Hi Rae and welcome to Fallen Angel Reviews. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
About me:
I grew up in Washington State; yes I'm a "rain baby." I joined the Air Force when I was young and spent the next five years in the Military, of which part of my duties were with the Office of Special Investigation, where I was an advocate for abused and neglected children. Eventually, I left the Military and made my way into the business world. As opportunities sometimes arise when we least expect them, I was able to join the FBI after 9/11 and serve for over two years as a Special Agent. While with the FBI, I worked on the Violent Crimes Major Offenders squad and the Cyber squad. As fate intervened, I had to leave my position as an Agent and moved back into the private section business world, where I am now.
How has 2005 been going for you?
2005 is going great! I have acquired a literary agent who is very interested in my historical fantasy series about The Solarian Wolf Warriors and joined an organization of women romance writers who have served their country… www.RomVets.com.
With romvets, I will be attending the RT conference, and be a part of the Susan Grant action adventure military panel http://www.rtconvention.com/2005RTPrograms/ActionAdventure.htm.
Also, Gabe’s Prize is moving into production and Z’s story is close to follow.
How does a book evolve for you? Do you write start to finish or skip from scene to scene until the story is complete?
I do it both ways. Sometimes, I can write a book in 4 weeks, sometimes I’m left to simmer and struggle through it for months.
I always write start to finish on a scene. Skipping would make my head spin. LOL.
How do you keep the ideas and characters within a series fresh and original?
Humm, good question. I have an idea in my head of how I want my characters to be. Are they original and fresh? Yes, I think so. I think my unique background probably makes for some real interesting and different characters.
I can tell from your website and your two books Stolen Courage and Racing Hearts that you like NASCAR. What is it about car racing that compels you to write about it?
I think, because I grew up with NASCAR, I’m drawn to the sport, it’s comfortable for me, like a worn pair of jeans. My mom was a powder puff racer in the 60’s and my dad, a mechanic so you can imagine how my life was, growing up. NASCAR brings back many great memories for me.
How did you get started in the Adopt A Wolf project?
When I wrote The Last Wolf Warrior I wanted to team with a wolf sanctuary to help promote their cause. I contacted Wolf Mountain. www.WolfMountain.com and realized right away, it was fate. My adopted wolves name is Wana Chikal (Little One), which when translated in Lakota means little one. In my book The Lost Wolf Warrior, my heroine’s nickname was little one. I knew Wolf Mountain was the place for me and I’ve been with them every since.
How has being in the military and having been an FBI agent impact your writing?
I think it makes my writing more realistic and allows me to really get you right into the action. Also, I think it pushes me to write kick-ass heroines.
Inquiring minds want to know…. If you were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing you would take with you?
An erotic romance book.
When you write, how do you determine what to name your books or the characters?
I just pull them out of the air. I sit for a moment, think about the name I would want them to be… then bam, that’s it. I don’t do a lot of research or strain myself. I let the names call to me, rather than me call to them.
Do you have any indulgent behaviors one might find surprising? What’s your favorite comfort food?
Humm, indulgent behavior. I love to eat pasta, which, of course makes Macaroni and Cheese my favorite comfort food.
If you could go anywhere, be anyone, do anything for 24 hours, what would it be?
Huuumm, maybe I’d be Jennifer Aniston… of course I’d still want Brad Pitt there as my husband when I was.
What can your fans expect to see next?
Coming up is book two and three of the erotic romantic suspense series, FBI Agents of Oakland.
Gabe’s Prize and Stolen Courage (re-released)
Z’s Story
Lone Wolf One-Book four of the Solarian Stories
Chantilly’s Lace-short novella in the Astrology series coming from LSB
Is there anything you’d like to add to this interview?
Yes, come and join my group… you’ll love it!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Rae_Monet/join
Thanks again Rae for talking with us.
Thank you, it’s been fun!
Check out Rae Monet’s books and projects at her website (www.raemonet.com).
Interviewed by: Jaymi
