? When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I actually wasn’t the first to realize it. I’ve always loved writing and putting my thoughts down on paper and someone I trusted pulled me aside one day and said “Belinda, have you ever thought about writing?” I’ll be honest; I laughed and shared that I would never write. I can be pretty shy and I was terrified that people would think what I’d shared was stupid. Two years later here I am - loving it and I can almost guarantee the person is grinning and thinking, “I told you so”
? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?
Since moving to America 11 years ago, I’ve had about *counts on fingers* 5. I was a hotel housekeeper for the grand total of 3 days, an assistant manager at Carl’s Jnr, a college tutor in math, science and other courses, a biology lab assistant and a program coordinator in a mental health and substance abuse program. Right now I’m self-employed and run a blog tour company called The Bookish Snob Promotions.
? How long does it take you to write a book?
TOO LONG! I’m forever telling my husband I wish I could just plug my laptop into my brain and have it type out what I see when I’m plotting out scenes. That way I can avoid all the distractions of life that seem to pop up every time I sit down to write. I’d say it can take me anywhere from a month to a year.
? What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
Hmmm, a quirk? I’m quirk free! *as husband scoffs in the background* I have to have total silence when I start writing. When I was writing Without Mercy, I did a large chunk of it in one day and my poor hubby sat the entire time watching his TV programs on mute. Once I’m in the story, I can pretty much tune things out but in the beginning, I swear I can hear someone breathing a mile away LOL
? Do you have a routine that you use to get into the right frame of mind to write?
Yep, and it’s a pretty good one too. When I begin a new project, I find songs that match the feel of the story. I’m an emotional writer and really draw on it when I’m trying to get into the heart of what’s happening. I’m also visual so I’ll look for the perfect muse to inspire me. Right now, I’m writing Cherished which is the next installment in the Mystic Wolves novelettes. Each time I begin writing, I turn on “In My Head” by Jason Derulo and “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars and it’s only a matter of minutes before I can feel tingles and the mood of the story flowing. I’ve picked Francesco Cura to be Mason and found all kinds of HOT pics of him. Pair that with the playlist and it’s instant inspiration!
? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?
I honestly don’t know. I have a general idea of who I want them to be and how I want them to interact within the story. But once I start writing, they take over and show me who they are. Sometimes I’ll argue with them and say “Nope, I want you this way” or “You need to act like this” They just shake their heads and say “Poor, sweet author. This is who we are.” LOL I learned real fast to let them lead the way and it’s an exciting process.
? How do you decide what you want to write about?
All my story ideas so far have come from dreams. I’ll wake up overwhelmed with certain emotions that won’t let go away or I’ll remember a main idea with certain images. I’m also in the process of writing Broken Promises. That was a dream I woke from and remembered that eyes changed color, blood and that there was an invasion. That’s all. Over the course of the day, I outlined 3 books. Without Mercy came from me waking up with this gut wrenching grief. I remembered a gun and terror. All day, I sobbed and it wouldn’t go away until my BFF said “Belinda, write about it.” Pair it with the song “Running Up That Hill” by Placebo and the short story was born.
? What books have most influenced your life?
Okay, I would have to say the Harry Potter books. I was an avid reader growing up but there were years where I didn’t touch a book. A friend took me to see the second Harry Potter movie and was shocked I’d never heard of them. I went home, ordered the first book on Amazon and it lit a flame under me. I’ve been devouring books ever since. From Harry, I moved onto Young Adult paranormal – Twilight, House of Night series, Mortal Instruments. I moved through paranormal, fantasy and loved it! My hubby bought me a Christine Feehan book for Christmas and it was in that moment I fell in love with paranormal romance and I’ve been addicted ever since. It’s why I’m called The Bookish Snob. I know what I like and I very rarely read outside the genre.
? What is the first book you remember reading by yourself?
You know what? I honestly don’t remember. I know that we had loads of books growing up. There was one book about Louis Pasteur. He was standing on the front with this MASSIVE needle and a monster with funny teeth. Funny the things we remember!
? What are you reading right now?
I’m reading a few books at the moment. Picture Perfect by Deena Remiel (swoony), Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian and Defying Pack Law by Eve Langlais. I’m DESPERATE for the new release from the Dark Hunter series, Retribution. Only a few more weeks!
? What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I LOVE reading and blogging. I also love watching movies and spending time with family and friends. I seem to be attached to my laptop a lot and you can usually find me chatting on Facebook or Twitter. Online I’m the social butterfly and in real life, I’m super shy. Go figure, right?
? What is your favorite comfort food?
Ice cream and salt and vinegar chips. So not healthy but they always hit the right spot.
? What do you think makes a good story?
Being a lover of romance, I’d definitely say it’s all about the emotion and swoon. If the story can pull me in and give me an experience where I can connect with the characters and imagine myself with them, it’s a story I’ll remember and rave about. I love strong heroines, cocky heroes with swagger and I enjoy seeing into the heart of the story. I want to be moved and excited.
? Who would you consider your favorite author and why?
Hahahahaha! There is no way I could choose just one. I definitely have authors who are auto buys for me: Sherrilyn Kenyon, Lacey Weatherford, Stacey Kennedy, Marcia McClure, Richelle Mead, Cherise Sinclair, Deena Remiel, Amber Scott, Ilona Andrews, Jeaniene Frost, Karen Moning, Hannah Howell … the list could seriously go on forever.
? What book, if any, do you read over and over again?
I don’t have much time to reread books at the moment L My TBR and review pile have seriously taken on a life of their own and I’m like a little girl in a candy store! I know I’m desperate to reread the Dark Hunter series and after reading Karen Moning’s recent post from Barrons’ POV, I’m craving to reread the Fever series. Just need more hours in the day!
Fun random questions:
- dogs or cats? Dogs but only if they’re Chihuahuas
- Coffee or tea? Blech, neither!
- Dark or milk chocolate? Milk chocolate
- Rocks or flowers? Flowers
- Night or day? Night
- Favorite color? Red
- Crayons or markers? Crayons
- Pens or pencils? Pencils
