Rosina LaFata

Interviewed by Sharleen Johnson

What is the setting for your newest novel, SWEET TEMPTATION?

SWEET TEMPTATION is set in Dog Town (the Italian district) of St Louis.

If Sweet Temptations was made into a movie, who would be your choice for the lead characters?

Since I watch zero TV and very seldom go to the movies, I haven't a clue who would best suit these character. From the oldies, I'd pick (maybe) Sally Fields and Cary Grant.

She's down home and he's sophisticated.

Where do you get your ideas and what do you do first when preparing to write a new novel?

Usually my imagination takes over from an idea that pops into my head. I have a great critique group and sometimes we brainstorm a story line, although I don't always follow their suggestions. I write up a character analysis so that I know my characters, and I go from there. Usually my characters tell me what they want to happen. They have surprised me many times by not following the ideas I started out with.

Is your own personality reflected in your characters and their little idiosyncrasies?

I'd say we all use a little of ourselves in our characters. There are certain things we do that we like and others that we don't. I believe we find a way to incorporate a bit of our own personality into everyone we write about. Or pattern their behavior on someone we know very well.

How do you schedule your time to write with the demands of your private life?

I am retired, and a widow, so I find a lot of time to write. I'm basically a night person, so a lot of my time in front of the computer is during the wee hours of the morning. I must say that I've recently met someone very special and although he is very supportive of my writing and insists that I not allow him to interfere, I have let our budding relationship become a priority in my life.

Has your world travel to exotic locations influenced your writing? Where do you live and are your stories centered in that part of the country?

I have used my experiences in foreign countries in some of my writing. And this story is certainly based in my home town of St Louis. I used the experience I have as an American born Italian for a lot of Alissa and Dominic's situations.

How do your family and friends feel about your writing career? And more importantly, how do you feel about it?

My family and friends are very proud of what I have accomplished to date. Everyone wants "the first copy" autographed with a personal message. <grin> Personally, I feel I have the potential to write better as I learn this trade, but it is a very satisfying feeling to know I have completed three novels.

How has your membership in the various writing groups (RWA, EPIC) affected your career?

Initially when I joined RWA the conferences gave me a great incentive to learn more about "writing". I have found that belonging to my chapter of MORWA here in Missouri, has helped me continue when I wanted to give up. There is a great deal of support and encouragement from the members and that alone is worth the dues.

What sort of stories are in your future? Do you ever think about trying a different genre?

I started out writing historical romance and completed two books before I tried the contemporary genre. SWEET TEMPTATION is the third book I've written even though it is the first to be published. The two historical will be published by Wings Press next year. I have another contemporary started and also a history based loosely on my grandmother's story. Although not a true historical it does take place in the early 1900's.

"What's your advice for aspiring authors?"

Write, write, write! Never give up writing. One day it will all come together for you!

What are the differences between writing for New York print houses and writing for the electronic press?

I tried going the route of the New York print houses, but with an unknown name, I don't believe my submissions were even read. Many of the rejection letters I received reflected the person didn't even know my story. I believe the small electronic press has been able to give me more attention and better assistance in getting my work published.