Today’s interview is with Sandra Sookoo, author of the Holiday Magic series and plenty of other romantic books, both published and still in the works. She speaks out of the difficulties of a writing career, the town of Crystal Falls and, of course, magic.

SS: Thanks for having me here!

LZ: A pleasure! What prompted the idea behind the Holiday Magic series?

SS: I’ve always been fond of writing around the holidays. Add to that a fascination with magic and mythical beings of all kinds. Put them both together and this is what I came up with: a series of short stories that blend the specialness of the holidays plus magic and the very great question of “what if?” If you believe hard enough, you might just see life from a different point of view.

LZ: Is there a scene you’re particularly proud of in Five-Leaf Clover?

SS: I really like the part when Jinx teases Conor and tells him she’ll be glad to grant him a first wish, which is a new car. Instead of giving him the actual car he’s expecting, she gives him instead a brand new toy car. I gave myself a good laugh when I wrote that, thinking I was pretty darned clever.

LZ: The Holiday Magic series has covered Christmas, Valentine’s Day and now St. Patrick’s Day. What other holidays are you planning on covering and why?

SS: In 2011, books four and five will be released. No Such Thing will cover May Day and Midsummer Night’s Steve will deal with the beginning of summer. Little known holidays, but important nonetheless. Once I write book six, the last of the series, it will take place during Halloween.

LZ: As a resident of Indiana, is there something you find particularly inspiring about the location to make it the setting of choice for many of your stories?

SS: LOL. Well, I really like my state. Living in Indianapolis is great because of the history of the city. I base a lot of my books here because it’s off the “normal” track, let’s say. I mean, come on! Everything doesn’t have to be set in New York, London or Chicago, right? LOL. And besides, using Indiana as a backdrop lends beautiful scenes to the stories and let’s the reader know about my state. Just for the record, Crystal Falls is a totally fictional town.

LZ: Though Crystal Falls is a fictional town, is any part of it, such as the diner Peg’s Place, inspired by your life in Indiana?

SS: Unfortunately, no.  Even though the town I live in is pretty small, there’s no cool diner or uber awesome bakery.  LOL.  These are strictly products of my imagination (oh, and watching the Food Network). LOL.

LZ: Is there anything important you feel readers should know about the book, or your writing or you as a writer in general?

SS: Writing’s hard work. Period. It might just be the most difficult thing I’ve undertaken in my life. That being said, it’s also the most rewarding thing when a reviewer or reader takes the time out to tell me how much they’ve enjoyed a book. I’m a hard worker and it makes me excited that the more I practice and learn about the craft, the better I get at it.

LZ: You mention writing is one of the most difficult things you’ve ever done — what about the process is the most difficult for you?

SS: Trying to make a new project as good as the last, trying not to worry about sales (because this seriously messes with the writing mojo) or wondering how to connect with readers.  This also takes away from writing time and is something a writer is never aware of when embarking on a career in writing.  It’s never just writing, LOL.

LZ: What can we look forward to from Sandra Sookoo in 2010?

SS: More historical novels and a contemporary book or two. This time, I’m turning up the heat and getting sexy which the love scenes. The Holiday Magic series is tame, I know, but 2010 is a different game altogether.

LZ: Lastly, do you believe in magic?

SS: Absolutely yes.  I think in this day and age, you almost have to.  Maybe I’ve never grown up.  If that’s the case, yay for me! :-)

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To purchase Five-Leaf Clover from its publisher, Lyrical Press, visit www.lyricalpress.com/five_leaf_clover.

For more information on recent releases for this year plus what’s coming up,  visit Sandra Sookoo’s Web site,  www.sandrasookoo.com.