Tricia Saxby
Tricia Saxby is a contemporary romance author who enjoys writing witty and independent heroines who find love with sexy heroes who can take their sass and give it right back. Tricia works as an MOA but in her spare time, she enjoys baking, watching HGTV, camping and playing with her fuzzy kids Gimli and Oreo. With the mountains of Kamloops, British Columbia right in her backyard, Tricia goes hiking with her husband and two sons; the beauty of “BC’s desert” a sight to behold.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
A Secret to Forgive is book one in my Fashion World reunion series. This is Karen and Leo's story and takes place in New York City. Karen is new to NYC and interning at one of the top fashion magazines. She has the boss from Hades which gives it a bit of Devil Wears Prada vibe. Then Leo walks into the picture as the new Fashion Week photographer and they are forced to work together. This journey of theirs takes them on a rollercoaster of bad memories while trying to get along. In the meantime, Karen has to deal with workplace bullies and Leo is haunted by a ghost from his past. They need each other to heal, but will they realize it before it's too late?
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Finding time to write is the hardest. I work full time as an MOA which makes my writing time restricted to evenings and weekends.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Writing a synopsis and pitch. So much time goes into it yet when you read examples it looks so easy. You really have to get down to the bare bones of what your story is really about. Not, it's a romance. That's too vague. Karen and Leo's story, for example, is about believing in yourself (Karen) and being able to forgive yourself (Leo).
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
The first thing that comes to mind is my full-time job but as it's my main source of income I can't do that... yet.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I'm trying to build a readership now, so my goal is to keep the books coming. I am more determined than ever to always have a project on the go. So, in short, I am now writing every day and not just when the mood hits. I want this to be my life. My career. Have to put in the time to be successful.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I have one half-finished. It's not part of my reunion series and a bit different. It's still a romance, but I'm taking it on the road with my hero who is a semi-truck driver. This book is in honor of my uncle who passed away a few years ago. He drove semi's his whole life.
I have two unpublished. Wrote them in my teens - pen to paper. Who knows where they'll end up.
Book three of my reunion series is in the plotting stage, and I'll be starting a Christmas story this month.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I've read a few. Thankfully, they've been good so far and bring a big smile to my face.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I haven't yet.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I'm friends with a few Harlequin authors. One even mentored me for a year which was amazing! Their enthusiasm for their writing careers and answering any newbie questions I have has been invaluable.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Just get the first draft down. Leave the inner editor locked in a cage until round two. That has been my chant while writing book 2.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Procrastination, trying to write like someone else, letting rejections bring you down. I didn't write for years because an editor I hired pretty much told me I had to rewrite my whole book. (One of my unpublished manuscripts that might get a dusting off and some new life one day). I can admit now that book was never in editor ready shape, but boy did I ever suffer from lack of confidence for a very long time after that.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
A blog/website, Facebook, Goodreads, Bookbub.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
Clifford the Big Red Dog and The Hungry Caterpillar. I know you only asked for one, sorry! ;)
Social Media Links:
www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomtriciasaxby
www.bookbub.com/authors/tricia-saxby
Facebook @triciasaxbyauthor
Twitter @triciasaxby
Instagram tricia.saxby
