What do you like about being an author? Crafting tales that will sweep people out of their ordinary world into a magical, romantic fantasy with a touch of mystery and adventure. For a few hours a day, my readers forget about their problems, worries, stress, and the real world enjoying a feel good story with a happy ending. I think we all need that these days. Don’t you?
Absolutely!
What don’t you like about being an author? Having to put yourself out there for promo, etc. Don’t get me wrong, I’m an extrovert and love to talk to people, but sometimes reviews feel like you are being judged. I realize writing is subjective and not everyone is going to like your work, but some revel in tearing it apart.
Yeah, it can be tough sometimes. And some people...
What is the writing process like? I write 6 hours a day, promo two more. I am a panster, I have an overactive imagination so there are always voices in my head vying for attention. When I start a new story, I have a 5 page character worksheet I complete, so I know my characters inside and out as well as their GMC before I begin.
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing? What is different now, compared to then? I love to write, but promo, not so much. Rather than spending hours writing, my time now is divided between writing and promo. I’ve learned a lot about editing and what is expected too. So polishing a manuscript takes on a different bent that before.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones? I do read every review. The good ones I read and reread. The bad ones I read once to see how I can make my upcoming books better. Then I never read them again.
Same here!
How long on average does it take to write a book? 3-5 months from beginning to end. Sometimes the story flows flawlessly from beginning to end. Other times it’s like pulling teeth to keep the characters on the right path. Sometimes I lose and they make their own path.
What have you put most of your effort into regarding writing? Making sure I craft a great story with GMC, vivid descriptions and characters that my readers will find interesting and fun. There is always something to learn in the craft of writing.
It shows. :)
What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author? Constructive criticism I can handle, it’s the mean spirited criticism that is tough to take. Gotta have a very thick skin in this industry.
I'm still working on that.
What is the hardest thing about writing? Getting my butt in the chair and keeping it there when there are so many other things demanding my attention. And letting the book out into the world.
What is the easiest thing about writing? Living in a fantasy I’ve created. I’m not a fan of the real world. LOL I love telling my characters stories. Crafting a story for others to enjoy (of course I enjoy it too)is the best feeling in the world.
Do you write full time or part time? I’m lucky enough to write full time. Though I did write part time for a number of years as I had a demanding day job.
Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured? I get up, fix breakfast for hubby, and my furred, feathered and scaled kids. Take my dog, Mystic for a walk, then sit down at the computer around 7-8 a.m. write until lunch. Taking breaks to do laundry, vacuum, dust, load and unload the dishwasher, etc. Exercise from 10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m. depending on how the story is flowing. I write in the afternoon until 4 p.m. most days, that’s when I let my parrot out of her cage and we go in the sunroom. I don’t usually write on weekends, that’s family time. Of course as with anything, nothing is set in stone, and there are always rare exceptions.
CHARM ME AGAIN BLURB
Daylan, a warlock, is being haunted, but what the ghost wants is a mystery. His magical powers bring him no closer to an answer—until he encounters Josie, a Yoga instructor.
But when she is kidnapped by an ancient Fae Warrior set on revenge Daylan must rescue her before the rogue claims her as his own. During his quest, his world spirals out of control, and a devastating curse comes to light. Could the ghost hold the answers he needs?
Can he break the age-old curse to save Josie and their future, or will Daylan lose her forever?
Excerpt:
Suddenly the wind increased and changed direction bringing a cold chill to the warm day. She tugged her sweater close around her as a thin maroon line formed along the flat bottom of a dark, boiling cloud spreading across the sky. Moments before there’d been only an occasional fluffy white cloud floating in the bright blue sky. Oh, no, not again.
The line slowly drifted to vertical and spread open to reveal a sparkling interior. Four striking creatures, sharp-angled features with fierce expressions on their inhumanly handsome faces appeared. Gleaming swords hung at their sides as they slipped out of the cloud and stepped onto the ground not more than fifty feet from her and Daylan along the tree line of the property. Holy shit. This can’t be happening.
She rubbed her eyes but when she opened them the men were still there. Dressed in heavy boots, jeans, and formfitting leather vests, shimmering silver bands adorned their muscular upper arms. Two of them had thick shoulder length blond hair, the others had jet black hair hanging in waves past their shoulders.
She jumped up and opened her mouth to scream. But Daylan reacted faster clapping his hand over her mouth while still facing the advancing creatures. To her surprise, a soft giggle escaped from her lips. They look like a group of medieval bikers. Their apparent leader, his reddish sable hair hung well beyond his shoulders in waves, paused a few yards in front of them.
Buy Links:
Barnes& Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/charm-me-again-tena-stetler/1134375462?ean=9781509229727
KOBO: I’ll send it as soon as I have it.
About the author:
Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal romance novels. She has an over-active imagination, which led to writing her first vampire romance as a tween to the chagrin of her mother and delight of her friends.
With the Rocky Mountains outside her window, she sits at her computer surrounded by a wide array of paranormal creatures, with a Navy SEAL or two mixed in telling their tales. Her books tell stories of magical kick-ass women and strong mystical males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.
Colorado is her home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-five-year-old box turtle. Any winter evening, you can find her curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate and a big bowl of popcorn.
Author Contact Information:
Welcome to the blog, Tena!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Tena on your new release! Enjoyed the interview, ladies.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary! Congrats on your new release also!
DeleteWow, I wish I was as organized. Congratulations on your book.
ReplyDeleteDV Stone, I do my best, but you know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men goes for authors too! LOL Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThank you so much Jennifer! So happy to be here! Release day is so exciting!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on another great release! Many happy sales.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much CB. Glad you stopped by!
DeleteLovely interview. Wishing you great success with the book, Tena!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteHey, Tena! Congratulations on your new release! It sounds like a dandy. Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteAwww thanks for the kind words and for popping in. I appreciate it!
Delete