Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?

When I first sat down to write, I didn’t have a particular genre in mind. I simply wrote what I loved, and what appealed to me. But from Joss Whedon’s Buffyverse to Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse series, I’ve always been passionate about stories that combine romance with paranormal elements, especially when they also incorporate great characters, quirky humor, and a bit of suspense. Therefore, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise me that when I finally did sit down to write, a paranormal romance emerged—albeit an atypical one.

What did you find most useful in learning to write? What was least useful or most destructive?

The most useful thing for me by far was the combination of free, unstructured time and mental space in which I could allow myself to write, think, rewrite, think some more, experiment, revise, and generally immerse myself in the process. Having that luxury was crucial to me in the early learning stages.

The most destructive thing was self-doubt. I’m not sure where it comes from, but that is one thing that seems to plague a lot of creative people. Fortunately, my desire to write was stronger, and now I’ve reached a place where I’m much better at managing self-doubt—recognizing it for what it is (an unpleasant part of the process) instead of believing what it tells me.

What is the most useful writing advice you ever received? The least useful?

When I was first starting out, I searched online for writing advice from successful authors and editors. The most useful advice I found was variations on a theme—that there is no one way to write, and that we should each find and do what works for us. I’ve always been an episodic writer, using my off-time to think about my work-in-progress, as well as to read, watch movies, go on trips, spend time with loved ones, and generally rejuvenate. That didn’t square with instructions I’d heard that one should write every day. Internalizing the advice that there is no single right way to do things helped me to stop worrying that I might be “doing it wrong,” and to just accept and embrace my process.

The least useful advice I found was that adverbs were bad and should be eliminated. I adore adverbs—both reading and writing them—so I felt slighted on their behalf. I ignore this advice when I’m writing first drafts, and let the adverbs come as they may. However, when I’m revising, I do bear it in mind, and try to ensure that each adverb is earning its keep—which just goes to show that even the least useful advice I found is still useful!

What projects are you working on at the present?

Currently, I’m working on the third book in The Healing Edge paranormal romance series, and loving every minute of it! I’ve grown so attached to the characters, and I’m really excited about what’s happening with the romance between Ben and Cate. This third book is scheduled for release in early 2017. The second book, All the Wounds in Shadow, is coming out in August, and I can’t wait to share it with readers!

What do your plans for future projects include?

I’m drawn to the idea of writing more mystery into my paranormal romances. I’ve started plans for a new series—also contemporary and grounded in reality, but a bit darker and grittier. These new novels will focus on supernatural and psychological mysteries that combine with real-world drama to push the imagination into even wilder territory. The main characters are already fully formed in my head, and I think they’re pretty irresistible!

This or That?  Just for Fun!

Ebook or print copy? Ebook at home, print while traveling (no recharging issues).

Kiss or Hugs? Hugs (can be given to and accepted from a wider variety of people).

Dogs or Cats? Dogs (I like cats, as well, but dogs really steal my heart).

Tea or Coffee? Coffee (dark roast, and often).

Winter or Summer? In winter, I want summer; in summer, winter.

TexMex or Italian? In Texas, TexMex. Otherwise, Italian (I’m a sucker for pesto).

Chocolate or Vanilla? Swirl.

Vintage or New? Vintage. Unless it’s food. Then new.

Fried or Scrambled? Scrambled.

Bond or Bourne? Bourne (loyal in love, even across movies).

Roller Coaster or Ferris Wheel? Either, as long as I’m watching from the ground!

Anise Eden, plant lover and author of The Healing Edge paranormal romance series, spends most of her time tucked away in her writing nook imagining things that aren’t there. On those rare occasions when she emerges from seclusion, Anise may be spotted in coffee shops, staring at her laptop screen and silently moving her lips as she reviews bits of dialogue. Although Anise claims that she’s the one in charge, the characters in her head do sometimes make her laugh out loud at inappropriate moments.