Author Profile - Sandra Robinson (AKA Scarlett Flame)

Hello and welcome!

I am so happy you could join us today.

G.H – How are you today?

S.F - Great thanks, just finished booking all my hotels for my book signing next year.

G.H - When did you first start writing?

S.F - As a child I suppose, but seriously about 3 years ago

G.H - Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

S.F - Writing is just something I have always done, be it poetry or my diary. I am a qualified Children's Nurse and Health Visitor, so nursing was dear to my heart for a long while too. I left the nursing register last October for good and now want to concentrate on my writing.

G.H - Are you a full-time or part-time writer?  How does that affect your writing?

S.F - A bit of both just now but want to write full time if possible.

G.H - How did you become involved with the subject or theme of your book?

S.F - Believe it or not it was after I first read FsoG and thought “I can do better than this, and also know more about the subject” So started writing erotica.

G.H - Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?  If you write more than one, how do you balance them?

S.F - I have published erotica so far and the next book due to be published is paranormal romance /sci fi/ Steampunk but also erotic.

In complete contrast I also have a series of children's books which I am hoping to publish on kindle and paperback before Christmas 2015.

G.H - Where does your inspiration for these stories come from?

S.F - I have a very vivid imagination and dream some parts of my book. Some elements are due to my love of the paranormal and Steampunk.

G.H - What was your favourite chapter to write and why?

S.F - For the published work it would be the last story in the novella, as I got to ask a lot of Dominants pertinent questions about sex, as the POV was from a male Dominant. I got some interesting, and very different answers in response to my questions.

G.H - Where is your favourite place to write?

S.F - In my bedroom, and also the garden, weather permitting.

G.H - Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? i.e. You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

S.F - I sit in bed ( lazy thing ) or in the garden on a comfy chair.

G.H - Do you use a computer/laptop for your first draft or are you a pen and paper writer? 

S.F - I write freehand for my stories but type up my blog posts straight to the computer. I find my work flows better when I write freehand. I write tons of annotations in the margins, also words I want to use in the story.

G.H - How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?

S.F - I research them sometimes and others are names of friends and family.

G.H - Did you learn anything from writing your book?  What was it?

S.F - Yes, especially the Steampunk writing as I did meticulous research for the airship and technology used.

G.H - How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

S.F - I have been working on the next book for two and a half years but that is because due to personal circumstances I had writers block for over a year.

G.H - Can you describe the feeling you had when you saw your published book for the first time?

S.F - Ecstatic, but also a little disappointed as I had rushed it out and was very unhappy with the editing and grammar. This book has since been republished, I am much happier with it now.

G.H - Who are some of your favourite authors? 

S.F - I love Dean Koontz, Anne Rice, and J R Tolkien. I love an eclectic mix.

G.H - Have you ever suffered from a "writer's block"? What did you do to get past the "block"?

S.F - As I said previously, yes. I had some major personal problems and they affected me very badly. I just dried up for a while but I am back now and working on a few new projects, including a vampire story.

G.H - Time for a few crazy questions!

G.H - Do you write naked?

S.F - Sometimes, as I generally sleep naked. I hate wearing clothes in bed.

G.H - Have you ever been in trouble with the police?

S.F - No, not to my knowledge, other than a few speeding tickets that have now lapsed.

G.H - Do you drink? Smoke? 

S.F - I don't smoke but I am partial to red wine and tequila though.

G.H - What do you want your tombstone to say?

S.F - That I was loved and cherished by my family and friends.

G.H - If you had a superpower, what would it be?

S.F - To turn back time.

G.H - What secret talents do you have?

S.F - I can sing, and used to be a member of a musical theatre group. I have also choreographed some numbers for a pantomime.

G.H - What is something you want to accomplish before you die?

S.F - Easy one, to make it to no 1 on Amazon and people to buy my books.

G.H - Do you have any scars? What are they from?

S.F - I have stretch marks from having my children, but no scars apart from tiny scrapes when I was a child. I had three older brothers and was a Tom boy.

G.H - Do you dream? Do you have any recurring dreams/nightmares?

S.F - Yes I used to dream about being chased by a witch when I was younger. It was horrible and went on for years. I occasionally dream that the world is ending and I can't get to my family.

G.H – Back to normal questions!

G.H - What piece of advice would you give to a new writer?

S.F - Listen to advise from other published authors when given. My author friends have been so supportive of my learning my craft. Also that you need to keep reading, lots of varied genres. Finally please accept constructive criticism when given, you are never too old to learn and improve.

G.H - Would you share a deep dark secret about you with us?

S.F - Hmmm well if I did it wouldn't be a secret anymore- would it?

Thank you for letting us get to know you and your books. It was an absolute pleasure to have you with us!

Everyone, please remember any questions or suggestions please write them in the comments section below.

G :)