Thalia Lake Interview Published on: 07, Jun 2017
Could you tell us a little bit about your background? What is one of your favourite childhood memories?
I come from a large, creative family. Everyone had various talents be it drawing, carpentry, writing, sports. A favorite childhood memory is playing outside all day during the summer months with the neighborhood kids and my siblings.
You said you've loved writing since you were nine. What was the first story you wrote? What was it about and who read it first? Was it any good?I can't remember the name of the story, but it was basically about a young boy who had the hardest time getting to school. From the time he woke up in the morning until he was walking to school, he encountered all kinds of unfortunate events. I let my siblings read it and they thought it was hilarious.
If you weren't a writer, what do you think your profession would be?I would be an entreprenuer.
What's your writing schedule like? Describe the perfect setting for a good writing session.I don't really have a writing schedule. I write when the opportunity presents itself and when my mind is full of creative ideas. The perfect setting would be any place peaceful with a pot of coffee on hand and some coffee cake!
Of all your characters, which one(s) do you think you relate most to and why?It would be a combination of Satra from Choosey Lovers and Sloane from Pain Lived, Love Found. There are elements of me in both characters who are inherently strong, caring, and loving yet vulnerable and sensitive.
When writing a story, do you prefer to base the plot and characters based on real-life fact or start from scratch?I like to do a little of both depending on what the story is about. I like to really get to the bottom of characters and how they feel, think, etc. so it's important that I make their feelings as real as possible, and what better way to do that than to draw on your own experiences, or someone else you know who has been through something similar?
What do your children and husband think about your writing career? Has your husband read all your books?My family is very supportive of my writing, which is awesome. The kids think it's cool that their mom writes, and no, my husband has not read all of my books. He likes to read my reviews to me though!
When you're not writing, what are some things you like to do with your free time?I'm addicted to BBC movies and shows. I love time period movies, old black and white movies, and romantic, dramatic movies that tug at the heartstrings. In a nutshell, I like to binge on Netflix whenever I have the chance!
What is one of your all-time favourite rom-com movies?It Happened One Night with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. It is such a classic, funny, wonderfully made movie that is still relevant today.
If you had to choose, which of your book characters would you like to meet and have a dinner date with?Oh, that's a tough one because as you know, most of my male leads are gorgeous Italian men. If I must choose, I'd say Roman Mancini from Pain Lived, Love Found 2. He's not drop dead gorgeous, but he is handsome in his own way. I find men like him to be very attractive. He's smart, strong, take charge, yet loving, tender, attentive. He's not talkative by nature, so I'd enjoy getting him to open up.
Name one book that completely swept you off your feet and changed you after you read it.Jubliee by Margaret Walker.
Have your ever experienced writer's block? If so, how do you deal with it?I have, several times. I deal with it by taking a break and not trying to force the issue. If that break means days, weeks, or months then so be it. If I'm on a deadline, then I immerse myself in things that get my creative juices going - music, movies, reading, etc.
If you were stranded on an island and could read only one author's books for the rest of your life, which author would you choose?Jane Austen
Do you ever see yourself branching out and writing books of other genres (like thriller, mystery, fantasy, etc)?Absolutely. I love a good thriller or mystery myself. Those would be great challenges for me.
Lastly, how do you normally promote your books? What has your experience with AllAuthor been like? And would your recommend this platform to your author friends?I self promote and use services like AllAuthor. My experience with AllAuthor has been wonderful. It's nice to not have to worry about promoting when you're an author, even though promoting your work is a big part of the process.
