I know you are a big fantasy fan and play Dungeons and Dragons. What made you decide to write within the romance genre, rather than straight fantasy?
I love fantasy, true, but romance is and always will be my first love. Anything I write has a strong romantic slant. My husband and I have talked of writing a fantasy book together but it would have to be centered around a romance or I couldn’t do it.
Do you think that E-book authors are more accessible to their readers? What kind of things have you implemented to keep yourself in touch with your fan base?
Yes, I think E-book are much more accessible to their readers. They, in my opinion, have to reach out more to promote themselves and get their names out there. That means doing chats, interviews, and whatever else they can to generate interest.
I have an email link on my site. My msn is always running. I have a yahoo group, website and I do chats as much as I can. I love talking to people about anything, not just my writing.
You have written in three different sub-genres. Do you find that keeps your writing fresh when you make the switch like that?
Yes, but I didn’t realize that would happen. I just had three different stories to tell and so I wrote them. I wasn’t thinking so much on the different genres, just the stories that needed to be told.
Do you outline or just go with the flow?
I just go with the flow as the story comes to me. My stories change so much while writing them that an outline would be a waste of time for me.
Your publisher, Romance at Heart, is relatively new in the business with a small group of authors. What do you feel are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
The advantages of having a small publisher, in my own opinion, is more attention gets paid to the finer details that might be forgotten. I can contact my CEO, day or night, with any problem and know it won’t take days for her to get back to me because she has dozens of other authors to take care of. My editor is always accessible and the support is just amazing. It’s not so much a company as it is a family, from the CEO to the readers buying the books, everyone is right there, lending support, bullying when needed, and congratulating successes. I couldn’t imagine writing for anyone else.
I don’t see any disadvantages to this arrangement. I like the intimacy this company has and I wouldn’t change it. Sales might not be off the charts, but the support and love sure is. And for me, personally, that’s what’s most important.
What do you think is the hardest thing about being a writer?
For me, the hardest part of writing is managing my time between my family and my career. There is also the edits. Editing is a pain in the ***
Why did you decide to write under a pseudonym? And how did you choose the name Sapphire Williams?
I chose a pseudonym because my real name is about as interesting as a box of hair. Sapphire is my birthstone and favorite color blue and I think it’s more interesting and romantic.
How different is it writing the Elemental Wizards Series, from writing just a single story?
There is a continuing story. Not only do the main characters grow, but the others do as well. In Ciro’s book, we see how Azara and Adish have adjusted to their life together and the changes time has made. I know that when a story ends, I’m always wondering what happened after the happily ever after. In a series, we get to see that.
Please tell us a bit about your Elemental Wizards Series. When can we expect each book?
The Elemental Wizards were born of the Goddess. They each control an element but they need mates and the Goddess sets out to bringing them to discovering their true love.
Age of Fire—out now
Age of Air—coming in November/December 2004
Age of Earth—coming in February 2005
Age of Water—coming in June 2005
What is next for you once the series is finished?
Several people have asked for a book to follow my first release, Laird Mackenzie’s Curse so I think I’ll be working on that and I have a couple of other ideas popping up.
You recently turned 30. Do you see this as a big milestone? Are you happy with what you have achieved thus far?
Turning thirty wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Hubby stayed home from work that day to help me get through it. *wink*
I am happy with what I’ve done so far in my career. I know success isn’t an over-night thing and it takes time to build things like a fan base, but slowly but surely, I’m getting there.
Do you have a day-job? And if so, what is it? And do you like it?
I’m a stay at home mom so that is a 24/7 work day. I love being home with my kids and the housework…well…I could do without that. One of these days I’ll have a maid. Oh, and a pool boy, a chauffer, a cook…
How did you celebrate the release of your first book?
I spent the day calling everyone I knew (5 whole people) and telling them about it. My kids and I danced around the house and had a sock war to celebrate. My husband cooked supper that night and we were all wearing happy smiles.
What is your idea of a romantic date?
A moonlight picnic, soft music, sweet kisses that lead to other things…
How did your husband propose to you?
Okay, my husband is the most unromantic man on the face of the planet and here is the proof: His exact words to me when he gave me the engagement ring were, “I couldn’t think of anything romantic to say, so here,” and he thrust the box in my face.
Yeah, I said yes. (sigh) Thought I could change him. In my defense I was 19 at the time and dumber than a turnip.
What is something about you that your readers would be surprised to know?
I’m a closet Jerry Lee Lewis fan.
What do you always keep in your handbag?
I have a six year old who is afraid of nothing so I keep a first aid kit in my bag for those times when what he bites, bites back.
Interviewed by: Jaymi
