Interview with Carment Stefanescu, author of 'Shadows Of The Past'

Today I had the pleasure to have a great chat with Carmen Stefanescu, author of 'Shadows Of The Past'. A novel that I have personally read not long ago and rated 5 stars. Here is what Carmen had to say about her novel and writing career.

1.      What type of books do you write?

I feel a special attraction for paranormal - reincarnation, karmic retribution, ghost stories. This is mainly what my stories focus on. My deep belief is that we live more than only one life. That we keep coming back to learn a new lesson from each transient life. Could it be my fear of the eternity of nothingness? I can't really explain. If all is reduced to material and chemical processes then what about that part that animates our body? Our soul. Where does it go?

2.     What is Shadows of the Past about?

Shadows of the Past is the story of Genevieve and Anne. It focuses on the lows and highs of the two, alternatively revealing the hardships, passion, truth or betrayal they meet. Their destinies seem to weave together, although they live in different epochs. Genevieve, from England around 1450, is torn between her sacred vows to God and her doomed love for Andrew the nuns’ priest. Anne, a well-to-do young English businesswoman in present day times, is trapped within a difficult mission - on the one hand she is desperately trying to rebuild her broken relationship with her former fiancé, Neil, and, on the other hand she is drawn to fulfill Genevieve’s mute plea.

3.      What inspired you to write it?

I read a small article in a Romanian newspaper about a haunted mountain in England. The souls of two sinners, a nun and a priest who break their vows and elope, can’t find their rest. The tourists visiting that mountainous area hear agonizing moans during the night. The moment I put down the newspaper I knew that I had to write the story of the two unfortunate lovers. I wrote a poem first, a ballad. Later, I thought that just a poem was not enough. I felt Genevieve’s story must be told in detail. This is how Shadows of the Past came to life.

4.      What is the writing process like for you?

I love doing the background research and writing; editing and reading the manuscript endlessly to spot spelling mistakes or inconsistencies means a real challenge. Once I get going, though, I’m alright.

5.     What is your favorite part of writing? 

The response from people who say they relate to my characters or that they laughed, cried with my characters along the way. Also the amazing people out there who do reviews and help authors promote books without getting a penny for their efforts. 

6.      How does it feel to be a published writer?

Wonderful, in short! Seeing your work released gives you a special feeling: there is the joy of achieving an ambition.

7.      Any advice for struggling writers?

The road to publication is long and hard, but persevere. Never, ever, give up!

8.      Where do you see book publishing heading?  

Everyone says book publishing is changing forever. E-books are taking off, giving writers more options, readers also. I don’t think, however, that traditional books will ever die out. There’s a definite pleasure to holding a book in your hands that an e-reader can’t offer.

9.      When you have a chance to read, what is your favorite genre? 

Thrillers, paranormals - but no vampires even if I live in Dracula's country, a bit of romance.

10.      Do you ever listen to music when you write? If so, who do you listen to? 

I only listen to music when I need to shut out any noise around me and then I listen to classical or pop.

11      What do you do you do for fun?

I like to spend a few minutes playing computer games. Role play games especially. All along the way, I will always be an avid reader

12.      Who is your favorite author?  Does she/he inspire you as you write?

I try to read a lot and learn from other writers. I have many favorite authors Thomas Hardy, Eminescu, A. Tennyson, Balzac, Forsyth, M.H Clark, Catherine Cookson and Stephen King.

 Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Liliana!   

 An insight into 'Shadows Of The Past':

Anne's relationship with her boyfriend Neil has disintegrated. After a two-year separation, they pack for a week vacation in hopes of reconciling. But fate has other plans for them. The discovery of a bejeweled cross and ancient human bones opens a door to a new and frightening world--one where the ghost of a medieval nun named Genevieve will not let Anne rest. This new world threatens not only to ruin Anne and Neil's vacation but to end all hopes of reconciliation as Anne feels compelled to help free Genevieve's soul from its torment. Can Anne save her relationship and help Genevieve find her eternal rest?
The twists and turns in this paranormal tale keep the reader guessing up to the end and weave themselves together into a quest to rekindle love.

Carmen's novel can be purchased on the following websites: Wild Child Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

For those interested, a trailer of the novel is available on YouTube.

You can also read more about Carmen and 'Shadows Of The Past' on:

http://shadowspastmystery.blogspot.ro/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carmen-Stefanescu-Books/499245716760283

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16249401-shadows-of-the-past#other_reviews

http://askdavid.com/reviews/book/paranormal-romance/3196

http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewwork.asp?id=56296

http://openbooksociety.com/article/shadows-of-the-past-by-carmen-stefanescu-book-release/

A huge thank you to Carmen for being a guest on my page today!