Hi Cheri and Welcome! Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to interview you for Romance Junkies. First, can you let us know what projects you are currently working on?
Currently, I have several irons in the fire. I’m ¾ way through the third novel in the Cajun erotica series that started with SWEET SUMMER RAIN. This book is about the third sibling, Luke Horville. I’m almost finished my fourth futuristic erotica and I also have another project set in the state of Maryland; it is a contemporary erotica.
What does your writing schedule look like? Do you have a specific place and time to write?
Actually, I don’t have a specific writing schedule, which is something I plan to work on. If the ‘muse’ hits me hard during the early morning hours, then as soon as I wake, I start writing. If there is any particular project I need to edit, write a query letter or synopsis for, I try to devote some time to that. Promotion takes up some of the day, also.
I have no specific place I write, really. I do have an office I use when I feel the need to set a mood. My laptop allows me to write wherever the mood takes me, in my living room, outside on the deck, in the bed if I’m sick.
Do you do any research for your books? What is the most interesting thing that you have learned?
Lots of research. I especially love the historical research. One subject I’ve found the most fascinating is about the seedier side of London society during the Regency period. I was surprised to find out what a decadent era it really was.
What inspired you to write? Do you ever write about life’s experiences?
I’ve always wanted to write. Since I was 11-years old, reading romance has been a big part of my life. I wrote my first romance in the 7th grade. It wasn’t until my husband and I made the last move with his military job that I decided it was time I gave my dream of becoming a writer a chance.
So far, I haven’t written about a true-life experience. But I have recently been struck with the idea for a book that will take some of the aspects of my parents meeting, dating, and some of their life together entwined with fiction.
Do you see yourself being constantly challenged as a writer? What kinds of courses have you taken to hone your skill?
Yes. I feel it’s important to explore things I might not normally delve into to make my writing more interesting. Some of the subject matter in my books has been classified controversial, but I find many of the subjects I delve into fascinating. Hence, I don’t mind researching them.
I continually take courses to hone my writing skills. I feel it is something you should never take for granted or avoid. I belong to several writers groups that offer courses about things like Dialogue, POV, conflict, pirates, medieval foods, etc. The list goes on and on.
What is the worst thing that you have had to face and overcome as a writer?
The worst thing I have had to face is not enough time. It is sometimes hard to keep my focus on one WIP. I have so many ideas for books; I’ll probably be working on my list when I’m 80.
What are your goals for the future? Writing or otherwise?
Simply to keep writing. Now I couldn’t imagine my life without it. Otherwise, I just hope to retire one day to a farm in the country with my husband, with plenty of time to write, of course.
How did you meet your husband? Is he the romantic or are you?
A friend of mine and I were having a drink at our neighborhood bar after finishing the decorations for our capping ceremony in nursing. A stranger walked into the bar, carrying a motorcycle helmet. Okay, I’m a sucker for a guy who rides a motorcycle. He stood behind us. Later he admitted to me that he wanted to sit next to me, but there was a half empty glass on the bar in front of that stool, so he thought I might be with someone. The barmaid knew both of us, she motioned to him and then to the barstool and said, “Hey, no one is sitting there.” That was when he stepped up and put his helmet on the bar. My friend was driving, so I had had a few drinks, enough to overcome my innate shyness. When I saw his helmet, I looked at him and asked, “So you ride a motorcycle?” Duh! But it was enough of an icebreaker to get us talking, and it was as if we’d known each other forever. And the rest as they say is history.
We are both romantic, really. Sometimes he will do little things that make me melt. And I try to do little things that let him know I’m thinking about him and the things he likes.
Of all the places you have lived, where do you miss most? Why?
I was raised in the country in the heart of Louisiana. I loved being raised on a farm where there was plenty of room to grow and play. Life moves at a slower pace, and that is what I miss.
Everything is so hectic in town.
What age is your inner child and why did you pick that age?
My inner child I feel is older than most, somewhere around 21 or so. The reason I chose that age is because it’s an age of questions and learning things outside of a sheltered upbringing.
What book are you reading now? What book is next to be lifted off of your TBR pile? Do you have a method of picking the next book?
I’m reading TEMPTRESS by Lisa Jackson. It’s a medieval romantic suspense. The next book is one by one of my favorite romance authors, Johanna Lindsey. I have no method; I read whatever takes my fancy. I read a sample chapter of a book called THE SWITCH by Emma Wildes that I plan to read after that.
MORE FUN…
If you had to read one romance novel over and over, which one would it be?
That is so hard. I have several books that I’ve read many times. It would be a tie between authors: Arnette Lamb & Johanna Lindsey.
If you were at the park and saw someone reading your book, would you go up and introduce yourself as the author or would you sit down and pick their brain about what they thought about the book?
I’m shy, so probably the second choice. Actually, I did sit down with someone who’d bought my book, read it, and loved it. I got such a high from the way she was talking about the characters almost as if they were real people. I think that is the best an author can hope for.
What are your favorite TV shows? Are there any that you avoid watching?
My very favorite TV programs are some of the BBC Britcoms. One called LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE is my favorite. Regular TV- THAT 70’S SHOW.
I’m not a big reality TV fan. I think some things about people should be kept a mystery.
What is the best pick up line you have heard?
For the life of me I can’t remember, too long married I guess.
How about the worst?
Probably the one I used on my husband (see above), but it worked!
Have you ever used it in your stories?
The way most of my stories start, there is usually no room for pick up lines. I like stories that start with a bang.
Kim, I want to thank you for letting me spend time with you and the readers from Romance Junkies. I enjoy hearing from readers, so if any would like to contact me. Please visit: http://www.cherivalmont.com or cheri@cherivalmont.com. They can, also, visit: http://www.sexyauthorswithattitude.com or http://www.flowersandhearts.com
Cheri, it’s been our pleasure. Best of luck with your writing.
