Author Interview **Reina Williams**

Thank you for the opportunity to interview you, Reina!

ABOUT WRITING

So, when did you decide you wanted to write novels? 

I began writing novels in 2009. It started as more of a compulsion than a decision. :) 

When did you publish your first book?

My first book, A Gentleman’s Daughter: Her Choice, was published in December, 2011. 

When did you write your first book (published or not)?

I wrote my first book in 2009, though I’ve been writing short stories since I was a  little girl.

What is your favorite genre?

It’s difficult to pick one, but probably either sweet romance or women’s fiction.

I like those genre's, too. Do you have a muse? If so, what/who is it?

Sometimes my muse is an actor (lol--like Sean Bean or Richard Armitage), or my own dreams or the world around me.

Cool, that's fascinating! What sparked the idea for your novel(s)?


The ideas for both my books were sparked by dreams.

Do you listen to music when you write? If so, who do you listen to?

I only listen to music when writing a contemporary novel. I make playlists which fit the novel--for Certain Sure (a contemporary romance), I listened to various songs, from “Come on Eileen” to Lou Rawls’ “There Will Be Love.”

Huh, I'll have to look them up. Where do you write best?

Anywhere, but usually at home while my sons are at school.

Haha, I can understand that. my brothers are LOUD. What is your favorite part of writing?

Getting to know my characters and having them take the story places I hadn’t intended.

Who is your favorite author? 

For historical, Georgette Heyer. There are too many to list! :)

I've never heard of her either. I'm learning LOTS from this interview, today. I'm gonna have to look her up, too. Do they inspire you as you write?


Not exactly. I try to read a lot and learn from other writers, though.

Makes since. How have you grown as a writer since your first book?

I believe I’m a better writer, both in mechanics as well as characterization and plotting. I’ve learned so much in these last few years about the craft of writing--and I hope to keep improving.

I hope you do, too! We always need a great, new writer! Can you describe your writing routine for us?

I try to write every morning after I drop my sons at school. I come home, make tea or coffee if it’s not summertime, open the computer, check social media, and then write for a few hours. Sometimes chores get in the way, but when I’m in the middle of a book, that’s the schedule I strive for.  

What advice would you give someone trying to become a published author?

Write and read as much as possible. Join a professional writers group (I’m in Romance Writers of America), take classes or attend meetings, and follow the path you feel is right for you. I chose to self-publish, but this path isn’t right for everyone. Find a path that works for you, both in your writing and professionally, and stay on it. Of course, paths wind and branch off in unexpected ways, but that’s part of the fun. :)

Great advice! Do you ever do book signings? If so, where can we find you?

Yes, I’ll be on an author panel with a few other indie authors this May 19th at the Castro Valley Public Library (CA). I post events on Goodreads, Google+, Twitter, and my blog, reinamwilliams.com

ABOUT HOBBIES/HOME

What do you do you do for fun?

Write! ;) I like to bake, spend time with family and friends, read, shop--these days I find fun wherever I can! :)

Sounds fun. Do you have any kids? Let's talk about them.

I have two boys--5 and 7--who are both in school. They’re a lot of fun, though sometimes at night I just wish they’d fall asleep! They keep me busy but it’s a good busy. :)

They sound like bundles of fun! What’s your favorite food?

A warm chocolate chip cookie.

Mmmmm, yummy. Favorite drink?

A Shirley Temple. lol

Haha. Favorite color?

Pink

Pink? Oh, dear, lol. Favorite music genre?

I don’t have just one--classical, pop, R&B, showtunes, and Big Band are my top 5.

Favorite artist?

In music, DeBussy, Sam Ramey, Rogers and Hammerstein, and Tom Jones are a few. In art, the Impressionists and Norman Rockwell. :)

When you are at home alone, what is the first thing you do?

Enjoy the quiet. :)

Me, too!

Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Sarah!

No, problem, it's been a pleasure getting to know you!

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