Interview with Camelia Miron Skiba



When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
My older sister Lumi had her own room where she'd spend time with her girlfriends while I had to share a room with my younger sister, Monica. Lumi's room was like a treasure box, with giggles, secrets and adventures. Needless to say, I wasn't allowed in her room when she was at home.
But when she wasn't, I would be a bad girl and sneak in and rummage through her clothes, her books, her drawers. It was during one of those incursions when I came upon a beautifully written notebook, a love story.
 I got sucked in from the first page and fell in love with the heroes, Raluca and Alexandru. I laughed with them, cried with them, felt my heart melt at the sight of them, lived life through their eyes. I was addicted to their story and Lumi's room manifested itself into more of a forbidden fruit.
Unfortunately their love story never lived to see the printing light and I often wonder if they had the happily-ever-after ending. You see, one day Lumi came home earlier and found me devouring her notebook. I was mortified I was caught red handed and she was furious about my trespassing.  She yanked the notebook from my hands and yelled at me to get out of her room.
I never sneaked back into her room. We never talked about it, but ever since then all I've done was to wish I'd meet my writing muse and take a chance at writing.
Well, fast-forward 20+ years later, I opened a blank word document and began writing. And never stopped.

What genre do you write and why?
Romance and women's fiction. Simply put because I'm a hopeless romantic and a true believer that love makes everything possible.

Tell us about your latest book.
It’s a contemporary war romance set in the middle of the Iraqi war, a love story between two opposites. Maj. David Hunt is an American doctor in the US Air Force, and Lt. Cassandra Toma is a Romanian doctor in the Romanian Army. Fate has them both deployed to the M. Kogalniceanu (try to say this word, please) Joint Air Base shortly after Saddam Hussein’s execution.
They meet. They clash. A forbidden passion consumes them with the intensity of an erupting volcano, leaving her heartbroken and him with tarnished honor and pride as an officer. The only way out for David is disappearing into the dangerous warzone in Iraq. Their flame was supposed to be over when destiny brings them back under the same roof, this time with a common goal—to find Cassandra's brother, Maj. Robert Toma, kidnapped by insurgents while on patrol.
To rescue Robert, Cassandra and David put aside their resentments, uniting forces against a common enemy. Trying to forget the painful past, Cassandra opens up to give David—and their love—another chance. What she doesn’t realize is that her anguish is the result of David’s impetuous action—one reckless choice he made for which she may never forgive him.
His mistake, his secret, could cost them both the love they've finally found.

What marketing methods are you using to promote your book? 
I have to admit, I don't do enough to promote my books, but I promised myself I'd put in more effort. Until a year ago I couldn't fathom the idea of blogging. Now I like it. This is my first virtual book tour, which had proved so far really exciting. Connecting with readers, maintaining old relationships and developing new ones, word of mouth. Giveaways on GoodReads. Participating in blog hops. Facebook. For readers asking for signed copies I also have bookmarks to share.

What formats is the book available in?
Paperback and e-format.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Watch comedies. Go to B&N with my son and niece and make up stories about the people around us, based on their gestures and body language. Play a game that (in over 15 years I’ve been playing it) I only won twice. Having tea with my older sister every weekend.

Who are your favorite authors?
Mary Balogh, Linda Lael Miller, Margaret Mitchell (traditional authors). Cindy C Bennett, Sherry Gammon, Jeffrey Moore (indie)

What advice do you have for other writers?
Edit. Edit. Edit. When you think you're done edit again.

What's your favorite quote about writing/for writers?
George Bernard Shaw: "Writing is easy. All you do is stare at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead."

What's the best thing about being a writer?
Holding the first copy of your book. It's like holding your child for the first time.

Where can people find out more about you and your writing?

Anything else you'd like to add?
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading my stories. All your letters and emails mean the world to me, reinforcing the fact that my books have found a loving home on your shelves.

10 Comments

  1. Love this book!! Lots of heart and soul!! Great interview, thanks!

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    1. Thanks for taking the time to comment Sherry. Glad you enjoyed the interview.

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  2. Lindsell,

    Thank you so very much for hosting my book tour and for the interview. Your efforts are much appreciated.
    XOXO

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    1. Please call me Jo :)

      You're welcome. I wish you all the best with your book.

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    2. Jo,
      Thank you once again for a great opportunity. Great website with lots of helpful info.
      XOXO

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  3. I may have to steal that Shaw comment!

    Strange, my wife and I play a similar game. People watching is a great time killer and I learn a TON about writing from doing it.

    Splitter

    (PS...Mrs. Splitter says hi lol)

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    Replies
    1. I love the game of people watching. A fun way to find inspiration.

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    2. Splitter--if you steal it, then ransom must be paid. I bet Mrs. Splitter comes up with better stories. LOL

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  4. Excellent interview. Love the Shaw quote, and hated it at the same time, because it is all too true!

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