Please give a warm welcome to author Bea Paige
Have you always wanted to become an author?
I’ve always had a story to tell. I was a pretty chatty, imaginative kid. But the real urge to write those stories down didn’t come until much later in life. I completed a Creative Writing / English degree in my early twenties, but didn’t actually start writing my first book until I was in my thirties! Family life happened and it wasn’t until my youngest started school full time that I had some spare time on my hands and begun to write! Five years later here I am, though I didn’t publish my first reverse harem book until November 2017, so I guess I’m still classed as a relatively new author.
What was your inspiration for your current book/series?
My current book series – Finding Their Muse – a dark contemporary reverse harem was inspired by Sergei Polunin (a ballet dancer). I was writing another book and listening to music on you tube when Hozier’s song ‘Take Me To Church’ begun playing, it was such a beautiful song that I had to see the video that went with it and then clapped eyes on the most beautiful dancer I’ve ever seen. Ivan Sachov (one of the harem in Finding Their Muse was pretty much based on him). I must’ve watched this video a thousand times, and was utterly enthralled and mesmerised. Then, I just began to write, it was as simple and as magical as that. I love how someone else’s creativity can inspire more. Here’s the link to the infamous video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-tW0CkvdDI
I’m fortunate enough to have got tickets to watch Sergei in London in June! I am so excited!
I’m fortunate enough to have got tickets to watch Sergei in London in June! I am so excited!
What are you working on now?
I’m working on Strings, the third book in my Finding Their Muse series (will be four books, finishing with Symphony) This series is based around Rose (an ex-ballet dancer) and the men of Browlace Manor. In the first book Steps, Rose is introduced to Ivan, the dangerous and sexy ex-dancer, Anton the troubled artist and Erik, a gifted but damaged violinist.
Steps and Strokes were actually really difficult to write because of the darker themes (suicide, drug abuse, self harm, PTSD) but the characters themselves, though complicated, are beautifully flawed and real. That realness is important to me, and I hope the characters come alive because of it.
I love exploring beauty in the darkness, it’s kind of addicting honestly. I’m inspired by writers like Pepper Winters, and Addison Cain who aren’t afraid to delve into the human psyche.
Together the characters in this story find redemption and a place they can call home in each other’s arms and though the journey might sometimes be rocky they’ll get to a good place together in the end. Having said that, as with all my writing, the muse takes charge and I just do as I’m told!
Do you have any quirks while writing?
I always listen to music. I find it inspiring, and whilst occasionally I get distracted with singing, mostly it helps to focus my mind. On occasion, I’ll drink a glass of red wine and snack on my favourite fizzy Haribo sweets!
What are your hopes for the future?
This year I’ve already reached one goal, and that was to get an orange tag on Amazon. Strokes got me my first number one new release in the US in British Contemporary Fiction and I just cried! I was so happy. My next aim is to get one of my books in the top #1000 rank on Amazon US. I got so close with Strokes, so I’m hoping Strings might just get me there. Other than that, I’d love to write full time. I currently have a part-time day job. But to be able to write all day, everyday would be incredible.
Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?
Don’t compare yourself to others. It’s so easy to want to have the same incredible journey as other authors and then feel sad when that might not happen. Your path is your own, your achievements belong to you an no one else. Be glad for every little goal that you reach, and not what others reach. Stay out of drama and work hard.
Do you have anything to say to your fans?
I’m not sure I have fans, lol. I do have readers, and those readers I am eternally grateful for. When I first started out I didn’t think anyone would be interested in reading my books. To have readers is still a surprise and a blessing. Without their fabulous support and encouragement I wouldn’t still be writing. I write my stories for them. #OneOfTheHive
Buy links
Author links – These are the main places you can find me! Most of the time I spend in my Facebook Group, Queen Bea’s Hive (name lovingly chosen by my readers) followed by Instagram. I’m around a lot and welcome new members who want to become #OneOfTheHive
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BeaPaige/
Helle Gade 