Joining me today in The Loft is fellow eXtasy author Ann Raina. Ann has written 26 novels of erotic romance, science fiction, adventure, and romantic suspense. Her books include multiple series, including Jasmine and Ethan (The Bodyguard series), Nick and Jacklyn, and Project Recruitment. Ann currently resides in Germany. When not writing, she enjoys riding her horse and gardening.
S: Good morning, Ann! Thanks for joining me today.
What is the best/worst thing that has happened to you as a writer?
A: The best thing forever—my muse. We’ve been friends since childhood and she helps me with every plot. Her insight, her humor, and her story ideas make every novel worth writing. None of my works would have been completed without her input. The worst thing—maybe the loss of a part of my manuscript for "Famous Murders." I had to write an entire chapter once more because of a sudden power loss at my home.
S: I am sure many can identify with the loss of part or all of a manuscript! I once had a computer failure that wiped out everything. Ultimately, a technician recovered my manuscripts, but that was the day I learned about computer back-ups, such as flash drives and clouds.
If you have to do it all over again, would you still choose to write books?
A: Yes. I started writing stories when I was a kid. My imagination evolved with every book I read and the wish to create my own stories grew with every year. Maybe I would have started writing books with original characters earlier than I did in this life. It’s more rewarding.
S: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
A: That I managed to become a published author at eXtasy Books. Many authors try to find a publisher. I was lucky that the Canadian publisher accepted my first work.
S: What is the best advice you’ve been given as an author?
A: You can’t edit your own books. You will always need an editor to find all the flaws because as the author, you read what you think you have written and that may not be the truth. Additionally, only an editor will find logic gaps and other mistakes. I’m lucky that a friend checks my work prior to any editor at the publishing house.
S: You're right. A second set of eyes is always needed.
What part of the publishing process do you like most or least?
A: I like to see the compilation of the finished text, the cover picture, and the final design. For me, it’s like showing that my work is worth the effort. However, I can't think of anything I like least. I am drawing a blank.
S: Do you read your reviews?
A: I read all the reviews I receive. Even the ones not praising a book can be helpful. They help you understand the reader’s view on the story and characters.
S: Where do you write?
A: I write at home, a cat on my lap, and a cup of coffee on the table right beside the keyboard. I need the quiet solitude of my workspace to be creative. I write for about an hour, then get up to do something different—mostly to picture the next scene or a dialogue—before I return to the desk and write some more. That way, even the housework gets done. On most days, I don’t have more than an hour to read what I’ve written so far and add a new scene. On weekends, I add some extra hours as long as my eyes stay open and the coffee lasts.
S: What books will be your summer reads?
A: I’ve got several books by Tad Williams—they are always worth reading. I also like the works of Dean R. Koontz and Minette Walters. And I’m open to new novels. I get my inspiration for new books from Facebook sites.
S: If you could be one of your characters who would you be and why?
A: I would like to be Jacklyn Hollander from my Nick and Jacklyn series. She lives the life she wants to live, doesn’t compromise, and yet gets what she wants. Not to mention that she’s in love with an attractive, clever, and successful FBI agent, who pretty much fulfills the wishes she dreams of. They make a great couple.
S: What is your favorite line from one of your books?
A: From "Twisted Mind," Book 1 in the Nick and Jacklyn series: "No lover prior to Jacklyn had ever mentioned the words role play to him, and at twenty-eight years old, he was suddenly a newbie at making love to a strong woman."
S: Ann, thanks so much for joining me today! If you would like to learn more about Ann Raina and her books, please visit--
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.raina.7
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Ann-Raina/e/B004ZFFNAS
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