Readers, I’d
like to introduce you to contemporary romance writer, Mila Rossi. She’s here to
chat with us (feel free to ask questions in the comments!) about her writing
life, and in particular her new release, Under
Construction.
Welcome, Mila. Please tell us a little
bit about yourself.
I was born
in Romania and grew up in Austria. My heart will forever belong to its capital,
Vienna. I was fortunate to travel a lot, which provided the inspiration for
many of my stories, both published and in the works. I’m lucky to be married to
the best travel companion ever and we have lots of fun wherever we go.
I’ve had
jobs that added to my repertoire of random knowledge, such as my work at a
beauty supply store (which means I know a lot about shampoos), or working as an
event coordinator (planned a SeaWorld party that let me spend more money than I
should’ve been in charge of). I’ve also been a technical writer, editing
assistant and translator (I speak Romanian and German too). For now, I’m mommy
to the littlest manipulator in the world and a pretty darn good baker.
Please tell us about your current
release.
Under Construction was actually released last year but
due to major family health issues, I wasn’t able to promote the book at that
time. I am now playing catch-up.
The book is
about Lessi, an artsy woman in charge of her home renovation. Her husband wants
nothing to do with the house, the reno or her. Feeling lonely and rejected, she
can’t help but be drawn to Carlos, the Puerto Rican man in charge of fixing her
house.
What inspired you to write this book?
As corny as
it sounds, a dream. I dreamt that a hot construction worker was making a move
on me and I was outraged because even in my dream, I was married. I woke up and
told my husband about the dream, which earned me a headshake and a frown. From
there, the story just popped into my head and pretty much wrote itself. I had a
blast writing this book because I knew exactly what the hero looked like and it
was easy to imagine him with no shirt on. Ha! I also wanted to challenge myself
to write a story that dealt with the troubles of marriage. It’s easy to write a
love story that ends with a happily-ever-after for the married couple, but how
the heck do you write a story that isn’t so traditional? I wanted to tackle
that problem and think I’ve come up with something decent.
Excerpt from Under Construction:
Excerpt from Under Construction:
Annoyed
Lessi got to work on her computer and turned on the small fan sitting on the
table. The summer heat was getting to her and she wondered how the men could
stand working out there.
It
didn’t take long for Carlos to walk in. “I thought you were working at
Starbucks,” he said surprised.
“I
was going to but my laptop died. I had to come back.”
He
walked into the bathroom and came back a few moments later wiping his face with
a towel.
“Are
you going to talk to me?” he asked.
Her
brows came together in annoyance. “I am talking to you.”
“No,
you’re not.”
“Yes,
I am. What am I doing right now?”
He
wiped his hands on the towel, crumpled it and threw it on the sofa. Lessi
watched him.
“You
know what I mean, Lessi,” he said and she noticed that he had been calling her
by her name all morning.
“What
do you want me to say Carlos?”
He
looked up at the ceiling and let out an audible breath. Then he lowered his
head to look at her. “We can talk about what happened when I kissed you.”
Her
stomach stirred. “There is nothing to talk about.”
“Sure
there is.” He took a step towards the dining table. Lessi had never been
happier to own the monstrous thing.
“You
can tell me how you felt and I can tell you how I did,” he said and moved
closer.
She
grabbed the computer mouse and moved it around. “It was a mistake,” she said
without looking at him.
“I
liked it very much,” he countered as though her statement didn’t matter.
“Although it was such a small little kiss that it’s hard to tell if I really
like kissing you.”
Her
eyes darted up to his.
“I
think we need to try again to make sure I can make up my mind.” He walked up
until he met the edge of the table.
“There
is nothing to figure out, Carlos.” She couldn’t believe those words were coming
out of his mouth. “I can guarantee that you won’t like it.”
He
smiled and walked around the side of the table towards her. “I’m willing to
take my chances.”
Alarmed
she shot out of her chair and made her way to the other side of the table,
keeping the furniture between them. “Carlos, this isn’t funny.”
What exciting story are you working on
next?
The story
of Becca and Matt fighting it out in the Costa Rican jungle is currently in the
works. Should be hopefully done in the next couple of months, depending on how
generous my baby is with her time. Or my time…. Becca is a botanist going on an
expedition with her research team and Matt is the security guard hired by the
university she works for. Between scary tarantulas (eek!), hot temperatures,
sweaty muscles and cozy tree huts, there is plenty of adventure and romance.
When did you first consider yourself a
writer?
I guess
when I published my first books last year, but I have been writing all my life.
I just never felt comfortable calling myself a real writer unless I had
official proof to show off.
Do you write full-time? If so, what's
your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find
time to write?
I do not
write all day because I have a baby always wanting attention, so I try to write
as I get a free moment, usually in the mornings, evenings and sometime in
between. Before the baby came along, I would write several hours in the morning
and all evening long, with a break in the afternoon. I find it best to write
when the house is quiet and there are no interruptions. Inspiration often strikes
late and I’m typing away at midnight. Mornings aren’t fun then.
What would you say is your interesting
writing quirk?
My husband
convinced me that creating a mood board makes for easier writing, which it does
for me. So I have pictures taped to the wall next to my writing desk of people,
places, items or colors which inspire the story I’m currently working on.
Whenever I get stuck writing, I look at the pictures hanging right beside me
and let my imagination run wild again. It works every time.
That’s a great idea!
As a child, what did you want to be
when you grew up?
Lots of
things. An Egyptologist, a teacher, an FBI agent (I was a major X Files fan)
and writer, to name a few.
Anything additional you want to share
with the readers?
Yes. Always
read with an open mind.
Great tip.
Links:
Thanks,
Mila! Happy writing!
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