Interview with Hazel M Larsen

Today we welcome writer Hazel M Larsen to sit and have a chat with us about her most recent book, THE SMELL OF RAIN. There's a title that tickles the senses!

Welcome, Hazel. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I have been doing lots of things in my life, tried several different careers, but it never really felt right. Writing, however, felt right from the start and I have now switched to a part-time job to be able to concentrate more on writing than before. I also spend ridiculous amounts of time sleeping and updating my facebook profile. I love eating and cooking and probably do too much of both. I’m a big fan of museums and art in general. I travel whenever I can afford it, but I’d be terrified to go anywhere where they don’t speak English or German. That’s me in a nutshell...

How long have you been writing?

I started back when I still at university, in 2009. It feels much longer than it has actually been. It’s been a great time.

Tell us about ‘The Smell of Rain’. What’s the story about?

It’s about Alannah, a young guardian angel who starts a new life in a little town by the sea, without knowing what’s going on there. She befriends the local angels and soon learns that her seemingly peaceful new home is also home to a pair of brothers who are anything but peaceful. It becomes increasingly difficult for her to tell right from wrong and falling in love doesn’t make it any easier.


It’s a lovely book about young love and trust and friendship.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

Good question. I kind of like my idea of guardian angels - Not as biblical creatures, but as supernaturals with the mission to help and protect human beings. In my first book, Perfect Fudge, I told the story from a human perspective. Now I wanted to do something from the viewpoint of an angel and I also wanted a different kind of hero. I think the rough story idea must have come to me in my sleep. I get lots of ideas from dreams.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

Both. I do have beta-readers who will suggest changes and point out errors and flaws in the story, but I also go over each story several times until I am completely happy.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

I guess every writer knows the menace of the blank page. It’s not any different for me... Finding the first words is the hardest part, I think.

Let’s get to know you on a deeper level. What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

A window. I need to be able to look outside and see the sky while I think.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Does flying count as super power? If so, then definitely that. Flying must be great.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: ripple, quadruped, and toffee.

A ripple went through the quadruped as it swallowed the toffee, thinking it would be happy to give an arm and a leg for another piece.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

I would like to thank my usual facebook gang. They all have been extremely helpful, as beta-readers, critics, and friends. I also would like to thank my friends in real life for enduring all my ramblings about my books, even encouraging them. And thank you, Dorothy, for having me ;-)

My pleasure! And finally, where can people find you and your book online?

My website is on www.hazelwriter.com and my books can be found in the amazon kindle stores.


Hazel, thanks so much for taking to time to talk with us. I look forward to reading your book!