Author Interview: Lucinda Race

Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?

I love mystery and romance books but my biggest influences are: 

Carolyn Keene

Agatha Christie

Stephen King – not for his horror books but for his book, On Writing. After I read that I knew I could be a writer and I dove in without hesitation. 

Does writing energize or exhaust you? Or both?

Writing gives me such an energy boost. I love the process of writing, editing and revising. Each time I touch my keyboard I know my manuscript is getting better and better. When I’m done, it will be the best version of this book possible. And of course, I’ll feel the same about the next book. Each book gets better than the last and that adds an additional kick too. 

Have you ever traveled as research for your book?

When I wrote the Price Family Romance series I spent time in the Finger Lakes Region of New York researching wineries. Also, I worked a few weekends at a family run winery where I worked in the tasting room, bottled wine and even participated in planting vines and the final crush. It was a great experience and I’m very grateful I was allowed the opportunity to play a small part in the process of being a winemaker.

Have you listened to any audiobooks? Which did you enjoy the most?

I do listen to audio books. Partly because to produce them, in my opinion, you need to hear how the book will make you feel, how the listener will experience the emotions on the page. I want to laugh, get choked up and be happy. Audio books are partnerships between the author and the narrator. When they blend the audiobook will be amazing for the listener. 

How do you celebrate when you finish your book?

I take a day or two to read something but I’m already thinking about the next characters I want to write about. I’m never short of ideas. 

How do you come up with character names for your stories?

I literally close my eyes and picture them in my head; hair color, eyes, body type and then a first name usually pops in, like you recognize an old friend then last name quickly follows. But there have been times when I start writing the book and realize it’s not quite right so it can be tweaked to a variation close to my original name. 

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve written thirty books so far and still going strong. My favorite is usually my last book but Vintage, book 4 in the Price Family Romance is probably my favorite that has been released. I love the dynamic between Leo and Stephanie. They work well solving a mystery and still find time to fall in love. 

If you were to write a spin-off about a side character, which would you pick?

Also from the same series, Stella Maxwell, who was introduced in Breathe, or Zira from Vintage. 

Stella is a strong woman who beat cancer but she didn’t let that define her. She’s ready for her story to be told and Zira is a top-notch auto mechanic in a restoration business. I love strong female characters so those are two that come to mind. 

What are common traps for new authors?

Either struggling to finish a manuscript or let the editing process stall them in front of their keyboard. If you working on something and it’s not flowing highlight the words in a color and come back. Don’t get bogged down on a single word or phrase, you can fix it later. 

What is the best money you’ve ever spent with regard to your writing?

Hiring an editor, proof reader and cover artist. I am good at telling a story but I love my words so making sure the story line flows, that I’ve developed characters to their fullest and the final proofread to find those pesky comma’s is critical. I’ve been lucky to work with some amazing editors and the best way to learn if, as the writer, you’re willing to put your ego aside and really do the work. It’s gut wrenching at times but well worth it. And covers? The best covers sell. They stop people from scrolling endlessly. Unless you are a trained graphic artist please consider hiring someone or at least purchase a high quality premade cover. I’ve been slowly updating my covers and it does make a huge difference in the overall brand of my books. 

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