Today’s Fiction Friday interview is with award winning author, Anne K. Albert. Anne writes stories that chill the spine, warm the heart, and soothe the soul…all with a delightful touch of humor.
Welcome, Anne. Before we talk about your books, tell us a little about yourself.
I’m an art college and university graduate who taught junior high and high school for seven years. I also sold display advertising for a small town weekly newspaper, then worked alongside my self-employed husband, both were for a seven year stretch. Next, I worked at a national brand water company–and yes, that was for seven years, too.
Do you see a pattern emerging here?
While all of these various occupations were interesting and rewarding, none can hold a candle to writing. I now write fulltime, and am proud to say I surpassed the seven-year mark as a writer ages ago! J I expect to be a writer until I take my last breath.
How much character and plot detailing do you plan out before you begin writing a novel, or are you a “pantser” (fly by the seat of your pants)?
I’m very much a pantser. I start with a vague idea, most often a crime, but the who, when, why, and where are never clear. That unknown of both plot and character is why I write. I’m my first reader. I write to find out what happens next, and to whom!
What are your favorite books to read?
I read the type of books I write–sweet, romantic suspense and cozy mysteries. As a reader, I want a fast-paced story. I want good to triumph over evil. I expect the villain to get his comeuppance. I also believe love conquers all, and that should be shown in the ending.
As a writer, my goal is to sweep the reader away with a hero they’ll love, a heroine they identify with, and a mystery or puzzle to solve. I tell stories of ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations. There are challenges and tribulations, of course, but the happily-ever-after ending makes it all worthwhile!
Tell us about your books.
For those who enjoy cozy mysteries, http://www.amazon.com/Frank-Incense-and-Muriel-ebook/dp/B004CLYDRO/ the first book in the Muriel Reeves Mysteries, takes place the week before Christmas when the holiday season is enough to rattle anyone’s nerves. Add a missing woman, Muriel’s eccentric family, and it’s seasonal mayhem at its best. I’m very proud that FRANK, INCENSEAND MURIEL received the 2011 Holt Medallion Award of Merit.
DEFENDING GLORY, http://www.amazon.com/Defending-Glory-ebook/dp/B0045JL61E/ is book one of the Piedmont Island Trilogy series. This fictional community in northeasternMinnesota is a perfect location for these sweet romantic suspense stories. Surrounded by majesticLake Superior with rugged terrain and volatile weather, this island community has more troubles than residents.
PROTECTING HOPE, book two of the series, features Deputy Jeremy Abbott. A hero in every sense of the word, he first made an appearance in DEFENDING GLORY. From the moment he walked onto the page, he insisted he deserved a story of his own, as well as his own happily-ever-after. PROTECTING HOPE is a stand alone book, (a reader does not need to read the series in order). It will be released this spring. Check my website and blogs for details.
Where can readers reach you online?
At my website: http://www.annekalbert.com or blogs: http://anne-k-albert.blogspot.com, http://piedmont-island-trilogy.blogspot.com, http://muriel-reeves-mysteries.blogspot.com. I’m also on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anne-K-Albert-Fan-Page/167338756619836 and Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/AnneKAlbert
It’s been such fun visiting you today, Preslaysa. Thank you so much.
Thanks so much for featuring me today!