Author Interview with Cheryl Brooks, Author of the Cat Chronicles Series

Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm a nurse, romance writer, wife, mother, cook, gardener, all-around animal lover and hopeless romantic.

Where did you come up with the inspiration for your Cat Star Chronicles books?

A friend gave me a book about a woman who had to pose as a slave to a dominant male, and I thought it would be so much more fun if the man was the slave. That's where it began, but the series has grown with each book.

What question do you get asked the most about in regards to your books?

That would be question number two.



What prompted you to begin writing?

What I wanted to read just wasn't out there; I wanted books that were more erotic in tone, had strong, intelligent heroines, and heroes who weren't stereotypical alpha males. Unfortunately, while romance novel heroines have grown in strength in recent years, the heroes have changed very little; most are still dominant, arrogant, and always seem to be doctors, lawyers, or police officers. I began to question why romances were written about men like that and the only reason I could come up with was that it was an effort to convince romance readers that the dominant male would make a good partner. Well, I've seen enough failed marriages to know that they don't—at least, not for women with a more independent spirit. My efforts have been to make my heroes and heroines true partners in life and love, without either of them having to be submissive.

What is your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part?

I love writing something and having the next line pop into my head without having to stop to think. My least favorite part is when that doesn't happen!

What are you working on next?

Right now, I'm working on the sixth book in the series, Hero, which was supposed to be the final installment. However, I was recently asked to continue the series for another three books, so I'm trying to come up with some new ideas.

If you couldn't be a writer (or have anything to do with writing) what do you think you would want to be?

I would like to be a really good rock guitarist.

Was there anything you wished I had asked you about that you couldn't wait to tell me?

Question:

What is your greatest claim to fame, Cheryl?

Answer:

I make a really terrific chocolate pie.