Welcome to Author Wednesday. Today I welcome Cate Beauman, author of The Bodyguards of L.A. County series. She’s published four books in the series and the fifth will soon be available.

Welcome to Author Wednesday, Cate. I’m very happy to introduce you and your series today. I love to hear from fellow authors about the moment they first realized they were writers/authors. When were you first able to call yourself a “writer” or “author?”

Honestly, I still have a hard time calling myself an “author.” The past year of my life has been incredibly surreal. When I released Morgan’s Hunter, Falling For Sarah, and Hailey’s Truth last October, I had no idea the books would go bestseller, especially not as quickly as they did. When Forever Alexa did the same in May, I was ecstatic. I often read of people’s dreams coming true, but you always think that will happen to someone else. I never planned on being a writer—and a successful one at that. I’m thrilled and blessed that I get to wake up and do what I love every day.

Congratulations on a very quick rise to success. Is there someone who’s influenced or inspired your writing? 

Hands-down, Nora Roberts. I want to be Nora when I grow up! The woman’s a machine! She’s written more than two hundred amazingly entertaining novels. I’ve read just about every one. Ms. Roberts manages to create compelling characters you can’t help but fall in love with while she immerses her readers in a great story.  If I entertain my readers even half as much as she’s entertained me over the years, I’ll be a very happy lady!

Ms. Roberts’ work ethic is also inspiring. She’s the epitome of ‘how bad do you want it?’ Her dedication to the craft keeps me going when I’m certain I can’t possibly type one more word.

Tell us a little bit about your next release.

I’m currently getting ready for the November 3 launch of Waiting for Wren, the fifth novel in The Bodyguards of L.A. County series. I’ve also started writing the sixth book, Justice For Abby, which will be available in spring 2014.

Since you’re writing a series, I assume all of the books have a common thread. Is that true?

The Bodyguards of L.A. County series is about the close protection agents of Ethan Cooke Security. Each novel chronicles a different guard and the woman he meets along the way. Technically, the books can be read as standalones, but most fans enjoy reading them in order since past characters show up in future stories.

Are you planning to continue writing in the same genre?

I’m a Romantic Suspense girl all the way.  I love creating complex plots that weave love and danger together.  I think the romance in a story is heightened considerably when your characters have so much more to lose. I can’t imagine writing any other genre.

What advice can you give to other writers about receiving a bad review?

Oh, the bad review. Unfortunately negative reviews are inevitable. Not everyone is going to like our work. Some readers will love the stories and characters we create, and others will hate them. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. Honestly, I choose not to read my reviews—positive or negative. I don’t feel as though reviews are written as a personal message to me but as someone’s guide to helping others choose a quality book to read. I think the path to peace lies in knowing you’ve given each story everything you have. If that’s the case, then it’s easier to shrug your shoulders and move on to writing of the next great adventure.

You’re very wise. It’s so very true that reviews are subjective and are not personal laurels or attacks. Are your books traditionally or self-published?

I’m proud to say I’m an Indie Author. I love self-publishing. I’ve truly never been interested in going the traditional route. After doing lots of research, I knew self-publishing was right for me. I like that I set my own schedule, my own word counts, deadlines, and promotions. I work with a great editor, cover artist, and formatter. My business manager does an excellent job of helping me keep everything together. I truly love what I do and wouldn’t want to do it any other way.

One last question: Do you listen to music while you’re writing?

I can’t imagine NOT listening to music while I write. I’m a huge fan of Pandora and YouTube. I enjoy all kinds of music—Top 40, classical, oldies. Usually my selections depend on my mood and where my characters are in their stories.

Cate, it’s been a pleasure to host you today, and I hope you’ll come back to promote your new books.

About Cate Beauman from Cate Beauman: I currently live in Tennessee with my husband, two boys, and our St. Bernard, Bear. I recently resigned from my day job to concentrate on this thing I refer to as ‘My Dream Come True’ career! I’m a pretty lucky girl; one day I woke up and my entire life changed. I saw the light, so to speak, and decided I was going to be a writer. Now, two years later, I’m working on the fourth novel in my best-selling romantic suspense series, The Bodyguards Of L.A. County.

Links to Cate and her books:

Amazon page with links to all books

Website: www.catebeauman.com

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/CateBeauman

Goodreads:  www.goodreads.com/catebeauman