UPDATE: Congratulations to Kelly Mueller for winning a copy of Leslie Dicken’s science fiction romance novella TABOO.

Today, author Leslie Dicken is visiting to talk about her new science fiction romance TABOO, as well as her writing process. Also, there’s a giveaway! One lucky commenter on this blog post will receive a copy of TABOO for her e-reader. TABOO is currently available from Samhain Publishing and Amazon.

What inspired you to write THE PRICE OF DISCOVERY and TABOO?

Both of these stories began as a dream! Yes, I can have some very vivid and story-like dreams, then I wake up and consciously continue the storyline. Eventually, I expanded on them and wrote it out into books! However, I’ve always had an interest in SF and Fantasy elements. It was a love I shared with my dad as a child.
Which element of story creation is your favorite and why?

The actual writing. Once I have the storyline in place in my head and can just sit down and write, I love it when it all flows. And especially when unexpected twists come up that I hadn’t planned!

What is your writing process?

Wow, um, once I’ve brainstormed and pre-plotted and tossed ideas around, I get started writing. Then it’s all about finding the time. I work full-time and have three older children, so having time alone is scarce. But I’ll write late in the evenings, on weekends, even during lunch hours if I have to.

What do you enjoy the most about writing?

As I mentioned earlier, I love it when ideas/stories take on a life of their own. When you are moving through a story and a character does something you never expected. It’s that “Muse” or subconscious or whatever you want to call it. When that shows up and the writing flows, there is nothing better!

Is there a certain type of character or theme that you find yourself coming back to again and again?

No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to get out of writing dark, tortured characters – especially heroes. Heathcliff from WUTHERING HEIGHTS has left me scarred forever. I also seem to go back to the theme of “where do I belong in this world?”

What’s next for you?

I just sold my historical steampunk mystery to Samhain Publishing. No release date yet. Currently I’m writing a short story trilogy I am targeting for Harlequin Spice Briefs.

What’s the first book you remember loving?

I’m sure I read and loved more before this one, but the one that stuck with me the longest is CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR. I read it as a 12 year old and suggested it to my mother’s bookclub. They in turn read it and invited me to their meeting when they discussed it. I’ve had a love for Physical Anthropology and Evolution since then!

Do you read the same genre that you write?

Yes, I mostly read in that genre. I write Romances and prefer to read them. I’m a sucker for happy endings. That said, I’m a huge Harry Potter fan and enjoy reading some middle grade and YA books with my kids.

What’s your advice to new writers?

WRITE! And don’t give up! Also, be open to revisions and multiple avenues of publishing. Each person’s journey is different.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

I make jewelry, garden, read, and play with my kids. Oh and sometimes I enjoy shopping too. 😉

Leslie Dicken currently has three novels, one novella, and one short story in publication. Another novel has sold and is awaiting a release date. Her first Harlequin Spice Brief will be available in April 2012.

Her stories have finalled in the Golden Heart, received four stars from RT Reviews and have won a Reviewer’s Choice Award. Her work ranges from aliens to gothic to steampunk to Victorian, but all are sexy and emotionally satisfying. She also creates wired and beaded jewelry in her “spare” time. Visit her at www.lesliedicken.com and follow her at Twitter.

TABOO is currently available from Samhain Publishing and Amazon. THE PRICE OF DISCOVERY is also currently available from Samhain Publishing and Amazon.