Interview Angela Verdenius

by

*lizzie starr

Your Heart and Soul series is expanding here at Wings ePress with the release of Love’s Sweet Assassin. You’ve created an extensive universe filled with multiple worlds and varied peoples. What was your first creation in this universe--a character, a world, a story line?

A character--Tenia from Heart of an Outlaw. She was my warrior woman, the ideal of what I thought a young, outlawed warrior would be like. A touch ruthless, with the vulnerability of youth, but the wisdom of one who has been through a traumatic time. She had to be strong, loyal, and have a warrior spirit.

**Love’s Sweet Assassin is a steamy book. How did you keep your keyboard (and yourself) from melting when writing about the Argons and Kiile in particular? What do you like best about Kiile?

Actually, I often found myself laughing when writing about the Argons. They fascinate me. Yeah, it got a bit steamy, but I managed to stay cool with lots of diet coke--LOL. Kiile just loves a challenge, and his sexy, seductive ways make me wish I could recreate him in real life for me! His sense of humor as well as his sexiness and inventive ways of making love make him a great character--in my opinion, anyway! His loyalty is admirable, and I love how he doesn't care that Katina is plump and short--he thinks she's beautiful. *sigh*

**Katina is a heroine worthy of the Argon leader. Did any particular “earthly” person spark her creation?

Um--my Mum reckons I say the most disgusting things, so... you know... LOL I guess Katina is a mixture of some of my friends and me. You know, we're all a bit 'earthly' in our own ways. I wanted a character that was funny, witty, outrageous, and built like some of us are!! I really had fun with her character. I could make her say and do things I wouldn't dare!!

**I love the humor in this book! Do you feel humor is important--in writing, in life, in general?

Oh yes! I couldn't live without laughter, whether it's just straight humor or dry wit. Laughter really does make the world go round, and it helps us to cope in the most trying moments. Humor is important in both writing and life. Laughter brings us all closer together. Share a laugh, and you've shared a moment for life.

**Now, we’ve covered some specifics about Love’s Sweet Assassin. How about some general writing questions? Umm. Aside from me (I’m kidding Angela,) Who are some of your favorite authors, or authors who have influenced you and your writing?

Oh, you know, have you ever heard of *lizzie Starr? <g>.

Some of my favorite authors are Christine Feehan, Lori Foster, Laurell K Hamilton and Sherrilyn Kenyon. There are others, but you said 'some', so I'm trying to contain myself LOL. All of these authors have influenced me in the way of building my confidence in my writing. I used to worry about what people I knew would think when they read my *cough* sexier scenes, but I've learnt that if I'm comfortable with what I write, then that's what matters. I can't give my best to readers, if I'm scared of what I write. I really believe that successful authors need confidence in their writing. So saying, I've still a long way to go...<g>

**What do you consider to be the elements of a great romance? (Besides a hero like Kiile, of course.)

Ooohh, a mix! A strong love, loyalty, humor, believable characters, and a good mystery thrown in!

**How long does it take you to write one of your tales? Then, what do you do to relax and recharge when you’re done?

Um - well my last book I wrote in 2 and a half months, but I lived and breathed it when awake and not working. That was a record for me! I'd say anywhere from 3-6 months, depending on how much time I have, and how the ideas roll. For the R & R, or what I refer to as 'slacking off' <g>, I read heaps, watch videos, go to the movies with friends, and annoy my mother and the cats.

**Here’s a question I really hate, but I’ll ask anyway because it’s interesting and important to think about--where do you see yourself and your career in five years?

Life takes funny twists and turns, so you never know, but I hope to be a successful writer, and maybe make a living from writing. I want to be writing books that inspire people, relax them, amuse them--whatever they perceive reading to be. I'll still be writing romance, probably in several different genres, but plan to branch out into a bit of horror as well. Did I ever mention how I like horror stories, too? <g>

**Finally, what is the most rewarding part of being an author?

When someone comes up to me, or emails me, and says, "I love your book! When is the next one coming out?" That is the best!

And, I thank you, Angela, for sharing a little time and some of your thoughts with us. And thank you for another great read in Love’s Sweet Assassin!