Welcome to Romance Weekly where you learn secrets about your favorite authors. If you’ve reached here by Katie O’Connor thanks for taking the RW tour. This weeks questions…

Do you prefer to write futuristic, contemporary or historical romances and why?

I’ve written historical, contemporary and started a story that takes place in an apocalyptic world. If you need dooms day prep, read Bob Mayer’s blog. I’d have to say contemporary is my favorite time period to write. I loving writing dialog – sarcastic and sometimes dripping with disdain – which is probably due to my answer of the third question of the day.

What is your favorite time in history and how and why does it inspire you?

I’m such a tech geek and writing in current day allows me to use of modern gadgets. However, I do enjoy reading and seeing movies based in ancient Rome, Egypt and Greece. My first novel was a historical based in ancient Rome and inspired by a movie. Real life during those times, however, probably wasn’t much fun unless you were wealthy.

How has your life experience contributed to your writing?

My mom was the type, “You’re okay, you don’t need a Band Aid, get back outside and play.” Then when it came time to learn to cook, I said, “I’ll go cut the grass or help dad change the oil in the car.

My first full time job was in a male dominated company. There were twenty men in our main store plus others I dealt with on a daily basis at our satellite stores. I believe having worked so closely with guys for many years gave me a great insight into their mindset and personalities. I told someone the other day that I speak “man.”

I believe I write more direct than most women because of this experience especially when I’m in the hero’s point of view. A friend of mine’s husband recently read my military story to double check my military jargon and facts. Even though the novel wasn’t his “thing,” he said I had the dialog and the whole sex perspective with hedging around relationships down pat.

Sorry, no pictures this week, just got computer back up and running last night. Please continue the Romance Weekly tour and see how Carolyn Spear’s life experience plays into her writing.