Please welcome Jeanne Barrack, a native New Yorker, and the author of Silver Fire, an erotic fantasy.

1. How did you become an author?

I started out writing fan fiction centered around the characters portrayed by Antonio Banderas! Then, in 1997 my mom passed away after a brief and unexpected stay in the hospital and two months later I was down sized from my job (during the holidays - Merry Christmas!). I had a very intense dream soon after and within two months time wrote the first draft of "Silver Fire", the book that Loose Id publishers just released. Over the next few years, I wrote more fan fiction; joined RWA and entered contests, rewrote "Silver Fire" and other romances - all in the fantasy genre

2. What inspires you?

Paintings, songs, fairy tales I devoured when I was young, commercials (yes, I cry at some commercials), myths from all different cultures, the Old Testament, perfumes

3. What are you working on now? Future books?

The sequel to "Silver Fire. It's the second in a trilogy. I have a book that's based on the pagan goddess Brigid, another about a female vampire and a time travel that are in varioius stages

4. If you could have lunch with a literary figure
(living or dead) who would it be? And why?

I have two - Isabel Allende and Oscar Hijuelos, both contemporary authors -
Allende because she writes about strong women in unusual settings. Two of her books were made into movies with Antonio Banderas and she's working on one that is based on Zorro. And Oscar Hijuelos, who won the Pulitzer for "The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love" - again made into the first American movie that Banderas did.Hijuelos writes about New York where I'm from and the era when I was growing up. He also has the ability to convey the feelings of women so clearly it's inspiring.

5. What advice would you like to offer aspiring
writers?

Keep at it. Network. Join writing groups and lists. Ask questions. Write and rewrite. Read. Read. Read. Be aware of market trends but don't be a slave to them.

6. What do you like to do besides writing?

Sing- my day job is as a music therapist working with the elderly; I love to cook; And of course, I read.

7. Favorite movie? Vacation spot? Food?

Oh, that's a tough one. I love the "Lord of the Rings" movies; "The Mask of Zorro";

I'd love to go back to Ireland for vacation

Food - Italian and Indian

8. Can you describe your writing process for our readers?

I am a mixed pantser and planner. I start out with a story in my head, write a broad outline, do research to enhance my world building - for instance, Amber plays a big part in the book I'm working on now and I've done research on the fact and fiction about amber. Then I let the story and characters lead me.

9. Have you written anything besides books?

Poetry, song lyrics and, as I mentioned earlier, fan fiction

10. Anything you'd like to tell our readers? Upcoming
contests? Booksignings? Events?

I have a contest at my website to win a signed copy of the cover art for "Silver Fire". Also I'm part of a mammoth contest at Romance Junkies at http://www.romancejunkies.com/xmas/xmasparty.html that runs through January. I'm still in the planning stage for other activities after the holidays.


11. How can people contact you or learn more about your books and all of your writing activities?

Check out my website www.jeannebarrack.com. I have a page for upcoming events. I'm also thinking of doing a blog.

Thank you so much for sharing, Jeanne. I'm looking forward to reading Silver Fire!