I’m excited to have Juliette Springs visit my blog today. Juliette is the author of the upcoming paranormal romance Sarim’s Scent .
Welcome, Juliette! Will you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
Sure, I’m a 30+ mom of three. In my other life I’m currently a middle school teacher. I love 80′s music and vampire shows. I read a lot (like two to three books a week sometimes). I love vegetables (although not enough to completely give up meat—I love turkey burgers too!) and I’m a proud introvert. If your familiar with the Meyers Briggs Type Indicator I’m an INFP.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently finishing up a novella about a young woman who is dumped because of her race. Then her ex realizes how important she is too him and tries to get her back. There’s more to it but I don’t want to give that away right now.
What authors have influenced your writing?
My favorite authors are Sherilynn Kenyon, Jayne Anne Krentz (and all of her other pen names) and Nora Roberts. I’m nowhere near their level, but if I can tell a story just a fraction of the way they do I’d be happy.
When did you discover you wanted to become an author and has the publishing world been what you expected?
I’ve always wanted to be a writer and a poet. I wrote my first story in elementary school. I’ve worked as a newspaper reporter for about a year. I have a collection of poems I’ve written over the years. I’m considering self publishing them and given a copy to everyone who purchases my book.
The publishing world was not what I expected. I was really excited about my book but Sarim’s Scent was rejected about 20+ times before Soul Mate Publishing embraced it. Nothing against “traditional” publishers but I think newbies have had a hard time getting their foot in the door. I love the changes in the publishing world and I’m excited about the self-publishing revolution. I think the digital publishing movement was something the publishing industry needed to freshen things.
How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use a set formula?
I don’t use a formula. I’m a panster the majority of the time but I do plot a rough outline before I start a story…just to get all of my ideas out so I won’t forget them. A lot of my characters come from my excessive daydreaming.
Do you have a favorite place that you go to when you write?
I’ve written in the library, at my mother’s house and in my bedroom at home. I’ve also written in my room at work during lunch. I don’t have a set place. I usually write whenever I have quiet “me” time. I guess I really need to set up my own “area” at home…lol.
How did you come up with the idea for Sarim’s Scent and how long did it take you to write it?
I came up with the idea for Sarim’s Scent about twelve years ago. It orginally was going to be a literary novel about a young woman searching for the father who abandoned her. I had written about 35 pages and stopped. My life became busy, complicated and writing was something I put on the backburner. I became a single mother and decided I needed a “steady” job so I became a teacher. In 2010 a visiting writer/poet held a writing workshop for our students and the fire was relit. I finished the rough draft two months later and it took me about six months to revise and edit.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Yes. My advice is if writing is your dream, never give up. Keep writing everyday or every other day-make it a priority. Writing is a part of who you are and that part of you should be nourished and cultivated. A part of me was missing and I didn’t realize it until I started writing again. Also invest in having your “finished” work edited by a professional.
Do you have any projects on the horizon that you would like to tell us about?
There will be a sequel to Sarim’s Scent.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I love to read (magazines, romance novels, and newspapers), watch television (TrueBlood, The Vampire Diaries, the Food Network, and my guilty pleasure- SpongeBob Squarepants) and spend time with my family.
Juliette, thank you for stopping by today and congratulations on your upcoming novel.
For more information about Juliette Springs, please visit her website at www.darkersideofromance.com. You can also follow Juliette on Twitter @JulietteSprings HERE.
Sarim’s Scent
All her life Victoria wanted to meet her missing, father….certain he had the answers she was seeking. Fueled with thoughts of anger and revenge it wasn’t until her mother’s death she embarked on the journey to find him. Her journey leads her into the arms of her childhood friend, Ivan-the only man she lets close to her heart. He understands her and has always been her confidant. But would he continue to be if she revealed all of her secrets and the real reason she’s searching for her father.
Ivan was weary of living a lie. Unable to walk away from family obligations, he’s been forced to deceive the only woman he’s cared about ….who, he realizes, is his mate. Ivan knows he’s doing the unforgivable and it’s just a matter of time before she finds out the truth. He can’t resist the chemistry between them nor deny the sensuous passion he experiences with Victoria.
A heated encounter seals the fate of Victoria and Ivan. After discovering the true depth of Ivan’s deception, Victoria must decide if she can truly trust Ivan and trust that the mate’s bond they share is enough to protect their relationship… from her father’s wrath and Ivan’s ex-lover.