Do you like to read romance novels? Wouldn’t you like to know more about your favorite authors? Well you came to the right place! Join the writers of Romance Weekly as we go behind the scenes of our books and tell all….. About our writing of course! Every week we’ll answer questions and after you’ve enjoyed the blog on this site we’ll direct you to another. So come back often for a thrilling ride!
Don’t forget, The Forsaken Templar is on sale now through July 4th for just 99¢
If you found me via Leslie Hachtel’s wonderful blog, or you’re just starting your Romance Weekly journey here, welcome. Some probing questions and fun answers lie ahead as you make the rounds.
Tessa Gray is the author of this week’s questions:
1. Do any characters you’ve written into your books remind you of yourself? Explain which ones and why.
I think I do tend to put a little piece of myself into each of my heroes. Ryan, from Swiftly Beats the Heart, embodies my childhood dreams of becoming a superhero. Jord Thorson, from Son of Thunder is cut from that mold also. Jack, Geoffrey, and Ryan from the Demons Rising trilogy reflect some of my inner demons. In my newest novel, The Blarmling Dilemma, (Coming soon from Soul Mate Publishing), I gave Rigel many of my insecurities.
Oh yeah, and they’re all incredibly handsome, with rippling six-pack abs, so…yeah…a lot like me.
2. Was there a teacher or mentor in your life who helped nurture your writing?
Not really. In school I hated English and avoided creative writing classes. It wasn’t until I was in my mid twenties that I got the writing bug. I’m pretty much self-taught, making every mistake multiple times, along the way. But I have gotten constant nurturing and support of my writing from my wife.
3. Every author has that moment when they doubt their ability to write. When that happens to you, how do you pull yourself up by the bootstraps and continue? What do you do to inspire YOURSELF?
Drinking helps. And hiding under the covers until my muse wonders in and bitch-slaps me out of bed, then kicks my @$$ all the way back to the keyboard.
Early on, I would just quit writing, sometimes for years. Now days, it usually only takes a few days away from my writing before my characters drag me back into the story.
I hear you out there. Yes, I have spies all over the interwebs. You’re wondering what the other authors of Romance Weekly answered. Start (or continue) the tour by visiting the wonderful Collette Cameron at http://blueroseromance.com/
And remember to check out the Romance Weekly Blog Hop & Give Away: https://www.facebook.com/events/773431862675366/
A Writer's Haven 
I so love your posts, Steven! And I think you make an awesome hero.
Thanks Kim. ♥
Love your blogs, Steven. Cracked up over the muse coming to get you in bed.
She can be such a nag, but it would be easier if she put on a pot of coffee, or opened a bottle of wine, before barging in on a perfectly good mope.
Those characters do drag us back don’t they? And I totally believe you about the 6-pack abs.
Well, I have been working out a bit. Some days I can almost see the pop-tops on the first couple of cans of that six pack
I’m more self taught as well. I feel like my first manuscript, which you never, ever read, was my self-created Masters in Creating Writing. I received a D on it, but I got better!!!
I often wonder where I’d be now, if I’d actually cared about writing when I was in school.
Drinking and hiding under the covers – yep, me too! And sometimes a day or two away is essential to remind us why we do it. Great post 🙂
Yup. The all important get-away can help recharge the batteries.
Your posts make my week 🙂 I couldn’t help laughing when I read the part about ‘bitch slapping’ you out of bed and kicking your @$$ all the way back to the keyboard 🙂 Loved your answers!!!
Oh JJ, you are too kind. ♥
Great post!!
Thank you Susan. ♥
How’s that six pack coming, Steven? Remember a post where you said you wanted one like your heroes. And remember, when you get one, you have to share on the group
It’s a work in progress, and some progress is being made. If I ever get it where it’s worth looking at, I’ll share. I just had my 59th birthday last week and set a goal of ‘a 6-pack by 60.’ We’ll see.
What an awesome post! Gave me a good chuckle 🙂 The Forsaken Templar sounds amazing and is definitely going on my to-read list!