Reading by Deb: INTERVIEW with RC BOLDT

I want to thank RC Boldt for taking the time for this interview!

BIO:

RC Boldt is a USA Today bestselling author currently living in part of the Costa Rican jungle with the love of her life and her mini-me.

If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos or can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, she's your girl.

RC loves hearing from her readers at rcboldtbooks@gmail.com.

When and how did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I had always loved writing, but never realized I could make a career out of it until the early indie publishing movement began. That’s truly what encouraged me—by seeing others pursuing their writing dreams and paving the path for others.

Did you have any influencing writers growing up?

I can’t say that I had influencing writers growing up, but I was always a voracious reader and constantly devoured as many books as I possibly could.

Are any of your characters based on people in real life?

Yes, the bulk of my characters are loosely based on people in real life.

Where do you draw your book inspirations from?

Honestly, book ideas seem to spark in my mind out of nowhere and kind of snowball, demanding I flesh them out and put them down on paper.

Do you use have a basic outline when starting a new story or do you let the characters lead the way?

I always outline first, but it’s more of a guide than anything and not a strict “This is the way it has to be” requirement.

When you are picturing the characters in your book, do you have a cheater photo for inspiration?

Oh, most definitely. It is usually only one select photo, but it’s enough to send me on my merry way to having a better grasp on how I imagine the characters.

Many people read as a form of escape and relaxation. What is your favorite way to sit back and relax?

Sitting on the deck with my family and listening/watching nature. That’s one of my happy places.:)

Who are your favorite current authors to read?

Lauren Layne, Julie James, Kylie Scott, and far too many others to name.

What are your favorite books by others?

Hawthorne & Heathcliff by R.K. Ryals, Beneath These Lies by Meghan March, and Lick by Kylie Scott are just a few of my favorites.

Do the locations in the stories have any meaning to you?

Absolutely. I always choose locations where I’ve either lived or visited because I feel it gives the reader a more authentic experience of the given place.

Do you write in single or multiple POV?

Multiple POV.

What do you find to be your best research tool?

It really depends on the topic, but aside from the internet, I reach out to individuals who have expertise in certain areas I might be writing about.

Do you write under a pen name? Also, do you write under more than one name?

Kind ofJ It’s simply my first two initials and my last name.
No.

What genre do you write and why is this your preference?

Contemporary romance. I think I prefer this simply because it’s what I’ve always gravitated to as a reader and I feel most at ease writing.

What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

Research every facet of becoming a writer and the publishing and marketing process—and then some.

It’s ever-changing, but informing yourself from the get-go is crucial.

And do not read your reviews.

How do you deal and process negative book reviews?

I don’t read them because I find they mess with my headspace. I fully recognize my books won’t be everyone’s cup of tea and that is A-okay.

What is the most difficult part of your writing process?

Getting past the 50K word count hump. For some reason, once I hit that point, it’s always smooth sailing.

What do you need in your writer’s space to keep you focused?

My earbuds and undisturbed time with my laptop. 😊

What is your naughty indulgence as you are writing?

I don’t really snack while writing, so I’m not sure it would be considered naughty, but a cup of coffee or tea or my thermos of water are normally part of the process.

If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose? And why?

I think I would choose Lauren Layne, just because I’d be interested to see where much of her inspiration comes from in the Big Apple. 😊

What is your schedule like when you are writing? Do you have a favorite writing snack or drink?

I get up at around 4:15 and try to get in a few hours of work before my daughter gets up for school. Once she’s off, I head back to work and finish up by the time she gets home.

When I’m deadline, however, I will continue after her bedtime and work until 9 or 10 or whenever my momentum runs out for the night.

Do you listen to music when you write – what kind of music is your favorite?

I always listen to music and usually have a selected playlist of songs, but it tends to be an eclectic mix from Bad Wolves, Florence and the Machine, Weezer, Lauren Daigle, Radiohead, Third Eye Blind, Miley Cyrus, etc.

Have pets ever gotten in the way of your writing?

No, because we don’t have any due to my allergies. But the toucans and howler monkeys can be ridiculously loud and overpower my music piping through my earbuds.

What is your kryptonite as a writer? What totally puts you off your game?