2ND ANNUAL SPRING FEVER BLOG TOUR: Lisa Rayns

 

 

I’m mainly a paranormal romance author, but I’m expanding to different genres. I have an urban fantasy out, and this year, I’m also hoping to publish a psychological suspense along with a new romantic comedy series. I live in South Dakota, so the cold weather has been ideal for staying in and getting more work done.

 

• How much time are you able to devote to writing?

 

I devote a lot of time to writing, plotting, and research. I consider it an extension of who I am, and I’m always striving to succeed and get noticed in this business. When I’m not working, I’m hanging with my wonderful kids.

 

• Tell me about one of your characters and how that character was born.

 

Tara is the main character in my latest book, Wanted: Vampire – Bad Blood. She was actually born in book 1 of the Trilogy. As that heroine’s best friend, she had to be supportive but tough, and she’s definitely rough around the edges. She was never a good girl, and she has a dark side that made her a lot of fun to write.

 

• Why do you write and what struggles have you had in publishing?

 

I write because I’ve always wanted to be an author. My love of books must have begun early in life because my mother always told me that I taught myself to read before I started school. Of course, I didn’t do anything about that dream until 2007 when my life was at its absolute busiest. Since then, I’ve tried to keep my writing a high priority.

I’ve had plenty of struggles in publishing. It took me four years of hard work and learning on my own before my skill was good enough to receive a contract from a small publisher. After that it became easier because I learned about things like writing groups and critique partners. Beyond that, the main struggle is always marketing, marketing, marketing.

 

• What is the biggest reward you’ve gotten as a published author (i.e., personal satisfaction, monetary gain, networking)?

 

The biggest reward I’ve received as a published author was my first contract with The Wild Rose Press. I felt like a real author for the first time, and it was amazing. Also, I love connecting with readers, and some of their reviews just leave me breathless. Most days, I believe I am doing what I am meant to do.