Author Interview: Robyn Mackenzie
by Tamazon

May 01, 2011

Read more about Robyn Mackenzie | View Robyn Mackenzie's Site

Infinite Betrayal | Infinity Series, #1 | Liquid Silver Books

The existence of the Coteri has remained hidden for centuries...until now.

He would protect her with his life...

Mathias has been ordered to protect Mina Roarke at all costs while keeping her Father's secrets concealed. But from the moment he sees her, the hunger he's desperately tried to bury, roars to life. The beast within is awakened and wants only one thing...Mina.

She was just looking for answers...

Mina had always been told she was special. In what way, she never fully understood until her life and everything she thought she knew and believed in was turned completely upside down. After the unexpected death of her mother, Mina finds clues about her past that trigger more questions than answers. Her quest to find those answers thrusts Mina deep into the Black Forest of Germany and into the arms of a man who tests her control...in more ways than one.

She is wrenched from her own reality into a world filled with adrenaline-charged danger, blazing sexual heat, and the answers that have been hidden her entire life. Mina alone holds the power to change her future but when she comes face to face with ultimate betrayal, can she still trust in the one man that has captured her heart?

Please describe your writing environment.

I'm sure many new authors can relate to this, especially those with families, but my writing environment consists of kissing my husband and children good night, then booting up the laptop in my favorite comfy chair in the family room. I seem to do my best work in the quiet of the night, when the rest of the house is asleep. I'm a bit of a night-owl anyway so this just seems to work best for me.

Please tell us your latest news!

Since our release date it's just been a whirlwind! Reviews have been coming in right and left and we've been floored by all of the positive comments about the book and the numerous requests regarding when the next book in the series is going to be out. We're hard at work on the second installment of the Infinity Series, Infinite Surrender, and hope to have it ready for a summer release date. Gayle and I always had full faith in our story, but to actually hear from readers and reviewers that they feel as strongly about our characters and story as well, it's the best affirmation we could have ever hoped for.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

It's impossible for me to pick just one. Of course there's J.R. Ward, Lora Leigh, Larissa Ione, Jaci Burton, the list goes on. I also love finding new authors I'm not familiar with. The common thread that seems to draw me most into a story is first and foremost, the story itself. It has to be strong... regardless of the romance, sex, etc. If the story doesn't grab me, the rest is just filler. I need to be drawn into the story and care about the characters in order to have a vested interest in the book. And I'm never disappointed with the stories the ladies above produce.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I've loved writing for as long as I can remember. I was writing short stories and poems since around the age of nine. I can remember asking my mom for spiral notebooks for my birthday so I could fill them with my imagination. I don't want you all to think I just sat in my room as a kid and reverted to "fantasy land"...I did actually have friends (ha!). But it was something that was always there for me when I was inspired and something I truly enjoyed.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

First and foremost, believe in your product. You must be passionate about your story and your characters. If you're not, no one else will be either. Secondly,continue to read everything you can get your hands on. And thirdly, be involved in the writing/reading community. Go to events, start a writing or reading book club, go on the blogs and websites. Immerse yourself, enjoy, and probably the most difficult thing...be willing to take constructive feedback on your product.

What main genre do you write in?

Paranormal / Urban Fantasy

What's been the most challenging part of writing for you?

To be toally honest, finding the time to focus on my writing. My dream is to one day be able to write full time. This is my passion, something I've wanted to do my entire life. To be fortunate enough to have that opportunity would truly be a dream come true for me. It's funny, I'll be at work and story ideas and scenes will flood my mind, yet I have to focus on my 9-5 job until the evening when I can put all of those ideas down in writing. Needless to say, I'm never without my notebook so all those ideas can be jotted down for later.

Who has been your best supporter? How have they been there for you?

Obviously, Gayle first and foremost. As both writing partners and best friends, we support each other in every aspect of our lives and throughout this incredible journey. But I also have to say, my husband. He has been so incredibly supportive and is so very proud of what we've accomplished so far, and doesn't hesitate to let me know. I couldn't have done all this without his support and love and I'll be eternally grateful to him for supporting my dream.

Do you like to mix genres?

I do actually, as I think most avid readers do. Again, for me the story line is key. Get me hooked on the story and invested with the characters and I'm a fan. I do tend to lean toward stories with strong female characters and strong, hard-bodied men with honor, who will do absolutely anything to see to the safety and happiness of their woman (don't we all want that?).

Tell us all about "The Call" or "The Email"!

I was actually at work when Gayle called me, hysterically crying no less. She scared me to death because I couldn't even understand what she was saying through the tears. When she finally told me we got the email from our publisher, I burst into tears right along with her. My poor employees didn't know what to think when I grabbed my purse and ran out of the building. I was at Gayle's house within five minutes, bursting through her front door and into her arms. We screamed like teenagers, jumped up and down, hugged, and cried. Definitely one of the best days of my life.

What inspires your writing?

If I'm perfectly honest, a big part is the escape factor, the fantasy. Life today is so hectic...work, family, daily responsibilities, especially for women. To be able to take some time for yourself, to curl up with a good book and allow yourself to be taken away to another world is just about as good as it gets. Pivot that into actually creating that "other world", and knowing you are giving that fantasy world to others, is not only inspiring but it's the ultimate reward.

Happy Reading Everyone!

Robyn Mackenzie

www.DonnellyMackenzie.com