Interview with 'Linked' author Judy Serrano

Judy Serrano holds a Master of Arts in English from Texas A&M University, Commerce. She is the owner of Make Cents Editing Service, and was an adjunct professor at a local college. Currently she teaches high school English and is a freelance writer for certain on-line publications. Judy also writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance novels. She is the author of The Easter’s Lilly Series, The Linked Series, and Ivy Vines, Visions.

Although originally form New York, Judy resides in Texas with her husband, four boys, four dogs and now two cats. She sings and plays guitar when she has time and enjoys singing with her very musical family in church when she is able.

Her latest book is the paranormal romance, LINKED.

For More Information

• Visit Judy Serrano’s website.
• Connect with Judy on Facebook and Twitter.
• Find out more about Judy at Goodreads.

About the Book:

Title: LINKED
Author: Judy Serrano
Publisher: 6K Publishing
Pages: 273
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Daphne Foster is a substitute teacher stuck in an English class, waiting for that dreaded parent-teacher conference. With much preparation and anxiety, she encounters the unforgettable Charlie Cross. His charm and good looks, win her over but rumors of his involvement with organized crime make his continued disappearances disturbing.

In walks Heathcliff Vanderpool, creating a love triangle of unusual sorts. Unknown to Daphne, Heathcliff and Charlie are old friends: Older than she could have imagined. With Charlie away on business, Daphne and Heathcliff discover a passion between them lying beneath the surface. As their souls link, pulling away from Charlie becomes next to impossible. Will his involvement in organized crime consume them both before she’s able to get free? When you become “linked,” the choice may not be your own.

For More Information

• Linked is available at Amazon.
• Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Thanks for this interview, Judy. Can we begin by having you tell us about yourself from a writer’s standpoint?

I am a wife and mom with four wonderful boys. I am very lucky because they put up with my interminable writing habits. I can actually type and carry on a conversation with them at the same time. It’s a skill, really. If I don’t write, my characters remain desperately trying to escape my brain all night while I am trying to sleep. When I finally get to put their thoughts down on paper, they take me on a journey, not the other way around.

When not writing, what do you like to do for relaxation and/or fun?

I love to workout, although this may not be completely obvious at first glance. I play guitar, and enjoy spending quality time with my family. However, if I have some free time when I am actually alone, I will sit down at my Mac and write, write, write…

Do you have a day job? Or a night one?

I am a high school English teacher. So, yes. If I am not at the school working, I am often at home grading papers late at night. This is not the recommended field for writers. Just an FYI.

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?

The writing part is easy. I simply sit down and unleash my characters. The publishing is a little harder. I had to write quite a bit of query letters before I found my first publisher. Then I ran into 6K Publishing, and things have been smooth sailing. I do have a little bit of an “in” with the owner, though. Don’t tell anyone, but he’s my husband.

What is it about the paranormal romance genre that appeals more than any other genre you would choose to write?

I love both romantic suspense and paranormal romance, and I write them both. I also like to read them both. I love paranormal romance because anything is possible. You can really make anything up as long as it is half-way feasible. I created my own creatures in Linked, which was very exciting. There is just no end to one’s imagination.

If you had to summarize your book in one sentence, what would that be?

Once you’re “linked,” the choice may not be your own.

What makes your book stand out from the rest?

In my book, vampires are trying to become human, not the other way around. In most vampire books, vampires are turning humans into vampires. Although that does happen in my book, the main goal here is for vampires to link with humans and take on human qualities.

If your book was put in the holiday section of the store, what holiday would that be and why?

Halloween. You never know what you’re going to see around the next dark corner.

Would you consider turning your book into a series or has that already been done?

Linked is a series. Book two is called First Blood, and revolves around Dante, the sexy brother of the dominant force in Linked. There is a book three in the works. I have been told that this would make a fabulous TV show!

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I always start with something familiar and then move on from there. The truth of the matter is that my characters are the ones who initiate the journey, not the other way around. So, I never really know where I’m going to end up, just where I begin. I won’t lie though. Often I dream up story lines and those are usually the best ones.

What’s next for you?

The Last Fall, book 6 of my Easter’s Lilly Series, will be released in a few days (I hope).

Also, I am working on a book right now that should stand alone. It is a mafia romance like most of my other novels. Although you may see some familiar faces, my goal is for this to be my first stand alone novel, needing no help from its predecessors to be successful. But so far, I am only half-way through with it.