How did you start out your writing career?
I started my writing career as a self-published author. My debut novel was a romantic suspense entitled Ghosts of Fire. Since then, I’ve published sixteen more novels and one novella.
What did you learn while writing this book?
I learned that I’m capable of stepping out of my comfort zone and challenging myself to explore new boundaries as a writer. While I thoroughly enjoy writing romance novels (as Maureen Smith), I appreciated the freedom of writing a story that would push buttons and get people talking. I really want to emphasize to readers that Exposed is NOT a romance, because I don’t want anyone to buy the book expecting to receive a happily-ever-after ending.
What did you hope to accomplish with this book?
Exposed is a story about a woman who will do anything to keep a secret hidden. I want the book to make readers think about the choices we make in life, and how those choices impact not only our lives, but those of our family and friends. And, of course, I also want readers to be thoroughly entertained by the story.
Which character did you have the most fun writing about?
While I enjoyed developing all of the characters, Tamia was my favorite because she was the most complex. She was so unpredictable that you never knew what her next move would be, and you didn’t know the lengths she would go to cover her tracks. She definitely kept me on my toes!
What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?
Honestly? I think I’ve been most surprised to discover just how hard it is to make a living as a writer. It’s been a very enlightening experience.
What aspect of writing do you love the best, and which do you hate the most?
What I love most about writing is creating new characters and plots, and pushing the boundaries of my imagination. What I dislike most about writing is the business side of things (negotiating contracts, deciphering complex royalty statements, handling publicity, etc.).
What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?
1) I wish I’d known that success doesn’t come overnight
2) I wish I’d known that comparing myself to other writers is counterproductive
3) I wish I’d known that not everyone has my best interests at heart
Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?
DO finish the manuscript you’ve been working on for years.
DON’T allow rejections to keep you from achieving your goal of becoming published.
What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
I wish more people understood that it takes time, talent, perseverance—and yes, sometimes luck—to become a successful author. The reality is that there are many talented writers out there who may never land a publishing contract, or who may never “make it big.” It takes a true love for writing to persevere through all the ups and downs of the business.
When you’re not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to read, bake desserts, travel, and hang out with my husband and our two children.
What do you do to interact with your readers?
I love to interact with my readers! In addition to having a Facebook page, I periodically send out a newsletter to announce upcoming releases, contests, etc. I also make it a priority to respond to every email I receive, even if someone’s writing to tell me how much they hated one of my books. LOL. If a reader took the time to write to me, then I owe them the courtesy of a reply. One of my favorite ways to interact with my readers is through my Yahoo group. I’m able to provide updates on my books, share what I’m currently working on, and get valuable feedback on various topics. My Yahoo group is truly like a family. We not only discuss books; we also pray for one another, share good news, and support and encourage one another.
Our theme for this month is “Writing the Book.” What advice do you have for staying motivated to complete the book?
Plant your butt in front of your computer and write. It’s that simple. Don’t make excuses for why you’ve been unable to complete a book. If you really have a story to tell, don’t let anything or anyone keep you from seeing that story through to the end.
Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?
I know that the journey of a published author can be filled with enough ups and downs to drive anyone crazy. But I also know that anything worth having is worth working hard for.
Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?
I’m currently working on Deception, the sequel to Exposed. The story picks up right where the previous book ended. I hope readers will enjoy this new tale of lust, deception, and betrayal.
How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
I absolutely love to hear from readers! I can be reached via email at chaseme@naomichase.com, and readers can also visit my Web site at http://www.naomichase.com/.
On the brink of a major promotion, Tamia Luke is within reach of the glitzy life she’s always dreamed of—until her client, Dominic Archer, blackmails her into becoming his mistress, threatening to reveal her scandalous past. Tamia has no choice but to submit to his demands. But the tables turn when her hostility toward Dominic is replaced with insatiable lust. No man—including her boyfriend—has ever satisfied her the way Dominic does. And as her infatuation grows, the closer she comes to losing everything—including her life.
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1 comment:
Loved "Exposed!!" Glad you'll be able to write a sequel. You are immensely talented- which is a breath of fresh air, considering all the jailhouse story-tellers out there, who THINK they are writers.
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