Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.
Thanks so much for inviting me to visit, Fiona!
Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?
My name is Flossie Benton Rogers. I’m older than dirt but younger than stardust.
Fiona: Where are you from?
West Central Florida is my stomping ground, an area oflakes, rivers, pines, manatees, and gulf beaches.
Fiona: A little about your self (ie, your education, family life, etc.).
High school Language Arts teacher was my first career. Later I obtained a Master’s in Library Science, became a librarian, and eventually a public library director. One of my favorite parts of the job involved creating programs around author presentations and encouraging the public to participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). I met authors in our area who inspired me to pursue a writing career. Upon retirement from the library world, I decided to write full time andwas one of the founding officers of Sunshine State Romance Authors, RWA #225.
Fiona: Tell us your latest news.
My primary goal at the moment is to get the ebook versions of my Wytchfae series back up and available for readers, after my former publisher closed. Guardian of the Deep, starring the succubus Layla and dark Guardian Samael, is available. The other Wytchfae books will not be far behind: Wytchfae Runes, Mind Your Goddess, Time Singer, Lord of Fire, and Demoness Dreams.
I’m also working on a light paranormal series for a submission request andseveral other stories whose characters are making themselves known to me.
The autumn edition of my newsletter is about ready to publish. Subscribers will receive a free gift in the form of a flash fiction horror story–just in time for Halloween, as well as a chance to win an unusual gift item associated with Guardian of the Deep.
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
At age 8 I so loved fairy tales that I wrote one myself. Mythology and fairy tales are still a huge part of the inspiration for my paranormal fantasy romances.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
2012 when my first novel Wytchfae Runes was published.Squeeeee!
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
My husband was my biggest supporter. He knew writing was always my burning desire. He also inspired the concept of true love so important in my work. He was as thrilled as I when Wytchfae Runes came out.
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
Wytchfae Runes.I coined the word Wytchfae to describe Kelly O’Day, a trained witch with a smattering of fairy blood running through her veins. Wytchfae also describes the supernatural fae dimensions existing parallel to our own. Kelly is able to reach those worlds through casting a sacred circle. The Runes part of the title is from the Viking hero, Ingvar.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?
My books are spicy, action packed, adventurous love stories set in mysterious worlds. My characters enjoy pushing the limits of their powers and desires.
The first rough draft is always the most challenging for me. It seems a form of magical grace that the spewing cauldron of words, emotions, and images becomes a coherent novel. I love the process.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Authenticity in my books comes from my background in circle work, meditation, altered states, and intuitive counseling or “reading.” Also important is my knowledge of self-revelatory tools such as runes, tarot, crystals, gemstones, astrology, and numerology, and my master level training in Reiki and Essential Energy Balancing,
Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?
While family excursions are always a bonus, much of my travel is done to distant locations and back in time during dreams and imaginings.
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
My favorite cover artist, Dawne’ Dominique.
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Magic runs through every moment of our lives, from the tiniest green sprout to stars and galaxies, as does love.
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?
There are so many writers I admire. The members of Sunshine State Romance Authors, for example, produce wonderful books.
The first romance I read years ago was Red Diamond by Australian author Dorothy Cork. She kept her books focused on the two main characters without excess description and exposition. Instead of panning wide screen, she tightened the camera for impact and clarity. I like to do that, too.
Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.
Sunshine State Romance Authors deserves credit. The first president, Loretta C. Rogers,shared her wisdom and gave many encouraging words, including “if I can do it, you can too.”
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Yes, for sure writing is my career and my soul work.
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Not consciously, but I’m sure I would if I ever decided to revise. During revision you always find ways to update and improve.
Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
In stepping outside my usual genre recently to complete a horror story, I learned that I can scare the boots off myself!
Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?
For Guardian of the Deep I would select Jared Padalecki, who plays Sam Winchester on Supernatural, and Emmanuelle Vaugier, who appeared as his werewolf girlfriend in one episode. I could just see those two as Samael the dark Guardian and Layla the sultry succubus. In one section of Guardian of the Deep, Samael takes on the persona of a down to earth, hunky cowboy. Similarly, in an episode of Supernatural, Sam Winchester appears as a western cowboy racing with the wind on a horse. When I saw Sam as a cowboy, I thought, “Oh, my gosh, there goes my Samael.”
Fiona: Any advice for other writers?
Join a professional writing group for education and support.
Subscribe to encouraging blogs and newsletters and watch energizing Facebook live streams pertaining to writing and productivity.
With regard to productivity, decide on 4 specific things you can do every day to further your writing career. Do them first thing in the morning before anything else or, if you have a day job, as soon as you are able. Do these 4 things before allowing yourself to cross off less important items on your to do list.
For example, I have my 4 things, which I call my Quantum 4, and getting those tasks done by 1:00pm makes me feel as if I’ve moved a mountain and swum the Channel. The Quantum 4 regimen is THAT powerful.
Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
A million thanks for your interest and support. I hope my stories uplift your spirits and provide a peek into secret, mysterious realms.
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
I recently finished Taming the Lyon by Loretta C. Rogers and am now rereading an old favorite, Hearts Aflame by Johanna Lindsey.
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
When our teacher handed out a new Friendly Village reading book in elementary school, I took it home and read the whole thing that night. I believe it was the first book I read cover to cover. Previous to that were stories and tales such as The Snow Queen. Following it were all the Nancy Drew books. Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad was the first classic novel I read in high school.
Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?
Many things make me laugh and cry, including commercials with an emotional tug, and I have no trouble doing both at the same time.
Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?
I would love to meet the medieval nun Julian of Norwich. She wrote words that serve as my mantra in times of stress, including the recent harrowing visit of Hurricane Irma:
All is well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.
Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?
Yes, I am multi passionate. I especially love painting, crochet, and blogging onauthor productivity, mythology, mystical realms, alternate realities, and the fairy world.
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
Supernatural is my all-time favorite TV show, and I also enjoy Outlander and Vikings. The Star Trek movie reboot with Chris Pine taking on the William Shatner role is a load of fun as well.
Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?
The southern delight of pinto beans and cornbread, purple, and many kinds of music—Celtic folk for chilling, Tibetan singing bowls for restful dreams. Also Mussorgsky, old country, and various eras and types of rock.
Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?
Study comparative mythology and arcane wisdom.
Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?
The first line of a poem of mine: “We speak to stars you and I.”
Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?
Website – http://flossiebentonrogers.com
Blog where I spend time Conjuring the Magic – http://flossiebentonrogers.com/blog/
Amazon Author Page — https://www.amazon.com/Flossie-Benton-Rogers/e/B009VJ60EG/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1
Grab your copy of Guardian of the Deep:
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/guardian-of-the-deep/id1042905041?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Grab a print version of the Dark Warriors anthology:
Author Bio:
I write dark paranormal fantasy and am known for conjuring the magic in romance. Founding officer of Sunshine State Romance Authors, RWA#225.Former library director and teacher.Essential Energy Balancing and Reiki master, adept at revelatory tools such as tarot, runes, astrology, and numerology.Passionate about comparative mythology, mystical realms, true love, and alternate realities.Coffee aficionado.Bedazzled thrall of Marigold the fur fae.
Thank you for your hospitality, Fiona!
authorsinterviews 
Fiona, thank you so much for your hospitality!