So, I was tagged by Miss Erica Lynn (thank you lady) for “The Sunshine Blogger Award”, which is a “get to know the writer better” type of blogging exercise, with a couple of rules attached:
- Answer all 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you.
- Nominate eleven bloggers in return and write eleven (possibly fiendish) questions for them to answer.”
Here are my answers to Erica’s questions.
Eleven questions:
- Do you have a favorite character? If so, who? (Can be from your own work, or something you’ve read before.)
I have two. Chyna Shepard from Intensity, and Katniss from The Hunger Games. As a soldier and someone who’s experienced a lot in my life, I dig both of their spitfire personalities and unyielding resilience. I could relate to them both a lot, and The Hunger Games was one of those trilogies I devoured and fell in love with. Intensity was just incredible.
- If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Gah, I have no idea. It would need to be something uplifting, fun, and cool. I don’t know. Star Wars. The boxed set, episodes I-VII! 😀
- Do you write under a pen name? If so,why?
Yes. I do it for two reasons; to keep my private life private, and because it helps me keep my writing honest. I write because I love to write, and I feel like if my neighbors and colleagues knew I was an erotic romance novelist, their perception of who I am would cloud my faith in my ability and my passion for the craft. I like to keeping my writing something separate that I do because it means something to me. It’s my happy place.
- Name one thing from your bucket list and explain why it’s on there.
Go to Australia. I’ve traveled a lot around the world, but I’ve always wanted to visit Australia and go snorkeling there.
- We all have our guilty pleasures… what’s one of yours? (for example, I love, love, LOVE reality TV.)
Um, writing erotic romance novels! J I’m pretty straight-laced and a normal, family-oriented person in real life, and writing romance transports me to places and circumstances I otherwise wouldn’t ever venture in.
- If you could only recommend one book, what would that book be and why?
The Pianist by Wladislaw Szpilman. It’s hard going as it revolves around the musician’s experience during the Holocaust, but it’s a profound testament to the power of love, fortitude, and resilience of the human spirit no matter what one goes through. I felt really uplifted after reading it; that he went through so much and was still an optimist.
- What is one way you show people you love them?
Well, I hug them and tell them! We took the kids to Disneyland and a whale watching cruise recently. I think spending time with a person, listening to them, and really getting to know them is the best way to show your love for them.
- What do you feel you need to fix / adjust in your writing style?
I struggle writing sex scenes, because I’ve always felt it should be an organic, realistic thing in any genre. I want my writing to be honest, and I’m still finding my footing with love scenes. It’s getting easier, but I continually search for ways to improve and make things work.
- What are your favorite genres to read?
I like different ones. I love classical literature (Dickens, Austen, Shakespeare) and it’s always interesting to read how they wrote back then, and the differences in social dynamics. Modern-wise, this may seem funny, but I love horror. I read Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and medical mysteries. I’m really drawn into stories about normal people in extraordinary circumstances and how they deal with that. Romance wise, I like epic novels. I love the Clan of the Cave Bear series, though the last book disappointed me. I also love Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
- What is your ultimate goal as a writer? I’m talking your big picture, “I’ve made it” dream.
I’d love to be able to sustain my family off of it and perhaps get a ranch house and a cabin. I would like to be able to contribute seriously to causes I care about. It’d be neat to see one or some of my books become a movie. I would love that.
- I saved the most important question for last… I feel like there are 3 types of people in this world. People who like the Sharknado movies, the ones who don’t, and the ones who haven’t seen them (mind boggling!). This question alone tells you a lot about a person. So, which one are you? If you’ve seen them, did you like them or not? Why? (FYI… I LOVE THEM!)
Sadly, I’m not a Sharknado person, but I did laugh a little at some of the silly moments in the first one. I watched it purely for the guy who played Steve in 90210. Sharknado is fun, goofy, ridiculous and absurd, and while that’s awesome and needed sometimes, it’s not my cuppa tea. But it’s totally cool for people who dig it. I do love the “Jaws” movies, though. I heart sharks!!!
Thanks for nominating me, Erica! At the moment I’m hard at work on this new series, as well as preparing some guest blogs for my upcoming blog tour in August, so I’m a little snowed under and have decided not to tag others in this, but I really appreciate the tag! I hope you all enjoy.
Best,
Roxanne