Interview with Rebecca Lerwill
... featuring RELOCATING MIA

Mia Trentino is the top relocating specialist at Worldmove, Inc., and her latest assignment is sending her to Siberia, Russia. But the new job comes with a new partner: a handsome threat to her career named Douglas Farland...

interviewed by Romance Designs

Relocating Mia is a thrilling suspense, what was your inspiration for this story?

Originally I had planned on writing a romance novel with the suspense being a lighter, secondary part later into the plot. I was only a few chapters into it, when things changed drastically. ‘Relocating Mia’ is still filled with romance, but my characters, especially Douglas, had a different agenda then what I had first planned for them. I didn’t lay out the plot from beginning to end. Instead I let my cast talk to me as I was writing along. The story continued to develop in my mind and I told it as I saw it. That included an unforeseen twist and turn, here and there.

Relocating Mia is all about Mia, tell us a little about Mia Trentino and her varied talents?

Mia is a full blown pro in her field of relocating business execs. She speaks four languages and has no problem standing her ground when it comes to being a woman in a man’s world. But I think her biggest asset is her honesty. And though it gets her in trouble, her believe in the greater good in people is what I like most about her.

The story is set is Russia most around Siberia.  What about this country intrigued you for the setting of Relocating Mia?

To me Russia still has a little bit of a mystical feel to it. During the time I grew up in Germany the big neighbor Russia or the Soviet Union back then, hovered behind its iron curtain. To me as a child (with a vivid imagination) Russia seemed like a cold and dangerous place to live. Today, politically things have changed, of course. But what a great country to use as a set in a fiction novel filled with secret agents and intrigue.

In Relocating Mia, Mia partners up with Douglas Farland, who is both mysterious and handsome, tell us a little about this sexy secret hero?

Well, you said it all: a mysterious guy who is not just handsome but plain sexy. He is a hero with a dangerous and secret mission. What else is there to say? Well, maybe that Douglas definitely has a mind of his own. As I was writing ‘Relocating Mia’ I tried to control him, but hey – he certainly is a man of many trades. That does include taking matters in his own hands.

In Relocating Mia we’re introduced to the Russian mob, how did you research this exciting and dark organization?

History is a wonderful tool, as is the Internet. There is a lot of information about the ‘Bratva’ out there. I carefully researched old cases of this transnational organization. I also studied more recent files of individuals of the Russian Mafyia. For instance the allegations of a reputed Russian mobster fixing the outcome of the figure skating competition at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games. Even though my characters are products of my imagination, my Russian mobsters have been influenced by actual persons and their (criminal) actions.

Along with the romance in Relocating Mia, readers are treated to a high-action adrenalin packed read.  How do you bring all these elements together with such ease?

Thank you for complimenting me on my style. I guess the novel flows well because it is written like a movie. Personally, I like a film with short, snappy scenes which keep me on my toes and don’t allow me to leave my recliner to get a refill on my popcorn. When I write I try to work with that in mind.

Tell us a little about the wonderful cast of supporting characters in Relocating Mia?  Who is your favorite and why?

Oleg was a fave at first. He was a shady character but got treated badly by his mobster friends, which in terms, made me feel sorry for him. But then Oleg had to die… whoops, that slipped out. Now, my favorite is definitely Ludvika. She is beautiful, strong, and very determined. She doesn’t mind personal sacrifice to archive her professional goal. Ludvika is very likable, but her rough edges don’t make it easy for one to see this at first. One reviewer said “…Ludvika Bogdan is definitely devoted to her job… (She) takes it to the limit…”

What or who was your inspiration for the character of Mia?

Good question. In the beginning I wasn’t aware of anybody being an inspiration on Mia. But as her character quickly became established, I realized that she has been influenced by various people, mostly close friends, who are important to me in my life. It was a little peculiar when I realized that Mia is the result of a carefully selected group of inspiring women and a few men, with strong character trades. Of course Mia has a weak side, too; she can be a bit naïve at times. And to be honest, I think she’s got that from me.

Most readers of Relocating Mia wonder if a sequel is in the works.  Do you plan to write one?

Absolutely. Matter of fact, it is in the works right now and will be called ‘The Acronym’. My readers will meet the Characters again they have learned to love from reading ‘Relocating Mia’. There will be more of the Russian’s shady business, but also the tale of the secret American agency I call ‘The Acronym’ my readers have been briefly acquainted to in ‘Relocating Mia’.

Like Mia you’ve also lived in Germany, what brought you from Germany to Utah?

…Fate! But that’s a story in itself. Maybe I’ll put it into a book one day. I’m a Dressage trainer by trade. English style riding, that is. I lived in California and worked as a freelance trainer when I ran into this fantastic guy - a rodeo clown from Utah! That’s how I ended up here in the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.

How did you get your start as a writer?

Like all the others, I picked up a pen. No seriously – It just interests me to write. There is no secret to it, no incomprehensible power that silently guides my writing hand. Frankly, I’m very opinionated. To me there is always one thing or another to write about. A story is quickly at hand. Even if I don’t publish everything I still write it down. I guess it’s a compulsive thing. Also, I’m trying myself at poetry. I find beauty in putting a message into rhymes and thoughtful words. Even just my personal e-mails are carefully composed rather then just typed.

What authors were your inspiration?  Who are your favorite suspense authors?

As a teenager in Germany, I loved Edgar Alan Poe and Agatha Christie. Today, I like to discover unknown authors; there are many good ones, too. But my all time favorite A-list suspense authors got to be Patterson and Harris.

What book are you working on now?

‘The Acronym’, the sequel to ‘Relocating Mia’, has my full attention. There is a third book on my desk as well. It is unrelated to the first two, but I think it will be a great romantic suspense novel with a little bit of a paranormal twist. The title is ‘Ceasing Claire’.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

I’m not sure if I’m the right person to ask that question. I look at life a little bit different than most people. I believe in utter determination. As for aspiring authors; that’s exactly what you need!

Where can readers go to get a copy of your fantastic suspense Relocating Mia?

Visit www.rebeccalerwill.com Readers can order a signed copy, or find a link to amazon.com. Other wise, almost any online bookseller carries it. My novel can be ordered at any major bookstore as well.
Your readers should know that every month, I’m giving away one free signed copy of ‘Relocating Mia’ through my website. Please go there, to learn about a special treat I offer for early holiday shoppers.

Will you be making any personal appearances?  Where can readers find out about your upcoming appearances and learn about any new books?

My website gets updated constantly. I work hard on keeping my readers up to date on happenings. Listings on past and future events are posted as well as fun things to know about me. My husband Troy and I travel quite a bit due to his rodeo business. Often I set up events such as readings and book signings in the cities we visit. Go to www.rebeccalerwill.com for more info.
I appreciate everyone’s interest and I sincerely wish your readers a great time exploring ‘Relocating Mia’.

To learn more about this fascinating author, be sure to visit Rebecca's website at: http://www.rebeccalerwill.com/