Who's Who Wednesday Author C.R. Moss

Let's all welcome author C.R. Moss to Epically Romantic. An eccentric and eclectic writer, C.R. Moss pens stories for the mainstream and erotic markets, giving readers Worlds of Possibilities. For more about the woman behind the keyboard, visit www.crmoss.net.

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

A: I’ve been working toward a career in writing for as long as I can remember. I had been creating stories since I started to read, but the thought of writing for a living solidified when I was in middle school and received an A in English. I looked at the grade and that’s when my life was defined. I realized I could do it. From that point on, I put pen to paper to get my thoughts down and made sure to take classes appropriate to learning and honing the craft. I did Creative Writing and Drama in high school. My BA from Rutgers College stems from a concentration of courses in Communications and English. I’ve even taken a couple of novel writing workshops where I was mentored one-on-one by a Kensington author. Now, there are the classes at the conventions, conferences and through the local RWA chapter that I attend, which helps to keep me writing. So, yeah, it’s been in my blood a long, long time.

2. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

A: Snippets on television, news headlines on the web, songs on the radio, the interesting things people say and my dreams influence my writing and give me ideas. On occasion, I do composites of people/events. I’ll take a basis of a person/event and mix it with quirks, mannerisms, personalities, situations of other people/events.

3. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

A: I listen to music that puts my mind into a specific frame of reference for the type of story I’m writing. The genres of music I’ve been known to listen to are spa, alternative, new wave, country, Flamenco, etc. If I'm still particularly stuck, I'm known to light incense.

4. When did you write your first book and how old were you?

A: Geez, we’re talking almost thirty years ago. LOL! I remember I referenced popular music in it and submitted it. Don't remember where & it was rejected. Broke my little pre-teen heart.

5. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

A: I watch a lot of television—catch up on DVR’d shows, watch movies and educational type shows. I read. I’ve also been known to crochet, which keeps the mind occupied and helps me relax. Plus, I can make presents for the people I care about.

6. Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

A: For all wannabe authors—learn the craft. This means grammar, characterization, plot, etc., all the good things that go into a story. You might be able to ‘tell’ a good story, but if you can’t write it by showing what the characters are doing/feeling and making it read well, your writing career won’t go anywhere. Get involved in a critique partnership/group. Learn the non-creative side of the business as well. Be prepared.

7. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

A: There was a very short time period when I was young that I wanted to be an astronaut. Then I thought of teaching. But when it comes right down to it—the one constant throughout the years—I’ve always wanted to write, be a published author. And, here I am.

8: Which of your characters would you most/least to invite to dinner, and why?

A: For dinner, Dakota from Wild West Weekend. He's a handsome cowboy who's easy on the eyes and would make a nice dinner companion. For dessert though, I'd have sexy demon Ash (from my Dirty Little series). Who would I least like? There aren't any characters who I wouldn't have dinner with. They're all interesting in one way or another.

9. What would your ideal career be, if you couldn't be an author?

A: I've held such a range of jobs trying to find the right combination of something to bring in income while I worked on getting my writing off the ground that I now realize, if I couldn't write, I would have to do something that dealt with creativity. I danced when I was younger, drew, sang, played some instruments, did some acting…I need a creative outlet. Maybe I would pursue something behind the scenes in the movie industry like I thought of doing when I graduated high school, but finances at the time prohibited me moving across country to go to LA. Or go into the music industry in one form or another.10. If you were to do your career as an author again, what would you do differently, and why?

A: I started writing in the 80’s and seriously took it on in the 90’s. If I could go back, I’d tell myself to just do it, get something written, put myself out there and don’t wait to pursue my dream or let excuses get in the way.

Where can readers find you (What websites, emails etc)?
Readers can find me at:
Website: www.crmoss.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/crmoss
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/CRMoss

Blog: http://www.crmoss.blogspot.com/

Thanks for having me on your blog! It's been a pleasure.