I am delighted to be speaking with Rose Marie Wolf today. Thanks for chatting with us today Rose Marie!

Thanks so much for having me!

To start, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I'm a new author, specializing in Paranormal/Supernatural fiction. My first book is coming out in March and I am very excited about. It's been a dream of mine to be published since I was old enough to hold a pencil. Now it's finally coming true!

Did you make any New Year's resolutions this year?

I never make resolutions, but I do set goals. My goals for this year include reading at least fifty books—something I exceeded last year—and writing the final book of the Moon series. I also plan on spending more time with friends and family, something I've neglected in the past months.

How do you keep your ideas fresh and imaginative?

I'm a big fan of using observation as inspiration. I watch people, see how they act and react. I listen to conversations, note things that are going on and then jot them down. I can't tell you how many ideas I've gotten just from watching people and listening to them in shopping malls and grocery stores. There are many real-life places I've used fictionally in my writing, just from observing them from afar.

It may be an unconventional method for some, but it works for me.

Almost every author at some point or another suffers from writer's block. Have you ever had that problem? How do you deal with it?

Oh, have I ever! Writer's block is horrible and I hate it! I've had the muse stop once or twice—and lots more than that—during the course of writing my books. I've found that using writing exercises, like prompts, can really help spark the creative flow. I once wrote a ten page story using a single sentence prompt and didn't have any trouble with writing for a long time.

I've also found that plotting out the story helps to diminish writer's block. Once I know where the story is going, it's easier to write. Then the only problem I have isn't writer's block, but lack of enthusiasm and encouragement.

But it helps having a supportive fiancé who will give you an ego boost when you need it.

You have Sweet Moon Dreams coming out in March from Samhain. Could you tell us more about it?

Sweet Moon Dreams is a mainstream paranormal about two werewolves, Jason and Rose, who are wrongly accused of murder and are on the run from a group of hunters that want them dead. It's the first book in the Moon series. It's full of action and suspense, with a bit of romance and horror thrown in. Fans of authors like Laurell K. Hamilton, Kim Harrison, and Kelley Armstrong will most likely enjoy the series, as I took some of my inspiration from these authors.

Everyone has a different perspective on "getting away from it all" and a good book often helps to satisfy an escapist urge. As a reader and an author, what are the essential elements for you in good escapist reading?

Believable characters and scenarios, lots of action, a good plot and detailed descriptions are very important to me. If I can get into a book, feel like I really know the characters. I want to feel that I'm right there with them, experiencing what they are experiencing. Character-driven fiction is a big hit with me. If I can fall in love with the characters, then I will always find my escape.

How many books have you written, and do you have a personal favorite?

I have written a total of three books, all within the Moon series. Sweet Moon Dreams is the first book, followed by Blood Moon, then Hunter's Moon. There is a fourth book in the works, but I'm no where near completing it yet. The books all follow along the story of Jason and Rose that begins in Sweet Moon Dreams. As time goes by, they face their share of hardships. Their relationship and characters develop and new characters are introduced, adding more elements to the novels.

I would have to say my personal favorite book would have to be a toss between Blood Moon and Hunter's Moon. These were the books I had wanted to write all along, but I had to build up to it. I enjoyed writing them and I feel they really show my writing style much better than Sweet Moon Dreams.

What was the hardest aspect of writing the Moon series? How did you overcome it?

The hardest part of the writing the series was keeping it consistent with the earlier books. Over and over again, I would find myself looking through earlier manuscripts, trying to find that one little detail that was crucial to the later books. I hope I got all of them worked out…if not, that's what editors are for!

Why do you think paranormal stories are so popular?

I think paranormal stories are so popular because people like to have the element of suspense, danger and mystery. What better to fulfill this than the unknown and darkness associated with the paranormal? Some women fantasize about mystery and seduction, and the vampire personifies this. Some women fantasize about danger and dominance and the werewolf personifies that. It's really very interesting when you think about it.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us today?

I would like to invite all authors and readers to join my Yahoo group for writing, book and publishing discussion. I have an Authors Day on the first Tuesday of every month. Authors can post promos and excerpts, and readers can chat with them. It's very fun.

Be sure to check out Sweet Moon Dreams, in e-book March 27th.

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for us today! Readers can learn more about Rose Marie on her website.

Interviewed by: Tammy