Fallen Angel Reviews was lucky enough to be able to spend time with Paula Quinn. She agreed to participate in an IM interview so the format is a little different than what you're used to.

Of all things you have accomplished, is there one accomplishment you are most proud of?

Yes, but it's not book related. It's raising caring, compassionate children. After that, I think having the tenacity to not give up writing until I got published.

Very cool, I think that our families are often our pride and joy. And trials and tribulations..lol

They definitely are. lol

How has being published changed your life, if at all?

I used to write at my leisure. You know, just sit back and let my creativity flow in whichever way it wanted to go. Now, there is a time limit, and I've learned the do’s and don'ts.

Do you work outside of the home as well as write and mother?

No, I'm a stay at home mom.

What is a typical day like for you?

First thing in the morning: coffee. Then I clean up and begin to write. Sometimes I type on my computer. Most times though I write long hand, and then type it up. Kids get home from school and then my husband comes home and I usually start dinner. I'm still waiting for the dinner fairy to visit and bring the laundry fairy with her.

Wouldn't that be the best? A few more books and maybe the hubby will agree to a 'helper'?

Oh, if only!

I'm trying to talk mine into that and I haven't published anything yet

Since everybody needs a break, even when doing something they love, how do you like to spend your time away from writing?

I always feel like I should be writing when I take a break. I like to watch a good movie, hang with friends and family, or just read.

Ok, Do you feel that a Happily Ever After is needed for a romance novel?

Wow. That is SUCH a good question.

Yes, I think readers want a Happily Ever After. As a reader myself, I know I do. I want to know that those characters lived on happily married to each other. I do think though, that there are stories that writers feel should or could have a real ending, not a happily ever after. But who wants to read that?

No one wants to read about the hero dying at the end.

Now, here's a similar question, you mention married to each other, this may be a contemporary romance issue, but do they have to be married? Or is together enough for you as a reader?

Together is enough for me.....for a while, but eventually I'd like to see them married. I like the commitment to each other.

I can totally get behind that.

What would we find on your bookshelf? What makes a book a great book to you?

You would find historical romances and fantasy on my bookshelf, as well as some Stephen King. A great book for me is one that can bring me into its world through vivid writing and real emotions.

You'd also find lots of research books, mostly about Scotland.

What is it about Scotland that draws you?

I really wish I knew. I've never been there but I've always been drawn to its music. There is so much history tied to Scotland, so much sorrow and pride. The land is absolutely gorgeous. The perfect backdrop for romance.

It truly is a heritage of blood and tears. I can see how it would lend itself to romance.

It truly is. I mean, its people have fought for centuries for independence.

You mention what drove you to write romance in your bio on your website. Can you share that with us here?

Well, I've always been a romantic. Ever since I was little. I loved reading fantasy and Sci-fi, but something was always missing. It was romance. I remember reading The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley and I loved it so much. I fell in love with King Arthur and his Round Table knights in that book. I knew then that's what I wanted to write; historical romance.

What is your favorite part of a book to write?

I don't know if I have a favorite part to write. I love the beginning because it's when the hero and heroine first meet, and their "feeling each other out". The middle is fun because everyone is basically established and knows where they’re going. And the end is always fun because...well it's the end and by then I'm usually ready for a break.

Makes a LOT of sense. Do you work on more than one project at a time?

No, and I really hope I never have to. I like putting all my energy and thoughts into the project at hand. I admire authors who write three and four books at a time, but I don't know if I could do it to my best ability.

Do you outline your stories or do you just write as you go? Do you find that you are a plot-driven or character-driven author?

It depends on the book. I like writing as I go because I think it gives my characters more freedom to be who they want to be.

I am definitely a character-driven author. I really get into their hearts and souls.

Do you feel as if the characters live with you as you write?
Do you find yourself doing dishes and having them 'tell' you something?

Oh yes! Some are much stronger then others. William the Conqueror was with me day in and day out. He practically wrote his own scenes.

They always "talk" to me. LOL, try having a conversation with a live person and saying, 'Just a moment while Dante Risande tells me about his childhood.'

LOL, gotta make life pretty darned interesting for your family and friends.

When I first began writing, I used to tell my husband that I had so many voices and stories in my head. He's used to it now.

I love the fact that you have people visually in mind when you write your books. (The pictures are on her website) I noticed Bo Bice on there. So, I have to ask….Do you think that Carrie should’ve won? Was Bo cheated?

Oh, I think they both won. Carrie is very talented and she's going to go far. I was rooting for both of them.

Watching this year?

Oh, now you have me laughing at my computer screen. LOL

Of course, I am. I love American Idol. Are you kidding?

LOL It's a little like last season though, don't ya think?
-A rocker and a country gal
(well those are the two I like at least)
-AND another bad dancer

Oh sure, but it's really a family time for us to all sit together at the TV and yell at Simon.

You have to give credit to the bad dancer though. He's got a good voice and he's a happy guy.

What do YOU think of Bo as a character?

OMG, I LOVED Bo, I was simply infatuated with his attitude and his voice.
Same thing with Chris this year.

Me too.

Oh yeah, I love Taylor. He is a lot of fun to watch. Ok, back on track here...lol

You have 2 historical novels Lord of Desire and Lord of Temptation, can you tell us about these books?

Ok, the books. That's a difficult question. Let's see, they are both set in the time of William the Conqueror.....

Lord Of Desire is set just prior to the Battle of Hastings and it's about a Norman knight whose heart has been betrayed by love....

When he is forced to marry a Saxon woman, he has to learn how to trust again.

Lord of Desire won 3rd Place in the 2005 Reviewers International Organization ~RIO Award of Writing Excellence for Favorite Debut AND Best Historical at CataRomance.com/SingleTitles.com. How did you find out and what was your response?

and it's a finalist in the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence

I'm so happy about it all. I love Lord Of Desire. I love its characters and the emotions in the story. It's wonderful to see that recognized.

You also have Lord of Temptation out in print; can you tell us a bit about it?

Oh, Lord Of Temptation is one of my favorite stories. Dante Risande is Brand's brother (from Lord Of Desire) He's a rake who has met his match in Gianelle, a slave who wants nothing but freedom. I like this tag line for the book. I think it says a lot. He tempted her to give up her dreams, and loved her enough to make them real.

Oh wow, that's a swoon-worthy man

I swooned writing him, believe me lol

You also have a book coming out in August? Lord of Seduction. Does this book tie-in with the other two?

Yes, it does. Lord of Seduction is the story of Tanon Risande. She is the daughter of Brand and Brynna from Lord Of Desire.

Do you foresee any more in this series?

No, Lord Of Seduction will be the last of the Risandes.

Will you miss them?

Not really. I can re-visit them whenever I want. And I have a ton of other heroes and heroines waiting for their turn.

Speaking of other heroes and heroines....Do you have anything else in the works right now?

Right now I'm working on (for me) my greatest hero. It's a Scottish historical romance I wrote a few years back. It needs work, but I'm enjoying it.

Can you give us a peek?

Hmmm, let's see...ok, When the Chieftain of an enemy clan saves Kate's life, she learns that a hero can sometimes be found in the heart of the most merciless beast.

That sounds like a really fun read. It always seems to be a sweeter love when enemies become lovers

I think so too, but this has a twist. (I can't say)

Oh man!! Tease

I know

Well, on that note....

Is there anything you'd like to add?

I'd just like to thank you, and Fallen Angels for the great reviews and wonderful interview.

Thanks so much Paula

If you'd like to find out more about this wonderful author's books, visit her website at: http://www.paulaquinn.com/.

Interviewed by: Serena