Get To Know You Interview - Dawn Torrents

Book Questions

Tell us your latest news?

I am very excited to announce that I have recently signed a deal with Audible.com and my Amelia Series is now available on Audio too! I was recently interviewed by Graham Torrington on his BBC Radio late night love show. Graham is a radio legend in England and it was an honour to have been interviewed by him about my books.

What book are you reading now?

Nicholas Sparks – The Lucky One. After watching this movie starring the lovely, Zac Efron, I just had to get the book! Love the movie and the book.

Your books are so emotional. How long does it take for you to be able to get the characters out of your mind and move on to the next?

I get asked this question frequently… Actually, I usually take a two-week break after completing a novel and then I dive straight back in, all fresh with my next story lined up!

Are the names of the characters in your novels important?

Yes – very important. I love researching names, I always have an image of my protagonists in my mind and the name has to be fitting…

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

Ah- now there’s a question! Are we sane? Mmm… I do question myself from time to time, ‘Giggles.’ Seriously, my daughter keeps me sane and grounded. I think a supportive family around you helps enormously. Also, it is important to take time away from your laptop and especially social media at times. Just to gain clarity and reboot your brain. I like to go jogging early in the morning to clear my head and thus, keeping me sane!

What is the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?

This is a tough one! Mmm…well, we writers are under the constant scrutiny of our critics good and bad. It is to be expected to get the odd bad review that completely floors you and ruins your whole day, and at times, makes you reconsider (albeit briefly) your position as an author. I had one reviewer who ripped me to shreds in a 2 star review for one of my books. After glancing through the reviewers other reviews though, I felt much better after discovering, I was one of her lucky victims as most of them received one star reviews.  A troll comes to mind here as there was not one good review from her about any author she had read and there was a lot? Very odd I thought. Nevertheless, you have to take the good with the bad. There will always be someone who does not like your writing style or story. You cannot please everyone. We have to accept this as part of our job. Our work is up for public scrutiny at all times, it stands to reason that there will be good and bad comments written. We just have to develop a thick skin, accept it and move on…

How do you react to a bad review of one of your books?

I never reply or comment on reviews good or bad. This is a definite no no. It depends on the review - sometimes it can upset me… I am human after all. However, I appreciate constructive critical reviews, as these can help us writers in a positive way at times. I accept bad reviews as part of the job. I take a deep breath and pray the next review is a good one! As I mentioned above, you cannot please everyone. Some readers will love you others will hate you…

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

I have written and published 14 books now with a 15^th on the way. I would say, my autobiography series, Amelia’s Story, Amelia’s Destiny and Amelia The Mother, were the hardest books for me to write. I laid my soul bare for the world to read. I wrote them candidly and shared my inner most, deepest emotions. This was not only hard for me, but deeply emotional too. When you revisit a past like mine and then write about it, you come face to face with a few old demons and this was hard for me. I wrote my three-book Amelia Series for my daughter. So that when she grows up, she will fully understand her mother’s journey, which ultimately led to her own journey.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned a great deal from writing my Amelia Series – The human spirit is infinitely strong. The human spirit can endure a great deal, more than most people can appreciate. The most important lesson I have learned, is to always treat people how you wish to be treated yourself. Words are so powerful; in fact, I believe words are the most powerful tool on the planet. We should choose our words carefully – once a word is spoken it can never be taken back…

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Yes – Never give up on your dreams. No matter what anyone else says – remember, this is your life and no one else’s, so live it your way.

Have you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or a movie?

Not exactly, however, I have seen similarities in characters in books or  actors in a movie.

Describe in 5 words, your writing:

Emotive – Emotional – Suspenseful – Deep - Meaningful

What do you use to write your book?

I always use my laptop.

Do you listen to music while you write or read?

Not while I am reading. But I love to listen to ‘Debussy’ (classical piano concertio) while writing emotional scenes in my fictional novels.

If you could write with any other author(s) who would it be and why?

Wow! There are so many – living and dead.

Firstly, if he were alive, I would love to have co-authored a novel with Charles Dickens. I love his writing and I have read every one of his books. I guess I can relate personally to many of his characters and feel a connection with them.

As for authors living, there are too many to mention!

NON- BOOK QUESTIONS

When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up? A writer

Did/Do you have a nickname? Florence Nightingale

What are your pet peeves? Tardiness, I do not like lateness. If I have arranged to meet someone, a friend etc, I hate to be kept waiting!

What is your favourite coffee shop drink?

Double espresso

What's your favourite tv show?

The Walking Dead, The Vikings and The Man in the High Castle

What is your favourite kind of cookie?

Double chocolate MaryLands

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you have and why?

An extra thick journal

Set of pens

Hammock

Where would you go if you had a time machine?

The beginning of time

Which is your favorite quote?

Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away – unknown

If you were an ice cream what flavor would you be?

Chocolate chip

What song best describes you?

There are many!!

THIS OR THAT

Pepsi or Coke - neither

Cows or Sheep -cows

. Castle or Town house -castle

City or Country - country

Lover or Fighter - Lover

Pop or Rock Music - Both

80’s or 90’s - both

Singing or dancing - Dancing

Gala Menu

Are you joining us for the Gala - Well here is the menu. 

Gala Menu

Starter

Farmhouse style Leek, Potato and Watercress Soup, complemented with a Chive Crème fraiche.

…

Smoked Salmon & Prawn Terrine, Complemented by a Lemon & Dill Crème Fraiche and a Peppery Rocket Side Salad.

….

Spicy Warm Chorizo & Mushroom Topped Bruschetta with a Peppery Rocket & Parmesan Side Salad.

…….

Main Meal

Creamy and very cheesy, baked cauliflower cheese tart, served with tomato relish.

….

Roast Shoulder of Lamb with a Rosemary and Garlic Marinade, plated with creamy Dauphinoise Potato & a redcurrant pan gravy Reduction.

…

Tender Sirloin of Roast Beef, Yorkshire pudding, Roast Potatoes & a caramelised Shallot, Crispy Pancetta and Fresh Thyme Jus.

Dessert.

‘Coffee Lovers Dream.’ – A creamy Tiramisu Tort with a Blended Cappuccino Cream Topping.

….

Bread & Butter Pudding infused with warm chocolate & Orange Twist, topped with Vanilla Anglaise

….

Rich Chocolate & Honeycomb cheesecake with Cinder Toffee Ice Cream.  

Get to know you interview - Nikki Ashton

Book Questions

Tell us your latest news?

Well, at the moment I have a book out called Roman’s Having Sex Again, and by the time the event comes around, I’ll also have a joint venture with Victoria Johns out.  It’s called I Wanna Get Laid by Kade and is based around a reality TV show – but there’s much more to it than that, for those of you who don’t like reality TV.  I’m also really excited about my next book, Box of Hearts, which will hopefully be out in April.  It’s a move away from romantic comedy, into contemporary romance and is set on a ranch in the US.  All a little different for me, but is the start of a new series-The Connor’s series

What book are you reading now?

I’m currently reading J Daniels Alabama Summer series.  I’ve read most of her books and love her mix of sexiness, romance and funny one liners.  All her women are strong and feisty and her men alpha and brooding, so her books are always a good read.

Your books are so emotional. How long does it take for you to be able to get the characters out of your mind and move on to the next?

I tend to have my characters running through my books, even though they are all stand alone, so I never really leave them behind.  I think of them all as living in this little community that I’ve created and enjoying their lives.  I do find it hard to move on to a new story/characters if there is still work to do on my last book, such as edits etc.  I have no idea how some authors write 2 or 3 books at a time.

Are the names of the characters in your novels important?

I think names are hugely important.  I like my characters names to depict their personality.  For example, my male characters have to have a ‘hot & manly’- a name to help to create the image that I want.  I do sometimes pick a name simply because I like it, or because it’s a little bit quirky, or on occasion because it fits the storyline (you’ll understand that if you read Roman’s Having Sex Again).

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

Not giving yourself ridiculously unattainable deadlines is the most important.  I’ve done that before and almost cracked under the stress of getting the book out on time.  I don’t think it benefits your writing either.  You start to rush and don’t give the story or the editing process all your attention.  I also think you have to accept where you are in the writing world.  By that I mean be happy that you’re writing and doing something that you love, and don’t stress over the fact that you’re not number 1 in the Amazon charts or that you haven’t made the NYT best seller list. Yes, it’s a great goal to have, but don’t worry if you’re not there yet otherwise you’ll go crazy thinking about it.

What is the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?

I wrote about a character in my second book, No Bra Required, called Lucy Meadows who was a teacher.  I had no idea that there had been a news story in Cumbria about a teacher of the same name.  The story of the real Lucy Meadows was extremely tragic, and a reviewer on Goodreads accused me of using the name to shamelessly promote my book.  I was very upset and would never have used the name had I known.  The reviewer went on to call me some very unpleasant things in the review which were totally unfounded.

How do you react to a bad review of one of your books?

At first I’d get really upset and start wondering about my ability as a writer and whether I should re-write the whole thing.  I then realised that for every bad review there are 5 or 6 good ones and you really can’t please everyone.  Now, if they’re constructive, I take it on board, maybe make some notes in my ‘bible’ and then move on.  If they’re not constructive, such as ‘didn’t like the characters names so I give it 1 star’ – yes I really did get that review – I have a little chuckle to myself and forget about it.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

I have to say the blurb.  I really struggle to put 360 plus pages into a few, interesting words that will grab the reader’s attention.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learn something from each book that I write and think my writing improves with each one.  With Roman one of the other things I learned was don’t try and write two books at the same time.  I was writing Box of Hearts too and was totally engulfed in it, so Roman’s first draught wasn’t anywhere near as good as it should have been.  I then went back and almost re-wrote it and it’s a much better book for me doing that and spending time and effort on it without other distractions.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I don’t write books with a deep and meaningful message in them.  I think the only message I want to give is that you need to take time out and read something that will make you smile.  There is so much horror and pain in this world, that if I can make you laugh or smile then I’ve done a good job and got my message across.

Have you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or a movie?

Not so much now, but when I was a teenager I was every unlucky in love girl/woman in every romantic comedy film I ever watched.  I’d like to say I can see myself in Erin Brockovich, but I really am much more Andie Walsh (Pretty in Pink) or Baby Housemann (Dirty Dancing).

Describe in 5 words, your writing:

Fun, sexy, romantic, humorous and heart-warming

What do you use to write your book?

I write straight on to the PC and always write the first and last chapter first.

Do you listen to music while you write or read?

I didn’t used to, but since I’ve been writing contemporary romance I’ve started to and create a playlist for the book.  Music is a fantastic way to evoke emotions and it really helps when you’re writing something from deep within your character.

If you could write with any other author(s) who would it be and why?

There are so many, but from traditionally published authors it would be Marian Keyes – I just love her writing and how she can evoke laugh out loud belly laughs with one line and then just a few pages later have you sobbing.  To be able to work with her would be a dream and a nerve wracking experience all at the same time.

As for other authors, it would have to be Helena Hunting first and foremost.  Her books make me laugh and cry too, but mostly laugh.  Her characters can be so inappropriate, particularly in the ‘Pucked’ series, and that is just my sense of humour.  I have to bite my tongue so much but Helena’s characters say and do the things I’d loved to do if I wasn’t a 50 year old woman who stills gets into trouble from her mother for being too rude and foul mouthed.

NON- BOOK QUESTIONS

When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

First of all an actress and I was going to call myself Sarah Star – I have no idea!  When I was around 10 we started to write poetry and short stories at school, that was when I knew I wanted to be an author and it’s stuck with me throughout every job I’ve ever done.

Did/Do you have a nickname?

Bubble is my family nickname.  It’s a very long story how I got that name, but it stuck and now family and some friends still only call me by that name.

What are your pet peeves?

Rudeness and people that don’t indicate at roundabouts!

There is no reason not to say please and thank you or to acknowledge someone when they’ve taken the time to reach out to you.  As my nanna used to say ‘manners cost nothing’ and she’s right. 

The roundabout thing drives me mad too.  I need to know where you’re going so that I can move on and keep the traffic flowing, if possible.  Give me a clue and use your indicator!

What is your favourite coffee shop drink?

A black Americano.  That’s mainly because I know it will come in a cup/mug.  I have a totally irrational phobia about hot drinks in glass cups.  It makes me feel physically sick, so if I do go for a latte or hot chocolate I have to take on board the strange looks I get when asking for a proper mug because glass ones make me ill.

What's your favourite tv show?

I love Miranda and could watch it over and over again, but I also love a lot of stuff on Netflix.  Can’t be missed, and I need to watch just one more episode, oh God it’s 2 in the morning, shows for me are; Narcos, Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones.

What is your favourite kind of cookie?

Double chocolate chip or salted caramel, as long as you can taste the salt.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you have and why?

My Kindle, and hope the battery lasts, photographs of my family and my husband – his batteries last a lot longer than a rabbit’s

Where would you go if you had a time machine?

As I’ve lost my dad, probably to when I was small and I hadn’t discovered boys and he was the most important man in my life.  My parents were divorced so we only saw him at weekends, but I don’t think I appreciated how hard it was for him to be apart from us.  I’d go back to then and tell him more how much I loved and missed him

Which is your favorite quote?

That’s hard because I have a terrible memory, so even if I think something is amazing and profound I can never remember it.  I tend to remember lines from films so mine would be ‘…I'm scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I'm with you.’ It gets me every time.

If you were an ice cream what flavor would you be?

Rum & raisin – because my gran used to say I was ‘rum ‘un’ meaning I could be a bit mad and act silly.

What song best describes you?

I’ve always said I want ‘I’ve had the time of my life’ at my funeral, so it’d have to be that.  Although, my friends and family might say it’s Madness’ ‘She’s an embarrassment’.

THIS OR THAT

Pepsi or Coke

Coke

Cows or Sheep

Sheep

. Castle or Town house

Town House

City or Country

City

Lover or Fighter

Love

Pop or Rock Music

Pop

80’s or 90’s

80’s

Singing or dancing

Dancing

Get to know you interview - Maryann Jordan

Book Questions

Tell us your latest news?

I have decided to add another book to the Saints Protection & Investigation series.

What book are you reading now?

I am re-reading Knight by Kristen Ashley.

Your books are so emotional. How long does it take for you to be able to get the characters out of your mind and move on to the next?

I write in series (and spin-off series) so my characters are all developed as I start writing.  Once my series starts, I write quickly because they are all in my mind (and wanting their own book!)

Are the names of the characters in your novels important?

I think we all have names (especially male names) that conjure up ideas of strong personalities.  I search name databases to pick just the right one.  For my Saint series, I used the names of real Saints.

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

Taking time for myself and my family.  Reading (and for me, that means on my porch when the weather is nice!)  Not taking myself too seriously, to reduce stress in this ever changing market.

What is the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?

Writing romance can have a negative connotation.  Some think everything is either “50 Shades bsdm” or a “lower-class” of writing.  

How do you react to a bad review of one of your books?

A bad review will always sting.  It just does.  But I have learned a few things from some of the constructive criticisms.  I have even made a few changes in some of my books based on these criticisms.  Most seasoned authors say they don’t read reviews and I am slowly getting to that place.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

When I get to the 30% of every book, I wonder what I’m doing (and I’ve written 26 books!).  I will print it off and read it over, helping to see where I need to go with the story.  Then at the 60% point, I do the same thing!  Once I get past the 60% point, I just want to get to the finish.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I write Romantic Suspense and Military Romance, I have done a lot of research for my writing.  I have learned a great deal about the FBI, Special Forces, the military, life in Iraq for military personnel, terrorist cells in the U.S., explosives, drugs, drug traffic, private investigations, poisons, etc.  As far as myself?  I have learned that I can do anything I set my mind to!

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Love can truly conquer all.  The relationship between two people who care deeply for each other makes life worthwhile.

Have you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or a movie?

Any of my books could be a movie, but my newest series, Baytown Boys, could easily be a movie or TV series.

Describe in 5 words, your writing:

Sweet, steamy, happily-ever-after!

What do you use to write your book?

I write in Word then transfer to Vellum.

Do you listen to music while you write or read?

I listen to instrumental music or Brain FM (for production).

If you could write with any other author(s) who would it be and why?

I grew up reading historical romances and would love to co-write a book with someone in Scottish historical romance.  

NON- BOOK QUESTIONS

When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

Child psychologist - I achieved this by being a adolescent counselor for 25 years.

What is your favourite coffee shop drink?

Caramel Macchiato

What's your favourite tv show?

I watch very little TV so I can’t say what is a favorite.

What is your favourite kind of cookie?

I have such a sweet-tooth...I love all cookies!  But I especially love Double-Suffed Oreos!

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you have and why?

My computer with internet connection, my husband, plenty of food

Where would you go if you had a time machine?

To a Scottish castle back in the 1800’s and meet a gorgeous highlander in a kilt...with a big sword...

Which is your favorite quote?

“Books are the plane, and the train, and the road.  They are the destination, and the journey.  They are home.”  Anna Quindlen

If you were an ice cream what flavor would you be?

Mint chocolate chip

What song best describes you?

I have no clue!

THIS OR THAT

Pepsi or Coke

Cows or Sheep

. Castle or Town house

City or Country

Lover or Fighter

Pop or Rock Music (neither - Country!)

80’s or 90’s (neither - go back to the 60’s!!)

Singing or dancing