Author Spotlight!
Zoe Norman
Author Interview
What prompted you to write your first book?
It all started on Twitter a little over two years ago. Steph
and I had a similar interest in a book series, which led to us being a part of
an ensemble group on Twitter that wrote fan fiction. We were cast
together as a couple (Stephanie had a female lead and Heidi had a male
lead). A solid, cross-country friendship quickly developed which lead to
two minds becoming one and, in turn, it created some pretty awesome storylines
(if we can toot our own horn).
A fan base developed via Twitter and we
received many comments and compliments from readers. Late night
discussions were had and it turned out that we both had always kicked around an
idea of writing a novel. Add to that, we developed friendships with
bloggers and indie authors on Twitter who were very encouraging of our endeavor
to give writing a-go.
After a long conversation and several glasses of
wine, we made the commitment to write together and see what developed. We
created a plot and got started. After a while, we agreed that (1) we were
having a lot of fun creating Owen and Olivia’s story and (2) what we were
writing was pretty good. Then, we decided to share the story with readers
and made the choice to self-publish. We’re glad we listened to our gut
because it’s been a pretty great ride even getting to this point.
Is there anything or anyone in particular that you draw
inspiration from?
We draw inspiration from a combination of an overactive
daydreaming imagination and the other phenomenal works we read from our fellow
indie authors. There is so much amazing stuff to read out there, you're
never at a loss for inspiration!
Which story has been your favorite to write?
Well, since we've only written these two books, we'll go with our
favorite storyline in the books. We really loved writing the early scenes
for Owen and Olivia, when they were getting to know each other in Seattle and
early on in New York. We loved that new love and new interest they
had...developing that was fun.
Is there a book concept you’re just dying to write?
We have lots of them but will keep them close to our hearts...since
you'll probably see them in print one day ;)
Which character of yours, is your favorite?
We love them all, they become your babies...couldn't pick just
one.
Do you have a favorite book?
Stephanie: I don't have one particularly favorite
book, although there were some that left really visceral impressions on
me. A few of those would be the Tristan and Danika series from RK
Lilley...All of the Ten Tiny Breaths Series from KA Tucker. Left Drowning
by Jessica Park also left a real mark for me...I think it was the book that got
me interested in writing in writing.
Heidi: There
are so many books to choose from, it’s difficult to single out one in
particular. However, the ones that stick
out and have left an impression on me are the classic, To Kill a Mockingbird by
Harper Lee, The Effortless Series by S.C. Stephens, The Crossfire Series by
Sylvia Day and most recently Mud Vein by Tarryn Fisher (I’m not sure I’ve fully
recovered from that book).
Who is your favorite Disney character?
Steph: Wow, that's a hard one! I loved Lady and the Tramp...go
figure ;)
Heidi: Hmm… I’ll have to go with Peter Pan—you can accomplish amazing
things by thinking positively, but if a boy shows up at your window in the
middle of the night, chances are trouble isn’t too far behind.
Do you have a method to your writing process? Outlining, etc.
We started writing in dialogue with Heidi writing the male
character and Steph the female. Why do we chose those genders to
write? That was how we started and it's how our voices translate
best. Once the book is done we chunk out the chapters and then decide
whose goes in whose voice. Those are then rewritten in the one characters
voice. It's time consuming but we love it!
Have you ever gone back to book you’ve published and wished you
could have changed the ending or some other major aspect of the story?
Heidi and I think there are lots of things we wish we had added,
but all in all we’re proud of what we've written and where the story
went. Never know though...novellas are always an option for those extra
scenes or characters who deserve a little of their own attention (ie Charlie
and Marc).
What is the one piece of advice you’d give to new writers?
Don't let edits freak you out and be patient. We've
learned it takes more than one book, more than two actually, to make you a
superstar. Keep plugging away and it will come. Also like I said,
don't let edits get you down. See them for the help they are, try not to
internalize them. Hard but a must.
About Zoe Norman
Zoe Norman is the pen name for Heidi
Haveman and Stephanie Krulewitz, two women with one very important thing in
common—their love of good erotic romance novels. After a year of writing
fanfiction and developing a swoon worthy friendship from across the country,
the decision was made to write their own novel. During that time, they
developed a habit of texting each other daily and being marveled that one brain
could span from one coast to the other. Stephanie lives with her husband,
two daughters and two dogs, Sophie and Zoe. Heidi lives with her spoiled
dog, Norman.
Stalk Them
Books by Zoe Norman
Rescue Breathing
The Breathless Series
Release Date: June 11, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance
When Manhattan Psychologist Olivia Burke
receives an invitation to present her research on trauma in servicemen in
Seattle, she is determined to turn the business trip into the start of healing
her own traumatized heart.
FDNY Firefighter Owen Maxwell is an unapologetic playboy who spends his days
saving lives and his nights breaking hearts. He puts his life on the line every
day and is skeptical about doing the same with his heart. But when he meets
Olivia, the girl with the shattered spirit–sparks fly.
They share a hot weekend in Seattle and discover that they want to share so
much more.
Both Olivia and Owen are in need of help mending their hearts. What remains to
be seen is if they can do that for each other, or if they are so damaged they
go up in smoke.
Rescue Breathing is the journey of two lost souls, trying to breathe new life
into each other without losing themselves along the way.
Life Support
The Breathless Series
Release Date: September 24, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Olivia Burke is ready to risk everything
to be with Owen Maxwell. She’s determined to discover his dark secrets, mend
his broken soul, and convince him to make their relationship more permanent.
Owen is hell bent on not losing his sense of self, all the while trying to
alleviate Olivia's fears that he'll leave her for any of the warm bodies ready
to throw themselves at a sexy fireman. For Olivia, the past interferes with the
future she wants. For Owen, the future he wants is being assaulted by his past.
With hard work and a commitment to love each other, their budding relationship
continues to blossom until one fateful day when their utopia comes to a
crashing halt and threatens the future they've been working toward.
Will the challenges life continues to deal them keep them together or push them
further apart? Is their love strong enough? Right now, both of them are in need
of some life support.
Life Support is the conclusion of Olivia and Owen's story that began in Rescue
Breathing.
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Sounds like a HOT book, got my copies going to read soon!!
ReplyDeleteYou'll love them!!
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