Author Interview: Deana Birch

About the author:
Contemporary romance and erotica writer Deana Birch was named after her father’s first love, who just so happened not to be her mother. Born and raised in the Midwest, she made stops in Los Angeles and New York before settling in Europe where she lives with her own blue-eyed Happily Ever After. Her days are spent teaching yoga, playing tennis, ruining her children’s French homework, cleaning up dog vomit, writing her next book, or reading someone else’s.

What inspires you to write romantic fiction?
I love the idea of taking modern day women and following their love stories while they maintain their strength and independence.

Tell us about how you write.
I don't have one rule for writing. It's almost like organized chaos – like my desk. But I do have an office and a dog who snores so loud that I have to kick him out to concentrate sometimes. I plot while I drive, write when I can, and never stop editing.

Do you listen to or talk to to your characters?
I've had certain characters who "yell" at me until I write what they want. But I am a reformed pantster, so I do outline now before I get started.

What advice would you give other romance writers?
Rely on the community! I have a gaggle of wonderful women writers to commiserate with and celebrate successes. They each bring their special talent and knowledge and I would never be where I am today without any of them. If you can't find one, make one!

How did you decide how to publish your books?
I was definitely guilty of querying too soon. That being said, the romance genre has shifted away from traditional publishing and most houses accept un-agented submissions now. So, while my first two books are self-published, my third is due out with Totally Bound next June. Still waiting to see what I'll do with number four and five.

What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think we are likely to see a surge of underrepresented books be picked up where more mainstream (like what I write) will continue on its hybrid path of self and smaller pub.

Which romance sub-genere(s) fit your stories best?
Contemporary Romance and Erotica

My books are available in the following formats:
eBook