Interview with Rose Anderson

Hi Everyone and welcome to my blog! Today, please help me welcome Rose Anderson to the blog!
Rose is here for an interview. 

Tell me about yourself, and your writing.

That’s tricky. I’d say the easiest way to know me is to read me. For I am each and every one of my characters – the lovers, the dreamers, the champions, the nerds, the pouters, the fraidy cats, even the sociopaths! I write from life and my entire pallet of human emotion. My husband says I’m neither cat nor dog, (lol that whole unpredictable redhead thing) so my stories reflect that.

When asked about my writing, I usually say this:
I love words and choose them as carefully as an artist might choose a color. My active imagination compels me to write everything from children’s stories to historical fiction. As a persnickety leisure reader, I especially enjoy novels that feel like they were written just for me. It's hard to explain, but if you've ever read one of those, then you know what I mean. I tend to sneak symbolism and metaphor into my writing. You might say it's a game I play with myself when I write. And I so love when readers email to say they've found something. I’d like people to feel my stories were written just for them, for that’s the truth. These hidden insights are my gift to my readers.

How long have you been writing? How many published books do you have, and what genres?

I’ve been writing for about twenty-five years now. All told, if I count my youth and children books, I've written eighteen works of fiction. My goal is to see them all published. I have four in print now and three more coming out between now and late summer 2013. All are adult novels that fall under erotic romance category. I have a youth novel coming soon under another name as well. I keep my nom de plumes separate for obvious reasons. :)

Do you write in multiple genres or just one? If just one, do you ever consider straying outside your genre?

Right now, I’m in romance. But I only got into romance to learn the publishing business on because it’s popular and fast. By fast I mean my first romance novel was accepted in the blink of an eye. I hadn’t really expected it because I tried more than twenty years ago in the days of paper manuscript submissions. After going through a tree or two worth of paper, nothing came of it. I walked away and got busy with other things.

I started seriously writing again about seven years ago. It was two years ago next month that I became a published author. I’ve been on the author fast track trying to learn all I can ever since. I have a much larger project I’m working on. I didn’t want to make any mistakes with it.

Are you a plotter or do you write from the seat of your pants?

I’m a linear pantzer. In the old 1970’s TV series Happy Days, Ritchie’s older brother Chuck just stop coming to the dinner table one day and was never mentioned again for the duration of show. I suspect the show’s writers were fly by the seat of their pants people. I’m sure plotting would give me less “Chucks” to work around, but that’s not how my mind works. As an intuitive composer and stream of consciousness writer, I literally walk forward into the story and keep on walking until it tells me it’s done.

If that run of creativity actually has the Muse behind it, I’ll find doors and windows open along the way to give me direction. Other times characters just appear and create options for the story. Once in a while I’ll get a Chuck. I’ve had to eliminate more than seemingly innocent person who stopped by to borrow a cup of sugar, then stood in my doorway trying to get me to write about them! It’s weird how that works. I really don’t know where those people come from…some cobwebby corner of my psyche I guess.

Being without an outline does have its occasional sticky points. Once I drop a story thread, I have to go back and read from the point it last made sense. Sometimes, if life comes in from the sidelines and demands attention, I’ll have to reread the whole thing to bring it all back. But that’s not always a bad thing.

What is a typical writing day like for you?

Oh the usual. I get up at dawn, make coffee, drink coffee, walk dogs, feed dogs, play with dogs (if I don’t then I’m hounded with squeaky toys until I do). Then I see to the details of being an author. Any given day I might have 60 or more emails or I might have a guest post to write or an interview to complete. I’ll try to get to my own blog if there’s time. Whew. By ten o’clock I’m writing my work in progress. If the Muse is on my side that day, I might get several chapters completed. I’ve recently added a stint on the treadmill to my daily repertoire because sitting all day is turning my muscle to mush and a recent study says that is seriously unhealthy for my kidneys and my heart. If I could figure out how to duct tape my laptop and coffee cup holder to my treadmill, and have the dogs in tow behind me, I’d be all set!

Who do you love to read? Favorite authors, favorite books?

I’m an informational reader for the most part. Oddball that I am, I read encyclopedias like other people read magazines. Before I became published and got into this 24/7 word fest that my life has become, I did a once a year binge, and I mean binge, on fiction. It was mostly romance, but I’d do a run of other fiction too. At least one keeper (or series) would be reread in its entirety. You know, those books you’ve enjoyed so well that you reread them until the pages dropout and they need to be replaced? My yearly pilgrimage could include titles by the likes of JK Rowling, Agatha Christie, Diana Gabaldon, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, among others.

I take romance in smaller doses now that I write them. Before I’d read every book Kathleen Woodiwiss, Judith McNaught, or Johanna Lindsey ever wrote in one long stretch. When the binge ends, I go back to reading information. My longest binge lasted two whole months and I went through 26 books. Currently, I’ve at least a dozen romances stacked in my to-be-read pile. I’m waiting on the 8-day week so I’ll finally have time. I don’t think author and time can be used in the same sentence.

What is something you'd like to accomplish in your writing career next year?

My 500k five-year-in-the-making as yet unnamed Magnum Opus (MO) is what I’ll eventually return to. As mentioned above, I initially gave myself five romances to learn the business on. The sequels for my last two are finished and one is waiting on edits and the other is waiting on the cover. That’s four romances done and in print. My fifth is already a third of the way written. Ideally, I’d finish it, but lately, the MO has been whispering to me. I know once I start rewriting it I won't stop for anything else and I also know that will take some time. I already have five years into it.

Right now each book in the story is over 100K words. I'm a much tighter writer now so I'm guessing I'll lose an entire book when all is said and done. Then I'll have to write the ending which, as it stands, can go one of three ways. My husband says I should consider a "choose your own ending" and write all three. :) Who knows, maybe I will. It'll certainly make it unusual…not that it needs any help there. The story is steeped in philosophy, theology, theosophy, physics, metaphysics, history, prehistory, astronomy, quantum physics, and energy medicine. It’s a timeless love story and the ultimate battle between light and dark. And hopefully I won’t be the only one to understand it!

If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?

Oh, definitely a dimensional time traveler. I’d go back in time and change things that have done nothing but set humanity back. I’d correct things that never should have occurred like the burning of the Library at Alexandria, or the sacking of the Americas. I’d correct the series of events that took woman from her rightful place beside man and made her property. I’d find the point where things started to go wrong and greed won the day. I suspect if that were possible there wouldn’t have been wars. Greed would have no footing. And suffering in all of its forms for man and animal would end. :) That’s just a peek inside my head. lol

If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?

I think it would be cool to have that goose that laid the golden eggs. In lieu of my having the aforementioned paranormal ability, I’d pass out golden eggs to people with great ideas on how to fix things in the world. I might hold back a few to start a goose breeding program. They’d eat their favorite foods, listen to soothing music, and sit on cushions. And when those goslings matured, I’d be a golden egg philanthropist – I’d go all over the world and give my massive, self-sustaining, Scrooge McDuck (McGoose) zillions to worthy causes.

Tell us a little about your latest release.

If it’s ok, I’d like to tell you about my soon to be released sequel to Loving Leonardo. It’s called Loving Leonardo – The Quest. What began as a social commentary turned into a gay love story, and that turned into a Victorian polyamory. Like book one, LLtQ, revolves around the life of Nicolas Halstead, a well-to-do Victorian gentleman, who works as an art historian at the famed Ashmolean Museum. Up until very recently, Nicolas considered himself gay. The truth of him is broader than that. Through an unusual series of events, he finds himself married to a progressive American woman named Ellie. Thus begins their unorthodox marriage and abiding friendship. Bound for Venice to track down the whereabouts of a priceless, and previously unknown, work of Leonardo da Vinci, they didn’t count on meeting Luca, himself a historian. Secrets are revealed as they share their common interest in Leonardo. While they come to redefine their long-held notions of themselves, a man with a dark obsession comes into their lives. The story continues in the second book. Nicolas is a very interesting man,

Of all the heroes I have in print at this time, Nicolas by far possesses the most depth of character. And I love them all! As an art historian he sees the world through the artworks he loves. Because all art is a manifestation of emotion, Nicolas wears his depth, compassion, sensitivity, and passion upon his sleeve. He’s also witty and intelligent and terribly romantic. I find him an utterly fascinating and love seeing his world through his eyes. I’ve enjoyed these LL characters so much, they may have other adventures in the years to come.

What is something that you absolutely can't live without? (Other than family members)

Things to learn. I have a great sense of wonder.

Could you ever co-author a book with someone? If so, who would you choose, and what would you write?

I’ve met several amazing authors on this journey of mine so it’s hard to choose. Today, I think I’ll imagine co-authoring with Diana Gabaldon. She’s created such a memorable hero in Jamie. He’s written with depth and full facets of humanity. I can say that for me as a reader, that makes him unforgettable. My Magnum Opus has a family of men I’ve imbued with that range of depth. One day I hope this family will move readers the same way Jamie Frasier moved me when I first read him.

I love time-travels. It’s fascinating to think of going back in time being a woman or man of this century. That they’d have to adapt to that foreign environment by using their skill set is relatable in a weird anachronistic sort of way. (Diana if you’re reading, have your people call my people. Let’s do lunch!)

If you could spend a day with anyone from history, dead or alive, who would it be, and what would you do? What would you ask them?

Ok, here’s a weird one. That would be Hermes Trismegistus, sometimes referred to as Thoth. Yes I know what you’re thinking, isn’t he that ibis-headed proto-god of Ancient Egypt? Yes and no. The Ancient Egyptians claimed HT, a.k.a. Thoth, was the true author of every work of every branch of knowledge, both human and divine. The Ancient Greeks believed that Hermes Trismegistus was simply a man, albeit a brilliant man. Many of the early Christian scholars did too. They believed he possessed one of the greatest minds in history. I’d love to get his take on things. I’d love to know where he envisioned humanity was headed back in the day.

If I couldn’t get him, I’d spend the day with my grandma. I have an adult’s head full of questions now that I didn’t have as a child when she was alive.

What are some of your other hobbies outside of writing?

I’ve had lots of interests in my life but few true hobbies. I munch for a while to learn how, then move on. Learning how to do it is the point to me. I suppose the one hobby I stick with is world drumming. I love making music with my friends.

What is something you've always wanted to do, but haven't done yet. Why not?

Take a hot air balloon ride. My husband gave me one for my 40th birthday but the chicken I was let it lapse. I see them in the sky every once in a while and feel regret. Why don’t I just get another trip scheduled? Cluck cluck…cluck.

If you were on the staff to have a book adapted to movie, what would you pick?

Well, my Magnum Opus of course! But I’m on staff so that wouldn’t look good, would it? Because I’m an informational reader, unless it’s binge time, I’ll choose an encyclopedia over a work of fiction. As far as fiction goes, much of what I’ve read has already been made into movies or mini-series. As far as I know it hasn’t happened yet, but one I’d love to see is a screen adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander.

What is a talent you wish you had, but don't?

I wish I could play the fiddle. I love fiddle music of all kinds, including Irish, Appalachian, and Roma.

Favorite color?

There are three I never get tired of seeing – hunter green, chocolate brown, and cranberry – but I get in color moods so pretty much enjoy the spectrum. I’m also fond of black. As a natural redhead of the pink variety, I can wear most any color. When I was fifteen, this older man saw me wearing black and told me I should always wear it because I looked beautiful wearing black with my coloring. I can’t tell you how many black this or that’s there are in my wardrobe, even today! That older man was 19.

Weather: Hot or cold?

Oh, cold for sure. I’m a middle-aged woman. I bring heat with me wherever I go!

Favorite place to read?

Curled up on the corner of the sofa.

Favorite meal

Food is such a sensuous thing. With friends – I’d say a long drawn-out Mongolian hot pot with a cheese, chocolate fondue, and fabulous conversation to accompany it. For comfort – the ethnic foods I grew up with – sauerkraut and spaghetti and meatballs.

Favorite non-alcoholic drink.

Slightly sweet iced tea.

If you could travel anywhere and do anything, no limits or money holding you back, where would you go?

I’d be a world traveler. I love architecture, especially ancient works on ground considered sacred by every group inhabiting the area through time. Early religions fascinate me. I’d take it all in from Newgrange to Gobekli Tepe.

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