My Author of the Month for July is a true diamond in the rough. An authentic small town girl at heart with a world wide imagination. Her writing has romance, suspense and a little kink, which grab you and keep you on edge until the very end.
She is one of the sweetest most genuine women that I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know in my own journey. Please enjoy this personal look at Author Savannah Maris!
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Author Bio
I’m Savannah Maris, a southern girl and hopeless romantic. I’m passionate about writing stories that incorporate southern charm with a little spice. I grew up on a farm in a small town with a love of sports, dance, and music which will show up somewhere in my books. When I’m not writing, my husband and I are attending a sporting event, travelling, or working.
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The Interview
When did you know that you wanted to be an Author and what made you choose Contemporary Romance with Suspense?
Being an author really fell into my lap. I had helped an author a few years ago with her books. I never really thought about it. I’d played around with a chapter or two then scrap the notion of writing. Then, last year I needed an outlet, and the idea of writing started sounding better and better. It just happened.
I chose Contemporary Romance with Suspense because those are some of my favorite books. I don’t necessarily like horror or thrillers, but I like trying to figure out who the bad guy is. I also enjoy knowing the who did it and watching the characters figure it out. Yes, I’m the one yelling at the book. “Don’t open that door!” “No, he’s not a nice guy!” “Yes, go with her!”
How did the creation of Riverton Crossing come about?
Last year the idea of a corrupt town came to me and all the stories that could come from it. One day The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia by Reba McEntire came one the radio, and Unwelcomed Greeting started to come together. I’m from a small southern town and loved the idea of a town in the low country (the part of South Carolina around the coast). I love Charleston, Savannah, and thought rural South Carolina would be a great place. I used Googlemaps to get the proximity to Charleston, Savannah, Edisto Island, and Beaufort. I picked a town that I’d never heard of and renamed it.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Unfortunately, I don’t get to write full-time. We’re self employed so that takes a lot of my time. Self-employed actually translates to Workaholic. When we’re not working, we travel some and go to sporting events. Yes, I’m a South Carolina Gamecock fan. Baseball is my favorite sport to watch. Oh, those boys of summer.
Who are some of your favorite Authors and how have they influenced your writing?
Sandra Brown and Gina Maxwell are two of my favorite authors. Sandra Brown’s books are true suspenseful romance. I love how she keeps the readers guessing up to the very end. To have my writing compared to hers one day would be the ultimate.
Gina’s love scenes are just awesome. She is more erotica, and I love it. She made a comment about loving to be inside a man’s head (paraphrase, not a quote). I totally agree with her. I enjoy writing from a man’s POV. I guess because I know what I’d like my man to be thinking.
Since you just released your latest novel, are you taking a break or is there more books to come in the Riverton Crossing Series?
I’ve basically been writing non-stop since March 2017. If the stories keep flowing, I’ll keep writing. As it stands right now, Crossroads of the Heart comes out August 23rd. It’s a standalone. I hope to share some teasers this month. Unbridled Passion will come out this fall. I’m hoping around November. It’s the 5th book in the Riverton Crossing series. I’m a little over ½ way done writing it so November looks to be the correct time frame.
Would you change anything about the direction of this series, or is it developing the way you imagined?
When I started writing Unwelcomed Greeting, I had a general idea where the first few stories were going. Initially, I had Thomas and Cat’s story being the 2nd book, but as I wrote the first one, I saw that Evan and Ginger’s story made the most sense. With this series, my brain has to be several books ahead of the writing, so the stories flow smoothly. For example, the plot line of Uninvited Visitors was actually planted in Unfinished Business. You see a little more of it in Unexpected Guest as well as meet characters that are important in Unbridled Passion (coming this fall). So far, I’m pleased with where the characters have taken the stories.
What would your Super Hero name be?
My superhero name is hard because I just don’t see myself in that light. I’d probably have to say “Loyal Defender”. I’m loyal to a fault, but I will also defend a friend to the very end. (apparently, I’m also a poet. Ha!)
What would you be doing if you weren’t an Author?
As I stated earlier, I don’t write full-time, so I’d continue with my other businesses and read more.
Which character from your writing, resonates with you the most?
The heroine from Crossroads of the Heart (Tamryn Carmichael) is the one character that has the most of me in her. She’s flawed and made a couple rash decisions that she reaps the consequences of. Thank God the hero is definitely a knight in shining armor. Noah Carmichael also has the most of my husband in him.
How do you handle writer’s block?
As Arthetta knows, I lost my father last month. For a couple of weeks, I just couldn’t write. Nothing came to me, and I think that’s the closest to writer’s block that I’ve had. During that time, I literally walked away from writing. I read instead. I chose books that didn’t require me to think and something that was nothing like what I’d write. It was an escape for me because when I write, I’m thinking (Does this sound right? Does this flow? Am I being true to the character? Where is this going?). I’m grateful I was far enough ahead on my writing that I could walk away for a couple of weeks. When I don’t have a story brewing in my head, I may panic. Ha!
Sitting alone in a big field, looking at stars, what do you think/feel?
Looking at the stars has always amazed me. We haven’t had the time to do this in a while but relish the opportunity (hopefully soon). I always look for shooting stars or comets, etc. What I’m thinking? How big this world really is and I’m only a tiny part of it. How insignificant I am in the grand scheme of things. (Now if it were daytime and I was looking at clouds, I try to find shapes. Yes, I’ve been known to look for penises and dildos.)
If given a chance, who would you like to be for a day? Or Who would you like to exchange roles with?
Myself when I was 21. Knowing what I know now, I’d have so much more fun, and take better care of my body. I don’t really know. Jackie Kennedy, maybe.
If you could live in another country, where would you live?
Italy, I think.
Finally, what message do you have for your readers?
I’m honored when y’all buy my books. I know there are so many other authors and books you could choose, so to pick mine, is a compliment. Thank you. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.
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