Loves of our Lives by A.C. Chenier - Interview and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Welcome to It's Raining Books.

I would like to thank you for hosting my blog tour today. I’m happy to share my love of writing with your readers.

Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

I write in the romance field. I’ve always loved a good romantic novel, especially historical or fantasy ones. (My current “go to” author who combines these is Jayne Ann Krentz, and her “alter egos” Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle)

I guess for me the concept that a soul mate is out there, looking for us, as we are looking for them is irresistible. My late husband and I always felt that we had a deep connection to each other that transcended time. Now having studied Dr. Brian Weiss and his theories, I can truly understand the bond that we had. So I write about that moment, that knowing, that happens when you truly do meet a bonded soul.

What research is required?

I do a lot of research on my books; everything from names, to locations to ambience to “current” events. Especially as I write a lot of historical components to my book, I spend a great deal of time researching the norms of interaction and dialogue in the past. I have never particularly liked the Time Travel books when the heroine takes her current morals and habits back to the past. I want to be captured by the rhythm of life in the times I visit. So, I try as best I can to research and understand life in those days.

As well, I’ve travelled to many of the places I use as settings. It is my intention to visit a few new locales as I start prepping my next books.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

Sticking up for oneself. I can relate to so much of what Katie does in her relationships; “I don’t care”, “what do you want to do”. I tend to be easy going, and don’t always voice what it is I really want to do, but just go with the flow around me. Watching and writing about Katie starting to assert herself more, was eye opening for me and my own relationships.

Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

Not any that I can think of. But then again, I don’t come from a line of writers, or frankly know that many as close friends. So, I really don’t have anyone to compare my writing habits too. I do know that I do my best imagining and create my best ideas when I’m near water, preferably meditating or practicing mindfulness. When I shut off my brain, and just let the words flow....that’s my best work.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

Pantser 100%. If I try to plot too much, I engage too much of my logical side. Then I start to get caught up in the structure of sentences, rather than letting the character tell the story for me.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

My computer (desktop) and printer. My desk is currently very messy.... a state that seems to come naturally to me... but definitely does not encourage my best work. I’ve got be more disciplined about keeping my writing spaces free of clutter.

Oh yes, right now, one of my kittens, Oscar is sleeping on the desk with me. He likes to keep me company in the morning. Midnight, the other one is AWOL somewhere. He prefers to stand and sit in front of the screen, making it very hard to see what I’m typing. LOL

Anything new coming up from you? What?

My second novel “Love by Knight” is just back from my editor. I’ve got some work to do on tightening it up, and finishing it off, then it will be into the publishing process, hopefully by March. I hope to have it on book shelves by the summer.

The third “past lives” book is still in its infancy. I have a number of past life scenarios written, I just need to figure out how they all link into the now; who my main character will be. A few of the characters from both of the first two novels are begging to have their stories told. So I expect that readers will see more of them in the future.

Do you have a question for our readers?

Well, given that “Loves of our Lives” is about past lives and reincarnation, I wondered how many of your readers believe. Is it real? Or is it fantasy?

For Katie Benjamin, finding the perfect soul mate was just a fairy tale until a chance encounter on a train changes everything. What she discovers takes her on a journey that spans lifetimes.

Enjoy an excerpt:

It felt so peaceful to just sit quietly beside John after the bustle of the rest of the party. The silence felt…well, she wasn’t sure how it felt. The best way to describe it was that it felt just right. The music and chatter from the other rooms drifted on the edge of their ears, but otherwise it was peaceful and restful. She realized John was still holding her hand in his. And that felt right, too. She turned to look at him and found his eyes on her. Their eyes met and the world faded around them. It was just the two of them.

About the Author:

I am a CPA, CGA and live in Southern Ontario. After working for many years in the high pressure worlds of banking and IT, I decided that it was time to have a change in pace. Leaving Toronto behind I embarked on a new career in retail sales. The change was wonderful, but I felt something was missing.

Then, the unthinkable happened, and I was widowed at 46. That was a truly life altering experience. In time, I was introduced to the books and work of Dr. Brian Weiss. I discovered in his research a new purpose in life, and was driven to start writing, something I had always enjoyed, but never thought of as a career choice.

And now here we are in 2015, and my first novel is ready to be published. My second, also in the Past Lives series, will follow shortly. I continue to write and dream of a future that I had never even considered in my wildest dreams.

Website: http://www.acchenier.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ACChenier

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