Interview with C.A. Szarek

Interview with C.A. Szarek

Affaire de Coeur's

May 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 you write, do you outline first, or are you a pantser?

Total pantser. The most “plotting” I’ve ever done was bullet points on a word doc. I guess that was an outline, after all, but it was a one-time thing. I don’t like to plot, though. The times I’ve tried, I didn’t want to write the story, it became “boring” when I knew it all. I guess it’s exciting to me when it forms organically.

 

What type of characters do you like to create?

Real ones with flaws. I like when they’re relatable and “feel” real, like they could come off the page. I also love to write strong women, since I am one. I love to write alpha heroes that have more cockiness in them than they need.

 

Tell us about your new book or series.

I’m working on a romantic suspense series that takes place in Vegas. I’m excited about it, and hoping to have the first book done soon. It will be 4 books. But I haven’t forgotten about my Crossing Forces series, and will be back to it sooner than later, I already know who book 6 is about. I also am working on Book 2 of my Highland Treasures series. Exciting things and more ideas than I have time for!

Also, Book 4 of my Crossing Forces series will be live in Audio soon, with book 5 to follow! Both are recorded and with my producer!

 

What motivates you for a perfect writing day?

Probably my characters. If I don’t continue their stories, they don’t leave me alone. But I love to write. It lets me concentrate without concentrating, really, because when the words flow, I just let it happen and I’m more a navigator than a creator, believe it or not.

 

How/where do you get your plot ideas?

I’m not really sure. My stories just come to me. Sometimes in dreams, and sometimes they just pop into my head. I get inspiration from all sources, I think. Like breathing. Sometimes it’s latent, and sometimes it’s more obvious.

 

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

Probably keeping them consistent so they feel real. This is where being a pantser can be more negative than positive because I don’t plan, I just write, and sometimes I get stuck/stalled and characters aren’t so obvious. I usually have to go back over and plug things in.

 

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

Sharing what’s in my head with the world. 

 

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

Wow I can’t believe it. I have a 5 book Romantic Suspense Series, a 4 book Epic Fantasy Series, and a 7 book Highlander Time Travel/Historical Fantasy Series. All of my series will have more books in them, and I have a few others in the works.

 

Will you be attending any book signings or conventions?

Yes! I have a few in Texas, where I live, and a few elsewhere. I have Boas & Tiaras in Allen, TX on June 8, and Writers on the River July 21 in East Peoria, IL, and HRR (Historical Romance Retreat) in September in Riverside, CA. I am super excited to hang with and meet readers!

 

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

Never, ever give up. This is hard (really, it is) and if you want it, you’ll have to work for it.

 

Please give us the following contact information:

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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