An Interview and Giveaway with author Robin Bielman

TRC: Congratulations on the June 2017 release of TALK BRITISH TO ME

Robin: Hi! Thank you so much! And thanks for having me here today.

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

 

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Robin: I’m married to my high school sweetheart. We have two boys and a mini labradoodle named Harry, and since it’s baseball season, that’s what’s on TV all. the. time. 🙂 Right now I’m on a taco kick, and since it’s been quite warm in So Cal, an ice blended vanilla latte kick, too. 🙂

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Robin: I’ve always enjoyed writing, but it took a long time for me to figure out it was romance novels I wanted to write. The first romances I read were by Carly Phillips and Vicki Lewis Thompson, so I’d say they had a big influence on me as I learned the craft.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your stories?

Robin: Time is probably my biggest hurdle! I also have a part-time day job, so between that and wanting to be with my family, too, I often struggle with managing it all.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of TALK BRITISH TO ME and the WHEREVER YOU GO series? Will Harper and Levi’s story be next?

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Click HERE for Sandy’s review of TALK BRITISH TO ME

Robin: The book takes place in Los Angeles and centers around Mateo and Teague. Mateo is The Dating Guy on a popular morning radio show and he uses a British accent and fake name (Bennett) to stay anonymous. Teague works for the biggest wedding planner in Beverly Hills and has a huge crush on “Bennett.” When she meets the all-American Mateo IRL, friendship and sexy shenanigans ensue as the two navigate their feelings for each other. 🙂 And yes! Harper and Levi’s story is next.

TRC: Do you have any plans to participate in another multi-authored series similar to the Bachelor Auction?

Robin: That was so much fun to write and I loved working with other authors, but no. Right now I have no plans for another series like that. I am, however, co-writing a book with the awesome Samanthe Beck, and I’m super excited about it. It’s scheduled to release early next year.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting do you do, and how long do you spend researching /plotting before beginning a book?

Robin: I am a huge pantser! Which means I write by the seat of my pants, and don’t spend a ton of time plotting before I start writing. I do flesh out my characters and have a brief outline so I have some idea of the story, but basically I love to just jump in and go where my characters take me. Sometimes this backfires on me, and I stare at my computer screen for hours before typing a word, and on those days I wish I was a plotter! LOL

TRC: How did publishing your first book change your writing process?

Robin: I don’t think it changed my process. However, having deadlines now means I have to get the words on the page no matter what.

TRC: What was your hardest scene –ever-to write?

Robin: Ever? Hmm…I think it’s one in my next book, actually. I can’t give it away, but it involves Harper and her past.

TRC: There is a fine line between romance, erotic, and erotica in many of today’s popular contemporary fiction. Many authors are re-issuing their previously erotic story lines with ‘cleaner’ versions without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. What do you believe has precipitated this move or change in direction?

Robin: I think it’s probably to reach a broader audience. I love reading all kinds of romance, but I think universally, what we all love is the “will they?” or “won’t they?” and that’s written in the sexual tension between characters, not the actual act.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Robin: Definitely.

TRC: When writing a story line, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Robin: My characters totally lead me!

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the story line so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Robin: Have a good editor. For me, I’m lucky in that my amazing editor always knows where to help me dig deeper so that readers will hopefully feel what my characters are feeling. It’s hard to always get what’s in my head on the page and that might be where we all falter without some assistance from someone who is reading the story with fresh eyes.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the story line direction? Characters?

Robin: I don’t listen to music while writing, but I often listen before I write. Usually when I’m on my treadmill. That’s where I do my best thinking!

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Robin: That writing a book is easy. It’s hard!

TRC: What is something that few, if anybody, knows about you?

Robin: Growing up, I played competitive tennis and had dreams of being a professional.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Robin: I’m currently working on the third book in my Wherever You Go series. It’s Elliot’s turn!

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Robin: Thanks again!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Tacos, sushi, strawberries, cinnamon toast

Favorite Dessert: Anything chocolate

Favorite TV Show: I have many, but currently it’s Younger (love that show!)

Last Movie You Saw: The Mummy

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Both

Secret Celebrity Crush: Chris Hemsworth (although it’s not so secret)

Last Vacation Destination: Big vacation: Australia (it was amazing) Small vacation: San Diego (it was wonderful)

Do you have any pets? The best dog ever!

Last book you read: The Last Guy (loved it!)

TRC: Thank you Robin for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on your new release.

Robin: Thank you so much!! xoxo

Robin Bielman’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of TALK BRITISH TO ME to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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