Books
What should readers know about your books before they buy them?
The main thing to keep in mind is that they are EROTIC romance. If reading about sex bothers you, then these would not be books that you would enjoy.
Are any of your books interrelated and do I have to read them in order?
Although I am working on some series, they are all independent stories and can be read alone. There are also a few stand alone books that are not parts of any series. The Books page will list any series that a book belongs to and it’s order in that series.
Do your books have a HEA (Happily-Ever-After)?
Yes – I have to have my HEA
What are your heroes and heroines alike?
I enjoy heroines that are strong and not overly clingy. They are complete people in their own right. My heroes are strong but also heroic and vulnerable. I like to show how even the strong are vulnerable and how people can find strengths they didn’t know they had.
What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your books?
An “aaaaaaaaah” moment of satisfaction. That moment when enjoy haw it all came together and bask in the feeling of love conquering all.
What do you hope they will understand about romantic fiction and/or about you?
That romance isn’t no longer heaving bosoms and Fabio-esque lookalikes. There is a huge variety of romances out there now and if you haven’t scanned through the romance aisle lately, you ought to!
When’s your next book coming out?
No idea yet. I’m just starting in fiction and have several books being written but they have not yet been sold. Stay tuned to hear more as books are finished and sales are made.
About Writing
Where do you get your ideas?
Everything – really! I am constantly thinking of new idea and “what if” scenarios. I’m not sure I will ever have time to write stories based on all the idea I already have, let alone the constant influx.
How many books do you usually write a year?
I have no idea yet. I have a day job and have so far managed two in the last year but I am still learning so I hope that it’s a sustainable pace.
What do you like most about being a writer?
The creativity and world creation. It’s great to be able to world build and take an idea from a single sentence to an entire story.
How much research do you do and how do you do it?
This varies widely by what I am writing. If I am writing something based on mythology, I always brush up on the actual mythology. If there are facts, I check them out. Even how I conduct research varies – I’m very fond of the internet and then double-checking through a mix of people in the field and published works.
In which genres do you write? Do you consider writing in other genres, too?
Contemporary and Paranormal Erotic romance are my preferred genres. Some have a suspense base and some do not. These are the genre I am drawn to so right now I have no plans for other genres but I never say never.
Are you a Romance author or an Erotic Romance author?
Definitely erotic romance.
Does reader’s feedback help you with your writing? Is feedback something that is very important to you?
Reader feedback is always good to hear. I don’t always take any one piece of advice or feedback to heart but I’m always happy to hear it.
Any advice to aspiring writers?
Write the stories of your heart and never give up! Of course I’m still an aspiring fiction author so I’m taking my own advice.
Career
How did you get started? How did you become a writer?
I’ve always been a voracious reader so I’ve always been around books and writers. I actually started writing by seeing a need for a resource book in my day job and wrote up a proposal and ended up selling that book.
Then I decided to see if I could write a book in my favourite genre – erotic romance – and the race was off.
What made you choose romance as your genre?
I love reading it and it’s my escape from the daily grind – and I had some good ideas.
What was your first story being published?
I haven’t had a fiction work published yet but stay tuned!
Personal
Is Maura Anderson your real name?
It was at one time. It’s not my legal name though.
Who is Maura Anderson?
I’m a 42 year old wife and mother who works as a software engineer near Seattle, Washington. I have way too many hobbies and way too many cats.
What kinds of books do you read and who are your favorites?
I actually read a huge variety of books – everything from non-fiction works like The World Is Flat and Fast Food Nation to science-fiction, fantasy, romance, mysteries, etc. I think I have too many favorites to really list!
What do you do when you aren’t writing?
I am at the day job or I am playing with one of my too many hobbies – knitting, beading, chain maille jewelry, cross stitch, stained glass, etc.