Today I'm pleased to be interviewing author Gena Showalter. Welcome to FAR Gena! Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for us today!

My pleasure!

Tell your fans something about you they would never guess.

I always hesitate to admit this because, in the back of my mind, I can hear people saying, “I knew it! She's a dummy!” But I was the -- how can I put this in a nice way? – I was the not-so-smart kid in class. Throughout elementary school, I lagged behind. My reading levels were low, and I had a very tough time with most subjects. I was held back a year to play catch up.

Of all things you have accomplished, is there one accomplishment you are most proud of?

Selling my first book, The Stone Prince. I’d worked for four years and waded through seven different manuscripts, and feared the day would never come. When it did... I floated on the clouds for weeks, smiling, laughing, amazed.

What would you like to accomplish with your writing career?

I have two major dreams. The first, I’d love to hit a national bestseller list (USA Today, New York Times). Second, I’d love to see one (or all – no reason to limit myself LOL) of my books made into a movie(s). I want both so badly I can taste them!

What does your working space look like?

Messy, cluttered, and absolutely chaotic.

What is a typical day like for you?

I get up around 7 am, spend an hour waking up, drinking a latte, and answering email, then I buckle down and get to work, writing/editing until lunch. (Most days I have working lunches, where I sit at the computer eating some type of (very bad for me) sandwich and writing more, more, more.) Afterward, I’ll write until I meet my word count for the day, however long that takes.

What is the biggest misconception about being an author?

So many people assume published authors are millionaires. No joke! At least once a month, I hear, “You must rake in the dough.” (wink, wink) What people don’t know is that writers earn the bulk of their money through royalties. If our books aren’t purchased, we don’t get paid.

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

I was about twenty-two years old, I think, and still hadn’t settled on a career choice. I’d been bouncing from one mindset to another, never really satisfied with anything I picked. I’d always loved to read romance novels and always had my own stories dancing through my mind, so decided to give it a try. I fell in love with the entire process.

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

I wish. A lot of days I’m actually *not* in the mood to write. I’d rather be napping, watching movies, over at Jill Monroe’s house, or hanging out at my sisters’. I force myself to write, though, because I have deadlines. I remind myself that I do love this profession. (Needing money helps, too) Thankfully, I find that once I get started, I fall back in love with my characters and my story and it actually becomes a joy to craft and sculpt.

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

If a character’s name doesn’t come to me right away, I’ll peruse baby name books until it jumps out at me. Titles are a little tougher. It has to be something my editor likes, I like, and the Powers That Be like. I'll usually create a list and we'll begin the painful process of whittling it down.

Do you have any bad writing habits?

I constantly check email while writing. I want to break myself of that so badly, but haven’t had the willpower yet.

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

Right now I am most in love with Maddox in my September 07 book, The Darkest Night. There’s something so. . . raw about him. Something heart-wrenching and vulnerable. See, he’s cursed to die every night in the most painful way possible, only to awaken the next morning knowing he has to die again. He’s wild and savage and yet, he’s putty in the heroine’s hands. He’ll die for her -- do anything for her. Don't we all want a man so dedicated to us?

Can you give us a quick overview of your Alien Huntress Series?

Awaken Me Darkly showcased elite slayer Mia Snow, who fell for an alien, the main suspect in a murder case. Enslave Me Sweetly showcased assassin Eden Black, who fell for her hardass, irreverent partner as they fought human slave traders. Up next, is Red Handed (6/07) and Black Listed (7/07) which will show how agents are trained to hunt and kill aliens.

We'd also love to see where the Atlanteans are heading .

Well, I featured a dragon shape-shifter and human woman in Heart of the Dragon. Jewel of Atlantis featured a human man – well, he started out that way – and a woman who was part goddess part prophetess. The Nymph King (Feb 07) features the most sensual male ever created and the woman determined to resist him. And I do have plans to write the vampire king’s story. No title or date for that one yet, though. But big things are happening in Atlantis. The gods are now pissed about the human-Atlantean interaction and taking a more active role. . .

Your new release, Playing With Fire, has an amazing premise, would you mind sharing a bit?

Playing With Fire is about an everyday, average woman who develops extraordinary superpowers over the four elements (earth, fire, water, air). I had such a blast writing this book and can’t wait to revisit everyone in it. I’ll probably write Cody’s story next – can’t resist that. . . electric humor of his!

Is there anything you'd like to add?

Thank you so much for having me!!!

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for us today Gena. Readers can learn more about Gena and her books on her website or her blog

Interviewed by: Serena