And now it is A M Westerling's turn to answer some questions. Let's see what our sports fan has to say!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I know some authors have always had a burning passion to write but that wasn’t me. I love historical romance and read tons of them during the 1980’ and 1990’s. It was a popular genre at the time and it got to the point that publishers were pumping them out so fast, the ensuing books were dreadful. Like I-couldn’t-even-finish-them dreadful!
I decided if I couldn’t find the kinds of stories I liked to read, I would write my own. That was the mid 90’s. About the same time my husband and I started our business. I had nothing to do in the office so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to start writing. That book, a Regency set romance, garnered a few rejections but the feedback I received on it encouraged me to continue writing.
How long does it take you (on average) to write a book?
A year and that includes research and editing. I wrote Her Proper Scoundrel in eight months but that’s fast for me.
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
Nothing in particular, although I do set a target of 1000 words a day. That can take me anywhere from 1 to 3 hours.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I love having sports on in the background when I write – particularly Monday Night Football, or Calgary Flames hockey games.
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
Oh, my characters definitely take over. It’s probably the biggest reason I’ve stopped spending a lot of time on preliminary outlines and plotting – the characters run the story, not me! That includes secondary characters too.
What does your family think of your writing?
They’re definitely proud and supportive! I think my daughters in law think it’s cool their mother in law is a romance writer.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I’ve written 5 full length books and one novella. Four of the novels are published through Books We Love, and I self published the novella. I don’t have a favorite. Each story is different with unique characters. I feel the same about my two sons – they’re both unique individuals but I love them equally. How can you have a favorite?!
Open your most recent story to page 12 and tell us the fifth complete sentence on the page.
She gripped the edge of the counter and leaned forward. “Please, I must be on the morning ship.”
What genres do you like to read?
Historical romance!
