Tag: Writers

Today I’m welcoming back Tracey Rogers author of ‘Daring to Wish’, ‘Best Fake Day’ and her latest release ‘Employee of the Month’. It was Tracey’s first ‘authorversary’ yesterday and to celebrate she is visiting my blog to answer questions on her books , writing process and why she writes.

Welcome back Tracey. 🙂

Thank you for inviting me here today Jane!

So first question…

 What inspired you to write ‘Employee of the Month’?

Well usually I’m inspired by a scene that pops in my head, or a ‘what if’ moment. This time I wanted to test my writing wings and aim for something different instead of a cute meet, or reunion. So with Holly and Max I went with an approach I hadn’t tried before. I had to imagine a scenario where a couple might already be together in some kind of way.

I’ve read your first two romance novels: Daring to Wish and Best Fake Day; this one is undeniably more sensual. Did you consciously set out to write a hot, sensual romance and if so why?

No, I didn’t set out to write a hottie, I think Max and Holly completely took over! Though as it fit their no-strings relationship, it probably wouldn’t have been true to the story to make it sweet. It starts off with heat, so it seemed right to let them have their way throughout. 🙂

Do you have a definite writing process? Can you share it with us?

Haha! I wish I did. So far it consists of opening the laptop and hoping one of my writer friends is going to push me into getting some words down. Otherwise I have to hunt words down myself at night when I should be sleeping.
I’ve tried plotting and I now know it doesn’t work for me. I generally start off with an idea of my opening scene and then I write a character profile based on the image in my head. From that I work out the goal, motivation and conflict and figure out my ending. I always know my beginning and ending then let the characters write the middle themselves.

Employee of the Month is your third book. I know you have book 1 of a new series coming out in December can you give us a few insights into the new books?

Of course!

Dating in the Dark is book 1 of the Sweet Delights Series. Each of the three books are centred round the Sweet Delights Bakery in some way. In Dating in the Dark, the hero, Damian, is hiding out in the bakery, and of course where there’s a bakery there’s a woman who enjoys the sweet stuff. Or is that just me? Sophie likes more than just the products—but why do they have to date in the dark?

In book 2 you discover more about Vanessa, Damian’s sister. The bakery features more prominently in this story as Vanessa competes in a baking competition, which threatens to reveal some of her secrets. Of course Vanessa might need a sexy hero to help her along the way. Pity Jake has a few secrets of his own.

Sweet Delights also has a coffee shop and this time in book 3, a familiar character in the series takes on the role as barista. Chloe stirs up more than coffee for one of the new customers. Mainly trouble!

I know like me writing is important in your life. Why?

I always loved to write, but real life left me with little time. When I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia I suddenly had a lot of time on my hands and more importantly a lot of time to think. So the stories started creating themselves again and getting them down in words gave me back a sense of purpose. It also gave an outlet for all of those characters chatting away in my head.

What are the three factors that contribute most to a book’s success?

A book has to be a page turner—Readers need a reason to keep turning the pages. A successful story has good pacing, conflict and enough of a hook to keep the reader entertained.
Characters—Your hero and heroine need to be believable. That means having weaknesses, flaws, or maybe personality traits that are endearing. The most important thing about your characters is that they need to create emotion. It’s emotion that will carry the reader through until the end.
You—A book can only be successful if potential readers know it exists. This means authors have to put themselves out there and engage with their reader. I love getting reader feedback! A successful book is part author, part blogger and any of the amazing people out there who take the time to review and share.

Do you find it difficult to balance your time on social media with your writing? If yes, why do you think this is?

*guilty face* Yes I do! Social media is invaluable to writers, but it is a time suck. Quick research, or a check of social media and suddenly you forget why you were there in the first place. All of a sudden that quiz to match you with your perfect book boyfriend is the most important thing in the world. I do try to separate the two as much as possible, but the writing community is a hugely supportive one and as such you have to make yourself available to be a cheerleader, or hand-holder to others sometimes.

I know you’re an avid reader? What genre are you reading most of at the moment?

I never stick to one genre. I read mainly contemporary and paranormal romance, but I alternate to read both. I find reading one genre desensitizes you after a while, so reading both counteracts this and maintains my appreciation.

Do you plan to concentrate on writing contemporary romance or would you like to write in another genre? If so what.

As much as I love contemporary romance, I do plan to spread my wings into the paranormal world. They say write what you love and I love both. I just need to try harder to avoid humour sneaking in where it was never intended. I do try!

Have you ever considered self publishing?

I take my hat off to anyone who is able to self publish! I need a team around me clearing up my mess and giving a hand squeeze. I fear technology and I know my limits.

Thank you Tracey and I wish you lots of success with the new book. 🙂

If you’re new to Tracey’s books check out my reviews:

Daring to Wish

Best Fake Day

Employee of the Month

 Click on the covers below if you want to buy any of Tracey’s books.