Q&A with R.L. Mathewson
Posted by Goodreads on August 14, 2017
You've never had a neighbor like a Bradford brother. Wickedly charming, often aggravating, and devilishly good looking, the men of R.L. Mathewson's Neighbor from Hell series are always just barely worth the trouble.
Since Mathewson introduced her first Bradford man in Playing for Keeps in 2011, readers have fallen in love (and lust) with the mischievous family and their insatiable appetites—for food and for trouble. In her latest book, Delectable, it's Reese Bradford's turn in the spotlight. After his ex-fiancé leaves him for his best friend, Reese decides to go on his honeymoon alone. The only thing that might interrupt his self-inflicted solitude is—you guessed it—his beautiful next-door neighbor.
Mathewson answers your questions about how writing gives her peace, what she would feed those hungry Bradfords ("carbs and protein to fill them up!"), and why she's heartbroken whenever she finishes writing a book.
Shannon: I absolutely love the Neighbor from Hell series. How did you come up with the Bradfords' fascination with eating? I laugh out loud whenever there is a scene of them eating at a restaurant or at a family member's house.
R.L. Mathewson: The idea of their obsession wasn't actually intentional. It developed with Jason—and Trevor's character immediately picked up on it. And from there the legend was born.
Jenna: Have you had any sexy "neighbors from hell" in your own life?
RLM: I wish, Jenna. I wish.
Kayleigh: Your books (including How to Write, Publish and All That Good Stuff) encouraged me to start writing my own. Is there a particular book, author, or series that inspired you to begin writing your own books?
RLM: There really wasn't a book that inspired it. It was more out of desperation. I was in a very bad situation, and there was no way to escape. Writing gave me my escape—it gave me a chance to pretend that I wasn't trapped. It really just gave me peace and what I needed.
Sadie: Are you a pantser or a plotter?
RLM: I'm a "what if" kind of a writer. I get an idea for a character and start playing with it in my head until it feels right.
Jamie: OK, if you had the Bradford family over for dinner, what would you serve them?
RLM: Carbs and protein to fill them up! LOL. Seriously, Jamie, I don't think I could afford (or survive) having them over for dinner.
Angie: I know what your characters mean to me. And when I finish reading a book, I know what I personally take away from that experience. So my question is what do YOU take away or get on a personal level from the stories you create?
RLM: Angie, it's actually hard for me to finish writing a book. I grow attached to the characters, and I'm heartbroken when I have to say goodbye. I miss them. It's hard for me to start writing again for a month or so after I finish.
Dimitra: What's one of your favorite books to read again and again?
RLM: That would be Lothaire by Kresley Cole. I love that book.
Patricia: Yay! First of all, I am super-excited for this chance to ask you a question. What has been the most challenging thing about being a self-published author?
RLM: Patricia, there's a lot of great things and bad things about self-publishing. I'm not sure that I could put my finger on any one thing. I guess not having a team of professional editors and staff to help you, plus trying to make do on your own.
Trish: What books are you looking forward to reading this month?
RLM: I'm not sure what's coming out this month! I'm currently scrolling through Amazon, looking for good historical books to read. Any suggestions?
Bri: Very important and serious question: Where would I have the best luck at finding my own Bradford man?
RLM: LOL. I don't know, Bri. But if you figure it out, please let me know!
Since Mathewson introduced her first Bradford man in Playing for Keeps in 2011, readers have fallen in love (and lust) with the mischievous family and their insatiable appetites—for food and for trouble. In her latest book, Delectable, it's Reese Bradford's turn in the spotlight. After his ex-fiancé leaves him for his best friend, Reese decides to go on his honeymoon alone. The only thing that might interrupt his self-inflicted solitude is—you guessed it—his beautiful next-door neighbor.
Mathewson answers your questions about how writing gives her peace, what she would feed those hungry Bradfords ("carbs and protein to fill them up!"), and why she's heartbroken whenever she finishes writing a book.
R.L. Mathewson: The idea of their obsession wasn't actually intentional. It developed with Jason—and Trevor's character immediately picked up on it. And from there the legend was born.
Jenna: Have you had any sexy "neighbors from hell" in your own life?
RLM: I wish, Jenna. I wish.
Kayleigh: Your books (including How to Write, Publish and All That Good Stuff) encouraged me to start writing my own. Is there a particular book, author, or series that inspired you to begin writing your own books?
RLM: There really wasn't a book that inspired it. It was more out of desperation. I was in a very bad situation, and there was no way to escape. Writing gave me my escape—it gave me a chance to pretend that I wasn't trapped. It really just gave me peace and what I needed.
Sadie: Are you a pantser or a plotter?
RLM: I'm a "what if" kind of a writer. I get an idea for a character and start playing with it in my head until it feels right.
Jamie: OK, if you had the Bradford family over for dinner, what would you serve them?
RLM: Carbs and protein to fill them up! LOL. Seriously, Jamie, I don't think I could afford (or survive) having them over for dinner.
RLM: Angie, it's actually hard for me to finish writing a book. I grow attached to the characters, and I'm heartbroken when I have to say goodbye. I miss them. It's hard for me to start writing again for a month or so after I finish.
Dimitra: What's one of your favorite books to read again and again?
RLM: That would be Lothaire by Kresley Cole. I love that book.
Patricia: Yay! First of all, I am super-excited for this chance to ask you a question. What has been the most challenging thing about being a self-published author?
RLM: Patricia, there's a lot of great things and bad things about self-publishing. I'm not sure that I could put my finger on any one thing. I guess not having a team of professional editors and staff to help you, plus trying to make do on your own.
Trish: What books are you looking forward to reading this month?
RLM: I'm not sure what's coming out this month! I'm currently scrolling through Amazon, looking for good historical books to read. Any suggestions?
Bri: Very important and serious question: Where would I have the best luck at finding my own Bradford man?
RLM: LOL. I don't know, Bri. But if you figure it out, please let me know!
Read more of our exclusive author interviews on our Voice page.
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Kathleen
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Aug 15, 2017 06:19PM
Your books never fail to make me laugh. They are always a wonderful distraction. Love them all. Thank you. Kathleen
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I LOVE the Neighbors from Hell series--I have never laughed so hard with any other books. I also love the Pyte/Sentinel novels. They were my first foray into paranormal romance and I can't get enough. I recently discovered the Chronicles and I am devouring those. It's so nice to get updates on some of my favorite characters from past books. Thanks so much for all your efforts.Alisa
