Interview With Author Deborah Armstrong

It may be a popular fantasy for mature women, but the successful bestselling author/farmer, Davina Stuart has the chance to find out what it's like to have a fling with a hot,sensitive and significantly younger man. What Davina isn't prepared for is Quinn's desire for a serious lasting relationship.

So, what does author Deborah Armstrong have to say about "Forever Love"?

Q: An aspect of “Forever Love” that is particularly unique is how Quinn Thomas comes across as being much deeper than the typical man. He’s tired of shallow relationships and wants something more meaningful. What are some other elements of “Forever Love” that set it apart from most contemporary romances?

A: Forever Love differs from most contemporary romances in that the couple meets, falls in love and starts a family within the first few chapters of the book. What follows - their developing relationship, their dealing with the emotional baggage that they both brought with them, and their learning to cope with the different worlds they are trying to unite, also sets the story apart from the norm. The story does not end with a happily ever after once the wedding vows are said.
There’s more drama, even life threatening drama, that ensues.

The characters also make Forever Love different from contemporary romances. The female lead, Davina, is fifteen years older than Quinn. She's independent, a successful businesswoman and she isn't looking for romance. She believes she’s passed that stage in her life. Quinn is the one who is looking for a life partner. Quinn believes in destiny. He is the romantic. He follows his heart while Davina is more the realist. She waits for her heart and head to agree with each other before she commits.

Q: What kind of character is the most fun for you to write about?

A: It’s fun to write about the romantic leads. I like to make them intelligent and witty. I like them to be flirtatious and sexy, but not take themselves too seriously. They may be gorgeous and sex personified, but they know that they are as imperfect as everyone else. My characters have to have a sense of humor. I like to put them in embarrassing situations where they have to use their intelligence and sense of humor to escape with their pride still somewhat intact.

In Forever Love,I had fun with Quinn and Davina and their attempts to have phone sex. Quinn always seemed to be left hanging (no pun intended).

Q: At the beginning of “Forever Love” Davina is only interested in a little tryst. Do you think it is more common for women to seek out casual physical relationships than one would assume?

A: Whether it is more common now for women to enter into a casual physical relationship, I couldn't say. Casual sex is glamorized in books and the movies, but I don't know how accurate a reflection it is of today's women. Women and men are busy juggling school or careers, that it can become difficult to find romance. Casual physical relationships may be the only type available to them. However, the young women I know are more interested in finding a lasting romantic relationship than having a little bit of fun on the side.

Q: Who are some of the authors who have influenced you the most?

A: Over one summer I read countless romance and paranormal books. I am a fan of Christopher Moore for his dark but hilarious sense of humor. I like Johanna Lindsey for her historical romance novels. I like her simple plot lines and tasteful sex scenes. Lora Leigh’s Breed Series were very helpful on how to write about steamy sex and gorgeous men. Right now, I am enjoying Sylvia Day and her writing style. I appreciate any author who can write well. When I come across bad grammar, I cringe and then dock a star from their ratings.

Q: Is there a genre you haven’t yet explored but would like to?

A: Paranormal Romance. It seems to have a growing market.

Q: What are your future writing plans?

A: I hope to have the sequel to Forever Love published in 2013, providing I can stay on top of my farm work. I also have three other manuscripts in various stages of development and my goal is to publish each one of them. I plan to keep on writing as long as time and my fingers allow.