Guest: Interview with C. R. Moss.
May. 3rd, 2012 09:42 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
misslj_authorToday I'm joined by C. R. Moss, who talks about her books, the writing process and other things. Please welcome her to the blog and join in the conversation! All yours, C. R.!
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1. What themes and subjects do you like to write about?
My themes and subjects seem to revolve around issues about trust and commitment, sometimes betrayal, sometimes about spirituality and/or religion. Sometimes, thought, a story is just about two people meeting and hooking up without anything too deep going on.
2. Is there any subject that you wouldn't write about?
I probably won't write about pregnancy, babies or children. But then, I also say, "never say never." For now though, those are on my 'no' list.
3. What things have you read that have especially helped your writing?
The comments from my editors. Craft books on grammar, plot, characters, etc. Articles written by other authors regarding their stories, backgrounds and what keeps them motivated.
4. What's the hardest thing about writing for you?
Keeping on a schedule. I tend to write more when the mood strikes, which is usually at night, than on a regimented schedule (say 9 am to 5 pm) like I really should.
5. You write paranormal as well as contemporary - in the world of paranormal, which do you prefer, vampires, werewolves, angels or something else entirely? Why?
I've gravitated more toward witches, wiccans, psychics and demons in my paranormal stories, though I do have projects planned where vampires and werewolves will come into play. Why? Probably because, up until recently, I had more interest in the different paranormal entities than in the run of the mill vamps and wolves. But the projects I have coming up have neat twists so that'll give fresh perspectives to the vamps and wolves and such.
6. What do you wish you knew before you started?
To get a few publishers under my belt right from the start and to start promoting myself before the first story was even picked up/published.
7. How do you come up with names for your characters?
Sometimes the characters just show up, like someone I meet for the first time who I get to know real quick, and they introduce themselves. Other times I have inklings and vague ideas of who the characters are and I’ll create astrological charts for them to get a deeper sense of them. Once I have a better understanding about them, I'll consult baby name sites online to see if I can get a name based on an aspect of the character. Last names are a bit more tricky. Sometimes I'll see names in the credits of television shows or movies that would work. Other times I'll consult last name sites online.
8. Have you ever used elements of your own life experiences in your writing?
I get ideas from everywhere…conversations, news headlines, television, songs. On occasion I’ve been known to pull from my old careers, drawing out tidbits of personalities for characters, places for settings and information to assist with subject matter–like using the basis and background knowledge of energy work that I learned in the massage field for some paranormal stories I’m working on.
9. Do you have a routine that you follow while you're working on something?
Not really. When I'm focused on a project, I tend to just plow through it and focus only on getting it done...staying up late writing, getting up early and getting back to the story, eating when I think I can get away from my desk without ruining the flow...that's pretty much the routine there. ;)
10. What is your favourite word and why?
"Yes" As in "Yes, we'll publish your story." "Yes, I like/want/love you." "Yes, you can do it!" etc. :)
(I can relate to this! - L. J. :D)
11. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I have to have internet connection when I'm writing. It's amazing how much I'll get on the net to check little & big things to make sure my story is rolling along all right.
12. What dreams have been realised as a result of your writing?
I've been able to travel a bit more, meet some great people, and I get to work from home!
13. What do you do to unwind and relax?
Sometimes I take a bath, light incense, read or listen to music. Sometimes I do a combination of those things, or I just watch television and catch up on my DVR’d shows.
14. What inspired you to write your first novel?
I started and finished it so long ago I don’t remember what the original inspiration was. All I know is that I'd wanted to be a published author for years. To help me reach that goal I took a novel writing workshop and an advanced novel writing workshop and that's where I worked on the novel.
15. Lastly, a question I ask everyone - if you were to come back in the next life as a plant, what would that plant be and why?
I'd be an oak tree. Sturdy, beautiful, able to offer shelter to wildlife and shade to people. :)
About C. Moss
I write stories from the light and sweet to the dark and deadly with varying degrees of sexual heat. Writing as C.R. Moss gives me and my muses the freedom to explore worlds of possibilities when it comes to love. Visit www.crmoss.net for more.
I also have a passion for penning dark fiction. Writing under the name Casey Moss allows me to slate other stories under Horror ~ Paranormal ~ Suspense ~ Thriller ~ Urban Fantasy. Visit: http://caseymossbooks.com/ for more info.
Find C. Moss on the net at:
http://crmoss.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/CRMoss.author
http://www.facebook.com/author.CaseyMoss
https://twitter.com/#!/crmoss
1. What themes and subjects do you like to write about?
My themes and subjects seem to revolve around issues about trust and commitment, sometimes betrayal, sometimes about spirituality and/or religion. Sometimes, thought, a story is just about two people meeting and hooking up without anything too deep going on.
2. Is there any subject that you wouldn't write about?
I probably won't write about pregnancy, babies or children. But then, I also say, "never say never." For now though, those are on my 'no' list.
3. What things have you read that have especially helped your writing?
The comments from my editors. Craft books on grammar, plot, characters, etc. Articles written by other authors regarding their stories, backgrounds and what keeps them motivated.
4. What's the hardest thing about writing for you?
Keeping on a schedule. I tend to write more when the mood strikes, which is usually at night, than on a regimented schedule (say 9 am to 5 pm) like I really should.
5. You write paranormal as well as contemporary - in the world of paranormal, which do you prefer, vampires, werewolves, angels or something else entirely? Why?
I've gravitated more toward witches, wiccans, psychics and demons in my paranormal stories, though I do have projects planned where vampires and werewolves will come into play. Why? Probably because, up until recently, I had more interest in the different paranormal entities than in the run of the mill vamps and wolves. But the projects I have coming up have neat twists so that'll give fresh perspectives to the vamps and wolves and such.
6. What do you wish you knew before you started?
To get a few publishers under my belt right from the start and to start promoting myself before the first story was even picked up/published.
7. How do you come up with names for your characters?
Sometimes the characters just show up, like someone I meet for the first time who I get to know real quick, and they introduce themselves. Other times I have inklings and vague ideas of who the characters are and I’ll create astrological charts for them to get a deeper sense of them. Once I have a better understanding about them, I'll consult baby name sites online to see if I can get a name based on an aspect of the character. Last names are a bit more tricky. Sometimes I'll see names in the credits of television shows or movies that would work. Other times I'll consult last name sites online.
8. Have you ever used elements of your own life experiences in your writing?
I get ideas from everywhere…conversations, news headlines, television, songs. On occasion I’ve been known to pull from my old careers, drawing out tidbits of personalities for characters, places for settings and information to assist with subject matter–like using the basis and background knowledge of energy work that I learned in the massage field for some paranormal stories I’m working on.
9. Do you have a routine that you follow while you're working on something?
Not really. When I'm focused on a project, I tend to just plow through it and focus only on getting it done...staying up late writing, getting up early and getting back to the story, eating when I think I can get away from my desk without ruining the flow...that's pretty much the routine there. ;)
10. What is your favourite word and why?
"Yes" As in "Yes, we'll publish your story." "Yes, I like/want/love you." "Yes, you can do it!" etc. :)
(I can relate to this! - L. J. :D)
11. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I have to have internet connection when I'm writing. It's amazing how much I'll get on the net to check little & big things to make sure my story is rolling along all right.
12. What dreams have been realised as a result of your writing?
I've been able to travel a bit more, meet some great people, and I get to work from home!
13. What do you do to unwind and relax?
Sometimes I take a bath, light incense, read or listen to music. Sometimes I do a combination of those things, or I just watch television and catch up on my DVR’d shows.
14. What inspired you to write your first novel?
I started and finished it so long ago I don’t remember what the original inspiration was. All I know is that I'd wanted to be a published author for years. To help me reach that goal I took a novel writing workshop and an advanced novel writing workshop and that's where I worked on the novel.
15. Lastly, a question I ask everyone - if you were to come back in the next life as a plant, what would that plant be and why?
I'd be an oak tree. Sturdy, beautiful, able to offer shelter to wildlife and shade to people. :)
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Sunset Desires. 'Sunset Desires' is available from Decadent Publishing and is a part of their One Night Stand series. Inspiration for the story came from my love of sunsets and a trip to Grand Cayman. When I heard about Decadent’s 1NS series, I was excited to apply this story to their line and am so happy to be a part of the series now. A blind date. A hot tropical evening. She’ll be someone he can’t forget. He’ll fulfill her ultimate fantasy. Gwendolyn Tramonto is stunned to learn her cousin set her up with sex on the beach and it’s not the drink. But after a several year dry spell of no relationships, no dates…no sex, Gwen decides to take her cousin up on her offer and go out on the blind date. For once, she’d like to indulge in a fantasy, be wined and dined instead of the other way around, and if she and the man ended up in bed together, that would be a nice bonus. Evan Cadell is looking forward to the date his uncle arranged for him through an exclusive matchmaking service and taking a one night break from work, life and all its demands. From Gwen’s profile, Evan knows what her fantasy is and believes he’s the man who can make it come true. But will one night in paradise be enough to satisfy their desires? Buy it: here. |
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Tracked. Secrets. Everyone has them but the decision to keep some affairs concealed can be harmful… Victoria Padden believes her life, career and all too comfortable relationship with David Lloyd is what she needs, especially after a crazy past. Landscaping business owner, Geoff McKenzie, is haunted by failed relationships. He doubts if there is such a thing as true happiness for him. But when they meet at a bachelor auction and have to work together, sparks fly between them and their beliefs change. Someone, though, doesn’t want them to be together and threatens Victoria. Having had a stalker before, she knows the authorities won’t help unless she has more concrete evidence or something drastic happens to her. She holds her fear and paranoia in check and hides the danger she’s in from everyone to keep herself and them safe. Yet, not saying anything this time about being tracked might be a fatal mistake. Buy it: here |
About C. Moss
I write stories from the light and sweet to the dark and deadly with varying degrees of sexual heat. Writing as C.R. Moss gives me and my muses the freedom to explore worlds of possibilities when it comes to love. Visit www.crmoss.net for more.
I also have a passion for penning dark fiction. Writing under the name Casey Moss allows me to slate other stories under Horror ~ Paranormal ~ Suspense ~ Thriller ~ Urban Fantasy. Visit: http://caseymossbooks.com/ for more info.
Find C. Moss on the net at:
http://crmoss.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/CRMoss.author
http://www.facebook.com/author.CaseyMoss
https://twitter.com/#!/crmoss
