Author Barbara Winkes

Hi all!

Please help me welcome Author Barbara Winkes to my blog today!!!

Author Bio:

Barbara Winkes writes suspense and romance with female, mostly lesbian characters at the center. Expect high drama and happy endings.

Here' the blurb for her latest book, Rise:

Angel. Vampire. Witch. Fairy. Shifter.

For a long time, paranormal beings have lived alongside of humans, and minded their own business. After being mocked, hunted and used for millennia, it’s not in their best interest to get involved in human affairs—yet, these five females can’t turn away from the attacks on the dignity of human women. They have intervened before, but one incident convinces them that the time has come to turn their efforts into a global movement. The tide is finally turning.

Here's my interview with her:

What is your name? Do you use a pen name (if so, why?)?

Barbara Winkes. That’s my real name.

Tell me a bit about yourself:

I’m a trained psychologist. I was born and raised in Germany, and now live in Canada with my wife. The time it took to become a permanent resident gave me the opportunity to work on my stories and submit them, and by the time I was granted permanent resident status, I also signed a contract with a small press.

What type of genre do you write?

I mostly write suspense and romance, and I recently published my first paranormal book called RISE. My leads are usually women, often, but not always, lesbians.

What genre to you personally read?

I love to read thrillers, and romance with a good amount of drama, but I’m willing to try pretty much anything if the characters appeal to me.

Tell me about your latest?

RISE is about five paranormal females—a vampire, a witch, a shifter, a fairy and an angel—who have lived alongside of humans for a long time. They are aware that not all is great with humanity, but they still think humans can get it right by themselves—until they witness a young woman getting attacked, one of too many stories. They decide it’s enough. All of them agree that change is necessary, but of course fairies and vampires have a slightly different approach. Not all humans are interested in ending patriarchy, so they have their work cut out for them.

Aside from the serious subjects addressed in this book (violence against women in the world), there are also lighter moments. It’s the superhero story I would love to see on the big screen someday.

What sparked your passion for books and the art of a good story?

My parents used to read to me a lot when I was little. I couldn’t wait to be able to read, and  for as long as I can remember, I’ve had stories in my head. Trips to libraries or bookstores were always exciting to me—and still are. There’s something magical about the world between the covers. I discovered some of my favorite authors and studied them, what about their writing made me feel the way I did, and I was eager to find my own voice.

Is there a particular book that changed or affected your life in a big way?

Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale is one of the scariest books I’ve ever read. I think it’s important for us to go back and understand the lives of women in the generations before us, or frankly, right now in other parts of the world, to make sure we don’t ever go back. In terms of thriller writing, I found Tess Gerritsen’s The Apprentice unforgettable in the way tension built.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

Yes, absolutely. I love writing about women, but I also want to create a world where they support each other and are able to put their differences aside for the common goal. I’m always sad and a little frustrated when I see women unfriend each other on social media for minor differences of opinion, when they are really on the same side when it comes to the big picture—divide and conquer.

What challenges have you faced in your writing career?

To keep going simply out of the love for the characters and stories. In the end, writing is a business too, and it doesn’t happen overnight.

What has been your best moment as a writer?

There have been some great moments—when a reader relates to a character, or finds the perfect escape in a story. Or when you put down a line that you know pack an emotional punch. It’s pretty great most of the time. J

Who is your author idol?

Aforementioned authors. I also admire authors like Val McDermid and Sarah Waters who have found a home in the mainstream. I hope that many more lesbian authors will be able to do the same.

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Not necessarily in the job they do—I’m not a vampire either…but there are certainly aspects that we have in common in the way we relate to the world. I believe that we do well when we support one another rather than see ourselves in a constant competition. Whether or not the women in my books are romantically involved with another woman, they value their friendships.

Do you feel like your dream has come true or is there much more to do?

Both. When I received the email that my book was accepted for publication for the first time, I couldn’t believe it. I thought it had to be some sort of scam! Then, holding the first paperback in my hand was amazing. I am beyond grateful for the support of readers and fellow authors like you. There’s always more work to do, we we’re lucky that it’s the best job anyone can have, right?

What does your workspace look like?

I have an office/library where I do most of the work. In the summer, I like to sit out on the deck with the laptop. My desk is moderately messy for most of the week.

Have you ever had a day when you just wanted to quit?

Sure. I consider doing this job an absolute privilege, but I think we all have those moments when the numbers aren’t what they could be, or when the writing doesn’t come out the way you feel it could be—or, when it doesn’t come out at all. However, I know, it always comes back.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

Read (I think that’s not a big revelation), take long walks with my wife. We are both political junkies, we like exploring the city and new restaurants, and travel.

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

Being able to distance yourself from what makes it a job and a business sometimes, and reminding yourself why you are doing this in the first place.

Did you have a moment when you realized you were meant to be a writer?

It’s just something I’ve always been doing, regardless of the circumstances. These days, there are a lot more opportunities for indie publishers and authors that didn’t exist when I was younger. Mainstream publishers and agents are still hesitant when it comes to stories outside of a certain mold (for example, romance with older women, or LGBT characters). We are able to tell and publish those stories anyway, rather than having to wait for change.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Find a routine that suits your life and your goals. Sit down to write every day, get feedback from people you trust, and study the marketing side. Ultimately, tell the story you want to tell.

After this book, what is next?

This November, I’ll publish Intrusions, #4 in the Carpenter/Harding thriller series, about two women cops who started their relationship under complicated circumstances. I am currently working on #6.

Your website/blog? www.barbarawinkes.blogspot.ca

You can find me on Facebook www.facebook.com/AuthorBarbaraWinkes, Twitter www.twitter.com/demeter94 and Pinterest www.pinterest.com/demeter94.

Where can your book be found?

smarturl.it/RiseBW (RISE is exclusively on Amazon. This link will get you to the Amazon of your country, or Amazon.com in case there isn’t one).

There’s also a section on my blog where you can read all the synopses in one place. http://barbarawinkes.blogspot.ca/p/books-autumn-leaves-and-beyond_16.html

Rise sounds amazing! Can't wait to read it and you should too!! Check out Barbara's links to find more!!!

Keep Writing!

Jodie Pierce