Straight Talk with Robin Bielman – Entangled In Romance

Time for some Straight Talk with Robin Bielman

When you are getting ready to start a new book, what’s the first thing you do?

I jot down notes about my characters in a spiral notebook. I do all my thinking and planning long hand. I also scribble things down on post-it notes or whatever paper is handy because I’m constantly thinking about little things before I start any actual writing.

How do you celebrate when you finish writing a book?

With a cupcake! Okay, maybe two cupcakes. My husband also takes me out dinner or we bring in take-out.

If you could have dinner, coffee, or drinks with a fictional character, who would you choose and where would you go?

I’d love to spend the whole day with Harry Dresden from Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files books. I’ve had a huge crush on Harry for years! We could go anywhere—I‘m not picky. I’d be his sidekick and he’d teach me some wizardly stuff that I’d promise to keep top secret. And if he wanted to bring his brother Thomas along, I wouldn’t mind.

Do you usually begin a book with a character or a plot?

The first thing that pops into my head is a character. Sometimes it’s the hero, sometimes the heroine. I usually think about him or her for a few days, and while doing that, a plot starts to take shape. Then I think about more characters and soon I’m ready to start writing.

What was the inspiration for your book?

I’m a big fan of Outside magazine and while reading it one day, I came across the inspiration for Dean. The article was about the best outdoor jobs and I was immediately intrigued by heritage protection. I knew right then that I was going to write a story about a guy with that job and who loved the environment more than anything else.

How difficult is if for you to come up with a title for your books?

I like coming up with titles and think of them pretty quickly. I absolutely must have one before I start to write a story, so maybe that’s why.

Who would play your hero/heroine in the tv or film version of your book?

Paul Walker would play Dean. His hair would be a little on the longer side, but otherwise, in my mind he’s the perfect hotshot historic preservationist.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

I think the most important thing is to never give up. Keep. Going. And enjoy the journey. I always tried to remind myself that I was lucky that I got to do something every day that made me happy. Regardless of the end result, time spent writing is a gift.

Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I’m very much a pantser, although I do have some idea of where I want the story to go before I start writing. Nothing set in stone, though. No outline. Since I do jot things down about my characters, I love sitting to write and letting them lead the way. And I love when something I didn’t expect happens and my characters take me in a direction I didn’t see coming.

Where does the magic happen? Where do you write?

Most days I write in my office. My desk is very messy, which for some reason gives me great comfort, and anything I might need (like a thesaurus) is within reach. I have a wonderful view of the trees in my backyard and my dog, Harry, is always at my feet. I do love to venture out to Starbucks to meet a friend to write, but we usually end up talking most of the time, so I can’t do that very often.

Aside from writing, what do you do in your free time?

I love to read. I wish there were more hours in the day so I could read more. I spend time with my family, run, and enjoy hiking. My favorite place to be on a totally free day is the beach.

Do you prefer print books or eBooks?

I love them both!

What’s in the works for you?

More Ever After novellas! I also write YA and am putting the finishing touches on a contemporary story I just adore.

About Robin Bielman

I’m surrounded by boys ~ my hubby (and high school sweetheart), two kids, and the cutest mini Labradoodle in existence. (The hubby and kids are pretty cute too.) I’m a Southern California girl and there’s no place I’d rather be than the beach. However, I long to go on adventures and there are many places that I really want to visit – Paris, Ireland, Costa Rica, Yellowstone National Park, Italy, London, and so many more. I have a major crush on two fictional characters: Harry Dresden from Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files books, and Remy Chandler from Thomas Sniegoski’s Remy Chandler novels. When I’m not writing, I love to read, bake, and go to the movies. I also run a few times a week on my treadmill while watching my favorite TV shows. I drive too fast, drink too much caffeine, and if every day were Cupcake Day, I’d be a happy camper! Oh, and I love dumb blonde jokes.

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