Sonya Weiss | Writing Influences

Someone asked me if I could do any other profession except write, what it would be. I would have become a veterinarian. I’ve always loved animals.

I think I got that from my parents. Both were avid animal lovers and I can remember one time when my dad brought home an injured pregnant bunny rabbit. The poor thing was used to humans, so it was probably someone’s pet that either got lost or was dumped.

My father was over six feet tall. He was big and strong and always made life an adventure. I only saw him cry once and that was when lightning struck our Great Dane. The last photo taken of my mom shows her with a small dog in her arms. I can remember the names of all the pets that were in my life as I was growing up. Ladybug—a terrier, Lucky Max—a mixed breed I rescued from a trash dump, Brutus—a Great Dane, Moochie—a Pekingese, Ski—a Poodle, Hobo—a German Shepherd, and Chick—a Great Dane.

With all the sweet pets we had and all the unconditional love pets give back, I cannot understand how anyone could harm an animal.

I saw an article recently by Robert Pregulman about a dog called “Wolfie” that had been horribly abused and I cried. I wanted to scoop the dog up and rescue it, but it was too late. I think his story and the photo of him looking so sad will always haunt me.

My upbringing and stories I’ve seen over the years about abused animals do influence the stories that I write. In my latest book, RESISTING HER RIVAL, I have a character who donates money to rescue shelters and helps to find homes for animals. These rescue shelters are always in need of donations of goods or time from volunteers.

About the Author

From the time she was a child, Sonya knew she was destined to be a writer. If she didn't like the ending of a book or movie, she would write her own ending. When her children were young, she often wrote stories to entertain them. At the urging of one of her daughters, she submitted a short story and to her surprise and delight, it sold.

Sonya loves writing all things romance whether it's writing contemporary adult or teen fiction and still hasn't lost the wonder that she gets to do what she loves.

She enjoys reading, movies, chocolate, and laughter and credits her daughters as being the sweetest blessings in her life.