Hi Marci, I am so happy to have to with us today. I was one of the lucky ones to read your debut Delicious and I fell in love instantly. Food, cooking and sex! Yes please. I just finished Earth and Desire, your latest book. Amazing! Let’s get to this interview. I can’t wait to learn more about you.
1) What genre do you write and when did you start writing?
Marci: Contemporary Romance. I’ve written poetry since childhood, except it got dirtier as I grew older. I didn’t take it seriously until I started culture blogging 4 years ago, and I only just started writing romance last November.
Red: I didn’t know we had blogging in common. No wonder we have bonded.
2) Do you have a favorite book that you have written?
Marci: “Delicious is my favorite. I love the cast of characters and the protagonists are pretty sexy. It’s based around food, London and California which was easy for me to make happen because I’m a California girl based in England who loves food.
It was also hilarious at points. At least it was in my head. I felt like it was my true writing voice as well. Although that is still developing. The actual plot was mad and really fun to write too.
Red: Ok, now I am starting to think we are twins separated at birth since I am a born and raised Californian.
3) Do you have a favorite character from your books? How do you select the names of your characters?
Marci: Well, Jack Connors in Earth & Desire is my favorite character to be honest. He’s earthy and has a very unusual magnetism about him. He’s not your typical character. He’s an Irish Traveler and brings a lot to the table.
I try to be a bit realistic about names. Geography and culture has a lot to do with naming a character. Although, the names can sometimes form a character. I feel that coming on in my future books because I have some great ideas that need interesting characters.
Red: I fell in love with Jack. His subtle calmness drew me in.
4) What is your favorite part of being a published author?
Marci: Having people say they love your work.
Red: Well let me just say, “I love your work”. LOL
5) Where is the strangest place you had a book or character idea come to you?
Marci: My head. Seriously, it’s a pretty strange place.
Red: Great answer!
6) I am sure you dont sit with a timer but if you had to guess how long does it take for you to write a book?
Marci: I’m not as organized as other authors, I’m only just getting this right, but I would say that when I am writing, I write about 3 hours a day. A novella can take me about 3 weeks. Sad right? I have to be into the story and sometimes there are those mental block things.
Red: Being organized is hard. If you find the secret to that mystery please let me know.
7) Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Marci: I do. I am a firm believer in constructive criticism. My Betas I think have saved me from brutal criticism because so far I love all my reviews. Of course, I haven’t read all the reviews for my new release.
Red: Here is my review of Earth and Desire- I loved it!
Marci Belle continues to keep me turning the pages of her books. The way she describes the characters and the scenes paints a picture that allows me to dive into this story like a movie set. I had a clear picture of who Jack is and why he was such a great man for Annie. I love that he isn’t overpowering, just a calm man who is falling in love with a women who is content to let it happen. Earth and Desire is a sexy easy to read book that I highly recommend.
8) What do you do what you suffer from writer’s block?
Marci: Go out and have fun. What’s the point in sitting around and dwelling? Or I read, because there’s always inspiration in another author’s work. I find I’m relaxed and when I’m ready, well, I’m ready.
Red: Secret? I was struggling with blogging block and I jumped in and finished our interview. You helped me today and you didn’t even know it.
9) Which of your books do you wish more readers were aware of?
Marci: Delicious. I think it’s a great first read.
Red: I recommend Earth and Desire too! Can’t wait to see what else you have for your readers
10) Did you have a mentor when you started?
Marci: Yes. I love my mentor. Jade West is still my mentor. I worship the ground she walks on. Aren’t I just the luckiest?
Red: Yes! You are lucky! Jade is amazing! I have been a fan of hers from the beginning. Dirty Bad Wrong is on the top of my list. I remember waiting for her release and then devoured it. Oops sorry, I was fangirling. Please tell Jade I love her…. maybe you can introduce us and I can interview her soon… hint hint.
11) What advice would you give an aspiring author?
Marci: Hang on tight and keep persevering. Also, find a mentor. Facebook has started a new mentoring program for writers. I’m open to more mentors so I’ve signed up. One thing that was told to me was to read. Read a LOT.
Red: Great advice.
12) What can we expect from you in the future?
Marci: Well I’m doing a Christmas anthology that will be full of amazing dark romances by amazing authors. I just can’t reveal who. I’m surprised at how much I’m enjoying writing the darkness. I also am working on a full-length after that. Terrifying.
Red: Something different for you fans is always fun.
13) Tell us something fun. Anything that can make us smile or giggle. Life is too short, lets spread some smiles around.
Marci: I just found out that cold showers help men produce more testosterone are rather helpful in the bedroom.
Red: And here we thought is was just to cool off.
14) Anything Else?
Marci: Please help support indie authors like myself. It’s a rough ride without support form the book community. Trust me, we appreciate you all.
Red: I agree! It’s a give and take and I appreciate the support I receive from the indie authors too.
Thanks for sharing with us Marci! I look forward to reading more of you books.
blurb: “Love Your Enemies, For They Tell You Your Faults.” – Benjamin Franklin
CALVIN
He’s the London restaurateur and lady-killer who almost had his dreams shattered by the merciless American food critic, Evie Cooper. After publishing her damning review his restaurant is crumbling to dust.
The relaunch is Calvin’s last opportunity to salvage his aspirations of owning a Mexican restaurant in London’s most exclusive neighborhood. He’ll do anything to keep Evie away from The Aztec of Mayfair. The problem is, he has no clue what she looks like.
EVIE
When Evie meets the sexiest man she’s ever laid eyes on during a crammed flight to London, she’s unaware of what she’s getting herself into. At the point of introduction, she’s faced with the horrible reality that she’s stuck in mid-air with the man who has claimed her as his mortal enemy. She must hide her identity at all costs.
Just when she thinks she’s had a lucky break, he reappears, and this time, he’s shamelessly flirting with her.
A Stand Alone, Enemies to lovers Novella for the foodie in us all.
Reds Review
Two of my favorite things, food and sex. OK 3, hot man! Marci Belle brings us into the mind of Evie the food critic. How she meets the one man she should have never met, let a lone fall for. Reading this story kept me looking for more about each of these main characters. Great quick read and definitely left me wanting to see what else this author has for me in the future.
A California native living in beautiful England. One of the many things that keep me busy is my English-born daughter who likes to correct me when I don’t say things the British way. “Mum, it’s tea not dinner, and dinner not lunch.” Do you feel my pain? There’s also my jazz singer, artist, spiritual daughter who broke my heart when she grew up and moved back to California. She refuses to read my naughty books. I think we can all agree that is wise of her. I love to write sultry contemporary romances made up of characters I’ve observed over a pint of Hereford cider or a spot of lunch in this foreign world I inhabit. And of course, I like to create amazing American characters inspired by the melting pot I grew up in. Throughout the years’ people have repeatedly suggested I write my life story, but I prefer to put a little bit of myself into each book. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you anyway.
Delicious: A Sexy Foodie Romance by Marci Belle