A Funny Thing Happened on the Way...

Good morning dear readers. You will not believe the story that brought Angelique to our blog. A funny thing happened to me one night when I decided to email a young lady I was tutoring. I didn't have my notes with her email address, so I scrolled through my AOL address book, thinking I'd spot a familiar address. I did and shot an email to that person. Well, you have likely guessed what happened. One thing led to another and now Angelique is here. Please help me welcome her!

She answered my easy questions.

How do you find time to write with job obligations?

I prefer to write either very early in the morning before the day job or late at night when the house is quiet. It’s not always easy to write daily but it is my job so I have to find the time even on hectic days.

What made you want to be an author?

I’ve wanted to be an author as far back as I can remember. In fact, I can’t imagine not writing. Plus, my grandfather was a poet and playwright so it’s in my blood.

How do you get over writer’s block?

Usually, when I get stuck, I need music to motivate me. I pull out the iPod and tune out the world. Writer’s block, at least for me, is never about a lack of ideas or characters. It’s more of a motivational problem that gets stuck in neutral due to life getting in the way.

How do you come up with your ideas?

You mean besides the ones the chatty characters that live in my head all the time keep yakking about? J Inspiration is a funny thing. It has a mind all its own and can strike at anytime. Sometimes it’s just a name, a title or something I see out the car window. I never know where ideas will pop up but I’m glad they do.

How did you find a publisher?

I broke the rules when it came to my first book. I had an opportunity to pitch an idea to an editor who loved it and asked to see the full manuscript. Mind you, the opportunity came about at a conference luncheon thanks to a friend, so it wasn’t typical. But at the time the book was strictly that – an idea. I had to work like heck to finish the novel so I had something to send the editor. While I can now see whole stories from basic ideas, I don’t recommend this approach to a new author. (To date, between my two pen names I’ve written five full-length novels and ten novellas) At least have a partial ready before pitching a manuscript!

On average, how long does it take to write your books?

For me, a novel’s timeframe depends on the project. With some books the plotting takes longer than the actual writing. I have to plot my books ahead of time or have at least a start with the basic plot points jotted down.

What themes go through your books?

I’m big on writing themes that focus on family, redemption, and good versus evil. I love books where the hero and/or heroine triumphs over evil. I also have a thing for making my characters very human even though most of them are supernatural or have some affiliation with the paranormal. I think the human aspect of fictional characters is what endears them to the reader.

Which other jobs have you had?

I’ve worked as a waitress, a newspaper reporter, hotel front desk manager, and as a reader for three different editors at a major publishing house.

Why do you write?

With my other jobs listed above you’d think I’d realize writing isn’t the only profession out there, but in reality I don’t have a choice. J I can’t imagine not writing.

How do you write?

I’m a plotter. I have to know the basics of a book before starting to write, but that doesn’t mean I don’t shake things up as I go along. Sticky Notes are a must have for me. My books are character driven, and since I have a knack for creating witty heroines and brooding heroes, I’m almost always confronted with surprises that pop up around chapter twelve that should have been in chapter four. I think dark heroes like to tease.

Thanks for having me!

Angelique Armae’s current novel is Shadows Of The Soul, a paranormal romance. Readers can visit her website at: http://www.angeliquearmae.com

SHADOWS OF THE SOUL - When a Grigori prince and a demon huntress team up to find the antidote to a supernatural disease, the balance between good and evil is forever altered... AngeliqueArmae.com "...extremely talented..." - Sherrilyn Kenyon, #1 NY Times Bestselling author