An interview with Marie Force
You folks know me, so are aware that I am a sentimental chick. Well, get ready for some sap! Marie Force is the first romance novelist to take me under her wing, so to speak, and lead me into this marvelous world of author relationships. In 2008 I knew not a single other author, of any genre, and had never heard of the RWA. I met Marie in San Francisco that summer, and long story short, she insisted I have lunch with her and then invited me to join the Casablanca Authors blog. From there I connected with many other authors who are still my dear friends (some who have guested here already). I am not exaggerating a whit when I say that Marie’s energy, down-to-earth attitude, knowledge, and commitment to helping others have been invaluable to me. Additionally, Line of Scrimmage and Love at First Flight were the first romance novels I had read in years. I loved them both, damned Marie for making me cry at the second, and haven’t stopped reading romance since. I owe it to Marie!
Marie is a dear friend I value tremendously. I am, therefore, especially thrilled to have her here today. Be sure to read everything Marie has to say, and comment to be entered into her generous giveaway!
Marie Force and Sharon Lathan at the 2009 RWA (L) & 2011 RWA (R)
With more than 2.5 million books sold, Marie Force is the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling, award-winning author of more than 30 contemporary romances. Her New York Times bestselling self-published McCarthys of Gansett Island Series has sold more than 1.3 million e-books since Maid for Love was released in 2011. She is also the author of the New York Times bestselling Fatal Series from Harlequin’s Carina Press, as well as the Treading Water Series and numerous stand-alone books. All You Need is Love, book 1 in her new Green Mountain Series from Berkley Sensation, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller in February. The second book, I Want to Hold Your Hand, was released yesterday, and the third book, I Saw Her Standing There, is coming in November. In 2014, Marie will have eight mass-market print releases—the first five Fatal Series books from Harlequin and the first three Green Mountain Series books from Berkley. Her most recent book, Fatal Jeopardy, book 7 in the Fatal Series, released on March 24, 2014, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.
In May, Marie agreed to a major three-book deal with Berkley for the Quantum Series, contemporary romances about Hollywood heavy-hitters laid low by love.
While her husband was in the Navy, Marie lived in Spain, Maryland and Florida, and she is now settled in her home state of Rhode Island. She is the mother of two teenagers and two feisty dogs, Brandy and Louie.
Visit Marie’s website at www.MarieForce.com for more information, and be sure to join her mailing list for news about new books and other possible appearances in your area. Follow her on Twitter @marieforce and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor/
Contact Marie at [email protected]
Amazon author page
Goodreads author page
~ An Interview With Marie Force ~
Q – What are your favorite books to read?
A – Romance of all kinds, particularly historical, contemporary and erotic.
Q – Where do you live now? What do you like and dislike about your part of the world?
A – I live in the Newport, Rhode Island area and love everything about life in New England, from the beautiful scenery and our local beaches to the ever-changing weather. It’s the perfect place to live.
Q – Do you have a “day job” other than writing? What “day jobs” have you had in the past?
A – I left my 16-year day job at the end of 2011. I was the director of communications for a national membership organization. I’ve also worked as a reporter, publicity director and editor.
Q – Do you have a favorite quote or inspirational saying?
Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. —Calvin Coolidge
Q – Do you have any particular talents? Anything outside of the norm? Any other artistic skills besides writing?
A – I joke that writing is the only talent I got, except it’s not really a joke. Still trying to complete my first cartwheel, when I cook there’s often smoke, I apparently can’t sing as well as I think I can…
Book 1 in Fatal series
Q – If you could bring one of your characters to life to hang out with and be your BFF, which one would it be and why?
A – Sam Holland from the Fatal Series because she’s my favorite character from all my books. She’s a take-no-prisoners kind of girl, and I love her.
Q – What is your writing environment like?
A – Um, I write mostly in bed, so it’s comfy!
Q – If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
A – I would find a way to make more hours in the day!
Q – When did you begin writing?
A – I’ve always been a writer but I began writing fiction in 2004.
Q – Who are your writing inspirations? Which authors influence your story choices or literary style?
A – Nora Roberts and her books made me want to be a romance author. I love her books.
Q – What was your first published novel?
A – Line of Scrimmage, September 2008
Q – Are you traditionally published, independent, or a hybrid? Why have you made these publishing choices?
A – I’m a hybrid author. I want to be everywhere the readers are: e-book, print, audio. The only way to continue to be in mass-market paperback is to work with publishers. I have eight print books out this year, so I’m excited to be back in print in a big way.
Q – What is your most difficult writing challenge on a daily basis?
A – Finding enough hours in the day to everything I want to do.
Q – Do you have a favorite character or two amongst the many you have created?
A – Sam from the Fatal Series is my favorite character. She is so fun to write!
Q – Was the first book you wrote published, or is it still lying in forgotten shame under your bed?
A – Every book I’ve written is now on sale.
Q – Have you learned to deal with the negativity, especially in reviews, or does it still bother you greatly?
A – I haven’t had a ton of negativity, but it doesn’t bother me. I try not to obsess about a few one-star reviews when there are hundreds of five-star reviews. You’re never going to make everyone happy, so I believe in making myself happy first and foremost with my books. I’ve learned that if I am pleased with them, others will be, too.
Q – Do you have a strict writing schedule and process, or does it vary all the time? Are there certain “must haves” to get the muse properly inspired?
A – I write best in the mornings, so I tend to get most of my writing for the day done early. No must-haves. Deadlines tend to make for good inspiration. 🙂
Q – Do you plot your stories carefully, let the story flow organically as the characters speak to you, or something in between?
A – I never plot. My books unfold completely organically.
Q – Do you feel your novels have a “message” or particular point within them? Or do you write more for entertaining fun?
A – I don’t write message books. I write to entertain.
Q – Give us five words that best describe your author brand.
A – Contemporary, suspense, family sagas, emotion-driven, sexy
Q – Do you have beta readers and/or critique partners? Or are you a lone wolf writer?
A – I have three beta readers. No critique partners.
Q – How greatly do your life experiences and the people you have known influence your novels? Do you write characters based on people you have known? Have you ever killed off a character based on a real person?
A – I rarely write about people who are similar to people I actually know, and I’ve never killed off someone who resembled someone in real life.
Q – Tell us what is next on your writer’s agenda.
A – Up next is Book 4 of the Green Mountain Series, And I Love Her, Book 8 in the Fatal Series, Fatal Scandal, and Book 12 in the Gansett Island Series, Kisses After Dark. I’m also working on the new Quantum series and hope to finish the first book this year. I’m busy!
I Want to Hold Your Hand
Green Mountain Series, Book 2
Almost seven years after losing her husband in Iraq, Hannah Abbott Guthrie isn’t sure she’s ready—or able—to move on, but the attentions of a lifelong friend are making her think about it for the first time. The memory of the sweet kiss she shared with Nolan Roberts hasn’t strayed far from her thoughts, but she also fears that pursuing something with him would mean betraying her husband’s memory.
Nolan has loved Hannah for years, but he’d been giving her the space she needed to heal from her devastating loss. Now, when an opportunity arises to show her how he feels, Nolan can’t resist, but he knows earning her love will take more than a kiss. Somehow he has to prove to Hannah that finding love twice in a lifetime is possible—and well worth risking her heart.
The series begins with Book 1, All You Need Is Love, available in e-book, print and audio formats everywhere books are sold.
Gansett After Dark
McCarthys of Gansett Island Series, Book 11
Owen Lawry is days away from leaving Gansett Island to attend the trial of his father, who is charged with assaulting his mother almost a year ago. He has spent his entire adult life trying to outrun his violent past, but the upcoming showdown with the father he hasn’t seen in more than a decade has him spending far more time in the past than in the present. His biggest challenge is convincing his pregnant fiancée, Laura McCarthy, to sit out the trip. The last thing he wants is to expose the woman he loves to the pain of his past.
Laura is determined to stand by Owen’s side throughout the trial and into the life they have planned together. The trial and her final divorce papers are the only things standing between them and the wedding they have looked forward to all year. Can she convince Owen to let her in and allow her to help him through this difficult time? And what will become of the man she loves if his father walks free?
As Owen and Laura prepare for the emotional battle with his father, his mother, Sarah, finally comes clean about her violent marriage with Charlie Grandchamp, the man who has been her friend and companion for months now. How will Charlie react to hearing Sarah’s secrets, and will their relationship move forward now that he finally knows the truth about why she can’t bear to let him touch her?
Catch up with all your favorite Gansett Island characters from the past ten and a half books and meet several new characters, including some McCarthy cousins on the island for Laura and Owen’s wedding, who will be featured in future books. Start the McCarthy Series with Book 1, Maid for Love, free everywhere ebooks are sold!
Marie has graciously offered two signed copies, each, of All You Need Is Love and I Want to Hold Your Hand.
Simply comment below or ask Marie a question. On Friday I will choose the four very lucky winners!
A mere sample of the novels by Marie Force ~
Marie, I am a huge fan of yours and the Green Mountain Series has me so excited. I was able to listen to it thanks to your FB post letting us know it was available in audio format. It looks like this series could go into quite a few books and I want to know if Fred is going to be a match maker for another couple?
Thank you Cindie! Not sure if Fred is going to match-make again, but I do expect him to appear in every book. He’s already got quite a following on Facebook. 🙂 For those who don’t know, Fred is a moose. Glad you are enjoying the series!
Great interview Marie & Thanks so much for taking time for your avid fans! I wonder if you’ve ever had to re~write a chapter/book because you thought the story should unfold one way but the characters or a different hunch took you another direction? LOVE all your books, but I have to admit to loving Sam the most as well! Actually find myself saying at times ‘What would Sam do’????. Thanks for sharing your ‘gift’ with us????
LOL–asking what would Sam do is sure to get you in some sort of trouble! Especially with the men in your life. 🙂 She is FUN to write and I hope to be writing her and Nick for a long time to come. I don’t do a lot of rewriting. I tend to stay on a scene until I’m happy with it rather than going back and redoing it later. Thanks for coming by!
I knew there’s a reason beyond the obvious that I’ve looked for and read most of your books Marie! Nora Roberts is my all time fave too!!
Thank you Terri! I’m really looking forward to signing with Nora on Nov. 1 at her bookstore Turn the Page in Boonsboro, MD, and to sleeping in the Eve and Roarke room the night before at her Inn Boonsboro. I hope I wont’t totally geek out on her. Going to try my best to behave!
Her book trilogy based on the Inn Boonsboro were fabulous! I keep begging the hubby to take me up to that part of the world. Of course, I’d want to stay in the Darcy and Lizzy room for more than one reason. =D
What book are you reading now ? How many books are on your night stand?
Not too many on the nightstand–most of them are on my Kindle these days. I’m reading Julie Kenner’s new book Heated and Samantha Young’s book Fall from India Place. Also another about the Secret Service as research for the next Fatal book.
So glad I have discovered you, Marie! These books are filling in the gap that is left when I have read all of Nora Roberts books and need something more. Fun, entertaining, great beach reads, and I’m glad that my reading habit can’t keep up with your writing habit. Thanks so much for writing great books!
Thanks for reading, Marianne!
I’m 30% through “I Want To Hold Your Hand”. I’m enjoying it as much as all your other books.
Thank you so much! So glad you’re enjoying Hannah and Nolan’s story. They took me on a very emotional journey. It’s great to hear readers are loving it! YAY!
It is such a pleasure to have Marie on the blog today. I have watched her incredible rise in the world of publishing with the greatest delight. Even if Marie had just fallen into her success it would be a joy to see a truly lovely person attain success. Of course she didn’t fall into it but has worked her tushie off, which makes it even sweeter!
Thanks for being here today, Marie. 🙂
My pleasure Sharon! Thanks for having me and for your kind thoughts at the top! I still remember that day in San Fran!
Just finished reading the Fatal Series and loved them – so, easy decision to dive into the Green Mountain series. I am sure it will be great and I can’t wait to see where they are located since I am a Green Mountain State girl!!
Thank you Sandie! I love hearing from Vermonters who are enjoying the series. And thank you for reading the Fatal Series. Much more to come for Sam and Nick! 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I went and downloaded “Maid for Love” and the sample of “All you need is love” on my Nook. I love serials. One book never seems to give me enough information on a group of characters. I want to know what happens tomorrow. I know you said you write organically…but when you’re writing a book about a character, do you get ideas for what is going to happen in the next few books for character B, C and D and have to make a list or do you finish this one and think okay, next book is going to be about character D and then “tune in” to their voice? Sorry, lonnnnggg run-on question. LOL Appreciate the giveaway!
Thanks for checking out the books, Stephanie. Hope you enjoy Maid for Love and All You Need Is Love. Yes, I often get ideas for other characters or upcoming books. I don’t make a list so much as file away the idea. I’m famous for making lists that I never take the time to actually LOOK at. I’m always thinking about upcoming characters and stories, so by the time I start to write, I’m fairly tuned into the characters and their voices. Thanks for the question!
Another great interview! Thanks Marie and Sharon. I loved the video interview,it really showcases your passion for your characters Marie!
I will definitely be checking out your fav character Sam after that glowing review 🙂
I’ve read ‘True North’ so far which was beautifully romantic. I look forward to reading the Fatal series too.
Thanks, Vee! Sam is SOOOO fun to write–she is funny and a true bad-ass, which we do not have in common. I’m a wimp compared to her! Hope you enjoy the series!
Haha! I look forward to reading them all 🙂
Marie, were you a voracious reader when you were growing up and are you a TV/movie watcher now? (Technically TWO questions – sorry!)
Enjoyed the interview.
Hi Joy,
Yes, I was always a big reader and I don’t watch as much TV as I used to. Time is the issue! I DVR Parenthood and Grey’s Anatomy these days, and I still haven’t watched the season finale of Grey’s if that tells you anything! I also DVR the NBC Nightly News because I’m a news dork (and former reporter). That I watch every day! 🙂 Thanks for coming by to say hello.