SPOTLIGHT ON AUTHOR ANNA RANDOL

Welcome readers to my author spotlight on author Anna Randol. I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Anna's first "Sinners Trio" book last year and really enjoyed it, so when I had the chance to read SINS OF A RUTHLESS ROGUE, which releases March 26, 2013, I jumped at the chance. Enjoy the little inside on this great author!

Hi Anna! Thank you so much for joining me at Book Obsessed Chicks.  Can you tell us a bit about yourself? When did you become a writer?

I’ve always had stories rolling around in my head. I thought for a while they were just fantasies, but they were never just passing things. I would work and re-work them in my head until every plot point made sense and everyone had perfect motivation. (Seriously, I would work on one scene for weeks.) Then about five years ago, if finally occurred to me to begin putting them down on paper.

Please tell us about your inspiration for your upcoming book, the second in the Sinner’s Trio, Sins of a Ruthless Rogue.

Sins of a Ruthless Rogue is loosely tied to the first book in the series, Sins of a Virgin. Like the characters appear in the book, this Trio of spies came to me a united group. I knew if I wrote a book for one of them I would have to write a book for all of them. Thankfully, Avon allowed that to happen.

As for the setting, I travelled to St. Petersburg while I was in college and I have been in love with it ever since. It is a city of such amazing beauty and contrasts. European yet Russian. So much beauty yet so much pain.

Is it safe to say that you like history?

 I enjoy how you integrate the history into your story.

I do love history! In fact, I have to make sure I don’t get so sucked into research that I run out of time to write. I especially love to read first person accounts. And for Sins of a Ruthless Rogue, I spent hours devouring some fascinating books with photos of pre-revolution Russia.

Normally, I limit myself to two or three solid weeks of research before I start on a new book. I try my best to get a feel for the location and time I plan to write in. After that, (other than an occasional quick fact check) I write all the way through my first draft without stopping.

Can you tell us your favorite character from the series so far and why?

Ack! I have too many! I fall in love with all my characters. But I suppose I have a soft spot for Canterbury, the butler. He shows up in all three books. He’s got such a fun droll wit and an awesome taste in hats. And he does get to hit Ian in the head with a pan.

 I can’t give too much away, but we finally do get to find out some of Canterbury’s backstory in Sins of a Wicked Princess and his history with Ian. And Canterbury may or may not finally get a happy ending of his own… J

Was it difficult for you to get published?

Like most authors, I had moments where the rejections were rolling in and I was sure nothing I wrote would ever sell, but I was also very lucky. I ended up signing with an agent, the fabulous Kevan Lyon, on my second manuscript and selling my third manuscript to Avon.

How many more books are planned in this series?

Just one! The final book, Sins of a Wicked Princess, will be released at the end of November. I am so excited about this one. My readers have been dying to read Ian’s book and I hope they won’t be disappointed. He was such a fun rouge to write and the heroine, Princess Juliana, is more than his match. And if my editor lets me keep it, there might be a scene where Ian gets to rush to the rescue wearing nothing more than a flour sack…

Who are your favorite authors/reads?

I love so many authors! In historical romance, I love Loretta Chase, Joanna Bourne, and Julia Quinn. When I am in the mood for paranormal, I always look for Nalini Singh or Kresley Cole. In YA, I adore Rachelle Mead, Anna Perkins, and Jennifer Echols.

Hobbies?

I love trying to look cool while stumbling around on the treadmill. I love chasing my kids and my yellow Labrador puppy. I love any and all excuses to eat.

Do you use an inspiration board for your characters? Who do you picture as your characters?

I don’t use an inspiration board, but I usually do have a celebrity inspiration for my characters, especially the heroes. In Sins of a Ruthless Rogue, Clayton looks a lot like Adam Levine.  In my previous novel, Sins of Virgin, I always pictured Gabriel Huntford as Daniel Craig.

Where can readers find you?

I love to hear from my readers! My website is www. AnnaRandol.com. I am also on Twitter @AnnaRandol and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AnnaRandolRomance