Welcome Judy, So glad you to have you join us today.
1. The first question I have to ask is; what made you decide to write about gangsters and the crime syndicate?
That is a good question. For starters, I began this book as an attempt to write about successful marriages. It never even entered that realm. I sat down and started writing Lilly and she took me on her own journey. No idea really, why she headed for the Montiago men.
2. You named your first book in the series Easter’s Lilly. How did you come up with that title?
Everything significant happens to Lilly on Easter. It is as though Easter owns Lilly. Throughout the series, Easter Sunday is a significant date. That’s how it came about.
3. I have always loved reading series. I find that when I get done with reading I feel sad the book is finished; I want to know more about the characters and what is going to happen next. I fall in love with all your characters in your Easter’s Lilly Series. Do you prefer writing series to single stories and if so why?
So far all of my novels are part of a series. I fall in love with my characters and can’t bear to let them go. I naturally end each book with a new storyline on the way. I am not sure if I will ever write a single book with no sequel.
4. In the Easter Lilly series, we have the hot looking crime boss Diego, we also have his sexy looking brother Max, the right hand man, and we can’t leave out the smooth sensual other brother, Hector the protector. Now for a question that all your female fans want to know. Did you base any of those men on your husband? As for looks and romance. Readers want to know lol.
I will never tell.
5. You’re a substitute teacher and you teach a writing class at a college. You’re a mother and a wife and from what I have read on your facebook you’re constantly on the go for one member of the family to the next. How do you find the time to also write?
Good question. Don’t tell my boss but I do a lot of my writing while I am subbing. Usually the teachers will give me something to hand out for the kids to do and they pay little attention to me. But, I do help them out when needed, so it can be a rough situation. It’s a good thing I can write with noise going on all around me or Lilly would probably still be held up in some basement somewhere, waiting for me to come back and get her out.
6. How do you start your books? Do you start out with a character sheet? Does the story come easily for you? Do you ever get stuck trying to find out what to write next?
I never plan a single thing. I sit down at my MacBook, put my fingers on the keys, and my characters push their way out of my head and onto the paper. I often dream storylines or one will hit me while I’m driving to work. I sometimes find myself with not enough words and at that point will seek the counsel of my husband. I will tell him what’s going on in the book and he will start suggesting new things for a new storyline. I often say to him, “I just need one more big thing.” Then we usually come up with something together.
7. You have a new book coming out called Linked, which is a paranormal romance about Vampires. What made you decided to write this type of book?
Actually, Linked started out as a gangster book. At one point it became apparent that vampires were involved. I had no idea they were vamps until they told me.
8. You also have a 5th book in the Easter Lilly series, (The Lost Years) which you are working on. Do you have any idea when that will be out and can you tell us a little bit about the book, and will there be another one after that?
The lost years is about Junior as a teenager. Memoirs of a Mobster is Junior as an adult in his 30’s. He has certain ex-girlfriends and history that is explained in more detail in The Lost Years. It is a Young Adult novel and shows Junior’s vulnerability. I do not yet know when it will be released. I think I will aim for May or June. Yes, there is a book after this one. It features Octavio and Junior. It promises to be a steamy ride.
9. If you could nitpick at one thing that writers should not do when they write, what would it be?
I don’t think writers should send out their work for public opinion. The truth of the matter is that you can’t please everyone and certainly there will be people who will not like your writing. If you start asking for public opinion before you let your books out, you may end up not writing what is true to your heart. I say be true to yourself, love what you do and don’t let anyone discourage you from your path.
10. If you could give advice to new writers what would it be?
Don’t write for the market. Write from the heart. Markets change. Your heart will stay constant.
Judy it was so nice to have a chance to ask you some questions I think your readers would be interested. I want to thank you for taking the time to answer some of our question today.
You can find Judy on the web at: www.judyserrano.com
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You can purchase her book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or order then from a book store near you.
