Happily Ever After: Interview With Heather Peters

My special guest today is author Heather Peters. So pull up a chair and check out the interview.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

When I first read, 'See, Dick and Jane' in the first grade; I love words on a page, love language; all through school couldn’t get enough of the written word.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Oh, I'm a lazy writer, with absolutely no set rules on how long it should take me. When ideas strike me, I start making notes on thousands of index cards I keep around the house. Could take weeks, maybe months. I really need to work on that.

What do you think is the best way of publishing a book these days?

Self pubbing, no question. Since 2008, I've pubbed six books with traditional e-book publishers and barely earned enough to buy a burger at Wendys. I've only been an indie publisher since June, and already surpassed all my expectations a hundred times over. I'll never go the traditional route again, much less giving my work over to any e-book publisher. I'm also involved with an e-book publisher who at the moment is in serious financial trouble and refuses to communicate with its authors. It's been a nightmare, and our books have been held hostage.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Everywhere, but mostly films, tv or something that’s happened in my life.

When did you write your first book?

I wrote my first book, SECRET DREAMS, in the mid-eighties while watching my favorite music videos. I've always loved music, and thought, how fun would it be to write about an eighties musician, with the heroine a kick-ass music producer? Of course, it was my wildest fantasy come to life, as I fashioned Annie after myself, down to the neighborhood I grew up in, the color of my hair, and….well, you get the idea. In the happy ever after, I got the hero, guitar, long hair, sexy voice and all.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I read (my Kindle is awesome!), watch classic romance movies, love my tiny garden, and I adore time spent with my two gorgeous grandchildren.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I've written (and co-authored) five novellas and four full length stories. My favorite is my full length contemporary Beauty and the Beast erotic romance, SURRENDER. I adore scarred heroes, both inside and out.

Can you tell me and your readers something about your main characters?

My heroes are basically alpha, with tender sides and a sense of humor. They admire strong, independent women who they love to distraction, and once my hero has found his soul mate, he never lets go. My heroines can have a bit of a temper, and cannot be fooled easily. They are successful and work hard and most of them usually suffer a heartbreak before they meet my hero. They are vulnerable, but know what they want in a man: tenderness, humor, and a good heart filled with love.

What do you think makes a good story?

No secret there; a strong heroine is the most important aspect in creating a good story. Next, if the hero doesn’t have a sense of humor and doesn’t adore my heroine to distraction, he's not for me. A good story pulls you in and refuses to let go; a good story makes you turn the pages as fast as your fingers let you; a good story makes you smile, laugh, cry or simply….think.

What are your favorite book genres in writing and reading? Why?

I write erotic romance and read contemporary romance and romantic suspense. But I also enjoy YA and BDSM. Just my personal preference, I guess.

Who are you favorite authors to read?

Too many to name, but I will tell you who my all-time writing idol is: the incomparable Kathleen Woodiwiss. The first time I read The Flame and the Flower, I fell in love with the romance genre, and with Miss Woodiwiss. In my opinion, she IS romance and my inspiration. My favorite book is A Rose in Winter, a Beauty and the Beast romance.

Thanks so much, Christina! This has been a blast!