Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Washington State transplant from California and I love living in Port Orchard, the town that inspired Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove. I’ve always enjoyed reading and writing and romance novels were and still are my favorite. I’m a sucker for a happy ending. I currently have two books published and I am working on a third.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “The Meddling Madam.” When I wrote “My Fair Baron” my side character almost took over the story and my editor said “You’re writing a romance for her, too, right? Izzy needs her own book!” I got inspired by the musical “Hello, Dolly!” as Izzy’s personality is quite similar – she enjoys meddling in other people’s lives to make them happy.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in bed. I have to take a break if a cat comes to sit on my chest.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I enjoy reading other historical fiction, but I also love supernatural romance. Some of my favorite authors are Amanda Ashley and Christine Feehan.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on “The Meddling Madam” but I have plans for a steampunk novel after that! I’m very excited about the concept.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have an active blog on Tumblr as licieoic and I cross-post to Twitter and Facebook.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it. You will see a lot of rejections, but you can’t let it get to you. If you really believe in your book, keep plugging it. Reading is subjective and it’s not going to please everyone. Find the company that loves your book as much as you do, an editor who is excited to work with you, that’s what you want to look for.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My creative writing professor told me “You can do your best, but no one ever said your best was going to be good enough.” It kind of blew my mind because how could I succeed if my best isn’t good enough? But I think she meant that your “best” is going to mean different things to different people. So I take criticism with good grace because it’s just one opinion, someone else will have a completely different experience.
Also, Stephen King once said that his secret to writing novels is to write at least 6 solid pages of work every day. And I’ve tested this, it works! It’s very motivating to have a page goal for the day.
What are you reading now?
I’ve mostly been reading short stories on the internet because I don’t have a lot of time to invest in novels while I’m writing a new book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What I hope to do is build an audience for my books. I’d love to have more people anticipating books from me in the future.
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?
Probably survival guides! And maybe a sketchbook if I’m allowed to have pencils.
Author Websites and Profiles
Licie Laine Website
Licie Laine Amazon Profile
Licie Laine’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account