Interview with Edie Ramer and giveaway!

Edie Ramer is an indie author of paranormal romances. Her ebooks include Cattitude, Dead People and Dragon Blues. I recently got the opportunity to ask her some questions! Here is the interview:

Where do you get your ideas for your books?

Usually, the characters come first or the plot stems from something that fascinates me. The cat changing bodies with a woman plot in Cattitude came because I love my cat, and I wondered what that cat attitude would be like in a woman. For Dead People, I’ve been reading books about life after life for years, and I think that interest is why I wrote about a woman who talks to ghosts.

Dragon Blues started with my fascination with dragons. I think they’re glorious creatures. They flame plumes of fire and they fly. Hot and sexy. It took me three years to find a plot and a heroine to fit my dragon who turned into a man.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Mostly, I spend too much time on the internet. It’s an addiction. I also read, watch favorite TV shows, walk my two dogs. Go out to eat, movies, see friends and family. The usual. (Reading this, I think I should make something up that makes me sound more exciting.)

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

About twenty years ago. I was a voracious reader, and one day I started to write and write and write. And I didn’t stop. I was like Forrest Gump when he started to run. Unlike Forrest, I’m still writing.

Along the way to being an indie author, I sold short stories, nonfiction and greeting card verses. I had four agents, writing contest wins, and close brushes with traditional publishing. Self-publishing is the best thing I’ve done for myself.

What is the hardest part of writing?

For me, it’s the beginning of the book. I usually start a book with a premise, main characters and a sketchy idea of where the story is going. Some days writing is like trying to catch a sunbeam. When I reach the middle of the book, I normally have a better idea of the second half, and it goes more smoothly.

How long does it to you to write a book?

About four months, and that usually includes a couple of major revisions and minor ones. I’d love to get books out faster, but I don’t want to skimp on quality. My goal is to make every book better than the last.

Who are your favorite authors or books?

I have so many. In historicals, I love Loretta Chase and Mary Balogh. My critique partner, Michelle Diener, has her first historical suspense coming out in August, In a Treacherous Court, based on real people in Henry the VIII’s court. She’s brilliant, and I’m sure the series will be a huge success. I’m a friend of Lori Brighton, and I love her paranormal historicals and contemporaries. For romantic suspense, I’m a Cynthia Eden fan. Women’s fiction, Marilyn Brant. I just read an ARC of the first book of Jennifer Estep’s new YA Mythos Academy series, Touch of Frost. I loved it! I predict it will be a big hit.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on the second Haunted Hearts book (the first was Dead people). The hero is Joe, who was the heroine’s ghost best friends in Dead People. He’s fun to write, not as tortured as my usual heroes.

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Thanks so much for answering my questions Edie! I always love to find out how authors get ideas for their books. I would love to be an author but I just don't have a very good imagination, lol... I think I'll stick with reading!

Edie has generously offered to give one lucky commenter an ebook of their choice. You can choose from one of the books below:

Dragon Blues

Cattitude

Dead People

To enter - leave a comment below and let us know which book you would like to win. Contest open through April 12th - a winner will be randomly chosen and announced on April 13th.

You can find Edie Ramer at:
Website
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Twitter