Welcome, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Suzanne Marie Calvin for taking the time to answer these questions for Coffee Time Romance. How did you come up with the storyline for Bewitching The Bachelor?
Well… I have a particular interest in Wicca and really wanted to write a good witch novel. I’d become inspired by Nora Roberts’ Three Sister’s Trilogy and decided I could probably tackle an in depth project that would entail a seemingly endless curse and an extensive family tree, along with magickal elements. It was a lot more work than I anticipated, but so much fun! The idea slowly came to me when I tried thinking about a plot that would make both force the hero and heroine together, yet make it seemingly impossible for them to actually BE together.
How long did it take you to write Bewitching The Bachelor?
Believe it or not, it took me three months to write it from start to finish. It was one of those magickal moments when the characters actually write the story themselves, without pause, and everything just falls into place. Then it took me another few months to really polish it.
What inspired you to write Bewitching The Bachelor?
I really wanted to do a paranormal and I have a special affinity for witches. I wanted to write a story that straddled a line between the possible and what most people may view as the impossible. It was important to me to shed light on the element of reality when it comes to witchcraft. I think society has slightly evolved in that we’re either realizing or accepting that we are a varied culture with broad spiritual beliefs and while Wicca is witchcraft and magick, it’s really so much more than that, too. And there are most certainly witches living amongst us — and magick happens every day. Just watch and see!
Did you have to research about witches and the times of the witch-hunts?
I’ve always been fascinated by the witch trials. Bewitching the Bachelor came to me after reading a book by Celia Rees entitled “Witch Child.” It’s a fictional tale about a young girl who is a witch on the run. Celia included a lot of facts within the tale and it was truly inspiring. From there, I just took off — trying to get my hands on everything I could about the witch trials.
Did you have the characters already plotted out or did they come to you as you were writing the book?
Bianca and Luke, the hero and heroine, were very clear to me. The three characters who surprised me were Miles and Fallon, the heroine’s two best friends, and Cabot, the villain. They truly took on lives of their own and surprised even me. And the feedback I’ve received for Miles and Fallon has been incredibly favorable — readers just love how dynamic those two became.
Do you plan on using any of the characters from this story in future books?
I really have no plans to do so. However, I must say I miss them all terribly!
Did you have any difficulties writing this story?
No. And that was surprising to me. It was really a story that begged to be written from start to finish. In fact, I couldn’t type fast enough. It came to me so quickly, I literally stayed up most nights until well past two to finish chapters.
What made you decide to become an author?
I’ve written for as long as I can remember. And before I could write, I used to weave elaborate stories that I’d tell anyone who listened. Writing is as much a part of me as the very hair on my head!
What type of jobs or careers have you had besides writing and do you miss any of them?
Well, when I’m not writing, I’m homeschooling my children, which is a full time job and one I wouldn’t trade for anything. My career before that was a paralegal. The stress involved in that situation was extremely intense. The only thing I miss about that job were the clients I met, some of whom even became friends. Unfortunately, the job was so busy, I didn’t get to spend as much time with clients as I would’ve liked to. I’ve also been a waitress and a vault teller in a bank!
How much time do you get to spend with your family when you do not have a deadline?
Lots. Having my kids home with me every day gives us lots of time together and that’s fun!
Do you have certain hours that you write or are they when you can manage to snatch them?
I do a little bit of both. I primarily write in the evenings, once everyone is asleep. So, my writing slot is typically from about 8 p.m. until I pass out at the keyboard. During the day, my kids will often become involved in projects on their own and, if I can, I try to sneak in some time then, too.
Have you ever had Writers’ Block?
Oh, yes. It’s an unfortunate virus I think most writers come down with at some point. However, I find that if I let my characters take charge, I have it a lot less. It’s when I try to inhibit their growth and movement that I find myself blocked.
Do you have any upcoming projects?
My third novel is slotted for release sometime in January. It’s a sequel to my first novel FIONA’S FANCY featuring Piper Davis, Fiona’s crazy, palm reading best friend. Currently, I am working on another paranormal witch novel and considering the possibility of turning into a series of four books.
What encouraging words would you give to aspiring authors, if you could?
NEVER give up. No matter how many rejection letters you get. I could wallpaper my walls with the number of rejections I have gotten, but perseverance is the key. So is finding the right publisher for your work. Once you find the right home for the types of books you write, the sky’s the limit!!!!
I would like to thank Suzanne Marie Calvin, on behalf of Coffee Time Romance for chatting with us and we wish you good luck on your upcoming projects.
Sheryl
Interviewer
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