With me, all roads led to a life of writing. I started writing stories as a teenager, got a degree (okay, two) in English, and now work full-time as a writer and editor.
And I write fiction, an endeavor I find fascinating and fulfilling.
I write romance because I love exploring relationships—and happy endings. What I enjoy most is the process of discovering a character. In each story, I find something that surprises me.
I am a member of Romance Writers of America and Passionate Ink.
Most desired vacation: England (partly because I studying British literature for more years than I care to count). One day I’ll make it there.
Most curious place I’ve been: the Winchester Mystery House. Read about it, and you’ll understand why.
Favorite evening out activity: Take me to the theatre and I’m happy. (Plays, not movies.)
Recent interview: Romance Junkies
Want to contact me? Fill out the contact form below, and I’ll get back to you.
Q: Is Lia Sebastian your real name? How do you pronounce it?
A: It’s a pen name. I chose it because I wanted a last name that’s a bit less complicated than my given name is, and I liked the way Lia sounded with it. It’s pronounced LEE-uh.
Q: What subgenre of romance do you write?
A: My single titles are futuristics. I also write contemporary short stories. I have one historical novella in the works. For more information about my work, visit my Bookshelf.
Q: Where can I find your books?
A: My books are available as e-books at Cobblestone Press. Visit the Bookshelf to see what’s out now, and watch the Coming Soon section to read about upcoming books.
Q: What prompted you to start writing?
A: I began writing stories in elementary school, and I’ve been writing ever since. I wrote copious amounts of fiction in middle school and high school, then set it aside for a while to follow other pursuits. That love of fiction never faded, though. There’s little I enjoy more than being swept up in a story, and I strive to give readers that experience when they read my work.
Q: What is your average day like? How do you fit writing into your schedule?
A: Like many writers, I work full-time in addition to writing. Interestingly enough, I am a writer and editor at my day job, although not in the publishing field. On weekdays, I wake up, go to work, write or edit for eight or more hours, then come home. If I’m especially excited about a story, I’ll start working on it right away. Otherwise, I’ll eat dinner and unwind for a little while before writing. Then I write for an hour or two. On weekends, I typically write three or four hours a day.
It can be tough to balance everything, but my job pays the bills and I love writing too much to stop. I take a day off on occasion, usually when I’ve had a difficult day at work, but I spend time writing four or five days a week.
Q: Where do you get your ideas?
A: Ideas are everywhere: news stories, TV, casual conversations. I tend to start with a situation, then the characters develop from that situation. For one story, I brainstormed situations that force people to spend a lot of time together. I came up with an idea: two people who have to work together on a work project. Once I had the situation, the hero sprang to life in my mind almost immediately. The result is Office Relations.
I’m a big fan of playing the what-if game. I also bounce ideas around with a coworker who enjoys writing.
Q: Where is your favorite place to write?
A: I use a laptop and alternate between writing in the family room or my craft room. Once I get tired of one room, I move back to the other one.
Q: What authors do you enjoy reading?
A: I read in almost every subgenre: paranormal, contemporary, historical, and more. Some of my favorite authors are Suzanne Brockmann, Sylvia Day, Amy Garvey, Charlaine Harris, Marjorie M. Liu, Erin McCarthy, Julia Quinn, and J.D. Robb.
Q: Do you have a favorite writing-related website?
A: Romance Divas is probably my favorite. This site offers a forum where writers support each other, share information, participate in writing workshops, and more.