Since
that life-changing conference, Monique Domovitch has published nine books, four
with Penguin using the pen name Carol Ann Martin, two with Harlequin using her
own name, and another two with Lansen Publishing. Scorpio’s
Kiss was previously published as two novels, Scorpio Rising and The
Sting of the Scorpio. Scar Tissue, her latest, is her ninth novel
and she is hard at work on her tenth.
A great believer in the energizing
power of writers’ conferences, she says that if not for that first conference
she attended, she would not be published today.
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About the Book:
Scorpio's
Kiss is a spell-binding tale of love, ambition and greed that will keep the
reader turning the pages until its surprise ending. Set in New York and Paris amid the glamorous and competitive worlds of art and real
estate, Scorpio's Kiss takes the reader from the late 1940s to the 1960s
through the tumultuous lives of its heroes.
Half a
world away, Brigitte Dartois is an abused teenager who runs into the arms of a
benefactor with an agenda all his own. When she finds out that her boss has an
ulterior motive, she flees again, determined to earn her living through her
art. This career brings her fame, but also the unwanted attention of her early
abuser.
Domovitch’s novel is a compelling tale,
filled with finely etched characters and a superb understanding of the power of
ambition. Scorpio's Kiss promises to resonate with all who once had a dream.
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Thanks for this interview, M C
Domovitch. Can we begin by having you
tell us about yourself from a writer’s standpoint?
I converted to the writing
life later in life than most authors do. I had already enjoyed a number of
successful careers, my children had left the house and become independent, so
when my husband and I moved across the country, I was faced with starting a new
career in a new town or pursuing my life dream of becoming a writer. It was an
easy decision, at least for me. As for my husband, he found it difficult to
stop relying on me to help with his business. But within a year, I had finished
one novel, found an agent and publisher and was already under contract for a
three-novel series. At that point he realized that this was not just some cute
little hobby his wife was playing at. He understood I was serious about this.
Since then he has been incredibly supportive.
When not writing, what do you
like to do for relaxation and/or fun?
I’m a huge dog lover, and I’m
constantly trolling the Internet for dog-rescue stories and videos. If I had my
way, I’d probably have a dozen dogs, but then I’d also be without a husband.
All kidding aside, my husband is also a dog lover, but since we travel as much
as we do, two dogs is all we can handle. We have two small Yorkies that we can
carry on board and tuck under the seat. They are great little travelers. When
they see me packing they get very nervous, until I their carriers. They jump
right in. They know they’re coming along.
Do you have a day job? Or a
night one?
I’m very fortunate at this
point in my life to be able to devote all my energies to writing. That’s my
job.
Would you say it’s been a
rocky road for you in regards to getting your book written and published or
pretty much smooth sailing? Can you tell
us about your journey?
I wrote my first two novels
many years ago, back when I had a nine to five job. I’d get up at five, write
till eight, then after work I’d get back at the computer and write until midnight
or so. I did this for two years, until both novels were finished. Then I
collected rejection slips. At one point I became discouraged and put my dream
aside. It wasn’t until about seven years ago that I started again and suddenly
it was as if the sky just opened up. Everything just fell into place. I went to
the San Diego Writers’ Conference and my writing caught the attention of an
agent and a publisher. Since then you’d better believe I am a big believer in
writers’ conferences.
What is it about the suspense
genre that appeals more than any other genre you would choose to write?
I like page turners, always
have. I love books that are so captivating that a reader can’t bear to put it
down. And that is what I enjoy writing. Sometimes I am so excited by my stories
I can’t type fast enough. I want to know what happens next. I always begin a
novel with a clear protagonist, a start point in a story and an ending, but how
exactly my characters will get from A to Z can surprise even me. It really is
as if the characters take over.
If you had to summarize your
book in one sentence, what would that be?
Scorpio’s Kiss is a story about love,
ambition, greed and betrayal. That’s it in a tiny nutshell. For a bit more
information, I’d add that there are two main characters, Alex and Brigitte. The
book is made up of alternating points of view, one chapter about him, followed
by a chapter about her. The story is told this way until they meet.
What makes your book stand out
from the rest?
The characters. I am told that
I have a talent for writing characters that stay in the minds of readers for
long after they finished the book. There are a few that everybody loves, and
some that we just love to hate. Some of the most hateful characters are also
the most fun to get to know. One in particular, is such a vixen. Her plotting
is stellar.
If your book was put in the
holiday section of the store, what holiday would that be and why?
I’d like to say Valentine’s
Day, because my novel does have some romance, but I think the fourth of July
might be more appropriate because in the end, Scorpio’s Kiss is an
American success story.
Would you consider turning
your book into a series or has that already been done?
Funny you should ask, it was
a series. It was originally published as Scorpio Rising and The Sting
of Scorpio, two novels. It has now been repackaged into one novel as Scorpio’s
Kiss.
Where do you get your
information or ideas for your books?
I am often inspired by real
people, or real events, and then I take a grain of fact and stretch it into a
work of fiction. For example, the main character in Scorpio’s Kiss was
inspired by Donald Trump. Back in the seventies and eighties, I was friends
with Ivana, Donald’s first wife. She and I modeled together in Montreal. When
she moved to New York, we stayed in touch and I had the pleasure of visiting
and meeting Donald on numerous occasions. I was fascinated with his ambition
and when I decided to write a novel about a strong ambitious man, I modelled my
character after Donald.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on my tenth and
eleventh novels as we speak. One is the sequel to Scar Tissue, titled Seeing
Evil, and is scheduled to be published in the fall. The second, like Scorpio’s
Kiss, happens in the fifties and sixties. The place is Key Largo and much
of the plot revolves around Hurricane Donna and an incident that happens on the
same morning. It promises to be another page turner.
Before I say goodbye, I’d like
to invite everyone who enjoyed Scorpio’s Kiss to please take a moment to post a
review. You would make this author very happy.
Thank you.
Giveaway!
Monique Domovitch is giving away 5 paperback and 5 ebook copies of SCORPIO’S KISS!
Terms &
Conditions:
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- Five people will be selected to win one of five paperback copies and five people will be selected to win one of five ebook copies of SCORPIO’S KISS
- This giveaway begins April 18 and ends on July 18.
- Winners will be announced on Monique’s tour page on July 19.
Good luck everyone!
ENTER TO WIN!
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