Rural Pennsylvania author Em Petrova has taken a few minutes to chat with Joyfully Reviewed…

Em What is your most current work out ?

Blown Down, my hot logger M/F/M is now available from Ellora’s Cave!

Tell us a little about Blown Down. What inspired you to write it?

I live in backwoods Pennsylvania, and the logging industry is big here. I started thinking about throwing a few characters together—people with real-life problems—and forming a relationship despite their trials. It doesn’t hurt that the heroes are chainsaw-wielding hunks!

When you start writing, do you already have the story plotted out or do you let the characters dictate what will happen?

The characters whisper their secrets in my ear and I scribble them down. I always begin with characterization—goals, motivation and conflict. Then I let them run full tilt onto the screen!

Do you have a favorite character you have written?

One of my favorite heroes, who is also very close to my heart, is Nathan Halbrook from my Immortal Book 2—Trefoil. This was the first book I wrote after a 7-year writer’s block following my daughter’s death. Nathan is all tortured alpha. And he’s blond. Who doesn’t love that?

Do you draw inspiration for your characters from real life? Any fun stories you could share?

My mom taught me to be a people-watcher, and I use it more than ever now that I’m a writer. I never use all the traits of a person I know, but I peel them apart and use several to create a character. It’s fun to mix and match! C’mon. Don’t tell me you don’t sit at a restaurant, a fair, or a sporting event and watch people!

What do you find the hardest part of writing?

Promotion is very time-consuming, as well as difficult to find your audience. It’s trial and error. And it cuts into my writing time, which isn’t very fun.

Name one thing that your readers would be surprised to know about you.

I don’t wear panties while writing sex scenes.

If your story was optioned for a movie, who would play your characters?

Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. Oh wait…someone else did that.

How old were you when you read your first romance book?

Does the Sweet Valley High Series count? If so, then eleven.

What author causes you to “go fan girl”/ squeal over/anticipate upcoming books?

Anne Rice. I have one on pre-order now.

If you still have one of those pesky non writing jobs what is it?

I’m a Domestic Bitch. That’s right—I clean houses on the side. You wouldn’t believe how loudly my characters speak while I’m mopping and scrubbing! But I’ve yet to be ravished by a dashing butler.

What are you currently working on, and what else is in the wings?

I’m currently working on a new series I hope to target New York with. A new race of paranormals. The heroine finds herself in a strange new realm and is engaged in a battle to place the rightful king on the throne—a man who happens to be her mate.

If you could co-write with another author who would it be?

Suzanne Rock! Love ya, lady! We actually have a book on the writing craft releasing in December—Writing Sex When You Don’t Feel Sexy. It gives tips on getting in the mood, as well as great ideas to bring your readers into your book through deeper POV. It will be available on Smashwords and at all e-vendors, including Amazon.

How do you pick your characters names?

I often use the phone book, especially for last names. If I’m using an unusual name, I try to keep the other characters’ names common. For instance, in Blown Down, the heroine’s name is Chapel—a name I longed to name another baby girl had I had one (the boys came last). Because this is an unusual name, the heroes are Abe and Levi.

What is your reaction to people who say one of the following…”Oh you write romance, I thought you were a real writer”, “Romance isn’t a real writing career” or the ever popular “Oh, one of those books”.

I give them the finger and go on my merry way. LOL. You have to own your writing. If you don’t, who will?

Where can readers find you?

Readers can find me at My Website as well as Facebook and Twitter.