Police Officer! International Martial Arts Title Holder! Award Winning Author! Meet Candace Sams and learn what went between the sheets of her newest release KEEPER OF THE LOCH.

BYS: What went Between the Sheets of this book?  Either what was happening in your life when you wrote it, or what was happening with the book as you wrote it.

CS: I wrote Keeper of the Loch as the seventh book in a series (Tales of The Order ™) so I could lead into another facet of the tales. The stories are about mythical creatures that hide in our world and the romances they encounter.

BYS: When did you decide to sit down and write your first novel and what led up to the publication of your first book?

CS: I wrote the first Tale of the Order when I couldn't find the kind of shape shifter stories I wanted to read.

BYS: Where did you find the idea to write this novel?

CS: I had just seen a movie where archeology and a mystical creature were involved. It motivated me to write the first book in the Tales of The Order ™ series – Gryphon's Quest.   

BYS: How long did it take to develop your characters for this book?

CS: Probably six months. I had to do a lot of research into Celtic/Irish history for months before I actually sat down to write.

BYS: Why this story at this time?

CS: Most shape shifter stories have to do with vampires or werewolves. I'd never seen too many done on 'other' legendary creatures – like a Gryphon.  

BYS: Take us through a typical writing day and your creative process.

CS: I get up at about 4:30 in the morning and begin re-reading over stories I've written that are sitting on my desktop. I then go to the gym for 2-3 hours, then back home to read some more. In the afternoon, I work on works in progress. Throughout the day, I answer email and stay in touch with editorial staff and read some industry news.

BYS: What are your thoughts on First Person verses Third Person?  Which is your preference?

CS: I write in third person, because it just seems easier. I don't know much about writing in first person and don't read it.

BYS: How is your family affected by your writing career?

CS: My family isn't at all affected by my writing career. They're very supportive, but the world would go on whether I was writing or not. I'm pretty well-grounded in that I was a police officer before I began this career. I realize there 'are' other things outside of my office.  

BYS: What keeps you going and motivated when life throws you a curveball?

CS: I pick the ball up and throw it right back!

BYS: Were you an avid reader as a child?  What did you like to read?

CS: I've read romance novels since I was twelve-years-old. I never thought I'd ever write one, but I just couldn't find the kind of book I wanted to read and figured there might be other folks out there like me; interested in the mystical/ethereal side of romance.

BYS: Do you have time to read now?  What authors do you read?

CS: Most of what I read is nonfiction research and reference material to get ideas for my next stories. There are so many millions of books out there on paranormal subjects. It's fun just collecting them.

BYS: Anything special that you want to tell your readers about yourself?

CS: Readers can email me from www.candacesams.com or www.cschatterly.com. I'm almost always at my computer.

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