Here we are are with our weekly Author Interview Segment. These are so much fun! Ms. Delilah Hall took some time to answer our random questions. See what she has to share with us!
When you have this story to tell
How did you know you had this book in you?
I’m not going to lie to you, the books I write these days just kind of come to me. In the past, I would sit down and say “okay, this is what I need to write” as a romance ghostwriter, clients often wanted to focus on what would be ‘popular’ and that was a great learning experience (one that has helped me a lot!) but these days, I write romance for myself. Books that I would want to read- which is probably why most of my heroes are blue collar and a little bit of an asshole, ha!
Can you describe your writing process?
This depends a lot on what is going on in my “real” life. Because I juggle my regular job along with two small businesses and family commitments, sometimes it can be hard to find time to write, but I like to aim for at least 3000 words a month.
You are BUSY!! And, I completely empathize!
This means that the best way to sum up my process is: Sporadic.
Some months I manage to write nonstop, and others I am not able to sit down at a WIP for 27 of those days.
I’m so glad to know this style isn’t just me!
When you’re ready to share
How do you know your piece is ready to be shared/complete?
I normally try to share it as soon as possible- for me this means after one or two quick edits. My beta readers know I am a horrible self-editor so they know to keep an eye out for basic mistakes. And that is a huge help for me. It also gives me a chance to get an idea how much I will have to add/explain/takeaway/etc. and I like to try and be prepared as soon as possible.
Having regular beta-readers helps a great deal, I think.
Who has been your strongest supporter?
This is tough because I have so many people who have supported me! That being said, I can say without a doubt that I wouldn’t have the amazing content I have without my editor. She has always been so great with me, and flexible when it’s needed!
What is your greatest challenge in writing?
My biggest challenge is often finding time (and choosing to work on my books as opposed to other things to focus on)
When you have family and businesses to take care of, there are so many tasks that demand your time.
Is there something in particular, (a tool, a song, a planner,) that you found particularly helpful?
The most helpful thing that I’ve found is having a good support system! This, for me includes a few different groups of people. I have one group of authors that write the same genre as me, which is a lot of fun and we bounce ideas off each other all the time. Another group is just my family/friends that are SO supportive and I’m lucky to have them in my life! And finally, just a group of romance authors who understand the writing life and are there for me- we often do writing sprints with each other which helps keep me motivated to actually get words done.
That’s cool to hear. I’ve often wondered if a sprint would work for me. I’m always afraid that instead it would fall on a day that I have no motivation for my WIPs.
I know we tend to write what we know, but did you need to do research for this book?
A lot of the things I’ve written about I have a basic idea about (cars, welding, rebar, etc.) but I needed to do some extra research to make sure I was getting my facts right. I once read a book where a girl put a screwdriver back after changing a flat tire and I don’t ever want to leave my readers as confused as I was about that!
Oh my gosh, my face wants to crack in half with a smile right now. Yes, some research is really needed to avoid scenes like that!
What else is important to share about your book?
As I mentioned above, I try really hard to make sure I get my facts right! I’m also trying to bring a focus to non-traditional jobs for heroines. I’d like to add representation to the romance world.
I’ve spoken to a few authors who do this a bit, like having the women be the doctors and the men being assistants of some sort. But now I’m wondering about how far non-traditional you go. Women welders? They are rare, but tend to be exceptional. (My husband is a millwright and welder so I know a little of the score.)
What can we expect from you?
When can we expect more from you?
I’m hoping that 2022 will be a good year for me! I’ve got several books out to publishers and I’m working on growing my list. I’ve got some exciting stuff planned and in the works! Some involving auto-techs, mine workers, and a few different/non-typical trades!
Where can we find your book?
Under this pen name, I currently don’t have anything published! I do have some stuff that is almost 10 years old (wow!) but for the sake of my own ego, we won’t share that! 😉
This pen name is brand new, and I’m really excited about it, even without anything to sell yet.
Where can we find you?
I am on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook right now!
Fantastic! We cannot wait to read your stuff this year (and after). Thanks so much for sharing with us!!
You may also be interested in these posts:
Author Interview with Tina Gallagher
Author Interview with Cynthia Terelst
Great interview!
Thank you! I have another 55 lined up.