Liberty States Create Something Magical Conference Speaker Interview Series: Gwen Hernandez

Today the Liberty States Create Something Magical Conference Speaker Interview Series continues with author Gwen Hernandez:

1.     What made you want to become a writer?

I’ve always been an avid reader—like 14 books a week during summers as a teen—so maybe that was the spark. Writing came pretty easy for me in school, and I always have stories in my head, but I didn’t seriously pursue it until I quit my job to have more time with my boys in 2008. Best decision ever. I enjoy the mental challenge, the research, and the creative side of both fiction and nonfiction writing.

2.     Is there one piece of advice you would give an aspiring writer?

Writers write. Even when you feel stuck, find a way to keep writing something for that story/piece. Backstory, character interviews, freeform writing about where you’re stuck. Anything. Eventually, the ideas will start to flow again.

3.     If you could co-write a book with any author, dead or alive, who would it be?

Suzanne Brockmann

4.     Who is on your bookshelf?

Suzanne Brockmann, Laura Griffin, Ken Follett, Joanna Bourne, Elizabeth Hoyt, Courtney Milan, Mary Stewart

5.     Can you tell us about one of the most memorable moments in your writing career thus far?

My first fan e-mail. There’s nothing better than having a reader you don’t know take the time to send you a message about how much they enjoyed your book. It’s magical.

6.     Tell us about your newest release/current work in progress:

My latest release, Blind Ambition, is the second book in my Men of Steele romantic suspense series. Former pararescueman Dan Molina’s mission to rescue a kidnapped aid worker from St. Isidore’s rebels falls apart when the woman—who once shattered his heart—refuses to leave the island.

Alexa Alyssandratos won’t leave until she’s certain the orphans she cared for are safe from the rebels. On the run from ransom-hungry soldiers, old passions reignite as she and Dan race to save the children before they disappear forever.

I look forward to meeting everyone at the Create Something Magical Conference next month. Thanks for hosting me today!

Gwen Hernandez is the author of Scrivener For Dummies, Productivity Tools for Writers, and the “Men of Steele” series (military romantic suspense). Formerly a manufacturing engineer and programmer, she teaches Scrivener to writers all over the world through online classes, in-person workshops, and private sessions. In her spare time, Gwen likes to travel, read, run, practice Kung Fu and yoga, and spend time with her family. Learn more at gwenhernandez.com.