I sat down with Stephanie Haefner to talk writing, sex toy research and the next book!
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When did you realize or decide you wanted to be a writer?X
One day a silly idea for a story popped into my head…which happened pretty often. But for some reason, that time, I decided to actually write it down. I started to create a story, and kept writing, just to see if I could actually do it. I finished and felt so accomplished and proud. And I wanted other people to read it. So that began my quest to be a published author.
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What has been your best experience as an author so far?
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The best experience is when someone loves your book…like REALLY loves it. And not someone you know, not a family member or friend.
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What sort of challenges have you faced as a writer? How did you overcome them?
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Biggest challenge so far has been the constant up and down. Things go great for a while, and then BAM! you’re back at square one. I overcome it by writing a new story, surrounding myself with other writers, being inspired by them.
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How do you research and plan your books? Do you find outlining helps or hinders your process?
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I’m big into outlining. I write a very detailed scene-by-scene outline. And I’m starting to do more characterization beforehand instead of just learning my characters as I go.
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Have you learned anything really cool or interesting while researching your books? What’s been the weirdest research you’ve ever had to do?
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My Classy n Sassy series features a lot of sex toys. I had to do some research. I saw things I didn’t even know existed…and won’t ever forget…. Need I say more??? 😉
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What advice would you give to new writers in the field?X
Join a professional organization. Attend their workshops and conferences. Participate. Surround yourself with writers who write what you do. It’s the most inspirational and motivational thing you can do.
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Tell us a little about your writing nook! Favorite tea/coffee/writing snack?
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I just moved into a new house that is bigger and has room for me to have an office!! YAY!! It’s still a work in progress, but I will have a nice big desk and a bookshelf. I bought a giant dry erase board and ordered a beautiful chaise for the corner. I’m a tea drinker….love it so much! All kinds, but I prefer green tea with honey. And I have a huge sweet tooth….so any kind of candy works for me.
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Of all of your own characters, who would you most want to date?
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Hands down, Sawyer from Broncos & Bouquets. It was my first cowboy romance and oh my is he hot and sweet. 😉
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What project are you currently working on?
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I just started a new series about a ballerina/dance teacher who decides to start teaching and performing burlesque 😉
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What’s next for you?
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Simple…just write the next book!
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- a cowboy and his girl tied up together, being close together.
About Stephanie!
Stephanie Haefner is a wife, mother of two, and contemporary romance novelist from Buffalo, NY. Her titles include her Classy ‘n’ Sassy series: Try Me On for Size, Size Matters, and One Size Fits All, as well as her Karma Series and various novellas. A member of Romance Writers of America and the Western New York Romance Writers subchapter, she loves creating sassy heroines and tossing them into sexy circumstances. When not writing, tweeting, or blogging, she celebrates her sassiness with dance and zumba classes, and her nerdiness with boybands and Disney World.
Find her on Facebook – Twitter – Pinterest – Goodreads – Amazon or www.stephaniehaefnerthewriter.com