Today I am speaking with Annmarie Ortega.

Hi Annmarie! And welcome to Fallen Angel Reviews! It is a joy to have you with us today. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions. The readers would love to hear something about Annmarie Ortega.

Why not start off telling the readers about Annmarie?

Well, I live in the Midwest, born and raised in Chicago. I’m going to school part time to complete my Bachelor’s degree in Fiction Writing and I’m almost finished.

What was the first story you ever wrote?

Gosh, it’s hard to remember that far back, lol. I would always make my own “books” and make covers for them too.

What is the biggest misconception about being an author?

I think that it’s easy to just sit and write. There is so much more to it, from creating plots and outlines to research.

When did you decide to take "pen in hand" and write with the intent to publish?

I started writing Knight of Her Dreams last summer then stopped to write Cerulean Blue. My cousin convinced me to submit Cerulean Blue since she had just sold her own book.

Do you have any special rituals to help you get in the mood to write?

I usually write late at night which is when my crazy house is finally calmed down.

How do you know what to name your books or the characters?

Book names come to me really easily. I have a list of names I’d like to use someday. Character names I really think about and research. In Cerulean Blue the main character was tribute to a good friend and the bouncers in The Diary of Annalise were named after my grandfather! :)

Do you have any bad writing habits?

I don’t know why but I get a lot of ideas when I am in school. I’ll start jotting down ideas while I’m trying to pay attention to the lecture.

Of all the individuals you have created, do you have a particular favorite? What appeals to you the most about this character?

I absolutely LOVE the characters in Dragoness. That is about a village that is protected by a shape shifting dragon. The love story is so intense, so moving I just love it. It is scheduled to come out from Venus Press in June.

You find yourself stranded on a desert island, what things could you not survive without?

Sunscreen with a high SPF! And a really wide brimmed hat since I am so pale and don’t really tan. It’s the Irish in me…

Has being published changed you at all?

Being published has changed me in many ways. I am more knowledgeable with computers. It’s drawn me out of my shell and has introduced me to some amazing people.

What would we find on your bookshelf?

In my office you’d find a dictionary, thesaurus, all my old copies of Romantic Times magazines. I have reference books for witchcraft, the west, mythology, magical creatures. Now my other bookcases are packed with Sherrilyn Kenyon, Nicole Jordan, Madeline Hunter, Stephen King, all my required reading for school.

What do you do to relax?

I listen to music. My favorite recording artist is from here in Chicago, Michael McDermott. He is an incredibly talented lyricist and his music just takes me away. I’ve seen him perform live more times than I can count, lol. I also walk a lot, at least 20 miles a week.

What makes a great book to you?

A great book has great characters in it. It can really pull you in so that it’s like you are right there with the characters. (Or you can see yourself as a character)

If you could go anywhere, be anyone, do anything for 24 hours, what would it be?

If I could I’d go visit a few places I’d normally never be able to in real life at this time, like Egypt to see the pyramids, or a real castle in England. Although if I was tired I just might pick a secluded beach.

Do you have any indulgent behaviors one might find surprising?

Well, I don’t want to give away all my secrets, but every once in a while I go to a store called Lush and stock up on their products. They make the best shampoo on the planet called Rehab, and it’s the only time I’ll let myself pay a crazy amount of money for shampoo. They make soaps and bubble bath that are incredible. (Now I want to go there! Uh oh! LOL)

For Fun: What’s your favorite comfort food?

My favorite comfort food is oatmeal, with any sort of bread a close second. I really try to stay away from the carbs though…

You have a lovely website. Is this the only one you have or do you have another that you would like to share with your readers?

www.annmarieauthor.bravehost.com That is my current website for now.

Thank you so much for sharing time with us, Annmarie. Anyone interested in reading more about Annmarie and her spectacular books, please visit her website to read more about her incredible works. It has been a pleasure Annmarie, and I wish you success with your writing.

Interviewed by: Linda L