Author Interview with S.L. Baron
Today, I present an interview with S.L. Baron, author of Vanilla Blood.
1. First, tell me a bit about yourself. What would you like readers to know about you?
Hmmm…I’m not that exciting nowadays, but I guess that gives me more time to write! I grew up in New Jersey but fell in love with West Virginia while studying at WVU. I stayed here after I graduated and got up to various things…And not one really had anything to do with my degree but gave me some great life experiences! I’m lucky to have a (very) patient boyfriend who supports me through this writing venture. Other than those things, I love playing with my cats, working out, sewing, and the outdoors.
2. It’s exciting that you just launched your first book! Would you like to give a brief introduction to Vanilla Blood?
Launching a book has definitely been an exciting experience! Here’s a brief summary of the book: After unexpectedly losing a loved one, Livia Hart heads to Europe as a memorial and to begin her healing process. While in London, she meets Lucian, who is more than he seems. When he offers her immortality, she jumps at the chance to start her life over. But Lucian has secrets that shake her newfound happiness. She must learn to deal with past failings and come into her own as a powerful vampire. Of course, past love dies hard and Lucian pops up again!
3. What are some unique challenges and opportunities that come with writing paranormal romance?
To be honest, I didn’t set out to write a paranormal romance with Vanilla Blood. The paranormal yes, but it just fell into the romance category at the end. A unique opportunity I see with the paranormal genre is the freedom it gives me to mold legends of vampires to my own mythology. Nothing is set in stone so I can experiment. As for challenges, I think because this book isn’t the typical paranormal romance, it may not be enjoyed by some hardcore readers of the genre.
4. How do you approach writing romance scenes to make sure they create the emotions that you want the reader to experience?
After reading some badly written romance scenes, I decided to check out some blogs. The best advice I found was Diana Gabaldon’s: Don’t just describe the physical act but engage at least three of the reader’s senses. I try to follow that, and I haven’t had any complaints, so I’m sticking with it!
5. Do you know what your next project might be? Is Vanilla Blood the start of a series?
Vanilla Blood is the first book with my vampires, so I suppose you could loosely call it the start of a series. In my current work-in-progress, my vampires have decided to deal with modern terrorism. It’s grown into more than I thought it would, addressing loss, the effects of war, free will, and religion.
6. Where do you find inspiration for the stories you create?
I find inspiration almost everywhere: dreams I’ve had (where Vanilla Blood came from), from people around me, and, lately, world events.
7. How do you feel you’ve evolved as a writer as you’ve worked on Vanilla Blood?
When I was editing Vanilla Blood for publication, I was amazed by how different it is from my current project. Since writing it, I feel like I’m better able to develop characters. I’m also more willing to experiment with point of view; I’ve branched out to writing some parts from a male POV, which I never would have considered before.
8. Do you have a process for developing your characters?
I don’t feel like I have a process. My characters seem to tell me more about themselves as I write them. Sometimes those things work their way into the story and sometimes they don’t. There are times I’m surprised by what I learn about them.
9. How did you discover your love of writing?
I really don’t know how I discovered my love of writing. Neither of my parents are big readers, though I always had a good supply of books around me. I remember writing a little mystery story when I was in first or second grade. There were secret passageways, burglars, and other kinds of kookiness involved! I’m sure it was a trip!
10. What is your favorite part of being a writer?
This sounds weird, but I think all the research I’ve done. I’ve looked up so many things I never thought I would, and I feel like I’ve developed a better understanding of history, languages, religions, and the world in general.
11. What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
I think my greatest challenge is trying not to listen to the critical voice inside my head. Most of us are our own worst critics and I’m no different. Telling that voice to shut up is difficult sometimes!
12. How do you find inspiration and motivation to write when you feel stuck?
I’m not one to keep forcing words if I have a block. For me, it doesn’t feel good or productive to do that. I step back from the story I’m working on and either work on another story or read.
13. What’s your favorite way to take a break from writing?
Reading is usually my go-to when I need a break. If the weather’s nice, nothing beats sitting out on my deck with a glass of wine and a good book.
14. What’s one piece of advice that you would give to aspiring or new authors?
The best piece of advice I have isn’t very unique! Read as much as you can and don’t limit yourself to reading one genre. You can learn so much from exploring what’s out there in every genre and by reading a variety of authors.
To learn more about S.L. and her work, you can check out the places below: