Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a voracious reader since I graduated from picture books to chapter books.
I love all genres, but romance holds a special place in my heart, because is universal, ageless, limitless in its possibility for people from all walks of life.
I’ve written to books: WHAT A GIRL WANTS, ONCE UPON A KISS, and a Short Rom Com, TEMPTED BY AN ANGEL.
I also have written children’s books, under a different pen name.
I had to put my writing on hold for a few years to take care of my beloved husband after he was diagnosed with cancer. It was a labor of love and privileged to be able to spend every moment with him during his last 14 months of his life.
I lost the love of my life in 2018, but he made me promise to get back to writing. Although, it was a challenge, I am proud to say I did get back to it, and finished another book, and look forward to continuing my writing journey.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
ONCE UPON A KISS.
My love story with my husband inspired the couple’s friendship, romance and love story.
I was also inspired by a snow globe my husband bought me years ago. It didn’t have a musical crank at the bottom, and never played music, it was a Christmas tree snow globe for decoration.
After his brother died, the snow globe would play a soft tune. We could not figure out where the music was coming from. My parents in law took comfort in believing it was a sign from their son that he was saying hello.
From that, I thought, what if a snow globe did give out subtle messages, in a magical but realistic manner, and that’s where the snow globe that makes an appearance in ONCE UPON A KISS came into play.
By the way, we did discover there was a music box inside my snow globe, and it was triggered by sunlight…that’s the only explanation we came up with. 🙂
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if these are unusual, but they are my habits.
Music playing in the background, I can’t write when it is quiet in the house.
I act out the dialogue, using hand gestures (I’m Italian, it is part of my rite of passage to talk with my hands 🙂 ).
I need to wear cozy socks.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lucy M. Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables. I devoured her books as a youngster.
Mario Puzo. I remember reading The Godfather when I was about 12 years old (under the covers so my parents didn’t see what I was reading), and thought, what a great story teller, and absorbed the twists and turns in his novel.
Joy Fielding writes suspense with some romantic elements, but she is another author I admire for her brilliant plotting and multi-dimensional characters.
I have read so many romance authors who have helped with my passion for the romance genre, that it’s hard to name them.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on another Romantic Comedy but this one is a mystery. The heroine runs a honey-trap agency, catching adulterers, however, she unknowingly gets herself in a lot of trouble and now has the Russian mob after her.
She has no choice but to partner up with her childhood nemesis (and teenage crush) Detective Smoke Show.
They both come from large Italian families, and that is the most fun to write, how they interact with their families and with each other.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is:
I’m also on social media platforms, Twitter, Facebook
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read a lot, the more you see words, the more your own creativity will kick in.
Develop your own voice. You don’t have to emulate any other writers, be yourself.
Try not to read how-to write books, articles, etc. This can stunt your own creativity, and cause unnecessary anxiety.
Writing a book is a process, it can be frustrating at times, but it is also rewarding. You’ll find your own rhythm with time and what works best for you.
Most importantly, write. Write and then write some more. All the advice and how-to manuals will not produce a novel. Only you will do that, by writing.
I was fortunate to connect with strong critique partners, and that is invaluable to be able to get honest review (leave ego outside, as you really want honest feedback), so join a writing group and connect with someone who will support and help with critiquing.
Most of all, enjoy it. Love it. If you love it, and you enjoy your story, your readers will as well.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t write what you know.”
Most advice is to write what you know, but I have never been a cop, or an innkeeper, or investigative reporter, so I limited myself to only writing what I know, I wouldn’t have a variety of occupations for my characters.
One thing that I do know—emotions. I’ve been happy, sad, anxious, nervous, in love, frustrated, etc. All those things are things we do know, so that we can develop characters.
Things like occupations, shooting a gun for example, research is my best friend.
What are you reading now?
When I’m writing romance for example, I stay away from reading what I’m writing, and since my work in progress is a romance, I’m reading outside the genre.
I’m reading two books right now.
Harlan Coben’s, THE MATCH
Stanley Tucci’s, TASTE, my life through food
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will keep writing stories that I myself want to read in the romance genre. My next book as I mentioned is another RomCom mystery, and the other after that (which is half written) is a suspense. It is different from my other books, but it is a fascinating look into the Mafia, their families and the police and their families.
What is your favorite book of all time?
To Kill A Mockingbird.
A timeless classic that deals with issues that are still relevant today, unfortunately (although getting better), with the addition of humor to create a multi-dimensional, thought provoking novel.
Author Websites and Profiles
Selena Robins Website
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