Each week, in the lead up to the launch of our first e-book, Sincere Forms of Flattery, we’ll be interviewing the authors we were privileged to work with on our first project. Up first is our resident romance expert, Therese Raft. 

Describe yourself in three sentences. Each sentence can only contain six words. One of these sentences must contain alliteration.

Likes chocolate, travel and happy endings.

Titillating temptress telling tales of trysts.

Daydreamer with many eccentric imaginary friends.

What in God’s name made you want to be a writer?

I’ve always had a vivid imagination and a voracious appetite for books. When I ran out of books (which was often) I would make up fantastical stories in my head. Daydreaming goes quickly though – like little movies in your head – so I started writing these stories down to fill in time. Then I realised I could make my stories better if I edit them and I was sold. Writing is my thang. My universe. My rules. My Goddess-like fantasies fulfilled where I can befuddle and manipulate my characters before giving them the happy ending they all deserve.

Literary protagonist you would most like to …

Have a beer with: Stephanie Plum.

Share a bed with: At the moment – Kresley Cole’s Lothaire. He is mad, bad and very dangerous to know. I’m so disgusted with myself!

Travel with: Edmond Dantès, The Count of Monte Christo. He seems quite intrepid, resourceful and a little bit brooding. I wouldn’t say no to a jaunt with him.

Say ‘I love you’ to: Mr Darcy. He is such a jerk but needs some love.

Name a pet from literary history you would have liked to call your own.

Janet Evanovich’s Carl the monkey – he makes me laugh. Perhaps not terribly inspired but I refuse to read a book where I suspect an animal will die. No Marley and Me! Besides, Carl likes TV and giving people the finger.

What is the smartest thing anyone has ever said to you about being a writer?

It’s a full time job – which you don’t realise is true until you have a full time job and can’t find time to explore your ideas at length.

What is the dumbest thing anyone has ever said to you about being a writer?

That it must be easy. Sometimes it is but other times it is torturous. It is less torturous than not writing though.

Where is your favourite place to write?

In a café surrounded by people but still alone. Preferably in Santorini.

What will be on your tombstone?

She laughed, she loved, she lived. By the way, that tombstone better be in France.

Favourite literary technique?

Dialogue. Love it. I tend to express more through choice of words in dialogue than I do in description. Is that a literary technique? If it’s not, it should be.

Favourite adjective?

Titillating. It sounds wrong, but is so right.

What one piece of advice can you share with other writers?

Take your time. I went through a phase of not wanting to write when I was just starting out in the corporate world, but that doesn’t mean you’re not a writer. The drive comes back and you simply have to write and reconnect with that part of yourself. Just don’t beat yourself up if you’re not ‘switched on’ all the time.

What is your writing motto?

Write for yourself.