Romantic Book Affairs: Interview & Giveaway: Aleatha Romig Discusses Consequences and Truth

Interview & Giveaway: Aleatha Romig Discusses Consequences and Truth

by Paula on Monday, October 29, 2012

Today we are very pleased to have Aleatha Romig with us. First let me begin by saying congratulations on your success! And thank you for talking with us! We are very excited to get to know the woman behind this boundary-pushing psychological thriller! We are also giving away two autographed paperback copies AND one digital copy of her novel, Truth.

Let’s begin, shall we?

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Are you a full time writer? Hobbies? Family?

Thank you so much for asking me on Romantic Book Affairs! I’m honored and excited to be able to talk about Consequences and Truth. I’m not a full-time writer. I am a full-time wife, mother and dental hygienist. See, you never know what that woman cleaning your teeth is really thinking! I would say writing is my hobby and my passion; one which I would love to make my profession! I’ve been married for 26 years and have 3 great children... 2 in college. People often ask when I have time to write... the house is very quiet from 1 – 5 in the morning!

What are some of your favorite books or authors that you’ve read?

I absolutely love J.R. Ward! I devour every one of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I’ve started the Fallen Angel series... but writing has been very time consuming lately. I also enjoy a fun light read with Janet Evanovich. While reading her Stephanie Plum series I’ve been known to laugh out loud! (very embarrassing in a doctor’s waiting room!) In between, I’ve secretly downloaded a few fun and sexy romances ... I tend to steer toward the more erotic. I kind of like a strong dominate alpha male character, redeemable and non-redeemable, if you haven’t noticed.

CONSEQUENCES is on shelves now. What should readers know about it?

Oh, loaded question! They should know they need to buy and read it today!! But please turn that first page knowing what you’re getting into. Consequences isn’t a romance. I love that you call it a “boundary-pushing psychological thriller”! The storyline is admittedly dark. Nevertheless, it is meant to be a thriller of survival and strength in the face of unbelievable, yet possible, adversity. My goal was for readers to see and feel Claire’s plight. I’ve read reviews saying Claire should run. My question is to who? to where? She does what she must do to survive another day... I hope people see Consequences as a story of survival.

What was the hardest part of writing Consequences? I can imagine that there were quite a few!

It was an emotional rollercoaster for me. When Claire was happy, or at least at peace, so was I. When she had glitches or accidents... I was emotionally distraught. Tony and Claire by all rights are part of our family! Even my youngest son can tell you all about them. For years they came up at family dinners for discussion. It started as my way to feel-out ideas... but now it is as if they are real. (I know they aren’t... but I love that so many people know about my imaginary friends)

What is the most unusual resource you’ve used for research?

It isn’t unusual... but Google Earth. I’ve never been to most of the places I talk about in Consequences – physically. However, with technology I could sit in my kitchen using Google Earth and see the front of Versace in NYC. It was as if I was standing right outside of it and could describe it to my readers. Believe me, I’d rather see these places for myself...but my budget supports technology better.

I also enjoy watching crime shows... Criminal Minds, Dexter, CSI. I believe those, and many others, gave me insight and ideas of some things for Anthony to do. Two seasons ago on Dexter the antagonist video recorded encounters... I said, “Ahh, video... that’s an idea!”

Let’s talk about Anthony. You have cleverly created a character that I love and hate at the same time. Readers seem to be divided into “Tony haters” and “Tony lovers.” Did you expect for this to happen?

I really didn’t. I know he does terrible things, for which I in no way endorse. Nevertheless, I tried to show a glimpse of another side to him. It is really funny. My close friends were the first to show me those two camps. I have friends who want love to prevail and friends who hate...with a capital H... him. My sister-in-law, who is the sweetest person in the world, called to tell me what should happen to him... I’ve never heard her use those words before! I never expected the strong and wide range of emotions Consequences has elicited.

I don’t want to spoil anything for the readers but, the burning question that is on everyone’s mind after reading Consequences, do Anthony and Claire get a HEA? A tease. A hint. Anything.

This is a psychological thriller... so what is a Happy Ever After ? Is it that Anthony is happy? Claire is happy? or they are both happy? I can say -- I think Claire deserves happiness... she just needs to figure out what that is. After all, in Consequences her options were limited. When the world is available to her again -- what will she choose as her HEA?

For those of us who have read Consequences - I must ask – does Claire get her revenge?

I so want to answer... but instead I’m going to recommend Truth. Consequences is about the difference between reality and appearance. The whole Vanity Fair article is a snap shot of the entire book. Things are not as they appear. Now in Truth, realities are revealed. We will learn more about past sins which have long reaching repercussions to all of our characters.

After reading Consequences, I was stunned by the unpredictable ending. What can we expect from Truth?

Questions will be answered. Misconceptions and true emotions will be revealed. And new questions will arise! I have to leave my readers wanting Convicted.

Truth is scheduled to be released, November 1^st this year and I’ve recently learned you have a third book coming out called CONVICTED. Yay! When do you plan to release it? Is it the final book in the series or do you plan to write more?

I plan to release Convicted the end of 2013 or beginning of 2014. I know that sounds like a long time away, but it is only in its early stages. Even I’m unsure of the final sentence. And yes, it will be the final installment in this story. I will seriously miss my imaginary friends. I guess I’ll just need to create new ones!

If Consequences were a movie, who would you cast as Anthony and Claire?

First, let me say... YES, let’s all tell Hollywood Consequences needs to be a movie! With that said, I want Joe Manganiello to be Anthony Rawlings; he more than meets the physical requirements -- but would need to shave J. Just imagine that body in an Armani suit! (and out of it!) Of course as author, I must be on the set every day! Everyone who knows me, knows my thoughts regarding Joe and many have volunteered to portray Claire J. I can see Natalie Portman as Claire. I would want someone petite -- yet strong!

Thank you so much for chatting with us. Is there anything you would like to add?

I want to say thank you to you and others who have read Consequences and are spreading the word! I’m amazed that I have readers throughout the fifty states and other countries. The world of technology has afforded me the amazing ability to be global. I’m eternally grateful to every person who has recommended Consequences to someone else. I can only hope the same will happen with Truth and Convicted. Thank you Paula for allowing me to share!

About the Author

Aleatha Romig has lived most of her life in Indiana. She is a graduate of Indiana University and has been married for twenty-five years. Together with her husband, she has raised three children. She works as a dental hygienist but has always enjoyed writing. She also likes to spend time with her family, friends, and patients. Her pastimes include exercising, reading, and writing. This is her first novel.

Find Aleatha Online:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

We would like to sincerely thank Miz Romig for stopping by and answering a few of our questions. And don’t forget Truth comes out Thursday, November 1st!

Giveaway!

Aleatha is giving away two signed paperback copies of her novel, Truth, to two lucky Romantic Book Affairs readers (US Only)!

For International readers, Miz Romig is offering a digital copy of Truth (eRetailer of winners choice, as long as it can be 'gifted' to you).

Contest is open until November 2nd at 12:01am. We’ll announce the winner same day. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway