Ask the Author: S.Q. Orpin
Answered Questions (8)
S.Q. Orpin
I love a good mystery! 30 years ago, I moved to California from Ontario, Canada. We came for a year, but through twists and turns of events, that stretched to decades. We had left our cottage packed with all our belongings and it remained that way for a long time. I've always felt that would make an intriguing story to revisit the past. This year I'm basing a new romantic intrigue novel on that area and will be featuring some of the history and local superstitions.
S.Q. Orpin
This is a tough one! So often I like one character, but find the other lacking in substance. I'm more of an intrigue and thriller reader, rather than romance. I want my heroine to be as tough as the hero, but share an impenetrable bond. In a lot of chick-lit, it's female focused, so the hero is a side character. With all of that said, I have to go with one of my all time favourites, Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon. Not only do I love Jamie and Claire, but Frank is a stand-up guy, adding to the complication. The writing style was a strong influence, as well as the amazing story line that transported me to another time. These are all things I consider in my own writing, hoping to deliver diverse and deep characters in both sexes, both committed to a lasting love.
S.Q. Orpin
When I'm stumped on how to end a chapter or transitioning a story, I walk...for miles! I live close to a reservoir and head up the back way so I can be alone and get lost in my thoughts. I return refreshed and inspired.
S.Q. Orpin
First is seeing my stories and characters come to life. Next is hearing people talk about the books and tell me what inspired them or how a storyline felt so real. I didn't hold back with my characters because I wanted them to be authentic and I love when that makes people react to them.
S.Q. Orpin
Do it! I had dreamt about it forever and didn't know where to start. A friend told me to stop talking about it and start writing. I found so much support in the writing community as well. Join groups, take classes, follow your passion.
S.Q. Orpin
I'm working on my six-part series, which I hope to complete in the next year. I've also been inspired to write 6 novellas based on some of my stronger female characters who had such intriguing back stories, that I felt they needed their own books.
S.Q. Orpin
I work at an adult school with people from diverse backgrounds. I'm inspired by the human experience, and how different everyone's relationships and challenges are.
S.Q. Orpin
Currently I'm working on book three of my six-part series, Catwalk, Trust. The first book was inspired my niece's experience as a model in LA. Although the books are fiction, I found the lifestyles intriguing to write about. It was too hard to stop at one book once the romance bloomed :)
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