Today I am speaking with Samantha Sommersby. Hi Samantha and welcome to Fallen Angel Reviews today. There are some anxious readers that would love to know more about Samantha Sommersby.

I visited your website and loved the, ‘Escape with Romance,’ on your page. I noticed you have received some wonderful reviews. Is there any special release or upcoming projects that you would like to discuss with us today?

Thanks for having me, Linda. I’m currently working on the third novel in my Forbidden series. It’s going to be called Forbidden: The Revolution. I just can’t seem to get enough of my hero, Byron Renfield. Byron just recently turned 380. He was born in London, lived much of his life on a small island off the coast of Canada, and now lives in Southern California. A strange choice for a vampire? Oui. But then, Byron is not just any vampire.

He spent years climbing the social ladder, he's successful, handsome, independently wealthy, and for over two centuries, he’s held the honored position of Treasurer of his Clan’s most sacred Trust. He’s also been responsible for the financial security of the most elite of the immortals, the Dominie.

In order to ensure his redemption, Byron isolated himself on a small private island, away from all temptation. It was a good plan…until the day Violet Deeds was stranded there.

Violet is beautiful, sexy, outspoken, and a human, which made her completely off limits. You see, Byron’s society’s canon forbids relationships between vampires and humans. Did that stop him from taking a little nibble and falling hopelessly in love with her? Non. Forbidden: The Claim is the beginning of Byron and Violet's story. Forbidden: The Awakening, which was just recently released, is the continuation of their story. It’s very steamy…with a kidnapping, an underground world of rebel vampires, an elaborate network of elite clansman led by an ageless prophet, and a rescue mission that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Am I tempting you? Good. To quote Byron, “Sometimes giving in to temptation can be a good thing.”

What was the first story you ever wrote? Published or unpublished?

The first novel that I wrote is still available in both print and electronic formats. It’s a romantic suspense called As You Wish. It has lots of twists and turns and some secondary characters that I really fell in love with. So much so that I’ve inserted a few of them into my Forbidden series.

How many hours a day do you spend writing?

I just recently left what I used to call my “real life” job to pursue writing and publishing full time. In addition to writing I own Linden Bay Romance, a publishing house and All Romance eBooks, an eBook distribution site that sells romance eBooks for dozens of publishers. I have to spread my time out so that I can meet all of the necessary obligations. That means that there are some days where I’m not able to write at all. I do try to spend at least two-three hours every day either writing or doing author promotion. Sometimes I’m able to squeeze in more than that.

What does your workstation look like?

I have a small office on the northeast corner of the house. We live in an old two-story craftsman bungalow in southern California. It was built in the early 1900’s and the office has built-in bookcases and oak wainscoting. The walls are a dark green. It’s a cozy space, but there’s a huge window that overlooks the front yard. I can sit and write at my desk for hours and never glance outside. When I’m with my characters the rest of the work tends to melt away.

Do you go with the flow or form an outline when you write?

My writing is completely character driven. I develop the characters and then just let them run with the story. I’ve never done an outline.

What is the best advice that anyone ever gave you?

I’ll share a favorite Joseph Campbell quote, “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” That sentiment resonates deeply within me.

What are some of your hobbies besides writing?

My husband was a Marine. When we received news during Desert Storm that his unit was being deployed he told me that I needed a hobby. I discovered wine. I toured vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, and Temecula and started attending wine tastings. Living in California I'm surrounded by fabulous wine. We built a wine cellar a few years ago so that we could start collecting. We mostly collect California Cabernets, but we have a fair amount of vintage port.

Like most authors, I’m also a big reader. I love books. Right now I’m making my way through Laurel K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series.

If you could visit any place in the world for a week, where would you go for some rest and recreation?

A few years ago we spent two blissfully relaxing weeks in Belize. It was one of the most relaxing vacations that I’ve ever had. The place we stayed was right on the beach. I’m not a sun and sand person, but my husband and son are. They were able to fish, snorkel, and swim with the turtles. I brought along a stack of books and declared the hammock that hung between the two palms that were outside our door mine. I’d love to go back.

Was there any one person or event in your life that finally inspired you to sit down and write your first book?

I was home sick one day and had started reading something that was just dreadful. I thought, I could do better than that. Perhaps it was the fever. I’m not usually that confident. I opened up a word document on my computer and started writing As You Wish that day. It took me about six months to finish it.

Do you have a favorite movie that you could watch over and over again?

One of my all-time favorites is The English Patient. I also love Casablanca, Dr. Zhivago, Out of Africa, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It’s no wonder I write romance. Oh, and let’s not forget The Princess Bride.

Samantha, do you have another Website other than, www.samanthasommersby.com that you would like to share? Do you belong to any groups, or loops that help you promote your writing?

I sure do, and I really love hearing from readers.

Yahoo Group
MySpace
Website
BlogSpot

Samantha, it has been a pleasure having you with us today. We look forward to reading your books and your upcoming works.

Thanks for having me Linda!

Interviewed by: Linda L.