal  ?
I’ve written in several genres, historical romance and romantic suspense, before writing a paranormal. I’ve been told I have a dark aspect to my work. Since I love ‘the dark side’ I dove in.
What is your favored writing routine?
I like to write in the morning. I dream about my stories and it’s still fresh in my mind early. I put on instrumental music, brew a cup of tea and sit my butt in my chair.

What kind of goals do you set?
I set the goal of writing every day. I’ve never been able to say a thousand words or five pages. It comes as it comes. Some days are better and some worse.

What has been your greatest fear you’ve had to overcome as a writer?
My biggest fear has been that the next book will not be better than the last.

What do you do to relax?
I walk my dog or if I’m really stressed I find a place with running water to sit beside. It can be a stream, a lake, the beach or if I have no time, a long, soapy shower.

How have you grown as a writer?
My work is tighter, more focused. I think it’s stronger and darker. I’m much more critical of other work.

What advice would you give an aspiring writer?
The only way to be published is to write. As often and as much as possible. Find what works for you and do it. Don’t give up. Use criticism to learn and grow.

Do you like background music or silence when you write?
I can’t listen to the radio when I write. I love country music and find myself using the lyrics if I listen. I use instrumentals like the theme from Jurassic Park or the William Tell Overture.

Some writers stop reading while writing because the feel it influences their writing. Do you read while working on a current writing project?
I have to give up reading or it draws me away.

How do you deal with criticism?
Not well. I take it to heart and had to learn that it’s only an opinion. Of course, if several people say the same thing, then I have to think about solving a problem.

What do you do when your mind blanks?
I don’t have that problem as much as too much and having to eliminate and cut down.

What other works have you published?
Another Love, a historical romance set in 1892. Annie’s Heart is a historical romance set in 1872 and Rachel’s Rescue a contemporary romantic suspense. I have excerpts at www.barbaraedwards.net

What books and WIP are in the pipeline for this year?
I have a second Finding Rhodes End paranormal tentatively named Ancient Blood.

Thank you Barabra,for being such a wonderful first guest, and sharing your time with us today.
~~~

Please will you share excerpt from your  latest book, Ancient Awakening?


Here’s the blurb and excerpt from Ancient Awakening. In Ancient Awakening, Police Officer ‘Mel’ Petersen investigates a death only she believes is murder. By disobeying direct orders from the Rhodes End Chief, she risks her career to follow clues that twist in circles to her backyard and lead the killer to her.

Her neighbor Stephen Zoriak is a prime suspect. Steve worked for a major pharmaceutical company where he discovered a weapon so dangerous he destroys the research. He is exposed to the dangerous organism. He suspects he is the killer and agrees to help her find the truth.

In the course of their investigation Mel and Steve find the real killer and a love that defies death.



Excerpt:


“Don’t touch me, Mel, not unless you’re willing to do a lot more,” he warned as her hazel eyes flared golden.
“Don’t threaten me, Steve. You’re…”
He pulled her into his arms despite the alarm bells clanging in his head.
Danger! Danger! Danger!
Her widened eyes met his. Mel’s hands were trapped against his chest, but she didn’t push him away. Instead, her fingers curled into his shirt.
Her mistake. His mistake was to crush her mouth under his.
Mel’s soft lips parted. Need exploded. The taste of black coffee didn’t hide her sweet flavor. As her tongue tangled with his, her arms slid around his neck and her fingers burrowed through his hair.
Steve hungered to peel the starched shirt off her soft shoulders, lay her on the thick turf and ease his desire. He tasted her brows, her cheek, along her throat, seeking the source of her call. Her pulse whipped under his mouth, awakening another need.
His teeth gently closed on the vulnerable vein.
He wanted, wanted, wanted…
Cold alarm chilled his pounding blood.
Steve gasped for air. He’d forgotten his own ironclad rule. Mel’s eyelids flittered open to reveal the molten glow of desire but he forced himself free.
He had no right to touch any woman. Not until he knew he hadn’t become what he had set out to destroy.
~~~
Thank you Barbara, for visiting The Heartof Romance today.  I am so pleased you were my first guest and for answering all my questions. Please, everyone, leave your comments and questions for Barbara.