Writing is my hobby. As a child, I had a hard time learning to read, so anything I took an interest in was deemed acceptable. I have always enjoyed fairy tales, the older un-sanitized versions, as well as the modern ones, mythology, science fiction, action and romance. As I read, my mind wanders, spinning its own tales. So, I figured I’d share my ramblings with you.

The books I write contain little snippets from my life. I leave it to you to decide which scenes are fact, fiction, or a bit of both. I am far braver and bolder than is likely sensible, so my heroines are just as gutsy. I’d probably be categorized as an adrenalin junky. My life has been an adventure. I’ve done archaeology in the hot sun, am well versed with power tools, took Tae Kwon Do in college, have ridden on a Harley with a dark stranger, but never met an alien, vampire or shifter, that I know of.

My stories are tawdry, feature a heroine who is gifted in some way, and will always end happily ever after. It is my opinion this is meant to be entertainment, and a depressing ending is not entertainment. Real life offers enough depressing crap. However, I have been called dark.
My apologies for my horrific grammar. It is something I struggle with. It is probably connected to the slow reading thing. Believe me people have tried. I truly hope that my fairy tales make up for it. You can find out more about me and my books at https://stephaniewestauthor.com/ or
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieWestAuthor/

Thank you for your interest in my fairy tales. Here’s to the imagination and a little daydream…

1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me!  When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most?

I didn’t really know writing was a calling. I had trouble learning to read, but when I did get over that hurdle I discovered that I loved myths and fairy tales and still do. I like fantastic adventures telling stories of personal triumph and if they involved a partnership growing into love, even better. I think that is what has drawn me to sci-fi romance, its like 21st Century fairy tales. Often as I read or watch television, my mind will wander creating its own tale sparked by something I’ve seen or experienced. So in high school I started writing stories. However it wasn’t until in my 30s that a friend read a one page tale I wrote as a goof after they sent me a silly cartoon, that I really decided to get back into it. And now my writing has taken on a life of its own and has been far more satisfying than I could’ve imagined.   

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you? 

I write mainly Sci-fi Romance with a splash of Paranormal. I like my tales to include strong Heroines, who might fall down but always get back up. I try to not make it so that the women must be saved, so at some point they will rescue the Hero in some way. My Heroes tend to be grown alpha males, hard on the outside, marshmallow on the inside. Most of my stories aren’t solely about the relationship that’s building about the main characters. There’s generally a bigger adventure going on. I also try to include a dash of humor in my stories. My tales always include steamy bits in full detail, no fade to black. My books can be found on Amazon/Kindle.

3) Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?

Inspiration comes from all around me. For my books that are part of a series the story is a natural progression of what was happening in the tales that led up to it. The independent tales or first in a series tend to be based on something that just popped into my head, which if often just a single amusing thought that then spirals out of control in my head.

4) Do you have a schedule for when you write?  Do you outline your novels?  How long does it generally take you to finish a novel?  What projects are you currently working on?

I currently have a day job, so I write in my evenings and weekends. I do like to loosely outline my stories as ideas come to me. I tend to release two books a year, spring and fall. Currently I’m working on the third book in my Fated Mate series, titled Destined for Darkness releasing the end of April 2021. 

5) What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally?  Who is your favorite author to read?  What book are you currently reading?

When I was a teen, I read Clan of the Cave Bear and loved it. I enjoy Laurann Dohner’s tales. Sadly I’m not currently reading anything. My schedule makes it impossible to write and read. Perhaps if I get to the point I can quit my day job, I’ll be able to read more often, because I used to devour books. 

6) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

I’m not sure of my most significant achievement. I think meeting other amazing writers has been very rewarding. The relationships I’ve formed made it possible to create a fundraising campaign to raise money for the Red Cross last year, which I hope to do again this year. My goal is to keep writing and enjoying what I write. 

7) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What are your thoughts about how the publishing industry is drastically changing in terms of traditional and self-publishing?

I don’t pay much attention to rejection. In terms of negative reviews, I’ve learned to look at them objectively, weeding out constructive criticism from personal opinions. In fact I recently saw two negative reviews that actually contradicted each other. It was kind of amusing. The expansion of the indie publishing industry is probably the only way I’m doing this. When I self-published my first Sci-fi book, it was just a fluke that it did well, since I didn’t do any promotion. However, I don’t know that I would’ve had the drive to shop my story around to various traditional publishing houses, since when I began, I wasn’t even certain people would enjoy my stories. In fact, when I first decided to start using social media to connect with reader I was slightly shocked that I was instantly recognized by a fellow Sci-fi author. 

8) So many writers say that they hate reading their own work. Do you ever enjoy reading your own work back to yourself?

No. I’m not a fan of reading my own work. I’m overly critical of what I’ve written. I do like seeing what parts readers have really enjoyed. I recently had some fans list a few quotes and it made me grin. I don’t really have perspective on my own works. I couldn’t really say if I’m more dark or more amusing, I just write. 

9) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry?  Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

No. I think that at any point in life we have things we can share that will connect with others. I do think that being adept at the technical aspects of producing the physical book can be daunting if a writer has trouble learning new computer based programs. 

10) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally.  I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity?  How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

I think writing has given me a chance to share experiences and feelings that I may not otherwise be able to share. I try to share the message of persistence and perseverance despite getting knocked down.