Friday, August 1, 2014

Spring Fever: A Romantic Writerly Interlude with Barbara Winkes


1. How did you start writing romance?
I like a big bold Hollywood type of happy ending. When I first started watching lesbian-themed movies, I didn’t find but a few in that category--and don’t get me wrong, it is important to show history and a damaging effect of misogyny and homophobia, therefore those darker stories are relevant…but I wanted stories with a hopeful outcome, the type where you can practically hear the power ballad being played with the credits at the end. I wanted to write that kind of story about love perservering and two people meant for each other.
2. Plotter or pantster?
A bit of both--leaning towards plotter more now, mostly for the story arc. I believe the characters reveal themselves in the process, and there needs to be some room for surprises.
3. What are three things you have on your writing desk?
A pen, a coffee cup, to do lists. This interview is on one of them! J
4. Favorite food?
Italian. I enjoy all kinds of food, and I try something new when I have the opportunity, but there’s nothing that says comfort like pasta and pizza. When it’s the weekend, a good glass of wine doesn’t hurt either--right?
5. Tell us a little about your new print book. What character in the book really spoke to you?
If I say I have a favorite, I’m afraid the other one is not going to be happy…Kidding. Spring Fever is the third in my romance series, and both Callie and Rebecca have learned important lessons about themselves and their relationship. They don’t give doubts so much room anymore, and that strenghtens their connection.
6. I write because …
I couldn’t imagine not to.
7. What is your favorite type of character to write about?
Women who define their own fate.
8. What is the sexiest scene you’ve ever written?
Depends on what exactly you’re asking…It can be incredibly sexy to just have two people look at each other, fantasize, and the temperature in the room goes up by a few degrees. Talking about that kind of sexy scene, a fictional couple of mine once got creative in the laundry room. That’s pretty sexy.
9. What advice would you give new authors in the romance field?
It’s a highly competitive field, but not all romance readers are the same. You have to stick to your vision, define and find your audience.
10. What is next on your writerly horizon?
After Spring Fever, there’ll be three more publications, under contract with Eternal Press: The Interpretation of Love and the Truth (a standalone romance), Amber Alert (a mystery) and Open Spaces (an erotic romance). Of course there’s Callie & Rebecca #4 which I will submit soon.
11. Favorite cookie?
If it has chocolate in it…

About the author:

A psychologist/trauma counselor by training, Barbara Winkes left her native Germany to live with her wife in Québec City. Telling stories has always been her passion. She loves to write suspense and romance with female protagonists who try to solve the puzzle of their love life, a murder case, or sometimes, both.

~ Lesbian fiction with high drama and happy endings ~
Barbara's debut novel Autumn Leaves and the follow-up Winter Storm, published by Eternal Press, tell the love story between two women in a small town, where neighbors take an interest in the life of others. The thriller Secrets followed November 2013. Upcoming publications include Spring Fever, book #3 of Callie and Rebecca’s story, the standalone romance The Interpretation of Love and the Truth, the mystery Amber Alert and the erotic romance novella Open Spaces.


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