Author Interview – Ashley Robertson
Hey Guys!
So today I am introducing you to the marvellous Ashley Robertson, author of Crimson Groves, and Unguarded. I will be asking her some questions for you all to read over and enjoy!
Hope it helps you get a better insight into her and her novels.
But first, here’s a quick peek at her novels.
Abigail Tate was a normal human girl—until the day Bronx the vampire barges into her life and turns her against her will. Held captive while forced to deal with never-ending cravings for blood, Abby prays for a way to escape. Only when an opportunity arises, it’s with the aid of an innocent human named Tyler—except vampires are forbidden to interact with the unbitten. But Abby quickly learns this human has secrets of his own…secrets that can either help her or get her killed. Only Abby soon discovers that she is the one with the biggest secret of all.
Guardian angel Selene was close to becoming an archangel—until she fell in love a vampire. Now her dark lover has been kidnapped and the only way to save him is by abandoning her human charge. But her choice to save him doesn’t come without a price. Selene must push her diminishing angel abilities to where she risks becoming fallen, praying she can save the ones she loves before her fate is sealed.
Hello Ashley and welcome to A Daydreamer’s Thoughts! Let’s start with the basics, tell us a little bit about yourself, anything you would like your readers to know.
I live in sunny Orlando, Florida, with my husband, stepson, and three furry children (2 labs and a cat), and I love reading and writing about everything urban fantasy and paranormal romance. When I’m not writing you’ll find me spending time with family and friends, training in my home gym, horseback riding, traveling and exploring new places, drinking medium- to full-bodied red wines, and making gourmet coffees with my Nespresso machine. Visit my website to learn about my upcoming releases, guest blog posts, and featured giveaways at www.AshleyRobertsonBooks.com
Seems like a fairly busy fulfilled life. So, how long have you wanted to be a writer?
Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve always loved to write, especially about everything going on in my so-called life. It began with songs and poems that eventually—as I got older—turned into short stories and plays. I loved my high school English classes, and my teachers always gave me accolades (and good grades) on my essays, and not long after that, those essays began evolving into things with a more fictional twist. And once my college English professors expressed the same satisfaction with my work as my high school teachers did, I knew this might be a career to pursue. But God obviously had other plans for me in the form of a real-estate job. So fast-forward fifteen years from then (and me working 24/7 as a realtor) to when I was finally given an amazing opportunity by my husband: to abandon a career that consumed all of my time and focus on one that was more flexible and would allow me more time with my family. I have one poetry book published and two urban fantasy/paranormal romance thrillers—both of them falling into a YA or Mature YA sub-genre.
When you’re not typing away at the keyboard coming up with new ideas, what do you do?
Traveling and exploring new places would be one of my most favorite things to do. I’m also a huge red wine lover, so you’ll usually catch me with a glass or two in the evenings. I’m an avid reader of all things urban fantasy and paranormal romance. I also love spending time with my husband Baron and my stepson, Cayman, who turned six this past January.
Crimson Groves is a book about vampires, what first inspired you to write a vampire novel?
For me, this answer is simple. I’m obsessed with vampires—always have been, which is a main part of Crimson Groves (and its upcoming sequel, Crimson Flames. However, I wasn’t surprised when Selene—the guardian angel protagonist in UnGuarded—came knocking on the door of my mind until I caved in and embraced her story, though there are still vamps in this one too, just not the main character as it is in Crimson Groves and Crimson Flames.
As a writer it is good to get a good background of other novels within your genre, could you tell us what your favourite vampire novel is?
Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost.
Can you tell us anything interesting about your protagonist, Abby?
Her mother was a powerful sorceress, her father was a gifted vampire. When Abby is captured and turned into a vampire, the process awakened the dormant sorceress blood inside her, making her a whole new species—a hybrid.
And finally, do you have any advice for any aspiring writers out there?
I’d love to share some tidbits of info for anyone wanting to get into this business. First of all, make sure this is your passion—writing not only for yourself but to entertain others with your stories. Keep your readers in mind by making each page thrive with drama, action, romance, betrayal, and just about anything else that will provoke emotions and keep your readers turning the pages. This is a very competitive business (I’d actually compare it to those aspiring to be actors/actresses) Yes, it’s that competitive. So you’ll need to grow a thick skin to the many rejections and negative reviews you’ll face along the way. Don’t take it personal! Use it to grow as a writer and improve your work. And remember, you can’t make everyone happy—no author can. Make sure you have a good editor to clean up your work as no one likes to read anything with numerous grammar errors that will actually detract from your story and more than likely cause a lower review for your book. I use the amazing Stephen Delaney with Close Reader Editing Services. Everything I write—even my interviews and guest posts—and overseen by him. And finding an editor is very much like finding a literary agent, you must research and find the ones that specialize in your genre, otherwise it’s a big fat NO from them. Everyone loves a personal touch, and editors, agents, bloggers, reviewers, etc. are no different. Spend the time learning their likes and dislikes (most of them tell you this in their submission guidelines or on their facebook pages) and then use that to your advantage to stand out above your competition. Trust me, this is a MUST as I’ve received countless Thank You letters from various bloggers and reviewers who appreciated that I listened to their requests and shared information about things we had in common.
and a quick fire round
ebooks or hard copies?
eBooks
day or night?
Day
reading or writing?
Both
paper or computer?
Computer
tea or coffee?
Coffee
favourite book of the moment?
Pleasure UnBound by Larissa Ione
most memorable book?
Captive in the Dark
Thanks for chatting with me today Ashley! It’s been great getting to know you a bit better.
Ashley Robertson resides in sunny Orlando, Florida and loves reading and writing about everything urban fantasy and paranormal romance. When she isn’t writing you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, training in her home gym, traveling and exploring new places, drinking fine red wines, and making gourmet coffees with her Nespresso machine. Visit her website to learn about her upcoming releases, guest blog posts, and featured giveaways at: AshleyRobertsonBooks.com