Interview with Emmy Curtis
I got the amazing honor of interviewing Emmy Curtis, the author of The Alpha Ops series (first book reviewed here.)
It was a fabulous interview and her responses were fantastic. I got a great laugh xD.
Click here to see her website with some information on her novellas.
The second book of her series was out yesterday so I can’t wait to read it, but until them, here is the interview. ^.^ Enjoy!!!!!!
1. What inspired you to become a writer and why short story romance?
Hmmm. I grew up always reading romance, at a time when they were mainly about men who veered toward being a bully to a much younger, weaker woman. I enjoyed them, but all the time I wanted to read books where the women and men were totally equal either physically, mentally or emotionally. I never really yearned for short-story, in fact the novella is really just a lead-in to the full length series, but I think some stories are better as novellas. With Josh and Grace in DANGEROUS TERRITORY, because the rescue is by nature short, I thought trying to string it out over a full length novel wouldn’t serve the reader or the characters well. My new book, releasing on October 7th, features two secondary characters from the novella, but explores their dynamic, personally and in combat, if you like, in a much deeper way.
2. When you were a child did you ever think that you were going to become author?
I’m sure my teachers at school would laugh, but yes, I always hoped. I was always jealous of my best friend, Jo, who used to write whole stories of our lives (fan fiction really), where we invariably hooked up with the boys we liked. They were SUCH good stories, funny and smart, that now I’m jurging her to write a full-length book now!
3. Where did you get your characters for your Alpha Ops series? Were they based on people in real life or were they just created from pure imagination?
They are based on men and women in the military who I have met. Whoa! Yes, I said it. The people in my book really exist. Maybe not literally, but all their characteristics exist in the people who serve right now. Some of their stories really happened. But mainly, I looked for these characters because I wanted to write about the combat forces often overlooked by novelists. Not every hero is a Marine sniper or a SEAL! So I decided to pick the special ops people in the air force.
4. When you write, what are some things that you have to have with you (ex. A box of mints, and candle, your favorite pencil, etc.) and your routine?
Coffee, and these:
http://i59.tinypic.com/smugp4.png
5. Just out of personal curiosity, how and why did you choose your pen name?
My friend Shauna and I were discussing baby names for her soon-to-be-born baby around the same time that I was submitting DANGEROUS TERRITORY for publication. I shamelessly stole one of the names she came up with, which was Emerson. So now both her lovely daughter and my alter-ego have the name Emmy J
6. In your spare time where can you be found and what can you be found doing?
Shooting trap (clay pigeons), reading, walking my dog, traveling and watching Marvel movies!
7. What are your top 5 favorite books?
These change almost monthly, but for now:
Light Her Fire by Samanthe Beck Hot, hot, hot (and really funny)
Abby Road by Ophelia London (sweet, sexy and funny)
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (a dream of a YA book. Everyone should read this)
Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson (another YA book, that’s both funny and suspense)
Confessions of a Spy by Peter Earley (an amazing up close and personal look at a real double agent)
8. What are your top 5 favorite movies?
Again, these change regularly!
Midnight in Paris (a love letter to Paris and writers everywhere)
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (by the way, the new Captain America – and current Faqlcon in this movie – is a former Pararescuer like my hero in DANGEROUS TERRITORY!)
Keeping the Faith (Just a totally cute laugh-fest)
Wimbledon (The best romantic comedy ever. I mean ever. Go watch it.)
Sahara (I’m a big fan of this movie and I suspect I’m in the minority)
9. If you could go on vacation to anywhere in the world, cost not an issue, where would it be and why?
Here: parrotcay.com
Private island, villas, infinity swimming pool, a spa, and gourmet food. Could a girl ask for anything more?
10. If you were stuck on a deserted island and you could have 5 things dropped off to you (not including transportation, and food and shelter was not an issue) what would they be and why?
One – My fully-loaded Kindle, because I’d rather have that than a tablet I couldn’t read in the sun, even if it meant losing TV streaming ability!
Two – Unlimited Fray Bentos Steak and Kidney pies.
Three – Unlimited Cadbury Flakes
Four – A Pararescuer like Josh, you know, to come rescue me .
Five – Good lingerie, because of number four! And maybe some spanx because of numbers two and three!
11. What are the top 5 things that you cannot live without?
My friends, my husband, my PC, coffee, and my bookshelves of signed books!
12. Where do you see yourself in the future; whether this is related to your own personal life or in relation to your writing
I suspect within a year I will be far, far away from where I am now. Being a military family and moving regularly is a big adventure! All I hope for my writing, is that I continue to write books that at least some people like. I know that no book pleases everyone, but even when people read my book and don’t like it, I am profoundly grateful that they spent their valuable time reading it!
