Interview with Tricia T. LaRochelle, Author of Bleeding Heart

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Bleeding Heart ?

Bleeding Heart is book 4 in my award-winning Sara Browne series. The first book, Flickering Heart, sat in my mind for many years before I transferred those thoughts into a book for everyone to enjoy. The Sara Browne series took on a life of its own and before long, the characters were driving themselves. At least, that was how it felt. With Bleeding Heart, I had wanted to bring my readers a holiday tale with Sara and Scott, two individuals who are very much in love, but have dealt with their share of life’s adversity.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Bleeding Heart, what would they be?

I’ve often thought about songs for my books. Bleeding Heart is a holiday romance, so I included a fun holiday song titled “Christmas Wrapping” by the Waitresses. As the story takes on a more sentimental theme, Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” captured the right tone.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

As far as genres, I love a good romance. But I prefer characters who grapple with themselves and their decisions. I want passion and a healthy dose of angst and unpredictability. Add in suspense, and that is a combination I can’t resist. I include all of these things in my work.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Lately, I’ve been reading holiday romantic suspense. I like to see what’s out there. Titles such as Christmas Threat and Christmas Danger by Lynn Shannon. I’m also reading The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver (not holiday or suspense), but I’m not really enjoying it much.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scenes to write in Bleeding Heart and all of my books, are the unpredictable ones. The climax when everything feels ready to combust. I really get into those. Keep the reader on the edge of her seat.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I embrace a few habits as I write. Mostly, I listen to the same meditation music, which probably seems strange to some. (Why not listen to rock or something uplifting?). I also like to “talk out” scenes as I plan them in my head. My husband often hears these rumblings. When I read my drafts from first to last, I read them out loud to hear how the scenes are coming together. This is especially helpful with dialogue to avoid silted or awkward phrases.

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

My philosophy is to never let anyone tell you your work isn’t valid or that you can’t be successful. Every one of us has a talent hidden beneath the surface, just dying to get out. It may not be writing, but it’s there. I hate to see people shy away from their talents for fear of public ridicule. No doubt, putting your work out there is scary as hell. But the rewards are incredible when your work connects with readers in a positive or profound way. Nothing better.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

What I want my readers to remember is how they felt when reading my books. Did my story evoke any strong emotions, good or bad? Those are the books that tend to stick with me. I also want my readers to embrace my characters to the point that they feel as though they know them.

Tricia T. LaRochelle is the author of the new book Bleeding Heart

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