Welcome to Author Wednesday on Writing Whims. Today, Chantel Rhondeau stops by to talk about her newly released romantic mystery/suspense novel Crime & Passion.

Welcome to Writing Whims today, Chantel. I love both the title and cover of your book. Both definitely convey your genre. I’m always curious about author voice – I believe it’s one of the most difficult things to find. When did you first discover your voice as a writer?

I think finding your writing voice is actually one of the tougher aspects. I really wanted to be a fantasy author, and tried several failed attempts to make that work. I’ve always loved reading mysteries, and no matter what genre I read, I love a little taste of romance. When I read my first romantic suspense, I was hooked and knew my genre. After that, I had no trouble with my voice.

That’s great that you’ve found it and know that it’s what you want to do. What messages or themes do you try to convey to your readers?

The themes of my book seem to creep up on me. Always & Forever is about an abused woman running from a crazed stalker. However, it ultimately became a story about the aftermath of abuse and her rebuilding her life. Crime & Passion is essentially a murder mystery, but the subject of child abuse is important to the story line. I’m not trying to be preachy or force a message on my readers, but it seems the subjects most dear to my heart find their way into my writing.

Do you have a favorite character that you created? Who is it and why is it your favorite?

Madeline Scott from Crime & Passion is my favorite. She’s tough and sassy. She doesn’t back down from a fight and her sarcastic wit had me and my critique partners frequently laughing.

What’s the best thing said about one of your books by a reviewer?

I love it when they say my characters are compelling and the book is a page-turner. This is exactly what I strive to create.

What is the message conveyed in your book?

Beyond my anti-abuse themes, I love the idea that love heals all. I like flawed characters who have to face their past in order to embrace their future.

What is the best thing someone could say about this book?

I love hearing, “I didn’t know who the killer was until the end. I suspected one character, but you convinced me it was someone else.” To me, that’s the perfect mystery, and the kind I like to read.

What type of research did you do in the writing for Crime & Passion?

I had to do a lot of research about court proceedings and police procedures to make things realistic.

Who or what is the antagonist in your book? Did you enjoy creating this character?

This book included more than one. I loved them all. It was fun exploring their motives. One of the “bad guys” is my second-favorite character in the book.

What else do you want readers to know about Crime & Passion?

I’ve talked a lot about the mystery aspect, which was fun, but the romance between Madeline and Donovan is central to the plot. I had a lot of fun exploring their relationship and watching as they fell in love. I hope you do, too.

I’m so glad you stopped by today, Chantel. I wish you abundant book sales and success in all you do.

About Chantel Rhondeau – Chantel once thought a great mystery or fantasy book with strong romantic themes was the highest level of reading bliss. After reading her first romantic suspense novel, she never looked back. Before long, the need to create her own stories took over. She spends her daytime in the clinical profession of medical transcriptionist, but her passion is in the blissful hours she spends with her characters in the evenings.

Chantel lives in the western United States. When she isn’t writing, she loves playing cards with her family and snuggling with her lazy kitties.

Read the first three chapters at Chantel’s blog: http://www.chantelrhondeau.com/2013/03/crime-passion-romantic-suspense-and.html

Connect with Chantel

Website: http://www.chantelrhondeau.com

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Chantel-Rhondeau/e/B008ZSM1KQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Twitter http://twitter.com/ChantelRhondeau

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChantelRhondeau

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6444354.Chantel_Rhondeau

Email: ChantelRhondeau@gmail.com

Buy the book

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/Z24vsP

Amazon Paperback in Createspace Store: http://bit.ly/ZJDjOp

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/Ys0lHs

KOBO: http://bit.ly/Y8qWNB

All Romance eBooks: http://bit.ly/YnS2iX

Add it on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/14ZgyHW