INTERVIEW: Cherish D'Angelo -- Romance Author

Thank you to my followers. I'm sure you'll be shocked when you see a feed come through for me. It's been awhile. While Spring is the time of blooming for most people, I think I'll be most prolific during the months of Fall and Winter.

Today, I have the privilege of talking with a lovely lady of mystery, Cherish D'Angelo. She'll be talking about writing in general and her new book, Lancelot's Lady.

* What inspired you to write Lancelot's Lady? Where do you get your story ideas?

I always wanted to write a romance novel, ever since I was a teen and got hooked on Harlequin romances. I can't say that anything really inspired me to write this particular story. I had a glimmer of an idea, a "what if". It went something like this...

"What if a woman was stranded on a beautiful tropical island? What if it was a private island owned by a reclusive, mysterious man? What if only a couple of other people lived on the island and there was no way off until a boat came in a month or so with supplies? What if the radio was broken? What if this recluse wasn't happy to find a beautiful woman on his island? What if they slowly found they were attracted to each other? What if...?

* Do you have a favorite scene?

One of my favorite scenes is where Jonathan follows Rhianna to the waterfall pool. She's swimming in it, oblivious to the fact that he's watching her. Then she sees something in the water. The scene is quite comical. And it says a lot about the two characters.

* You've published in a couple of different genres, do you have a favorite genre/book?

I've published a romantic suspense (Lancelot's Lady), a general fiction/young adult with a hint of mystery (Whale Song), a techno-thriller (The River), a paranormal suspense thriller (Divine Intervention), a supernatural suspense novelette (Remote Control) and a collection of horror/supernatural/suspense stories (Skeletons in the Closet & Other Creepy Stories).

I don't have a favorite genre, other than everything I write to date has an element of mystery or suspense. My favorite book is Whale Song. It's my "heart book". When you read it, you'll understand why.

* What plans have you got for the future? Any other books on the drawing table?

I plan to have some major bestsellers and some movies based on my novels. ☺ I have a list of 50+ novels I want to write. Currently, I'm working on a couple of novels. One of them is a novel titled Submerged, a hold-your-breath suspense thriller about choices, loss and redemption.

I'm also working on a new paperback edition of Whale Song, which has been out of print for almost two years (though available as an ebook). This edition should release before Christmas 2010. Lancelot's Lady and Skeletons in the Closet may see paperback editions in 2011.

* Who are your favorite authors? What do you read when you're not writing your own work?

I have many favorite authors: Stephen King, Dean Koontz, JD Robb, Rick Mofina, Andrew Gross, James Patterson, Daniel Kalla, Lisa Unger, Lisa Jackson, Luanne Rice, Nora Roberts, Danielle Steel, Kay Hooper, Kathy Reichs, Iris Johansen, Lisa Gardner…the list goes on…and on…

* What advice would you give aspiring authors?

If writing is really what you dream of doing, then write. If publishing a novel is one of your biggest dreams, then learn everything about the business of writing and publishing. Dare to dream and dream BIG. And if that doesn't work, dream BIGGER. Take risks. Anything worth having is worth a risk or two. BE a professional author.

* What do you see as the future of books?

I believe the print book is on its way out―and much faster than anyone predicted. I believe that ereaders and smartphones will become the preferred method of reading a book because they are convenient. Ebooks will come down in price and students in schools, colleges and universities will convert all textbooks so that ereaders become part of regular school supplies.

I think agents will work more on foreign rights and film rights as more authors take on ebooks themselves. I believe publishers will find creative ways to offer better incentives to authors―higher royalties, lower advances, better marketing.

Bookstores will have to become creative to stay in business. They'll have to find unique ways to incorporate ebooks. Many will close down. More libraries will offer ebooks until every library in North America has them.

I also believe that although the industry will be flooded with ebooks, authors who take the time to learn their craft and the business will rise to the top. The future of books is ebooks. It's that simple.

Lancelot's Lady ~ A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.

Lancelot's Lady is available in ebook edition at KoboBooks, Amazon's Kindle Store, Smashwords and other ebook retailers. Help me celebrate by picking up a copy today and "Cherish the romance..."

You can learn more about Lancelot's Lady and Cherish D'Angelo (aka Cheryl Kaye Tardif) at http://www.cherishdangelo.com and http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com. Follow Cherish from September 27 to October 10 on her Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour and win prizes.

Leave a comment here, with email address, to be entered into the prize draws. You're guaranteed to receive at least 1 free ebook just for doing so. Plus you'll be entered to win a Kobo ereader. Winners will be announced after October 10th.