It’s Laura’s turn to spill all as we ask her the following twelve questions…
So Laura, tell us about yourself in 3 sentences.
I love romance novels, red wine, cooking, eating and creating playlists. I hate sultanas, telemarketers, bigots and bringing the bins in. I’ve learnt a lot about myself going through the process of getting a novel published and becoming a parent.
How long have you been writing?
I wrote a short story about being evacuated because of a bushfire in the Mount Dandenong Ranges when I was eleven, and I fell in love with writing.
My first full length novel took about 4 years to get from that first sentence to publication. Over those years I’ve learned that getting the story down isn’t a problem for me – no writer’s block in sight! The challenge for me is wrangling down my word counts.
What genre do you write?
I write spicy contemporary romance. My first novel Beyond Today is sexy, funny and heartbreaking in equal measure. My current work in progress is a little more suspenseful.
What draws you to this genre?
I like reading a wide range of romances, but when it comes to writing, this came the most naturally to me. Maybe its because I like to write about present day social issues, or more likely because I like to use swearing and I’m addicted to pop culture.
Where do you get your ideas?
Usually when I’m out driving around, listening to new music. It’s beautiful where I live and the scenery can be dramatic and breathtaking. Add a new song to that and the ideas flow freely.
Tell us about your process, how do you get into a writing mindset?
I normally allocate time during the day to write, so as that time comes around, I mentally start preparing to focus. I have playlists set up for each of my works in progress to get me in the mood and I always write at a table or a desk. It reminds me that writing is a serious business, not something I’m playing at. Lastly, I have a notebook with my series outline and scene list that I try very hard to stick by.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’ve just completed the detailed outline for the follow up book for Beyond Today, and I am almost finished a manuscript tentatively titled ‘Locked’ which is the first installment of a romantic suspense trilogy set in a maximum security prison.
Which writers inspire/influence you?
Kristen Ashley – I absolutely love her characters. They have such a strong voice and identity and her men – oooh-weeee! She can write strong alpha males without them ever being rude and awful.
JR Ward – If I could come close to writing dialogue like her, then I’d be doing okay. It’s real dialogue that has your heart breaking or tears of laughter falling. Her Black Dagger Brotherhood is a series that sticks with me. The world she has built, the language and culture she has created is remarkable.
Deborah Harkness – the All Souls Trilogy was amazing, and I’ve reread them a few times now. Each time, I realise just how much research that went into those stories. She doesn’t gloss over anything, and it draws me into the story further.
Why do you write romance?
Because love stories make my heart sing. You can write about hope, life, humour and serious issues, and give people a happy ever after.
What else about your writing journey should we know?
At times this journey has been hard, but it has also been worth it. The low points included entering a competition and having one judge write comments so hurtful I burst into tears, receiving rejection emails that make me think they never even read it and also when people I know said ‘oh you write romance’ like it wasn’t a worthy endeavor. When these things happened, I was crushed.
But I’ve had more high points than low. Getting my first contract was a huge moment after 4 years of hard work, and I was as much excited as I was relieved. Getting good feedback and positive judges comments also helped. But alongside being published, the best thing about my writing journey has been my friends that have encouraged me and the new friendships I’ve made, particularly with the Love Sabrists.
This journey has taught me that I need to keep my eye on the prize and be relentless. I’ve also learned that there are people out there who are good for your soul and who help you soar. I’m lucky because I have found them.
What is your favourite childhood book?
As a little girl I loved Each Peach Pear Plum, but as I grew up, I remember being enthralled by the Redwall Series and The Secret of the Unicorn Queen Series. From there I moved on to Anne of Green Gables who opened my world and gave me a new outlook on being a redhead. When I studied Pride and Prejudice in my final years of high school and Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, I was hooked on romance.
And finally, what is the best thing about being a Love Sabrist?
This is a hard question! The best things are knowing I have people at my back whenever I need it, always feeling encouragement and support and an endless supply of inappropriate appendage related GIFs to brighten my day.
You can find more about Laura on Facebook @l.simpson.romance or on Twitter @LadyPorepunkah.