Hello Keira and welcome to Fallen Angel Reviews. We are pleased to have Keira Ramsey with us today.

Keira, you have an interesting webpage with lots of goodies and information.

Why don’t we discuss your latest book? I believe The Saints of Midland is available now from Samhain, under your other writer name, TL Schaefer. In this book what type of character would you classify Amanda Sims?

Amanda is definitely a wounded woman who hides behind a smart-ass attitude. She’s basically been abandoned by her family and past loves, simply because of what she is. It takes a complete change of scenery—that of a different dimension—to make her realize that she need only be true to herself to shine.

Where did you get the idea to compose this book?

It actually started as a writing exercise where we were supposed to come up with 450 words based on the first sentence. Once I started I just couldn’t seem to stop!

We would love to hear about anymore upcoming project?

Right now I’m almost finished with the third RuneQuest novella (a Keira book) for Liquid Silver Books (I’m thinking Feb/Mar 08 release) and have just started shopping a TL book titled View to a Kill to agents and such. Cross fingers for me!

What are the elements of a great romance for you?

Characters I can really get into is huge for me. I have to feel what they’re feeling, the joy, the anguish, the passion. Genre doesn’t really matter to me as long as the characters resonate. I also love to see a big, grand, lush romance, even contained within the pages of a novella, and characterization is really the only way I know to bring that about.

Do you have a favorite comment or question from a reader?

My favorite comment is that I really knew what I was doing with my witches (even though I’m not Wiccan/pagan). That one made me feel great, because it was all homework and trying to make my characters real. As for questions, the ones asking when my next book is going to be out are always the best *g*.

What is the hardest part of writing/the easiest for you?

Finding time is definitely the hardest. I work full-time as a risk manager for an Air Force medical clinic, so making the switch from analyst to writer takes a bit of work. I’ve found that settling in and cooking dinner is the best way for me to unwind and get in that mindset. The easiest? Falling into my story, for sure. The people I’m writing about become real to me, and in the event they aren’t quite “there”, then I invariably put the work down and pick up something else, because it means I don’t have something quite right. I have to feel that connection, otherwise it’s just words on a page, y’know?

When is the best time for you to write?

Definitely nights and weekends. I try to get at least an hour of writing (or writing-related) time in each night, and usually jam on the weekends, since my hubby is a sports nut *G*

How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

Tons! I almost always write about places I’ve been, because by doing that, I can actually make the setting a character, something that resonates not only with me, but with the reader. Experiences? Same thing. My husband and I were stationed in the Portuguese Azores for three years, and I brought some of that out in The Summerland, because it was such a fascinating place and culture. When it comes to personality, I’d like to think that I create heroines who aren’t afraid to make choices, even if they aren’t always the right ones.

Who has been the greatest support for you throughout your writing career?

Without a doubt, my husband, August. He’s always been my most stalwart supporter, from Day One. I’d also love to give my critique partners their just due, because they rock…so thanks to Pat Forte, Dee Knight, Jennifer Skully and Leigh Wyndfield.

You wake up one morning to learn you have inherited a million dollars. What is the first thing you do with the money?

You’ll laugh, but I’d pay off my bills first *g*. There’s just something about having that kind of security that warms the cockles of my analyst heart. Then I’d quit my day job and write full time!

Do you have another website other than, http://www.tlschaefer.com/ that you would like to share with your readers?

You betcha! I’m part of a collaborative website (www.sensualink.com) that’s just awesome and features not only myself, but some of the hottest erotic romance writers out there!

If a genie gave you three wise wishes, what would you wish for?

First, an end to hunger. I’d say world peace, but looking back at the history of mankind, I don’t know that it’s a feasible wish *g*. Second, something purely selfish…my own plane and pilot, so I can travel wherever and whenever I want. Third, the aforementioned million bucks, so I can write full time! LOL

Where is your favorite vacation spot to travel?

I have two favorite cities in the world, two cities I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time in…San Francisco and Venice, Italy. I can’t think of two better places to spend my vacation time!

Keira, it was so good having you with us today. We look forward to more of your great works.

Thank you so much for the opportunity…it’s been a blast!!

Interviewed by: Linda L.