Interview With Paranormal Romance Author 

Gemma K. Murray

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

About 15 years ago. I had always written thoughts, poems, ideas, etc. out, but I’d never attempted a book. I was at a loss due to certain crises in my life and my husband asked me what I wanted to do with my life, how could I leave my mark on the world? I said, “I want to be an author.” He said, “So, write.” I bought pens and paper to begin the journey.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It takes me roughly 5 months to write a book, maybe a little less depending on the drama in my life. I try to type up 2500 words per day.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I argue (out loud) with the characters in my head. It doesn’t matter if I’m driving down the road or having a conversation with my husband. I talk to my characters as if they are sitting right beside me.

What do you think is the best way of publishing a book these days?

I honestly think e-publishing is the best way to go. The smaller publishers are more likely to take a chance with an unknown writer. By giving that unknown author the opportunity to publish their book, an e-publisher could be introducing the world to the next Stephen King, Nora Roberts, or Tolkien.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I’ve learned my books are considered “gift books.” All of my ideas come from dreams I am given. I simply write what I see. My dreams don’t end when I open my eyes. They will continue from the time I start a book until the time I send it to the publisher. My dreams do take interesting turns.

When did you write your first book?

I wrote my first story in 2003. My first book was a work which was never supposed to see the light of day, but I fell in love with the characters and took a chance. I spent most of 2011 writing it out, testing theories, checking on information, and attempting to believe in myself.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love to read. I also watch movies with my husband of 19 years, but mainly I read. I love contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and historical romance.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

People like reading what I write. I mainly began writing for my own amusement, but friends encouraged me to submit my works to publishers. I still get chills when a stranger sends me an e-mail asking questions about the characters and if there will be more books.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve written over 40 stories, but only one has been published at this point. The second book in the series is sitting with my publisher at this point. We’re hoping for a fall release.

Can you tell me and your readers something about your main characters?

Anastasia is this incredibly strong woman. Her parents died when she was young and she went to live with a family of dragon shifters. As the daughter of a puma shifter and a powerful witch, Ana has both abilities, though her witch powers are unsteady at their best. She has always loved Bowie Golden, the oldest son of the dragon shifters who took her in when she was younger, but never in a romantic way.

Bowie Golden was the “golden” boy in high school. You know the type, right? Quarterback of the football team, could have any girl he wanted, did relatively well in school. He became sheriff of Cedar River, MI and his job in this quiet little town was to keep Ana, the town hell-raiser, out of trouble. When Ana begins to date one of his deputies, Bowie notices feelings he never realized he had for Ana.

It’s such a powerful relationship. The passion Ana and Bowie share is incomparable. Whether they are arguing or making up, there will never be a loss of heat between these two.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

Readers are truly loving this book. I hear from them from time to time. They ask about Ana’s witch powers and why she doesn’t use them when she’s in trouble. They want to know whose story is next (and they make suggestions for who they’d like to see next). They want to know about the upcoming storylines. It makes me smile because my readers are as in love with the community and people of Cedar River as I am.

What do you think makes a good story?

A thought out plot line, consistency, a bit of magic and a whole lot of blood, sweat and tears.

What are your favorite book genres in writing and reading? Why?

I actually never dreamed of writing paranormal books simply because I didn’t think I had the imagination to write that genre. This was a HUGE surprise! Most of my other (unpublished) stories are contemporary romance.

Like I said before, I love to read contemporary romance, Scottish historical romance, Sci-Fi, and paranormal romances.

Who are you favorite authors to read?

Diana Gabaldon, Nora Roberts, Tolkien, Hannah Howell, Lora Leigh, Jill Shalvis, Christine Feehan, Laurell K. Hamilton, Virginia Nelson, Karen Cote, James Herriott…the list could go on and on.

Gemma loves to hear from readers.  Visit her at:

Author Website

Facebook

Interested in purchasing Gemma's Book?

Amazon

Leap of Faith Publishing

Barnes and Noble
Coffee Time Romance and More