Indie Author Interview with Ann McGinnis - Author of the Romantic Suspense Novels Scarlet Revenge and Scarlet Envy.
Ann McGinnis writes about characters that let their egos and sense of justice rule their lives, while they protect the public from serial killers and unthinkable crimes. Of course, Ann's characters always find a way to blow off steam -- romantically!
Interview with Ann McGinnis
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| Author Ann McGinnis |
Ann McGinnis: I am a screenwriter.
Who are your favorite writers, your favorite books, and who or what are your writing influences?
I like the classics, and I’m a fan of Wattpad, where you can find new writers. I love stumbling upon something new and amazing!
When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
I don't remember deciding to be a writer. Writing is a skill I had at an early age -- a middle grade teacher made a fuss over a poem I wrote for class. Plus, I loved essay questions in high school. Even if I didn't really know the answer, I could write a good essay and get partial points. However, I remember the moment I wanted to be published. When I had my son, I wanted to write books for him. Of course, I moved on to adult books.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
The first story I ever wrote was in grade school. It was a fantasy play, and I enlisted a friend and my older brother to perform for our parents. It was well received!
"I write wherever and whenever I can."
Tell us about your writing process. Do you have a writing routine?
I write wherever and whenever I can. I have an iPad that I take all over my house, because I can't sit at a desk for long. I like to settle into a spot for a couple of hours at a time with a cup of coffee. However, I do find I'm most productive in the morning and late at night. At those times, I can get into "the zone" and time flies.
Please, describe your desk/workplace.
My workspace consists of two computers, with the main one having two monitors. I can see, and access, multiple documents at the same time. I love that. My desk is perpendicular to a wall where four whiteboards hang to track several stories and story lines. And I like lots of light, so I face a window. That's my official, upstairs office. My other main workspace is downstairs at a round kitchen table. I can open the backdoor, which is screened, allowing in fresh air and sunlight. I feel like I'm outside, without being outside. And I'm closer to coffee refills!
What do you find easiest about writing? What the hardest?
I find plotting easy. It's fun to figure out my characters and work with the plot, and story outline, to put them into thrilling situations. The hardest part isn't about the writing, at all. I like every stage. The hard part is when life interrupts my writing. It's hard to start and stop, and start and stop again when you finally break your story and get into a writing groove.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Wow, that's a hard question to answer. Hard to just pick one thing. I certainly have to single out the rush I get when I'm inspired to write. A close second would be the moment when I like what I'm writing. There’s an incredible jolt when you realize you've pleased your inner critic.
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| Click to Read an Excerpt |
Ann, please tell us a little about your Romantic Suspense Scarlet Suspense Series.
The Scarlet Suspense Series is about clever, rookie FBI Analyst Caycee Scarlet -- who's a little too smart for her own good. She falls in love too fast, and relentlessly tracks a serial killer that she thinks she can find, when everyone else has given up. When she gets close, the serial killer comes after Caycee. The series consists of two books, so far, "Scarlet Revenge" and "Scarlet Envy."
"I wanted to trap a strong female character in a man's world [...]"
What inspired you to write the series?
I wanted to trap a strong female character in a man's world, both through her profession and the story's location. And then I wanted her to use her wits, and some of her physical strength, to save everyone.
Who do you see as your target audience and where can we buy the books of the series?
The target audience is anyone that likes romantic suspense. I have a lot of male readers, as the books are more suspense. The romance is fun and flirtatious. Both books are on Amazon.
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| Click to Read an Excerpt |
What makes your books special?
They are written in first person, which makes it fun to be in the main character’s head. You get everything filtered through her perception. They are also like watching a movie. I’m a visual writer.
How would you describe the success of the series so far?
The first book found some interested readers, who have come back for the second. It’s been fun to interact with them online. I hope they find even more interest.
How long did it take it to write the books?
It took three months to write “Scarlet Revenge” and six months to write “Scarlet Envy.” The first one was faster because it’s based on a screenplay that I wrote first.
"There’s no wrong way to write [...]"
Can you give some advice for other Authors regarding the writing process?
No two writers have the same process. Find one that works for you, and write every day. There’s no wrong way to write as long as you are completing your manuscripts.
Are you working on another book project or a third book in the series? Can you tell us a little about it?
I am working on the third book in the series, “Scarlet Fury,” as well as a couple of action/thriller screenplays.
Where do you see the book market in 5 or 10 years? Will there be only eBooks and will book stores disappear like record stores disappeared?
I feel like book stores will be rare, and eBooks will be the norm.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Kindle.
"When I’m not writing, I sleep."
Do you write full-time or do you have a day job? When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I write full-time. When I’m not writing, I sleep.
How can readers connect with you?
Readers can find me at www.annmcginnis@mail.com. Or my blog http://annmcginnis.wordpress.com. And I love reviews on Amazon!
Thank you very much for the Interview, Ann.
About the Series Scarlet Suspense
Scarlet Revenge (Book 1 of the Scarlet Suspense Series)
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| Click to Read an Excerpt |
Things go sideways for Caycee when she uncovers a lead that saves the Omega Killer’s latest victim. Rather than working the system and making nice with her pompous boss, sparks fly and she gets into an altercation with the lead Special Agent on the case, resulting in a transfer to another assignment.
Caycee finds herself transferred to an FBI interrogation facility where she assesses the most dangerous of criminals in custody. She struggles to get over the loss of her dream job, but her new boss, handsome Special Agent Gil Graham, may soften the blow. Sparks, of a different variety, fly between the Special Agent and his new Analyst, as they work together to crack the most difficult cases.
Just when Caycee’s wounds are healing from her expulsion on the Omega Killer team, she is dragged back into the thick of it. Caycee and her new team are front and center, focused on an interview of a bombing suspect, when Omega comes looking for revenge. His attack wounds her team, leaving Caycee with only one option for help—the devastatingly handsome bombing suspect. It will take all of Caycee’s wits, and a kiss for luck, to stop Omega and save her co-workers.
"I highly recommend ‘Scarlet's Revenge’ to anyone looking for an intriguing, suspense novel with a healthy dose of romance. Well written, this novel has a strong storyline with believable characters, complex situations and settings.[...]" - Reader Review
Scarlet Envy (Book 2 of the Scarlet Suspense Series)
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| Click to Read an Excerpt |
Bombing suspect Carl Hicks continues to evade the FBI, but his interest in Caycee heats up. He sends her a love letter, prompting the FBI to place her into protective custody and use an agent as a double to draw Hicks out. The bomber isn’t fooled.
Hating being sidelined, Caycee realizes Hicks may not be a threat when he finds her safe house and reveals his ulterior motive. He’s on a mission – to save Caycee from his dangerous ex-wife Siobhan – who is killing her bloodline to eliminate the Killer Gene. Unbeknownst to everyone but Siobhan’s twisted mind, Caycee holds the key to finding the source of the gene. And the source has a deadly legacy – it’s the notorious Zodiac Killer.
The clever FBI Analyst wants back in the game but her boss, and lover, Agent Gil Graham, is reluctant to expose her to the evil of two serial killers. After all, Caycee’s an analyst not an agent! It causes her to rely more on Hicks, and question which man is her true soul mate – the protector or the trickster? The answer lies somewhere along the trail of iconic 40-year-old murders, and Caycee’s ability to uncover the truth. If she fails, she’ll be the Zodiac Killer’s latest victim.
"After reading the first book in the series, I was curious to see what would happen next. Now that book two is out, I can honestly say that this is even better than the first! A strong sequel, Scarlet Envy is a whirlwind adventure right from page one. It's fun, fast-paced, funny, and has a great sense of suspense and mystery.[...]" - Reader Review
Link to the Book
Link to the eBook Scarlet Revenge on Amazon
Link to the eBook Scarlet Envy on Amazon
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