My Interview with Author Doris O'Connor

1.     When did you first realize you wanted to become a Writer/author?

I think, I’ve always known deep down. From as long as I can remember I spun stories in my head. I even wrote them down as a teenager. Life intervened and I didn’t sit down with a serious intent to write and get published until 6 years ago. The rest is history, as they say.

2.     Where do you get your ideas for your book?

Absolutely anywhere, and anything. You never know when something might spark my muse. She’s a very visual creature, so pictures send her off quite regularly. I write flash fiction on my blog every Tuesday and Friday, and I’ve lost count how many of my stories started off like that.

3.     What kind of things do you enjoy when not writing?

I read, of course. I’ve always been a voracious reader, not that I have much time for it these days, sadly. I enjoy spending time with my family, and friends, walking the dogs, and I swim, attend Aqua Fit classes several times a week.

4.     How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Gosh, I have to go and count them. One sec…

67! A mixture of short stories, novellas, and novels. I would have to say whichever book I’ve just completed is my favorite, but if I had to pick just one it would be The Housewife and the Film star. Sven was the first hero I ever wrote, and that story has had so many rewrites, you would not believe. You never forget your first, right.

5.     Do you have any suggestions to help others who have a passion for writing?

Write from the heart. Read lots in your chosen Genre and then simply sit down and write the story. Get yourself a good beta/critique reader, and keep on writing. Take the inevitable rejections on the chin, learn from any feedback and keep on writing.

If this truly is your passion nothing will stop you from pursuing your goal. It’s not an easy road to travel by any means, but travel it you must.

6.     What do you think makes a great story?

Passion, talent, writing from the heart. Naturally, grammar, sentence structure, formatting etc., all count and are very important, but these are things that you can learn. True passion, the gift of storytelling comes from within, and I don’t think anyone can teach you that.

7.     Which Writer/Authors inspire you?

Almost every author that I read will inspire me in some way, even the books that I don’t really care for. I have a huge list of authors which are on my auto-buy list, far too many to mention here.

8.     What are you working on at the moment?

I have just finished book 6 of my Spectrum Auctions series. This features my oldest heroine to date. She’s forty and rediscovering herself after a messy divorce. The story is currently with my Beta readers for their feedback before I sub it hopefully sometime next week.

I have a bear shifter story grumbling to be told right now,  so I dare say that will be next on my list, as well as more Spectrum Auctions, and The Cleaners stories.

9.     What genre are your books?

Heh, I have a very unpredictable muse, so I write across several genres and subgenres. Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-fi, LGBTQ, Ménage, BDSM to name but a few J

My stories are always erotic and kinky in nature.

10.                        What drew you to the genre you write?

I kind of fell into writing erotic romance, which still amuses me at times, because those first sex scenes I ever wrote were beyond awkward, but my characters simply wouldn’t keep their hands off each other, so…  erotic romance it was.

11.                        Which Actor/Actress would you like to see portraying the lead character from your most recent book?(any book you like)

Hmm, now there is a question. I’m going to go with Auctioned to the gentle Dom. David Gandy was my inspiration for Master Logan, so it would have to be him (I know he’s a model… but he’s  just perfect for Logan).

12.                        Do you write full-time or part-time?

Full time, in so far that I do not have any other job, apart from being a mum to nine, of course, which takes up most of my time. J

13.                        What is the hardest thing about writing?

Finding the time to actually fit it in. Some days I’m so busy I’m surprised I don’t meet myself coming back!

14.                        Any tips on how to get through the dreaded Writer’s block?

Relax and chill. Fill up your inspirational tank any which way you can. I read a lot, watch favorite movies, and generally speaking just relax. Sooner or later, the words start to flow again.

15.                        Do you read much, and if so who are your favorite Authors or genres?

Oh yes, though not as much as I’d like to. I read all sorts as long as it’s romance, and I discover new authors all the time.  Like I said previously my list of authors is far too long to mention, and it wouldn’t be fair to single anyone out, though my good friend Raven McAllan would be top of that list. We beta read for each other, and her stories always blow me away.

16.                        Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?

Nope, thank you.

17.                        How can Readers discovery more about you and your work?(please provide proper links)

Readers can find me in these places:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doris.oconnor.3

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/DorisOConnorAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mamaD8

Website: http://www.dorisoconnor.com/

Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/doris672003

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/dorisoconnor/

Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview 😊