Ask the Author: Claudia J. Severin
Answered Questions (6)
Claudia J. Severin
The Love Genes was inspired by a member of my husband's family tree, who married her aunt's husband after her aunt died. In the real-life version, the woman revealed to a family member that she had gone to California from her home in Nebraska to give birth to twin babies. These were her only children. I thought it would be interesting to consider the possibility that descendants of these twins might match with my husband through our public DNA profiles.
Claudia J. Severin
I'm working on books two and three in the Romancing Our Roots series. Book two is written, but now in editing. Book three is barely started. All three books will have some connection to genealogy and DNA testing as the external plotlines. The second book ties the DNA to a crime. As of now, the third book will reveal a significant emotional wound, so those details are new for me as an author.
Claudia J. Severin
If you want to do it, go for it. At the same time, prepare yourself, get an editor, research writing techniques, read in your genre, keep learning. Don't get discouraged easily.
Claudia J. Severin
I find the most fun about writing is having the plot reveal itself to you. I am mostly a pantser, although I know the main plot elements before I begin. For example, in my last book, Spinning Sideways, I introduced a childhood friend of the main character, just to illustrate she was a tomboy and liked to hang out with boys. Then I found that friend came back twice more in the story, and it made a nice arc. I was almost as surprised to see him again as my protagonist.
Claudia J. Severin
I find doing research helps with writer's block, especially when I don't know where to begin. It might be researching a topic I am writing about, talking to experts, etc, or it might be researching ways to improve my writing. It all seems to spur my creative process.
Claudia J. Severin
I think it is fun to track down friends from many years ago, who have moved away or I have simply lost track of. I have connected with a few. I think this idea could be the basis for a mystery.
I am also working on a new book based on a family history about ancestor who gave up twin babies for adoption in the 1920s. I don't think I'll uncover the true story, but that's where the fiction comes in when writing historical fiction.
I am also working on a new book based on a family history about ancestor who gave up twin babies for adoption in the 1920s. I don't think I'll uncover the true story, but that's where the fiction comes in when writing historical fiction.
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