Interview of Author Clarissa Yip

Today I'm pleased to present an interview of romance author Clarissa Yip.

Latest Book: Snowy Encounters
Buy Link: http://www.decadentpublishing.com

BIO:
As an avid reader and contemporary romance author, Clarissa had always been one to hide behind her romance novels so her evil friends and family will never find her. Child of four, she is known as the mischief maker and the runaway. Born and raised in New York, she left her mundane life as a manager in the beauty industry and traveled across the country and somehow ended up in Hawaii. On the beautiful island of Oahu, she has found a home with a foster family (aka. best friend) that took pity on her and her innocent wiles. Sent to scrub floors and wash dishes. (Partly true.)

Besides hiding on her Hawaiian island, Clarissa is also a content editor for http://www.breathlesspress.com. She enjoys writing, reading, scrapbooking, video games, shopping, and of course, torturing her friends with crazy ideas. She has an undergrad in Asian Studies and is also working on her Master’s degree in International Marketing with big goals of being published around the world.

Please join her as she ventures to the unknown as she wields her stories, escape to exciting adventures across the country, and shares the view of the world through the eyes of a writer.

Q: What’s the first thing you did when you received word you’d sold a book?
A: LOL. When I had first received noticed that my publisher was offering me a contract, the first thing that went through my mind was, “Are they crazy?” But after my nerves had settled, I was still in disbelief. I’m actually still not believing it now at times.

Q: Do all your heroes and all heroines look the same in your mind as you “head write”?
A: All my heroes and heroines seem to have dark hair, blue or green eyes, and have more of an exotic look to them. I tried writing blonds, but they just don’t seem to want to talk to me because the hair color is wrong or I made them too hairy or something. Don’t know why…

Q: Do you eat comfort food when writing? If so, what food inspires your imagination?
A: I’m cupcake obsessed. If you give me a cupcake or brownie, I may love you forever. Oops, did I say that out loud?

Q: What’s your strongest point as a writer?
A: My strongest point as a writer is messing with people’s emotions. I’m an emotional writer. I always want to dig into their heads and find each characters weaknesses and strengths and I need to know why they say and do anything they choose to do. It’s an annoying habit.

Q: You’re on a remote island with a handsome man, a computer, and a “mysterious” source of electricity to power your computer. What do you do?
A: * snort * That’s an awesome question. Probably wish the man would turn himself into my cabana boy and tell him to leave me alone while I work and write. That’s really sad, isn’t it? Okay, I’m a workaholic…

Q: What genre would you like to try writing in but haven’t yet done so? Why?
A: I usually write contemporary romance, but someday I’d love to write a paranormal about dragons or something. I find them very enchanting and mystical. I love reading paranormals but finding the voice to write one has been a struggle for me.

Tell us where to find you: website(s), publisher’s page(s), blog(s), Facebook page(s), etc. List them all!
My website: http://clarissayip.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/clarissayip
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000836526793
Publishers:
http://www.decadentpublishing.com
http://www.lyricalpress.com
http://www.cobblestone-press.com

BLURB:

In the town of Five Oaks, where mysterious happenings occur, one will never know what they’ll find….

Successful Event Planner, Maddy Glover, dreads returning to her hometown for the holidays ever since her divorce. First time in three years, Maddy finds herself caught at the end of an avalanche, only to have her ex-husband come to her rescue like a white knight in rugged wheels.

Ambitious and desirable bachelor, Cole Harmon lives to rebuild the town, more so to forget the woman who didn’t believe he had enough to offer. Until Maddy shows up in her cute city-slicker attire, not appropriate for their little town. In need of a decorator for the holidays, Cole hires his ex-wife to help, only to be thrown into dark memories and snowy encounters that will melt the cold between them. Will their love resurface or will Maddy walk away once again?

EXCERPT:
“Let me go.”

He paused. Latching onto control and restraint, he dropped his hands with reluctance.

Maddy’s boot pivoted and she fell, landing in the snow. She glared up at him. He blinked then mirth struck him full force. She looked too adorable sitting on the ice, eyes darting fire. He almost doubled over when she cursed out loud.

“It’s not funny.” She huffed as she tried to stand.

Taking pity on her, Cole stifled his laughter and helped her up. Then, turning her around, brushed the snow off her ass. He tugged her skirt back into place, but couldn’t help lingering over the bottom curve of her butt and gave her a light pat.

“Stop that.” She moved away and frowned.

Cole grinned. He knew that look. She had it every time she was irritated over some thing, but couldn’t decide. “Stop what?” he asked, innocently.

Her eyes narrowed. “You know what I’m talking about. Every time you touch me, something happens.”

He crossed his arms and leaned against the door. “Like what?”

Her fingers balled into fists at her sides. “Cole Harmon, don’t you dare mess with me. You know what I’m talking about.”

Cole chuckled and reached into the back seat for the suitcase. “We better get you inside and dry that cute butt of yours before it freezes in the cold. Wouldn’t want you to get frostbite before you go back to the city.”

Maddy growled. She rushed past him to the driveway. He watched as she slowed her steps and carefully trudged to the door in her dangerous heels.

He grinned.

She hasn’t changed all that much.

Anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you so much for having me! And also for your patience.