What’s your pen name and tell me about the books you like to write.
I write small town romantic suspense books under the name Sophie Bartow. I consider my series a marriage of a cozy mystery and a steamy romance. Each book stands alone with a romance and mystery, however there are threads that weave throughout.
What part of your stories are hardest to write and why?
I don’t find any part of creating the story to be difficult. But writing the book description, well, that’s another story.
What kind of reaction/biggest emotion are you wanting from your readers?
I think so far the best comments are when people tell me they want to move to my little fictional town.
If two radio hosts were having a heated debate about something in your novels, what would it be and why?
That it’s impossible for the hope of a town to be tied to a swan. Yet for 5 books, I wove the story culminating in a dual timeline book that came out in April 2021, titled Hope, Hearts & Forever.
What actor/actress would play your leading characters?
I actually create Pinterest boards for all of my books and ‘cast’ the characters. Book 9 of my series is live 10/8/2021 and I just posted the cast. Jamie Dornan would be my Gray Hunter, who is a structural engineer. And Meghan D’Ory would be my Sadie Martin Hunter.
What song would play in the background of the first scene to your novel?
Ha.. This is one book I don’t have a song for the ‘couple’ BUT … Book 1 to the series is a prequel and set in 1979. It opens when several men walk into the town Diner. So The Boys Are Back in Town seems to work
What is your main character NOT supposed to do?
Lose hope, which is a huge theme in my books.
Who believed in your goals no matter what and how did they support you?
My friend, Giennie Delaney. She championed me when I wrote fanfiction and is now my ‘wall.’ I bounce storylines off of her all the time.
How do you improve your craft?
I have 5 Alpha readers and 4-5 Beta readers. I listen to them. But I think I am my worst critic, as I am a major perfectionist.
What book do you want to read next?
I am currently reading my 5th book, Kisses, Family & Hope and editing it.
What are your 2022 goals:
Definite plans include novels in Jan and February. A romantic suspense anthology that comes out in April. And a book signing con in Savannah, GA in July. However, on top of that I have 3-5 more novellas that I want to write and 2-3 more novels that will tie into my ‘Love’s on Trial’ stories within my series.
Social media links/contact:
Cassie Swindon 