Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
My name is Abbi Cook, and I write dark romance. My first series, Captive Hearts, is a dark mafia romance. I became an author a few years ago when I began writing down the stories that were keeping me up at night, but I didn’t decide to publish until last year. I haven’t looked back since.
What inspired you to write this book?
The character of Ryker came to me a couple years ago. I fell in love with him instantly. He’s a bad man, as he freely admits, but I loved that about him. He’s also tortured about what happens with Kaia, and I loved that too. When I finally felt like I could write the story they deserved, I sat down and began writing.
What can we expect from you in the future?
More dark and twisty romance. I have a duet coming in the fall, and a four book series is planned for after that. Now that I’m writing the stories I’ve been thinking about, more come to me all the time.
How did you come up with the title of your first novel?
Ryker, the main character, wears a skull mask all the time, so the natural title was Behind The Mask. In Beneath The Surface, Cason is more than what he seems, so that’s where his book’s title came from. And in Beyond The Lies, King is living a double life, so that title worked perfectly for his book.
Who designed your book covers?
Michele Catalano Creative did all three Captive Hearts covers, and I love them! She has such a great eye for design.
Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
I research everything I don’t have experience with firsthand, so that meant spending time talking to people who are knowledgeable about guns in particular since the books are mafia romance. I found that research to be incredibly interesting.
If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?
I know probably every single author is saying this these days, but the actor who plays the lead in 365 dni, Michele Morrone, would be a perfect Ryker.
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing my entire life, but as for dark romance, I’ve been writing that for a couple years.
Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
I read all the time! I’m a huge fan of my genre, dark romance, but I also love thrillers and horror. Anything that makes me a little uncomfortable is what I look for in my books.
A day in the life of the author?
Here’s a typical day in this author’s life. I sit down at my laptop by nine in the morning and check a few social media sites before getting to my work. I write for as long as the words are coming to me. Sometimes that’s all day. Sometimes it’s just a few hours. I try to remember to eat lunch, but if I’m really into a chapter or scene, I blow right through that. Usually I’m losing steam by about three in the afternoon.
What makes a good story?
A good story has characters that are relatable. Even if they’re doing things a reader has never experienced themselves, the characters have to react in a way that makes sense. If they do, then a reader will want to know how things turn out for them. A good story also has conflict. No conflict equals no story.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
Yes, writer’s block is a very real thing. I couldn’t write a lot during the past few months because I just couldn’t focus. For me, that’s what the block is. When there’s a lot going on in my personal life or in the world at large, focus becomes very difficult to find and that’s when writer’s block comes around.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I love to sit out on the deck and have a drink at night if it’s warm out. That’s my favorite way to unwind. That and reading a good book I can get lost in. I also love watching true crime shows. I guess they shouldn’t be very relaxing, but I love learning about criminal behavior.
Thanks for being part of the Captive Hearts tour!
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