Hi SC Stephens, How are you?
Great! Thank you!
Can you tell us us a little about yourself?
Sure! I live in Washington State with my two kids. Thoughtless was the first full-length book I ever wrote. I self-published it in 2009, and I've been writing ever since!
You wrote your first book and published it on 21st September 2012. How did the idea of thoughtless came to be?
I was listening to the radio a lot, and every song that came on I would envision Kellan Kyle singing it. The story came to life from there.
Were any of the characters in thoughtless based on
anyone in real life?
Nope, unfortunately, they are all imaginary.
Did you have any idea when you wrote thoughtless that it would be come so massive all over the world?
No, I didn't think anyone would even read it! I was blown away by the response.
September 21st will mark the four year anniversary of the release of thoughtless are you planning anything to celebrate?
Not for the four year anniversary. I might for the five year!
What scene was your favourite from all of
your thoughtless series?
The car/rain scene in Thoughtless. I absolutely love that scene!!
I know all your readers are dying to know as am I, will you be writing anymore from Kellan and Keira.?
Maybe a holiday special.
I don't have plans at the moment for more Kellan/Kiera, but I would like to write books for the other characters--Evan, Matt and even Liam.
For those who are new to your books what one would you recommend a new reader to start with?
I would definitely start with Thoughtless. You have to get to know Kellan from the beginning.
How would you describe your books in general?
They are all different, but for the most part they're all contemporary romance with a lot of angst.
Can you share with us a quote from one of your characters?
There are too many good ones for me to choose, but the fans seem to love this one from Effortless: "Stay. Stay with me. Work it out with me. Just don't leave me...please."
Do you find it is hard to come up with new ideas or plots?
Sometimes, but I usually have the main plot worked out before I start, then the sub-plots develop while writing the book.
How about characters. Are they easy born and developed?
The characters are usually easy for me. They develop along with the story, so by the end I have a firm grasp on who they are.
How long does it take you to complete a book?
I usually finish the first draft in 4 months or so. Then there are 1-2 months of edits. My books are long, so it takes a while.
If you could pick any of your books published or unpublished to be made in to a movie what one would you pick?
Definitely Thoughtless. Kellan needs to be on the screen.
Who would you choose to play your lead characters?
I don't have any particular person in mind. I would love to see who the studio picked. The fans have pretty much decided that Devin Paisley is Kellan Kyle though.
Have you ever trashed a novel or story before after finishing it. Feeling it wasn't turning out how you planned?
Since publishing I haven't completely trashed one of my stories, but I've reworked a lot.
Who is the easiest character to write for and why?
Who was the hardest and why?
I think Griffin is the easiest one to write for. He's such a simple creature--lewd, crude and funny. Mackenzie was probably the hardest. I wanted her to be determined but still likable.
Who is your favourite character from all of your books?
Teren Adams from the Conversion series. He's just so...sigh.
Do you have a set routine when you are writing and do you have a specific word count you aim for in each book?
I usually write while my kids are at school. I try to write about 2,000 words a day, 10,000 words a week, with the finished book being around 150,000 words.
How did/do you come up with the titles?
There is usually something in the story that sparks the title. Thoughtless came from Kiera's habit of blurting things out without thinking first.Effortless came from a song lyric, then it ended up being a line in the book. Reckless was due to everything that was happening to them.
How much of your books are realistic and are any of
the experiences based on someone you know or events in your own life?
90% is completely fictional. I generally don't use real life stuff, unless it's for small things, like how Kiera hates the bathroom door being closed when no one is inside it. I hate that. I also made her a writer, like me, because that seemed like the best career choice for her considering her major, and I loved the idea that she was the one who wrote Thoughtless.
What are you reading now?
I'm working my way through the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. I'm on book eight right now.
Your next release FURIOUS RUSH is out 23rd August, can you tell us a little about it without giving anything away?
It's kind of like Romeo and Juliet...on motorcycles. Due to their situations, they just can't be together.
Where did the idea for FURIOUS RUSH come from?
My brother bought a street bike, and after seeing it, I just knew my next series needed to have bikes in it.
Can you tell us what your next project is and whats it about without giving away to much?
I'm currently working on the second and third book in the Furious Rush series. I can't wait for readers to see where things are going.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
It was just something I always liked to do. I was always
jotting down short scenes, then throwing them away because I hated them.
Do you have any funny experiences with readers
you'd like to share?
I once signed a gigantic green butt. It was awesome.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging
in your writing?
I'm very hard on myself, so sometimes just letting doubt go and continuing on is the hardest part.
Who designs your beautiful covers?
Okay Creations did most of my indie covers. I created the Thoughtless cover, and my publishers did all of the rest.
Do you have anything you want to say to your readers?
Just thank you with all of my heart. I wouldn't be where I am today without my amazing readers!
What is your favourite genre to read and write?
Contemporary and paranormal romance are my favorite to write. For reading, I adore fantasy.
What is the most romantic thing your hubby
has done for you?
He's always doing sweet things for me--flowers, treats, dinner, back rubs. And he's very in tune with my stress levels. He can tell in an instant if I'm at my breaking point, and he helps me let go and relax. I'm very lucky to have him.
How would you describe your perfect day?
I'm a homebody, so every day I get to be home with
my family is a perfect day.
What are you like in the kitchen? Do you have a
specialty you love to cook?
I hate to cook, and I'm not very good at it. I do make a pretty mean bowl of spaghetti though. Tons of cheddar and avocados. That's the key.
What is the worst job you have ever done?
I used to clean houses, and there were a few that had a lot of pets who weren't entirely house-trained. It was pretty gross.
Do you ever get ideas at random moments and if so
how do you hold on to them?
I get random ideas all the time. I have notepads everywhere,
and I'm constantly running over to one to jot stuff down.
Then I file it away for later.
Can you write under pressure and how do you do
to get over writer's block?
Deadlines are a blessing and a curse.I think they help keep me on track, but if I don't have enough time, I get really stressed. As long as I have a reasonable amount of time to get things done, deadlines are fine.
Have any of your family or close friends read
any of your work?
Some or my friends and family have read my stuff.
I prefer people I know not to read them though.
It just makes life easier for me.
If you could pick any author to co author with
who would it be and why?
I would love to write a paranormal with Nicky Charles, but I know I can't. We write in completely different styles. Plus, I have no idea how people do that!
Do anyone else in your house write?
Both of my children participate in Young Authors at school. My daughter wants to write part-time when she gets older. My son should write comic books for a living--he's really good at them!
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Just keep writing. Keep plugging away at the story until it tells you where it wants to go.
Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
Hopefully still writing and still loving it!
Thank you again so much it really has been a
dream interviewing you.
Thank you for having me!
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