Interview
If you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year while writing a book that took place in that same setting, where would you choose?
Los Angeles. I love all things Hollywood!
What behind-the-scenes tidbit in your life would probably surprise your readers the most?
My characters are always sipping on some sort of fancy cocktail, but readers are always surprised to find out that I don’t drink alcohol. Never have.
How do you come up with names for your characters?
Usually when I think about a character’s traits, a name just pops into my head that’s fitting. When that doesn’t happen, I turn to the internet and search various websites.
Give a shout-out to a fellow author.
I’d like to shout out my fellow eXtasy Books author V.J. Allison. Not only is she an extremely talented writer, but she’s one of the most supportive authors I’ve met within the writing community.
What would the logline be for your book?
They bought men from a prison to fulfill their every need. What could possibly go wrong with such a simple little purchase?
What is your favorite word, and why?
Right now my favorite word is amazing. It’s got such a lovely ring to it, and is associated with positivity and success.
Describe your writing space.
If I’m not out and about writing in a shared workspace, I’m at home writing in bed or on my chaise lounge.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have written ten books. My favorite is I WISH I NEVER MET YOU, because I was so free with my thoughts and words as I wrote. I allowed myself to pen whatever came to mind, which was a really liberating experience.
What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book(s)?
I’m oftentimes surprised when my characters take over my plot. I don’t always stick to the original plot that I’d outlined in the beginning due to twists and turns my characters may unexpectedly take, and that occurrence always fascinates me.
Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.
I love the heroine Devon Jacobs in my upcoming novel, SHE GETS WHAT SHE WANTS. Devon is so brave and fearless, and proves that when you cast your doubts aside and go for what you want in life, things have a way of falling right into place.
Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you
I’ll just say that my character runs into several unexpected situations that readers won’t see coming. I love a good plot twist.
Does one of your main characters hold a special place in your heart? If so, why?
My main character in I WISH I NEVER MET YOU holds a special place in my heart because she’s so open and honest. She’s not afraid to go after what she wants, even if it’s the wrong thing. She just swallows her pride and accepts the lesson. She also fails at love over and over again but somehow manages to dust herself off and keep on trying.
If one of your books was to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?
I love Regina Hall, Zazie Beets, Trevante Rhodes, and Morris Chestnut.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?
I recently completed a book proposal for my upcoming contemporary romance series SHE GETS WHAT SHE WANTS, and I’m currently writing the sequel.
How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?
Right now I’m plotting out a romantic thriller about a woman in law enforcement who’s pursuing a serial killer.
What are you reading now?
I’m rereading Whacked by Jules Asner for inspiration.
What famous author do you wish would be your mentor?
Terry McMillan
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I love studying true crime cases.
What is the best part of your day?
The middle of the night, which is usually when I hit my writing stride.
Would you rather be in a room full of snakes or a room full of spiders?
Spiders
What is your favorite word?
Amazing
What is your least favorite word?
Moist
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
There is something about the city of LA that turns me on creatively. I come up with great ideas and churn out my best work when I’m there.
What turns you off?
Insecurity and moodiness
What is your favorite curse word?
Shit
What sound or noise do you love?
A baby’s laughter
What sound or noise do you hate?
Loud music coming from my neighbors’ homes
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
A forensic scientist
What profession would you not like to do?
A mortician
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
You did well, my child. I’m proud of you.
~~~
Denise N. Wheatley is a lover of happily-ever-afters and the art of storytelling. She has written (and ghostwritten) numerous novels and novellas that run the romance gamut, from contemporary to paranormal, sweet to steamy. Denise strives to pen entertaining stories that embody matters of the heart, while creating characters who are strong, colorful and relatable.
She is an RWA member and received a B.A. in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago, the city where she was born and raised. When Denise is not sitting behind a computer, you can find her in a movie theater, on a tennis court, watching true crime television or chatting on social media.
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