Natalie J. Damschroder & Flight Or Flight Author Inteview

Natalie J. Damschroder is a multi-published author of contemporary and paranormal romance, with an emphasis on romantic adventure. Her 8 novels, 7 novellas, and 15 short stories have been published by Avid Press, Echelon Press, Amber Quill Press, and, most recently, Carina Press. It’s very rare for her to read a book that doesn’t have some kind of romance in it, and impossible for her to write one. But she also loves heart-pounding excitement, life-or-death stakes, and complex villains just begging to be defeated.

Thanks for agreeing to answer some interview questions about yourself and your new book.

Thanks so much for having me, Ava! I hope I don’t bore your readers too much.

So, What is your new book about?
Fight or Flight is a romantic adventure released by Carina Press on March 28.

Eighteen years ago, a group of men killed Regan Miller's boyfriend and tried to kidnap her daughter, Kelsey. Since then they have lived in hiding, always vigilant and never getting close to anyone.

When Kelsey goes away to college, Regan finally begins to relax. She even starts to think she can have a real relationship, perhaps with her flirtatious neighbor, Tyler Sloane. Then Regan is attacked again.

Desperate to get to her daughter, Regan accepts Tyler's help—despite her suspicions about him. She knows nothing about Tyler but he knows a shocking amount about her past. Tyler can't tell her what he knows or who he works for, but he insists she can't face her enemies without him. Tired of living in fear, Regan is ready to take the offensive, with Tyler by her side. But is she relying too much on a man she can't trust—and falling for him, too?

You can read excerpts here and here.

Can you share an interesting behind the scenes tidbit about your latest story?

My original working title for Fight or Flight was Unbreakable. It was a horrible title, because of the movie of the same name, and its lack of success. But it was really hard for me to break my mind away from how well it fit. It fits Regan, the heroine, who will never stop fighting to protect or save her daughter. It fits Kelsey for the same reasons, as well as other reasons I shall not disclose for those who dislike spoilers. :) Finally, after about half an hour brainstorming with some author friends, I came up with Fight or Flight, which is so much more perfect than Unbreakable I still feel stupid.

What is your favorite part of the story writing process?

I’m a flyer, so I don’t see much of the story beyond the headlights. I love when I have an epiphany while I’m writing a scene (or taking a shower—all my most brilliant ideas come in the shower), and I read over everything I’ve already written with the intent of seeding the new idea…and finding that the seeds are already there, but I didn’t know at the time what they were. It’s exhilarating to find my brain working on so many levels! :)

Writing can be such an isolated enterprise. Yet, I’m sure there are people who have helped or guided or inspired you along the way to becoming a published author. Could you tell us about one of them and how they helped you?

I’m going to give my usual suspects a break (the constant praise and thanks can be so wearying) and talk about someone from very early in my career. Ginny Aiken was the outgoing president of my local writer’s group when I first called about joining, and bringing my 7-month-old to the meeting. She was so welcoming and gracious, and made me certain I was doing what I was supposed to do. At my first RWA National conference in 2000, she sat up with me until 1:30 a.m. helping me refine my pitch for the next day. We’ve lost touch with each other over the last few years, but I’ve never forgotten all the ways she kept me from quitting writing, just by her conviction that I would eventually succeed.

Now for the S.A.T. portion of the interview:

Fill in the blank –
If I were a villain, I would have __________________ for minions to deliver my wrath because _______________________. (And remember, sea monkeys are already spoken for. Mostly)

Chupacabras
their mysteriousness and goat-sucking tendencies will strike fear into the hearts of my opponents, who will then give me whatever I demand just to avoid the parasites.

Sea Monkeys are to _______________ as zombie stinkbugs are to _______________.
Castles
Crawlspaces

Please tell us where we can find out more about you and where we can buy your books.

I’m all over the place!

My Website
Facebook
Twitter
My Main Blog
My eHarlequin Profile
My Goodreads Page
The Gab Wagon, a group author blog
Supernatural Sisters, a group author blog about the TV show Supernatural!

Fight or Flight can be purchased (or preordered) at most e-book retailers, including Carina Press, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Information on and buy links for my backlist can be found here.

Thanks again for stopping in!