Interview with Sally Royer-Derr

Hello Sally and welcome to Coffee Time Romance & More. I am so excited to see you here to talk about Obsession. I have a few questions for you about the book itself and then I will, um, get a little more personal. We do this so your readers can get to know you better and because frankly, we are just plain nosy. So confess everything. *sigh* I love my job.

Okay…to begin.

What prompted the story idea of Obsession? Any real-life situations attached?

Like most of my stories, I had a recurring image in my mind. For Obsession, I saw a lovely inn by the Maine coast, a beautiful woman, and a man watching her in the darkness. I started writing and was excited to see how the story developed. 

I love Joanna’s character. How did you make her appear so real? Do you see any of yourself in her?

I definitely see similarities between myself and Joanna. She’s loyal, strong, and compassionate. All qualities I hope others see in me. I think characters appear real to the reader when you consider what you would do in a situation as that character.

The twists and turns of Obsession are fascinating and keeping the reader on the edge of his/her seat is not easy to do. Did you take a special course or is this gift naturally ingrained?

Thank you! I’ve taken a couple of writing courses, but I’ve been writing for years. I’d have to say Obsession is my best work, so far. I think the more you write, the better you get at pacing suspense and knowing where to put those twists and turns.

An author’s ability to write about children intrigues me and I have to say, my heart melted for Jilly. On the big screen portraying kids seem to be easier than writing about them. How did you manage to convey the sensitivity of her so well?

Thank you so much. Well, I work in special education at the elementary level, so I think that may give me an advantage in describing a child’s sensitivities.

Coming up with tag lines or blurbs can be a challenge but I absolutely love this statement about Obsession: “She didn’t realize her husband’s death wasn’t an accident, but rather a calculated murder, by a man willing to do anything to be with her. A man she knew well…” Did you come up with that on your own?

I love coming up with tag lines and blurbs. Most of that one was my idea, with a little help from my editor, and publisher, Lea Schizas.

Okay…now comes the personal stuff:

Do you like to wear hats? *snicker* As if we’re going to let you off that easy. Here are the serious questions:

If you could date any character from any book, who would it be and why?

I have to say Rick Craig from Obsession. I was definitely in love with him while writing that story. He’s protective, kind, smart, and hot. Reminds me of my husband.

What inspired you to pick the pen up one day and create characters that capture the imagination?

I’ve written stories, off and on, since I was twelve years old. I’ve always had an overactive imagination.

What were your favorite books growing up?

My favorite book was Charlotte’s Web. I also loved the Ramona books by Beverly Cleary.

Do you like your books/stories when they are finished or are you overly critical of your own writing?

Depends on the day. Sometimes I think, oh, I should have changed this or that. Other days I think, wow, I really wrote that!

Now, the most important question because you are, after all, at Coffee Time Romance, do you drink coffee? If so, what flavor? If not, don’t worry, we don’t discriminate. What is your favorite brew?

I love coffee! Plain coffee with a little milk is good for me on most days. However, I do love French vanilla cappuccino and caramel Frappuccino.

Thanks again Sally. You were a delight to host and because we never leave our guests empty handed, here’s a cyber and thus calorie-free French vanilla cappuccino and caramel Frappuccino I made just for you. We hope you will join us again at Coffee Time Romance & More and may your journey be blessed with much success. I know there are many readers just waiting to come across a lovely read such as Obsession delivers.