Since I've got all these interview bits scattered about I wanted to repost this loop interview I did with Dawn Roberto at the Love and Romance Cafe last month. Great questions! We'll be visiting there again on February 24.



--- In LoveRomancesCafe@yahoogroups.com, Dawn Roberto
wrote:
>
> If you could be one of your characters - Who would you be? And why?

I don't know that I'd want to be any member of The Vampire Family.
They've just got so many dang issues! Antonio is as crooked as they
come, and Victoria is so selfish and vain. Samantha has some strength
and grit, but a really huge costs. I've got my own problems!



>
> What's your favorite genre to read?
>
I read anything as it strikes me. Right now I'm in an historical type
kick. I took a break in December to read more devotional type books,
but I'm back to the Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwell. I go in
phases. Arthurian Fantasy, Asimov's hard sf, LOTR related, Anne Rice
style and more vampires. Now Hornblower and Sharpe again.



> Who or what influences you when you write?

I read a lot, and try not to let what I like veil itself and creep
into my writing, so I usually stay away from reading the genre I am
currently writing. What drives me more is when I read something that
I had a few flaws or issues with. I want to write it better, my own
ideas stew. Questions about people and their motivations develop into
characters and plot hangups.


>
> What do you do on a typical writing day?

I put on the tv or the tunes if I want background noise, set up shot
with the laptop and go, usually at about 11:30 p.m. I was just saying
to my husband that I wished I had a more normal approach (he said,
"Yeah, me too!") but I don't think I'd be as creative in the regular
9 to 5 style. So I don't trade imagination for normalcy!


>
> When you have writer's block how do you break free?
>
Fortunately I haven't had a true block in awhile. IF I don't write
for a few days, the story just overflows in my head. For me it's more
how to break the block of not being able to always write. Dinner,
boo. Entertaining family, hogwash. One of the best parts is when it
is finally quite and I can let it all go.




> Can you please give us a sneak peek at any of your upcoming books in
2009?

I have several works in submission under pen names. Experimental
work, so wish me luck!


>
>
> In 5 years, where do you see yourself? - In general and in you're
writing career

Well I just got married, so I'd like to get a few more books out there
before its time for the house and kids.


>
> Who is your perfect hero? And why?
>
Jesus, you could argue he got angry once, maybe, but that's about it.
Otherwise he stuck to his guns in the coolest way ever.



> What do you do for inspiration?


I watch shows or read books that are about the craft I am currently
writing or have the same vibe. Sometimes I like to search online or
in cataloges for pictures of my characters looks and styles.
Sometimes a music lyric will inspire me too. Most of the time its the
yearn to write that gets my caboose going!


>
> Is there a genre of book you would like to write but haven't yet?

I did a short mystery called Mrs. Murderer that I'd like to flesh out
and expand. I don't seem to have a hold on the thriller mystery
suspense angle as well as the spooky etheral sleek vamp.
>
> What kind of research do you do for your books? Do you enjoy the
research process?
>
I don't consider research research. If its a topic I like and have
notions already about, the hunt for the details is fun, not work. I
snoop online, go to bookstores to see what similar is out there.
Mostly I research just to check that my idea hasn't been done. Non
fiction wise, I love reading the tidbits about behind the scenes goofs
if I doing reviews. I like to know what made my subject tick.



> Do deadlines help or hinder your muse?


Both. Sometimes I'm so worked up I'm not paying as much attention as
I like, but other times it gives me an extra care in what I'm doing
and creates something more potent.


>
> When did you first decide to submit your work? Please, tell us what
or who encouraged you to take this big step.

I had teachers in middle school that helped me send stories to
contests. They were in truth horrible works I see that now and of
course they were rejected, but I won a few scholarships to seminars
and received a lot of reccomendations. This made me realize that
always having my nose in a book was not a bad thing, and that all my
pages and pages of silly stories was not a waste. It was in fact,
something very serious that much good could come from. IT was like a
weight lifted. I could write in class and not pay attention because I
was special! I had a gift! Ah, to be an idealistic child forever, eh?



>
> Do you belong to a critique group? If so, how does this help or
hinder you?
>


I don't per se. I like folks to compliment, but I can be one extreme
or the other with criticism. I also don't always have the time or
dedication to give to another author as I should. Sometimes I like to
write alone and let the juices go uninterrupted, but if you live with
a non writer as I do, it's tremendous to know there are others like
you out there!


> Do you outline your books or just start writing?
>
>Both. Some works I've outlined and drawn ideas and scenarios with
for years. Other times, I dream something and have to write it or I
must jump up in that creative moment just before sleep. Some of each
is good, some of each is bad. It's important to get your thoughts
down in some form I think. You can always tweak or discard later.



Thanks Dawn!

>
>
>


--
Fiction, Non Fiction, Reviews
by Kristin Battestella

kristin724@gmail.com
http://jsnouff.com/kristin
kristin724.livejournal.com
vampfam.blogspot.com