S.E. Rose
Romance author, S.E. Rose, lives in the DMV. And if you know what that means, then you know where she lives. She currently resides with her husband, two children, and always at least two cats and usually other random creatures her children decide they need. While she works at a desk during the day, her evenings and weekends are devoted to writing and editing her romance novels. She loves all things wine, coffee, tea, and dark chocolate; that’s right, dark chocolate. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, traveling, going to concerts, and reading.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Well, my newest book came out on March 24th. It’s a romantic comedy that takes place at a destination wedding. Cue a whole bunch of wedding disasters and toss in some romance and that pretty much sums up the book. It’s a quick, fun read, that I hope makes my readers laugh. I came up with the idea while at a destination wedding with one of my best friends. And some of the funny scenes are based on things that actually happened while we were there.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
For me, time is a challenge. I’m a mom and I also have a full-time career. I write on weekends and evenings, which can be difficult when the kiddos have activities or need help with homework. I think most working parents can relate. Sometimes you just want to relax after you’ve worked and parented all day. I try to write for at least 30-60 minutes a day, and I’m getting better about it. My family and friends have to come first, and sometimes that means my writing takes the backburner.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Editing! I edit before I send to my editor. Once I finish writing a story, I’m so amped up about it, that I just want to get to the readers. So for me, having to read through it 3-4 times, is difficult.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
I guess I’d give up watching TV. Mostly because it’s a time suck for me. But I think it would actually make me even more productive. Although I admit, I’m a sucker for HGTV and would miss it!!
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I think I realized just how many weeks I need to put together a finished, polished book. I was able to work on my first series without publishing, so I took all the time I needed. Once you publish and you have readers, it’s important to figure out a game plan for publishing each year. I’m getting the hang of it, slowly.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
LOL! Uhhhhh, hold on, I’m counting. I have about twenty books in either outline form or started. I really want to do a romantic comedy about Thanksgiving. I had planned on it this year, but some other projects came up that I just couldn’t pass on, so maybe in 2020. We host Thanksgiving at our home every year, and there are just too many funny moments to not share them in a book.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Cringe…yes. It’s hard to read reviews. As an author, you pour your heart and soul into a book, so the bad reviews are especially hard to swallow. If there’s legitimate critique, then I do take that seriously as I always like to improve my writing. However, they are never easy to read. The good reviews do make me happy. I mean, come on, it feels good anytime someone compliments you, even when you’re like me and don’t handle compliments well.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Actually, yes. I have a few little winks to friends and family that only they would catch. And in my Portentous Destiny Series, I actually made a clue contest and put a clue in each book. No one’s figured it out yet. (There’s a post on my website blog about it, if you are interested in trying to solve the mystery.)
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I’ve become friends with quite a few, mostly romance authors. Shout out to my tribe, Krista Sandor, Ashely Hastings, Emma Renshaw, and Lynne Leslie. They’ve been with me since before I published, and they always act as my own personal focus group for ideas. They are the best!
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
You will have to learn more about marketing and advertising than you ever thought possible.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Trying to do what others are doing. If there was a guaranteed formula for success in the writing business, everyone would be doing the same thing.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
That’s a tough one. Learn about advertising, whether on Amazon, Bookbub, Goodreads, Facebook/Instagram, or Twitter. I’ve also found newsletter swaps useful.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
Any of Roald Dahl’s books. Danny Champion of the World or The BFG might be my two favorite.
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorserose/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SERosesReadersGarden/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/seroseauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seroseauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17720618.S_E_Rose
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/S.E.-Rose/e/B07BB1ZJK7/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/s-e-rose
Podcast: https://kissandtellromance.podbean.com/
Book+Main Bites: https://bookandmainbites.com/SERose
AllAuthor: http://serose.allauthor.com/
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtFdeENgpUzZkQTIM1ItYsA?view_as=subscriber
Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/seroseauthor
