Awesome Romance Writer: Ashantay Peters
Introducing: Ashantay Peters
Looking for a great romance author to read? This week my guest author is Ashantay Peters, a fellow Wild Rose Press romance author. Today, Ashantay answers questions about being a romance writer.
- Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Yes, thanks for asking. I live in a small town south of Asheville, NC. I’m retired and spend my time writing, reading, gardening, and volunteering at the local library. Yes, I’m a lucky person! I’m not one of those old folks who get in your way when you’re out trying to do errands over lunch hour, though!
- How did you choose the genre you write in? I write multiple genres, all my books have humor, so I guess you could say that’s my main genre. I have no idea how I ended up writing humor, having begun writing bad poetry. (No, not limericks.)
- Do you work with an outline, or just write? When the characters call, I answer. Okay, only sometimes. Normally I ignore them until they begin waking me up at night, screaming to be heard. It’s most unsettling. Not to mention those bags under the eyes.
- Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult? I love Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick. She has a dry wit I enjoy.
- Will you have a new book coming out soon? Yes, thanks, I do. I don’t have a release date, but “Reading Between the Lives” will be published through Wild Rose Press. It’s a light paranormal about multiple dimensions and parallel lives.
- What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment? I once entered a contest and a judge told me not to quit my day job. That was the nicest comment s/he made. I sent that judge a figurative middle finger and kept on. You have to do that sometimes. I’ve been fortunate and have received many wonderful compliments since then, which I won’t repeat or I’ll make myself blush. Seriously, step away from the badies. Your talent may need polishing, but we all have creativity to share. Respect your message.
- Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers? I always tell people to have fun. Whether it’s writing or some other activity, make the time you spend on that pursuit enjoyable. And if you write humor, keep on writing – we have way too little reason for laughter sometimes, so make your book one that helps people feel better.
Blurb:
Rock star Jack Reed has secrets. He’s kept his first marriage to a girl he met at Woodstock, and their son, under wraps for decades. Now his child has tracked him down wanting answers.
Former hippie Sally Ford never fully recovered from Jack’s betrayal of their family. She believes he put his career first then and will again, leading to another shattered ending.
Jack and Sally’s first meeting is combustible. Can they confront their past and overcome a history of deceit and manipulation to find peace and love?
What a wonderful interview, Ashantay! You had me smiling when I read how your dealt with criticism. You truly have to have a hard “turtle” shell and positive attitude in this business. Wishing you all the best with your new release. It’s already on my tbr list.
Loved the post. It’s good to meet another Roses author. I’m intrigued by your book, ‘Deja Vu’. I like stories when the past returns to bite you. “Reading Between the Lives” sounds good as well. I usually don’t read paranormal, but I decided to stretch my horizons this year. Plus, I like going back into the past.
Hi Ashantay, Excellent interview and advice! Best of luck with sales. 🙂
Thank you, Joanne!
Ashantay you have great advice. I love the way all your books are humorous. You have a great gift.
From one humorist to another – thanks, Kayden!
This looks like another great title to add to my collection. The cover is intriguing, too!
Thanks, Mimi — I appreciate your ongoing support!
Hi, ladies! Love the interview and Ashantay, I started with poetry too, not limericks either. LOL
I knew we had something in common, Vicki! Thanks for your comment.
Oh, those nasty judges. Makes me wonder what they do for their day jobs! And if their children come to visit very often 🙂 You are right that you have to just move along. Reading Between the Lives sounds like an interesting premise. Best of luck with it.
Thank you, Sorchia! I began contest judging since that time, and always find something nice to say – even to the writers least developed. I remember being in that spot. :>)
Ashantay, I love your encouraging opinion: “Your talent may need polishing, but we all have creativity to share.” This is so true. Writing, just like reading, is subjective. What one reader likes another may love! That’s why we follow our personal muses and no one can or should dissuade us! I loved “Deja Vu All Over Again” and can only recommend it to readers who enjoy both humor and the romance of the 70s. Can’t wait for your upcoming release!
Thank you, Laura, my writing soul sister! I do think everyone has something to say – in whatever media best suits them.
Great interview! I love your advice for writers!
Thank you, Lori! Glad you enjoyed my advice – you gave me a smile –
Great interview, Ashantay, and wonderful advice for writers. And your book sounds really intriguing. Looking forward to its release.
Thanks, Mary! I appreciate you stopping by.
I love that Amanda Quick was one of your inspirational writers. Her humor is so endearing. Your characters sound very interesting.
Thanks, Linda – I do love Ms. Quick! Thanks for your comments!
Thanks for hosting me today, Zara! I appreciate your generosity and thoughtfulness.