Today I am speaking with Laura Marie Henion.

Hi Laura! 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 Laura.

Thank You Linda. I would be happy to answer some questions for you.

Laura I noticed on your website that you love romance and suspense. You also have a series, Cop’s Daughter. Is it still scheduled for the month of December?

Yes Linda, COP'S DAUGHTER-VICTORIA was released December first through Whiskey Creek Press. It is the first book of the series and I am very excited about it.

Why not start off by telling readers how you came about this series?

Initially I had the idea about creating a heroine who was strong, independent, and resourceful and stuck in the middle of a murder investigation, forced to be part of it. I didn't want the heroine to be needy or weak and in need of protection and I didn't want her to be law enforcement.

Then it hit me…why not a Cop's Daughter?

She can be strong, confident, resourceful and have more than an inkling about homicide investigation if she comes from a law enforcement family background.

Being that "I, am a Cop's Daughter", I was easily able to create a character to fit this image.

My knowledge, understanding and continuous access to technical support makeS this story authentic and unique.

Once Victoria was created more ideas emerged and so the COP'S DAUGHTER Series was created.

One unique aspect about my series is that no book has to be read in any certain order. Each book of the COP'S DAUGHTER Series stands on it's own. The only similarity is that the heroine is a COP'S DAUGHTER. Now she can be law enforcement, a reporter, a nurse, etc.

I believe you also have a story in the HATE Anthology with Whiskey Creek Press, What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas, for those who haven’t read it yet, it is a great story. Would you like to tell us what prompted this short story?

Initially, I wanted to pursue different avenues of writing. I wanted to try freelance writing, short stories and articles but I had never put any pressure on myself to follow any guidelines. Either I sat down and typed away on the keyboard and came up with something or I walked away and tried again later.

When my first two novels were accepted and contracted by Whiskey Creek Press I couldn't stop typing or coming up with ideas. I read their Anthologies and knew immediately that I wanted to be part of one.

It just so happened that at the same time WCP was accepting submissions for the Hate Anthology.

I actually sat down and created the story WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS, STAYS IN VEGAS. I must admit that it was difficult for me to create believable characters, authentic settings and action and suspense when limited to a certain number of words and pages.

However, I was determined to be part of the anthology and honored that my story was accepted. I enjoyed it so much that I had a friend of mine produce an audio excerpt from the story on my website. Readers can log onto www.lauramariehenion.com and click on audio excerpt next to the HATE ANTHOLOGY book cover.

Can you remember the first story you ever wrote, whether published or not?

I sure can Linda. I was a Freshman in high school and I could remember coming home every day, finishing my homework and heading into my dad's office to type away on the computer. It was a romance and action story that I never wanted to end. I must have typed about six hundred pages or more. When I think about it, the story was probably more like a soap opera. I was so happy when I was writing but I had always looked at writing as a hobby.

What is the biggest misunderstanding about being an author?

The biggest misunderstanding about being an author is that you really do not make a lot of money just because you are a published author.

I think many people assume an author receives this huge royalty check and that once they get published, all their books get published.

I have heard plenty of stories and have met numerous authors who only have one book published and no others accepted. This can be upsetting and frustrating for an author.

What people must understand is that the publishing business is a tough one. It is competitive and a constant struggle for an author to get their name and their books out there to the public.

The readers control the future of the author and as an author it is our responsibility to produce and create stories that are appealing, unique and touching.

I love to read a good and complete story and then feel a little disappointed when it's over. I love it when the characters pop into my head hours or days later as if they were real. To me, this makes a great story.

I am honored that people are giving my books a try and enjoying them. I hope they are feeling the same things I did when I wrote the story. The emotions, the connections, fears or struggles that the characters are going through.

I am a tiny fish in a gigantic ocean, but I love what I do and I hope that people will continue to enjoy my stories as well.

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

I have three young children and my husband's business to help run. I recall feeling a bit lost and stressed. I would always read for relaxation, pleasure, and one day while my youngest child was napping, I had an idea.

I sat down with pen in hand and began writing.

I wrote twenty-five pages of material that day and continued on that path the days and weeks that followed.

Finally, I realized I should really be typing this story instead of hand writing it and so I started to stay up late at night once the kids were in bed and type the story I created.

Before long, I had the rough copy of JUST LOVE ME.

I read it to my husband first who hadn't a clue about romance and suspense novels but encouraged me to present the material to my mother and mother in law who were avid readers as well.

I was pleasantly surprised when their feedback was positive and encouraging.

I edited the material and decided to try and submit it to a publishing house. Decline after decline, I stayed positive and before long Whiskey Creek Press accepted JUST LOVE ME.

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

I do not have any special rituals but I do prefer to write when it is very quiet and peaceful. The only way to obtain this setting, considering the fact that I have three young children under eight years old, is to get up about four in the morning.

Where do you get the names for the characters in your stories?

I try to pick names that appeal to me. Sometimes I just hear a name and 'bingo' I think, "what a great name for a character". Now, my seven year old wants to be part of my writing so he is always trying to pass a new character name to me. He seems to be stuck on Spike and Chuck. LOL

Do you have any bad writing habits?

Oh yes I most definitely do. I tend to use passive verbs a lot and never use commas correctly. Either there are too many or too few.

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

My favorite character would have to be Keono in JUST LOVE ME. He was handsome, authoritative, and intelligent and all man. Then there was his emotional side, his gentleness and understanding for Christen. How can a man be so macho and strong yet sensitive at just the precise moment? He was the ultimate male and perfect for the heroine of JUST LOVE ME.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what things could you not survive without?

I could not survive with out love and companionship. I need emotion, human contact with its entire vicissitudes.

Also, chocolate and coffee!

Has being published changed you in any way?

It has changed me in a positive way. I never really considered myself an artist, however, many people now see me as one.

Also as an author I find I am not only judged by my book, it's genre and quality but also by my appearance, my personality and the way I present myself. I am now somewhat a product. You don't often hear about the business side of being a published author and all the hard work and time put in to promotions, advertising, presenting and exposure. These are all a major part of the publishing world. I have grown so much in such a short time and I still have much to learn. I find author groups and chat sites to be helpful when I'm feeling the pressure or an uncertainty of what the right move would be.

I am also very close with my family. My parents had established a solid foundation from the start, which I am developing with my own children as well. The family is always so supportive and encouraging so I never feel overwhelmed or lost. I am sure I will continue to stay grounded and remain humble. It is a blessing that I have achieved my dream of becoming a published author and unlike some of those before me, I will refuse to allow things to go to 'my head'.

There is so much more to achieve and I hope to keep my readers happy developing new stories, new characters and novels to remain as 'keepers on their bookshelves'.

What would we find on your bookshelf?

On my bookshelf I have everything from non fiction police investigation novels and text books like Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedure and Forensic Techniques By Vernon J. Geberth to romance and suspense novels.

I like Tami Hoag, Nora Roberts and classics like North and South and Gone With The Wind.

What do you do to relax?

I love to read and work in the garden. I also enjoy power walks, jogging and martial arts.

What makes a great book to you?

Ahhh…a great book to me would be comprised of super suspense, just the right amount of romance and strong characters that are sure to leave me thinking about them long after I have read the last page.

Do you have any indulgent behaviors one might find surprising?

None that come to mind.

For Fun: What’s your favorite comfort food?

Chocolate…chocolate…peanut butter and chocolate!!!

Is this the only website you have or do you have another that you would like to share with your readers? www.lauramariehenion.com

Readers are more than welcome to email me at authorlauramarie@gmail.com with feedback and reviews which I can post on my website in my Readers Reviews section. I would love to hear from them.

Thank you so much for sharing time with us, Laura. Anyone interested in reading more about Laura and her spectacular books, please visit her website to read more about her incredible works. It has been a pleasure Laura, and I wish you success with your writing. Be sure to remember Laura’s new series!


Interviewed by: Linda L.