Interview with Author Roxanne Snopek and Giveaway

Today I would like to welcome author Roxanne Snopek to RFTC. Roxanne is celebrating the release of her book Three River Ranch and has stopped by to answer some questions. Please give Roxanne a warm welcome.

Roxanne Willems Snopek is an award-winning freelance writer of everything from corporate newsletters to personal essays. Author of the Amazing Stories series of true life animal adventures, she now focuses on fiction. Snopek grew up in Saskatchewan and now lives in British Columbia.

Places to find Roxanne:

| Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter |

First off, can you tell us a bit about you?
I have the uncanny ability to get to the microwave from across the room, within a couple of seconds before it dings. Some days, I cling to this. I may have self-esteem issues.

Did you always want to be a writer?
Nope. At various times in my life I’ve wanted to be: a nurse, a professional figure skater, a tree planter, a rodeo clown, a chiropractor (which would be useful in combo with the other jobs), a motivational speaker, an off-grid hippie/hermit… I may also have attention deficits.

What kind of writer are you? Panster or Plotter?
First off, isn’t it easier to say “pantser” than “panster?” I know it gets bandied about as both, but “pansTER” drives me up the wall. Sorry this is hardly your fault and now you probably feel horrible. Or you think I’m just rude. After all, you’re hosting me today and I have the nerve to criticize such a miniscule thing… hm. I guess I should now cop to having a few obsessive tendencies as well…

But back to the question: I’m a “brain composter” and then a jotter, then a panster. I have to think about an idea for awhile, noodle around on a gigantic sheet of paper gridded with every story-structure outline I’ve ever learned, they just start writing crazily (like I have another gear) until the whole ugly mess takes shape. It’s best if I’m kept separated from the general population during this stage.

Where do your ideas come from?
Ideas aren’t the problem! LOL! I’m probably getting an idea for a book right now! Any conversation, any observation, any newspaper headline, any obsession of mine (lord help us all!) and even dreams can trigger whole books in my head.

A la Twitter style, can you describe your book (or series) in 140 characters or less.
Two wounded souls, wanting to save the world, end up rescuing each other. With cowboys, horses, dogs and babies.

What are some of your favorite kinds of stories to read?
I love love stories, of course. I love suspense, thrillers. I love family-secret stories or mysterious-past stories.

Do you have a favorite book and if so what is it?
Dean Koontz’s Watchers. He’s such a fascinating writer and this book has a lovely theme of how we all need to look out for each other. He writes with a break-neck pace and his prose is just lovely. Also, he’s a dog nut, and I always love it when there’s dogs in a book!

What are the scenes that are the hardest for you to write?
When stuff happens! You know, the plot part. I can write emotional scenes in my sleep, conflict, conversations, dialogue, how-he/she-felt-when-he/she-said/did-this-or-that. But linking these things together with a logical plot… so not my strong suit.

If you could have dinner with any three authors, who would you choose and why?

• Sheila Roberts – I’ve met her and she’s just delightful! Her books are sweet and funny and uplifting. We’d have no trouble making conversation.
• Jane Porter – I love her books; they’re about real women with real problems. I met her briefly at a Romance Writers of America national conference and I want to know how she stays looking so awesome at 50-ish!
• Kristan Higgins – I’ve got all her books. Her heroines are so engaging I just want to hug them. Plus, she’s usually got dogs – or maybe a cat! – in her books. I can’t resist that!

Last question, are you working on anything right now?
Of course! It’s the next book in the Three River Ranch series: the story of Desiree Burke and Zach Gamble. Zach’s ranch is in jeopardy after his father suffers a stroke. Des is, readers might recall, a physiotherapist who believes she can help Zach’s dad by using unconventional methods. Only, of course, Des is hiding something. When Zach finds out… well, things are said and done that cause much emotional turmoil.

Thanks for having me today! And thanks for your interest in Three River Ranch!

I should tell you, my husband has been my biggest supporter for all the years I’ve been writing, so he knows firsthand just how tough this business is. When I told him that this book could actually have a chance, he said sure, whatever, if it sells well, he’ll get a tattoo. (He truly believes in me, but he’s always trying to protect my fragile hopes from being dashed to dust. I do tend to get carried away… no, I’m NOT bi-polar. I took a test.)

So, help me out will you? I want a tattooed husband and your $2.99 could make the difference!

Any suggestions for his first ink? (I believe in planning ahead…)

Needing a fresh start from her two-timing fiancé, Aurora McAllister answers a realtor’s ad for a guesthouse on the beautiful, serene Three River Ranch. She shows up at Three River tired, heartbroken, and with no one but her trusty Labradoodle as a companion.

Cowboy Carson Granger has enough trouble in his life without adding a woman and her dog to the mix. There’s the untamed mustang he’s prepping to release into the wild, not to mention his father’s crazy will, which stipulates that if Carson wants to fully inherit Three River, he’ll need to find a bride. Carson wants nothing to do with love and especially not a marriage of convenience. But he soon realizes Rory, and everything she represents, might just be exactly what he needs.

Sometimes love arrives on your doorstep when you least expect it…

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

1 lucky commenter will win a eBook copy of Three River Ranch

To Enter:

• Please leave a comment answering Roxanne's question: Do you have any suggestions for what her husbands first tattoo should be?
• Please fill out the Rafflecopter form.

Good Luck =)

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