Author Interview: V. Cantrell

We’re welcoming V. Cantrell to the blog today!

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Do you argue with your characters? If so, who wins most frequently?

I wouldn’t call it arguing, because that would indicate I had a say so, which I really don’t. But sometimes my characters have their own agenda, and it completely throws me for a loop. For example, in Divine Merit, one of the Royal Guard, Levi, learns of a threat and possible traitors, and all of the sudden he announces, “We set a trap.” And I’m like, “Wait, Levi, we have no trap! What are you talking about?” I had no idea what his plan was and this sexy scoundrel was not sharing with me! I just had to let the scene continue to play out.

What makes a story interesting to you to write? How about to read?

People are always saying to me, “I can’t wait to find out what happens in book 2!” And my usual response is, “I can’t either!” That’s the most interesting part of writing, just hanging on for the ride as the story takes on a life of its own.
When I read for pleasure, I stick to romance, but I love all kinds of romance. The suspension of disbelief is so important. When a story is written so well, that no matter the topic, it draws the reader in and it becomes more than just a story; it becomes an alternate reality. That’s what I look for and that’s what I love.

How do you escape writer’s block?

Anytime I have experienced writer’s block has been because I was trying to force my will on the story and the characters. I can usually coax the story in the direction I want it to go, but when it’s just not happening, it’s because I’m not seeing the bigger picture, I’m missing something. I have to step back and imagine the scene and find the natural flow of what comes next.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

 Stop doubting yourself and worrying if it’s crap, just write the story as it comes.

What’s your writing fuel?

 A lot of times, I’m inspired by music. I’ll be driving in my car and singing along to the radio, and suddenly a scene is playing out in my head. But I can absolutely not write while music is playing. I need quiet to envision the scene.

The best joke you ever heard:

I have no idea. I can tell you I have a sense of humor equivalent to a 13 year old boy. I find the most inappropriate things hilarious! I also love reading the failed autocorrect text messages. Some of those are priceless and will have me in tears.

The Rapid Fire section:

Ink, Typewriter, Computer:

Ink

Coffee, Tea, or Hard Liquor:

Tea

Hot, Cold or Warm:

Warm

Cat, Dog or Bird:

Cat

NC17, R or PG13:

PG13

Find V. Cantrell on the Web:

Blurb:

From what was never meant to be, can they become whom they must, in order to  survive?

Amira has been trained from birth to become the ruler of the Nephilim and their island sanctuary. She is the perfect princess, until her birthright and even her fundamental beliefs are ripped away. She’ll learn perfection and training count for nothing when faced with a ruthless enemy determined to possess her and all she holds dear. Does she have the fortitude and inner strength needed to regain her kingdom and save her people?

Sometimes you have to stop fighting in order to win. As captain of the Royal Guard, Caeden’s priority is to protect the Royal Family.  Sometimes that means protecting the naive princess from her own desires, even if he is tempted to give in. When a betrayer strikes from within, their sanctuary and very existence are threatened. Caeden must overcome the burning pain of helplessness to defeat this enemy and restore Amira to her rightful place. He will not fail his princess again.

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