Today we are chatting to Maria R. Riegger author of Miscalculated Risks.

Tell us something unexpected about yourself!

I used to fence competitively, both foil and epee, but mostly epee. Also, although I try to project professionalism at all times, in private I tend to be really sarcastic and a tad goofy 🙂

What kind of books do you write?

My editor characterizes them as Women's Fiction, but that is not a perfect fit. There are some legal and political overtones in my books, but there is also romance involved.

What inspired you to write?

I have always loved to write, since I was about twelve years old. Inspiration is all around us, and the story lines for my books kind of came to me all at once. I definitely draw on my personal experiences when writing. Writing is also cathartic for me. As an introvert, I draw my strength from being reflective, and writing is an outlet for my frustrations and emotions.

What makes your writing stand out from the crowd?

I enjoy writing about characters who have (sometimes major) flaws, since that mirrors real life. No one is perfect. But my characters also have redeeming qualities. I'm not afraid to inject political overtones in my books.

What is the hardest part of writing – for you?

I have a day job (as an attorney), so the most difficult part of writing is finding the time to put things together. Whenever I get ideas for scenes, dialogue, etc., I take notes in my phone and later add my notes to my main novel outline. Then I flesh out the scenes. Although the scheduling is challenging, I truly believe that if you want something badly enough, you will do it.

Where do you like to write – what is your routine?

My routine, if I can be said to have one, is to write late at night when everything is quiet and there are no interruptions. If I'm inspired, I can stay up as long as I need to. I can write anywhere – at my desk, in bed, and at hotels, restaurants, airports, etc.

What do you do when you are not writing – do you have a day job?

My day job is as a corporate/banking attorney, which I love. I also volunteer on political campaigns and volunteer with the local Legal Aid clinic.

Do you work with an outline or just write?

I work with an outline; when an idea strikes me, I'm afraid that I'll forget it, so I include it in my outline as a rough draft and work it into the book later.

What advice would you have for other writers?

As far as advice, write about what you know, and write the book that YOU want to write, not the book that you think people want to read. Write what you are passionate about, and people will be drawn to that. Also, don't pay attention to detractors. If you want something badly enough, you will do it.

How important is marketing and social media for you?

Being a new, independent author, social media is important because it is free marketing. Right now I'm focused on getting my first novel into people's hands, and my second novel will be out in early 2016. Hopefully that will help my marketing strategy.

What's your next step?

 I'm working on the sequel to my novel Miscalculated Risks. I'm also working on a political novel, which is part politics, part romance.

Miscalculated Risks is available here.

If you are interested in book promotion, please visit http://thebookpromoter.com