Interview with C.A. Szarek

Interview with C.A. Szarek

Affaire de Coeur's

September Calendar Girl

 

 

USA Today Bestselling, award winning author of romantic suspense, epic, and historical fantasy romance, C.A. loves to dabble in different genres. If it’s a good story, she’ll write it, no matter where it seems to fit!

She’s a hopeless romantic and always will be. Risking it all for Happily-Ever-After is what she lives by! C.A. is happily married and has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She works with kids when she’s not writing.

 

When did you start writing? 

I don’t remember a time when I didn’t write. I was very young when I started, I think about 7 or 8 and I started with poems, and branched out to novels when I was 14. I wrote one every year after, but the first one I finished was when I was 17. I’d like to do something with it someday, but it needs a lot of work!

 

What have you learned about writing since you started?

Oh, so so so much! I guess the most valuable/important thing is to listen to my subconscious. Especially when I’m stuck, with the dreaded writer’s block. I’ve learned I’m just the navigator, the characters tell me what needs to happen in the story. It’s a trip, but if I listen to the characters, it’s a better story.

 

Tell us about your new book or series. 

I’ve rebranded and re-released my 5 book romantic suspense series, and the new covers are GORGEOUS! I am super excited the series is revitalized. It’s called Crossing Forces and it takes place in small town Texas. They’re steamy and character driven, and I am currently doing audiobooks. Books one and two are out in audio, and book three will be soon! I have a duet, male and female doing them and they are AWESOME! There will be more books, as well.

 

What is your idea of a perfect writing day?

Everyone leaving me alone, LOL! I just need my laptop and my music and some alone time.

 

How/where do you get your plot ideas?

Not sure. Everywhere and nowhere.  I think inspiration comes from all sources. I don’t think it’s conscious for me. My characters introduce themselves to me. Then the story develops around that.

 

What is the most difficult thing about creating and developing characters? 

My characters generally “introduce” themselves to me, and as I write, the character becomes more developed. For me it has to be organic. So I don’t think it’s really that difficult. If I struggle with a story, it’s not usually about the characters, its more plot related.

 

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

Sharing the stories and characters in my head. They’re real to me, so when a reader expresses that they got some kind of pleasure from one of my stories/characters, it’s my favorite! I love sharing that kinda stuff with readers.

 

How many books do you currently have out on the market and what genres do they fall into?

Sixteen! I can’t believe it! I write epic fantasy romance, historical fantasy (Scottish Highlander Time Travels) and romantic suspense. I also write other things, other genres that I’m not yet published in, but I will be. I can’t seem to pick a lane.

 

Will you be attending any book signings or conventions? 

Yes! I tend to do several a year. My next event is the second weekend in November and is in the Dallas area. It’s called Readers & ‘Ritas (as in Margaritas), and it will also be blast!

 

Pass on some words of wisdom, please, to aspiring authors.

Writing is hard. If you want this, you’ll have to work for it. Never ever, ever give up!

Purchase Collision Force by C.A. Szarek

Personal web page: www.caszarek.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/caszarek

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caszarek

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caszarek

 

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