Interview Irene Pascoe

by

Sue Thornton

1) Please tell us a little bit about your latest book.

Tori Kendal and her niece had lived privileged lives in fashionable New Orleans. Then their world is turned upside down by murder and scandal, scandal that cost them their friends. Alone in the world and teetering now on poverty, they are forced into the life of handsome, California rancher Morgan McAlister. But when Tori’s life is threatened, she questions the love that has grown between them and fears the lengths to which Morgan might go to reclaim the mortgage she holds on everything he owns.

2) How may readers contact you?

I designed a web page where readers may contact me either through my guest book, or through the email address I established specifically for them.

3) What is your writing routine?

I have taken the last three years off from writing to concentrate on home schooling my grandson. We are now in the final year of schooling and I am struggling to regain a writing routine. For years I wrote daily from 10 to 3. These days I write either before or after school and on weekends.

4) What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?

I love to work in my flower gardens and to spend time with family and friends. I do a lot of lunches out and see quite a few movies with my two grandsons. My husband and I have had the good fortune to travel to exotic places. Just daydreaming about our next trip keeps me energized.

5) What kind of research do you do?

When I first started writing, I used to carry a box with me to the library to haul home all the books I would devour for my next writing project. The librarians became used to seeing Irene with her big cardboard box. However, after my husband and I began to travel, I researched the areas we visited. Almost all of my books have been set in places I’ve visited. These days I also research on the Internet.

6) Do you ever ask your husband for advice on your writing?

My husband is the one who encouraged me to write. He wholeheartedly supports my writing career. However, he is not familiar with the business side of writing. When I need advice, I turn to my friends in the business.

7) Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?

Usually I’m in control. I always write from a detailed outline, so I’m very familiar with my characters before I begin to write their story. However, once in awhile a character will shout at me, “Excuse me, but I am not going to do that.”

8) If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?

Before I took on the challenge of home schooling, I seriously considered enrolling in some college classes. That thought is still in the back of my mind.

9) Any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

If you truly want to become published, then hold fast to that dream and keep moving forward. From my own experience, I found that perseverance does bring reward.

10) Do you have a favorite comment or question from a reader?

Nothing that stands out. However, I’m always a little amused and flattered by the curious smiles cast my way in regard to the love scenes I have written.

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