Sydney Molare

Sydney Molare is an accomplished author who works in many different genres. From humor to erotica to thrillers, she can do it all. Her collection of short stories, Somewhere in America, has won her rave reviews, as has her seductive novel, Small Packages. You can find Sydney this summer with a short story in Zane's new anthology, Caramel Flava.


1)Who are some of your favorite writers, and how do you think they've influenced you?

I am a mystery and suspense junkie but I also love stories that are "gritty". I love being intrigued when reading. So some of my favorite writers include John LeCarre, Donald Goins, Robert Ludlum, and James Grisham. When I wrote my own mystery/suspense, "Changing Faces, Changing Places" I definitely wanted the reader to get the same rush I felt reading their works.


2) What do you think is your greatest strength or asset in your writing? Your biggest weakness or flaw?

My greatest strength is my ability to write across genres; be able to pen a convincing story that snares readers no matter the subject matter. With that being said, this same ability to write across genres is most likely my greatest weakness. I don't "fit a certain mold." Readers don't know just what I've got in store for them when they crack open one of my novels. Agents don't either.


3) You mix it up very well with different genres. Do you just let the story take you along and set its own tone, or do you sit down and say, "I'm going to write a thriller this time"? What is your favorite genre to work in?

Actually, an idea floats into my head that intrigues me. Then I play the "what if?" game and soon, I've got a novel. My favorite genre...I really love mystery/suspense, but honestly, I like writing what is classified as "Southern fiction." You know those ladies in hats, a Southern Belle or two, mixed into those genteel things us southerners just don't speak about in polite company.


4) You're very funny and you mix that with passion. Is the humor something you have to work at, or does it come naturally to you and help drive the passion?

My humor is all natural. I love laughing and people that make me laugh. Life has enough negatives sometimes that we all must strive to see the beauty and joy in every thing, every day.

5) What do you find to be the most difficult part of writing and/or publishing? What's the greatest reward? Is it worth it? Or is writing something you'd do even if there was zero payoff?

Marketing is the biggest hurdle any self-published writer will tell you about. Yes, I have a great book, but it definitely seems that the large publishing houses have gone the distance to make sure we don't break in and get a piece of the pie. But on the positive side, I think reader feedback has been my greatest reward. It validates my writing, makes it worth all the trouble. Would I write if I made zero? Most likely, but selling my work and knowing others are actively looking for my next piece is way more gratifying for me.


6) Stock question: Dinner with anyone, dead or alive. Who is it?

Oprah, who else. I want a billionaire on top of her game to give me some encouragement, tips...while I sneak her a copy of my books! LOL.


7) One CD, one book, one DVD and a desert island. What book, CD, and DVD do you take?

CD- Prince's Greatest Hits- I was there at the beginning of his great career and hope to be around for the end.
DVD- The Long Kiss Goodnight- I love women kicking butt...and my fetish for Samuel L. Jackson gets nurtured in the meantime.
Book- The Bible- sustenance to my soul for WHY I was chosen for the desert island trial in the first place.


8) When did you first get the feeling not that you wanted to write, but that you could be so successful at it? What are you working on now?

When people began reading my stories and looking for more. Talk about a rush. I felt like I'd hit a mini-lottery. Now, I finishing up a paranormal erotic piece for Kensington and have a mystery/suspense with a helping dose of erotica thrown in that I'm finishing.


9) Suppose you can't have both: Would you rather have respect from your peers and critical acclaim (but not making cash from writing), or would you rather be a bestselling author with the fat coin?

Best-selling author. I want the masses to read and enjoy my works. "Scream my name, scream my name..."