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?

Hi! My name is Rania Battany and I am 37 years old.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I am from Melbourne, Australia.

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

I am married to the love of my life and we have three children, a dog and three chickens. Before I become a mum, I worked in events and performance, with my qualifications being in Event Management and Theatre. Many years ago, I wrote poems and screenplays for local theatre.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I am about to release the third book in my Stolen Hearts Series, which is a steamy contemporary romance series following four separate interracial romances.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I have always been a writer in some capacity. As a child and teen, I wrote poetry. In my twenties I wrote screenplays. Finally, I wrote my first novel in my thirties. I write because I have to … because it’s the only way to get the conversations in my head to stop!

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I considered myself a writer from the moment I started writing. I considered myself an author when my first book was officially published.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

It is a funny story. I woke up one morning and an idea just popped into my head—like a lightbulb switching on. I felt so compelled to get the story out of my head that I wrote 4000 words that day!

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

All my titles come from a line in one of my books.

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

Everything I write is based—in some small way—on something that has happened to me or someone I know. In saying that, I always embellish that element for the sake of my story.

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

No. I’m fine to write without travelling.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I use an Australian cover designer named Lana Pecherczyk. I have also designed some of my own covers, too.

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

Yes. I loved to write about flawed characters finding love. That is the message I want everyone to take from my books. No one is perfect. But everyone deserves to find someone that loves them.

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?

My favourite author at the moment is Jennifer Probst. She writes sexy, contemporary romance with characters that have intense chemistry.

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

The Romance Writers of Australia. The other authors/members have been an integral part of any success I’ve achieved.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes. Currently, it doesn’t earn me a full-time income, but that is my long-term goal.

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

No. My latest book, Call me Lucy, is one of my favourites that I’ve written.

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

Sure did! I overcame my fear of judgement and wrote the book I wanted to write. I learnt that in the past I had allowed what other people would think of my writing to dictate how and what I wrote.

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

Hmmmm, I’m not sure! My male lead is Middle Eastern with dark tan skin and striking features and my female lead has Ocean blue eyes, a petite frame and white skin. If anyone knows of someone …

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Network, network, network! There is so much to learn from more experienced authors and the pool of information is invaluable.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I love hearing from my readers, so please, say HI now and then!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Right now, I am reading Waiting for you by fellow Aussie author, Jasmine Stevens

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Books that highlight how dating can go wrong make me laugh and any thing emotional makes me cry!

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

From the past, I’d like to meet Jesus, simply because I don’t think there have been many other people throughout history that have been so influential. From the present, I’d like to meet Prince Harry (who may not be a Prince any longer?) to discuss what life as a modern-day royal is really like.

 Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Yes! I love gardening. It’s more than a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.

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

I don’t watch TV shows. As for movies, I enjoy anything fun and light-hearted.

 Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

Favourite food is a Middle Eastern dish. It is stuffed Lebanese zucchini in a rich tomato-based sauce. My favourite colour is probably ruby. My favourite music is soft pop or singer/song-writer stuff.

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

Grow a garden that is productive enough to feed my family of five.

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

I will hang out with my husband and three kids, perhaps playing boardgames or going for a walk through one of the beautiful parks in our area.

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

That I was loved.

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

 Yes! My website is https://raniabattany.com

I have recently released a new book called Call me Lucy which is an Amnesia, Enemies-to-Lovers romance. You can find more details about the book and the series on my website.

My latest book Call me Lucy is out now. I have attached the cover and the links here:

AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/2O5T8BG
AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/2XuYqtt
AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/2QDCdIm
AMAZON CA: https://amzn.to/3340Ro2

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Rania-Battany/e/B07MGCNKPL/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0