Q&A with Author Freya Barker

When I went through a bit of a health crisis that could pretty easily be tied to my more, ummm, mature age, I wound up in the hospital for nearly a week contemplating the joys of getting older and the systems in our bodies that start to act up because of it. And of course, I spent my time reading. Because, well, books are my happy place. And I started thinking about all of the amazing young female characters and how they have no idea what’s in store for them as they get older.

Then I started getting a little fussy, because, well, hospital, and I started to realize that while I truly enjoyed reading about all of the amazing 20-somethings in the novels I loved, I wanted to find some heroines closer to my age. So, I put out a call to the hive mind on FB, and one name popped up over and over again: Freya Barker.

Since then I’ve binged Freya’s Rock Point series audiobooks, met Freya at a signing, spent time with Freya at Charm City Romanticon and several other series, and continue to look for opportunities to see Freya whenever possible.

Because besides being an amazing author, she is an incredible human. She gives wonderful hugs, she is incredibly supportive of everyone in romance novel industry, she is beyond generous with her time and her books, and she is always available with a smile and kind words when you need them. I learned so much about her as an author from this Q&A and it’s just confirmed what I already believed: Romancelandia is a better place because Freya is part of it.

How did you get started writing?

On a whim. I was reading a lot at the time as a reviewer, and became a little bored of reading about perfect people, the age of my children, and wanted to read about more mature characters who’d acquired a little common sense, a bit of life experience, and who were dealing with real-life issues. There wasn’t much available back then that met these criteria, so I thought I’d try my hand at writing myself.
One book—as a bit of a lark—turned into 60, ten years later. 

Where do you recommend a new reader start in your backlist? 

It depends, I usually ask whether they prefer suspense or contemporary (I do have a few contemporaries, even though my main drive is suspense). If the first, I’ll recommend either Keeping 6, the first in my Rock Point series. If the second, I generally direct them to From Dust, the first in my Portland ME series which is to this day one of my favorite books I’ve written. 

Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/ part in a novel you've written?

That is such a hard question for me, because I’m constantly in the process of writing my next book, which becomes all I can think about. Going back is difficult, but I’ll try.

Okay, the first one that comes to mind is early on in Edge of Reason.
It’s winter, and Trunk and Jamie are both guests at a dinner when Trunk has to leave early and finds Jamie’s vehicle is blocking in his truck in the driveway. He asks for her keys so he can move it, but she insists she can move her car herself. A heated interaction ensues in the driveway that I still find hilarious because it’s so recognizable. I think it immediately gives the reader a sense of who these characters are, and gives a good idea of the kind of dynamic between them.

Is there a part of your career as an author you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful?

It’s all really wonderful—writing has blessed me with so many opportunities—but in all honesty, nothing about it is easy. Especially being a mostly indie author. It means you have to run your career as a business, which is difficult when your mind is trying to be creative. I have, over time, been able to accumulate a team with amazing people without whom I would have long ago thrown in the towel. 

In short, certain things wound up being more difficult as opposed to less, but the payoff has been beyond expectation and I feel truly blessed.

Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as an author, reader, or listener?

My preferences are actually very similar regardless of  which hat I wear. I love suspense, I enjoy small-town, I like single-parent and second-chance, and I like them even better all combined! 

I would say the only difference between my author and reader preference would be that as an author I like to delve into the relationship development between the characters and write in dual POV, but I don’t really need it as a reader. 

What is your favorite part about being an author?

The independence it’s allowed me, the friends it’s made me, the second chance it afforded me, and the confidence it’s restored in me. 

What do you like to read/listen to?  Any favorite authors you want to send a shout-out to?

I love tight suspense plots. I like realistic stories that were well-researched. I like intelligent stories that make me think. Authors I adore who deliver on that would be Toni Anderson (my fellow Canadian), Melinda Leigh, Kendra Elliot, Allison Brennan, Laura Griffin, and newly found Elle Gray, whose backlist I’m currently binging my way through. Those authors are all heavy on the suspense and slightly lighter on the romance, but it sure keeps me engaged! 

Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?

Too many to be able to list here, but the one person who would lead the pack in that is my mother. She’s always been an exceptional woman, with hidden strengths that knew no bounds. She was supportive of me (and my siblings) in everything we chose to undertake. Mom was in her late eighties when I started writing, and as with everything else, was encouraging and motivating. She read every single one of my books and would talk about me to others with a pride I did not deserve (trust me on that!). 

I stayed with her for four months in 2018, when she was terminally ill, and at the time she chose to re-read everything I’d writted up to that point. She didn’t finish, and still had one of my books open beside her bed when she passed away, but I still feel her support and pride to this day.

How have your life experiences influenced your career as an author?

In every character I create, in every story I write. If you read any one of my books, you will find part of me. If you read ALL of my books, you’ll come to know me. 

This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related: 

Kindle or Paperback: Kindle, easier on the hands

Beach or Mountain Vacation: Mountain, all day every day.

Dogs or Cats: Love all animals, but dogs if I had to pick.

Ice Cream or Cake: Ice cream!!!! For breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Action Flick or Rom-Com: Action flick would have a slight edge.

Tea or Coffee: Coffee, but these days only one.

Road Trip or Air Travel: Road trip in a heartbeat. Hubs and I do a lot of those now he’s retired.

Connect with Freya:

You can find more information about Freya and her books, and how to connect with her on social media here:

https://www.freyabarker.com/