Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I enjoy writing, being outside, playing with my ginormous German Shepherd, and putting maple syrup on absolutely everything. I write stories to make you laugh, maybe make you sweat, and definitely make you believe in the power of love. I’ve tried to stop writing, but the voices in my head won’t quit. My books capture those voices and allow me to lead a semi-sane life.
Sort of.
I’ve written a bunch of romances in the contemporary vein, but dip into paranormal every now and again because I just can’t help myself. I’ve been focused on my Maple Leaf Series for a while now and hope to move on to new writing adventures soon.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
More Than Rum is my latest contemporary romance. It is Book Three in my Maple Leaf Series. This book was inspired by the home bar that my husband and I built in our home in Vermont. We have an all-black German Shepherd who looks (and acts) like a wolf, so we named the bar Black Wolf Tavern. I decided to make Black Wolf Tavern a central place in the first three books in the Maple Leaf Series. All my heroes are sawdusty mountain men types who make things with their hands and are rough around the edges. My heroines know just how to soften them up.
Oh, More Than Rum was also inspired by my favorite drink – Rum Swizzles!
More Than Pancakes is the first book in the Maple Leaf Series and is FREE as an ebook in a bunch of places online.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to take walks with my characters. When I’m stuck on a scene, I’ll leash up my dog and walk around the neighborhood, visualizing that my characters are with us. Do I talk to my characters on these walks? You betcha. Do I look like a crazy person? Most definitely. But hey, it works. I always get un-stuck after these walks.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, Danielle Steele, Kristan Higgins, Jill Shalvis
What are you working on now?
I’m in the polishing phase of Book Six in my Maple Leaf Series. This one is called More Than Peaches. It’s the last book in the series. I’ll be moving on to something a little different because I’ve spent a great deal of time in the contemporary romance realm. Time to change it up!
I’m also finishing up a poetry collection with author Joseph Mazzenga. We have one poetry book together already, Night Eternal, which is poems between a female werewolf and a male vampire. This next installment, Salvation Eternal, will be coming soon and chronicles an encounter between a female demon and a male guardian angel. An interesting thing about these works is that Joe writes the females and I write the males.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook because it allows for instant interaction between author and reader. I just wish I knew who was able to see my posts because I’m not convinced they are reaching everyone I want them to reach.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. If you love to write, just do it. Do it for yourself. Do it for your grandma. Do it for your readers. Do it because it makes you happy.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stephen King said something about gluing your butt to the seat and dedicating yourself to writing. I think that’s the advise that keeps me focused.
What are you reading now?
Then Came You, by Jill Shalvis
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m thinking about writing something different from what I usually write. I’m not sure what that means yet. I’ll probably have to meditate for a bit and an idea will come to me. It’ll still be romance, but I’m in search of an interesting twist.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Only 3 or 4? Can’t I just scrap all the other survival supplies to make room for more books? Please! Okay, okay, I’d take 3 brand new books, most likely by Kristan Higgins or Jill Shalvis or Amanda Torrey. I never reread books so I’d definitely want new ones. The last book would be a notebook so I could write my own tales.
Author Websites and Profiles
Christine DePetrillo Website
Christine DePetrillo Amazon Profile
Christine DePetrillo’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile