Welcome Marie Rochelle! 

Marie, I first want to thank you for allowing us this interview. It gives us great pleasure to be able to have this time to get to know a little bit about you. First of all, congratulations on your Choice Hero Award for the character Storm Hyde from Taken by Storm. But that’s not all, you have also been nominated as Rookie of the year 2006, received Story of the year nomination, 2006 for Taken by Storm, Favorite cover of the year nomination 2006, also for Taken by Storm and last but not least, Writer of the year (Sensual) 2006. You must be so pleased?

I was totally shocked that I won the award, being a first-time author. I know how much I love Storm, but it was very cool that so many fans appreciate Storm’s multifaceted personality. Midnight Showcase has now offered me a contract for Taken by Storm. It’s scheduled for a June 2008 release, plus it will be offered in e-book and print format. My loyal fans will have a chance to read it again with maybe some new scenes added. In addition, my fans who never had the opportunity to purchase it can do it now.

Why don’t you let our readers know what is it that makes Marie Rochelle tick?

Well, I love it when writing a book is a challenge for me. I like the characters to be out of the normal. Sometimes I like for the hero to be the strong one or switch roles and allow the females to take the lead.

What made you write in your chosen genre?

I have always been interested in interracial relationships and enjoyed reading about them, so I decided giving writing one myself a chance.

Do you feel that there are obstacles in writing IR books?

I think when I first started out I had a hard time getting a yes instead of a rejection because I didn’t write the regular, steamy types of books. I never thought that is was the IR theme of the book that caused me problems. However, now I’ve found a lot of wonderful publishing homes and I’m very pleased to be associated with them.

This question has come up a time or two; what would you like the hero to smell like? What’s sexy to you, aromatically speaking?

I would like the hero to smell like a man. You know, the kind who can wrap you up in his arms and keep you safe no matter what the problems may be. Alpha males to me smell a little like power and sex, but most of all like the love of your life. The kind of man you’ve been waiting your life to find. Earthy and masculine. I don’t know what the scent is, but I smell it every time I write about my heroes. Some of them have it in abundance while others only have a light dusting that you have to get closer to smell better.

What, in your opinion, makes good chemistry between your leading characters?

Characters who grow with each other. They may not have the love at first sight thing going on for them, but it hits them out of the blue that they are meant to be together. Then they try with everything in their power to make that happen. Chemistry is more than mind-blowing sex. Now don’t get me wrong, mind-blowing sex is good between two sexy characters, but I think it’s even sexier when the hero gives his woman a bath. Or snuggles with her until she falls asleep against his chest. Sexiness and chemistry can be found at different levels.

What helps you get into the head of a man when writing the male characters in your stories?

I can’t let all of my secrets out. So I think I’ll keep that to myself. J

Do you write the blurbs for your books? If so how difficult is it to sum up your stories in just a few words?

Yes, I write my own blurbs and I think it’s harder to do than a synopsis.

What were your reactions to the news that Oceans Mist Publishing was closing? What do you feel is the biggest problem in finding a publisher with staying power?

I don’t think staying power is the problem, but how well the books are promoted to the fans and how attention is drawn to the website. I think a lot of it depends on timing and how the website is set up.

Did you play a lot of make believe as a young girl?

Yes, I loved played make believe a lot as a young girl. I still do; that’s how I come up with all of my wonderful characters.

How often were you accused of daydreaming when you were a kid?

More times than I can count. J

What did you do before you began writing?

I worked at a variety of different jobs.

Are there other aspects of writing do you enjoy?

I love getting emails from my fans, working on my website, blog and yahoo groups.

Are there any charities that are dear to you?

I love any charity that helps a person better themselves and gives them a second chance at life.

What is your pet peeve?

Hmmm. That’s a good question. I’ve to think about that, because right off hand I can’t think of any.

What other goals have you set for yourself?

I want to finish my Men of CCD Series and find a home for them. In addition, I want to finish my Drace Brothers series. I have already contracted the first two books at Phaze and I’m hoping to get a contract for the third one when it’s finished.

Of anything that has occurred in your life, what one choice would you make differently if you could?

I would have started writing sooner.

What one word would describe you?

Honest

TwoLips Pillow Talk

…go ahead have a little fun! 

What is your favorite word for penis?

I like the word penis.

What is your least favorite word for penis?

Don’t have one.

What animal would best describe you?

Jaguar.

Is there a sex scene you have always wanted to use in a book and never have? Why haven’t you?

Not yet.

What do you want on your Tombstone?

I love living too much to think about this yet!

Don’t forget to visit me at my website: http://www.freewebs.com/irwriter/index.htm I also have a blog at www.shopdiva.blogspot.com. I try to update it at least twice a month. It’s always filled with upcoming news about my career and contests. Also, take a look at my newest interracial romance at www.redrosepublishing.com called Beneath the Surface. If you love a wounded hero, Pierce McMahon is the man for you.

Interview Conducted by Barb M., Interview Coordinator