Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

 

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

*waving* Hi! I’m Ellie Rice and I’m 43

Fiona: Where are you from?

I live in SW Ohio

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

Well, I’ve been married since I was 17. I have 3 sons who are all but grown now.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I just released my debut contemporary romance on May 10th of this year!

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing this book about 2 years ago. I became obsessed with romance novels after I was talked into reading Fifty Shades. I’ve always had stories running in my head so I thought I’d give it a shot.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

After about 5 five-star reviews. That’s when I felt like it wasn’t just my sisters in law that liked it.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Not sure, really. I’ve just had stories running through my head for my whole life and felt it was worth a shot to give them life.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

That was a tricky one. I hate having to try to title things. The first half of the book is set in Key West, so I took the Key and tossed it around until Key To Her Heart came up.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I prefer first-person narratives. It makes me as a reader feel more connected to the characters. The only challenge is my limited knowledge of places outside of Ohio. I had to research the locations to make them more authentic.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Hahaha! Absolutely none of it! I only wish I could have ever gone to Key West, or Manhattan for that matter.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

No traveling. Not yet anyway. Hopefully one day I can travel to the cities I write about and see them first hand.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Ah! That would be the marvelous Alora Kate, from Cover Kraze. It is so amazingly gorgeous!

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

That learning to forgive yourself is sometimes the hardest but most worth while thing to do. Also, about letting go of your anger and allowing yourself to accept the gifts that are set before you.

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?

YES! OMG SK Rose has written her debut Crowned with Guilt and it was one of the most gripping and heart-wrenching stories I have ever read. It truly is a must-read!

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

My co-workers were all very supportive. They encouraged me the whole way. Also, the Facebook group Alessandra Torre’s Inkers. Everyone there was so helpful and full of valuable insight.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Boy, I sure do hope so! That would be the ultimate dream.

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

I think every writer thinks they should have done this or that. If I had it to do over again, I would have researched more about the timeline of what to do before hitting the “publish” button. I rushed this one but thankfully had some great people who really helped me and held my hand through the entire process.

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

Yeah, that my NURSE sister in law is a kick-ass rockstar of an editor! She was PIVOTAL in the editing process.

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

Well, Nick Bateman for sure as Stone, since he was the original inspiration. Val I think should be Madison Riley. I always pictured Emma Stone or Isla Fischer for Ang.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Find some author groups on Facebook. There are many that have some of the most amazing women in them. Women gladly now call friends!

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I’d like to say thank you! I have not received one negative feedback from anyone yet. The readers have been so sweet and I love that they leave reviews and tell their friends!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Confessions of a Klutz by Abigail Davies

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

The first book I remember reading that I really enjoyed was The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I love stupid comedies like Dodgeball and Joe Dirt. It doesn’t take much to make me cry lately. I watched Mystic Pizza the other day and teared up. I cry during Steel Magnolias and Armageddon every – single – time!

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

I would love to meet some of my favorite authors like Lauren Blakely and Laurelin Paige. Their personalities are so awesome I think they’d be a ton of fun to be around.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Other than reading? I love watching movies, sunning myself on a beach and of course, shopping.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I have very eclectic taste in movies. I love to watch just about anything except the cheesy Sy-Fy channel movies. They’re not even bad enough to be funny. But I like quirky. Like Burn After Reading. It was so odd but so funny.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Food is carbs, lol! Pizza, bread, pasta…it’s my kryptonite. I am partial to reds and pinks, coral is my current go to. Music=life. I have Hits One (pop) on my satellite radio along with The Pulse (adult-contemporary of the 2000’s) Ozzy’s Boneyard (hard rock), Hair Nation (80’s hair bands) Rewind (classic rock of the cassette generation) and an 80’s-90’s country station. All on the same screen. I switch back and forth as the mood hits me.

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

I would probably have to go into data entry or something in the administrative assistant arena

Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

The only thing that matters. Hold my family

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?

Here lies Ellie Rice

She took a chance and rolled the dice

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

I am in the process of setting up a website but you can always find me on

Facebook at http://bit.ly/authorEllieRice

Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorellierice

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elliericeauthor

Spotify:

http://bit.ly/Key2_playlist

Tumblr (Warning! Adult content for “research”): https://www.tumblr.com/blog/yesbookgirl

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ellie_rice18/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ellie-rice?list=about

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17999968.Ellie_Rice

Purchase: https://www.books2read.com/key2heart

Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/ellierice