Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Welcome to the new debut series Friends & Lovers. Five smart successful woman, friends since school girls, closer than sisters, find love and adventure in these Romantic Suspense Tales of Intrigue and Love. Meet Genevieve, Lilliana, Moira, Arabella, and Adrianna the heroines. First up is this Book 1 – Dark Vendetta: Genevieve’s Story. Watch for Book 2 in the series coming soon In early 2021, Lilliana’s Story.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book in the series is Dark Vendetta: Genevieve’s Story. The book is inspired by a desire to create a suspenseful story, place the story in NYC, Paris and Mobile Bay so the reader can have a sense of adventure. I especially wanted the love story to develop in Paris and there’s a scene on a private island. The suspense is exciting but the settings add to the romance build that I wanted to feel unique and not rushed.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My creative self wars with my disciplined self and that really comes out in how I write. I outline my chapters at the beginning of the book and then often ignore them as the artist takes over the process and what flows out is often completely different than planned as the characters take on life. I think what emerges is authentic characters. I throw away the writing rule book and write what seems true to the characters.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Well, Nora Roberts is of course a big influence because she really developed the Romantic Suspense Genre and proved that her fans were willing to go on the adventure with her as she changed it up along the way. I love brooding historical romance and mystery myself and that, I’m sure, influences me. I also look to master story tellers such as Hemingway as I learn to make the scenes that hold the interest of the reader. Finally, I would have to say Dorothy Gillman, especially her Mrs. Pollifax series. She inspires me to want to create relatable characters who have fantastic journeys As they solve their mysteries and experience suspense. She Also wrote a hilarious stand alone called A Nun in the Closet, that has been a long time favorite for me.
What are you working on now?
Book 2 in the Friends & Lovers Series is well underway! Lilliana’s story will be very different from Genevieve’s but guaranties some exotic places, strong like-able lead characters and of course a bad guy or two to be found out. Book 2 continues the story learned in the first book but also stands on its own as a complete tale. Dr Lilliana Bradford is a strong, successful, and interesting heroine and I’m loving writing her story. I’ve also jumped a little ahead and written a couple scenes for Book 3 which is Moira’s Story. Readers who love to travel in the telling of a story will enjoy Moira’s home in Innisneill Island of the coast of Ireland, a magical place.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Twitter everyday and am developing a following. Readers will hear about my day to day writing journey and I often post cornie writing jokes of the day. I was excited to see Dark Vendetta: Genevieve’s story go on Goodreads also. I created an authors page and answered some Q&A while I work to learn how to develop a fan base. Just having to book there was a thrill. My facebook account is the other place where I post updates.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would say that it’s important to realize that success comes in small measures and is a journey. Take time to enjoy each little success along the way. The publishing industry is complex and filled with constantly changing and confusing developments. Relax and do a little more each day to learn this new world. Listen to your inner person and stay true to yourself.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Throw out the rulebook and write your own way. It’s not easy to do but definitely can be rewarding. Also, I once was told that the writers journey is a solitary one so you need to like yourself and take care of yourself. It’s very true. The
What are you reading now?
I am re-reading books by Deanna Raybourn and Anna Lee Huber which are historical romantic suspense written in the first person. I’m intrigued by how both authors build the readers‘ emotional investment in the story. When I read their books, I’m completely absorbed in that world. I want to bring that feeling of immersion to my readers too.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The 5 books in the Friends & Lovers series is going to keep me busy for a while but I’m also writing a new cozy mystery series about an Irish-American couple who inherit a castle inn and move to Ireland with their two young daughters. It will have the requisite mystery but also some fun characters such as a matchmaking ghost and eccentric villager neighbors. I write a lot so my new fans won’t have to wait long between books.
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?
Well the practical me would want some kind of survival guide. Then the spiritual me would want a Bible. I would want something about surviving the solitude like Gillman’s A New Kind of Country. I’d want something funny to make me smile and keep up my spirits. And finally, I’d want something with music and lyrics to remind me of the words to favorite songs such as Christmas Carols.
Author Websites and Profiles
Cristiona Clare Amazon Profile
Cristiona Clare’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account