Interview with Sassa Daniels, Author of Chasing Liberty

What can you tell us about your new release, Chasing Liberty?

Chasing Liberty is the first in a new series of Irish mafia romances featuring the four irresistibly dominant Donovan brothers. It focuses on the developing romance between the youngest son, Andrew, who’s trying to step out from his big brothers’ shadow, and Libby Preston, a woman down on her luck, who turns out to be more difficult to conquer than he expects. As with all my novels, there are plenty of steamy scenes and the story introduces characters who’ll feature in future books. Although the plan is to create a series, this book can be read as a standalone. Chasing Liberty is also the first book I’ve co-authored. My writing partner, Danielle, and I have collaborated on work projects over the years but this is our first time creating a story together. 

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I decided I wanted to be an author at a very early age. I loved to read and create my own stories and I always knew this is what I’d do one day. The person who inspired me to really go for it and become a full-time author was my grandmother. She taught me that if something feels like it’s the right thing for you, it’s important to put everything you’ve got into it.  

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

I love so many different books it’s hard to pick 5 but these are the ones that have stuck with me over the years:

• Anna Karenina by Tolstoy
• The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
• The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
• Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
• Like by Ali Smith

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

It’s tough to narrow down but I’d say Stephen King. I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed by anything he’s written. I’d want to ask him how he’s kept the momentum going over the years, to keep producing books with such great characters and unexpected storylines. 

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

I love being able to create my own schedule. Before I became a full-time writer, I worked as a university lecturer and had to follow timetables every day. I hate that. Being a writer, i can choose how to structure my day. I also love being able to escape into an imaginary world for large chunks of the day.  

What is a typical day like for you?

I wake early, typically around five a.m, and read for a couple of hours. My creativity is at its peak in the morning, so that’s when I write. In the afternoons, I do research, editing, social media – anything that doesn’t require the same level of creative energy. My evenings are always about family and friends.  

What scene from Chasing Liberty was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene comes quite late in the book. Libby and Andrew have gone down to his club to deal with a problem and she shows him what she’s made of by taking charge of the situation. It ends up with a steamy encounter on his desk. There are several points in the story where Libby shows Andrew she’s no pushover but this is my favorite. 

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I don’t have any particular philosophy I ascribe to but I try hard to be kind to others and to stay positive. There’s enough negativity in the world. I try not to add to it. 

Sassa Daniels is the author of the new book Chasing Liberty

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