Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
A little about me? I’m the loudmouth that gets recognized by just her voice (true story). I’m a blonde but I’ve got pink hair right now. I’m heavily tattooed, I have very little care for fashion besides my band t-shirts and Levi’s jeans, and I drive a very sexy Mustang GT. I’m also a mom of two hilarious kids, a teacher for at-risk students, and a wife to my best friend and the naughtiest good guy you’ll ever meet. I write Contemporary Romance that is Rock n’ Roll infused with a healthy dose of real life and HEA.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release is Teacher: The Final Act. It’s the third book in the Hollywood Rock ‘n’ Romance Trilogy where we follow the story of Jesse Martin and Danny Black. In book one, Teacher, Jesse takes a job as a home instructor for Danny, a 36 year-old reclusive rock god with a moody daughter and a psycho ex. We get to watch these two navigate a new relationship challenged with many obstacles. Teacher: Act Two came out in May and continued their tale. In book three, The Final Act, an insane turn of events has the reader screaming “will they or won’t they” all the way through to the end. There’s humor, tragedy, sensuality, and a rock-infused HEA that will leave you begging for more!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am always in possession of my trusty MacBook Pro so I can bang away on the keys anywhere, including the horse barn where my daughter rides and poolside while my son swims. I sneak in a few lines during my lunch breaks at work and lose way too much sleep writing way into the night. Some morning I’ll probably wake up snuggling with my sidekick!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read very little Rock Romance before I started writing, but I have read and re-read Olivia Cunning and Cherrie Lynn repeatedly, although my steam level is nowhere near theirs! They are truly gifted. When I started writing, I knew all of my stories would be heavily influenced by the things I love: Music, Tattoos, Teaching, my home in the Bay Area and my favorite places to escape to, Hollywood and, my heart’s desire, New Orleans.
What are you working on now?
I am currently writing the follow-up to Haunted, which is the story of Maggie’s Bones mystical bass player, Mage. He was a reader favorite in the first book, so I’m very excited to tell his story. I’m also working on a short story that will be included in the anthology Santa’s Naughty List: 25 Tales of Paranormal Bad Boys Christmas.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I spend most of my time meeting new readers on Facebook. I use Twitter often, but I love the interaction on Facebook, whether it’s with friends or during an author takeover event.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Have more than one polished work ready before you even consider publishing the first book. I had several and it made it that much easier to keep putting out new material and gaining new readers, who would in turn buy other titles from me.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Knowledge is Power!
What are you reading now?
You’re Making Me Hate You by Corey Taylor. I absolutely love that man’s brain.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Improving my writing and learning more technology! I am planning on releasing my books in paperback via Createspace. I’d love to have at least a few titles out by Christmas!
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?
The Witching Hour by Anne Rice… OK not fair. I’m going to pretend that you said series too: The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J.R. Ward, The Dark-Hunters by Sherrilyn Kenyon, and the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris. Oh, and the complete works of Corey Taylor. Did I mention I adore him? I could just take his audiobooks with me. That wouldn’t count, would it?
Author Websites and Profiles
R.L. Merrill Website
R.L. Merrill Amazon Profile
R.L. Merrill’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
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