I’m thrilled today to have with me Bambi Sommers, author, editor and marketing guru! She writes steamy romance with a touch of intrigue, and I recommend her books to those of you who enjoy a good action packed love story.
I really like what you’ve written on your Twitter profile. You say “American woman on the highway of life breaking speed limits and flying over speed bumps.” What does that mean to you?
I laughed out loud when I wrote that! It means that I’ve reached a stage in my life that I do what I want, regardless of the “rules”. I’ve always had that in me but in a whole different way than now. When I was younger it was done with more of a rebellious sneer. But, as I’ve aged, I feel a sense of freedom I’ve never felt before. It’s too bad we don’t experience this when we’re young, but I guess it gives us something to look forward to.
Writers almost always start writing because they love to read. What made you want to jump into the author pool?
It was actually the publishing firm of Simon & Schuster who got me started in writing. On a Thanksgiving holiday weekend, they sent an email asking if I’d like to enter a romance writing contest. I had been reading romance novels for a couple of years so I thought why not? I got to work and wrote Justice Prevails in a month so it would be ready in time. I didn’t expect to win but I also didn’t expect to love writing! By the time they announced the winner on Valentine’s Day, I had studied self-publishing and written book 2 of that trilogy. I published book 1 a few days after the contest ended, book 2 a week after that and the final book in the trilogy a month after that.
I’ve just started on your IMPS Series, and you know I love Justice. Tell us what you feel is most important for readers to know about the men in this trilogy?
It’s been almost two years since I’ve written the IMPS trilogy and I didn’t realize until a couple months ago when a friend pointed out that I had written it mostly from the men’s point of view. I guess this shows how much they mean to me! I’ve taken the best from men I’ve known and expanded on that. They are caring, possessive alpha men who are beautiful inside and out, everything that defines the word, ‘manly’.
Of all your characters, which one have you enjoyed writing the most?
That’s easy. Phantom. He’s a bit older and most playful. I won’t be ruining anything for the reader if I say I love it when he jumps in and dances in the kitchen. He’s spontaneous and sexy and tough as nails when needed, which is a good thing, because I really put him through his paces in the second book of the trilogy, Phantom Rising.
Besides being an author you’re also an editor. What are some of the biggest challenges you face when you’re editing someone else’s work?
Editing comes naturally to me. However, there is a fine line between making someone’s words better and making them your words. I make sure not to cross that line. It has been challenging to edit in a genre like fantasy or sci-fi where the entire world is made up. You have to really concentrate. My biggest challenge is knowing when to stop. If you allow yourself to get too tired, work can become sloppy. My clients deserve my best. I have been fortunate to have had incredibly talented writers trust me with their words!
Do you have a new series that you’re working on? If so, what can you share about it?
I do have a new series! It’s the Hart Investigations Romance. I have the first three books published, Diesel, Cody and Gabe. I’m currently working number four, Sam. I originally intended for this to be a five–book series, but have recently decided to wrap it up in the current story. It’s about the Hart Brothers, former DEA undercover men who want a change. When Diesel finds his love, they decide to settle down and open a PI firm. It’s alpha men, strong women and the cases they take on.
You used to do the marketing for a large radio station. Is marketing your books and editing services similar, or are they a totally different marketing type?
I was Promotions Director to a top radio station which served two major markets. There are only 3 or 4 in the US. This background made me think marketing my book would be a piece of cake. Boy, was I wrong! You see, social media was not the big deal it is now in the 80’s and 90’s. I came in to marketing my books in a whole new world!
If I asked you to name the best book you’ve ever read, what would it be?
The best book I’ve every read? Ugh! You’re killing me here! Hahaha! There have been hundreds of books that I would say are favorites but here are a few. A famous one would be Harry Potter. Most of us have probably read it so you know how wonderfully imaginative it is. Another favorite is a series by Darynda Jones called the Charley Davidson series. Charley is not your average PI, she’s also the grim reaper. It’s a fantasy sprinkled with a bit of horror and romance and it’s laugh-out-loud funny! I actually listened to this on audio because it’s narrated by my favorite, Lorelei King. She brings every character to life! I would like to mention one more from an indie like myself. It’s No Soul No Service by Sean Erik. His main character, Vince West, brings a sexy vibe to his own brand of fantasy. It’s an absolute unputdownable read!!
What’s your favorite genre to read?
Romance is still my favorite genre to read. I’m so fortunate in my work that I get to read lots of genres and I enjoy each and every one. But at the end of the day, when it’s time to relax and read for fun, my go to is a great romance!
What’s your favorite genre to write?
Romance thrillers are my favorite genre to write. However, I have noticed that, after writing my IMPS trilogy and a rock & rock duo, Firebird 1&2, my current series may be more thriller than romance. I’ve had some men point this out as they’ve enjoyed this more!
Is there one thing a book must have to make your “to be read” list?
I used to never be able to read something really graphic like a rape scene. However, I have edited my share of very graphic scenes and, unlike a movie you can watch through your fingers, you can’t do this with a book. So, no, I don’t have anything must-haves. I just like a good story!
Tell us about you! What makes Bambi Sommers the woman she is today? What are your goals for 2020 and beyond?
There’s a lot that shapes us into the people we are. I credit my mother with my strength. She told me I could do anything and I believed her!
I have a very special goal for 2020. It’s to grow my editing business to the point that I can quit the part-time job I do now and focus on editing and writing. I semi-retired a couple years ago and have, not for the first time in my life, reinvented myself with a new career that I hope will take me to the end of my days. It brings me joy and allows me to help indies like myself. I’m content and happy in a way I’ve never been before and couldn’t ask for anything more.
My deepest thanks to Bambi for her time and her candor. We’ve recently become friends on Twitter and I look forward to the time when we can meet in person.
Please check out her website and visit her Amazon author page. Both links are below.
Until we read again…📚
Blessings,
Dana L. ❤️
Website: http://bambisommers.com
Author page link: amazon.com/author/bambisommers
