Friday, March 13, 2015

Author Interview Series: Writers’ Quirks Featuring Robin E. Mason

Today on Writers' Quirks, I'm chatting with author Robin E. Mason. 

Thanks for joining us, Robin! Tell us about your latest project. 
I have just begun working on Clara Bess, which is the sequel to Tessa. When her mother, Lily, dies, Clara Bess discovers that Lily was not, in fact, her mother. In Tessa, she strives to keep her secret; Clara Bess, on the other hand, must uncover a secret - a lie - she has believed her whole life.

Sounds interesting! Now for some quirky questions…
Have you ever fallen in love with one of your characters? 
Not so much in love as a lover, but yes, in love as with my child. I very much see Tessa (the book) as my baby. Then again, I
haven’t written anything (yet) with a hunky gorgeous manly man character…

What is the best place for dreaming up your storylines? 
Anywhere, really, but outdoors is my greatest muse. I feel a communion with Holy Spirit when I’m outdoors like nowhere else and He is the source of my writing.

What is your favorite snack while writing? 
Snack is whatever I’m in the mood for or whatever is on hand.  Beverage of choice, however, is unsweetened iced tea, 24/7.  Yes, I live in the South and I drink UN-sweetened tea. I’m an anomaly!  Also, morning coffee is cinnamon hazelnut.

How do you feel about pen names? 
They’re fun. I’ve seen a few discussions, pro and con. I originally wanted to use a pen name (Anne R. Byrd) because I didn’t like my name – because I didn’t like ME. When it came time, however, I chose to keep my name – because I have learned to love myself.

What is the most not-true-to-self writing or marketing idea you’ve considered (or done!)? 
Marketing period. The component that goes most against my natural grain, I guess, is posting a meme or blurb – daily. I love creating them, and change it up every week with a different image and excerpt or quote, but I still feel obnoxious posting every. single. day.

How are your books different than the millions of other books?
Because I wrote it/them! LOL. I can’t think of any (no really) that address identity crisis in the way I have – assuming another person’s identity. Not identity theft, but stepping into someone else’s life. And getting away with it for more than a decade. Future stories involve characters with Multiple Personality Disorder, and on a lighter side, twins and their antics.

What one question has no one asked you about your book/character/writing life that you wish they would? 
How many copies can I get! Serious answer, why the subject of identity is so personal to me.

So, why is the subject of identity is so personal to you? 
Serious (and short) answer, because for too many years of my life, I didn’t like who I (identity) was and I wanted to be someone – anyone – else. (I discuss this in some of my posts on my blog.)

Where would you like people to connect with you online? 
I am on Facebook pretty much all day long. It can be a “time suck” and that’s a negative, but I do a lot of positive interaction, too, and I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge about being an Indie author, not to mention made countless new author friends! I’m also on Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, and my website.

Thank you for joining us, Robin!

Robin's book, Tessa, is available now.

1 comment:

  1. Hi Ladies - Robin - so nice to learn more about you and your writing! (See, linking to Facebook does work.) LOL! It's how we met.

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