I am delighted to be welcoming Cindy Lynn Speer to the blog for an interview and my review of her book - The Chocolatier's Wife. Here's a little about Cindy.
I am the author of several books, including the best selling Chocolatie'rs Wife and its sequel, The Chocolatier's Ghost. When not reading or writing I can be found sewing or practicing pre-1600's swordfighting.
And onto the interview!
How long have you been writing?
Since I was thirteen. I never stopped...I'd write in lunch rooms, while in class instead of taking notes.
Do you write in the genre you love to read?
Somewhat. I love fantasy, I love thrillers/mysteries, I love historical, and I take elements from them all when I write.
Do you have any favorite authors to read?
I have a lot of authors I just love to read. I will stop everything for something new by Barbara Hambly, Lee Child, Preston & Childs, Bernard Cornwell...
Are you an organised writer or not?
I take the mid ground, here. The first draft is just write, write, write...don't think, don't worry, just get it out. If I know that I will want to spend more time in this world I try and use software like Liquid Story Binder to capture notes and dossiers on the character, etc. I use Scrivener to separate out the chapters and work on them in the second draft.
What's your idea of a perfect writing day?
When I am warm and comfy, there is tea at hand, I don't have any distractions, and I can just sit and create. And when they are really good days, the words come so easy, and everything makes sense. That's the best feeling, ever.
Do you like editing or is it something you loathe?
When it is someone else editing my work and I'm sitting down getting ready to see what they say, I hate it. But I remind myself that they are on my side. That they are trying to help me make the best version of my book possible. That they are the first reader. And if they see something wrong, future readers will see something wrong, too. So I work on everything they say, take is seriously, and try and fix everything.
What's your favourite social media? And why?
Tumblr, because that is where all the beautiful pictures live.
Do you do character profiles? If so, why/why not?
Only if they will be referred to in a future project. When I am writing the book, I have all the data uploaded into my head, so I am not worried that I will forget anything about them, but when it's gone cold for a while, I need notes to get me up to speed.
Do you have a favourite writing food? Drink?
I love tea. But then, I am not sure if you can call that a writing specific food. But for me, it is an antidote to a lot of things. Feeling hungry? Cruddy? Like you might like to murder someone? Tea! Want to feel happy and comfortable so you can sit and concentrate on writing? Tea!
What's your favourite idea of a cozy afternoon?
Right now it's an electric blanket, an electric kettle (tea!) and a pile of books.
How often do you write? Do you have a schedule?
Right now my schedule is wrecked. So I have to sit down and make a habit of writing again. Every day. Write a bit. Try and make 2,000 words. Whenever you have time, write.
ROMANCE, MAGIC, MYSTERY…. AND CHOCOLATE
When Tasmin’s bethrothed, William, is accused of murder, she gathers her wind sprites and rushes to his home town to investigate. She doesn’t have a shred of doubt about his innocence. But as she settles in his chocolate shop, she finds more in store than she bargained for. Facing suspicious townsfolk, gossiping neighbors, and William’s own family, who all resent her kind – the sorcerer folk from the North -- she must also learn to tell friend from foe, and fast. For the real killer is still on the loose – and he is intent on ruining William’s family at all cost.
The Chocolatier’s Wife is a truly original, spellbinding love story, featuring vivid characters in a highly realistic historical setting.
When Tasmin’s bethrothed, William, is accused of murder, she gathers her wind sprites and rushes to his home town to investigate. She doesn’t have a shred of doubt about his innocence. But as she settles in his chocolate shop, she finds more in store than she bargained for. Facing suspicious townsfolk, gossiping neighbors, and William’s own family, who all resent her kind – the sorcerer folk from the North -- she must also learn to tell friend from foe, and fast. For the real killer is still on the loose – and he is intent on ruining William’s family at all cost.
The Chocolatier’s Wife is a truly original, spellbinding love story, featuring vivid characters in a highly realistic historical setting.
My review: 5 stars
I loved this book! I'm not usually one for fantasy, but with the added mystery it, I was pulled in from the first page. The idea of magic weaved into the story in such a way that there was the history of the world given to you in bite-sized doses. I read this in two days because I just couldn't put it down! Excellent writing and story-telling, and knowing there's a second book out I am planning to pick up the next one in the series. Brilliant book and highly recommended!
You can follow Cindy on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter & Tumblr.
Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here.
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