How old were you when you first realized you wanted to write?
Oh, I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was in grade school. There never was any other career for me. Well, maybe Queen Bee of the Western World but for some reason, they keep losing my crown before I can assume the throne.
Most authors have an unusual story or way that they come up with their ideas for books…Do you have one?
You mean more unusual than having pretend people talk to you? Ha. Actually, I get ideas for stories all the time from reading the paper, talking to people, trolling the Internet gossip sites. Just about anything can spark an idea. One of my favorite ways though is to go to the stock photo websites and click through photos of people. Usually several will jump out at me and I start making up a back story for that person and before I know it, I have a full fledged story idea.
What was your biggest influence that steered you towards writing?
My love of reading. I really, really love to read. I am so inspired by other authors that they motivate me to write.
I have to ask, are sex scenes hard for you to write?
Not after a few shots. I kid. Sex scenes are about emotions and the physical reaction to that. If it’s all put tab A into tab B then I think it would get really boring. However, there are times when I’m not in the mood. How do I get out of that funk to write a sex scene?
1. Music. I break out the old school Prince. Slow Love is at the top of my list for great songs to write sex to, along with Adore, Soft and Wet and When You Were Mine. Some sample lyrics from Slow Love, “U can see through race car drivers / Let me show U what I'm made of / Tonight is the night 4 making slow love.” The man cannot spell to save his life, but oh can he write a damn good rally song.
2. No Distractions. Most of the time my house is a zoo with animals, children and a husband wandering through my office (I swear one of these days I’m putting in a door.). This is not conducive to writing a love scene. So I save them for mid-afternoon when everyone has wondered away or late at night when they’re all sacked out.
3. Motivation. Not my motivation, the characters. In Up a Dry Creek, Claire and Jake are attracted to each other from the get-go, but when they finally make love it’s not just about sex. It’s about that connection they have forged with each other that is expressed through what their bodies do together. Like in real life, plain sex is good but emotionally-charged sex is amazing.
Do you see yourself writing in another genre?
If I had to go to another genre it would be true crime. I’m a former police reporter, so that would be like second nature. But the romance genre is so varied that I don’t think there’s any reason for me to stray.
Has your family been supportive?
Yes, very much so. My husband is a bit of a smartass, so it’s support trimmed in sarcastic wit.
Are any of your characters reflective of you?
I think they all are to an extent - even the villains. I share Claire’s lack of cooking skills and Jake’s inability to stop himself from saying the first thing that comes to mind. Some would say I share their stubbornness, but they would be wrong. Of course.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Reading would be number one on the list. However, I have three kids so sometimes I have to lock myself in the bathroom to do it. After about an hour in the tub, one of them will coming knocking to make sure I’m OK.
Who is your favorite book heroine
I have to go with Scarlett O’Hara. Yes, I realize she’s a bitch, but she’s also smart, crafty and when everything goes wrong she does whatever it takes to survive to fight another day. Plus she grows as a person throughout Gone With the Wind. That dynamic gets me every time.
Do you have any unusual habits that revolve around writing?
Well, I have a recurring fantasy about inventing a coffee IV drip, but other than that no.
What is you favorite mystical creature?
Great question. I’m going to have to go with the Phoenix. I just love the idea of rising from the ashes.
What were some of your biggest challenges at the beginning of your career?
The biggest challenge was taking myself seriously as a writer and admitting to my friends and family that I was writing a book. There’s always that nugget of doubt that can keep you from believing in yourself and following your dream. I say smash that nugget into a billion pieces and go for it.
How do you feel about reader comments?
I think they’re awesome, even if it’s negative. Look, not everyone will like Up a Dry Creek. I understand that. But I respect they’re opinion and am grateful that they read the book and felt strongly enough to make a comment.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Go write.
Where are your books available?
How awesome! You want to buy my books. I’m sending you hugs and kisses right now. Here’s a list of all the fine online retailers that sell Up a Dry Creek.
Evernight Publishing:
Amazon:
B&N:
All Romance:
Bookstrand:
1 Place for Romance:
Smashwords:
What can we expect from you in the future?
I’m about to submit A Dry Creek Bed, the second in the Dry Creek series, to my publisher. It’s a great story and I can’t wait to share it with the world.
Where can we reach you and become informed of updates?
Twitter: @averyflynn
Thanks so much for having me!
Here are some other links to Avery and some links to buy her book!!! I have her review and a sneak peek inside the book below. Be sure to check it out!!
Author Contact Info
Website: www.averyflynn.com
Email: avery@averyflynn.com
Twitter: @averyflynn
Buy Links
Evernight Publishing:
Amazon:
B&N:
Smashwords:
Thank you again Avery for stopping by and dropping off your fabulous novel for review! It has been a pleasure! Avery's next stop on her tour is http://obsessionwithbooks.blogspot.com/.
1 comment:
Thanks so much for having me over! I had a lot of fun answering your interview questions. Please let me know if you see someone walking around with my queen bee crown. :)
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