A Writer's Rush

Interview with Harlequin Superromance author Rogenna Brewer

2012-01-30T00:03:00.014-05:00

From her first Superromance in 1999, Seal It With A Kiss, to her latest release, Marry Me, Marine, Rogenna Brewer's uniformed heroes and heroines have gripped the hearts of readers. A navy heroine herself, married to her very own navy hero, Rogenna masterfully draws on her experience to create characters and stories that are true to life.

But she's also skilled at giving life a twist, as you'll find in her soon-to-be-released paranormal ebook series. Read on to find out more...and to see what brides and ghosts have to do with one another ;). Leave a comment and you'll be entered in a chance to win her entire My Marine Trilogy!!! Rogenna rocks!

1. Okay, Rogenna. Down to business. I remember when my local library switched from index card catalogues to computer catalogues. I think I hyperventilated, LOL. But the computer chip was planted so-to-speak. You're not only a successful author, but an experienced bookseller, reviewer and librarian. Given your experience, what changes do you see local libraries taking on in order to survive the rise of the e-book era?

Publicly funded libraries are having to do a lot more with a lot less. I'm fortunate to live in a large metro area where libraries have adapted with online browsing, interlibrary loan, eReaders and self checkout. Gone are the dark oak shelves and stiff back chairs in favor of floor to ceiling windows and media centers with modern decor. You can even get a cappuccino in the coffee shop at my local library.

I see the modern library as a hub of digital information. But libraries are having a hard time convincing publishers to let them lend ebooks. Check this out from PW: Digital Book World: New Retail Channels, The Library e-Book Wars and Bundling

2. Speaking of e-books, you have several anthologies coming out this spring. Your experience in the Navy has made you famous for writing true-to-life heroes and heroines in uniform. I do mean famous! Just last month, Superromance Mitzi's Marine was mentioned in the Time Magazine article: Veteran Affairs: For romance readers - a hardy man is good to find. Congratulations! Your e-books, The Bennett Brides (March 2012) and The Bennett Ghosts (April 2012), delve into the historical and paranormal genres. Have you always wanted to navigate different romance genres, or did something more recent inspire these books?

My only claim to fame is that I'm still hanging in there after a career full of ups and downs .

The Bennett Books started with a manuscript in which the heroine inherited a wax museum, and then the wax hero collected dust while I went on to write other things. I tried to sell the story as a contemporary, but realize now it was always a paranormal. The research lead to an equally dusty historical and over time those two books became interconnected trilogies simmering at the back of my brain.

One day I realized I had more unfinished manuscripts than published books. Ideas are easy, writing is hard. I don't know when that switch first flipped, but trying to write with my critical left-brain is not working for me.

Left brain thinking is good for reevaluating a writing career, however. That's when I decided to take a step back and finish everything I'd ever started. I miss writing for the sheer joy of it. And my older manuscript reflect that joy.

The Bennett Brides is an anthology of three historical novellas. Or as I like to call them, historical romps. They're fast, they're fun and a little sexy, but not erotica. In Fall From Grace a cattleman gets tumbled for the payroll by a debutante posing as a soiled dove. Only Hope pairs a outlaw with a suffragette lady lawyer. And all bets are off in For Love of Honor when a gambler turns a gold digger (as in gold miner) into a lady.

Fast forward to the present. In The Bennett Ghosts anthology, three siblings inherit a ghost town. In A Will of Her Own the heroine gets stuck with the wax museum, complete with a real live handsome hunk squatter and his look-a-like ghost. Meanwhile, her brother doesn't stand A Ghost of a Chance in turning the town into a gambling mecca. And the old mine becomes a time portal for her sister and a time traveling gunslinger In the Nick of Time.

3. More and more print authors are publishing e-books, either through an e-publisher or on their own. In your opinion, is this wave driven by a 'jump-in-or-be-left-behind' phenomenon, financial goals, or fear of an unknown future (ie. dividing one's eggs)?

I'm always behind. But, yes, there's that fear of being left out entirely.

For me it's just come to the point where I'm tired of hearing, no thanks. My ideas are a little off norm and that makes them hard to fit into any basket. I was writing Navy SEALs long before I sold. I was writing light paranormal while there was an explosion of dark paranormal. I'm done chasing the market for little to no money.

What if, and isn't that the basis for any good story, authors could weave their own baskets. That's what's happening here. There are opportunities for authors that didn't exist before. I designed the covers for The Bennett Brides and The Bennett Ghosts myself. I can oversee every detail of these books.

I'm willing to take a risk that the books I want to write will find an audience. And while I'm testing the waters with The Bennetts, that doesn't mean I plan to leave my loyal Navy SEAL readers behind. I'm also working on a new Super as we speak, and I just got the rights to use secondary characters from my first three Supers. Which means I can publish a couple of SEAL books I've been sitting on for twelve years.

4. For every future there's a past, and we'd love to hear about The Call story that started it all for you!

You mean the call that almost wasn't? It was June 1, 1998. I got an email that Friday from an editorial assistant telling me to disable call-blocking for a call from the senior editor of Harlequin Superromance on Monday. Does anyone even remember call blocking? Well, I NEVER used it after that Friday.

As you can imagine it was the longest weekend of my life. I didn't dare get my hopes up, yet I did. And come Monday morning, I waited and waited and waited. Because the email said the editor would be leaving for a two week vacation, I made myself call the Toronto office just before close of business, after waiting all day by the phone.

I was a nervous wreck. Got the editorial assistant, got transferred to the senior editor, and then got disconnected. So I called again. Got the editorial assistant again. She told me Paula was on the other line trying to call me back, but not to hang up because Paula was coming to the phone. Then Paula Eykelhof came to the line and bought my book and I can't remember a thing after that. Except, when she asked what pseudonym I'd be writing under, I said I'd be writing under my own name. And she said, "Well, we don't have one of those (Rogenna) so I guess it's okay."

5. Would you say your experience in the Navy has influenced the way you write in terms of plotting, pantsing, discipline etc...or are you a writing rebel?

Defiantly, the Navy influenced my writing. But in subject matter only.

But I'm more of a panster than a plotter. I see stories in my head like movie trailers. I can rewind, but the stories are ever changing so I want to get them down on paper as soon as possible or I may not remember that bit of dialogue that sounded so perfect the first time I heard it. Sometimes I get the gift of the whole story straight through from beginning to end. While other times the story needs to gel before it comes together.

I'm disciplined when it comes to putting my butt in the chair. But I'm all over the place when it comes to writing. I've tried different plotting techniques with varying degrees of success. But I can't say I've ever written two stories using the exact same method twice. I still fell like I'm trying to figure it all out.

6. In both of your latest Superromances, Mitzi's Marine and Marry Me Marine, your heroes suffer physical disabilities after having served their country. I love it when a wounded hero finds a way to love life, a heroine, and himself again. No doubt, the wounds suffered by these men (and all who serve) run far deeper than the physical, and I think the awareness your books bring to this issue is wonderful. What type of research, psychological or otherwise, went into these stories?

It took me years to write Mitzi's Marine. I'd read an article, right after the war started, about our wounded being shipped home in the dead of night to Andrews Air Force Base. According to the reporter this was to keep them out of the public eye and their numbers vague. Anyway, he got my attention. I'd been stationed in DC and knew the base well.
I felt a calling to write a wounded warrior, but took my time answering it. Because sometimes we write to heal ourselves. So I spent a year asking everyone I trusted if they could love an amputee hero. Of course, they answered, yes. But I needed more time to come around. I wrote The Marine's Baby first, while my one-legged hero stayed in the background. I started doing research, read some real-life accounts of wounded Marines, and got to know my hero a little better. And then I started to write.

There were times I felt I didn't do Bruce justice. But I really did fall in love with him in the end. Nash from Marry Me, Marine came easier. After I got the idea, I googled and even found a real-life account of a Navy SEAL who'd lost an eye in Iraq.

7. On your website, you mentioned that your word of the year is 'remarkability'. List three ways you think a writer should use this word to inspire a successful 2012 writing year.

"Remarkability: Do what you do so well that people can't resist telling others about you." ~ Walt Disney

1) find your niche. 2) write to your strength. 3) you can tweet, or you can give others something to tweet about.

8. Other than not quitting, what's the one piece of advice, or perhaps the one thing you wish you'd known, that you'd like to share with aspiring authors?

I could tell you, but you wouldn't believe me :) There's a whole journey before that first sale, remember to enjoy the ride.

9. Now for a little fun :) Do you have any quirky writing rituals? What's your favorite deadline crunch time snack?

Years ago I convinced myself I needed an electric pencil sharpener before I could write. Then I sharpened a bunch of colorful pencils, lined them up on my desk and still couldn't write. I don't really have any quirky rituals. I surround myself with quirky things, though. There's a frog that sits atop my computer. I have a bouquet of flower pens. And an oversized wine glass that say, "instant diva."

I find writing by a timer useful and reward myself with stickers.

My favorite crunch time snack is Wheat Thins and diet Dr Pepper. And that's why I have to diet after every deadline.

10. Fill in the blank: Rogenna Brewer was voted most likely to.........

...never get published, that's for sure. I wrote the JROTC newsletter in high school and my math teacher used to find all the spelling errors and typos that made into the final edition and hand it back to me corrected. While my typing has improved some, my spelling has only improved with spell check.

LOL, Rogenna. You showed them all! And I love stickers, Dr. Pepper and frogs too :)...real frogs...but I'm assuming the one atop your computer isn't real (although it'd make a great excuse for any typos, LOL ;). Thanks so much for being here today, Rogenna.

GIVEAWAY: Everyone, Rogenna has generously offered to give her entire My Marine Trilogy (which includes The Marine's Baby, Mitzi's Marine and Marry Me, Marine) to one 'super' lucky winner! All you have to do is leave a comment and you'll be entered in the drawing. The winner will be announced here this Thursday, February 2nd.

BLURB: Marry Me, Marine

Operation marriage has to be a go….

Like any good mother, Angela Adams wants a better future for her little boy. And the one way she can provide that is to enlist with the Marines. Unfortunately, there needs to be a husband on the scene for that to happen. Fortunately, her recruiter connects her with Henry “Hatch” Miner—a wounded former Navy SEAL willing to help out a fellow soldier. Problem solved.

But marriage, even to a stranger, is complicated. Especially when beneath the gruff exterior, there’s a man with a heart of gold. It doesn’t take long for Hatch to prove he’s a good dad…and has the potential to be an even better husband. Suddenly Angela has a hard time convincing her heart this is a temporary operation!

BUY IT HERE:

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WANT MORE ON THE BENNETS? CLICK HERE.

Don't forget to comment for a chance to win her marine trilogy!

Gluten Free/Dairy Free Pan Bread

2012-01-26T12:31:00.001-05:00

I'm really excited about sharing this gluten free/dairy free recipe because it has become a staple in our house. Who can live without bread? Okay, okay. So I'm trying to cut carbs, but I've got a family to feed. An entirely gluten free family at that. My grocery bill and the increasing frequency of my grocery store trips has me convinced that my three boys (four including hubby) vaporize food. Have you seen the cost of a loaf of gluten free bread at the store? Need I say more?

Why pan bread? Because it's quick, versatile, easy and you don't have to wait forever on a loaf in the oven, only to discover the inside is still mushy. My boys told me that they like my pan bread better than any brand I've tried from the store. For one thing, it doesn't crumble (as many GF breads do), it's as fluffy as regular bread, it's great for dipping in olive oil, hummus, making sandwiches, as a side with stew or kabobs, or as wraps. I've even rolled it up with peanut butter.

Note that I use white rice flour. Now, I'm big on whole grain and I do incorporate it into the majority of our diet, but when it comes to bread and baked goods, I've found that white rice flour gives a more spongy, 'regular' texture. Feel free to experiment with adding a little brown rice flour if you wish.

Rula's GF/DF Pan Bread

Ingredients:

2 TBS sugar
2 TBS yeast
2 1/2 c warm water
1 tsp white vinegar
2 eggs
3 c white rice flour (I use Bob's Red Mill)
1 c tapioca flour (same as starch...I use Bob's for this too)
2 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste...I keep mine flat rather than heaping or it gets too salty)
2 tsp baking powder

Directions:

In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, yeast and warm water. Wait one minute and whisk in the vinegar and eggs. (I've found that a whisk works best in this recipe)

Dump in all the dry ingredients and whisk it into a pancake-like batter. That's all there is to it!

Now, set a non-stick frying pan on medium heat (wipe on a few drops of oil if necessary at first) and pour in a ladle full of batter, tilting the pan to spread the batter slightly to about 5 inches in diameter. When it begins to bubble on top, flip it with a spatula. It should take less than a minute or so per side to get golden brown (depending on your stovetop). On to the next!

Variation: Crumble about a teaspoon of dried oregano and/or thyme into the batter for an herbed bread...perfect for olive oil dipping...just like in the italian restaurants.

Makes ten 5 inch breads. If you want to make thinner breads (for rolling up) just add a little more water to the batter.

And since these look like pancakes and I don't want to be a tease, I'll be sure to post a mouth watering GF/DF pancake recipe soon!

Read-Rewind-Repeat

2012-01-23T12:10:00.000-05:00

As a kid, if I didn't have a book in hand, then it could be found on my face. Seriously. I have the pictures my parents took to prove it. I'd fall asleep reading, and my book would settle over my face. I'm so glad that my boys inherited the reading gene. I found my youngest sound asleep once (he was five at the time) with his arms stuck straight up in the air...still holding his book. My middle child can't wake up in the mornings because he can't tear himself away from whatever story he's engrossed in at night...even if he has read it many times before (I think he has read Eragon three times already). And it's not for lack of books. It's for the love of a particular experience.

I'll confess that I'm a re-reader too. Yep. Like my boys, I've read books where I love the characters and their experience...their emotional growth...so much that I'll go back and read it again (and sometimes again). Just because I don't re-read a particular story doesn't mean it's not fantastic or memorable. There are simply some stories that make me feel good in a way that's...well...addicting. Call them chocolate stories, if you would ;). Sometimes it's the setting that pulls me back for an escape. Sometimes it's a delicious, mouth watering hero. Sometimes it's a heroine I can identify with. But often, it's a mixture of indefinable qualities that tap into an inner me. Simply put. I want to be there. So I go...again and again. Nora Roberts is probably at the top of the list of books I've re-read, along with Debbie Macomber, Susan Wiggs, and many others (including shorter, category stories).

Confession number two: I'll watch a movie many times over for the same reasons. I think movies are easier to re-watch just because of time constraints. I can multi-task with movies (ie. crochet, sew, brush the dog...). I've watched my favorite romances, as well as Star Wars and Star Trek movies, too many times to count. I've lost track of how many times my boys have watched the Harry Potter movies (I did make them read the books first ;).

To me, re-reading and re-watching are calorie free comforts. They're vacation escapes without the cost of airfare or lodging. What about you? What's the greatest number of times you've read a particular book or watched a particular movie? Which book or movie was it? Or are you a one time only person?

P.S. Coming soon...three weeks in a row of brain picking author interviews starting next Monday! Check out the right side bar for the schedule. I'll bring coffee :)

Word association

2012-01-09T13:00:00.001-05:00

Our subconcious mind is a mighty thing. It can both empower and weaken any individual. In my opinion, it's at least partially responsible for luring even the strongest, most experienced writers into the dark world of 'clichedom' (let your mind add the accent). It can also make the difference between an individual gravitating towards a certain book title...or not. Think about it (or not). Our subconcious mind rules word association.

The idea behind getting the first draft of a manuscript out of your head and into print is to write without self-editing. Let the words flow. Get the story out...and revise it later. Well, when you write the first thing that comes to mind, it often includes a cliche. We've heard certain expressions, analogies, and actions so often that they're the first thing our mind goes for when we're trying to grasp for 'the right words'. Hence, the need to tackle the 'twist' during revisions.

What about book titles? Are there any words that turn you away because they have a negative association for you? I don't know the process publishers go through to choose book titles, but what do you want to bet that they've run stats on which key words sell? Which key words a reader associates with the feeling/experience they want to get out of a book? Subconcious marketing...a mighty thing ;).

So how about some fun with all this? You know the game. I say (list) a word and you have to respond with the very first word that pops in your head (keep in mind that I don't have content warnings on this site ;). I'm interested in seeing if the ten words I've listed result in similar responses for those of you who are writers, and perhaps different responses for those who are (non-writer) readers. Note: I've included some prefixes. Here it goes...

Dark
French
The
Pro-
Para-
Complete
Self
Free
Fire
Hand

After listing your first responses, give yourself a minute to think. Did any of your word association answers change?

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T09:46:00.001-05:00

May 2012 bring all of you the best in books, publishing, writing and reading.

I'm a 'list' person, but if I make vague resolution lists I'll end up jinxing my goals. It's like saying you're going to start a diet. It never lasts. I make 'To Do' lists throughout the year...both for writing and household/family activities...but they're very specific, concrete things that need to be accomplished. Each task is a step towards fulfilling a larger goal...kind of like word counts.

One of the smaller steps I take towards becoming a better writer (and eventually a published one ;) is to read craft books. I know not everyone likes to read craft books, but I'm a huge fan. I agree that simply reading a craft book doesn't make a person a great writer, but I do think that the information eventually embeds itself deep enough in one's mind that the benefits and changes will come through in their writing. It's a solid step towards a larger goal.

My favorite craft books are listed in the left margin, and I believe I once pointed out how much I loved James Scott Bell's Plot and Structure. Well, the first craft book I'll be reading in 2012 is his latest called Elements of Fiction Writing - Conflict and Suspense. I want lots of great conflict in 2012, but only in stories LOL!

I've also heard tons of good things about Scrivener (for PC in my case). I'm as much of a note card girl as I am a list girl. Sticky notes count too, but I can't live (or write effectively) without my 4X6 lined note cards. I use them for everything, including one for each beat on Blake Snyder's 'Beat Sheet' from Save the Cat. I don't know how I ever wrote without you, Blake. Back on track....check out the link for Scrivener. The pictures are amazing and it looks like any note card/OCD girl's dream to organizing, plotting, and revising a manuscript. I'm not a natural at computer programs, but I do love efficiency. I'm dying to dabble with this and see if I can use it for my next manuscript.

So have any of you used Scrivener? Are there any new craft books you're planning to read in 2012? What concrete steps are you taking towards larger goals (writing or otherwise)?

Words are the way

2011-12-15T16:14:00.001-05:00

...to a perfect holiday! Whether they're written in greeting cards, said in passing to your neighbors, or curled up with in a chair, words warm up the season. That's why my favorite gift to give is a good book. Have an impossible to shop for person on your list? If they have even one interest or hobby, I bet you could find a book on it. Books are practical, smart, fun, and so much more. Need more 'word' inspiration? Merriam-Webster's word of the year was just announced and it's 'Pragmatic'.

For all of you romance fans, I have a few suggestions that range from sweet to heat. Apart from interviews, I don't typically list favorite romance books or do reviews. But these particular authors have each played an important role in my writing journey. They've given me the gift of their time, friendship, advice and encouragment...and they're excellent authors! You may remember them from my interviews.

Jeannie Watt - Don't we all bake more during the holidays? I personally love cooking, and Jeannie's new Harlequin Superromance series is delicious. The first book, The Baby Truce, hit shelves in November. It's soon to be followed by Undercover Cook (January) and Just Desserts (February). Read excerpts at her blog! Check out her interview here.

Kaily Hart - Looking to spice up your holidays? Kaily's hot romance novellas will do the trick! Check out her print collection in Perfectly Unexpected. Check out her blog here, and my interview with her here.

Megan Kelly - Her Harlequin Americans are wonderful reads, but she also just released a Christmas ebook called Santa Dear. It's just in time for the holidays! Check out her website for more purchase links. Click here for my recent interview with her.

Thank you Jeannie, Kaily and Megan for reaching out :)

And now I must confess that I haven't started shopping yet. I know, I know. I'm not usually this bad. Books are at the top of my list :) How about you? Is your shopping done? Are you giving any books?

Puppy Power!

2011-12-05T13:02:00.000-05:00

That's what my second grader tells me before getting on the bus in the morning. He's convinced saying 'puppy power' will keep him focused and guarantee him a good day :)

Well, I promised puppy pics didn't I? Our little girl is a 7 week old F1b labradoodle...meaning her mom is a labradoodle and her dad is a standard poodle. She should end up with a wavy fleece coat that is low to non-shedding and hypoallergenic from a dander perspective. We also have first generation, 4yo labradoodle with a curly fleece coat, and we've had no allergy problems with her. She's like a nanny to my kids, and she has taken to mommyhood quite readily with our new pup.

She has been great on the potty training front, but I have had to wake up once between 2-3:00am to let her out. She's napping right now :) Wish I could, but there's tons to do...including visiting all the blogs I've been missing!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-21T20:22:00.000-05:00

If you're in the US, I hope you have a great Turkey Day! To all my friends, may your entire holiday season be full of fun, great reading, and great writing inspiration :) I'll be scarce for the next couple of weeks, but I promise to return with adorable puppy news. Yep! We're getting a new puppy next month. Details (and hopefully pictures) when I return.

Take care.

Upcoming deadlines

2011-11-14T14:37:00.000-05:00

This will be short and sweet, since it's that time of year when I know everyone is scrambling around to get things done. Our neighbors have their Christmas lights up, so I guess the holidays have officially begun :)

Is anyone entering the Golden Heart this year? The deadline for entry forms and fees is tomorrow, so get a move on it! Manuscripts have to be sent in by December 2nd. Check out RWA's website for rules and exact times.

If you missed Harlequin's free online conference last week, they have archived transcripts of all the chats, podcasts, webinars and more at www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com and at www.harlequin.com under The Write Stuff forums. Those archives hold a lot of valuable information straight from the editors at harlequin, so it's worth taking some time to check it out. They're hosting what I'd call their contest of the year. Submit your full manuscript by December 15 and if yours is picked, the prize is a book contract! Check out the details on their website.

And what bigger deadline is there than Thanksgiving? I love Thanksgiving, but I can't believe it's less than 2 weeks away! Is it my imagination or does it seem like deadlines pile up around the holidays?

What are your plans for contests and/or the holidays?

Interview with Harlequin Superromance Author Kay Stockham

2011-11-07T02:00:00.004-05:00

It's such an honor to have award winning Harlequin Superromance author Kay Stockham here today. In person, Kay is warm, sweet and humble, in spite of all her success. In books, well, she's an outstanding author who really puts her characters through the ringer! I guarantee if you read one of her books, you'll find yourself gobbling up the entire series then reaching for the next.

Grab a cup of coffee, gather around...and find out which TV hero Kay made real life, face-fanning eye contact with this summer ;)

1. Having read your books, it's no surprise to me that your debut novel, Montana Secrets, won the Hold Medallion for Best First Book, was a Cataromance Best Superromance, hit the Walden books Series bestseller list and more. I'd need an entire blog post just to list all the awards and nominations you've been honored with since then, including being a RITA finalist in 2007. Without fail, your stories deliver complex, true to heart characters, unresolvable conflict (at least until the HEA ;) and a heart twisting, emotional ride. How has your approach to brainstorming and writing changed since publishing your first book (CP's, writing software, plotting vs pantsing etc...)?

I don't think my process has changed much since I sold, actually. I'm still very much a plotter, and while I don't know all the twists and turns between Point A and Point B, I do have to know what A and B are. As to software, in the last year or so I've started using Scrivener and I looooooove it. I would normally have notebooks and post-its and files etc and spend so much time searching for the research or information I needed, but now everything is stored in my Scrivener doc and right at hand.

2. Your recent releases, The Sheriff's Daughter, In The Rancher's Footsteps, Christmas in Montana, and A Hero In The Making (due out in January) take us back to North Star, Montana to revisit the town and characters from Montana Secrets and Montana Skies. Carly was struggling with the teen years when we first met her, and it was wonderful to see her all grown up in The Sheriff's Daughter. You did an incredible job developing her 'grown up' character based on the teen your readers bonded with. When an author goes back to revisit a series/characters, is it based purely on author choice (with solid proposals of course), sales records from the first books of a series, fan pressure ;), or editor suggestion? When you wrote the first two books, did you know you'd be going back to North Star? Will you be revisiting the Tulanes of Tennessee?

It's a little of all the above. In my case the editor who purchased Montana Secrets and Montana Skies mentioned that she would love to see Carly and Skylar all grown up, but in my head they were still very much teenage girls. But several years later they both began 'talking' to me again and stories began to form in my head. I think I needed time for them to grow up, and for me to have a better idea of the stories they needed to tell.

October 2011

3. Okay. I have to say that In The Rancher's Footsteps is a book that's begging to be a movie! Heck. I'm begging for it to be a movie! A headstrong, loyal, rancher hero...a no win situation...Montana scenery...oh, and let's just say the heroine brings along some vivid visuals of her own ;). I'm telling you, it's the perfect movie book, TV or otherwise. I realize film rights are mentioned in contracts, but who determines whether a book should have a shot at screentime? Who takes action? Is it an author's agent? The publisher? The author?

Thank you! I had a lot of fun with that story. But once again the answer is a combination of all the above--plus some Hollywood magic dust. My understanding is that if a book creates enough buzz, those interested/wanting rights contact the author, publisher etc and things progress from there. Lots of authors dream of having their books made into movies (myself included!) so it's fabulous to get that phone call.

4. I don't think an author ever forgets their first Call. We'd love to revisit your call story and hear about the final steps that you feel helped you reach that moment.

My call story came as I was on the way out the door to school to be a room mom for a Valentine's Day party (back in the day when cupcakes were still allowed in school!) The editor called, I cried (I was her first crier. LOL) and after a short conversation we agreed to talk again later after the party and after the tears had stopped. Even better, the following Monday my husband and I left for Vegas for a pharmaceutical convention so I was able to celebrate my first sale on the Vegas strip. It was a fabulous trip. :)

Final steps? Write, revise, repeat. ;) Plus a lot of reading. All go a long way in helping a writer form their voice, and we subconsciously pick up on the cadences and pacing of dialogue, etc.

September 2011

5. Abuse, bullying, prison time and disabilities are just some of the emotional topics you've delved into in your stories. I had tears in my eyes towards the end of The Sheriff's Daughter. Don't worry everyone, Kay always delivers a happy ending! Writing, like reading, can be an emotionally intense experience. When you're working on a book, how do you extract yourself from the moment/mood of the scene at hand and jump straight into dealing with motherhood and daily routines? Do the emotions linger and affect your mood, or does hearing 'Mom! I need clean socks!" snap you out of it?

Oh, what a great question! Yes, the clean socks scream definitely pulls me out of the mood. I've also discovered writing a love scene with the kids in the house is completely impossible. I've always said kids are the perfect form of birth control. LOL I have a few scenes that have lingered on after the writing was completed, but for the most part once they're out of my head and on the page the mood is gone as well.

6. Liam, Brad and Chance McKenna, are the deliciously headstrong heroes of your recent releases. You write equally strong heroines. Contemporary romance practically demands strong heroines. What's the key to creating a heroine who is contemporary inspite of her insecurities or vulnerabilities?

For me it's writing heroines I'd want to be friends with. They're strong, they're funny, they're likable and that's the key for me. We all have our vulnerabilities at times but that's simply a part of who we are. The rest of the time we're multi-tasking moms/friends/daughters/wives/lovers who have a million balls in the air and no soft place to land. Those are the types of characters I like to read about, so I think it's natural that those are the characters I like to write about as well.

7. You were recently invited to take part in an animal adoption benefit anthology. Can you tell us a little more about it? What else do you have in store for your readers?

The anthology is headed up by Lori Foster and is the second anthology I've taken part in to benefit various charities. As you said, this one is for an animal adoption group Lori has chosen and each author in the anthology contributes a fifteen-thousand word original story featuring A) a romance, and B) an animal. The books will be available in print at Lori's Reader and Author Get Together held in West Chester, Ohio, June 1-3, 2012, and in digital format. For more details, go to www.lorifoster.com. I'm working on my story now and having a lot of fun with it, but I don't want to give too many details away.

As to what comes next... I've written a short Christmas novel I hope to publish in December via Kindle, Nook etc. After my last set of deadlines, I found myself struggling to go back to my computer chair (because I'd spent so many long hours there already) so I decided to open a blank screen and just write whatever came to mind as a fun, creative exercise. Well, soon I couldn't wait to get to my chair, and a very unique story unfolded before my eyes. Something I haven't read anywhere else and am quite excited about. I had to set this story aside to meet the anthology deadline but I hope to get back to polishing it in the next few days. I'll let you know when it's posted! :)

January 2012

8. Apart from not quitting, what's the one piece of advice you'd like to give unpublished writers?

Hmmm...my advice would be to refill the creative well as often as possible. Writing is solitary and lonely at times and it's easy to get caught up in deadlines and demands from family. Writers have so many responsibilities to others and are so dedicated to their work they sometimes forget to have fun and try new things. .

9. And now for a little fun...Do you have a favorite deadline crunch-time snack or quirky writing ritual?

This question is evilllll. LOL Fave snack: Throwback Mt. Dew (Yes, I do know how unhealthy it is for me!) and dark chocolate anything. My deadline writing ritual is to push hard, stay up late and type until I can't type anymore.

10. Rock or Country music? Denim or silk? Beachhouse or log cabin? Patrick Dempsey, Hugh Jackman, or one of your McKenna brothers? (I call Brad McKenna! ;).

Both, both, both, and all of the men mentioned! LOL I listen to all kinds of music, everything from Adele to Carrie Underwood to Etta James to Nickelback, Foo Fighters and more. I could go on forever because I love music, maybe because I can't sing a tune or play an instrument. For CHRISTMAS IN MONTANA I played a certain Metallica song at least a hundred times. Maybe more. It all depends on my mood. I'm also a small town girl so I spend my life in comfortable jeans but I do like to dress up every now and again. It's one of the reasons I like going to writers conferences.

Beach house or Cabin? I prefer the beach but I'd never turn down a cabin in in the mountains. I love visiting Tennessee and set my Tulanes of Tennessee story there for just that reason.

As to the guys... Be still my heart! I saw Patrick Dempsey up close and personal in New York this summer, out shopping with his son in the Lego store on Times Square and I have to say I love how protective he was--and the way he smiled at me when he saw the dawning recognition on my face. *sigh* But Hugh... *thud*. Have you ever seen him in an interview? When that man talks about his wife and kids he LIGHTS UP. Talk about sexy on top of...well, sexy! And I couldn't choose between my McKenna brothers--or Marcus Whitefeather in A HERO IN THE MAKING (Jan, 2012) because that would just be wrong. My heroes are heroes for a reason and they all have qualities and characteristics I think we all like to see in our guys.

Well said...and I was hoping we'd see Marcus again! Thanks so much for hanging out here today, Kay.

BLURB: Christmas in Montana, November 2011

Jenna Darlington would not refuse a Christmas miracle. A widow, she's struggling to keep her little family together. So when Chance McKenna offers her a job, it seems her wishes are coming true. Too bad there's a catch.

Chance is not acting how she expects. Dressing as Santa to greet kids in the store? It's charming. And seeing him out of that red suit… Well, it's hard to keep her priorities straight! Worse, his preference for extreme sports is influencing her kids, and suddenly she's got daredevils on her hands. Yet when Jenna tries to put distance between her and Chance, he proves that there might be more to this miracle than she thinks!

BUY IT HERE:

Amazon
Harlequin
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FIND KAY HERE:

www.kaystockham.com
Kindred Spirits Blog
Facebook
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Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T08:26:00.000-04:00

For those who celebrate, I wish you safe and fun trick-or-treating...and lots of zero calorie/zero kid-sugar high candy ;).

For those who don't, I hope you're have fun fall festivities :)

We actually have snow covered pumpkins this year! We lucked out though and didn't lose power with the eastern storm. May it come back soon for those who did. I'm off to help out with school parties and parades, but I'll try to visit all of your blogs later on. Sorry for being scarce lately. I do appreciate everyone who follows and stops by...and I miss your blogs when I'm in my writing cave. I'll be a better blog friend after I wrap up my GH entry!

Be sure to stop by next week for a visit with Harlequin Superromance author Kay Stockham!

Take care :)

Craft Quotes

2011-10-17T11:51:00.000-04:00

I was looking over my calendar yesterday and it hit me...2011 is in the home stretch. That realization always puts a little fire under me. It ups the pressure on making sure I've accomplished my writing (and other) goals for the year. One of the things I did this year was read through recommended books on writing. Books that spanned revision to plot to conflict and more. I believe all people are perpetual students of something. We're in a constant state of learning through study or through experience. For me, this year was about pushing my writing skills.

I have most of the writing/craft books on my shelf listed in the side bar. I read them with a highlighter in hand and recently went back through to see what I'd marked. I thought I'd share a few quotes I found to be important.

"Make sure the GMC's of multiple characters collide. The collision creates conflict." Debra Dixon - GMC: Goal, Motivation & Conflict

"Pressure is essential. Choices made when nothing is at risk mean little." Robert McKee - Story

"...if the inciting incident presents a problem that compels the protagonist to defend herself, rather than propels her toward achieving a goal, the story produces a reactive hero, not a proactive hero." Elizabeth Lyons - Manuscript Makeover

"Complex and too complicated are two different things. Complex is interesting; if shows writer finesse and control. Complicated is a chore." Elizabeth Lyons - Manuscript Makeover

"Motive is what gives moral value to a character's acts. What a character does, no matter how awful or how good, is never morally absolute... A character is what he does, yes - but even more, a character is what he means to do." Orson Scott Card - Characters & Viewpoints

There are so many more fabulous quotes from the books I've read, but too little time. One can read, and read, but at some point they have to go off and apply what they've learned ;). Hence, I need to go tackle more revisions. I highly recommend the books in the side bar for anyone in need of some craft inspiration and direction.

I hope you all have a productive week and get all your yearly goals accomplished in the next 2 1/2 months! Feel free to share any favorite craft quotes or books :)

Mish mash and movies

2011-10-03T13:16:00.001-04:00

I just had a crash and relax weekend. Crash, because I managed to stay up twenty-three hours straight, after which I only got four hours of sleep. I should include a warning here: DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME! I lived on lack of sleep in my twenties (blame school), but let's just say...I'm not anywhere near my twenties. I felt like I was coming down with the flu at the end of it all. Luckily, I aborted any illness with tons of vitamins and a good night sleep.

I'm sure you're wondering what triggered my insanity, LOL. When I was at the RWA Nationals PRO retreat this year, I won a drawing for an entry fee waiver to The Emily Contest, a fabulous writing contest hosted by the West Houston RWA Chapter. It's open to both published and unpublished writers and you can find more information on it at http://whrwa.com/emily/. I'd like to extend my thanks to whrwa and to everyone who dontated to the PRO retreat.

Of course, the deadline was this past Friday and that meant completing revisions on my first 7000 words. I'm pleased to say I got it done and in on time :). Next up, finishing the rest of my revisions in time for the Golden Heart. It'll be my third time entering.

So how did I relax? Movies of course! The funny thing was that several ended up being about writers. One was a TV movie where a mystery writer becomes a suspect for the murder of her hot neighbor. Part of the reason for suspecting her...the photos she took of him and the research she did on his rich family as inspiration for the book she was working on. The idea that research can be used against you is a bit scary for a writer! Okay, it was just a movie...but still.

I also saw Inkheart. My son begged me to watch it with him (he read the book) and I'm glad he did. I really loved it. I think it's a must watch for anyone who loves to read or write. Just beautiful.

Finally, I watched Finding Neverland, a movie about the author of Peter Pan.

Do you have any movies that involve writers/books that you love?

Language Laugh

2011-09-26T22:48:00.000-04:00

Some of you may have already read this take on the english language. I have, but it makes me smile every time I come across it. I have no clue who wrote it, but I dare say they have a creative gene :).

The English Language

Have you ever wondered why foreigners have trouble with the English Language?

Let's face it

English is a stupid language.

There is no egg in the eggplant

No ham in the hamburger

And neither pine nor apple in the pineapple.

English muffins were not invented in England

French fries were not invented in France.

We sometimes take English for granted

But if we examine its paradoxes we find that

Quicksand takes you down slowly

Boxing rings are square

And a guinea pig is neither from Guinea

If writers write, how come fingers don't fing.

If the plural of tooth is teeth

Shouldn't the plural of phone booth be phone beeth

If the teacher taught,

Why didn't the preacher praught.

If a vegetarian eats vegetables

What the heck does a humanitarian eat!?

Why do people recite at a play

Yet play at a recital?

Park on driveways and

Drive on parkways

You have to marvel at the unique lunacy

Of a language where a house can burn up as

It burns down

And in which you fill in a form

By filling it out

And a bell is only heard once it goes!

English was invented by people, not computers

And it reflects the creativity of the human race

(Which of course isn't a race at all)

That is why

When the stars are out they are visible

But when the lights are out they are invisible

And why it is that when I wind up my watch

It starts

But when I wind up this observation,

It ends.

On that note, I need to disappear in my manuscript. I'll pop around if I manage to come up for air. Otherwise, I hope everyone has a great week!

Reader-Writer Relationships

2011-09-19T14:02:00.001-04:00

I think we can all agree that the internet has drastically changed the way people connect. Whether it's for business, advertising, dating, educating, chatting or skyping, most of us rely on daily internet access as a means of reaching out to others. Needless to say, internet communication has had an enormous impact on reader-writer relationships.

We've gone from fan letters, to fan emails, to friendships. Sure there are still strictly writer-fan relationships out there, but I really think that chatrooms, facebook, twitter, and forums have allowed readers and writers to get to know one another better. The frequency of communication, as well as the back and forth nature of it, has allowed for, what I'd call, friendships to form. A true connection. I'm still working hard towards getting published in fiction, but I'm an avid reader as well as a writer (and I have many published friends). My opinion stems from both perspectives.

Now for confessions. In spite of pressures/advice from the publishing world to FB, Tweet, blog and more...I'm just a blogger. That alone was a huge step for me. However, I do love participating in writer/reader forums (such as eharlequin's) and have formed wonderful friendships that way. Once published, I have no doubt I'll need to expand my internet communication routes.

So for all you readers out there (and this should include writers by definition), what's your favorite way to connect? What fits your routine the best? How much of your time do you spend reading blogs vs tweeting vs checking out author websites or facebook pages? Which do you think nurtures the best reader-writer relationships?

And the winner is...

2011-09-15T08:44:00.000-04:00

The winner of Megan Kelly's giveaway is:

Kaelee!

Congratulations, Kaelee! You've won a book and Romance Trading Cards from Megan. Send your mailing info to Megan at megankellybooks (at) att (dot) net. Enjoy!

Interview with Harlequin American Author Megan Kelly

2011-09-12T00:01:00.002-04:00

I'm so excited to have Harlequin American author Megan Kelly here today! Last week, I mentioned that Megan did something I'll never forget. I'm ready to tell all. Don't worry, Megan. Your character is safe here.

It was 2009, just before the Romance Writers of America's national meeting in D.C. I'd left a comment after one of Megan's blog posts about pre-meeting nerves. I'd never been to any writer's meeting, let alone Nationals. I was so new to the writing world that my comment was 'anonymous'. This was long before my blogging days ;). Well, Megan reached out. She commented back, inviting me to contact her through email and offering to meet up, have dinner, and introduce me to one of her unpublished chaptermates (another one of the sweetest people I've ever met, btw). Let me tell you, 'knowing' someone before heading to the meeting made all the difference. Megan was so generous about answering my questions at dinner, and (thinking back) as 'newbie' as I must have sounded, she made me feel like I belonged there. Thank you, Megan. I'll never forget your kindess and generosity.

And now I should hush up and let Megan get a word in here! I can't keep all her wisdom to myself, so read on. Megan's also doing a giveaway, so don't forget to leave a comment or question.

1. Congratulations on your latest release, Stand-in Mom! Ever since I got to know Ginger in The Fake Fiancee, I've been hoping she'd get her own happily ever after. I love her spunky, daring, yet caring, personality. Of course, it does land her in a...hmmm...somewhat awkward situation. A teacher coming face-to-face with her one-night-fling, who ends up being the single-parent of a student. Yikes! Love it ;). When coming up with proposals, does your editor ever hint at which secondary characters in previous books she'd like to see in the spotlight, or is it all up to you (and perhaps fan feedback)?

Thanks for having me, Rula. I'm pleased you liked Ginger enough to want her story. The short answer is "no." My editor doesn't suggest secondary characters or even book ideas. While writing The Fake Fiancee, I wanted my heroine to have someone to talk to, and she needed someone to watch her kids while she romanced the hero, lol. So Ginger appeared, and while typing, I found out she was trying to have a child, and considered babysitting practice. I thought "okay, cool" and dismissed it as being convenient for my heroine. Then poor Ginger had problems conceiving, and by the end of the book I was distraught over her! I had to write her an HEA. But I'd love suggestions from my editor. She's a super-nice person and incredibly savvy.

2. I recently read an article on libraries loaning ebooks. It talked a little about logistics, such as 'eloan' expiration etc... I remember when libraries switched over from card catalogues to computers. That had me confused and panicked enough at the time, LOL! E-readers are becoming 'a way of life' for many. Given your experience with libraries and bookstores, what do you think of ebook library loaning and how it affects writers and the publishing industry?

I don't understand why a book would "expire," and that's something I've been studying too. From a practical pov, paper books do go out of circulation due to wear, so they have a limited shelf life. An ebook would only go out of circulation if it wasn't readable any longer due to technical replacements, such as my library no longer buying audio books on cassette. It still circulates cassettes, but now purchases only mp3, audio as Playaways and CDs--and I noticed they are buying fewer CDs now. From an author's point of view, I'm thrilled with the idea that my backlist is available to people who are just finding me. My books from 2008 are out of print and only available through a few places, such as used book venues. The books on my library's shelf are looking worn (which tickles me as it means people are checking them out). But they won't be useable forever. As long as the e-versions are updated for the technology, I don't see the downside. The publishing houses are concerned about how many times an ebook has been circulated and they are trying to put a limit on loans so libraries would have to continue to buy a license to circulate them. That's my understanding of it. It comes down to money for the publishers. Which isn't a bad thing, don't get me wrong. If they have money, they can buy mss. :)

3. You've presented many workshops over the past couple of years, including presentations at RWA Nationals. I know for a fact that you're a very generous person, and workshops are great ways to give back to the writing community. What prompted you to do your first writing workshop? Is it something you'd recommend to other published authors? Any antidotes to stage fright?

Oh gosh. Thanks for the compliment. But I'm not doing anything others aren't. As to... Presenting. Just the word makes me shudder. I'm not a natural speaker, but I am a natural teacher. If I know something, I'm eager to share it and help someone else. I don't understand *not* doing that. The problem is I can't do it one-on-one as effectively as I can do it by presenting a workshop. The RWA National workshops are recorded (shudder) so I can reach even more people than those in the workshop room. I'd much rather sit over dinner and answer questions or explain concepts, believe me.

Standing in front of a crowd always makes me nervous. I don't have an antidote to stage fright, but I do have a suggestion--find a friend. The first workshops I presented were with an author who is a teacher by profession. Which means she's comfortable speaking in front of a group, re-explaining things succinctly, and answering questions. We had books debut at the same time, then had nothing in print, but we had to keep our names "out there." A workshop accomplished that and placated my need to give back. I've been presenting solo this year and it's terrifying, but giving back to the community is just that important to me. I didn't get here alone. I am still absorbing the knowledge of others, so it just feels right to help anyone who stands still long enough to listen. lol As you can see, I don't give short answers. :)

4. Your first book, Marrying the Boss, came out in April of 2008. We'd love to hear about the time leading up to (and including) your Call.

You are sweet! I love telling my CALL story, but I can't tell you all about the time leading up to the sale--it was thirteen years! In short, I've wanted to write for Harlequin since I was in high school. I had to figure out what to do for money though, lol, and didn't write more seriously until after my kids were born. Nothing I'd show anyone, anyway. Only my mom and my husband knew I planned to do this, but I don't think either realized how much work it was or how persistent I would be. I went through a six year block where there *weren't* people in my head talking to me and I tried to write anyway. It was dreadful. When the characters came back, I realized how empty my head was without them. :D Marrying the Boss was originally two brothers fighting over the same woman. When I pitched it, the editor suggested they fight over the company instead. I played with the idea, dropped a brother, and this very strong woman appeared, not as a pawn but as a force in her own right. I didn't believe it would sell, so when Harlequin American Romance put out a call for submissions for their revamped line back in 2007, I submitted my first three chapters--all I had of the book. For the synopsis, I guessed what might happen at the end. :) A short month and a half later, I got a letter asking for the complete. I set myself a deadline and wrote like crazy, sent some of it to my critique partner, polished and out it went. In six weeks, I went from page 72 to The End to an envelope.

Five months later, on a Thursday afternoon, I emerged from my office to see the light blinking on my answering machine. I had missed THE CALL! I don't have a phone in my office so it won't interrupt my writing, and the washing machine in the next room must have drowned out the ringing of our home phone. When I called back, I got the senior editor's machine. Heart racing, I called my husband on my cell phone while I stared at my landline, willing it to ring. He was very excited and as supportive as he always is. The phone rang. Toronto was experiencing a blizzard and the Harlequin offices were closing, but Kathleen called me, just in case they were closed on Friday also. She didn't want me to wait all weekend, wondering. To this day, I have nightmares imagining that weekend. Having spent 13 years preparing for this CALL (aka, being rejected), I knew what to expect from an offer, and I wrote down everything she said. That night, we had my mother-in-law over for dinner for her birthday, so we already had cake in the house. lol It was an incredible moment.

5. Apart from not quitting, what's the one thing you did as a writer that you feel played a critical role in helping you achieve your goal of publication?

Not quitting is the hardest and most critical step, of course. Second to continuing to write, I also continued to learn. I asked for feedback from my CP, my crit group, and contests. Then, even more importantly, I listened and used that feedback. I see so many writers enter contests but then ignore the advice given. But I figured out what I was doing wrong, where I could improve, and I tried to put those lessons in my work. I also read other writers, in romance, mainstream, and mystery/suspense/thrillers. I don't break down a book as to what is being done right, but good writing seeps in. I can also justify reading as research this way, and I do love to read! And I attend workshops, always staying open to new ideas, old ideas I've rejected before, or old ideas I haven't been successful with, such as plotting. Churchill said "Never ever ever give up." I'd add, Never stop learning.

6. You've done quite a few book signings. With four books under your belt, what would you say is your favorite marketing tool? Which one, in your opinion, has the best pay off?

Eeks. Marketing. It's hard to figure what works. The average person has to see an image/hear a catchphrase or name, etc, SEVEN times before it sticks. I need to spend my time writing. So I'm currently studying how to best manage my online time and where to spend it. With series romance, I have a time pressure factor as well. My book is only on the shelf for four weeks (less in some stores). For a few months, the print version can be special ordered, then it's out of print. Forever. All my books are available in e-format, which is wonderful, but the *push* comes the first weeks of that one release month.

As for social media, I'm on FaceBook, but I know I could use it more effectively. Since only my "friends" see my posts, I'm preaching to the choir. On FB, I should be going to pages and commenting so their friends see my posts, but that's incredibly time consuming. Same with Twitter, although that's a more fluid environment. I was on there this morning, clicked on a new person's page, and while reading her three line bio, 19 more tweets were posted. 19 in less than a minute. My feeling there is time is so limited for my tweet to be on someone's home page that it's not effective. The other person has to be on Twitter *at that moment* to see me. I received an email that someone saw me active and said hi, but when I went back to Twitter, I couldn't find a message from her. How crazy is that?

I gave away copies of Stand-In Mom and The Marriage Solution on GoodReads this year before their release dates. That alerted *readers* to each book's release date. I want to reach people interested in series romance, and many GoodReads members added my books to their To Be Read lists. I will continue this. I also post book reviews, but that's because I like to read and share reviews more than a publicity thing.

When I do workshops at conferences, I try to put something in the giveaway room. I'm always looking for ideas. This year, I not only had my stars and strips folding fans, but I made Romance Trading Cards. They're the "new hot thing." They're fun and different.

7. I'm a visual person, and book covers really draw my eye. I love the cover of The Marriage Solution. Those two kids are adorable! I'm also dying to see the rest of Tara's wedding dress. The cover of Stand-in Mom won me over too. I can't turn away from a cover with a cuddly dog or pup. Any advice or pointers on helping publishers get your covers right?

Are you trying to get me in trouble? lol Okay, I have to admit, I love those two covers. I've been very lucky. This is a two prong question. The first answer is the cover may never be exact (Horace the dog in Stand-In Mom is black, not brown and white, for example, and in The Marriage Solution, Tara gets married in a pink dress). But the important thing is the *feel* of the cover, not the details. Yes, I'd love if the cover exactly matched the picture in my head, but that's unlikely to happen. The cover is about selling the book, so I leave it to the Art Department. Now, the second part of the answer is about the cover design process. At Harlequin, authors fill out an art fact sheet describing two scenes for the cover, including color, styles, props, etc. I asked for a dog on the cover, a black Newfie puppy. I suggested the scene at the pet store where they adopt Horace and described their clothes in the scene, hair color, etc. The Art Department turned that suggestion into an incredibly beautiful cover. Do Ginger and Scott and his daughter at any time in the book sit on the porch with Horace? No. Do I care? No. Because the sense of family and the attraction between the couple shine through. The models are gorgeous, the daughter adorable, the dog priceless. I love, love, love this cover. So my advice would be to give the Art Dept a good scene idea with plenty of details, and then don't sweat it when it comes out a little differently.

8. Since getting published, what's the biggest lesson or 'insider info' you've learned that you wish someone had ~~warned~~ told you about?

Wow. In my head, I thought I knew a lot of this stuff due to those 13 years of "preparation." I listened to/read other writers, so I knew about the publicity pressure, the sales pressure, the sophomore slump (difficulty writing/selling the second book), the cost of advertising, how unpublished friends can turn on you, how established writers may still not accept you, etc. It made being published sound like a horrible place. :) So while I thought I was prepared, the reality of it was staggering. I pushed myself to sell my second book before my first came out. I sent the proposal too soon, according to my editor, but she bought it, based on my first book. Sophomore slump (my biggest fear)--averted. My non-writing and unpublished friends are angels, so I didn't experience any of those problems. I figure established or not, other writers accept me or don't, based on me, not my selling a book, so I didn't worry about that one.

The pressure is the one I battle. I don't promote the way I should. I don't feel comfortable suggesting people buy my book, even though I believe in each one and I totally love Stand-In Mom and am so proud of it. I don't write fast--until the end, when I write like a demon--but I don't sell a new book often enough to grow a readership. I don't want to worry about my numbers as compared to other authors I'm relased with that month. I prefer to know if people are *liking* it after they buy it. I'm gratified that Stand-In Mom has been getting such lovely reviews because that means those people enjoyed my efforts.

My advice is listen and learn. Be prepared for all these things and more. But don't let any of it discourage you. Once you understand this is all a part of being an author, it's more manageable if it happens.

And learn to revise! Learn how to take suggestions and utilize them. Learn where to stand firm on your vision of your work.

9. And now for a little insider info on you :)... What's your favorite deadline crunch-time snack? Any other writing vices or odd habits?

On deadline, I live off M&Ms. And Coke Zero, preferably Vanilla if I can find it. Anything chocolate is welcome, but M&Ms keep my hands clean. :) I write at night, mostly because I'm a night owl and that's when I'm more creative, but also because I started writing seriously (to sell) when my kids were toddlers. I'd put them and my husband to bed and write until the wee hours. On deadline, I've been known to write until the kids go to school, then I drop on the bed for the six hours they're gone. Of course, on work days, I couldn't do that, but weekends and non-work days, yes. Do NOT follow this example. Be a sensible person!

10. Log cabin or beach house (both with electricity, LOL)? Coffee, tea or soda? Paper or ebook?

Log cabin, but definitely with electricity and a/c. I love the mountains (in case you're birthday shopping, lol). Coke Vanilla Zero is a staple, as I mentioned. I also drink Coke Zero or plain Diet Coke in a pinch. And anything chocolate--have I mentioned that yet? lol--but I really prefer milk chocolate. I love to curl up with a book, and paper is my first choice, mostly because it's what I'm used to. It takes a little more planning to read an ebook (is my reader/laptop charged? did I download it?) whereas I can just pick up the book laying in plain sight. However, I have read several books in e-format and have more on my laptop to read. I've played with a few different devices but haven't committed to buying one yet. It's only a matter of time and money until I do. There are too many e-books out there not in print that I want to read.

Thanks so much for being here, Megan! It was great to see you again at Nationals this year. Your smile and kindness are contagious :)

GIVEAWAY: Megan is giving away a copy of one of her books AND Romance Trading Cards! Just leave a comment or question and your name will be entered in the drawing. The winner will be posted here this Thursday, September 15th. Don't miss out! Romance Trading Cards are the latest, greatest fan fun...keepsake pictures and data on your favorite characters. I have one of the adorable Newfoundland puppy, Horace, in Stand-In Mom ;)

BLURB: Stand-In Mom, September 2011

He's Got A Lot To Learn

Scott Matthews had no idea Ginger Winchester was a teacher when they first met—he didn't even know her last name. That didn't stop them from sharing a night of passion. Scott hoped he'd see Ginger again—just not in his daughter's new classroom! Yet, somewhere under that frumpy sweater and chalk dust is the sultry redhead who's been haunting his dreams.

Smart, sensitive and nurturing, Ginger is everything Scott wants. But when Ginger discovers she resembles his first wife, she fears stepping in as a replacement mom. She wants a family, but not this way. She's happy to offer tips on handling rambunctious kids, and even helps the Matthews family adopt a big, lovable puppy. But when it comes to handing over her heart, Scott must prove to her that she's more than just a stand–in—she's the one.

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Happy Labor Day!

2011-09-05T10:05:00.001-04:00

I'm keeping it short and sweet 'cause I know you all want to go kick back and relax :). I hope you're enjoying the long weekend!

Don't forget to stop by next Monday for a visit with Harlequin American author Megan Kelly and find out what she did that I'll never, ever forget.

Also, the Superromance authors are at it again! They're giving away an amazonkindle and a $25 amazon gift card on Saturday, December 3rd, 2011. To be entered in the drawing, just post a blog comment at www.superauthors.com between September 1, 2011 and November 30, 2011. They also have weekly drawings for free books and other great stuff, including a 5 page critique! Get on over there!

I'm left wondering how a writer manages to take Labor Day off. Hard to do, since we can't turn off our imagination or thought process! I suppose you'd have to be skilled at deep, mind clearing meditation...and then maintain that state for the entire day. Not happening here, LOL.

Something to think about:

"To write well is to think clearly. That's why it's so hard."
David McCullough - Pulitzer Prize winner

And they're off!!!

2011-08-29T09:46:00.000-04:00

Today is the first day of school in our county. All my kids woke up long before they had to. You think they were excited much? LOL. It's funny how attitudes change from elementary school to middle school. My second grader's biggest concern was if he'd get to have reading time in 2nd grade (he loves to read). My sixth grader wanted to know if he'd be getting homework the first week of school, and my eighth grader lost no time in reminding me that it would be very uncool for me to go to the bus stop with them. Although I did go to the bus with my 2nd grader...camera in hand...I gave in and took pics of the other two up by the house.

I feel lost.

Seriously. I've been craving a quiet house and me time, but I think it'll take a few days for it to feel normal. Mixed emotions are all a part of sending kids off to school. It got me thinking about the pros and cons, so I'll leave you today with a best and worst list for the first day of school (a mom's perspective of course).

5 Best things about the first day of school and beyond:

1. A QUIET house!!!
2. Uninterrupted writing time.
3. A QUIET house!!! Oh, I said that already.
4. Grocery shopping without the kids in tow.
5. Being able to book appointments (doctor, dentist etc...) for myself without worrying about childcare.

5 Worst things about the first day of school and beyond:

1. Waking up early to pack lunches (I have allergy kids, so I have to pack).
2. Homework battles.
3. Dealing with a child's test anxiety.
4. Bedtime battles.
5. Getting sucker punched by the fact that your babies are another year older, not just in age but socially and physically too. My oldest passed my height by an inch just last week!!! It freaked me out, LOL! His feet and arms are longer than mine too. Geesh!

I do want to add my prayers for everyone in areas where schools are closed because of damage from hurricane Irene. I'm so sorry for the loss of lives. We were in the outer bands but didn't experience much more than a rainy day. The photos of east coast damage are horrible.

Do you have kids or childhood memories about the best and worst of back-to-school?

The winner is...

2011-08-25T12:04:00.001-04:00

j. barrett

Congratulations! You're the winner of Beth Andrews' Superromance, Feels Like Home. Just send your contact information to Beth at P.O. Box 714, Bradford, PA 16701 or email her at beth (at) bethandrews (dot) net.

Enjoy!

Interview with Harlequin Superromance Author Beth Andrews

2011-08-22T00:09:00.001-04:00

Award winning author Beth Andrews is here today! Beth was a double finalist in the 2006 Golden Heart Awards. She then finaled and won the 2007 Golden Heart for Best Long Contemporary. Her winning manuscript (titled All or Nothing) went on to become her first published Harlequin Superromance, Not Without Her Family, in 2008. Beth's character's are strong, unique, layered individuals who face some pretty edgy relationship and life situations. It's no surprise that she took home a RITA in 2010 for A Not-So-Perfect Past.

Although Beth isn't very nice to her characters ;), she's incredibly sweet in person. In fact, she's giving away a copy of Feels Like Home. Details are below, so read on!

1. Your latest release and third book of your Diamond Dust trilogy, Feels Like Home, had my heart in knots in chapter four. That says a lot about how gripping both your main and secondary characters are! If anyone needs an example of pulling off a third character POV to perfection, they should read The Prodigal Son and Feels Like Home. Your third character POV carries a fairly strong role in the trilogy. How did you decide which secondary character would take the honors? Were there other contenders who got ruled out?

Wow, thank you so much, Rula! I'm so glad you enjoyed the third characters' POVs in the stories. I didn't decide to have a third character's POV in the books until I received the revisions for the first story, A Marine For Christmas. My editor at the time, Victoria Curran, suggested I play up the love triangle aspect between the hero, the heroine and her sister (hero's ex-fiance). I wanted to know how the sister felt about her sister and ex becoming involved and what feelings (if any) she still had for the hero. Having her POV in the story also gave me a chance to explore her relationship with her new husband and to show how she finally learns to let go of the past. In The Prodigal Son, my first thought was to have the heroine's older daughter be the third character POV but then I wondered if it wouldn't be stronger to give that POV to Aidan (the third brother). In TPS, I wanted readers to get to know Aidan a little better in preparation for his story. I also felt he had the most to gain and lose in the trilogy and wanted to set that up. In FLH, I knew right away who I wanted in that third POV because she's the driving force of the stories and I wanted to show her in a way that would (hopefully) explain her actions.

2. There's something inherently romantic in a vineyard setting. A Marine For Christmas, The Prodigal Son, and Feels Like Home take place on a family run Virginia vineyard called The Diamond Dust. What made you choose Virginia, as opposed to say, California? Not all research makes it into a manuscript. What was the most interesting detail you learned during your Diamond Dust research? Has your research made you an official wine connoisseur :)?

I chose Virginia because of a magazine article about the state I've had saved for years. Every time I read something about a place that interests me, I save it and then when I'm looking for settings, I go through them and see which one will work best for the story. The more I researched Virginia vineyards, the more in love with the state I became. I've learned so much in the course of researching the Diamond Dust trilogy, so much so that I've tried (unsuccessfully *g*) to get my husband to move to Virginia and start a vineyard! It wasn't the most interesting detail (honestly, I found all the research fascinating and could've spent days on it alone) but the most important thing I learned was that wine (like candy) is basically recession-proof. When I'd first come up with the idea for the Diamond Dust, I'd pictured three brothers coming together to save a struggling business. I just couldn't make it work that way and ended up with a whole new idea *g* LOL on my being a wine connoisseur. I wish! I think I'll have to drink a lot more wine before I reach that point. Luckily, I'm willing to put in that time and effort :-)

3. Secrets have played a big role in many of your books, examples being Not Without Her Family, Do You Take This Cop, and His Secret Agenda (Hot hero! Just sayin'). However, in Feels Like Home, you take the popular matchmaking theme...something readers expect to be done on the sly...and bring it right out on the table. The fact that the hero and heroine know what's up, and still can't fight it, is a refreshing twist :). Writers are told to always ask 'why' and 'what if'. Did you plan all along to pop the cork on the matchmaking early on, or was it a twist that came up after the manuscript had aged a bit?

LOL - glad you liked Dean in HSA! For FLH, I'd planned on Aidan realizing he was being set up from the beginning, mainly because it's pretty obvious what's going on *g* Plus, by bringing it out in the open, I was able to make things much worse for him and Yvonne (the heroine). For Aidan it was a pride issue and for Yvonne it was accepting the fact that she wasn't wanted for herself, but so she and Aidan could get back together.

4. They say mothers are honorary psychologists. I say writers are too! You address some pretty tough topics in your books, such as emotional abuse, PTSD, sibling loyalty vs love, family outcasts, and broken marriages, to name a few. You really nailed the character psychology in each instance. Do you have a favorite psychology research resource (books, internet, TV, interviews etc...)?

I'm a character driven writer so the first (and my favorite) resource is The Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes and Heroines: Sixteen Master Archetypes. I'm all about the archetypes when I'm plotting but then don't think about it again when I'm writing *g* I also like to check out the Enneagram Institute's website: www.enneagraminstitute.com. Mainly, though, I get a lot of ideas just from watching and interacting with people. I'm fascinated by the fact that my kids have the same parents and were raised the same way, in the same house with the same circumstances and yet, they're so completely different from each other *g* If my son gets in trouble, he'll admit it - but only AFTER he's been busted. My older daughter won't admit it even if you have proof to show her, and my younger one will turn herself in before you've even realized she's done it :-) The only time I worry about one of my kids is when they don't act like themselves so that's what I try to do with my characters. I get to know them and then I think about how they would act/react in certain situations, not how I would act/react because. And to be honest, I've written characters who have made decisions that I don't agree with and that's so much fun to get out of my own head and into theirs!

5. Before winning the Golden Heart and the RITA, your kids awarded you with the honors of The Meanest Mom in the World and Only Mom in Town Who Makes Her Children do Chores, LOL. As a mom of three boys, I've received similar honors (you can let your kids know they're not alone ;)). Pursuing a dream amidst the demands of motherhood isn't easy. Fellow writers, readers and moms would love to hear about what prompted you to write your first romance, what's become of your early manuscripts, and...of course...your call story.

LOL! I'll gladly tell them, Rula, but they won't believe me. They're fairly certain other kids have it way easier *g* I knew I wanted to write romance books when my son was a baby. I can't say what actually prompted it but I've always had stories in my head so one day my husband came home and I just told him I wanted to be a romance writer. He was all for it but I didn't get serious about my writing until 9 years later when my youngest started school full time. I finished my first book and sent it to every editor at Harlequin/Silhouette *g* and every agent who accepted series romance. Needless to say, I received a pile of form rejections but then I discovered Romance Writers of America and really worked on learning the craft of writing along with the publishing side. I wrote four manuscripts before I sold. The first will never see the light of day, the second was my first sale, the third is actually the basis for my work-in-progress and I hope to tweak the fourth into a future Superromance.

I got the call on my husband's birthday, August 21, 2007. My editor had judged my book, Not Without Her Family, in the Golden Heart and offered to buy it for Superromance. I was thrilled, especially since, up until that point, I'd been targeting a different Harelquin line and had received a rejection on the same book the weekend before the conference (after it had been passed up to the sr ed of that line). So, though I was beyond ecstatic to win the Golden Heart in Dallas, I was also at a loss as to what I should with the story and which direction I should take with my writing. It was the second time I'd had a story passed up to the sr ed of that line and rejected and I couldn't help but wonder if I was trying to write for the wrong line. I'd decided to submit NWHF to Superromance, had it all printed and ready to ship to Canada and was literally on my way out the door to the post office when I got The Call :-)

6. An author doesn't have to be agented in category romance, yet there seems to be a number of category authors who have chosen to be agented. For many, it boils down to keeping their writing and their 'business' separate, and not having to discuss business matters with their editor. I can totally understand that! What do you feel you've gained from being agented in category?

I do like the fact that my agent handles contract negotiations. Knowing she's looking out for my career and has knowledge of the industry that I don't have, makes it a lot easier for me to concentrate on my writing.

7. Apart from not quitting, what's the one piece of advice you'd give writers struggling to achieve their goal of publication?

Write, write, write, then write some more. Find your process, what works for you, then refine it, tweak it until it's the perfect process for you. If you're not sure what your process is, read books and magazine articles, listen to workshops, take classes on-line until you find what works FOR YOU then refine it, tweak it and make it perfect. Can you tell I've recently realized that all the time I spent trying to find a new 'better' process should've been spent working on making my own process more efficient? *g*

8. With The Diamond Dust triglogy under wraps, what can your readers look forward to next?

I'm currently working on a new trilogy about three sisters who discover their mother hadn't abandonded them eighteen years ago, she was murdered. The working trilogy title is Mystic Point and the books are Keeping Secrets, Seeking Truth and Finding Home - though I'm sure those will all change since I'm not very good at picking titles *g*. I'm really enjoying Keeping Secrets which has a hardass police chief hero, a bossy, controlling cop heroine and a really rebellious teenager :-)

9. I have no doubt readers crave your books :). When you're writing, do you have any cravings? Any favorite deadline crunch-time snacks?

I crave salty snacks when I'm in a deadline crunch; pretzels and Triscuits. I always crave coffee with lots of vanilla creamer and Mountain Dew (I know, I know, I'm too old for MD but I love it.) I've actually cut way back on the MD but if I'm stressing over a book, I'll cut myself some slack about it :-)

10. I know The Diamond Dust has their own labels, but if you could recommend one 'real' wine for your readers to try (curled up with one of your books, hint, hint ;)), what would it be?

I visited Casa Larga, www.casalarga.com, a vineyard in Fairport NY (the Finger Lakes region has gorgeous vineyards and fabulous wineries!) where I brought home lots of knowledge about making wine along with a bottle of Rosso which is a sweet, light wine - very good! Their ice wines are also fantastic (and it's so interesting how they make them!)

Another favorite is Sleepy Hollow Red from Flickerwood Wine Cellar, www.flickerwood.com. Flickerwood is in a nearby town (my mom's hometown *g*) and Sleepy Hollow Red is made from Pennsylvania grapes. And I hope anyone who is in the Richmond, VA area will check out James River Cellars, www.jamesrivercellars.com. They were a big help to me as I researched Virginia wineries :-)

Thanks so much for being here today, Beth! A cyber toast to your Diamond Dust Trilogy and to your future Mystic Point series :)

GIVEAWAY: Beth is giving away a copy of Feels Like Home. Just post a comment or question and you'll be entered in the drawing. The winner's name will be posted here on Thursday, August 25th.

BLURB: Feels Like Home, Harlequin Superromance, August 2011

She's planning a wedding…not a romance!

Keeping up appearances is Yvonne Delisle's forte. But this job is going to test even her Southern belle mettle! It's not challenging enough she only has six weeks to turn a ramshackle carriage house into the hottest society wedding venue in Virginia. It's also located on her ex–husband Aidan's family vineyard. The home—and the man—she yearned for.

But Yvonne's up for the challenge. In the time since things went south with Aidan, she's become the most sought–after wedding planner in the state—popular enough to arrange her former mother–in–law's second wedding. Except…it's becoming suspiciously clear she wasn't hired for her professional expertise. Someone is plotting a reconciliation.and Yvonne is more tempted by the day. Let's see who actually walks down that aisle…

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Wild Ponies

2011-08-11T00:00:00.010-04:00

In between all the house work, writing, and back-to-school errands this past week, I did manage to squeeze in a little beach therapy. We usually head out to The Outer Banks of North Carolina (blog photo locale), but this time we decided to check out the Maryland coastline. The pollution at the Ocean City Boardwalk beach area was anything but therapeutic, but just south of that are Assateague's National Park protected beaches...home of the famous Assateague ponies. I couldn't resist taking a few snapshots from my car.

There are actually two herds that are divided by a fence. The Assateague ponies are on the Maryland side, and the Chincoteague ponies are on the Virginia side. The latter gained some fame in 1991, when author Marguerite Henry published Misty of Chincoteague, which won the Newbery Honor.

The ponies are considered feral and are believed to have arrived on the island during the 17th century. There are signs everywhere cautioning visitors to not feed or get closer than 10ft of the animals. Unfortunately, not everyone listens or realizes that feeding the ponies draws them closer to cars...and danger. I witnessed people walking up and feeding them. Very frustrating. You can see from my pictures (taken with zoom of course) that the ponies end up way too close to danger. They even had car-pony accident pictures posted near the beach, but I guess people can be stubborn.

There was plenty of 'evidence' that they hang out here too.

Seeing these beautiful creatures was still therapeutic in and of itself. I had the music from the movie Spirit, sung by Bryan Adams, running through my head the whole time. There's just something about them.

Break time

2011-08-01T10:01:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone! I'm taking a break this week. It's that point in the summer when things pile up, including the back-to-school to-do list. I'll be back soon, and I promise to make it up to you. On August 22nd, I have an amazing interview scheduled with award winning author, Beth Andrews. Trust me...you won't want to miss what she has to dish!

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer. I'll try to pop in on your blogs this week, but forgive me if I'm scarce. Later! :)

Killer Water

2011-07-25T11:23:00.000-04:00

Do it right the first time around.

Don't panic. I'm not talking about manuscripts, where crappy first drafts are a given. I'm talking about building a house, where crappy materials and cutting corners to save on cost just does pay off in the end.

Let me preface this by saying that there are a gazillion excellent, trustworthy contractors and builders out there. I've actually worked with some who helped repair damages that resulted from low quality workmanship. You'll find plenty of examples of this on the HGTV show Holmes Inspection. Mike Holmes is incredible (no, he's not one I've worked with), and you can learn a lot about homes on that show. Unfortunately, I didn't get to pick the materials or contractors used by our semi-custom home builder. And as much as I kept an eye on the process, some problems take a few years to show up.

It took them two years to resolve issues with our front door leaking into the basement every time it rained. We'd guessed what the problem was right off the bat, but checking it out would have entailed removing the door. Instead, they did everything but that, including brick removal. In the end, we were right. They would have saved way more money doing it right the first time around, rather than skirting the issue with minor, superficial repairs that added up in cost.

Why is this on my mind today? Because I'm on day two of painting, re-grouting, caulking, and grout sealing the bathrooms (and laundry room) in our house. We have a big drywall hole in our bathroom that had to be cut out to check for pipe leaks. Turns out, the peeling paint, loose tiles, and rust coming through from the metal edge plates are from cheap paint that was put on without a decent coat of primer (if any at all). The dry wall tape is even starting to show through from lack of proper mudding. Mind you, I always turn on the vents and I'm paranoid about water damage...so I take precautions...but I never got around to painting the bathrooms. Who would have thought that would be a water damage downfall?

Anyway, I can cut a straight paint edge without tape. I've done a lot of painting before :) and the results are always super satisfying. However, as neat as the results are, I'm not. I'm sore as hell. I have paint in my hair, on my arms and legs, all over my clothes. I have a busted lip because the roller holder ricocheted into my face when I was pulling a used roller off. Yeah, that hurt. But I'm not complaining. At least I didn't have a pipe burst (that happened to my sister last year...all because of a cheap valve used on a toilet...it burst through the ceiling and flooded the main floor).

But it's getting done right this time. I wish it had been done right the first time around. I'd be writing this afternoon instead of painting. Water can wreak havoc on a house. The last thing a homeowner wants is a mold issue.

Have you dealt with water problems? Do you do your own house painting? Any experiences that resulted from things not getting done right the first time around?

Interview with Carina Press author Maria Zannini

2011-07-18T00:01:00.002-04:00

I have a summer treat that's out of this world! Maria Zannini is here to share her experience in writing sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, and paranormal romance. When it comes to setting, she really knows how to create unique 'other worlds'. Maria has gone from living in a city of high rise buildings, to living next door to a lion refuge. Needless to say, she knows how to put a twist in life...and in her stories ;).

On with the interview!

1. In contemporary romance it's said that fiction has to be more realistic than reality in order for readers to buy into it. I think that paranormal/sci fi/futuristic romance has its own 'realism' challenges in that everything in the story has to be 'real', genuine, consistent, and true to the world created. How do you approach your world building, and how do you keep the details of your different worlds straight?

Hoo-boy! You’re starting out with a couple of heavyweight questions.

World building: It doesn’t matter if the world in your story is a daycare facility or a space station. Once the author understands the workings of his universe inside and out, his job is to weave that knowledge within the story (without the dreaded info dumps). Making it feel genuine is a tightrope, utilizing a lot of skills at once, but the most important tool of all is to create a sense of familiarity.

I’ll use an example from my latest book, The Devil To Pay. This was especially tricky because it’s a novella. I had to create a preternatural world and invest the reader FAST. In a little more than a thousand words, I set up the unique relationship between a demon and the man she works for, the otherworldliness of their lifestyle, and magic. The scene takes place in the man’s study and he’s dictating a letter—a mundane task until you notice the details.

It’s the little things that infer a larger world. With dictation done, the demon tosses her steno pad into the air and it returns as an envelope. The envelope is sealed in wax, then promptly mailed by tossing it up again.

Her 21st century boss might seem perfectly normal except for the 19th century garb. The demon too appears human at first glance until you read about subtly pointed ears and her extraordinary preoccupation with sex. Even the butler, who makes a half-second appearance, suggests something more than meets the eye by virtue of how he reacts (and doesn’t react) to the events and people in the scene.

To imply an extraordinary world, focus on experiences relatable to the reader, and turn them into bridges. Not only will it create a foundation, but it makes it instantly familiar and accessible to the reader.

Keeping track of details: I create a stylesheet for every book series which is nothing more than a punch list of facts and figures. This keeps me straight on dates, characters, terms, and physical details. Don’t write your next book without one! They’re lifesavers.

2. I must say that the book covers for True Believers, Touch of Fire, Apocalypse Rising and The Devil to Pay are fantastic. They really capture the characters and tone of your stories. Many authors worry about how their covers will turn out. Were you able to use your experience as an advertising artist and an art director to influence your covers? Any tips on filling out art fact sheets so that covers end up picture perfect?

Nowadays, I just give the art department two or three important aspects in the story. Having been an art director for an advertising company, I have no doubt the publisher’s art department is on a rigid schedule. While they might appreciate everything you provided, they’ll probably only use a fraction of it in the actual design.

The only cover where I had any real input was my last one for The Devil To Pay, and that’s because I designed it myself.

3. Apocalypse Rising is a continuation of Touch of Fire. For those of you who haven't read Touch of Fire yet, I don't want to give spoilers, but suffice it to say that the twist at the end had me saying OMG out loud. It was brilliant and had me wanting more. You weave a mix of mythology, mysticism, and real world into these books in a way that creates a truly unique experience. I love it. In real life, do you believe there's some truth to things like astrology, life beyond earth, psychic abilities, ghosts, mysticism etc...and does that impact your writing?

What a great question! I can’t say I believe in astrology, but I do think there’s more to life than the tangible. I’ve seen more than my share of ghosts, so any and all ghost stories I tell are based on a smidgen of experience. I delight in mysticism and the esoteric. If it’s spooky and mysterious, I want to figure out all the whys and wherefores.

While I love the supernatural, there’s enough scientist in me to want to find the logical reasons behind the metaphysical.

4. You're published in both ebook and print format (through predominantly ebook publishers). Do you have a preference between ebooks and print? If you could time travel into the future, say thirty years from now, what do you think you'd find in terms of reading and the status of print books?

I’m sure there will always be print books, but thirty years from now, I predict the print books we’ll find in most homes will be books that have a personal connection to the owner, such as art books and tomes we want to show off.

Digital will be the standard and preferred way of reading because we are already a society of short-term consumers. Gone are the days of long exposition and pages of description. The faster our lifestyle, the less time we have to read. If society continues this trend, I suspect stories will grow more bite-sized. And we won’t be content with one book in our pocket. We’ll want hundreds. We’ve been weaned on vast selections. We’ll never go back to having less choice.

The e-reader has never made it easier for the reading connoisseur. We hear about a hot novel, and BOOM, it’s in our reader at the push of a button. Paper, for all its intimate comfort and traditionalism can’t compete with that.

5. Now, let's go back in time. We'd love to hear about your first Call story. Inspire us!

Ha! This is the story of a writer who got shoved into publishing face-first. A few years back, Samhain Publishing had a First Line contest. Over 300 people submitted the first line to their novels. Each week for five weeks, you got to add another sentence, but if the judges didn’t like it, you were dropped. Whoever lasted all five weeks would be allowed to sub her novel to a specific editor.

My friend, Maya Reynolds, talked me into entering. Only I didn’t have a novel. “Five lines”, she told me. “You just gotta write five lines.” So I did. And I won. Believe me, nobody was more surprised than me. Frantic to offer something, I sent the editor three chapters (all I had), thinking she’d decline to see the rest. Instead she asked for more. So off I went into my writing cave and finished the novel in four weeks with an additional week to polish it with the help of my very understanding critique partners. I sent it in and held my breath.

I didn’t have to wait long. Within a few days, I got an email from the editor saying Samhain would like to offer me a contract for Touch Of Fire. I remember just staring at the email, certain they’d made a mistake. Of all the offers I’ve had in my life, that had been the most unexpected.

6. In your opinion, what is more important to an author's success...the publisher they're working with, the editor, or both?

I suppose the smart money would say both because a good publisher can do a lot to get an author noticed, but for me, the editor is paramount. I would rather work with an excellent editor at a small press than a mediocre editor at a big house. A great editor can make a book sparkle.

7. Apart from not quitting, what's the one thing you did that you feel played a critical role in getting you published?

Keeping a finger on the pulse of writing communities. I’ve never been particularly vocal in forums, but I am a very good listener. After a while you start to pick up little tremors when the industry is starting to shift just by reading about other people’s experiences.

8. You have an amazing blog where you get to share a lot of wonderful pictures and updates on your Texas homestead heaven (and haven). You're surrounded by some pretty interesting critters. What's the strangest pet you've ever had (or plan to have)?

I’ve never had a yen for strange pets, but I’ve raised a wide assortment of critters. To date, we’ve had emu, rheas, pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, earthworms, fish, dogs and cats. We plan to get goats this year. And I’m surrounded by lots of wildlife. One of our neighbors even runs a lion sanctuary. I live in a very interesting place.

9. I love asking this because it gives us a sneak peak at the real you :). What's your quirkiest writing habit and favorite deadline crunch-time snack?

Oh, great. Now, you’re delving into the inner-Maria. I don’t think I have any quirky habits, but I do use a balance ball as a chair due to a back injury. That’s kind of quirky, right? LOL. As for snacks, I love lemon and orange jellybeans. Jellybeans not in favor tend to magically disappear. I blame the dogs—but it could be the husband. One never knows in my house.

10. Star Trek or Star Wars?

Star Trek, definitely. Captain Kirk was my babysitter.

Rula, thank you so much for interviewing me. You asked some terrific questions.

It was great having you here, Maria. Best wishes always.

Maria's latest book, The Devil To Pay, is is the first book of the series Second Chances.

BLURB for THE DEVIL TO PAY:

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions and bad tequila. Shannon McKee finds herself at the end of her rope, and she offers her soul to whoever can save her first.

Shannon’s plea is answered immediately by two men who couldn’t be more different from one another. Yet they share a bond and an affection for the stubborn Miss McKee that even they don’t understand.

When Heaven and Hell demand their payment, Shannon has no choice but to submit. No matter who gets her soul, she’s not getting out of this alive.

BUY THE DEVIL TO PAY HERE:

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BIO:

Maria Zannini used to save the world from bad advertising, but now she spends her time wrangling chickens, and fighting for a piece of the bed against dogs of epic proportions. Occasionally, she writes novels.

FIND MARIA HERE:

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Raising Writers

2011-07-11T09:46:00.000-04:00

A few days ago, I shared a park bench with a lovely grandmother of twins. As we hawked over the archery camp in progress (first timer here, and the idea of a bunch of kids with a bunch of bows and arrows had me a tad worried), our conversation turned to child education and keeping their minds working over the summer months. To my surprise, the grandmother told me she was in absolute love with her iPad.

I skirted the fact that I don't own a basic ereader...let alone an iPad. I know. I know. Pathetic.

She went on to mention that she convinced her grandkids to keep journals over the summer by showing them a journal app she'd discovered (I can't recall what tech gadget the kids were working with). Man! Am I THAT old? How many of you, as kids, wrote journals with pen and paper? Mine even had a cheap, little lock on it. Talk about a false sense of security, LOL. Nothing compared to the fear of internet info leaks though.

My older son overheard the conversation and, once we were in the car, proceeded to 'inform' me of how that grandmother was WAY cool and knew WAY more than I did about iPads, even though she was WAY older than me (his words). Yep. He wants an iPad.

He tried using age and humiliation to milk it.

But I'm a mother...heh...heh. A master in the art of milking it right back. Two words.

Eductational apps.

Plus, in my world, you want it? You earn the money for it.

So where does raising writers come in to all this? Well, apps that encourage kids to keep journals is one way. I'm no expert at apps, obviously, but I did come across a few interesting sites that review writing related apps for kids. Bestappsforkids is one site. The link takes you to a few writing apps, but if you explore the site, you'll find other educational apps, including some for math. There's one in particular called Shake-a-Phrase that is geared for ages 6 and up. Again, I haven't tried any of them, but they look like good options.

I also found a writing pad on itunes. This, I believe, is an actual lined pad on which kids can physically write.

For now, my kids have traditional workbooks (they do have a few educational CDs for the computer too). If they finish a workbook by the end of the summer, I pay them. Hey, it is called a 'work' book. If adults get paid to work, what's wrong with kids earning money by working hard? If they are willing to practice math, or keep a journal, or write reports on several summer reading books, why not reward them? What unpublished writer wouldn't love to get paid for their writing?

My kids also take music lessons. These early years are the critical time when everything a child is exposed to influences how the brain's wiring develops. I'm a strong believer that learning to read and play music strengthens a child's ability to learn, not only math, but language (reading and writing) skills.

We also take regular visits to a regular library (not an online bookstore). I want my kids to remember what it's like to smell, see, and touch hundreds of books. I know libraries won't disappear, but they'll change. My kids can't believe we had index card catalogues when I was a kid. The grandmother on the bench told me she had no doubt that pretty soon every child in a classroom would have an iPad (or similar gadget), and all textbooks, homework etc...would be done on it. That would certainly make for lighter backpacks!

This is such a complex topic and I've struggled not to go off on tangents, but the bottom line is that writing is a critical skill regardless of what profession you enter. With the technology and gaming boom coming at our kids from all directions, how do we make sure our kids don't go brain dead over the summer months? How do we ensure that the language centers in their brains get properly developed? There's no doubt that the wiring that occurs as a result of hands to paper writing vs keyboard writing differs. What do you think about all this. Do you involve your kids in summer activities that encourage their reading and writing skills?

RWA Nationals 2011 Pictures

2011-07-03T20:18:00.001-04:00

I'm back from RWA in New York with promised pics! It was my first time visiting NY, and I'm grateful that my dear friend, and personal tour guide, Kaily Hart took me everywhere from Times Square to the Empire State Building and in between. I never thought I'd describe NY as beautiful, but it truly is. I really loved the juxtapostion of old and new architecture. Yes. Gargoyles and glass are quite a pairing.

Fabulous workshops were offered, and the vast majority can be ordered through http://www.billspro.com/. If you need to join RWA, go to http://www.rwanational.org/. I can't even begin to go into which workshops wowed me and which made everyone laugh like nuts (while learning of course ;)). I'm way too exhausted and still trying to digest the entire experience.

And now for the pictures (ignore bad caption grammar...I went with order of appearance):

Readers for Life Literacy Autographing

Me and Jeannie Watt

Amy Knupp and me

Ellen Hartman and Helen Brenna

Come on. I couldn't let them pose without me!

On to other things...

RWA President Dorien Kelly at opening session

Opening session panelists Steve Berry, Diana Gabaldon, and Tess Gerritsen

Me and Kaily Hart

Kaily Hart and Robin Covington

Daytime view from my window. Did I mention the noise (all night)?

...and that the view changes?

What's more american?

Also outside my window...and I had to look twice to be sure he wasn't real.

A hero on his steed

More author pics coming up, but first for all you avid shoppers and architecture enthusiasts...

Looking down on Macy's...the red sign in the middle

Trump Tower

The Plaza Hotel

Looking down from the Empire State Building

Emcee Meg Cabot doing a spot-on impression of Tina Fey

And after the awards...

Me and Kaily Hart

After an emotional acceptance speech, Helen Brenna stands with her proud, 17 year old son and Rita herself. Helen's son attended his first RWA Nationals at the age of 2 months.

Jeannie Watt and her lovely daughter Jamie

Kay Stockham...I wish I got a photo of her standing because she looked absolutely stunning in that dress.

Kaily Hart and Amy Knupp. More gorgeous women and fashion. Next year, I'm not letting anyone sit down!

Ellen Hartman and Jeannie Watt...who can't stop laughing. Ellen has that effect.

Kay Stockham and me

That's all I have folks. I met so many people that I wish I got pictures of, but there was simply too much going on. I'm afraid if I start naming names, I might leave someone out. The meeting is still a bit of a blur and my body and brain have yet to recover. You all know who you are and it was a thrill to see you.

(I apologize for the crazy spacing. Blogger wasn't cooperating. I gave up on trying to fix or add captions. In fact, I'm posting a day early just in case...)

Happy Fourth of July!

RWA Nationals NY

2011-06-27T07:19:00.000-04:00

I'm off to RWA Nationals this week! I'm extremely excited about getting together with old friends and making new ones. RWA Nationals is an incredible place for romance writers to surround themselves with kindred 'writer' spirits, immerse themselves in outstanding workshops, and recharge their writing for the next year.

Can't make it? You don't have to miss out on everything! If you're a member of RWA, most of the workshops will be available for purchase on CD shortly after the meeting. Plus, as a member, you can print handouts off the RWA site and participate in online classes/forums all year.

Don't delay...join RWA!

I'm planning to post pictures when I return, so hopefully my camera won't fail me. Now to finish packing :)

See you soon!

Laugh break

2011-06-20T13:19:00.000-04:00

I can't believe RWA Nationals is only a week away! I have yet to pack, but I'm making a good dent in house cleaning. I know...why clean up if I'm leaving behind three boys, a husband, and a dog? Like I'll be coming home to a clean place. Right. Anyway, for all of you in need of a laugh break, I came across a few writing jokes. I have no idea who wrote them, but I found them at this site by Karyn Hollis at villanova edu. I hope they jump start your week with a smile :).

A writer died and was given the option of going to heaven or hell.

She decided to check out each place first. As the writer descended into the fiery pits, she saw row upon row of writers chained to their desks in a steaming sweatshop. As they worked, they were repeatedly whipped with thorny lashes.

"Oh my," said the writer. "Let me see heaven now."

A few moments later, as she ascended into heaven, she saw rows of writers, chained to their desks in a steaming sweatshop. As they worked, they, too, were whipped with thorny lashes.

"Wait a minute," said the writer. "This is just as bad as hell!"

"Oh no, it's not," replied an unseen voice. "Here, your work gets published."

A screenwriter comes home to a burned down house. His sobbing and slightly-singed wife is standing outside.

“What happened, honey?” the man asks.

“Oh, John, it was terrible,” she weeps. “I was cooking, the phone rang. It was your agent. Because I was on the phone, I didn’t notice the stove was on fire. It went up in second. Everything is gone. I nearly didn’t make it out of the house. Poor Fluffy is--”

“Wait, wait. Back up a minute,” The man says. “My agent called?”

Ode to the Spell Check

Eye halve a spelling chequer
It cam with my pea sea
It plainly marques four my revue
Miss steaks eye kin knot sea.
Eye strike a key and type a word
And weight four it two say
Weather eye am wrong oar write
It shows me strait a weigh.
As soon as a mist ache is maid
It nose bee fore two long
And eye can put the error rite
Its rare lea ever wrong.
Eye have run this poem threw it
I am shore your pleased two no
Its letter perfect awl the weigh
My chequer tolled me sew!

Winner!

2011-06-16T08:04:00.000-04:00

The winner of Ellen Hartman's giveaway is...

JACKIE S.

Congratulations, Jackie! Email Ellen your contact information at ellen (at) ellenhartman (dot) com. Enjoy!

Interview with Harlequin Superromance Author Ellen Hartman

2011-06-13T00:02:00.014-04:00

I promised you a super Monday, and it's here! Summer officially starts next week, so I'm throwing a beach party to welcome Harlequin Superromance author Ellen Hartman to our midst. As both a technical and romance writer with a degree in creative writing from Carnegie Mellon University, Ellen lives and breathes writing (and probably ponders the technicalities of romance in her spare time ;)). I know. She's thinking what spare time? Well, she has some now because I have her buried in sand up to her neck, and I'm not digging her out until she spills her romance writing secrets. Don't worry, she has a great sense of humor (much better than mine), and she's a sport (unless you're rooting for the wrong hockey team). Seriously though, Ellen knows first hand that a blind date can start with love-at-first-sight, and end with happily-ever-after, so if you have any questions about writing or romance... Oh, but I get to go first! Ellen's doing a giveaway, so make sure you join the fun .

1. No conflict. No story. In 2008, you gave an online workshop on conflict called Making a Minefield. For those of you who haven't read it, click on the link. It's an absolute must-read, and it contains really great examples. Any new gems or brainstorming techniques on how to keep conflict fresh?

I had such a good time on that workshop. One of the techniques I used successfully in both of my most recent books (Calling the Shots and Married by June) is to swap the gender of characters.

In Calling the Shots, my original plan was for the hero's son (a hockey star) to bully the heroine's daughter (a not-so-good hockey player). It seemed trite for the jock stud to be a bully, and it was hard to make the hero or his son likable. Then I swapped the bully's gender. In the final book, the hero's daughter (a star hockey player) bullies (sort of) the heroine's son (a not-so-good hockey player). This kept the conflict fresh--a girl bullying a boy is less common. It set up some delicious conflict for the heroine and her son. She wants to protect him and shelter him and he wants her to back off! I found it much easier to write the hero as a sympathetic character when he was struggling to understand his daughter (who was stressed out, but not malicious), than when he was defending a jerk of a son.

I had similar success when I changed the gender of a character in Married by June, but if I explain it will spoil part of the plot!

I think in general, a great way to increase conflict is to write solid characters. Conflict works best when it's specific and memorable. Any time you move your characters away from the norm or the trite and find the "real" you're going to have a better story.

2. In 2009, you and fellow Superromance author, Jeannie Watt, did an incredible eharlequin discussion called Shopping for the Alpha and Beta Hero. Gamma guys make an 'appearance' too, and authors from several different Harlequin lines chimed in. It's another must read, and I just have to ask...any chance you'll ever write (or co-author) a craft book on writing?

Thank you so much. I'm thrilled those workshops are useful! I love Jeannie's writing so I was pumped to get to work with her. I don't think a craft book is in my immediate future, but I love doing workshops.

If anyone is attending the RWA conference in NYC, my critique partner, Diana Holquist (she also writes as Sophie Gunn), and I are giving our workshop, "The Virgin Widow's Heart Stopped When She Saw the Workshop that Would Change Her Life Forever: Working with and against Cliches to Make Your Work Shine...And Sell!" (How about that title?) We do some overview and then jump right into examples from our work to show how we edit to get the absolute best stuff we can. We also do live critiquing with work from audience members. I'd love to see folks there. (It's Thursday afternoon from 2-3.)

I also offer a workshop on Beta heroes and one that's drawn from my day job as a technical writer on how to usability test your author web site or social media portfolio. I'm hoping to have the chance to do workshops more often.

3. Getting The Call is up there with marriage proposals as one of life's sweetest moments. We'd love hear about when your editor proposed to you...okay, okay...you know what I mean. Your latest release, Married By June, has marriage on my mind ;). Tell us your Call story!

When my son was in kindergarten he was obsessed with guns. He met a kid named Hunter and assumed the boy must have access to weaponry. (Duh, why else would someone be named Hunter?) My son demanded that I invite his new found best friend for a play date. It turned out that Hunter did not have guns, what he did have, is an amazing mother. Leslie Daniels was a literary agent and is my most precious friend here in Ithaca.

A few years later, I won the Great Expectations contest, sponsored by the North Texas RWA, and the prize was a partial read by Laura Shin, from Superromance. She requested my full manuscript. I sent it in and then there was quite a lag before I eventually got a 5-page revise and resubmit letter. So I took my book apart and put it back together and sent it off again. At that point, I was pretty sure I was going to get an offer. I knew NOTHING about publishing or I'd have known how often things get to that stage and still don't go to contract, but I was uneducated. I knew you didn't need an agent to sell to Harlequin, but I'm painfully shy and 100% incapable of negotiating around money so I really wanted an agent. Leslie kindly wrote letters of introduction to several famous literary agents and I sent them my book. They turned me down flat, every one. Leslie didn't represent any romance clients, but she took pity on me and said she'd be my agent. Thank goodness.

So I was all set with my agent and all I needed was the Call. I was at work in my cubicle in the Cornell vet school one day when Leslie called. She said, "Laura Shin left a message while I was out. She said she's going to call back this afternoon."

I said, "I hope she's not calling to reject it." (Honest to God, this is what's inside my brain!)

Leslie: "They don't call to reject things."

Me: "It could be a new policy."

At that point Leslie asked me to try not to let on that I'm crazy when I was talking to Laura. The actual call from Laura is a blur. I remember where I was...sitting on a bench in the atrium of the vet school building, but not what we said. I only remember that conversation with Leslie, because that's when it all started to seem real!

4. What's the one thing you did that you feel played a critical role in landing you a book contract?

Two things: I finished a book and I submitted it. I had this conversation with my critique partner, Diana, shortly after she got her first contract.

Me: "I'm never going to sell a book. I think I should quit."

Diana: "Have you submitted your book, yet?"

Me: "..."

You can't sell it if you don't finish it and send it in.

5. You have a degree in creative writing and create wonderful romances by night. However, you're a technical writer by day and a self-professed lover of logic. Are you more left-brained, right-brained or is it a tie? When you come home from work and get ready to write romance, is the transition in writing style easy or difficult? In what way does your love of logic and your technical writing mindset influence/affect how you tackle a character's emotional arc?

The writing style thing is easy. Practically the only thing I'm confident of in my writing is my voice so I can settle into fiction no problem.

The left brain/right brain thing is complicated. I'm a combination, but my right-brain tendencies scare me so I subdue them with left-brain stuff. For example, left-brain people like to make lists. I don't like lists, but not having one feels dangerous. So I make very high-level lists. Or I make them in the middle of the night when I'm nervous and then never look at them again. Left-brain people read magazines in sequential order while right-brain folks dip into the interesting stuff and skip around. When I read The New Yorker, I read the movie review (the last page) first. Then to punish myself for skipping to the good stuff, I force myself to read sequentially backward.

The logical issue is the hardest one. I am logical. I like logical, sensible people. But I'm writing books about people who make decisions that go against their best interests. The key thing for a romance conflict is that if one person gets their heart's desire, the other person loses theirs. This always bogs me down when I'm writing. I can't move forward unless I know why a character will chose a particular path. In Married by June, the heroine, Jorie, gets engaged even though she knows she's not in love. I didn't intend to show the engagement in the book, partly because I couldn't figure out what she was thinking when she made that decision. Then my editor and all of my critique partners asked to see the engagement. I wrote it mostly as a character exercise, but I loved the way it came out. It convinced me that Jorie's decision made sense, so that scene is now the prologue for the book.

6. You have quite a few 'famous' scenes to your name. One would be the 'sexiest, fully-clothed dance scene ever' in His Secret Past. Those may not be your editor's exact words, but they're close, and they had me running off to buy the book from your backlist. I had to see for myself...and she was right of course ;) Another would be the famous 'drunken breakdown scene' from Plan B: Boyfriend. That was so much fun. Which scene in Married By June do you think will get initiated to the Scene Hall of Fame?

This question made me blush. Thank you so much. One of the reasons I love being edited by Victoria is that she has a great eye. She encourages me to develop scenes when she knows they're working and I owe her big time for that.

The engagement scene prologue for Married by June doesn't rise quite to the level of the drunken breakdown scene, but I love it. It's a very romantic, tension-filled moment. The last scene of the book has some nice callbacks to the prologue and I'm happy with the way the two parts bookend the story. Those two scenes together are the ones I like best.

7. Prologues are tricky little buggers, but in Married By June you rocked it. As in 4 carat diamond solitaire rocked it :). Chapter one had me all wound up and dying to know what happened where the prologue left off. Oh yes, a page turner...you sly Ellen. When did you know your story would need a prologue? Was it part of your proposal, or did it come around in revisions?

This is a mind meld moment, for us, Rula, where I answer your questions before you ask them. ;-) I'm so glad the scene worked for you! Good thing Victoria made me add it in.

The proposal for that book looked nothing like the published version. In the original concept, Cooper was an insurance agent, not a political speech writer. He and Jorie were married (not engaged) and he asked for a divorce. They went away for a month to a cabin with his three teenage nephews. When it came time to write the book I'd just finished Calling the Shots and I was eager to write a book without teenagers. ;-) My critique group said insurance wasn't high stakes enough. Etc. Then the whole thing got revised again after I turned it in. You can read a deleted scene featuring Jorie's sister, Mindy, on my website. Mindy and her whole storyline got cut.

8. In Married By June, your heroine, Jorie, puts together a wedding proposal inspired by the fact that the bride and groom went to the movies on their first date. Which of the following wedding movies would be on Jorie's top three list of muse joggers?

The Wedding Planner (Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey)
Made of Honor (Patrick Dempsey and Michelle Monaghan)
Sweet Home Alabama (Josh Lucas and Reese Witherspoon)
My Best Friend's Wedding (Julia Roberts and Dermot Mulroney)
The Wedding Date (Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney)
The Wedding Singer (Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore)

Definitely The Wedding Singer. Who doesn't love Adam Sandler in that one? At a certain point in the book, I think Jorie would be quite fond of Wedding Crashers. But the one I watched several times (like 15 times) when I was writing the book is The Proposal. (And yes, I watched the whole thing, not just the scene where Ryan Reynolds is naked.) That movie had a hero in conflict over his romance and his familial obligations which had similarities to Cooper's story.

9. Movies make me think of snacking. Actually, waaay too many things make me think of snacking, LOL. Do you have a quirky writing ritual and a favorite deadline crunch-time snack?

Way too much Diet-Coke and big bags of M&M's. For some reason, the jittery feeling I get from that combo helps me tune out my family and life obligations and get into the story. I don't understand it and my waistline hates it, but that's my deadline diet.

10. Apart from not quitting, what's the one piece of advice you'd give writers striving to be Published By June? Well, fine. Too specific a time frame? Published Period works too ;).

I wouldn't be anywhere without my critique partners. Find someone who's a good reader, it doesn't matter if they write the same stuff you do, or even if they write at all. Share your work with them and listen to the feedback.

Excellent advice, Ellen. As always. I'm picturing a poster in your office that reads, 'I'll share my work, but don't touch my M&Ms!' LOL. Thanks so much for being here today! I'll start digging you out ;)

Ellen's giving away a free copy of her book! See details below. Do you know anyone getting married this month? I just had an idea. I'm thinking a copy of Married By June would make a cute bridal shower gift topper...or add it to a bridal gift basket ;). More daring? How about crashing a wedding and passing out...okay, okay. I'm getting carried away. Just kidding. Don't do anything illegal. Ellen had nothing to do with this, and I've honestly never crashed anything but my car. I'm setting aside the jumbo size diet coke and bag of M&Ms now...

BLURB: MARRIED BY JUNE

Wedding planner Jorie Burke—aka "the wedding whisperer"—knows all about staging the perfect event. So when it comes to her own wedding, she has every detail worked out: the perfect venue, the perfect flowers, even the most brilliant gift registry idea. Not to mention a perfect fiancé…the brilliant, gorgeous senator's son, Cooper Murphy. It's going to be the Washington wedding of the century.

All that's missing is the perfect love.

But halfway through their cake-tasting is a terrible time for Cooper to point that out to her! Can it get any more humiliating for a wedding planner than having her groom call it off? Well, yes, it can. Because it turns out her ex has yet another proposition….

BUY IT HERE:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
eharlequin

FIND ELLEN HERE:

www.ellenhartman.com
www.romancenovelsblog.blogspot.com
www.superauthors.com
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GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment or question and you'll be entered into a drawing for a free copy of Married By June or a book from Ellen's backlist (Note: Wanted Man is unavailable, and His Secret Past is available in e-format only). The winner will be posted here this Thursday, June 16th. Comment away!

Next week...

2011-06-06T20:59:00.000-04:00

I promise I'll be back to catch up on everyone's blog posts. I'm swamped this week. Apart from appointments and end-of-year school events, I'm preparing to send off a proposal.

Come back next Monday and I'll make it up to you with a can't-miss interview! Harlequin Superromance author Ellen Hartman will be here. She's funny and brilliant. Just check out her past writing articles on my left column and you'll see what I mean.

I hope to see you then!

2011-05-30T06:42:00.000-04:00

Happy Memorial Day!

I hope everyone has a beautiful day. I'm off to prepare food for guests, so I'll keep it short and sweet. I think that I may have mentioned this once before, but just in case...

If you're a serious writer, you really, really should get a subscription to Writer's Digest Magazine. Just my humble opinion, but they have great articles on writing, as well as one called 'Ask The Agent'. The edition that just arrived in the mail (July/August 2011) is titled 'Your Ultimate Revision Guide' and it has wonderful articles on different aspects of revision (character depth, voice, tone etc...). One article is by James Scott Bell, author of Plot and Structure (excellent craft book btw). It would be selfish of me not to point this edition of Writer's Digest out to all of you. Check it out.

Anyway, I hope you all have a great day and an awesome week as we skid into June!

First Blog Tag

2011-05-26T12:18:00.003-04:00

I've never been blog tagged before (blush). The lovely Carol Kilgore over at Under The Tiki Hut tagged me a few days ago. If you haven't been over there, check it out!

I'm embarrassed to say that, as simple as the tag questions are, I've been at a loss for words. Choices, choices. Aren't tough calls supposed to be for our heroes and heroines? Don't writers get some sort Free Pass on tough decisions? LOL. Well...I cheated.

Yep. And I never cheat. I'm a terrible liar too. But I did it. I shrank the questions by a few. In my twisted way of thinking, the bloggers I don't mention have more company for moral support ;). No, really. All my blogger friends are awesome, so I picked a mix of old and new. What? Not allowed to cheat? Hey, it's my first tag and a first time offense. Send out the tag police...just make sure they're hunky ;)

Here it goes:

Do you think you're hot? Ha! NO!!!!!!

Upload a picture or wallpaper you're using at the moment.

When was the last time you ate chicken? I made organic, tarragon roasted chickens with potato and carrots two nights ago.

What were you thinking as you were doing this? That I need to be polishing my manuscript.

Tag five blogger friends.

1. Nas Dean

2. Christy Olesen

3. Maria Zannini

4. Kaily Hart

5. Stina Lindenblatt

Who is listed as #1? Nas Dean over at www.nas-dean.blogspot.com. She does wonderful author interviews.

Say something about #5. Stina has a fantastic craft/writing blog called Seeing Creative. Check it out!

How did you get to know #2? I checked out Christy's blog after she started following me. I really liked it and followed her back :)

Do #3 and #4 have any similarities? Maria and Kaily write yummy, hot heroes ;)

Okay. You tagees are supposed to tag others, but no obligation. Did I just break a rule again by saying that? Really, I just hope all of you check out their blogs. Enjoy!

Monogamous Heroes: Prove it

2011-05-23T09:11:00.000-04:00

Prove what? We all know romance heroes are monogamous. They have to be. It comes with the job description. Right?

Well, recent news of Arnold Schwartzenegger's infidelity brought back memories of Hugh Grant, Ryan Phillipe, Tiger Woods and Jesse James' wandering wands (to name just a few). Depressing. And look at their wives! We're talking attractive, accomplished women...better looking than the guys, if you ask me. Now, I don't want to open a can of worms here. I don't want to get into the evolutionary psychology of men and how 'spreading their seed' is genetically ingrained in them. Give me a break. Are we forgetting the key word 'evolved' here? Are men really going to reach back to their neanderthal ancestors to grasp for excuses? I can argue right back that expenditure of energy plays a vital role in survival (evolutionarily and ecologically speaking)...and we don't spend energy in the same way these days. It's called technology. Oh, and there's that higher education thing too, but I digress. I'll get off my soapbox.

What I really want to talk about is how a writer can prove that their hero won't ever cheat on their heroine. Okay. Prove is a strong word, and it may be hard to wipe out all doubt, but how do we leave a reader believing that the hero won't sway years after they close the book? Specifically, what actions or words on the hero's part show that he's one of an elite group of one-woman men? Simply saying that he declared his undying love, or he proposed marriage, or he saved her life isn't enough. What are the little actions throughout the story that make the hero trustworthy? Is it that he is a loner, so he's unlikely to go 'looking' in the future? Is it that he visits his parents a lot and is very family oriented? Or maybe it's the way he's loyal to his dog. Does that translate to his woman? Perhaps it's in the dialogue that takes place when the heroine is off the page. It could be that one sentence in the book where he declines a female advance, or confides something to a guy friend. Or does profession have anything to do with it? We've all heard about how men with high power or fame seem to think they are entitled to more than one bed. Seriously here. It could be something as little as his evening routine or how he was raised.

What do you think? I'd love to open the floor up here. Can you think of specific examples (action or dialogue) in romances where you just knew that hero would be faithful long after the babies are born, the wife gains weight, money gets tight, and the teenagers bring on even more stress? BTW, this is why I love a series where I can get a glimpse of previous H/H and see how they're still strong.

And the winner is...

2011-05-19T06:33:00.000-04:00

KATHY ALTMAN

You just won a copy of Liz Talley's A Taste of Texas and a Starbucks giftcard! Email Liz with your contact information at:

liz (at) liztalleybooks (dot) com

Congrats and enjoy!

Interview With Harlequin Superromance Author Liz Talley

2011-05-16T00:01:00.002-04:00

Come on in! Grab your cup of java and come sit around the kitchen table with Harlequin Superromance author Liz Talley. There's plenty of room (it's a Texas size table ;)), and what better place to hang out and gossip about romance. In particular, the latest romance heating up in Oak Stand, Texas. Liz introduced us to the small town full of big hearts with her first Superromance, Vegas Two Step, back in 2010. I've been hooked by her voice, humor, and sexy take on Supers ever since. I'm not one bit surprised that she was a Golden Heart finalist in 2009. One taste of a Talley romance, and I know you'll be coming back for more!

I'll stop gabbing now (it's the caffeine rush) and get on with the questions. Be sure to ask some of your own. We've got time, plenty of coffee, and...heck...we're in a kitchen, so I'm sure we can dig up some snacks too ;).

1. Congratulations on the release of A Taste of Texas! The folks in Oak Stand, Texas sure know how to cook up some romance ;). Okay. Okay. I know it's a fictional town, and you're really the one behind the brewing. I'm just glad I get to savor the results. And I bet your latest hero is happy to taste test anything your heroine, professional chef Rayne Rose, cooks up. I don't care if it's the hero or the heroine, I'll order any story (movie or book) that involves a chef. What is it that makes chefs (of both sexes) so appealing in romances?

The heat? I’m not sure. I think preparing food can be a definite art so there is already an element of passion sitting there waiting to be unleashed. And then on the other hand, food is comfort and familiar to everyone. Women may not automatically relate to biochemistry or art history, but most relate to feeding their man. I think there is validity in thinking the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Wanna make a man happy? Chicken fry him a steak and serve it with gravy. Yeah. You’ll have him in your palm. And if that doesn’t work, you can try sex. LOL.

2. Well, I have to say that you take the cake on secret ingredients. In A Taste of Texas, Brent Hamilton, who played Oak Stand's ex-jock, cocky contractor in the first three books, turns out to be a closet author of none other than a sports series for young boys. You stirred a few more secrets into those first pages, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it yet. From page one, you introduced a side of him that took me by surprise and made me want more. I actually felt guilty for having had preconceived notions about him...for judging him too quickly in the previous books. What was it about Brent that had you wanting to dig in? What's your method...character interview questions, casual conversations in your head, or something else?

You know in the first book, Brent was a plot device…very much a stereotype. But I love to take a stereotype and show him to be something more. When I thought about successive books, I discarded him at first. He was slimy. Ugh. But then one day I wondered why. Why was he such a man whore? And then my imagination took off. Like the Regency rake so many want to tame, I wanted to bring him to Texas in 2010. Could he be reformed? And by who?

3. Bubba, Bubba, Bubba (said with a grin while shaking my head). For any of you new to Liz's books, you have got to meet Bubba. He's the character of characters, though 'cream of the crop' would not quite describe him. He's certainly not 'gourmet', nor is he 'spicy'. He (cough, cough) does appreciate food though. He's probably the best, warmest comfort food you can think of...with a heart that's a Texas sized gold nugget. For all his rough edges, I'd consider marrying the teddy bear, but I'm married. Will Bubba be getting his HEA? Single, small town women everywhere want to know :).

Well, I had to give Bubba a woman. Just had to. Everyone seems to love him and we women do like to make sure everyone is loved. I wanted to give him a sweetheart…but she ended up very atypical of what a good ol’ boy would like. She’s a tart-tongued, semi-Goth assistant to Rayne Rose. She even has a nose ring and wears ridiculous boots, scoffing left and right at everything small town. But if anyone can teach her the delights of cow tipping and bass fishing, it’s Bubba. BTW, in the last book (A Touch of Scarlet) you’ll find out his real name!

4. Do you have a secret recipe, ingredient, or technique for serving up a synopsis well-done? Forks and knives are pounding the tables! Anything? Microwaving? Tupperware? Doesn't tupperware fix all problems?

Ah, the synopsis. Bane of a writer’s existence. When I first started, I worked like the devil to interject my voice in my synopsis while giving the editor or agent what she needed – a story with tight plot and engrossing characters. I think it’s important to be consistent with your voice in a synopsis. If you write dark and suspenseful, allow that to carry over. If your voice is light and chicklit, make sure you bleed some color into the overall story. Otherwise, it won’t be YOU. Only other hint - map it out and make sure you have GMC for each character…gotta show growth.

5. Call stories to aspiring authors are like fresh ingredients to gourmet chefs...they're inspiring and you always want more. We're ordering up your Call story!

Every writer loves a call story, doesn’t he/she? I certainly do. Let’s see. It was a Friday, and I had been out running errands with my hubbie. We got in and unloaded groceries. I popped some leftover veggie pizza in the microwave because I was starving, and checked the messages. When I saw Harlequin Enterprises on the caller id, my heart dropped into my toes. I tried to dial voice messaging, but mistakenly called the number. The receptionist answered and I said, “Oh, God. I didn’t mean to do that. Um. Wrong number. Sorry” and then I hung up so embarrassed. I finally listened to the message. Wanda Ottewell wanted me to call her back! Gulp. I ran to my office ignoring my husband who kept calling out, “What are you doing?” Wanda answered, we did some idle chitchat, then she said, “Amy (which is my real name) can I call you right back? I’m in the middle of something.” To which I stammered. “Okay.” So an hour later, after I’d been to the bathroom four times and taken a Xanax, she called back. She told me she wanted to contract the book, all the terms, delivery dates, etc. I dutifully wrote them down. Finally she said, “You have been so calm.” To which I said, “Thanks. I took a xanax.” LOL.

6. What's the one thing you did (other than not quitting) that you feel played a critical role in landing you your first book contract? Any words of wisdom for aspiring authors?

I behaved like I was a successful author. I made writing a priority, setting aside time as if it were a job. I also entered contests and went to conferences. I never passed up an opportunity to pitch to an editor or agent, I got a critique partner, and I printed up business cards. And most importantly, I imagined myself being successful. I found a fortune in a fortune cookie that read: If you can form it in your mind, you can create it in your life. I made that my motto for writing. So, overall, I think attitude matters.

7. After A Touch of Scarlet (October 2011), you're taking us out of Oak Stand, Texas and down to Southern Louisiana in a new series called The Boys of Bayou Bridge, due out Fall 2012. Can you throw us some bait? 'Cause I can't wait!

Well, of course. This series follows the three Dufrene brothers – Nate, Abram and Darby- as they embark upon the pursuit of romance. Of course, they don’t know they are pursing romance. LOL. Nate is a detective who must track down a threat against a Hollywood director’s son with the help of a certain pragmatic (and sexy) undercover nanny, Annie Perez. LSU football tight ends coach Abram has to pursue an elusive blue chipper recruit, but has to penetrate the defense of Lou Boyd to get to him. Lou drives a front end loader, but has a set of legs on her that has Abram pursuing the wrong Boyd. And then Navy lawyer Darby discovers he’s been hitched to his childhood sweetheart since they were teens. The wild Renny isn’t an ideal attorney’s wife for a high profile Seattle firm, but when Darby goes back to Bayou Bridge to dissolve the marriage and meet his long lost twin sister, he discovers just how perfect the wildlife and fisheries agent fits him. The whole series has a separate story entwined throughout all three books – the homecoming of Della Dufrene, the sister who everyone thought murdered.

8. It's all about internal conflict and being forced to make a choice ;). Your turn to choose. Hot, savory, sexy southern Louisiana main course...or one of their sweet, seductive, french caressed desserts?

Both. I want it all! Can’t you tell?

9. Now Louisiana is known for its unique culture and flavors. I never tried gator while I lived there, but I do remember how, during crawfish season, every gas station had a stand where you could buy boiled crawfish while filling your tank. Do you have any unique/quirky writing habits and/or a favorite deadline snack?

Not really. I like it quiet or if there is noise around me, I prefer the Starbucks variety. Coffee inspires me. I drink about a pot of coffee every day. I like it with sweet-n-low and cream, preferably hazelnut liquid creamer. I could probably lose weight if I’d give up the cream.

Oh, and the whole idea of Louisiana cooking being awesome is so very true. If you want a good vacation…a romantic getaway…go to New Orleans. Get a room in a nice hotel in the French Quarter. Try to go around this time of year. The weather is tolerable and it’s pretty. Then call me and I’ll recommend some restaurants. If you go to New Orleans and eat at a chain restaurant, you should be smited down. Seriously. Too many good places to choose from. It truly is my idea of a good vacation. Good food, good drinks (yeah, we drink a lot) and a fluffy bed in a city full of ambiance and character,

Thanks for having me here, Rula. Always fun to visit a friend and make new friends. That’s what I love best about the romance community. We learn so much from each other and it helps us be better writers.

Thanks for being here, Liz! It was great fun.

Blurb for A Taste of Texas:

Returning to Oak Stand, Texas, doesn't mean things haven't panned out for Rayne Rose. In fact, she's a celebrity chef so successful she desperately needs her equilibrium! Fixing up her aunt's B and B is the perfect step back. But how's Rayne supposed to get perspective with Brent Hamilton—the best friend who broke her heart—next door?

Beauty in motion. That was Brent then—and now. The boy Rayne adored has become a good-time guy…and all wrong for this widowed single mom. Still, she can't resist the different version of Brent she glimpses beneath the surface. And that taste tempts her to dig a little deeper. Because maybe what they once had could still be.

Buy it here:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
eHarlequin

Find Liz here:
http://www.liztalleybooks.com/
http://www.rubyslipperedsisterhood.com/
http://www.everybodyneedsalittleromance.com/

GIVEAWAY: Liz is giving away a copy of A Taste of Texas AND a Starbucks gift card to one lucky winner! Just leave a comment and you'll be entered in the drawing. The winner will be posted here this Thursday, May 19th.

And the winners are...

2011-05-05T07:45:00.001-04:00

Micole Black

and

Stina Lindenblatt

Congratulations! Each of you has won a backcopy (your choice) of one of Debra Salonen's Spotlight on Sentinel Pass (Harlequin Superromance) stories. Please contact Debra at:

debra(at)debrasalonen(dot)com

Enjoy! And Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Interview with Harlequin Superromance Author Debra Salonen

2011-05-02T00:01:00.004-04:00

I'm so happy to have award winning author Debra Salonen here today. Debra published her first book with Harlequin in 2000 and has since welcomed loyal fans into her fictional, South Dakota community of Sentinel Pass. Sadly, the series is coming to a close, but life in Sentinel Pass will go on. It's never too late to visit her wonderful characters there :). Debra is undoubtedly conjuring up more amazing stories for her readers...speaking of which, she just self-published a short story called A Hundred Years or More. It's truly a must-read, heart tugging story about a wise and loving parrot, and the life of a girl through his eyes (see link below).

Debra is giving away one book from her 'Spotlight on Sentinel Pass' backlist to each of two lucky winners! Leave a comment or question and you'll be entered in the drawing. Details below.

On to the interview!

1. First of all, congratulations on winning the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Superromance of 2010! Until He Met Rachel is one of my favorite books from your Sentinel Pass series, and it definitely deserved the win. Tomorrow is the official release day for A Father's Quest, the final book in your SP series. The end of a series is always sad (even torturous) for readers...especially self-proclaimed series addicts. Who decides when a series should come to a close? Is it the author, editor, publisher or their marketing staff? Does the author have a say in it?

Thank you for mentioning my RT award. It came as such a surprise because the circumstances surrounding the writing of that book were so extreme (losing my sister to cancer). This honor celebrates the power of romance books to help readers ESCAPE. Because that’s exactly what I did while I was writing it.

As to the length of a series, I can only speak for myself. I started the “Spotlight on Sentinel Pass” series with a 5-book contract. As I neared the end of those books, I realized I still had some characters that needed/deserved a second look. Rufus, for one. (Although I have to admit, he started out as a pretty vague and slightly off-putting character--a hairy hermit. ;-0) But his mystery is what drew me to him. I loved discovering the layers beneath his hirsute exterior. Anyway, I could identify a couple of heroes--Rufus and Cade--that I wanted to write about, and I really loved William, the agent, from my earlier books and was captivated by his British accent. Cade’s heroine, Jessie, happened to be a twin so, of course, I had to write Remy’s story, too. But Remy and Jessie took us back to their roots and that’s where I decided to leave the series.

I hope those die-hard connected book readers will enjoy the final “round-up” of the main characters in Remy’s book. It was bittersweet for me to write.

2. Last month's release, Return To Black Hills, addresses the difficult choices women make between career and family. Obviously, there are many, individual reasons why certain choices are made. As a writer, do you take extra care (or research) in making sure both sides of any issue are addressed, so that all readers can relate? As you are writing, are you conscious of how your stories (conflicts, resolutions, and all) will empower readers in their personal lives?

That’s a really good question, Rula. And, after giving it some serious thought, I think the answer to both questions is “No. Not really.”

I do research, yes, but mostly to make sure I don’t write something that could never, would never, happen in real life. To understand Jessie’s job, I watched tons of videos, read a bunch of blogs and websites and first-person memoirs. But, mostly, I was concerned about why she chose this job and why it was so important to her. Readers will either get it or not, based on their own experiences.

First and foremost, I’m telling the story of my characters’ lives. Issues come up as I learn more about them. Jessie’s career was the most important thing in her life for a reason. I hope my readers found it believable--even if they would hopefully never have to experience that sort of childhood trauma (a fire that she blamed herself for). Any resolution has to address the underlying reason for a character’s motivation and that can be tricky, but the main thing I try to keep in mind is that any “fix” has to come from within, not from without. The hero might be the person who opens the heroine’s eyes to her own self-worth, but she has to “get it” on her own. And who can’t relate to that, right? Don’t we all have friends who are wonderful but only see their faults, not their gifts?

3. You have a degree in geography and history. Did you ever consider writing historicals? If you were to write in a genre other than contemporary romance, what would it be?

My very first attempt to write a novel was a historical. I was working with a writing instructor and a critique group at the time and I vividly remember reading my opening three pages--which, horror-of-blushing-horror--involved a very vivid love scene. I’d like to find that book--probably stored for posterity on those big floppy disks--and see if it’s as bad as I remember.

I love history. I love the old west. If I were to write outside my genre, I’d go there, first. But one of my favorite subjects to read is time travel, so I might find a way to work that in.

4. Flashback time! Everyone wants to know how your first 'Call' went down, especially now that you're a successful, award winning author. Please share!

You’d like this better if you could hear me. Why? Because the editor who called me is South African, and she spoke with the most beautiful, shades of British accent. So, use your imagination, okay?

Phone rings. I am sitting on the floor in our guest bedroom to take advantage of the lovely, warm sunshine. I had pad and pen in hand--yes, I still worked with paper at that time. I was working on my second book because I’d pretty much given up on ever hearing back from Harlequin. (Mine was one of those submissions that got lost in the slush heap, only to be found, read, and have revisions requested after some 14 months into the process.) I had the answering machine set up because I was screening calls--my big concession to my creative process. No more answering the phone in the hope that it was an editor--only to have my hope squashed by a telemarketer.

I cock my head to listen to the voice two rooms away.

“Hello, this is Zilla Soriano with Harlequin Books in Toronto. I’m trying to reach Debra Sa...” Here’s the kicker. She actually pronounced my name right. OMG! I loved her on the spot.

I jumped to my feet. Ran the distance on legs made of rubber bands. Grabbed the phone off the hook, nearly pulling it from the wall plug. And shouted -- I’m sure of it--"Hello? Yes? I’m here."

My voice was thready and pitchy and probably squeaked.

She very calmly replied, “Hello. I’m so glad you’re there. I’m calling because we’d very much like to publish your lovely book.”

I still tear up when I repeat this, but my accent is very good because I’ve repeated it so often over the years. ;-)

5. You practice yoga regularly. From a philosophical/mind-body perspective, how has it impacted your writing life? From a physical perspective, is there one, simple stretch that you feel all writers reading this would benefit from? Maybe for our hands/arms...or BICHOK butts?

What’s the O.K. part of that mean? (Sorry. Took me years to figure out ROFLMAO.)

Yoga is without a doubt the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. Sitting for long periods of time without movement is hard on the body. Yoga keeps me limber and I do think it contributes to an overall fluidity of thought, as well. When you are doing yoga, it’s important to push away outside thought. Not easy for a writer on deadline, but over the years I’ve gotten better. That break is like opening a door in your mind and letting a fresh breeze blow through. I highly recommend it.

One pose that does not take any effort or training is called: legs up the wall. Seriously. I use it after a long day in the chair when I need to restore a small bit of energy and let go of all my unresolved dilemmas in my story.

Step one: choose a wall free of pictures or posters or anything framed that might crash down on you. Take off your shoes.

Step two: sit on the floor with one hip touching the wall and your legs stretched flat to the side.

Step three: pivot to your back, drawing your legs up the wall. Scoot your butt closer until it’s touching the wall and your heels are overhead, pressed firmly against the wall.

Step four: close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Slow, deep and steady, exhaling completely.

That’s it. It’s deceptively powerful. Blood returns to the brain. Your lungs work to move the blood to your feet. Relief, release, relaxation rushes over you. (Too much alliteration?)

Consider this my gift to you. ;-)

6. Your son is a yoga guru. Do you think people consider you to be a relationship guru because you're a romance writer? Do folks come to you now more than ever for love advice? (I'm not published, and it's already happening. Just saying...)

Oh, man, you had to ask this one, didn’t you? Can I post a photo here? It says it all. Let’s try. It’s a family shot from a couple of years ago.

See the shadow figure? The ghostly presence? The body so far out of the picture it’s almost like he doesn’t exist? That’s because my beautiful, talented, amazing daughter (standing beside the shadow figure who shall remain nameless) has a mother who writes romance novels and in every single book the HEA is guaranteed and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to work in real life, right? In 300 pages or less.

Poor baby. Her hero search goes on.

7. Okay. Embarrassing moments. We can all relate to them, so I think it's genius when a writer gets cruel and makes their hero or heroine suffer an embarrassing moment. You have the moment of all moments, involving a box of sex toys, in Until He Met Rachel. Hilarious! And I love how you incorporate humor in a book that deals with a serious issue. What's the most embarrassing moment you've experienced? If you'd rather, you can pick you favorite from a book.

I had sooo much fun writing that scene. The dogs were key. I’m so glad you liked it. The best part of that scene for me was the heroine’s reaction to it. I think it said a lot about her as a person. I’m proud of that scene.

Now, as for personal embarrassing moments...you know, I don’t get out much. Nothing pops to mind. That’s sort of embarrassing in and of itself. I’ll give it more thought and get back to you. Sigh. Boring life...mutter, mutter...

8. I know it's kind of like searching for a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, but over the years, have you discovered any helpful secrets to synopsis writing?

No magic words or special key. I will share what Harlequin asks for on its Art Sheets. This helped me simplify my much too long synopsis into a shorter, more succinct document. Whether or not it’s right...well, who really knows?

1) What is this book about (beyond plot description)? How would you describe it to your friends? What is the takeaway?

2) For the key relationship in this book, what is the turning point or climax? Please describe.

3) What are the overriding themes that run throughout – the bigger message?

4) What is the significance/inspiration for your title? Is it metaphorical or literal?

5) What interesting visual elements (either object or place) have great significance in this book?

9. I was reading through your list of very interesting careers and stopped dead at flaxseed counter. (Those of you who haven't seen a flaxseed...they're very tiny and a bit slippery.) I couldn't help but wonder if you ever 'manually' counted the word count in one of your manuscripts, just for old times sake LOL. Seriously though, talk about a lesson in patience. If there's one lesson, or piece of advice, you could give aspiring authors (other than not quitting), what would it be?

Love what you’re doing. If you don’t love it, your reader won’t either.

I did not love flaxseed counting. Believe it or not, though, I can look back at that summer with a great deal of fondness because I was working side-by-side with my sister, who is now deceased. We laughed a lot and complained a lot, but we still did the work and did it well and got paid.

Maybe my lesson that summer was to be present, fulfill my contracted obligations and try to have as much as possible at the same time.

10. Let's wrap it up with a bit of fun. What's your quirkiest writing habit and favorite deadline crunch-time snack?

It’s not quirky, but it really is good for the brain: almonds and dates and/or raisins. Chocolate fits in nicely, as well, but I don’t always have that around. (Back to the butt in chair thing...expanding to meet the size of said chair.)

LOL, Deb. I think that's something we can all relate to. Thanks so much for being here!

Blurb for A Father's Quest:

Jonas Galloway wouldn't show up on Remy Bouchard's doorstep without an excellent reason. Not after a secret destroyed what was so good between them. In this case, though, locating his daughter trumps unfinished business. He hopes he can persuade Remy to see it the same way.

Working with his high school sweetheart makes Jonas want to pick up where they left off. Especially because Remy is more tempting than ever. But he is a father and his little girl has to be his priority. Then an exposed lie hands him and Remy a possible future. And he can't leave Louisiana without finding out if second chances are all they're cracked up to be….

Find Debra here:
Website: www.debrasalonen.com
Blog: www.debrasalonen.com/wwwbookclub/
www.twitter.com/#!/debsalonen
www.facebook.com/people/Debra-Salonen/1638232430
www.eharlequin.com/author.html?authorid=485

Buy A Father's Quest here: (Releases tomorrow, May 3rd)
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
eharlequin

Buy Debra's short story A Hundred Years Or More here:
Amazon

Blurb:
Captured in the wild, caged and sold to an unsuspecting family, a young parrot adjusts to his new world, his new life, with the help of a young girl. Delia names her companion in the sick room: Captain Jack. She spins him stories of great adventures on the high seas. She gives him the gift of language.

Theirs is a love story, not a romance. A unique perspective on life--and an extraordinary friendship--as observed through the keen eye of a narrator, who has heard it said time and time again, "Parrots live a hundred years or more."

GIVEAWAY: Debra is giving away one book from her 'Spotlight on Sentinel Pass' backlist to each of two lucky winners! Leave a comment or question and you'll be entered in the drawing.Winners will be announced here this Thursday, May 5th. Winners residing outside the U.S. will receive their chosen Sentinel Pass book in ebook format, while U.S. residents may choose between ebook and paperback. NOTE: You don't need to own an ebook reader! I don't (yet), but I've downloaded Amazon's free app which allows me to read Kindle books on my laptop. I also downloaded (for free) Adobe's Digital Reader, which brings ebooks to my computer. You're only a click and a win away from enjoying one of Debra's books :).

Horoscopes, Heroes, and Heroines

2011-04-25T10:05:00.000-04:00

You have to admit that, whether you truly believe in them or not, horoscopes are fun to read. If anything, they can energize you, give a spark of hope, or encourage positive thinking. Hey, we could all use some good planetary alignment once in a while. But I think there may be something to it. Mind you, I have a science background. I'm a dreamer, yes. It comes with being a pisces. However, I have a pretty close split between left and right brained dominance, so I tend to question things from a realistic/scientific standpoint.

Having doubts about planetary influence? How about the moon? I've personally witnessed animals (particularly birds) go berserk on a full moon...every full moon...like clockwork. Plus, there's this book I bought years ago on a whim. It's called The Secret Language Of Birthdays by Gary Goldschneider and Joost Elffers. FREAKISH! You have to check it out (the link takes you to amazon). It goes beyond horoscopes to give you a personality analysis based on your exact day of birth. There may be one or two things that don't fit you, but I'll bet 99% of it does. It even worked on my family members (we had a few laughs reading it). So where do heroines and heroes come in? Well, for every birthday, it lists three main strengths and three main weaknesses. Every character needs strengths and weaknesses...along with other personality traits. There's no end to the ideas and strength/weakness pair ups you can get out of this book.

For example (opening book up randomly), if you're born on August 3rd, you're courageous, idealistic, and determined...but you're also reckless, self-destructive, and egotistical. For January 2nd, it's responsible, profound, and dedicated vs workaholic, self-inhibiting, and overdemanding. It goes on for every day of the year. Pair those key words up with the analysis it gives you, and there's no end to brainstorming characters.

Now if you want to read a horoscope and/or personality profile specific to your place and time of birth, check out www.astro.com. Go to free daily horoscopes where you can put in several birthdays for free (no registering...I think). Here you can get charts that tell you your ascendant, exact positions of the planets at your time of birth, profiles, relationship stuff etc... It's pretty cool, but don't get so caught up in it that you zap your writing time, LOL.

Other fun and accurate horoscope sites include www.cafeastrology.com, www.jessicaadams.com, and www.astrologyzone.com/forecasts/. These will give you monthly forecasts as well.

Need a different, fun way to brainstorm or dig deeper into your characters? Look to the planets.

What do you think about all this? Are you a horoscope reader? Have you ever read your birthday profile? Do you know your ascendant...or what one is? Do you know your hero or heroine's zodiac sign?

Mining for books and coffee

2011-04-18T12:54:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone! It's spring break for my kiddies, so this post is quick and sweet by necessity.

Many of you met my friend and Harlequin Superromance author, Jeannie Watt, when she stopped by for an interview. She never ceases to amaze me. Today, she's talking about the strangest place she's ever read a book. It includes talk about unusual jobs and related experiences. Even the comments include great inspiration for twists on the standard heroine careers. I commented on my experience with flying eyeballs. Yep. Not kidding. Head on over to the superauthors blog to read more.

http://www.superauthors.com/2011/04/doing-it-deep-by-jeannie-watt.html

AND she's giving away a Starbucks gift card and one free ebook download of any Harlequin Superromance book (winner's choice)!

I'll be back next week! Have a great spring and Easter!

Tree Addict

2011-04-11T13:35:00.000-04:00

I'm a little late posting today because my fingers, wrists, and arms are aching like crazy. Before you think that I was being a good little writer all weekend...and I broke some word count barrier...I must confess. Words aren't to blame, although everything constitutes working on our writing. Right? Even gardening can be considered a source of inspiration, time to think of story twists, or untwist a story problem, or just time to address a writer's health by getting their butt moving ;).

Peach tree in bloom

I gardened with my husband all weekend. We (husband is shaking his head and pointing his finger at me) bought more trees. I have a serious thing for trees. They're gorgeous, calming, and good for everyone and everything. I love looking through tree guides, and I've used them plenty in plotting out my landscape. I plant for spring flowers, fall color, winter interest (ie. cool branching and bark), strategic shading etc... It really is a science and an art (and I'm no expert by any means). Hey, some girls like diamonds or shopping for shoes. I like trees (any plant, actually) and shopping at garden centers.

Yoshino Cherry tree in bloom. These don't fruit, but they're amongst those famous cherry trees in DC.

Young Yoshino Cherry tree

My hubby has a hard time appreciating that fact while he's digging tree holes. I do my share of digging and transplanting sod, but he works hard babying 'my' trees. We deal with a lot of rocky soil (enough that we invested in a pick axe). Enough said.

Plum tree in bloom. This one gives us a great plum harvest every year.

The pictures shown are of trees we planted about five years ago. I have a lot of fruit trees (apricot, apple, plum, peach, persimmon, fig, sour cherry, and a hairless kiwi vine), as well as ornamental trees (japanese maples, Yoshino cherries, tulip tree, weeping willow, sugar maple, blue spruce, and many more). This year we're adding chinese chestnuts (I love chestnuts), another cherry, and I'm planning to get mulberry and paw-paw trees. I told you. I'm an addict. The good news is that I'm limited by planting space...I'm just not there yet ;).

Purple plum tree in bloom (non-fruiting)

Any fellow tree/shrub/flower lovers out there? Are you more likely to plant it yourself, or pay someone to do the gardening for you?

Winner of Amy Knupp's Giveaway!

2011-04-07T06:38:00.000-04:00

And the winner is...

Carol Kilgore!

Carol, you get to pick one of Amy's first three Texas Firefighters books. Email Amy with your choice and contact info at alknupp (at) gmail (dot) com.

Congrats and enjoy!

Interview with Harlequin Superromance Author Amy Knupp

2011-04-04T00:01:00.014-04:00

Harlequin Superromance author Amy Knupp is here to kick off April with book 4 in her Texas Firefighters series!!! The triple exclamation marks say it all. Burning Ambition hits shelves everywhere tomorrow (April 5th). Each book in the series stands alone, but trust me, you'll want to get your hands on all of them. Um...the books...not the firefighter heroes. Okay, them too ;). Seriously, Amy does an unbelievable job with characterization and conflict. She really digs deep into the hearts of her heroes and heroines. If you haven't read her first three Texas Firefighter books yet, just leave a comment or question below. Amy is giving away a copy of one of the first three books in the series to one lucky winner!

Oh, and I've included the covers of those first three books for your viewing pleasure ;). On to the interview!

1. I know many writers who have taken tortuous paths to reach their romance writing careers. You have experience in journalism, advertising, french and, of course, motherhood (hence child development, psychology, teaching etc...;)). Was there always a romance writer lurking in you, and was it difficult to embrace your new identity? What reactions did you encounter when you first revealed your writing plans to family and friends?

I did always hope to write romance "someday." It wasn't until I had babies and became a stay-at-home mother of 2 under 2 that I actually started toward that goal though. It took me close to a year to "come out of the closet" to non-writing friends, but when I did, I didn't receive any negative reactions. Some people were excited by the prospect, and others just kind of nodded and made a noncommittal comment (while I silently dared them to make a derogatory comment. LOL!) I've been lucky to have very supportive friends and family.

2. Call stories are inspiring and never grow old. With Burning Ambition, the fourth book in your Texas Firefighter series, hitting the shelves tomorrow, let's think back to when you had a 'burning ambition' to get published. We'd love to hear about your first Call!

Book 1: Texas Firefighters

I'll try to make a long story short. Or shorter, anyway. I'd sent in my second manuscript to Superromance and gotten a request for a full. Soon after, I received a personalized rejection that mentioned the biggest problem was my lack of a sustainable romantic conflict. Something the editor said in that letter resonated with me and I instantly saw a way to fix the conflict problem. I rewrote the story, sent it in and soon received...another rejection letter! This one was from a different editor, and it, too, was very encouraging. The editor told me the story still wasn't quite right but if I wanted to revise it again, they would reconsider it. (She was careful to say they could make no promises.) The letter was four pages long with very specific feedback and I jumped on the opportunity.

A couple of months after sending it in, I had just gotten back from my boys' tennis lessons. It was July in Kansas and I was sweating up a storm. I checked messages on our home phone and found one from Victoria Curran, editor of Superromance. All she said was to call her back.

Instead of calling her back right away (because calling an editor is SCARY) I called my critique partner. She told me to get off the phone and call Victoria. I agreed, hung up, and...called my husband. I refused to let him celebrate because I knew it could be just a phone call to discuss more changes or why it wasn't quite right. (I'd heard of someone else getting a call like that.) He told me to hang up and find out.

I called Victoria back...and she was at lunch. (Imagine!) I literally paced around my house, cordless phone in my hand, for the next forty-five minutes, waiting for Victoria to return my call. She did, and offered me a contract for the book...with the understanding that more revisions would be necessary. Trust me, that didn't faze me one bit at that point. Unexpected Complication was released the following April, in 2006. :)

3. You do such a fantastic job with digging deep into your characters. Do you have a 'secret' technique? Are you a character spreadsheet babe, or more of a picnic interview with Post-its kind of gal?

Ummm, yes! All of the above. I start by figuring out a character's GMC. Eventually I do a character chart. Usually when I'm stuck I end up doing a mock "interview" with the character. I have Post-its with thoughts and notes jotted everywhere. I wish there was a tried and true secret but I just have to get to the point where I inherently know how a character would react to a situation. There's just no shortcut, unfortunately.

4. Burning Ambition stars a female firefighter. I love seeing heroines succeed in male dominated fields. It takes a lot of confidence and drive to do so. Your firefighter series also does a phenomenal job of depicting the daily life of firefighters, drills, emergencies and all. How do you approach the research for these books (online, interviews...)?

Research to the kind of extent necessary to do these stories justice scared the ___ out of me, honestly. But I went ahead and proposed the books anyway, promising myself I'd figure out the details I needed lately. The first three books sold. A couple weeks later, I was at my kickboxing class and one of the men in it was wearing a fire department T-shirt. I nervously asked him if he was a firefighter. He's a retired firefighter who has answered endless questions from me and really helped make it possible for me to get details right. In addition, I've read a handful of non-fiction books about and by firefighters. These fascinate me so it's not been a hardship at all. Some of the situations in my stories have come loosely from real scenarios I've read about. Others, my awesome retired firefighter has helped me develop. I was so lucky to have such a willing, knowledgeable expert appear just when I needed him. :)

Book 2: Texas Firefighters

5. Congratulations on your recent 4 book deal with Harlequin! Any hints? Are we in for more of your hot, Texas firemen, or do you have something else in store for your readers?

Thank you! I'm really excited to write more books for Superromance! The first of the four is NOT a Texas Firefighters book. It's a stand-alone book, not related to others I've written, featuring an Army helicopter pilot and a super-genius, somewhat geeky female computer programmer. It'll be released this December.

The other three...I'm happy to say are more of the men from the San Amaro Island Fire Department. (One is an EMT.) So there will be more in the series...unfortunately they probably won't be out until 2013 sometime. (There's a pesky little detail of me needing to write the books!) :)

6. How do you work the demands of 4 book deadlines into your already busy routine? Are you sacrificing social networking, sleep...sanity, LOL? Seriously though, any advice on time management?

Me? Advice on time management? (That's my husband laughing hysterically in the background.) I'm always working on this challenge. My main time commitment is to my older son, who I homeschool. I spend from 8:30am-3pm by his side every day, so I really have to schedule in writing time. Though I've always been vehemently anti-mornings, I've found that getting up and working at 5am is the only way I have any creativity to write. I'm sluggish at that hour, but lots more productive than I am after a day of working with my son (though don't get me wrong...I love my "teaching" gig!) My advice to writers with crazy schedules (seriously, who of us doesn't have way too much on our plates?) is to schedule a regular time every day to write. EVERY DAY. It's hard. There are days when the last thing you want to do is open a file and be creative. But if this job was easy, everyone would be doing it. It doesn't matter if you have a half hour to devote to writing each day or a six-hour block...just commit to it and treat it like a job, whether you're getting a paycheck yet or not.

I don't do a huge amount of social networking, but I make an appearance on FaceBook daily. It's not a chore to me, though, because I enjoy it. I do sometimes sacrifice sleep, and the sanity, well...that's been gone for years!

7. With so many proposals and books under your belt, can you share your approach to synopsis writing? Was there a resource or method you encountered in the past that made synopsis writing 'click' for you?

This time the hysterical laughing is me. ;) I detest synopsis writing and I've never found any kind of secret to doing it successfully. My editor, bless her, has told me in the past, "we're buying this book on the strength of the chapters," or conversely, they bought it in spite of the less-than-stellar synopsis. So really, I would say do the best you can with it but editors know synopsis writing goes against everything we do to write a novel. I know I've gotten better over the years, but I don't know if I'll ever be good at crafting a catchy synopsis!

8. Apart from not quitting, what's the one thing you did as a writer that you feel played a critical role in helping you achieve your goal of publication?

Learning to strip down a story, tear out the heart of it, and rewrite it differently. Being able to do deep revisions is almost a necessity with Harlequin. Band-aiding a story isn't enough. As was proven by my many rounds of revisions just to make the first sale, flexibility is key. How did I learn to revise? I guess by doing it. Even before I sold, I rewrote plenty. So I'd say once you finish a book, set it aside for a while if you need to, start something new, but go back to it with the attitude you're going to hack it up and make it even better. It paid off for me.

9. And now for a little fun...what's your quirkiest writing habit and favorite deadline crunch-time snack?

Quirkiest? Hmmmm. My entire writing process is quirky! :) I do light a candle every time I sit down to write. It's my way of telling myself it's writing time. As for favorite snack...I don't let myself snack very much, deadline or not. If I did, though, and didn't obsess about calories or food sensitivities (of which I have many), I'd say Dairy Queen Blizzards would rule my world.

10. You're a very funny person (I dare say hilarious, as evidenced by your blog posts), amazing mom, and wonderful writer. Sorry, no denying it! If you had to do ONE of the following what would it be? Stand-up comedy, karaoke, kidlit story-time at the library, or a day-trip on a Harley with a six-pack of Mountain Dew on board?

Aw, thank you! I appreciate the big compliment. Most days I worry I come across as half-insane! ;)

My choice of those options would be, hands-down, the Harley and the Mt. Dew (as long as it could be diet!) I don't like being in the spotlight so stand-up and karaoke are out for sure. I adore my own children but would be climbing the walls within thirty seconds of being in charge of a herd of other people's children. While I'm not a big fan of motorcycles, I'm willing to try it just to get the Mt. Dew! ;)

Thanks so much for inviting me to your blog, Rula. Your questions were fun and original!

Thanks for being here, Amy! You've given us great advice and great reads :)

Book 3: Texas Firefighters

GIVEAWAY: Amy is giving away one of the first three Texas Firefighters books to one lucky winner! Winner's choice...and you can't go wrong! Just leave a comment to enter. The winner will be announced this Thursday, April 7th.

BLURB: Burning Ambition

Captain Joe Mendoza has wanted to be fire chief since he was four years old. And now he's one step away from making assistant chief. But that's proving to be some big step now that the chief's daughter has joined his crew. He's promised he'll keepher safe—and promised himself to keep things strictly business.

Faith Peligni has battled her way back from an on-the-job injury in San Antonio, and she's stronger than ever. Even if as the first female firefighter on the San Amaro Island crew—and the chief's daughter—she's expecting some heat. But with the impossibly distracting Joe Mendoza as her captain, who knew it could get this hot?

BURNING AMBITION HITS BOOKSHELVES TOMORROW, APRIL 5TH! READ AN EXCERPT HERE.

BUY IT HERE:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
eharlequin

FIND AMY HERE:
www.amyknupp.com
www.amyknupp.com/blog/
www.facebook.com/amyknupp

Operation Auction

2011-03-28T10:04:00.000-04:00

Earlier this month, Fatin Soufan, a dedicated supporter of the romance genre, lost her husband in an act of senseless violence. You can read more about the tragedy that left Fatin and her four children in mourning here. I don't personally know Fatin, and many of you may not, but I'm truly saddened by her loss.

In a show of love, friendship and support, the writing community has put together Operation Auction to raise money for Fatin and her children. The auction is now live, and everything from books, certificates, critiques by your favorite authors/agents, and much, much more is up for bid. Please stop by and check it out. It's a great cause.

I hope to see you back here next Monday for my interview with Harequin Superromance author, Amy Knupp! She'll be giving away a hot firefighter...well, okay...not an actual firefighter, but really close ;)

Interview with Ellora's Cave author Kaily Hart

2011-03-21T00:01:00.039-04:00

Spring is officially here, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than to have my friend, Kaily Hart, back to visit! For those of you who missed her first interview here, Kaily and I met at our very first RWA meeting in DC a couple of years ago. Last June, she published her first novella with Ellora's cave, and earlier this month she celebrated her third novella release, Play Me. On top of all that, this busy mom and IT professional is also writing fulls targeting Harlequin Blaze. You can't miss what she has to say on embracing both traditional and epublishing.

Rula, thanks so much for having me here today! I love your interviews. I know you’re always going to ask really well thought out and interesting questions.

Thanks, Kaily. It's great to have you back again with insight and advice on writing in an ebook world. Let's get started!

1. Writing comes first, but writing is also a business. How do juggle the demands of social networking along with release publicity and life in general, and still preserve your writing time?

Badly? LOL. Seriously, this is probably my biggest challenge. For me, the business side comes naturally. Business is my background, I’m very organized and it feels familiar to me. You set goals, layout a schedule and work at it bit by bit until it’s done. I have to be conscious not to let that side of things get too much priority just because it is so comfortable. I’m still learning what makes Kaily most creative and productive and when. The simple answer is I set limits. I’ve began limiting certain times in the morning for admin/online stuff. The call of the internet is strong, though. I might have to take my laptop out into the backyard periodically where my wireless can’t reach! Don’t laugh. I’ve seriously considered that. I’m also pretty addicted to Facebook LOL!

For the release of PLAY ME, I scaled back on the blogging actually from the prior 2 releases. I’ve got some paid ads going and I’ve booked a few things, but nothing like I’ve done before. I found it really sucked the creative life out of me and I couldn’t write for the longest time after. Now, I’m not willing to have that time be non-writing time! Life in general? It’s chaotic. It’s always chaotic, but that’s not going to change so I try to be as organized as I can and fit in what I need to do whenever I can. Of course, that means I’m often on the computer late at night! But hey, I love that!

2. You've written both novellas and full length manuscripts. Pacing differs greatly depending on the targeted story length. Do you approach story planning differently depending on the length?

I have a hybrid style of panster and plotter. I find with the novellas, I’m a bit more of a panster. Sometimes, I’ll start with an idea of the characters & situation and just jump right in. The way I write though means that what I’m really doing on that first ‘rough and dirty’ draft is my version of outlining. And it’s ugly. Some of it’s “written”, but some of it’s just raw dialogue, random thoughts and sometimes it’s just bullet points of what’s going to happen. If anyone saw what my WIP looks like during this time, they’d think I was a crazy person. With a novella, you have to start running from page one, be careful to limit secondary characters and make every word count!

3. With three novellas under your belt, what have you learned about the editorial/revision process? Do you now have your editor's voice in your head while writing that first draft?

That I’m getting better at it? LOL. I hope. With each book, I get a handle on something and then another ‘flaw’ will pop up. With PLAY ME, I was fortunate that I didn’t have revisions, as such. It was things like the use of italics and the correct way to punctuate them. This is very important for a book that will become an ebook because it can screw with the formatting. Of course, there’s editor review and line editor reviews to ensure nothing is mixed, but quality ultimately reflects on the author so I like to ensure I understand all of that. I also mixed up further & farther and used the word ‘big’ way too much. Imagine, using the word ‘big’ too much in erotic romance J? I gave my editor some amusement over that. They’re really very minor items that are easily fixed, but I do feel with each book I get more competent and the stories seem to be more solid. Grammar aint my strength J! When I’m writing, I do recall things from prior edit cycles. Grace (Bradley) would be pleased that she’s training me so well!

4. Any embarrassing moments as you got in the swing of working with an editor?

Well, sometimes you have to talk through the mechanics of the sex/love scenes. I remember with PICTURE THIS, Grace came back with a comment that she didn’t think my final love scene and the position was technically ‘possible’. Of course, I needed to improve my description and how I had depicted it, but it can get a little embarrassing trying to tell an editor that yes, it is possible and you know it is for a fact because, well…you just know J. Now, I don’t think I bat an eyelid over stuff like that.

5. Comparing epublishing to traditional publishing is almost like comparing a novella to a full length manuscript...the pacing of epublishing is very fast! Any time-management/deadline juggling advice to authors hoping to pursue epublishing while working on a full length submission to a traditional publisher?

Epublishing can move fast, especially when you’re an in house author. It can depend on what’s on your editor’s desk at that time and what her/his other authors are doing. My editor is incredibly responsive. I usually get something back from her on the same day, even if it’s just a ‘I got it and will get back to you xxx’. I think with epublishing timeframes are probably a lot more predictable as well. I know roughly how long it will take for the submission, edits, and from there—publication. With ‘traditional NY’ publishing it’s a bit more nebulous, but certainly much longer. I think it’s totally doable to be targeting ‘NY’ and have a healthy epublishing career. It’s just about how you plan your time. Throw self-publishing into the mix and there’s more options for authors today than ever before!

6. Although you currently write sizzling hot contemporaries, you also have your eye on paranormal romance. What do you think fans of paranormal romance find so compelling about the genre? What do you like best about it?

I do have my eye on it, but it won’t be vampires or shifters! I think readers immerse themselves in romance for the fantasy and escapism in a framework of ‘what if’. Paranormal romance is kind of the ultimate version of that. It lets you take that fantasy aspect and escapism to the next level. I’ve always been interested in the paranormal, even from a very young age and I read a lot in the genre. For me it would seem to be the perfect blend of contemporary (because I think my voice is really suited to that) and an interest I have in exploring the incredible.

7. Other than not quitting, what advice do you have for writers pursuing publication?

Educate yourself. There’s a wealth of information out on the internet on publishers, agents and the industry in general. Only with knowledge can you decide what you want to get out of your writing and position yourself properly. There is a great deal of things you can’t control in the submission process, but you can drive it so that you’re targeting the right publishers and lines and determining the best way to get your work in front of the right editor all with your longer term objectives in the forefront of your mind. Whew!

8. Looking back, is there anything you wish you'd known sooner?

A lot! Everything! But it’s kind of like when you’re pregnant for the first time and everyone says ‘get as much sleep as you can before the baby’s born’. Intellectually you know that’s the right thing to do, but do you really do it? No, right? You always hear when you submit that the best thing to do is continue writing. Forget about your submission and just focus on writing the next story. I did continue to write through my submission cycles, but I wish I’d taken that gem to heart and really written a whole heck of a lot more. Writing really is the best way to become a better writer.

9. Now for some fun...do you have a quirky writing habit? Come on. We won't laugh too hard ;)

Mmmm. I think my entire creative process is a bit quirky. I don’t write my books in order. I just can’t. For someone who’s very analytical and organized this perplexes me, but I can’t write linearly. My mind just doesn’t create a story that way. I “see” and “hear” in scenes and I write what I see and hear at that time. It does make it challenging to knit it all together at some point but somehow it all works.

10. You've got a deadline looming and it's time to crack down. What comfort snack is a must to have on hand?

Gosh, that’s probably the hardest question. I don’t really ‘snack’ as such. I know, you hate me, right? I would never go eat candy or get a cookie or anything like that. The thing I probably reach for when I really need to get serious with the writing is a Diet Coke. I just stopped to take a sip as I’m writing this J. I recently weaned myself off caffeine completely, but it snuck back in. Somehow. I’m hooked again. It seems to be a writer staple, whatever form it comes in—coffee, soda, chocolate! Pick your poison, ah…comfort snack.

Comfort snacks and comfort reads! Thanks for ringing in Spring with us, Kaily!

BLURB: Play Me

Lily Hamilton had her quiet, predictable life all mapped out, including a hot-shot attorney for a fiancé. That is until she catches him screwing around and takes off in his prized Mercedes, for once not giving a damn where she’s headed. How clichéd is that?

Gabriel Jackson is raw and disillusioned. Driving a tow truck is a far cry from the dangerous career he turned his back on, but when he finds the classy blonde in a dangerous part of LA, he’s immediately back in the role of protector.

Lily is hot and sweet and so out of his league it’s not funny, yet Gabe can’t deny the sizzling heat between them. He thinks he wants hard, fast and rough—until he gets his hands on her. He knows he should stay the hell away, but Lily makes him feel, really feel, for the first time in two years. Is she just slumming or can she see beyond the harsh, broken façade to the man beneath? A man who dreams of making her his?

Note: The following links are for adults only.

GIVEAWAY: Kaily is hosting a giveaway at her blog. The prizes are calendars featuring romance cover model, Jimmy Thomas! A couple are even signed by him. The contest runs through March 24th, midnight (eastern time) and winners will be announced at her blog on March 25th. Just leave a comment and mention that you'd like to be entered in the drawing. Check out contest details and ways to increase your chances of winning here.

FIND KAILY HERE:
www.kailyhart.blogspot.com
kaily@kailyhart.com
www.facebook.com/kaily.hart
http://twitter.com/kailyhart

BUY PLAY ME HERE:
www.jasminejade.com/p-9173-play-me.aspx

Winner of Kimberly Van Meter's Giveaway!

2011-03-17T06:00:00.007-04:00

And the winner of a book from Kimberly's backlist and mouthwatering chocolate is...

Amanda Gardner!

Congratulations, Amanda! Just email Kimberly at:

author (at) kimberlyvanmeter (dot) com. You can also contact her through her website. Enjoy!

Interview with Harlequin Superromance and Romantic Suspense author Kimberly Van Meter

2011-03-14T00:00:00.009-04:00

Please help me give a warm welcome to award winning Harlequin Superromance and Harlequin Romantic Suspense author Kimberly Van Meter. Kimberly published her first novel with Harlequin in 2006 and has been raking in the accolades ever since, including her recent 2010 Cataromance Reviewers Choice Award for Trusting The Body Guard. She's also springing into March with an RT Book Reviews Top Pick for the first of her new Mama Jo's Boys Superromance series, The Past Between Us. Pick up any of her books and I promise you'll be hooked.

Kimberly is giving away a book from her backlist and mouth-watering chocolate to one lucky winner! All you have to do is leave a comment. She has super insight and advice on writing, so read on. I won't hold you in suspense any longer ;).

1. As a journalist, you've covered everything from education and health to crime. What real-life story have you encountered during your journalism career that is too unbelievable to make it as a Superromance?

Well, I'm not sure if they're unbelievable in so much as they are simply inappropriate for the Superomance line. I work the crime and fire beat now and there's nothing heroic about the men and women who beat their children, wives, husbands, do drugs and thump on the grandmothers who are supporting them. I see the seedier side of the community and sometimes the stories are horrific, particularly when they involve children. It's truly sad. That's why I enjoy writing fiction, too. I get to make sure that the bad men and women get their due, because in real life as we all know, sometimes they get away with their criminal behavior.

2. I think different writing fields (technical, research, journalism, fiction etc...) are kind of like different languages. They're all language, but just because you speak/write one doesn't mean you've mastered them all. You're exceptionally talented at both journalism and romantic fiction. Was there a writing style or habit you formed as a journalist that you had to break in order to 'break' into fiction? What journalism experience helped?

Actually, yes. In journalism, unless you're using a narrative style (which is only appropriate for certain stories and sparingly) you're "telling" readers the information but as it's been told before, in good fiction, you're "showing" more than you're "telling." My journalism background comes in most handy for deadlines. I've worked in news for the past 14 years, for a daily as well as a weekly, and deadlines are just part of the job. So when I get back-to-back deadlines on my books, I don't blink an eye. I also don't sweat revisions because I've had someone looking over, critiquing and even changing my work for a long time. I think without this training ground, I might've balked at the idea of someone monkeying around with my work.

3. You wrote your first book at age 16! Definitely a turning point in your writing career. I'd love know if it was a teen romance :). I'd also love to hear about your 'Call' story.

Ah yes. My first book. I was so certain it was a masterpiece. I knew I was in trouble when my dad nearly laughed himself into a cardiac event as he started to read because, you see, it wasn't a comedy — it was a thriller! It went into the trash as soon as I could wrench it from my dad's hands. (Unbeknownst to me, he rescued it from the garbage and has since assured me that it is in his safe keeping. I asked for it back but he said he's waiting for the right moment to put it on ebay.) My call story is rather lengthy but here goes.

It was early in the morning in March 2006 and I was just heading to a staff meeting. I was holding my 6-month-old daughter (my office is pretty kid-friendly on certain days) when my cell phone rang. I didn't recognize the number so I was about to let it go to voice mail but at the last minute decided to answer. It was Johanna Raisanen from Harlequin Superromance and she wanted to buy my book! I screamed, almost dropped my daughter (thank goodness, a coworker swooped in to save the day) and started crying. It was the most amazing moment. The rest is a bit of a blur as I was too dazed to actually remember what words were being said. Thankfully, Johanna agreed to call back later in the day when my feet were back on the ground. It was really surreal, actually. I couldn't believe that I had sold my book. It was such an unreal feeling, one I’d dreamt about forever but I’d gotten to the point where I wasn't sure I was ever going to sell. In fact, two nights before I got the call, I had written in my journal that I was absolutely positive that another rejection was coming my way. Thankfully, I was wrong. My first book, The Truth About Family, was published in December 2006 and it changed my life. Now, I’m writing for both Superromance and Silhouette Romantic Suspense. To date, I've written 15 books, with my 11th book hitting the shelves this month (March).

4. The first of your Mama Jo's Boys series, The Past Between Us, hit the shelves this month. Can you tell us a bit about Mama Jo and what sparked the series?

I envisioned three foster brothers, broken by childhood tragedies yet loved by one woman who heals their hearts so they can be become these awesome men. Mama Jo materialized and I never once questioned her. It just felt right. And honestly, she's been the most engaging secondary character I've written, aside from Mary Halvorsen from my Emmett's Mill series. I'm going to miss writing her!

5. You're a magnet for outstanding Romantic Times and Cataromance reviews (amongst others). I've read both your Harlequins as well as some of your newspaper articles, and I must say that they're always emotionally gripping. As a pantser, how do you approach digging deep into the heart of the character? Is it fleshed out in your first draft or do you go back and layer it in?

I write very organically. I plow through the story, immersing myself in the skin of my characters until the voices in my head are distinctly their own and not mine. I let the characters drive the story and I go to a place in my mind that's almost scary because I lose my surroundings and let the words flow through my fingertips. A confession? I don't rewrite until revisions. What I put on the page and subsequently, goes to my editor, is my first draft. I clean up as I go but I don't rewrite because I feel the characters put those words there, not me. I hesitate to admit that because I'm the first to tell people not to worry about their first draft because invariably, they will refine as they rewrite but honestly, that doesn't seem to be my process. Maybe that's the journalism training kicking in. Most times, I don't have time for rewrites, so it has to be spot-on with the first draft. I dunno...it's just how I roll. ;-)

6. In writing for two different lines, how do you ensure that contract deadlines don't overlap? Does that job fall to the writer, publisher, or agent (if there is one)?

Oh, make no mistake: deadlines do overlap and sometimes collide. I try my best to keep some semblance of order but you can't help bumping into the deadlines when you write as much as I do. My agent cringes when she sees my deadlines but she's learned to trust me. I won't lie, sometimes, the stress is, well, stressful, (LOL!) but I'm not complaining. I love my work.

7. Apart from not quitting, what's the one piece of advice you'd give aspiring writers striving toward publication?

Don't take shortcuts. The road is hard and long for a reason. Pressure — whether internal or external — creates magic. If you're ready to give up, push forward. It's the same concept for athletes as it is for aspiring writers. Pushing yourself creates a better YOU.

8. And now for some fun...what's your quirkiest writing habit and favorite deadline crunch-time snack?

Hmmm...well, I crunch pencils. I like the sound they make when my teeth sink into the wood (which is why no one lets me borrow their pencils!). But I don't really have any quirky habits (that I know of!) except extreme procrastination. I tend to push myself in ways that are probably unhealthy. LOL! As far as snacks? I don't snack when I'm writing. I'm too busy typing to eat. Although I do keep an iced tea by my side for the caffeine.

9. You're given the chance to write your future. Would it include leather or denim? Minivan or Harley? A single title romantic suspense on the NY times bestseller list (written by you of course ;)) or a screenplay (by you) that hits broadway...and you get to be the lead actress?

If I were to write my future, it would include simple things such as happiness and health. Everything else is a bonus. However, to truly answer your question, I see myself as winning a RITA (or two), landing on the NY Times best seller list, quitting my day job to write full time, and writing a screenplay my husband could direct.

Sounds wonderful :) Thanks so much for being here today, Kim! I loved interviewing you!

GIVEAWAY: Kimberly is giving away chocolate and a book from her backlist! A perfect, curl-up-on-the-sofa combo. Just leave a comment or question and you'll be included in the drawing. The winner will be announced this Thursday, which happens to be St. Patrick's Day :). May the luck be with you!

Blurb: The Past Between Us

FBI Agent Thomas Bristol has wanted Cassi Nolan since he was a kid. Now Cassi is wanted by the law and he's tracking the little thief down. The former prom queen was always wild, even when she was befriending poor foster child Tommy. But he never thought she could turn this bad: swindling destitute old ladies out of thousands, jilting men after stealing their cash.

Cassi has changed—no doubt about it. So he can't let those guileless blue eyes trick him into letting her go. Even if she does profess her innocence...and her story is starting to make sense. He made vows to follow the law to the letter. And he won't let a word like love get in the way.

Click here to read an excerpt and find out more about the next two books in the Mama Jo's Boys series, A Chance In The Night (April) and Secrets In A Small Town (May).

Click on the following links to buy The Past Between Us:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Harlequin

Find Kimberly Van Meter at:
www.kimberlyvanmeter.com
www.kimberlyvanmeter.com/blog/

Gluten Free/Dairy Free Pound Cake

2011-03-03T18:15:00.001-05:00

It has been awhile since I've posted a gluten free recipe. This one isn't calorie free, but it's delicious substitute for regular pound cake or yellow sheet cakes. I'd say it's my family's favorite. I adapted it from a recipe I kept from a 1997 issue of American Baby. It went through an overhaul to accommodate our gluten, dairy, and citrus free diet. The results passed the kid test :). Enjoy!

Rula's GF/DF Pound Cake

Ingredients:

6 large eggs, separated - put yolks in a larger bowl

1 1/2 c + 2 TBS sugar

3/4 c Earth Balance Buttery Spread melted and cooled (I use soy free. If you don't have a problem with dairy, feel free to use real butter. If it's unsalted, add a dash of salt to the recipe. Earth balance already has salt in it.)

1/4 c Bob's Red Mill ground almonds

1/2 tsp almond extract

2 c Bob's Red Mill white rice flour

1/2 c Bob's Red Mill tapioca starch/flour

2 tsp baking powder (gluten free brand)

1 c Almond milk (shake well)

Directions:

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees

-Whisk egg yolks, add sugar and whisk again

-Add melted/cooled 'butter', ground almonds, and almond extract and mix

-Add mixture of white rice flour, tapioca starch, and baking powder

-Add almond milk. Batter will will thin quickly.

-In separate bowl, use an electric beater to make egg whites fluffy, but not stiff

-Fold in egg whites (you can use whisk, but not electric beater on this step)

-Pour batter into a well greased bundt pan (note batter will be thin)

-Bake 1 hour (until knife comes out clean)

Note: You can also use loaf pans or a 9 x13 baking dish to make a sheet cake. Baking time may vary. For sheet cake frosting, I melt GF/DF chocolate chips (by Enjoy Life) and spread on top. The bundt cake I made in the photo above has powdered sugar sifted on top.

I hope you like it!

I won't be posting a new blog next week. I really need the week to crank down on my writing. But be sure to pop in on Monday the 14th for an interview and giveaway with Harlequin Superromance author Kimberly Van Meter. See you then!

Revision Reads

2011-02-28T10:04:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it's the last day of February? Time flies when you're writing!

I'm up for a hectic week so I'm leaving you with a short but valuable post. I recently came across a couple of must-read links for anyone polishing a manuscript or dealing with revisions. Actually, they're great reads at any stage of writing.

Check out Kristen Lamb's blog post on novel diagnostics: The Doctor Is In The House.
Also visit Harlequin author Wendy Marcus's post on revisions at Romance University.

And for anyone interested in strengthening their plotting and character development skills, pick up a copy of Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell. I just finished reading it a few days ago and it's fantastic. In fact, I'm adding it to my list of favorite craft books. Not only does he write with a sense of humor, his style is also very straightforward and he makes concepts click. You close the book feeling ready to apply what he has explained. I rank it up there with Debra Dixon's GMC as a writing staple.

Happy writing!

Testing your character's brain dominance

2011-02-21T10:37:00.003-05:00

When I interviewed author Jeannie Watt earlier this month, she talked about being both left and right brain dominant. That made me realize that I've never taken a brain dominance test. It also made me wonder about character brain dominance. No. Seriously.

When we're brainstorming or plotting a new story, we're supposed to dig deep and really explore our characters. Even if the gory details don't show up in the manuscript, knowing your character's favorite hobby, color, type of food, type of travel, perhaps even their astrological sign, can help you make them more real. It can guide you in making sure any decisions they make would hold true to their personality.

So what about brain dominance? Well, if you've ever read through a brain dominance test, it's full of questions that could spark your character brainstorming session. Even if you don't care about the final result, answering those questions from your character's perspective could be an interesting excercise. And besides, it's kind of fun and you (or your character) have nothing to lose.

A good one is The Right Brain vs Left Brain Creativity Test. Not only does it give you a percentage left vs right result, it also breaks the results down into different strengths/weaknesses such as being logical, fantasy-oriented, intuitive and many more. My results on this test? 51% left brained and 49% right brained. Pretty close to evenly split.

Another test (but much shorter one) is the Hemispheric Dominance Inventory Test. On that one I ended up evenly split with a 9 left and 9 right score. I also ended up categorized as 'middle brained' on a test geared for teens. Okay. I'm a bit older than a teen, but I had fun thinking back to how I would have answered a very...very long time ago ;). And some of us have teen characters. Right?

And BTW, if you come across the Spinning Dancer test for brain dominance, know that it's just an optical illusion...not a true dominance test.

So have fun. Explore your characters in a new way. Discover your own brain dominance while you're at it. Care to share?

Not so romantic first meets

2011-02-14T08:35:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

As you know from my post a couple of weeks ago, I believe that Valentine's Day (like many other holidays) has become quite commercialized. In lieu of cliche gifts, I suggested using the day to start a romantic tradition/habit like reading a romance novel with your significant other.

Thinking about spending time together also got me thinking about how I first met my husband. It was anything but cliche...or romantic. I had gone to tour a biology lab where I was signed up to do undergraduate research. The professor I needed to speak with was on the phone. He told my friend and me to go on into the lab and his grad student would get us started. Well, his grad student (over 6 ft tall with dark hair and an intense look on his handsome face) was busy with a fish. He looked up, distracted, and asked if I'd hold the fish for him. Of course I said yes. Little did I know that gar (a pre-historic, bony, air-breathing fish) are extremely slimy. Imagine the goo coming off my hands when I let go. It was lovely.

He did speak briefly to my friend and me afterwards...before one of his 'groupie' lab students came to say hi to him. Did I mention that I wore an oversized t-shirt, had braces on my teeth, a pimple breakout on my chin, unplucked eyebrows (had never plucked them before), and I was extremely shy?

Somehow, we still ended up married. Funny how things work.

So do you have any fun stories about how you met your match? If not, do you have a favorite hero/heroine first meeting from a movie or romance novel?

Winners of Jeannie Watt's Giveaway!

2011-02-10T07:49:00.000-05:00

The winners of Maddie Inherits A Cowboy are...

Jennifer Shirk
J.L.Campbell
Kathy

Congratulations! I've read the book so I know you'll absolutely love the story. Email Jeannie with your information at jeanniewrites (at) gmail (dot) com. If you have any trouble getting through or have any questions, just drop me a comment here.

Remember, U.S. residents have a choice of paperback or Kindle download, and residents outside the U.S. get a Kindle download. Just let Jeannie know :).

Enjoy!

Interview with Harlequin Superromance Author Jeannie Watt

2011-02-07T00:05:00.025-05:00

I'm thrilled to have Superromance author Jeannie Watt here today! Jeannie's books are amongst the first category romances that I ever read...and she had me hooked. Her experiences in travel, art, science, raising ponies, ranching, and living 'off-the-grid' in rural Nevada (where her writing time is generator regulated), makes her stories rich with the reality of American life in the west. Whether cop or cowboy, her tortured heroes are dreamy and they've certainly met their matches with her heroines.

Find out for yourself! You'll find a link to chapter one of her latest release Maddie Inherits A Cowboy down below, and she's giving away THREE COPIES OF HER BOOK! Just comment or ask questions and you'll be entered in the drawing.

Hi Rula, and thanks for having me as a guest at A Writer’s Rush! You write terrific questions, by the way.

Aw thanks, Jeannie. You give incredible answers! Let's get started...

1. I'm fascinated by how many romance authors are right-brained by night and have left-brained careers by day. There's no doubt you're a gifted writer and artist. What led you to getting a degree in geology and teaching science? Does your background in science in any way influence the way you write romance or approach your art projects, or is it the other way around?

I’ve also noticed that a lot of people with left-brain jobs write or pursue artistic endeavors in their spare time. With me, it’s because I’m both right and left-brained. When I take the right-brain/left-brain tests, I come out dead center every time. I consider this a gift because I can look at the big picture (right brain) and also tear it down into tiny parts (left brain) to work on the individual pieces. When I write, though, I must admit to starting with small pieces, usually a scene, a premise or a character that pops into my head, and then I start building. That sounds pretty left-brained. But then I go off on wild tangents that somehow work into the story—right-brained.

I got my degree in geology because my dad worked in geologic exploration. He was based in some very remote areas of Idaho, Montana and Alaska, and my brother and I got to go to the exploration camps during the summer. We went out into the field and rode in helicopters and stuff. I knew I wanted to work in geologic exploration from the time I was a teen, even though women geologists were not as common then as they are now—maybe about 25-30% of the college. I remember being in one geology class for over a month before I realized I was the only woman in it. Most of my friends were men, since most of my classmates were men. I think living and working in male dominated environments has given me a pretty good idea of how the male brain works, which in turn helps my writing. Heroes are always easier for me to write.

2. You're one of the most multitalented people I've ever met. Between teaching, sewing, painting, mosaic mirrors, marathons, and a menagerie of animals, when do you find the time to write? Now that you're multipublished, have you settled on a method (outlines, linear vs non etc...) that keeps your writing on schedule?

I find time to write by ignoring housework for as long as possible and rarely cooking. I find this works well for me. Fortunately my husband does cook, so I don’t starve. I also write a lot in the car. We live 45 minutes from town, so I get a page or two done every morning while my husband drives. I have to set goals to keep my writing on schedule—a certain number of pages a day, or a certain number of chapters done by a certain date. I’m a morning writer, so I get out of bed around 4:30 or 5:00, stumble to the computer, drink the coffee that my husband so thoughtfully provides for me and start typing until it’s time to get ready for work. My brain works best in the a.m. By 11:00 on the weekends, I can pursue other things—running, dreaded housework, glass cutting, etc. Of all the things I do, writing is most important to me, so I keep it center stage—even when my story is beating the crud out of me. When I’m done with a book, I take a week or two off and do nothing but cut glass or sew. Sometimes I clean the house from top to bottom. Then I start writing again.

3. Your books are truly addictive. The first one I read was A Cowboy's Redemption, and when I finished it I immediately ordered all the books you'd ever written. Whether it's your cowboys, cops, veterinarians or secondary characters, you manage to make them so fundamentally real that it's hard to finish a story and transition back to reality! You're a master of torture (insert evil laughter). I mean that in the best way, and I'm sure it applies only to your stories and not teaching ;). But amidst all the dilemmas your characters face, you manage to infuse real life humor and heat (Cop On Loan is a great example of that). What's your secret to making/keeping it real? Do you have a mantra/question you repeat while brainstorming a story? Are you a people watcher? Newspaper reader? Or is it all in the emotional layering and dialogue?

Oh, no—I enjoy torturing my students. Just ask them.

I am a people watcher, and, more than that, a listener. I’m an auditory learner, so I prefer dialogue to description. I listen to everything. It’s turned out to be a wonderful survival tool in the classroom and it’s given me a good ear for dialogue. Description I have to work at. I’m also pretty empathetic, which is a double-edged sword when teaching, but really helps me get into the characters’ heads when writing. I know how I would feel in a given situation…how would this character feel? Then I try to clue in the reader by letting them experience the character’s internal arguments and observations—especially the irreverent observations, which is where the humor comes from. I love it when a character thinks one thing and says another, since we all do this, or when they are completely clueless and floundering to make sense of a situation. I try to make the characters as human as possible. I love flaws, because we all have them and must learn to work around them. I try to give characters both flaws and positive attributes that people can identify with.

4. I'm not surprised that you sold the second manuscript you'd written. Many authors write for years before getting The Call. Since hindsight is 20/20, what do you think was the biggest change/growth in your writing that made all the difference going from your first manuscript to your second?

My second manuscript had better conflict and character motivation than the first, and the plot was less contrived, but it still had to be rewritten three times before it sold. I didn’t have the internet at the time, or belong to RWA, or have a writing group within a couple hundred miles, so I was basically floundering around on my own. One of the characters in my first manuscript was good (the hero), one was flat (the heroine). I needed to figure out how to give them real motivation—other than the fact that I wanted them to get together. That was where conflict came in. I finally figured out how to give them opposing goals, but even in my second manuscript, it wasn’t strong enough. The editor pointed this out to me. Okay—the hero has to leave because of his job. Why can’t she go with him? Uhhhh….Because I don’t want her to? Not good enough. Also I had to learn to have the characters be proactive rather than reactive, and my conflict needed to be organic—to grow from the situation and from their opposing goals, not to be thrust upon them. Frankly, I didn’t want to hurt my characters too badly, being empathetic and all, or make them suffer too much. But it’s necessary for a good story. Once I started getting feedback that pertained to my writing, from online classes and rejections, a lot of what I’d been reading in the how-to-write books started to make sense. Funny how you can read or hear something over and over again, and then suddenly…aha!

5. Call stories are inspiring and never grow old. With your ninth Superromance, Maddie Inherits A Cowboy, hitting the shelves this month, do you still recall The Call? We'd love to hear about it!

I started the process of getting published by actually finishing a book. This was a huge step in the right direction. In 2003, I sent a partial off to SuperRomance, my favorite Harlequin line, and got a rejection and an invitation to send something else. In January of 2004, I sent a partial to the editorial assistant who’d requested it. Three months later I got a request for a whole. From an editor! I sent it in and three months after that got a rejection along with a page of notes and the offer to reread if I wanted to rewrite. Gold!

I sent the rewritten manuscript in again. In April of 2005, I got not The Call, but A Call from a Harlequin editor. In fact it started with, “This is not the call you’ve been waiting for.” It isn’t? Rats. But it was one of the most valuable calls of my life. The editor, Kathleen Schiebling, discussed my story with me. Then she sent me a real revision letter. Shortly thereafter, she became the head editor of American Romance. I sent her my revised manuscript anyway, since I didn’t know who else to send it to. Three months passed. Four. Five. On January 2, 2006, I realized that it’d been too long and that my rejection had probably been lost in the mail months ago, so heart pounding, I called Harlequin. I spoke to the editorial assistant and, wonder of wonders, she knew the manuscript I was talking about. It was still under consideration! Four days later, I got The Call from Victoria Curran. Not a day passes that I’m not grateful to have received that call. It changed my life.

6. What I love even more than your new blog is that you posted the entire first chapter of Maddie Inherits A Cowboy on it. Did I mention that you're a master of torture? Talk about an emotional and tense whallop that leaves a reader wanting more. And that last line...fantastic hook! What inspired you to write Maddie's story?

Maddie’s story was one of those that jumped into my head. Good thing, too, since I had a super tight deadline on that one. I envisioned a hero who hated Christmas because of a personal tragedy and guilt. Then I needed a heroine to knock some sense into him. Enter the hero’s dead partner’s sister. Both hero and heroine are dealing with the same loss, but in different ways. I wanted the hero to have been very fond of her brother and not so fond of her, so I decided to make her a pedantic pain. We all know that sometimes pain wakes up emotion and that’s exactly what it does for him.

7. I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks your twin, teen boys from Once And For All are begging for their own heroines (once they're a little older of course). Any plans to bring back secondary characters from previous books?

The twins will be back. I loved them so much that, yes, they need their own stories and I can’t wait to find them suitable heroines. Of all my heroes, the one that I would probably end up with myself is their uncle, Sam, because he’s the steady, trustworthy kind of guy. And he’s hot. Writing the twins will be like revisiting Sam.

8. Apart from not quitting, what's your best advice for unpublished writers?

Take classes—online or in person—especially those in which you can post your writing and get input from the instructor. Ask questions. Get feedback, but keep in mind that it’s only one person’s opinion. A good critique will have positives and negatives. Most writers have a story about someone who looked at their work and told them to quit, or that they had no talent, etc. I got thrashed the only time I entered the Golden Heart. If I hadn’t sold the manuscript to Harlequin two months before I got my scores, I probably would have quit writing for a while—emphasis on “a while”. It wasn’t that the judges were off base, so much as the fact that the first three chapters of my book, those judged in the Golden Heart, moved slowly—it was the fast moving middle and the end that sold the book for me. I had to rewrite the first 80 pages after it sold to step up the action. I didn’t know much about pacing then. My opening chapters tend to roll along now, but before I learned about pacing, through feedback, I took a couple hundred years setting the scene, etc... Remember, too, that some people give negative feedback because they’re negative people. Don’t let that paralyze you. It happens to all of us who dare expose our writing to the world.

9. And now for a little fun...what's your quirkiest writing habit and favorite deadline crunch-time snack?

Quirkiest writing habit—I write at a small computer desk facing a wall. Sometimes, when I have trouble with a story, I have to put my computer on the kitchen table and type facing that way for a while. I don’t know why it works, but it does. Also—I’ve read about a study that showed that the color of the wall or computer screen makes a difference. Red is best for detail work and proofing, blue for imagination. My wall is red, so maybe that’s why I have to turn around when I’m stuck and looking for inspiration.

Deadline crunch-time snack—diet Coke. I try not to drink too much soda, but when the deadline’s snapping at my heels I go for the cola. I also like dark chocolate. In a perfect world, I’d be able to mainline cheesecake during the deadline crunch, but I can’t afford a new wardrobe.

10. For me, a writer's rush is the equivalent of a runner's high. As both an accomplished marathon runner and romance writer, which gives you a greater endorphin release, running or writing romance?

Writing romance! I’ve never gotten an injury when writing and, while both running and writing give me great satisfaction, I could give up running. I can’t give up writing.

Writing is definitely more fun than excercise, LOL! Thanks you so much for being here, Jeannie. I really enjoyed interviewing you.

Everyone, Jeannie has graciously offered to give her best shot (and I suspect she has very good aim) at answering any writing related questions you might have. She'll be popping in as her schedule permits, so check back for answers and insight. Thanks again, Jeannie!

GIVEAWAY: Don't forget! Jeannie is giving away copies of Maddie Inherits A Cowboy to THREE lucky people! All you have to do is leave a comment or a question now through Wednesday. Winners will be announced this Thursday, February 10th. U.S. residents may choose between a paperback copy or a Kindle download. Winners outside the U.S. will be awarded a Kindle download (Amazon has a free app available to allow for reading on a PC or Mac).

Blurb: Maddie Inherits A Cowboy

No heat. No bed. And a cow…hanging from the rafters? What kind of ranch is this? No wonder Madeline's brother only sent pictures of the stunning Nevada landscape. He couldn't very well have convinced his family he was happy in this godforsaken place. But the cold outside is more bearable than the frosty partner she's inherited along with half of the ranch. Ty Hopewell. Not exactly Mr. Social.

Never mind. She has every right to be here. She may be a city girl, but Madeline Blaine has a PhD and she's not afraid to use it. Something about this place—and this cowboy—just doesn't feel right. And she's going to figure out what it is. And fix it. Fix him, too…if she can.

Click here to read Chapter 1
Potato chip warning: You can't stop at just one chapter of a Jeannie Watt book ;)

Click on the following links to buy Maddie Inherits A Cowboy:
Amazon
eharlequin
Barnes & Noble

Find Jeannie Watt at:
www.jeanniewatt.com
www.jeanniewatt.blogspot.com
Jeannie on Facebook

Love your heart: National Wear Red Day

2011-02-03T00:00:00.009-05:00

You may have noticed that I have a Go Red For Women link on the sidebar. Women and heart disease is an issue that's...well...close to my heart. In spite of my relatively young age and healthy eating habits, my awful family history of heart disease and recent bloodwork indicate that I'm at high risk. I've been given a few months to see if I can change my risk factor through diet and excercise. If not, I'll have to start taking a prescription med. In the meantime, I'm a baby aspirin-a-day gal.

But that's not all. I've personally known young, seemingly healthy women who have died from heart attacks. One of them was one of the physical education instructors at my highschool, and she was in her thirties. An avid jogger at that. Another was a neighbor. A mother the same age as myself. Talk about a wake-up call.

Tomorrow is National Wear Red Day. Visit the Go Red For Women site and explore the information and informative links provided, including one to the American Heart Association's Heart Attack Risk Calculator. Pick up a copy of Prevention Magazine's latest issue (February 2011) dedicated to women and heart disease, and read up on the latest screening tests your doctor may not have mentioned. Hear stories of young heart attack/stroke survivors and how their conditons were missed. (I subscribe to Prevention Magazine, but you can find it in your grocery store aisle). The latest RWR (Romance Writer's Report for RWA members) has numerous articles on staying healty, as well as Go Red For Women heart disease facts.

You are your best advocate. Be a well informed patient. Ask for those tests. If you think that your doctor is brushing off your concern, find another doctor if at all possible. Heart disease kills 1 out of 3 women a year. It's the number one killer of women over age 20.

Be your own proactive heroine.

Stay healthy. Be aware. Spread the word.

Wear red on February 4th! I'll be sporting my Go Red For Women red dress pin as well :)

V-Day and Valuable Info

2011-01-31T08:45:00.003-05:00

Can you believe there are only two weeks left until Valentine's Day? The official day for romance...or is it? I know many people who think Valentine's Day is just another commercialized holiday and that love should be expressed every day of the year. I think it revives the man-gift dilemma too soon after Christmas. What DO you give a guy on Valentine's Day? More on that in just a sec. First, I have a few must-visit links to point out or I'll be guilty of withholding valuable info.

1. Harlequin Superromance editor Victoria Curran is over at the Super Author's blog this morning. She gives a great peek at what an editor juggles behind-the-scenes. Plus, senior editor Wanda Ottewell will be there tomorrow with more insight on what an editor wants.

2. Registration for RWA Nationals in New York is underway and rumor has it that the hotel is filling up quickly. Attending my first Nationals meeting in DC was one of the best things I ever did for myself as a writer. To register visit www.rwa.org.

3. Author Donna Alward does fantastic 'Writer Wednesday' blog posts. One of her more recent posts included an actual before-and-after example of her CP's comments and how even the most subtle revision changes can make a huge impact on the story strength. Here's the link to that particular post called What's It Really About Anyway.

4. And don't forget to stop by on Monday of next week for my interview with Superromance author Jeannie Watt. She'll be stopping by to answer any writing questions you have. Don't miss out!

And now back to Valentine's Day and men.

As writers we're supposed to avoid cliches like the plague. Well, what's more cliche than flowers and chocolate on Valentine's Day? I mean, I love chocolate. So much that I eat it everday of the year (just about) which takes the thrill out of getting in on February 14th. As for flowers, love 'em outside but they wreak havoc on my allergies if indoors. And what guy wants to get flowers? I'm of the opinion that men secretly despise Valentine's Day. I think the pressure scares the #*%# out of them.

So how about getting them to relax? Remember RWA's push to give books during the holiday season? Why not for V-Day? Not all men will read a romance, but how about a fast-paced hot read like a Harlequin Blaze or something hotter that you can download on your Kindle and cuddle in bed with? He won't read it? Read it to him!

Too much for you? Okay, what about nixing the dinner out and snuggling with a romantic movie that even a guy would enjoy?

What do you think about V-Day? What are your romantic man-gift ideas? Any plans?

New look and jumpstart jokes

2011-01-24T00:00:00.001-05:00

Notice the new look? It's a subtle change, I know. Baby steps :).

I had an exhausting weekend, so I wanted to jumpstart the week with some humor. Three jokes to be exact, and I tried to strike a balance for both sexes ;). But first mark your calendars for Monday, February 7th and spread the word! I'm sooo excited about my next interview. Harlequin Superromance author Jeannie Watt will be here. Trust me, you don't want to miss this interview!

And now to start your week with a smile...

The forgotten anniversary

Ed was in trouble. He forgot his wedding anniversary. His wife was really angry. She told him "Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift in the driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in less then 6 seconds AND IT BETTER BE THERE!!"

The next morning Ed got up early and left for work. When his wife woke up, she looked out the window and sure enough there was a box gift-wrapped in the middle of the driveway. Confused, the wife put on her robe and ran out to the driveway, brought the box back in the house.

She opened it and found a brand new bathroom scale.

Ed has been missing since Friday.

The Silent Treatment

A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment. Suddenly, the man realized that the next day,he would need his wife to wake him at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight.

Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE), he wrote on a piece of paper, "Please wake me at 5:00 AM." He left it where he knew she would find it.

The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 AM and he had missed his flight. Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't wakened him, when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed. The paper said, "It is 5:00 AM. Wake up."

Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests.

What is my gender?

Ziploc Bags are Male, because they hold everything in, but you can see right through them.

Copiers are Female, because once turned off, it takes a while to warm them up again. It's an effective reproductive device if the right buttons are pushed, but can wreak havoc if the wrong buttons are pushed.

A Tire is Male, because it goes bald and it's often over-inflated.

A Hot Air Balloon is Male, because, to get it to go anywhere, you have to light a fire under it, and of course, there's the hot air part.

Sponges are Female, because they're soft, squeezable and retain water.

A Web Page is Female, because it's always getting hit on.

A Subway is Male, because it uses the same old lines to pick people up.

An Hourglass is Female, because over time, the weight shifts to the bottom.

A Hammer is Male , because it hasn't changed much over the last 5,000 years, but it's handy to have around.

A Remote Control is Female. Ha! You thought it'd be male, didn't you? But consider this - it gives a man pleasure, he'd be lost without it, and while he doesn't always know the right buttons to push, he keeps trying!

That's all folks! Have a great Monday!

RWA Flooded Communities Book Appeal

2011-01-17T11:19:00.001-05:00

I first saw this post over at The Pink Heart Society, and it has been making its way around the writing community. Please take a few moments to read it and pass it on. Small acts can mean so much in times of need.

We've all seen the devastation the recent Queensland floods have wrought and have wondered how we can help. We know that for many affected families, books will not be high on their priorities list for some time to come.

But...

We also know how valuable books can be in providing time out when reality gets tough.

So…

With the aid of some wonderful volunteers, we've put together a Romance Writers of Australia Flooded Communities Book Appeal.

What we need?

FICTION BOOKS! Romance books, children's books, young adult books, genre books, whatever – either new or in sparkling condition.

Please send them to:

RWA Flooded Communities Book Appeal
PO Box 1717
Noosaville Post Office
Noosaville BC
Queensland 4566

When to send them?

Now! And any time over the next few months. The books will be boxed and delivered to the appropriate libraries/schools/neighbourhood centres/community centres in batches as soon as the communities are ready to receive them. We’ll be liaising with councils, libraries and schools to ensure this is done appropriately. Feel free to pop a note inside, or if you're an author, sign it.

All languages welcome - please repost.

Food for thought...literally

2011-01-13T10:13:00.003-05:00

It's Therapeutic Thursday AND my 50th blog post! I can't believe I hit 50. It feels like a birthday, albeit a fairly young birthday in blog years ;). In the spirit of staying young, I want to hit on a topic that I feel is so important to a writer's health and productivity. Food.

Food for thought...literally. We often hear writers complain about their muses going into hibernation. We've all read articles on how to battle writer's block. Some even claim that writer's block doesn't exist...that it boils down to nothing but writer laziness. Well, when it comes to serious writers, laziness is a strong word, and I think that it may carry the wrong connotation. Drained is more appropriate. How would you feel if you starved yourself for days? How would you feel if you ran a marathon, but didn't drink or eat afterwards to replenish your reserves? Drained of energy. Jittery. Unable to focus or think worth a darn. Guess what? Your brain needs nourishment too. I'm not talking about a day at the spa, a nap, or a movie. I'm talking food.

Studies have shown that thinking actually drains the brain of energy. Seems like common sense. I don't know about you, but I feel hungry after typing away at pages and pages of a manuscript. Seriously though, all that plotting, creative thinking, emotional investment, and editing we do actually depletes energy stores in our brain. That's why we feel exhausted after writing. That's why we can reach a plot problem and not see a solution until we've eaten dinner and had a good night's sleep. It's also why not eating breakfast is like trying to drive to work on an empty gas tank.

So what should we be feeding our brain? The brain is made up mostly of fat. That means it needs fat (fatty acids) to be healthy, but the good kind of fat like we get from olive oil, avocado, seeds, and nuts. The myelin sheath that protects neurons and promotes rapid signal travel is also made up of fat. See how important it is? Omega 3 fats are extremely critical to good brain health. You can find these in seafood, flaxseed, and walnuts. Omega 6, found in fruits, other seeds and certain nuts, is also important, but the balance between 3 and 6 is a bit off in today's diet, compared to that of the cavemen. The abundance of processed foods, even those using healthy oils, has tipped the scale for omega 6. More omega 6 than omega 3 in our diet can lead to inflammation, including that of the brain. The trick? Eat more foods high in omega 3 and opt to eat natural sources of omega 6. The less 'off-the-shelf' foods, the better.

By the way, TRANS/HYDROGENATED OIL is POISON for the brain! It actually weakens brain cells and disrupts communication and mental performance!

The brain also runs on glucose for fuel. Yep, sugar. But not the refined, bad-for-you, table sugar. The brain breaks down complex carbs from whole grains and fruits to gather the glucose it needs to function at optimum levels. If you gorge on refined sugars that put you at risk for diabetes, you'll actually starve your brain rather than feed it. That's why simple sugars lead to a sugar crash experience...jitters...inability to concentrate etc... That's also why following a low glycemic index diet works so well and a zero carb diet doesn't. By eating fresh fruits, vegetables, and complex carbs that don't sugar up our system too quickly, we give our brains the constant energy source it needs...and it gives back by letting our muses work their magic.

The brain also needs amino acids (the building blocks of protein) and essential micronutrients found in a balanced, varied diet. A few other foods that boost our concentration and thinking are caffeine, chocolate, and blueberries. Good news, huh? Caffeine, even that from chocolate, has been shown to increase short term concentration and focus. As with everything, don't overdose. Chocolate, the dark type (lower fat and sugar), is full of antioxidants that help protect against cognitive decline. All you need is once ounce per day and that'll keep the calories in check. Blueberries are high in antioxidants and have been shown to protect the brain from oxidative stress. In studies, they actually brought the learning capacity of older rats up to par with younger rats!

Okay, I tried to keep it basic, but I'm probably boring you with facts anyway. Hear me out though. Think about it. Maybe the way to mastering your muse is to feed it. I did a recent blog post about being cave women at heart. Well, we need to eat like cave women and men if we want to keep our minds healthy. Measure out a handful of nuts and dark chocolate chips (about an ounce each) and keep them on your desk for snacking instead of chips or candy. Have some blueberries, whole grain, and coffee at breakfast. Try it and you might find yourself spending less time zombie staring at your computer screen and more time quality typing.

I really did skim over brain/diet detail, but if you're hungry for more check out The Brain Food Pyramid by The Franklin Institute's Resources for Science Learning. Click on each of the brain's essential components. Interesting stuff made simple.

Here's to a year of good food, excercise, and healthy muses!

Office supply junkie

2011-01-10T16:28:00.001-05:00

Is there a writer out there who doesn't love office supplies? I mean looooove office supplies. Please, tell me that I'm not alone! I'm not talking about anything electronic. No plug ins (well, except a really rockin' pencil sharpener) or battery powered gadgets. I'm talking about the basics.

Remember the good ol' four color Bic pen? The one that has red, blue, black and green all in one...just click down on the color of your choice? I had one of those back in my school days and thought it was the coolest pen ever. Still do! I came across it the other day and couldn't resist buying one for each of my kids, plus one for my office.

Back in the 1980's when The Container Store was a huge fad (everyone at school bought plastic containers and used paint pens to label them with bubble letters and flowers...ignore the age implications), I was in heaven. I still have a thing for drawer organizers except that I now love anything in metal mesh. I have a mesh drawer organizer, mesh pencil holder, mesh trash can. You get the idea.

Other office supplies I love include:

Clear rulers
Staplers that actually work well
Good titanium sissors
Paper clips or clips of any kind
Sharpies...fine, medium or fat...Sharpies rock! I can't live without them!
Post It notes in cool colors
Dry erase magnet board
Calendars...the old-fashioned, write-on-it calendars (not Blackberry style). I like to be able to see my whole month at once. It's an OCD thing.
Note books, notepads...same idea as calendars.
4X6 note cards...I use these for manuscript notes, outlines, GMC etc...love 'em!
Pentel's Hi-polymer white erasers. They're the best.
Hanging files
My good ol' egg timer (okay...it's typically a kitchen supply but we writers have imagination ;)

I can spend a very long time browsing the aisles in an office supply store or even the office supply section somewhere like Target. While some women browse shoes, I browse pens.

What about you? Any favorite office supplies? Any must-have suggestions? All I need is one good excuse to go shopping ;).

Are we cave women at heart?

2011-01-03T09:09:00.002-05:00

Good first Monday morning in 2011 to all!

I just came across a super interesting article regarding research linking Darwinian theory and the psychology of romance readers. The article, Evolutionary Psychologists Turn Attention To Romantic Fiction, posted this past March in The Guardian, is based on an analysis of over 15,000 Harlequin romance novels done by two Canadian researchers from the Centre for Psychology and Computing in Dartmouth, Canada and the Department of Psychology at St. Mary's University in Nova Scotia. More specifically, they analyzed key words in Harlequin titles and looked for a correlation between those buzz words and our 'survival of the fittest' instincts. The most commonly used word was 'love'. Check out the article to what words came up next and why Harlequins fly off the shelves. It seems we go for the same type of guys our cave sisters went for ;).

Also, speaking of Harlequin, today is the launch party for the new Super Romance Author Blog! Head on over there to meet up with a group of truly amazing authors and (rumor has it) Super's editors, Victoria Curran and Wanda Ottewell.

Have a wonderful start to your New Year!

Writer Wrestlutions

2010-12-27T09:25:00.000-05:00

That's right. I'm calling for a fight. Romance writers unite!

Forget resolutions about keeping our butts in chairs, submitting, or getting published. Face it. Those things WILL happen because we're writers. Those things are a given. They're hand carved into every one of our hearts, so no need to scribble them on a sticky note or whiteboard. I'm a believer in success for those who really want it...even if it takes time.

Our resolution this year should be to team up against romance novel ignorance. We need to wrestle all those stupid, eye roll comments about what we write to the ground. Join me in the ring for a word fight. Hey, we're supposed to be word experts, aren't we? We're supposed to be creative...quick with our fingertips on a keyboard. But sometimes we're not so quick with our feet and tongues (yes, there are exceptions and you know who you are). As writers, we're used to mulling over our thoughts, rolling words on our tongue until they feel right...we're used to editing. Low blows against romance novels can take us off guard and land us on our backs.

There's no time to edit when someone makes a sny remark to your face or asks an irritating question about writing romance. So I say we need some strategy here. We need to share examples of stupid comments and the best come backs we can think of. We need to be smart, sassy, and strike hard. No more cheap shots at romance novels. No more getting bumped by ignorant remarks. Let's take 'em down and be romance champions!

"Oh, Harlequin huh?" (wink, wink) "I don't read that kind of stuff."

My favorite attack on that one is to throw the exact opposite of what they're thinking of at them. It freezes them up. Takes them off guard.

"Really? Have you tried their inspirational line? You know, their more religious, closed door stuff?"

Heh, it always works. I get a very confused "Really? They have that?" response.

Oh, and I get the eye roll, wink wink, "So what does your husband think of what you're writing?" (chortle)

I give them back the 'wink, wink' and say "Why don't you ask him?"

What comments have you endured? What responses did you give? I'd love it if everyone shared what they would say to the comments others have faced. Come on. Let's put our minds together, share strategy, and give romance ignoramuses a match they'll never forget in 2011!

Slipping into a heroine's heels

2010-12-20T09:01:00.001-05:00

I'm sure there are heroines out there who prefer combat or cowboy boots over three inch heels, and there are readers out there who opt for Keds and bunny slippers, but when a heroine is well written, readers will find themselves slipping into her shoes within the first few pages of a book. It doesn't matter if she's a vampire slayer, a high society princess, or the pre-school teacher next door, a well-written heroine is universally sympathetic. She may be a unique individual, her shoe styles may differ, but they come in one-size-fits-all. And they all have an Achilles heel.

Writers know that sympathetic heroines need to be proactive, vulnerable but strong, guarded but giving. The list goes on. But what specifically are we connecting with? What weaknesses or strengths? What insecurities? What flaws? Do different readers connect with the same heroine for different reasons? Is it her struggle with ten pounds for one reader, and the loss of her parents for another? Or is it simply the fact that she has a soft spot? As a reader, do you connect because of a shared experience, or a shared personality trait? Is it a matter of 'Oh, I did that too' or 'Yeh, I get her' or both?

I'm asking a lot of questions here, many that I've seen asked of heroes, but it's the heroine we become. We fall in love with the hero through her eyes and heart. So what do you think? What's the common thread across genres that has you connecting with a heroine? Is it a moment, a trait, or a growth arc? What makes her shoes fit?

My first blog award!

2010-12-16T09:44:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone! I just got my very first blog award, and my Therapeutic Thursday posts were sited as one of the reasons. You have to admit that getting a blog award is wonderful, feel-good therapy for a writer :).

Huge thanks to Joanna St. James for passing the award on to me. If you haven't already, check out her blog. She does fantastic interviews and has insightful writing posts that I know you'll enjoy. Also, thanks to L'Aussie for creating the Fair Dinkum award. The award has a beautiful meaning, 'true blue', but I think L'Aussie says it best and gives a much more thorough explaination. Check out her post on Fair Dinkum here.

And that leaves me to the writers I'd like to pass the award on to...

Kaily Hart: For being a true blue friend, for being the one who urged me to start a blog, and for having a wonderful, honest, and informative blog of her own.

Jennifer Shirk: For her kind support of so many writers, and for her informative, fun, sweet, and sassy writer's blog.

Christine Bell: For her frank and funny honesty about her writing and publication experiences.

Maria Zannini: For her warm, fun, and honest must-read writer's blog, and for reaching out to other writers.

Anne Gallagher: For her informative, warm, and down-to-earth Piedmont Writer's blog.

Thanks everyone and have a wonderful weekend!

AquaNotes and more...

2010-12-13T09:14:00.000-05:00

Remember my recent post, Carpe articulum, where I mention the dilemma of getting ideas in the shower? Guess what? I was reading my latest Writer's Digest (you really should subscribe to it if you haven't already), and their review of 'literary goodies' mentioned the perfect solution. AquaNotes. Check it out at http://www.myaquanotes.com/. It's a waterproof notepad and pen that suction to your shower wall. The pages can actually be torn off like a regular notepad so that your writing ideas can be taken back to your computer. Talk about a great writer gift idea! Check out the youtube video of how it works.

Also, I came across a must read blog post called The Biggest Mistakes Writers Make When Querying Literary Agents. It includes direct quotes from a multitude of agents polled on common query mistakes.

And finally, let me leave you with a Youtube video that's going viral in the writing world. You have to be a serious writer to see the humor in So You Want To Write A Novel...

Happy Writing!

And the winner is...

2010-12-09T06:06:00.001-05:00

KAREN MCGRATH!

Congratulations Karen! You've won the book of your choice by Jennifer Shirk. Send your contact/mailing information, and which book you'd like, to jennifer (at) jennifershirk (dot) com. Let me know in the comments if you have any trouble.

Happy Holidays and Happy Reading!