Today's Special Guest is Shiela Stewart

1).  Tell us your latest news?

After waiting months and several publishers later I am happy to announce the release of the seventh book in my Darkness Series, Consuming the Darkness. I’ve had a rough 10 months with the publisher I was with selling to another publisher who then cancelled the line. I then took my books to another publisher who turned out to be nothing of what they claimed and so once again I was on the search for a place for my books. I was lucky to find Breathless Press and they were kind enough to take on all of my books. J Consuming the Darkness was supposed to be released in early spring but with all the transfers and sell outs it sat in my folders patiently waiting for its debut.

2).  When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing all my life. As a child I would make up stories for friends and family and then as I grew, I began to write in note books, releasing all the tales that cluttered my brain. I often used writing as a release from stress, upset, and a means of escape.

3).  What books have most influenced your life most?

There aren’t any particular books that have influenced me but more so authors. In my teens and early adulthood I read a lot of V.C. Andrews books. I would say that was the start to my love of romance. I also read Stephen King books and the inner suspense writer in me immerged. But it was the style of Nora Roberts writing that spurred me to look into becoming a published author.

4).  What are your current projects?

I have two on the go right now. I’m working on a book that is the beginning of a series. The demon series was written several years ago but wasn't publish quality. I’ve been rewriting it and I’m hoping to submit it to publishers this winter. The series is a look into three generations of demons with the patriarch being related to Satan himself.  Awaken the Demon is about a young woman, running from an abusive relationship and into the arms of a demon. Little does she know, she too is a demon and Satan wants her soul.

5).  Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I hate research. LOL If I didn’t have to ever research anything I would be a happy woman. But that’s not possible so I plug through it.

6). Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

As I stated above, Nora Roberts was the one that encouraged me to seek publication for my own work. I love everything she has ever written especially her pseudonym, J.D. Robb’s In Death Series. I love the way she describes the scenes she writes. It makes me feel as if I was actually there. She has a way with writing that draws the reader in, makes them feel a part of her books. Her characters are real, have real quirks, problems and it’s that that allows the reader to connect with them.

7).  When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always told stories. It was second nature to me. But it wasn't until 2005 when my hubby encouraged me to look into publishing houses did I consider it. Well…actually, he pushed me into it. LOL He contacted a local publisher and asked how I would go about getting published. They sent me a booklet with information and publishing houses that focused on Romance. The instant I received that book, I knew I wanted my stories published and read.

8).  How long does it take you to write a book?

I have been known to pump out a book in three weeks. When inspiration hits, I’m helpless to my muse. With my previous publisher I was releasing a novel every two months so I had to write fast. LOL

9).  What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I tend to write when inspiration strikes. If that’s during the day, I’ll sit in my office for hours working. Often though, the inspiration strikes at night when the house is quiet and the darkness calls me to create.

10).  Do you have any strange handwriting habits, like capitalizing all your “r”s or dotting your “I”s with heart (or anything like that)?
Well, you really had me thinking about this one. LOL I used to, when I was a teen, replace the ‘o’s in my words with smiley faces. But now, as an adult, I spend most of my time on the computer and not writing as much freehand that I’m afraid my handwriting has become rather messy.
11).  What do you want to know about the future?
Nothing. I like the element of surprise. Besides, I’m too paranoid to look into the future. If I saw anything bad, I would probably obsess about it and then what fun would my life be if I did that. I like to live for the now and hope my future is sunny. J
12).  Are you a morning person or a night person?
I would say I’m both, if that’s possible. LOL I find I do my best writing at night, but I rarely can stay up late anymore. Aging is hell. LOL I’m good from 9 am to about midnight.
13).  Do you like thunderstorms?
I hate them with a passion! I have always been afraid of them. As a child I lived on a farm. Once summer night we had a nasty storm with winds strong enough to shake the house. Could have been a tornado, I’m not sure, but I remember being so terrified our house would be picked up and blown into the sun and we would all burn to death. I was eight, what do you expect. Since then, I’ve had a strong fear of storms.
14).  What is the best way for readers to contact you?  Email, myspace, twitter, etc?
I’m  practically everywhere. The easiest way for readers to contact me is by email at shielas@shaw.ca
They can also stop by my wesbite for information on me and my books at www.shielasbooks.ca
My twitter address is : http://twitter.com/ShielaSue
facebook : http://www.facebook.com/shiela.stewart?ref=profile
15).  Anything you would like to add?
I would like to say thank you for this wonderful interview and the opportunity to meet new readers.