Frances Pauli, author of Science Fiction Romance novel, Roarke

Today, on this fine St. Patrick's Day, my guest is Frances Pauli, author of speculative fiction, and her newest book, Roarke.

Donna: Welcome! Tell me, Frances, when did you start to write and how long did it take you get published?

I’ve written sporadically my entire life. My problem was commitment. At age 32, I decided to get serious about it and wrote my first novel, A Moth in Darkness. I had no idea I could actually finish it. Once I started submitting in earnest, it took around two years for that first acceptance. Most of if was waiting—waiting for agents, editors, publishers to answer back one way or the other. The good thing is, that gave me time to write three more novels and some shorts.

Donna: what influenced you to write?

Reading. Reading was a group event in my family. My father and sister always traded paperbacks back and forth. We all read the same authors, and I discovered the library at a really young age. I wanted to read what they did, which was Speculative Fiction. I knew I wanted to write stories like that from the very beginning. The Romance influence came later in Jr. High when I discovered authors like Jude Devereaux.

Donna: what genre or sub-genre do you write? Why did you choose this genre?

Do I have to pick one? Really, I write like I read--all over the Speculative spectrum. Fantasy has that great nostalgic/magical element, and Science Fiction satisfies my high-tech, futuristic moments. I even wrote a Supers recently. That was a new one, even for me, but it was a blast to write.

Donna: how do you write? Are you a pantser or a plotter? Is it your characters or your plot that influences you the most?

I am a serious pantser. I usually have a story seed, some characters and a rough idea where they’re going, but that’s about as organized as I get. Now, I’m writing the third books in my trilogies and I have to get a little bit structured to make sure everything sorts out neatly. So I’m learning to outline, but only from necessity.

I’m a sucker for my characters. Don’t get me wrong, plot is vital, but my characters totally take me for a ride. I overindulge them.

Donna: what has surprised you about being a published author?

You know, I did a lot of research about the industry, but I was still surprised by how much work you as the author still have to do once the book is sold. The marketing alone is a daily time commitment. I like it. I’m enjoying it. But I never expected it. I always imagined once I sold a manuscript, the publisher would run with things and I could concentrate on the next book.

Donna: tell us about your newest book.

Roarke is a Science Fiction Romance, published by Devine Destinies. The story features a Mercenary who has lost all memory of her past, even her own identity. As she pieces things together, she has to decide if who she was is really who she wants to be.

Donna: what will be your next project?

My humorous Romance about a maid working in a hotel for inter-dimensional travelers comes out early this summer. The next thing I’m writing is the third book in my Urban Fantasy trilogy that begins with A Moth in Darkness. That series deals with the interaction between humanity and the Fey races. Fairies, Elves and Boggins—my main character is addicted to reveling and fairy food.

I’m running a contest along with the tour. The schedule and prize details can be found at: http://francespauli.com We’re giving away a copy of the ebook, Roarke and some posters for those who comment at the blogs.

Donna: Sounds great!!! Thank you for the interview.

Thanks for having me.

Free Space Opera Serial:
http://spaceslugserial.blogspot.com

Speculative Fiction and Romance
http://francespauli.com