The paranormal romance genre has its roots in Gothic literature, but nowadays, the genre is most recognized by the works of authors such as Anne Rice, J.R. Ward, and Laurell K. Hamilton. Mentioned authors helped pave the way for other authors to explore similar themes and ideas in their own work. And even though the genre at its core remained the same, plenty of other up-and-coming writers added to the mix of vampires, werewolves, angels, and everything in between. Creating some of the most thrilling works you’ve ever had a chance to read.
We had an amazing opportunity to get in contact with Martha Woods, a paranormal romance author best known for her series “Fatal Allure” and “Dawn of the Vampires,” and we had a chance to ask her a few questions regarding her creative process and amazingly dark and alluring characters she writes about.
FICTION HORIZON: First, before we begin, I would like to thank you for setting time aside to answer these questions. As a huge fan of fiction in general, I’ve always been fascinated by the creative process of world-building and character development in the context of vampires and other supernatural creatures. The market for fiction romance is highly competitive. What inspired you to start a career in such a competitive field?
MARTHA: Writing has always been a passion of mine, and I’ve always been drawn to the magical and the mysterious. When I discovered the world of paranormal romance, I felt like I had found my calling. I’m inspired by the challenge of creating compelling stories that stand out in such a competitive field. It’s a challenge that I’m excited to tackle, and I’m looking forward to the journey.
Can you tell us about your favorite fiction romance books of all time? Did any of these books inspire some of your works?
My favorite fiction romance books of all time would have to be the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. I absolutely love the story of Bella and Edward and the struggles they face in their love story. This series is definitely a major inspiration for my paranormal romance novels. I also really love the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Jamie and Claire’s love story is so powerful and emotional. It truly captures the magic of true love. I definitely draw inspiration from this series for my own works.
Can you lead us through your creative process? What works and doesn’t work for you? How long do you need to finish a book?
My creative process is a bit different for each book. Generally, I like to start by brainstorming ideas and characters, and then I move on to outlining the plot and writing a few chapters. I find that this helps me to get an understanding of the story before I dive into the full writing process.
I find that writing in the mornings works best for me, and I usually try to write for a few hours a day. I also like to take breaks in between writing sessions to give myself a chance to think and come up with new ideas.
It usually takes me about six months to complete a book. Of course, this varies depending on the length and complexity of the story. I also like to take time to edit and revise my work before I submit it for publication.
Your books mostly feature “alpha male” types of leads. How do you balance “strong men “and traits that might seem like “toxic masculinity?”
I try to make sure that my alpha male characters are strong but still have a sensitive side. They have strong convictions and values, but they also understand the importance of mutual respect and understanding. I strive to create characters that are confident and powerful while still being compassionate and understanding. I believe that it is possible to have an alpha male that is not considered to be “toxic,” and that is the kind of character I strive to create.
What’s your approach when it comes to creating chemistry and romantic tension between two characters? How do you pull it off?
I think creating chemistry, and romantic tension between two characters is all about making them feel real to the reader. I try to give them unique characteristics that make them stand out and come alive in the readers’ minds. I write a lot of scenes that show how the characters interact with each other, and I focus on the body language and small details that create a sense of connection between them. I also like to have the characters express their feelings for each other through dialogue so that it feels natural and genuine.
Are there any real-world inspirations for your characters? How do you approach character development in the context of a fantasy world?
Yes, my characters are often inspired by real-world people, places, and events. However, I also draw heavily on my own imagination and experiences. When developing my characters in the context of a fantasy world, I strive to create complex and interesting characters who interact with the world in a way that helps move the story forward. I also try to create characters who have their own unique motivations, goals, strengths, and weaknesses. I enjoy exploring the way these characters react to different situations and how they adapt to their ever-changing environments.
How do you approach conventional vampire lore and world-building in your books? Do you prefer to add your unique twists to the stories, or do you like to follow a well-beaten path of vampire lore?
I like to combine classic vampire lore and world-building with my own unique twists. I believe that when it comes to paranormal romance, it’s important to play with the conventions while also pushing the boundaries of the genre. My approach to writing vampire stories is to draw upon classic elements while also introducing new ideas and perspectives. I want to create stories that surprise and delight readers!
Do you listen to your fan feedback? Do you make some changes to your texts based on some initial beta reviews?
Yes, I definitely listen to my fan feedback! I always appreciate hearing what my readers think of my work, and their feedback helps me to create the best possible stories. I also make sure to consider any beta reviews I receive before I publish my texts. After all, it’s important to make sure that my readers are getting the best possible experience when they read my work.
Do you have any new projects in the works that we should keep an eye out for?
Yes! I’m working on a new paranormal romance novel, and it’s coming along really well. I’m really excited to share it with my readers. It should be out sometime next year. Keep an eye out for updates on my website and social media channels!
Is there some specific advice you would like to give to new and aspiring writers?
My advice to new and aspiring writers is to never give up. Writing can be a difficult and sometimes frustrating process, but if you stay focused, stay true to your vision, and keep believing in yourself, you can achieve great things. A good writing routine is key, so make sure you set aside dedicated time every day to work on your craft. Additionally, be sure to read a lot and study the work of writers you admire. Finally, don’t be afraid to take risks and experiment with different styles. Good luck!
