| Enchanting Reviews |
| Romantic Element Reviewer |
| Here you will find Reviews of not only Romance Books but all books with a Romantic Element in them. |
First, Randi del Marco, I just want to congratulate you on
your success. Now on to the good stuff.
What made you decide to become an Author?
I had all these great stories from all the shows I worked on
over the years. Now I can’t name names but surely people
would enjoy them just as much in a novel with fictitious
names.
How long have you been writing?
Since I was five. I always had a story to tell and I loved how
writing it down both made it real, set it in stone so to speak,
but also allowed me to change things, edit the story till it
was perfect.
Is Snow Fire and Ice your first book?
First published novel.
Can you tell us a little about your Snow Fire and Ice, where
did the idea for this series come from and what inspired the
intriguing characters?
I was sitting on the tow while skiing watching a class where
everyone was having fun except one heavy girl who kept
falling and falling. My heart went out to her and Maxie, the
girl who was always out of sync was born.
I set the first act in Québec because everyone is expected
to ski there and because there are all these handsome
young men on the hills.
As the characters grew, they forged their own story. I saw it
as an ugly duckling story which meant it had to stretch over
time, and I thought significantly diverse locations – the ski
scene in Québec, the city of Paris, the Red Rocks area in
the desert outside of Las Vegas and southern California,
from the Palisades to Wrightwood – would be both
challenging for me and the characters and interesting for
the reader.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Ski, read, talk, laugh.
Do you have a strict writing schedule? How do you balance
your personal and writing time?
Life in the film business is all about juggling schedules and
making time for things that need to get done. When I
decided to commit to writing, I made time for it.
But I try not to beat up on myself if I miss a day or two. I
also try to put my characters in various scenarios and see
what happens whenever I have a few minutes – on that
chairlift or while settling down for the night. That way it
stays fun and when I do get to sit down at the computer
again, I have lots to write about.
Are you still in the film business? And if you so, how do you
make time for writing?
I am, which means there are times when I am incredibly
busy and have to put my writing on hold for weeks or
months at a time except for a few hours here and there on
my days off. But it also means that in between shows, I
have the time to finish, edit, do whatever has to get done.
How would you describe the sensuality level of your books;
do you find it challenging to write love/sex scenes?
I guess how I write would be considered sensual. I wasn’t
into romances as a kid – I thought most of them stupid. In
grade nine I did a project on censorship and managed to
access a lot of hard core porn in the local library. Most of
which was so preposterous, I found it hysterical.
I still find a lot of porn ridiculous but, again, most of it is
written by men for men. I like to think that women’s
sensibilities are different.
That’s why I was attracted by romantic erotica – it’s by
women for women. It has a real story with people you care
for while reading and afterwards, and it makes me feel good.
I also embrace sex as something that is meant to be fun, not
serious, about feelings, not scoring.
So I guess this is a roundabout way of saying I write what I
like and I celebrate that people enjoy it.
When did you first decide to submit your work? Please, tell
us what or who encouraged you to take this big step.
I think I mentioned to a friend that what I had wanted to be
when I was a child was either a writer or an inventor. My
sister had been trying to get me work writing technical stuff
but I never had the passion to pursue it seriously.
I told my friend that I wrote occasionally but had never
looked into getting it published. She insisted on looking at a
couple of chapters of a kid’s story I had written and was
effusively complimentary. I never did finish it but a couple of
years later she referred me over to a company called Rosa
Romance which was looking for women’s erotica with a film
theme.
I talked to them but didn’t have anything in mind at the time.
Then, when I was skiing a couple of months later, I came up
with the concept for Snow, Fire and Ice.
How long did it take you to get your first book published?
I think I have been incredibly lucky in that the Rosa
Romance people were so very enthusiastic about Snow,
Fire and Ice. The whole editing process went very quickly
and was virtually painless compared to tales I have been
told by other authors.
How does working in the film business compare to being an
author?
The film business is always a team effort and involves
working with lots of different people and personalities – a
major balancing act.
As an author, I work on my own developing the story, the
characters, the conflict, etc. and then I write on my own and
then I proof it on my own. I set my own hours and am
responsible only to myself.
The editing process so far has not been too onerous –
things are either right or wrong, or something I agree or
disagree with. I have a great editing team and their
enthusiasm and support has swept me past any insecurities
that might have arisen during the critique of my work.
I am used to working fast and being practical and making
decisions in the film world so I brought that over into the
editing process and they seem to really like my attitude.
I guess the film work and the writing complement each other.
What do you enjoy most about being an author?
The freedom to do whatever I want. Yes, the editing types
come in down the line but it is really all my work that makes
the book. I take pride in that and get a wonderful sense of
fulfillment when I finish a book of a job well done.
What have you enjoyed most about working in the film
business?
The opportunity to travel and meet people that I probably
would never have met and interacted with in another
profession. I really enjoy people and the film business has
given me the opportunity to meet and work with some
wonderful ones.
Who or what influences you when you write?
I guess I really want to make an affirmative difference in the
world so I try and couch what my characters do in a positive
moral framework. That respecting people and treating them
well and taking care of those who are weaker and standing
up to bullies and loving men – in all ways and without the
guilt our culture tends to saddle sex with – are actions
everyone should strive to emulate.
At any time did you ever consider giving up writing?
All the time. I’m usually fine the next morning.
Who is your biggest supporter of your work and why?
A couple of friends who don’t get why I would want to write
“trashy” books but have seen my pleasure grow as my
creative juices find their outlet and as I develop my own skill
and confidence in the genre. They are great friends –
always there for me, not just if I agree with them.
How did you go about choosing your Publisher or Agent?
It wasn’t really a choice. It just happened.
Do deadlines help or hinder your muse?
I am used to deadlines – and far tougher ones – in the film
biz so they really don’t bother me one way or another
Most authors are avid readers; what is your favorite genre
to read? Favorite authors?
I go in phases – right now, I am going through J.D. Robb’s
sci-fI mysteries about Eve Dallas – they’ve got everything I
like – a strong female lead who has a great sense of humor,
good sex and interesting story lines.
I prefer action over description – give me the new Robert
Ludlum over any Charles Dickens.
Do you feel a calling toward a specific Genre or Style of
writing?
The world needs a lot more love and a lot less politics.
Anything I can do to help is a step in the right direction.
Could you tell us about your current projects, what can
readers expect to see in the coming months? Do you have
any additional series in the works? Single titles?
I really had a great time writing Lust in Las Vegas, the first
of a series called Pepper on Location which is about a
producer’s assistant who travels all over the world on films
and meets all these great guys. Next up will by Ecstacy in
Edmonton – where ice crystals encourage indoor pursuits.
Plan on reading these books for years as I incorporate my
own travels into the series.
As for single titles, if any ideas come up, I will certainly
pursue them. But for now I am really excited about Pepper
– these books are fun.
What has so far been your favorite place you've visited so
far?
Israel or Rome – both fabulous cities with incredible
histories and fantastic people. Some folk like people-
watching. Me, I like to talk to them, learn more about their
culture, their hopes, their families, their dreams.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just that it is important for people to go for their dreams.
Writing (and being published) is one of mine. But you have
to take that first step, that risk. It’s scary at first but… carpe
diem, folks!
I want to thank you for your time today and I definitely look
forward to seeing more work from you in the near future.
Thank you for choosing Enchanting Reviews.
Interviewed by Anya.
Interview Questions by Anya for Enchanting Reviews
your success. Now on to the good stuff.
What made you decide to become an Author?
I had all these great stories from all the shows I worked on
over the years. Now I can’t name names but surely people
would enjoy them just as much in a novel with fictitious
names.
How long have you been writing?
Since I was five. I always had a story to tell and I loved how
writing it down both made it real, set it in stone so to speak,
but also allowed me to change things, edit the story till it
was perfect.
Is Snow Fire and Ice your first book?
First published novel.
Can you tell us a little about your Snow Fire and Ice, where
did the idea for this series come from and what inspired the
intriguing characters?
I was sitting on the tow while skiing watching a class where
everyone was having fun except one heavy girl who kept
falling and falling. My heart went out to her and Maxie, the
girl who was always out of sync was born.
I set the first act in Québec because everyone is expected
to ski there and because there are all these handsome
young men on the hills.
As the characters grew, they forged their own story. I saw it
as an ugly duckling story which meant it had to stretch over
time, and I thought significantly diverse locations – the ski
scene in Québec, the city of Paris, the Red Rocks area in
the desert outside of Las Vegas and southern California,
from the Palisades to Wrightwood – would be both
challenging for me and the characters and interesting for
the reader.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Ski, read, talk, laugh.
Do you have a strict writing schedule? How do you balance
your personal and writing time?
Life in the film business is all about juggling schedules and
making time for things that need to get done. When I
decided to commit to writing, I made time for it.
But I try not to beat up on myself if I miss a day or two. I
also try to put my characters in various scenarios and see
what happens whenever I have a few minutes – on that
chairlift or while settling down for the night. That way it
stays fun and when I do get to sit down at the computer
again, I have lots to write about.
Are you still in the film business? And if you so, how do you
make time for writing?
I am, which means there are times when I am incredibly
busy and have to put my writing on hold for weeks or
months at a time except for a few hours here and there on
my days off. But it also means that in between shows, I
have the time to finish, edit, do whatever has to get done.
How would you describe the sensuality level of your books;
do you find it challenging to write love/sex scenes?
I guess how I write would be considered sensual. I wasn’t
into romances as a kid – I thought most of them stupid. In
grade nine I did a project on censorship and managed to
access a lot of hard core porn in the local library. Most of
which was so preposterous, I found it hysterical.
I still find a lot of porn ridiculous but, again, most of it is
written by men for men. I like to think that women’s
sensibilities are different.
That’s why I was attracted by romantic erotica – it’s by
women for women. It has a real story with people you care
for while reading and afterwards, and it makes me feel good.
I also embrace sex as something that is meant to be fun, not
serious, about feelings, not scoring.
So I guess this is a roundabout way of saying I write what I
like and I celebrate that people enjoy it.
When did you first decide to submit your work? Please, tell
us what or who encouraged you to take this big step.
I think I mentioned to a friend that what I had wanted to be
when I was a child was either a writer or an inventor. My
sister had been trying to get me work writing technical stuff
but I never had the passion to pursue it seriously.
I told my friend that I wrote occasionally but had never
looked into getting it published. She insisted on looking at a
couple of chapters of a kid’s story I had written and was
effusively complimentary. I never did finish it but a couple of
years later she referred me over to a company called Rosa
Romance which was looking for women’s erotica with a film
theme.
I talked to them but didn’t have anything in mind at the time.
Then, when I was skiing a couple of months later, I came up
with the concept for Snow, Fire and Ice.
How long did it take you to get your first book published?
I think I have been incredibly lucky in that the Rosa
Romance people were so very enthusiastic about Snow,
Fire and Ice. The whole editing process went very quickly
and was virtually painless compared to tales I have been
told by other authors.
How does working in the film business compare to being an
author?
The film business is always a team effort and involves
working with lots of different people and personalities – a
major balancing act.
As an author, I work on my own developing the story, the
characters, the conflict, etc. and then I write on my own and
then I proof it on my own. I set my own hours and am
responsible only to myself.
The editing process so far has not been too onerous –
things are either right or wrong, or something I agree or
disagree with. I have a great editing team and their
enthusiasm and support has swept me past any insecurities
that might have arisen during the critique of my work.
I am used to working fast and being practical and making
decisions in the film world so I brought that over into the
editing process and they seem to really like my attitude.
I guess the film work and the writing complement each other.
What do you enjoy most about being an author?
The freedom to do whatever I want. Yes, the editing types
come in down the line but it is really all my work that makes
the book. I take pride in that and get a wonderful sense of
fulfillment when I finish a book of a job well done.
What have you enjoyed most about working in the film
business?
The opportunity to travel and meet people that I probably
would never have met and interacted with in another
profession. I really enjoy people and the film business has
given me the opportunity to meet and work with some
wonderful ones.
Who or what influences you when you write?
I guess I really want to make an affirmative difference in the
world so I try and couch what my characters do in a positive
moral framework. That respecting people and treating them
well and taking care of those who are weaker and standing
up to bullies and loving men – in all ways and without the
guilt our culture tends to saddle sex with – are actions
everyone should strive to emulate.
At any time did you ever consider giving up writing?
All the time. I’m usually fine the next morning.
Who is your biggest supporter of your work and why?
A couple of friends who don’t get why I would want to write
“trashy” books but have seen my pleasure grow as my
creative juices find their outlet and as I develop my own skill
and confidence in the genre. They are great friends –
always there for me, not just if I agree with them.
How did you go about choosing your Publisher or Agent?
It wasn’t really a choice. It just happened.
Do deadlines help or hinder your muse?
I am used to deadlines – and far tougher ones – in the film
biz so they really don’t bother me one way or another
Most authors are avid readers; what is your favorite genre
to read? Favorite authors?
I go in phases – right now, I am going through J.D. Robb’s
sci-fI mysteries about Eve Dallas – they’ve got everything I
like – a strong female lead who has a great sense of humor,
good sex and interesting story lines.
I prefer action over description – give me the new Robert
Ludlum over any Charles Dickens.
Do you feel a calling toward a specific Genre or Style of
writing?
The world needs a lot more love and a lot less politics.
Anything I can do to help is a step in the right direction.
Could you tell us about your current projects, what can
readers expect to see in the coming months? Do you have
any additional series in the works? Single titles?
I really had a great time writing Lust in Las Vegas, the first
of a series called Pepper on Location which is about a
producer’s assistant who travels all over the world on films
and meets all these great guys. Next up will by Ecstacy in
Edmonton – where ice crystals encourage indoor pursuits.
Plan on reading these books for years as I incorporate my
own travels into the series.
As for single titles, if any ideas come up, I will certainly
pursue them. But for now I am really excited about Pepper
– these books are fun.
What has so far been your favorite place you've visited so
far?
Israel or Rome – both fabulous cities with incredible
histories and fantastic people. Some folk like people-
watching. Me, I like to talk to them, learn more about their
culture, their hopes, their families, their dreams.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just that it is important for people to go for their dreams.
Writing (and being published) is one of mine. But you have
to take that first step, that risk. It’s scary at first but… carpe
diem, folks!
I want to thank you for your time today and I definitely look
forward to seeing more work from you in the near future.
Thank you for choosing Enchanting Reviews.
Interviewed by Anya.
Interview Questions by Anya for Enchanting Reviews