Hi Beverly!

Thanks for taking time to come share a little bit about yourself with the Fallen Angel Readers. First let me say what a pleasure it was to get to know a bit about you and your writing. I am shame faced to admit that I had not known much about your writing until I readied for this interview. Fate handed this to me and I am thrilled to have found a new author to look forward to.

Thank you, Izzy. I’m thrilled to do this interview and to have the opportunity to tell everyone about my work.

Can you please tell us about your latest release, LOVE TIMES SEVEN?

LOVE TIMES SEVEN is loosely based on the musical (and subsequent movie), SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. I combined the basic story element with magic and a witch, and wrote a contemporary paranormal romance that everyone will enjoy.

Kat, the heroine and one of four witches in the story, makes an agreement with the hero, Colin, to help transform his six crude brothers into hot hunks. In exchange, Colin agrees to play her pretend fiancé and convince Kat’s sister to stop trying to marry her off to an eligible wizard. Curses, spells, and hot fun add to the sexy romp of LOVE TIMES SEVEN.

On your website www.beverlyrae.com I see that you have several books in the pipeline. One is coming this September. Do you have other release dates to share with us?

More books? Of course! LOVE TIMES SEVEN released in late May and DÉJÀ VU YOU will come out in September. I’m working on a couple of new books that I’ll be submitting to publishers in the very near future. In fact, I recently submitted a story as part of an anthology with three other Triskelion Publishing authors. I’ll be sure to let you know the release date for the anthology.

What are your plans for future projects? Only what is listed on your site? Anything you can talk with us about? Give us a sneak peek?

Wow, I have lots of future projects! I listed a few on my site because those are the ones I’m working on right now. But, like most writers, I have a file of story ideas and compelling characters just itching to come to life!

Readers can visit my site, www.beverlyrae.com, and read excerpts!

How do readers find out more about you and your books?

I’d love if everyone would check out my website at www.beverlyrae.com. They can also visit my live journal at http://beverly_rae.livejournal.com/ and hear about what’s going on in my life. I put personal stuff in my journal, so watch out!

The absolute best way to find out about my books, my fabulous contests, and personal information is to sign up for my newsletter, Beverly Rae’s Fantasies, at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Beverly_Rae_Fantasies/. Along with fun items and information, the newsletter will contain a free short story about one of my many fantasies! Please note that the newsletter and website are for readers age 18 and older because my fantasies are HOT! My debut newsletter will arrive in late June and will also contain the names of the winners for my CONTEST celebrating the release of LOVE TIMES SEVEN. It’s not too late to sign up and get entered into the contest!

How can the readers contact you?

I’m constantly on my computer and checking email, so send me a note at info@beverlyrae.com.

I realized that LOVE TIMES SEVEN was your first published novel, can you share a bit with our readers about the emotional roller coaster you had to be on when you found out you’d received your first contract?

You’re absolutely right. I did go for a roller coaster ride because everything happened so fast. I was in an online workshop and threw out this idea to the Triskelion Publishing editor who was running the workshop on epublishing. When she liked the idea, I got to work and wrote the book in record time, in approximately four weeks, and sent it to her via email. Within two days, she’d contracted the book. I was so stunned I printed her acceptance email out and handed it to my husband to read. I wanted someone else to tell me I wasn’t dreaming. Every emotion hit me at once. I was ecstatic, shocked, and scared all at the same time.

Though LOVE TIMES SEVEN has just released have you received feedback from any readers yet?

I’ve already gotten positive comments from readers. LOVE TIMES SEVEN released a little while ago, so I haven’t received any professional reviews back as of June 1st. When I do, I’ll post them on my website, so please check back to read them. Everyone who has read the book has described it as being fun, hot, and a fantastic read.

Do you have a favorite comment or question from a reader or reviewer?

Just one? I’m so happy to hear all the comments. I don’t think I can pick just one.

What influenced your decision to write romance novels?

Hmm, this is a great question. I’m not sure I really know. I’ve always loved the romance element in all shows, including scifi and paranormal ones. Actually, I don’t think about my books being romances, or paranormals, or whatever. Instead, I concentrate on writing good, entertaining stories. The genre name tag isn’t important to me.

In your bio, you speak of lucky people, and say that you don’t necessarily consider yourself one of the lucky ones. However, you have a supporting husband and daughter, you write, which you say is your true passion. That sounds incredibly lucky to me. Would you care to clarify?

You’re right. I think I’d better clarify. I do believe that I’m a lucky person for the reasons you mentioned. I have a wonderful husband who has always supported me in everything I do, and a great daughter, who is a terrific artist, student and, best of all, a caring person. In my bio on my website, I am referring to those people who are lucky without even trying. For me, my luck has come from hard work and determination. Shoot, I even had to work hard to find my husband. In fact, I met him through a local singles newsletter and, at the insistence of the newsletter’s owner, I called him, introduced myself, and asked him out! I always say the newsletter’s fee of $30 was the “best $30 I ever spent.”

By the way, I don’t really dislike those naturally lucky people. I’m just jealous! I wish I was the type of person that “falls” into luck without any effort, but I’m not. Still, I’ve had some incredible “luck” come my way. It just took time and a lot of effort on my part to make the “luck” happen.

How much of your personality and life experiences do you put into your writing?

I put all my personality into my work. My heroines are the type of women I’d love to be. Sometimes, I even think to myself, “Now what would Tammy do in this situation?” (Tammy is the heroine in DÉJÀ VU YOU, coming out in September.) When I get the answer, I go with it.

Since I usually write paranormal romances, I don’t have a lot of my own experiences in the books. However, the interaction between characters often takes a page out of my own Book of Life.

Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?

Well, let’s see. The first book I wrote was THE GIFT, approximately 80,000 words, which has not been contracted yet. That one took me almost a year to write. But I believe THE GIFT took longer because I was trying to fit into the guidelines of a specific publisher.

Next came LOVE TIMES SEVEN. Again, LOVE TIMES SEVEN took me approximately four weeks to write and I had great fun writing it. I just let all my inhibitions loose to run wild. I also didn’t try writing to any specific line or style. Instead, I wrote a book I would like to read. I adore paranormals and fun, quirky stories, so LOVE TIMES SEVEN came straight from my heart.

What is your writing routine? Do you have a special muse? A poster for inspiration of a view from a window? What do you do to put yourself in the mood to write?

I am incredibly fortunate in that I don’t work outside the home. My daughter is homeschooled using an online school with a teacher assisting her. I used to homeschool her fulltime with no help, but now she calls on me less and less for my input. So that gives me a lot of time to write during the day. At least, until I start running her around to all her activities! She goes to both art and bowling twice a week, so I can give any soccer mom a run for her money.

Someone once told me that after you sell your first book, the flood gates open wide and the writing pours out. She was so right. I write every day because I’m always in the mood. Plus, I’ve discovered that writing is like exercising. If you don’t do it every day, you get out of the habit and your writing muscles don’t work as well. Now do I do physical exercise? Uh, no. LOL. I use the excuse that I need the time to write. Ha,ha.

Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?

I usually write from around 9:00 am to noon, break to eat lunch and watch one soap opera, and then go back to writing around 2:00 pm. The afternoon schedule fluctuates due to my daughter’s outside activities. However, if I’ve been running around during the afternoon, I try to get back on the computer after dinner for at least an hour to hop on the loops and chat rooms. On the weekends, I revise what I wrote during the week and squeeze in some reading.

What do you do to relax and recharge from a long day?

I hate to admit it, but I watch television. And, of course, read. My husband gave me a handheld for a present when Triskelion Publishing contracted LOVE TIMES SEVEN and I love reading ebooks on it.

Can you share with us where do your ideas come from?

My ideas come from everywhere and anyone. Seriously. For instance, I recently had my photo taken with a professional and I came up with an idea while they did my makeup. Ideas pop into my head all the time…without warning! I’m just glad they don’t show up in the middle of the night like my songs used to do. I was a professional singer and wrote a lot of songs. For some reason, the songs would come to me in my sleep and wake me up. I’d get up in the middle of the night to write them down before I forgot the lyrics or tune. Thankfully, the characters and ideas for my books know not to wake me up!

In examining your website and your excerpts, I can tell you have a great deal of humor in your life. Do you feel humor is important in women's fiction and why?

Thanks, I’m glad you could tell. Humor is very important to me in every aspect of life and work. I find myself gravitating to humorous books more and more. Now that doesn’t mean they have to be comedies. But even if I wrote the scariest horror book ever, I’d still find a way to put some humor there. And humor and sex? Nothing’s better than hot sex with a good laugh!

What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?

The “flowery” kinds of love scenes in older romance novels always drove me a bit crazy. So when LOVE TIMES SEVEN came to me, I wrote the hot love scenes without a hitch. And yes, I did draw on some of my own experiences for these. For me, hot love scenes have to have a purpose and not be stuck in a book just to have a sex scene. For instance, those scenes often show how the romantic relationship is growing.

What kind of research do you do? How much do you think is necessary?

I think the type of research and scope depends on the book. For instance, I read a lot about ghosts for DÉJÀ VU YOU even though the ghosts in that book are not the realistic type. Again, what I’m writing determines the amount of research I do.

Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)

Hobbies? Who has time for hobbies? I spend every free moment either writing, talking to readers on the loops and chats, or reading ebooks. When you’re doing something you love, then you don’t need a hobby.

My family consists of myself, my husband, and one daughter. Oops, I forgot the other kids. We have two dogs who are part of the family. Wiggles, a shihtzu who was very aptly named by my daughter, joined the family during our twoyear stay in England. Lady, a very small version of a toy poodle, joined us when we moved back to America. I plan to add pictures of my entire family to my website soon.

My education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, and I taught in both public and private schools for about five years. Before that, I sold computers and was an executive assistant for several different companies. But my favorite position, next to being a writer, mom and wife, was as a professional singer for seven years.

What are some of your favorite things to do?

I have to admit, my favorite thing is to write. Of course, that’s after spending time with my family.

Okay, wait a sex…oops, sec. I do love Fenton art glass. Whenever I get the chance, along with a little extra money, you can find me at the local antique dealer’s shop searching for unusual pieces to add to my collection.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Oh, wow. I have a really hard time with this question. My favorites include, but are certainly not limited to, Nora Roberts, Shelly Laurenston, Linn Random, and Susan Grant.

Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?

Not any one writer has influenced me. However, I believe everything and everyone in your life influences you in whatever you do.

Among your own books, have you a favorite?

No way! I love all my books. They all have different elements that I love. For instance, I love the seven brothers in LOVE TIMES SEVEN. They’re all crude and rude to begin with, but they’re basically good guys underneath it all. They’re a combination of the “bad boys” women fall in love with and the good men we all want them to be once they’re in our lives.

Favorite hero or heroine?

My favorite hero? That’s like trying to choose a favorite chocolate! It can’t be done! They’re each different in their own special way, just like real men are. As for my favorite heroine, I’ve got to say the one in my next book. That’s because I’m writing stronger women with each book. So each book gives me a stronger heroine and my new favorite.

What book for you has been the easiest to write?

LOVE TIMES SEVEN was very easy to write. The words flew onto the screen without much effort. That said, however, I’m learning more with each book and, just like with anything else, the more you practice and learn, the easier it gets.

What are the elements of a great romance for you?

Romance to me is about the relationship between the characters. They’ve got to connect on all levels, physically and mentally. Without a great relationship, especially a relationship filled with conflict, then the romance doesn’t come alive to the reader.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?

There are so many rewarding things about being a writer. First, I’m doing what I love to do. Not many people can say that. Plus, I get to stay home with my daughter and write when she’s doing her schoolwork. I’m hoping I’m providing a good rolemodel for her. After all, I achieved my goal of publishing even though I did so later in life. Then, of course, I have the satisfaction of many people reading my books and loving them. Wow, I AM a lucky person!

If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?

I’d be going crazy with frustration. I know this to be true because I felt that way in the years right before I decided to write my first book. Something was missing from my life and writing was it. My husband often says I’m happier now that I’m writing.

Any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

You bet. I know they’ve heard it so many times before, but you have to keep plugging along, writing every day, reading and learning from other writers. Some of your first sale is from luck, but most of it comes from plain old hard work and never giving up. Just remember, it only takes one “yes” to one of your submissions.

What question would you love to answer that I didn't ask?

I loved all your questions and feel honored for this interview. Maybe the one question I’d like to answer would be…”What are your hopes and dreams for the future?”

My answer? I hope to write until the day I die. Writers, I don’t believe, ever truly retire. Oh, sure, they slow down or take breaks, but writing is inside, a need to get your ideas on paper. To ignore such a need can only lead to an upset stomach!

Of course, I’d love my writing to reach as many people as possible. And if fame and money come along with that, then so be it. LOL. But to have even one person email me and say she loves my work makes all the long hours over the keyboard worth every second.

Thank you

Thank you, Izzy and FAR! I had a blast. I’m a FAR fan so this was a real joy for me. I hope everyone will take a minute to visit me at www.beverlyrae.com and please feel free to drop me a note at info@beverlyrae.com.

Interviewed by: Izzy