Rose Garcia Author Interview

How did you become a writer?

For as long as I can remember, I've had my nose buried in books and my head in the clouds where I imagined characters, quests, and magical worlds. Even though I longed to be a writer, I ended up pursuing a career in law and got my law degree. While I loved the practice of law, the dream of writing never left me. For years my husband kept encouraging me to write, but it was Stephenie Meyer and the Twilight series that really catapulted me into action. That's when I started writing, and I haven't looked back!

What inspires you to write?

Can I say everything? I'm inspired by other books, movies, TV shows, and my own experiences with family and friends. The list is endless! But I guess the thing that inspires me the most is bringing my Hispanic culture into my stories. I never saw myself in fantasy books when I was young, and I love that I can shine a light on characters like me and my family.

How do you develop your plot and characters?

I almost always start with character. Once I have that person, or two, in my mind, I imagine big plot ideas like the inciting incident, the goal of the character, the obstacles. A lot of times I will know how my story will begin and end. It's all the stuff in-between that becomes the challenge!

Could you share some of your challenges as a writer?

See the above question! How do I write all the stuff in-between the beginning and end of the story? I daydream a lot and I have an incredible critique partner, but my not-so-secret weapon is my husband. When I'm stuck, I go to him and we bounce ideas off each other until I find the right one. Sometimes this is a quick brainstorming session, other times it can take a while!

Tell me about your protagonist. What's your favorite trait and/or weakness?

I have 2 published series and 1 in progress and there are so many things that I love about the protagonists in each. I guess my favorite trait that I highlight in each of my stories is hope. The only thing more dangerous than a broken heart, is a hopeful one. As for weaknesses, where do I start? Each character seems to trust the wrong person, which can be a huge challenge.

How does your antagonist create conflict?

I love writing antagonists who believe they're the hero. Or, that they are righting a wrong. My antagonists love to manipulate and betray the hero, usually by challenging everything the hero believes.

What are your current/future projects?

Right now I'm finishing A Legacy Forged, book 3 in the Bloodlines Legacy Series. After that, I have an urban fantasy to work on. And I'm pretty sure I'm going to start a series of fairytale retellings in my Faevenly world!

Do you have a routine you follow when writing?

Write fast and write a lot. That's basically it. But full confession, I'm not that fast a writer!

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?

Don't hold back with your writing! Go for it, and listen to your gut.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Write a lot, read a lot, and get connected with the writing community. A great resource is Writer's Digest where you can learn so much about the craft of writing and the publishing industry.

What is your preferred method for readers to get in touch with you? 

You can find all my links on my website at www.RoseGarciaBooks.com. You can also email me at rose@rosegarciabooks.com.