Interview Celia Cooper
by
Angela Verdenius
1) The title of your story is unique--is it symbolic of the story or characters?
Back in the day, when everyone was heavily into astrology, people’s first question was always, “What’s your sign?” Those who were in-the-know would respond with, “Well, my sun is in Sagittarius, and my moon is in _____”, showing that there were two sides to the astrology thing. When the idea for this story came to me, I realized that my antagonist acted very much like so many of the Sagittarians I knew. She is outgoing, attractive, and likes being around people--to the extreme. That is the Sun part. She also has a dark side that tinges the story throughout, and Mazatlan plays an important role. That is the Moon part. Besides that, I thought the title had a nice ring to it.
2) “A Harley riding, red-haired, Amazon…” the heroine sounds amazing! How did this character develop?
Among my many occupations, I was a bartender in a biker bar. A number of the bikers that came into the bar were women who drove the bikes instead of riding behind the man. While most of the biking community still lives in the macho world of man-first, woman-follow, there was a grudging respect for those women who were strong enough to take on powering Harleys.
3) Is there any special reason you wanted her to be an ‘Amazon’?
I knew any female character that I placed opposite Detective Corey Williams needed to be impressive. It takes a physically strong person to handle a Harley Davidson motorcycle, so Riona Byrne needed physical strength to be able to ride. Corey Williams is such a large dominating force that a small woman would’ve been overwhelmed by his presence. I also felt he needed a challenge to snap him out of his lethargy about dating.
4) Tell us a little about her… please? <g>
Riona Byrne is a woman who’s seen more than a dozen people will see in a lifetime. She loved and lost, brutally, and buried herself in her work. She lived life on the edge for so many years as a reporter that, when she felt herself beginning to burn out, she tendered her resignation from her job for an international magazine. She wasn’t quite ready to toss in the towel, so she took a position in a small town newspaper in Virginia to keep her hand in the business but out of the line of fire. When bombs began going off in the next town, Riona was up front finding who, what, when, where, and how. That’s how she met with Justin Anderson and Diane Wallace. Interviews with the two led to a friendship, which led them to ask her to be in their wedding, and that’s where she met Corey Williams.
5) Detective Corey Williams--what can you tell us about him?
Ah, Corey. Corey is a man of size--about 6 ft. 5 in. and 250 to 275 lbs., depending on who you ask. He pursued his dream of becoming a police officer, and was lucky enough to be hired for the police force in his hometown. He is a man whose size belies his intelligence, many having made the mistake of thinking him slow and illiterate, and his gentle nature masquerades his fierce loyalty to his friends. A failed marriage and the loss of his family, when his ex-wife fled the state taking his children, makes him cynical and untrusting regarding women. The only light of his life is Briana, daughter of his friend, Justin Anderson, until Riona enters the scene.
6) Is this story more of a comedy, or drama?
I feel this is a contemporary romance with elements of suspense and some humor.
7) Did you do any personal experimenting by riding a Harley? LOL
Funny you should ask… My first experience on a Harley was waaaaaaaay back when I was 18 and rode on the back of a chopper (picture Easy Rider). I was rump sore for days but hooked. There really is nothing to compare to the feeling of being on a motorcycle. It is something my husband and I plan to acquire very soon--matching Harleys. We happen to be in the perfect location for custom made bikes--Southern California, you know, Jessie James and all.
8) Is there anything in this story you wish you’d done personally?
I would love to have traveled the world as Riona did. I’ve seen many parts of the United States, and know that each area has its very own beauty and drawbacks, but my dream is to travel the world. I’m not sure where I would love to go first; I think Australia because I have so many places I need to “research” for a book I’m working on, but then there is England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Italy… the list goes on for days.
9) Is there a special characteristic that all your characters in your books have in common?
They have lived. One of the edicts I took to heart when I started writing was to write what I knew. Now, I’m sure I can remember the angst of being in my twenties and the uncertainty of my thirties, but I like my characters to be a bit jaded and unconvinced that life has anything to offer them anymore. By the end of each story, the characters have worked out the ending before I get there. Sometimes, they amaze even me.
10) Was there anything in particular you found hard writing about in this story?
I was worried about getting the technicalities correct while the characters were in Mexico. I know that the laws and regulations regarding firearms are somewhat different from the US, and was stumped as how to inquire about those things without getting myself locked up. After 9/11, security has been intensive on the internet regarding those types of items. Fortunately, I have a very good friend that was born and raised in Mexico who was happy to fill in all the blanks that I needed. For his help, I can’t thank Pablo Gonzales enough. The other item was the antagonist was giving me fits about the outcome. It wasn’t until I actually wrote the last pages that she stopped trying to change the ending.
11) How many books have you written, and have you a personal favorite?
I’ve written two books, Old Enough to Know Better (January 2003) and Sun in Sagittarius, Moon in Mazatlan (June 2005) from Wings. I also have a story published in an anthology (October 2002), Enchanted Realms II-Cyre Drake, about a dragon. My husband loves the dragon story. It has morphed into a trilogy, which has delighted him, but I don’t have a personal favorite. Each story I write has elements I like and, as I continue to write, I hope I’m getting better at my craft. Just to show you how diverse my interest are, I am currently writing on the dragon trilogy, Quest for the Amber Ruby-Book 1, and I’m also writing another romance titled, If Only. The romance is a go-back-and-do-it-over-again story. Hopefully, they’ll all be good!
12) What is the hardest thing, for you, about being a writer?
Having to work to pay bills and not being able to just write. What I wouldn’t give to have a million dollar seller! Then, wouldn’t we all love to have just one?