Today on the blog we have author Claire Baxter for an interview. I would like to thank Claire for taking the time to do the interview. Now let’s get to know her.
How long did it take to get your first book published?
I started writing in 2003 when I left my job as a corporate communications manager to write a book, just to see if I could do it. After years of writing about the grim reality of sewage treatment systems and the like, I was so ready to sink my teeth into something fictional and fun. I quickly became hooked and knew I had to try for publication. I joined Romance Writers of Australia, learned about the market, and sold my first book in 2006.
What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?
Flirting With Danger
When a flirtation develops between firefighters, Aaron and Jasmine, it’s not just their jobs that they’re risking. It’s their hearts.
Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?
Flirting With Danger is published by Entangled Publishing’s Bliss imprint.
How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?
It varies from book to book. Some characters stay in the back of my mind for a long time, their stories bubbling away until I finally sit down to write them, and then those stories fly out of my fingers, taking only weeks to write. Other stories, those I develop from scratch and work through to the end on, usually take three to four months.
What genre would you place your books into?
I write contemporary romance, fun sweet category romance and romantic comedy.
Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?
My favorite characters are always the protagonists in my most recent release because I’m most closely involved with the characters and their story at that time.
Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?
I do have a certain chair that I like to sit in for writing. Well, two chairs, actually – one inside and one outside. I like to have certain objects within easy reach – a notepad and pen, a book of baby names, a cup of tea (I drink a lot of tea while I write). I often listen to music, but not always. If I do, it’s usually the same music over and over again until the book’s finished.
Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?
I read all the reviews written by book bloggers because they’re generally thoughtful and considered. I don’t tend to read the reviews on retail sites, because those reviews are meant for readers and the range of opinions can vary so much that they can mess with an author’s head.
Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?
I’ve never chosen a title before writing a book. It’s rare for me to find the right title before the book’s finished, but I wouldn’t object if a title popped up before then. I’d welcome it!
How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?
Characters often arrive fully-formed in my head, along with a name. If they don’t, I have to find the right name before I can start writing. I pore over my book of baby names until the right one jumps out at me. It’s nothing to do with whether I like the name or not, it just feels like the character’s name.
Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")
I don’t set out to include a moral in any of my books, but in Flirting With Danger – as in most of my stories – there is a theme of letting go of the past. Until the main characters learn to put the traumas of their past behind them, they can’t move on and open themselves up to lasting love.
Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?
I still buy hardback and paperback books, especially for research and reference, but I enjoy reading most of my romance novels as eBooks now, either on Kindle or Kobo.
Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favorite/worst book to movie transfer?
In my opinion, historical novels transfer most successfully to movies, and in particular, all of the movies that have been based on Jane Austen’s stories. Without exception, they’ve been excellent.
Your favorite color is?
Green. All shades of green. I find it very relaxing. I like to be able to see trees and shrubs from my window when I write, and in the warmer months I write outside, surrounded by greenery. My bedroom walls are painted green, and green clothes suit me better than any other color (at least, in my opinion).
Your favorite Author is?
Just one? My favorite author is Jill Mansell, a British author of romantic comedy, and then there’s Marian Keyes, Carole Matthews, Cathy Kelly. Jenny Crusie, Kristan Higgins. But those names are just a few of the authors I love, and I’m discovering more all the time. I always return to Georgette Heyer when I need a comfort read, I love Hélène Young’s romantic suspense, and I recently found a YA series by Bridget Kemmerer that kept me riveted. I could go on and on.
Remember to check out today’s book blitz to find out more about Claire and her novel.
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