Name?

Rose Grey

Which country are you from?

United States of America

In which genre/s do you write?

Sweet contemporary romance

Published or not?

Published

Where do you get your inspiration from?

In the case of the current work in progress, from historical research.

Any writing related tips you would like to share?

I trained as a musician and the practice of writing isn’t much different. You have to accept that an initial product is a bag of bones – then it is a matter of slowly layering on sinews and muscles and veins and skin until you have a full person. And it’s a long game, because getting good at anything takes a long time.

Any advice for new writers?

Go for it. Sit down and write. Then write some more. Notice the bones of the books you read. Ask good questions about why you like or dislike books and apply that information to your own writing. Don’t be afraid of criticism. Use what is useful and let go of what isn’t. Aim high. Forgive yourself for being an amateur. It turns out, we are all amateurs.

Anything else you would like to share about your writing or writing process?

I rely on Gwen Haye’s book on romance story structure, Romancing the Beat, for ongoing guidance as I work my way through the plot. She keeps me on track. For overall plot structure, I have found Alexandra Sokoloff’s book, Screenwriting Tricks for Authors, invaluable.

Tell us about any hobbies?

Reading, reading, also reading.

Any pets?

No, although I am fond of petting other peoples’ dogs.

Favourite music genre and/or artist?

I have broad musical tastes, but I’m still surprised at how different the playlist is from one novel to the next. The Closer You Get was 1970’s country music from day one. I thought, for my current scifi romance novel, my playlist would be hard rock, but to my surprise it’s been jazz piano – a classy lounge vibe, sleek and elegant.

Favourite TV series?

I don’t watch a lot of TV but when I do I’m a sucker for British detective series.

Favourite food/meal?

Chocolate. Because if there isn’t chocolate, what’s the point?

Favourite season?

Fall. I love the crisp new beginning feeling of it, the snap in the air and the sensation of leaving the heavy abundance of summer for the spareness of frost.

What genre/s do you like to read?

I love mysteries and mysteries with romance are definitely the subset I like the most. For non-fiction, I love books on time management and productivity, more for their sense of optimism than because I intend to apply what I read.

What are you currently reading or what was the last book you read?

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. I was surprised at how very much I liked this book. I am also rereading some of the In Death series and some of Robert Parker’s Spenser mysteries so I can pick apart plot structure.

Any book recommendations?

I enjoyed Mike Carey’s fantasy series about a ghost hunter. The writing is delicious. If you can find them, I recommend Eva Ibbotson’s books for adults.

Do you have a favourite author?

I love Ellie Griffiths’ mysteries. Jennifer Crusie’s books make me laugh. I am always surprised at the way Sophie Kinsella’s stories touch my heart.

Anything else you would like to share about your personal life or interests?

My idea of an emergency is realizing that a long weekend is coming and that the library is closing in an hour. I love finding cool seashells, and knitting sweaters which start out right but inevitably turn out too large.

How can others connect with you?

Readers who want to learn more about my work can contact me or sign up for my every so often newsletter here: https://rosegreybooks.com/newsletter/. I am also on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/rose.grey.author.