Bestselling Author Margie Church

Margie Church's web site describes her writing best: "Romance With SASS – Suspense, Angst, Seductive Sizzle". Obviously, the faint of heart, or those without a heart to melt, need not apply. There isn't a topic within romance Margie isn't afraid to confront with rose petals, champagne, and stilettos. From "Awakening Allaire" with its white-collar crime, kidnapping and murder, to the erotic vampires of "Love Bites," Margie weaves intricate tales that will be around for decades to come.

Married now for nearly three decades, with two children and an English Springer, Margie describes herself as a mother and author – make that taxi driver and writer – who enjoys "Days of Our Lives," lobster, vanilla ice cream, and "great" beer. Yes, "Days of Our Lives" - Margie is such a fan that her characters Devon and Allaire in "Awakening Alliare" and "Avenging Allaire" were inspired by that show. She even has the actors' autographs in a personal copy of the book. No, I wouldn't risk my fingers trying to pry it out of her hands.

Margie's love of life is real, her passion and talent - unforgettable. http://site.romancewithsass.com/

Q) You've been writing magazine articles on the subjects of construction, engineering, and business issues for decades. What finally pushed you to venture into romance novels?

A) I've also worked in marketing communications all that while and still do. About three years ago, I was running a national magazine for my employer. Sadly, I got laid off and sadder yet, my biggest freelance client tanked two weeks later. I'd been writing fan fiction on a site for Days of Our Lives fans and accepted an invitation to write in a blind challenge at Forbidden Love. I had time on my hands to give it a try. I took second place with the piece and realized I had a great story in the making. It took a lot of work, but that challenge piece turned into Awakening Allaire, my debut novel. I didn't get a new job for almost 16 months and by then, I'd cranked out three novels. Allaire is patterned after the character Sami, played by Alison Sweeney. Devon is modeled after hunky Brit, James Scott. And you're right...don't touch those autographed books, or the autographed photo of James. Ha!

Q) Your research impresses me. If a character has a physical ailment, you detail it far beyond the superficial terms many writers use to camouflage their lack of research. In fact, you develop entire genealogies for your characters. Why do you employ such intense background work into your writing? Thank you for doing so by the way.

A) Silly me, I thought it was a requirement! Researching and finding subject matter experts is time consuming and daunting for me. However, I know there's always going to be a reader who knows more than I and won't hesitate to step forward to call me out on shoddy work. I've seen authors get humiliated over goofy mistakes and outright wrong information. I haven't enjoyed the times it's happened to me so I really try hard to avoid it. So that's the practical reason. The other half is I want to keep your eyes on every word until the last one. Dramatizing situations with real life facts, creating scenes with products and materials you can touch, smell, hear, taste, envision...those things make my work memorable. I took an online BDSM class to help me write Dangerous Love. I bought a dictionary on British slang. I have a number of subject matter experts who I rely on for everything from what kind of booze I should use, to how to treat a serious infection. I might add there's a balance to be sought with the research. The information must continue to drive the plot and character motivations. It cannot throw the reader out of the story, making them wonder why they needed to know every precise detail.

Q) You and I share strong attachments to our respective Midwestern communities. In an article, you once wrote, "Financial contributions are important, but hands and feet run the world." Why is volunteering so important to you?

A) (Thank you for digging so deep into my background, David. I'm honored.) I grew up in a very poor family. My mother always said we didn't have money to donate, but we had some time we could give. I recognize volunteerism as an opportunity and a requirement to being a citizen in this world. My husband also volunteers, and I believe we're good examples to our children. We must give of our time, treasures, and talents when we can, not only when it's convenient and affordable. Sometimes doing the most mundane things for someone fills me with such humble satisfaction. I gain empathy for others and appreciate what I have even more. I have had so much fun making new friends, working toward a common goal, learning new things, and sharing what I know. And sometimes I've had to receive these gifts of grace from others. I've appreciated them more, knowing what it felt like to walk in their shoes.

Q) I've heard you would like to be a guest on David Letterman's show. I have to ask. Why Letterman?

A) My father watched Johnny Carson every night probably until the night before he died. I like Letterman's style because he never pushes too far with his humor. I think it would be cool to be famous enough to be a guest of his. I always laugh with my sister in-law that she'll have to come with me and give me a shove when he calls my name so I'll know it's really happening. I'd better get writing that best-seller so it can happen before he retires!

Q) Blame yourself for this question. You brought it up. What's a not-so-great beer?

A) Lite beers mostly and any beer that doesn't have much substance. I enjoy a full-bodied beer - everything from Guinness to authentic German beer. My current favorite is Berry Weiss.

Margie Church writes erotic romance novels with a strong suspense element, in keeping with her moniker: Romance with SASS (Suspense Angst Seductive Sizzle). She has a degree in writing and editing and has been a professional writer, editor, and journalist for over 25 years.

Margie lives in Minnesota, is married, and has two children. Some of her passions are music, flower gardening, biking, walking her dog on moonlit nights, nature, and making people laugh.

Keep up with Margie:

Margie's website and blog: Romance with SASS ( www.RomanceWithSass.com )

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MargaretRChurch

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/margie.church

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedIn.com/MargieChurch

Noble Romance Buy Link: http://www.nobleromance.com/BrowseListing.aspx?author=102

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