Today I am speaking with Sonja Baines.

Hello Sonja, it is so good to have you with us today at Fallen Angel Reviews. Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to speak with us today.

Thank you for having me!

Oh Sonja, I noticed on your website that you love to write Romantic Suspense. I love stories with suspense and intrigue. What drew you to this type of genre?

This is the type of story I like to read, the kind that keeps you guessing and makes you worry about the characters all the way through.

Would you like to tell us a little about your recent release?

Sure! Soul Haven is basically about a cop who falls for a criminal. The heroine is a rookie female cop who’s just beginning to find out that law enforcement does not automatically equate with justice. The hero is a former military officer accused of murdering a cop, and his own wife. He’s looking for the real killer, but someone doesn’t want him to come any closer to the truth. There are homeless people, designer drugs, and a military plot involved. Also, Wire-nuts. :)

Has being published changed your life in any way?

Definitely. My experience with Wild Child Publishing has been fantastic. I don’t expect I’ll get rich and famous, but my editor is wonderful, and she’s already taught me a lot about the craft. I’m a far better writer than I used to be (and I have more confidence now, obviously! LOL)

What does your working space look like? Are you an organized person?

LOL... organized? I’m afraid not. Most of the time, my office is an absolute disaster: papers everywhere, empty takeout coffee cups stacked all over... not to mention the gerbil shavings (I have two furry little office mascots, and they like to fling).

From what do you derive the most inspiration for your writing?

There are so many things that inspire me, I’m afraid I’d overload your bandwidth if I tried to list them all! The short answer is: everything. People fascinate me. Also, I’m extremely fortunate in that I have a wonderfully supportive family. My husband and my son forgive me for locking myself away to write for hours at a time, and blurting out really weird things that have nothing to do with anything, and talking to myself, and talking to my characters, and observing rather fragmented sleep schedules.

Do you have any special routine to help you get in the mood to write?

Most of the time, I go back and reread the last few pages of whatever I’ve written last. I’ll often make minor edits as I read, and then keep going from there. If I’m going to be away from my computer for a while -- at the Laundromat, a family party, the drive-in -- I’ll print out the last few pages and stick them in a notebook, and then transcribe what I write later.

What does the future look like for Sonja?

Well, I don’t believe in retirement, so I think the future holds about a hojillion more words. I’ll just keep writing forever. I hope they have computers in the afterlife... :)

What is your favorite part of a book to write, the beginning, middle or ending, or all three?

Beginnings are so exciting! It always takes my breath away to start in on a new idea. Middles can get tough, and sometimes downright maddening, but I love a challenge. And of course, few things are more satisfying to a writer than finally typing “The End.” So... I’d have to say all three.

What is the biggest false impression about being an author?

That you will be rich and famous, and fans will walk up to you on the street and clasp your hand and gush, “I love your books!”

What about the one habit you have that you know you’ll never change?

I’m afraid my coffee addiction is here to stay.

Do you have another website, other than, www.sonjabaines.com that you would like to share?

My other pseudonym writes thrillers (I really need a bumper sticker that says that!) www.swvaughn.com

What is your favorite movie of all time?

Tough question! There are so many movies I love. If I had to pick just one, I’d probably go with The Secret of NIMH.

What is your all time favorite food or dessert?

Cheesecake! Any kind, any time, I’m there.

Is there anything else that you would like to add, Sonja?

Um... eat your vegetables. And thank you for reading this far! Linda, thank you for a fun interview. It’s much appreciated!

Again, thank you Sonja, so very much for taking time to speak with us today. I wish you the best in all your great works and look forward to more delights in the future. Be sure to take a look and visit Sonja’s website and learn more about her intriguing line of books.

Interviewed by: Linda L.