I just finished reading Dangerous Waters by Radclyffe, and I have had the opportunity to interview the author about it!
Who or what inspired your latest novel Dangerous Waters?
I was impressed by the incredible response from people—from community members to first responders—to the two nearly back-to-back hurricanes in Texas and Florida in 2017. The selfless outpouring of aid and support made me want to capture some of that as a backdrop to a First Responders novel, so I quickly re-arranged my writing schedule to fit Dangerous Waters in as the next book.
Who or what inspired you to start writing?
Every book I’ve ever read has helped create my life-long love of reading. I started writing lesbian fiction to fill a gap in what I was able to find to read at the time. Now even though there is a wealth of new queer fiction available, I enjoy the process of writing and sharing my work with readers.
Which of your books was your favorite to write and why?
If I had to pick one: Safe Harbor, since it is one of the earliest ones and begins the Provincetown Tales. I have always loved the characters and the setting—one of my favorite places to visit.
Who is your favorite character from your books and why?
Again – not a fair question since I have quite a few characters I like to revisit and write about. At the moment it’s Blake Remy, a trans teen first introduced in the second book in the Rivers series (Prescription for Love). His story has turned out to be a major secondary plotline in three books, and I get lots of emails asking me to write more about him. Writing a young queer character has been challenging and rewarding.
How do you approach writing a new storyline?
For me, any story, but particularly a romance, is about the characters. I start with two characters who find themselves in a situation they never expected, often at odds at first, who learn more about themselves as they come to know each other.
Where do your inspirations for characters and their lives come from?
Most of the situations I write about come from real life events I have either experienced (as in the medical romances) or events I’ve read about that seem to me to be important and interesting for readers. Life is filled with “every day” heroes and those are the stories I like to tell.
Where is your favorite place to write?
I can write anywhere, but I prefer writing while sitting on a sofa rather than at a desk. I don’t listen to music although I can edit a draft while watching baseball on TV 😊.
What is your writing process?
I dictate my first draft with voice-to-text software and then edit the transcription on computer. I write from page one to the end, and I never write scenes out of sequence. The book grows as the characters interact.
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I learned to be a much better self-editor as I became more experienced. Being published has helped me be a better writer.
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
Becoming a member of the Romance Writers of America. Attending the annual meetings and learning from the best romance writers in the world has really helped me improve my craft.
What is something memorable you have heard from your readers/fans?
I’ve been fortunate to receive countless messages of support over the years, and they are all invaluable. I am always especially happy when someone tells me my books helped them come out or to realize they are not alone.
What book that you have read has most influenced your life?
The first book I ever read with a lesbian character—that was when I understood who I was.Beebo Brinkerby Ann Bannon.
How do you take your coffee?
Americano with ½ and ½.
The Lesbian Bookworm 