Getting Familiar with Olivia Starke

1. How did you start your writing career? I’ve been writing ‘seriously’ since Jr. High when I finished my first romance between a Pegasus and Unicorn. Estranged species, my Pegasus was a head strong heroine who decided to beat the boys at their own game, while my Unicorn hero was the quintessential alpha charging in to save the day. I still love the story and want to rewrite it someday.

2. Tell us about your current release.1NS: Familiar Desires, a paranormal erotic romance in the Decadent’s popular One Night Stand series.

     Blurb: Ashley Adams signed up with the 1NightStand service in hopes of stirring up some cougar passion in her lackluster life. When she meets tall, dark, and oh-so-sexy Justin, the sparks fly. But something deeper lies in their magical connection, something she isn’t prepared for. Will a casual one-night stand change her life forever?

3. Do you believe in ghosts?As a paranormal author who has worked ghosts into stories, you’d think I’d be a diehard believer, but I’m not. I’m obsessed by TV shows such as Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures, I guess as Agent Mulder put it “I want to believe.” In the future I have plans to travel the country (and the world) visiting haunted areas, just to check things out for myself and maybe get some inspiration.

4. What was your first sale as an author?Actually my first sale was a poem I wrote in high school that my mom got published in a collection. At the time I was really embarrassed she did it without asking, as most teens would be, but it’s kind of cool now. Other than that, Mind Games, a paranormal Tryst still available at Cobblestone Press.

5. What is the hardest part of writing your books?Not getting distracted by the plotline of another! Ugh, darn ADHD lol. It’s impossible for me to focus solely on one story at a time. Eventually one gets done, but it takes a while. Also, real life as most authors have to deal with. I have a stressful job that involves being a direct line thinker, which wreaks havoc with the muse.

6. Do you have critique partners or beta readers?Good crit’ers are invaluable! It’s hard to find ones that are either too easy on you, or try to make your story into theirs. This is where I’m going to give a shout out to the fabulous Stephanie Beck, my crit’er extraordinaire! I have a couple of other gals as well, Kienna Riley and Vanessa Devereaux, who are wonderful authors. It’s great when you can exchange stories and bounce ideas off one another.

7. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?Either a veterinarian or a paleontologist. I’m horrible in emergency situations, especially if an animal is hurt, so the vet thing was out. Travelling the world and digging up dinosaurs and reconstructing their lives still appeals to me, who knows maybe I’ll have a second career someday. The Jurassic Park trilogy is still three of my favorite movies (next to Hidalgo and The Black Stallion.) I know what you’re thinking “Wow I can’t believe she’s single!” lol

8. Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers? If so, what are they?Take writing classes—everything from magazine writing, to romance, to suspense and poetry. Seriously, get your brain working, plus you may find you like to moonlight in other areas. Write everyday—even if it’s just something you think is silly. I know when I get out of that habit, it’s twice as hard to sit down and produce anything presentable. Find friends in the industry! They will keep you going through rough edits and reviews, and celebrate your successes.

9. What hobbies do you actively pursue?Writing of course and reading to see what I’m up against in the industry. I love outdoorsy stuff so I run, hike, kayak, and I’m jumping back into horse stuff like riding and training. I still like to do a little bellydancing, I used to be in a troupe, but it disbanded, so now it’s for fitness and fun. Really, I’m a huge tomboy, so it’s a chance to be girly.

10. Morning Person? Or Night Person? How do you know?NIGHT PERSON! Anyone who has ever woken up with me in their house knows this-sometimes the hard way. Anyone who has had to work an early shift with me knows not to talk to me until the caffeine has kicked in. I’ve learned if I get a workout in first thing post-coffee then morning life gets easier, but I would much rather stay up until 5 am than get up at 5 am.

I want to thank Daily Dose of Decadence for allowing me to indulge in a little narcissism today! Be sure to check out my website www.authoroliviastarke.com and http://romancingthepentoday.blogspot.com