TRC: Terri Herman-Ponce: Interview with the Author

FROM: Terri Herman-Ponce Website

I’ve been curious about past lives for the longest time. I’ve also always been enamored with Ancient Egyptians and their belief in the afterlife. Imagine if you kept coming back until you ‘got it right’. You know, fixing past mistakes. Meeting up with people you’ve known before. Finding your soul mate and spending forever, literally, with that special someone because you simply can’t live any life without them.

Sounds a bit romantic, right? But I’m not all that romantic. I can’t resist giving the stories in my head a twist and the characters I’ve created a really hard time. They’re not facing challenges to get together. They’re facing challenges to stay together, millennia after millenia. For me, the best reads are the ones that make you sit on the edge of your seat. I hope I do the same for you.

TRC:  Hi Terri and welcome to The Reading Café.

We would like to start with some background information.  Please tell us something about yourself?

Terri:  Well, I’m a communications manager by day and a storyteller by night. I was born on Long Island and that’s where I live now with my husband and son. I’m also the youngest of five children and would love to come back as an astronomer in my next life (if there is one!) because I’m as fascinated with the night skies almost as much as I’m fascinated with ancient Egypt.

TRC: Your bio states that you are a huge foodie and wine lover.  How do you sate your desire for the various types of wines and food available from around the world? 

Terri:  Oh, this passion was years in the making! I’m lucky to live on Long Island and be near New York City, which is a mecca for everything food and wine. Mostly my husband and I search out wine boutiques and we spend a lot of time at the vineyards on the East End. I’m also a huge fan of Zagat to find new places to eat. That’s one app I can’t live without on my iPhone!

TRC: You have stated that you have a fascination for Ancient Egypt and your current novel IN THIS LIFE touches on your fascination.  Have you ever travelled to Egypt?

Terri:  Sadly, no, but it’s on my bucket list. I’m enamored with the majesty of ancient Egypt – the pyramids, the temples at Abu Simbel, the Temple of Karnak – it just amazes me at what these people built, what they believed in, and the lifestyle that shaped their culture. Fascinating stuff.

TRC: Many authors discover their love of writing early in life.  What sparked your interest in writing?

Terri:  Star Trek fan fiction! I know, that either makes you roll your eyes or sit up and say, wow, that’s kinda cool. But that’s where I started writing sixteen years ago and, after a short time doing that, my best friend stopped me and said, “why not write something of your own?” So I did. And then I couldn’t stop.

TRC: What difficulties or challenges have you faced as an author?

Terri:  Wanting to give up in the face of rejection. It’s hard when you have all these stories inside your head that you want to tell, but yet can’t seem to catch the right attention to see them through to publication. There were days I wondered why I bothered, but yet I just couldn’t give up the writing. It’s my passion.

TRC: IN THIS LIFE is your October 2012 release.  Would you please tell us something about the premise?

LINK TO ORDER: Amazon

Terri:  In This Life is the story of a psychologist, Lottie Morgan, who starts reliving memories of a lover she’s never had – until she meets a mysterious man with whom she shared a passionate relationship thousands of years ago. Galen’s revelation about their stormy history entices Lottie into wanting to know more about her past, but her decision comes at a price. Galen may hold answers but he’s a growing temptation as well. One that could destroy the devoted, lifelong relationship Lottie has with her current lover, David. And one that could also cost her life. Someone else knows of Lottie’s past and is determined to stop her from uncovering secrets they want kept hidden. 

TRC: How much research was involved writing this particular novel e.g. Ancient Egypt/ Psychology etc?

Terri:  A lot! Mostly because I wanted the past life story to feel authentic to the reader and I wanted Lottie, as a psychologist, to feel off balance because those around her think she might be losing her mind. Did I get everything perfect? I’m pretty sure I didn’t. But I researched texts and professionals as much as I could. And I read a lot in the genre. That helped immensely.

TRC: What challenges have you faced getting IN THIS LIFE to publication?

Terri:  Rejection. Rejection. Rejection. ‘Nuf said. 

TRC: If you could virtually cast IN THIS LIFE using models and actors, with whom would you cast the main characters and why?

Terri:  I wouldn’t, and here’s why. Ever since I started writing this story six or seven years ago, I had a hard time picturing Lottie in my head. But once I contracted with Crimson Romance and they provided me with the cover artwork, I knew I had her. As for David? Nope. Not a single actor comes close. I have a picture of a really sexy guy that I found years ago and that’s stuck with me ever since. And, I don’t want to ruin that mental image of him, you know?

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Terri:  Oh, book 2 for David and Lottie! It’s currently titled Mine and I intend to pitch it to Crimson Romance in November. And I’ve already started book 3.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Terri:  Just that I’m happy to be here and very grateful for your hospitality! 

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food – Pizza

Favorite Dessert – Oreo cookies

Favorite TV Show – Two and a Half Men; Homeland

Favorite Movie – Iron Man; Finding Nemo

Last Movie You Saw – The Avengers

Dark or Milk Chocolate – Dark!

Do you have any pets? – I have a koi pond that I love. Very peaceful to sit there and drink wine while the sun sets.

TRC: Thank you Terri for taking the time to answer our questions.  Congratulations on the release of your new novel.  We wish you all the best.

You can follow Terri at: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook /