Name:  Lorena Wood

Age:  Old enough to know better, and old enough not to worry about what everyone else thinks. If you’re still wondering, that takes at least 50 years to attain.

Where are you from?  A small town in upstate New York.

A little about yourself  i.e., your education, Family life, etc…

The most exciting thing I can say about myself is that I found my soul mate and we created two beautiful children together. I am also fascinated by what makes human beings tick, and have a degree in psychology.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

Lorena: I’ve just published my second book, “Dangerous Prey” and I’ve started on a new one that I’m excited about.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Lorena: I’ve written since I was young, but at first it was poetry, thoughts, journals, and non-fiction. I started writing short fiction when I was in my twenties, and sometime around the age of 40 I finally wrote my first full novel.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Lorena: I didn’t consider myself a writer until I published my first book and it started selling faster than I’d imagined. I was surprised and excited to hear that readers enjoyed my book and wanted more.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Lorena: I have always loved reading, and have always written my own stories in my mind. Does that make sense? If I was on a boring car trip, or doing something unpleasant, I’d make up stories in my head. As I read more romance, I decided I to write the stories that I wanted to read. This one story was stuck in my head, and I just had to see how it ended.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

Lorena: I’d say I write about relationships and feelings, while leaving out some of the more flowery descriptions. I love to read great descriptions, but when I get caught up in my characters, I just want to see what they’ll say and do next. I write paranormal romance. The women have to be strong and the men have to be evolved, at least at some point in the story.

I also find life difficult at times, and so prefer my stories to have humor, hope, triumph, and happy endings.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Lorena: The title for my first book, “Vibrations,” just came to me early in the story, and it fit perfectly. It’s about a psychic who reads the energy vibrations from objects and people. My second book took much longer. When I finally came up with the name “Dangerous Prey,” I loved it, and went around repeating it to my family for a couple of days. 🙂

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Lorena: I wouldn’t say there’s a moral to every story, but I hope the reader comes away believing that true love can happen, that it takes work and communication, and that life can be good. I also hope they learn that romance novels can be fun, unrealistic, and sexy as hell.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

Lorena: That’s funny, because I just said my books can be unrealistic. Hmmm. I write fiction. I like creating characters with super powers of some kind, so obviously, that part isn’t realistic. Sometimes I use things from my life, such as places I’ve experienced or types of people, but it’s always fictionalized to fit the story. Life gives us plenty of reality. I look to books to take me away from all that.

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Lorena: I believe that it’s been said that you write part of yourself into every character. And then, I write people I know into certain characters. But after that, I add all the stuff in my imagination, and the needed angst, background, and abilities so that my characters can become more compelling than anyone I know in real life. In the end, I guess there’s only a little left from my life, but it’s there.

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?

Lorena: I’ve lived too long and read too much to list them all. I can’t say one book influenced me, but there are authors and series that impacted my writing. I remember reading Mark Twain late at night when I was young, and I was supposed to be sleeping. That was powerful for me. I also devoured Robert A. Heinlein’s Sci-Fi stories and Sherlock Holmes adventures. I didn’t discover romance novels until later, and then I fell in love with J.D. Robb, Laurell K. Hamilton, and Nalini Singh.

Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Lorena: None of the big name writers are my mentor, but I’d love it if Nalini Singh would take the job. I do have friends who are authors and who provide much needed support.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Lorena: I’m hoping to start “The Sibylline Oracle” by Delia J. Colvin next. It’s on my Goodreads list and has been recommended by friends. I’m also re-reading a bunch of my favorites, every chance I get.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Lorena: Wait…let me check my Kindle. I really enjoyed the first book in Mellissa Foster’s new series “Love in Bloom.”

Fiona: What are your current projects?

Lorena: I am currently working on my third novel. I’m quite excited about it, because the characters are pretty feisty and I’m having a ball writing it. It’s set in the future, and it’s the first in a series that I have planned. No mind-reading this time, but definitely unique powers. I’m playing with a bad boy character in this series, more than in my past novels. Of course, that’s only on the outside.

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Lorena: I have to give a shout out to the wonderful community of writers on Twitter for sharing their knowledge, motivation, and fan base to help other Indie authors like me to keep moving forward.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Lorena: For now, yes. I’m working at it full time, to give it a chance. It’s my dream job and I’m living the dream right now.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Lorena: Probably. I can read something I’ve written 100 times, and the next time I read it I still find things to change. I have to get it where I feel it’s ready and then let it go or I’d be constantly changing everything I’ve ever written. One thing I do make a point of now, though, is that I write stronger female characters than I did in my first book. She wasn’t weak, but she wasn’t kick-ass enough.

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

Lorena: I loved reading, and I love words. Once I finished my first novel, it was like the first time finishing a good book. I wanted to do it again and again.

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Lorena: Sure. This is from Chapter 5. Remember, it’s just a first draft.

“There you are,” he said tersely, stopping half-way up the hill. “What are you doing on my property?”

Lexi stood, brushing the leaves and dirt off her leggings. Gritting her teeth, she reminded herself that he was the one that needed assistance, and she was supposed to be the one giving it. He was new at life in the outside world, with all its rules and restrictions, and it was her job to make it easier.

“I’ve been trying to reach you,” she said stiffly. “It appears there are a few urgent matters we need to discuss.”

“And it couldn’t wait?” He shook his head indignantly. “It wasn’t exactly convenient to come rushing back here, at night, across the dark trails.”

Lexi sucked in a calming breath and blew it out slowly, but it didn’t work. Her hands curled into fists and the blood began pounding in her ears. “You were inconvenienced?” Her voice shook with repressed anger. “You selfish, stubborn, arrogant prick. You were inconvenienced?” Her eyes blazed with the fury that couldn’t be contained. “I’ve been trying to reach you all day. So, at the end of a long day, I had to nav out here and look for you. And…I get here and find this!”

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Lorena: Having exactly the right number of commas. Commas are my nemesis. I either have too many, not enough, or they’re not in the right places. I really appreciate what editors do.

Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Lorena: One favorite? That’s hard. I think I have a few favorites, depending on their genre. I really love the J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) books. I love that the intensity of the relationship between her main characters has endured through the whole series, even after a wedding. I also LOVE Nalini Singh’s Psy/Changling series. The men are strong and passionate, always putting their love first in their lives.

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

Lorena: I have traveled some in the past, but not much recently. Someday I’d love to plan a trip for research, but they haven’t invented that kind of space travel yet.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Lorena: I designed the covers, and my two children helped with me master the Photoshop issues. I have a model friend that generously provided the photos, and both my son and daughter have serious graphic design skills.

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Lorena: The hardest part of the first one was editing it myself. I learned how impossible that is. The hardest part of my second book was believing I could do it again. Write a whole novel, again? I was so proud when I finished it.

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Lorena: I’ve learned so many things. I’ve learned my mastery of the English language and grammar aren’t as great as I thought they were. I also learned a lot about the Indie writing community. One thing I think I’ve learned, because it’s just my unproven theory, is that writing a novel is more possible than most people think. Yes, it’s very hard work and it takes dedication. But I have come to believe that fear of failure, failing to start, and letting doubt get in the way are major factors that keep so many from finishing their work.

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Lorena: One thing I tell new authors: When you are stuck, write one sentence. Then as soon as you can, write another. If you have to walk away for a few minutes, or a few days, make sure you come back and write another sentence!! It eventually starts flowing again and amazingly you get to continue the process until you can write “The End.”

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Lorena: Thank you! Thank you! If it weren’t for you and your encouragement, I’d never be this motivated. It makes me so happy to hear that readers have fallen in love with my characters, just as I have. Please feel free to contact me. I’d love to hear from you.

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies

Lorena: Does Candy Crush count? 🙂 Other than spending time with my family and friends, I guess my favorite hobbies are swimming and camping.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching

Lorena: My last favorite movie was Avatar, and one TV show I always make time for is Bones.

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Lorena: Favorite Food: Pasta
Favorite Color: Purple/Mauve
Favorite Music: I’m very eclectic. My favorite band right now is Fun.

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done ?

Lorena: At this point in my life, I think of so many things I’d love to have done. I’d like to have been a computer programmer, a doctor, or maybe a graphic designer.

 Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? if so what is it?

My blog is at http://www.javaheadmusings.com

Twitter: @LorenaWood15

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lorena-Wood-Paranormal-Romance-Author/425854920842694

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Lorena-Wood/e/B00BRPM1PE/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1