The author spotlight today is on Collette Cameron, author of The Viscount’s Vow:

Why do you write?

I write because nothing is as fulfilling or satisfying as putting words on a page and weaving them into a story.

What’s your favorite genre? Do you have a favorite author (if so, please tell us the name)?

My favorite genre is historical romance, specially Regency, Highlander’s, and medieval.  Amylynn Bright, Delilah Marvelle, Tayna Crosby, Regina Jeffers are a few whose books I really enjoy reading but there are many, many more.

To be successful as an author, what do you see as the main goal?

A determination to write every day and finish the book.  You’re book needs to reflect who you are as a writer, not some cookie-cutter mold that duplicates what everyone else is doing. Dare to do something a bit different.

What inspires you and how do you channel it when you need inspiration?

Honestly, no one thing inspires me. I’ve been known to get a sudden inspiration in the shower (happens to often and makes for soggy notes), gardening, sipping a cup of coffee on m porch swing listening to the early morning songbirds.

And truthfully, if I get stuck or need a solution, I say a quick prayer and let my mind ruminate on it. Before I know it, an epiphany  pops into my head and I’m dashing to make a note of it.

What advice can you give to aspiring authors?

Find honest, supportive critique partners, and learn all you can about the industry while honing your craft.  Other authors are amazingly supportive and helpful so network and share with them.

What advice would you give to the youth of today (not just authors)?

We’re losing our social skills, the ability to interact personally because of technology.  I’m not bashing technology, but as a teacher who sees students everyday who’d rather talk about the computer game they played all day Saturday instead of playing with friends, it disturbs me. Take the time to put aside your cell phone, MP4 player, IPOD, etc. and interact.

What’s on your bucket list?

Too many things to list here but trips to Scotland, Germany, Scandinavia, Rome, and back to France and England again are there. I’d like to try kayaking and snorkeling too.

Tell us about your book:

The Viscount’s Vow

Amidst murder and betrayal, destiny and hearts collide when scandal forces a viscount and a  gypsy noblewoman to marry in this Regency romance, sprinkled with suspense and humor.

Part Romani, part English noblewoman, Evangeline Caruthers is the last woman in England Ian Hamilton, the Viscount Warrick, could ever love—an immoral wanton responsible for his brother’s and father’s deaths. She thinks he’s a foul-tempered blackguard, who after setting out to cause her downfall, finds himself forced to marry her—snared in the trap of his own making.

When Vangie learns the marriage ceremony itself may have been a ruse, she flees to her gypsy relatives, declaring herself divorced from Ian under Romani law. He pursues her to the gypsy encampment, and when the handsome gypsy king offers to take Ian’s place in Vangie’s bed, jealousy stirs hot and dangerous.

At last, under a balmy starlit sky, Ian and Vangie breech the chasm separating them. Peril lurks though. Ian’s the last in his line, and his stepmother intends to dispose of the newlyweds so her daughter can inherit his estate. Only by trusting each other can they overcome scandal and murderous betrayal.

“A brilliant tale combining Regency romance with exotic Romani culture.”

What would you like people to know about you (put your bio or anything else here):

Multi-published historical romance author Collette Cameron has a BS in Liberal Studies and a Master’s in Teaching. She only teaches part-time so she has time for her greatest passion: writing. Collette’s been married for 30 years, has 3 amazing adult children, and 5 dachshunds. Collette loves a good joke, inspirational quotes, flowers, the beach, trivia, birds, shabby chic, and Cadbury Chocolate. You’ll always find dogs, birds, quirky—sometimes naughty—humor, and a dash of inspiration in her novels. Her motto for life? You can’t have too much chocolate, too many hugs, or too many flowers. She’s thinking about adding shoes to that list.

Amazon Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Viscounts-Regency-Romance-ebook/dp/B00EZ8RBN2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379457855&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Viscount%27s+Vow

Collette would love to hear from you.

Website: http://collettecameron.com

Blog: http://www.blueroseromance.com

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/collettecameronauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Collette_Author

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13595899-collette-cameron