ELIZABETH WONDERS/WANDERS

I was talking with friends the other day, and the subject of “vacationing there” vs. “living there” came up.

One of my friends will vacation almost anywhere a cruise boat goes. It’s the cruise, not the destination that matters. This friend could live anywhere she wants; she chooses to live in a city. Loves the street “theater,” the horns, the screech and lunge of traffic, the hammer and clang of construction; the museums, the opera, the restaurants, the shopping.


Another friend vacations in Mexico, at one of the many beaches—Ensenada, Acapulco, Mazatlan. Other beaches in other countries, including the U.S., don’t appeal. She loves the flavor of a foreign place that isn’t too foreign. She lives in a suburb within forty to eighty minutes of a city, depending on traffic. She would rather live in a less crowded, yet not rural place. But as long as her house isn’t in tornado country, she’s happy.

Another friend hikes and backpacks for her vacation. Any wild country, anywhere in the world that people don’t carry Uzis, is on her good list. She lives in an apartment, but would prefer to live in a rural area. All she has to do is find a good job. (She’s been looking for years.)

Another friend goes to Europe and floats the canals of Holland and France. She doesn't speak Dutch or French. She loves using sign language at all the local markets and cheese shops. She lives in an area of the western U. S. that isn’t rural, but isn’t at all crowded.

Then there’s moi. I will vacation anywhere that isn’t a city and people don’t carry Uzis. After a few days in any city, all I want is OUT OUT OUT. The noise and press of people wears me down and/or drives me nucking futz.

I have discovered I can live in almost any place west of the Rockies that isn’t a city.

Desert? Bring it on. Love sunshine.

Mountains? Absolutely. No mountains, no peace of mind. I discovered this the hard way, by living in Chicago. Did not work. I was one unhappy puppy until I saw mountains on my horizon again.

Beach? As long as it isn’t too crowded at the waterfront, I’m good. (Southern California is WAY too crowded along the water. That’s why I left.) When I go to Hawaii, I go to the Big Island, which is much less crowded—and has an active volcano! (Yes, I get excited about things like that.)


What my friends and I all agree on is that the best way to ruin a vacation place is to live there.


What about you?

Do you live where you love and love where you live?

What are your favorite places?

UNRULY CHARACTERS

Battling the book--or in this case, bashing characters into shape. These story people are happy enough to get leading roles in my stories but they do get headstrong and then they do the darnedest things.

CYPRESS NIGHTS is the title of the book I'm writing now. It has all the elements I love, mystery, mahem, really scary stuff, atmosphere that drips bayou and Louisiana, love, sex . . . everything . . . but there are too many people in the kitchen, too many showoffs leading the band.

It's got to stop.

Now!

Roche Savage (brother of Max from A MARKED MAN) is a psychiatrist, he's also a man with a touchy secret: he's a borderline sex-addict who is evolved enough to keep himself under tight control--most of the time.

Bleu Labeau, a young widow who was married to a sicko you'll have to read about to believe, is the object of Roche's affections and he of hers. I will just add that Bleu is a bit repressed.

We have a dilemma here...

I don't mind dilemmas. I revel in sorting things out. But this lot keep trying to take the whole enchilada into their own hands. When Bleu stands on her own little flat feet in the cul-de-sac outside her townhouse (a small emergency has arisen) and spouts about being quite capable of looking after herself, I get stroppy. Of course she's saying this for the sake of her pride and because she wants to seem strong, but there are times when refusing help is dangerous. I think this is one of them but I'm having quite the time of it convincing her.

Did I tell you she's out there in her unflattering pajamas, Roche is with her, and Father Cyrus has arrived with Madge. It's a horrible mess.

We only need one conductor around here, and that's me.

Then there's someone who must currently remain nameless who doesn't get to make any decisions, except bad ones that I have to deal with. This character is desperately trying to persuade me that I've made a mistake in casting him. This is a pain in the neck because I haven't and all of his efforts to ruin my plot end up wasting my time but not changing anything in the end.

My priest, Father Cyrus Payne, and his assistant Madge Pollard have been playing mind games with me for a number of books now. I decided it was time to fight back and put things on the line with them. You have no idea what they're putting me through now. They haven't actually told me that what they do is none of my business, but the looks I'm getting are supposed to put me in my place.

* * *

I do have a point here:) The people in our stories really do throw us off regularly but it's our job to keep control of their actions.

One of the worst things we can do is to allow characters to become too much like us--this is a problem sometimes. Put a character in a desperate situation that makes the writer's stomach churn and that character could just behave as the writer might behave. If the writer in question is a lily-livered chicken like me, the result may be a disaster.

The writer is the puppeteer and is the only one who gets to pull the strings.

Which brings me to the first announcement about the 2007 Scarlet Boa Contest. This year's scene:

A paranormal interlude. The revelation that a human character is enmeshed with? Vampire, werewolf, the other-worldly and highly dangerous but completely magnetic character of your choice.

Pour on the emotion, but keep control of your characters. This is your chance to rip the throats out of your competition, heh-heh!

The Dates:

August 1 through September 1: Submissions accepted

September 15: Submissions posted online

October 15-28: Voting (first round)

November 1: Finalists announced

November 1 thru November 10: Voting (2nd round)

November 14: Winner announced in a LIVE chat at Writerspace!

Q. What fictional character traits are really important to you?

Q. What sort of characters do you get most involved with?

Q. Do you have a pet character peeve?

God bless,

Stella

Girlfriends

As a writer, I spend a lot of time alone--and usually that's okay, because left to my own devices, I can be a bit of a loner. But like most women, I’ve got a secret weapon to pull me into the social stream--my girlfriends.

Girlfriends hold you up when you're down. They make you laugh and hug you, hold your hand, or just sit quietly by your side when you cry. And, hey, who else will talk you into buying those shoes/clothes/you-name-it that you really want but are rationalizing yourself out of?

I have a few separate circles of women friends with the occasional intermix or crossover. I have my long-time friends that I’ve known forever and with whom I can pick up a conversation like no time at all has passed even if it's been a while since we've seen each other. I have writer friends that in the beginning I had only a vocation in common but with whom I’ve forged lasting friendships. My closest writer-chick circle is comprised of several of us who started out at roughly the same time. We grew up in the industry together and although we’re spread out over several states and two continents (so only see each other periodically) we talk frequently either online or by phone. I also have two event-specific groups comprised of women I rarely see outside those events but who fill the time we spend together with so much laughter and comraderie that I always come away feeling refreshed and smiling.

But my dearest friend is Mimi. She and I met through my oldest brother, who worked with her husband Doug. We might have remained simply friendly acquaintances had she and Doug not bought a house on our block. Our husbands hit it off as well and we started getting together occasionally...then more often...then darn near every Saturday night until the kids got to that age where their events start taking up your every waking hour. And during those barbeques, shopping trips, card games, and endless conversations, she became my best friend. We share a history that spans thirty years and encompasses husbands, kids and pets, books and food, joys and sorrows. She was there for me when my dad and my sister-in-law died. I was there for her when she went into labor with her second son. In fact, I thought for sure I was going to deliver him because she was too stubborn to go to the hospital until Doug got there to take her. Yeah, yeah, this is the pot calling the kettle black. But honest-to-God, she was on the phone lying to the doctor, telling him her contractions were ten minutes apart, while I--who'd been timing them --was yelling in the background, “Five minutes! They’re FIVE MINUTES APART!”

Cough. But I wander away from the point. Sometimes you're lucky enough to find a friend who hits on all cylinders for you--who gets your humor and roots for your successes and commiserates with your failures. Who shares meals and comfort with equal generosity and who loves you simply for the person you are, warts and all. That's what I got with Mimi.

Who is special in your life? I'd love to hear.

MAN DISGUISED AS TREE ROBS BRANCH BANK

I didn’t even have to make that attention-grabber up, folks. (Remember the blog I did not long ago on reading the bold print? Well, that one is right out of the headlines.) This is actually the Q & A with Elizabeth G: Part One.

Inquiring Minds — that’s you — are asking. One by one, the Quills — that’s us — are answering. (While I'm at it, I must also confess I "borrowed" Jayne’s original format. Why reinvent the wheel? I always say.)

So, here goes with the first batch of questions.


PIA and LIZELLE both want to know which Quill title I would like to see made into a film and who I think should star in it.

Here's the rub, folks: I don’t trust Hollywood to take any great romance novel and make it into even a halfway decent movie. (Okay, there are a few exceptions, i.e. film versions of Jane Austen books. But those are always made by the English, who know how to do Jane Austen.)

BTW: I still recall how thrilling it was to go see “Romancing the Stone” when it first came out in 1984. At last a wonderful and funny contemporary movie that spoke to every romance reader and writer I knew at the time! Of course, RTS was an original screenplay, not an adaptation. Then there was a rather awful sequel made several years later. (A talented woman named Diane Thomas wrote the first script. Sadly she was killed in a car accident in 1985. A pair of men wrote the second. Nuf said.)

Personally the closest I’ve ever gotten to the whole Hollywood thing: a representative from “Brad and Jen’s” production company (back when there was a Brad and Jen, instead of a Brad and Angelina) contacted my agent to see if the film rights were available to SWEETHEART, INDIANA. She said “yes.” We never heard another word.


KATE asks if most romance novelists marry their ideals.

Yup. In fact, I think it’s one of the reasons most of us write romances. I’m speaking personally, of course, but I read the responses from the other Quills. It seems we’ve all been very lucky when it comes to the men we married.


KARENDE wants to know how to find an agent.

There are lots of web sites online devoted to answering this very question. You might want to start with www.agentquery.com.


RANURGIS is curious about whether there are others in my family who are creative types.

Hm...well, my maternal grandmother started painting in oils at the age of sixty-five. She also wrote rather pedestrian poetry. Mainly I remember the wonderful bedtime stories she would tell us when we were children: I can still clearly hear her voice!

Actually the creative member of our family is our son. He’s written the music and lyrics to several hundred songs. He plays the guitar. He draws beautifully and, by extension, has taken some great photographs. He’s even dipped into writing. These are all hobbies right now since his personal and professional life keep him very busy.

So, I guess the answer is I’m the only one currently using her creativity as her profession.


DEE from AUSTRALIA wants to know if I felt I had grown as an author.

Gosh, Dee, I sure as heck hope so! To tell you the truth, I haven’t had the time (or the guts) to go back and reread my old stuff to see just how much I’ve grown or changed over the years.

I’m assuming my sense of humor hasn’t changed. (What I call my “Iowa corn ball” sense of humor.) I know my core beliefs are essentially the same when it comes to men, women, trust, honor, sex, romance, you name it. There are some differences in my voice (especially in the rhythm of my writing) depending on whether I’m writing a classic historical romp, a lighthearted contemporary romance or a serious and sensuous vampire story.

LOLOLOLOLOL Did I ever answer your question?


MARCIE wants to know if my non-writing friends understand my frustrations or joys when I talk about my stories.

In a nutshell, Marcie, no. But then I don’t understand the problems they run into with their work, either. Besides, I don’t discuss my writing with most people— only a couple of family members and several long-time trusted friends. (What I call my “captive” audience.)

Having said that, most of my friends are writers. Still, there are only a handful I feel comfortable discussing my frustrations and joys with. OTOH, my husband is the best sounding board I’ve ever found. I usually brainstorm plot, character, motivation, etc. with him when we’re driving down to see our son. Let me tell you, that 2½ hours from our driveway to his flies by!


MICHELLE asks how I keep myself from doing too much research.

Ah, Michelle, research is my middle name. Especially with NIGHT LIFE and NIGHT HUNGER, the first two books of my Pharaohs Rising series.

Actually, those books and the new series grew out of my research and my love of all things ancient Egyptian, not the other way around. So in my case, the research came first. And, again in my case, there is no such thing as too much research. I also tend to write about things that interest me, so research is a natural and ongoing part of my writing process. I probably read 10% fiction and 90% nonfiction. (Unless I’m on vacation. Then it’s all fun and fiction.)

So, I have a couple of questions for all of you: Do you have a favorite romance novel you’d love to see made into a movie? Do you have a “wish list” cast in mind? What are your favorite romantic movies?

Until next time, when I’ll pick up with Part Deux of our Q&A.
Elizabeth G.

Jayne Drops a Few Names from RWA

I'm back from the annual Romance Writers of America conference in Dallas -- the only Quill to go, I might add -- and I'm here to tell you that our favorite genre is alive and kicking! The convention was the usual mad energy rush, a whirlwind of greeting friends, editors, agents, booksellers, etc. etc. whom I see only once a year.

I took four pairs of truly fab shoes this year, but, as usual, my feet gave out the first day. By Day Two I was back in flip-flops. Tragic. Not that they weren't cute flip-flops, still, the four pairs of shoes I packed were far cuter. (Note to self: Next year take sensible shoes. Oh, sure, like that's gonna happen).

First a little name-dropping. Had various meals with various Names: Kristin Hannah, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jill Marie Landis, Cathie Linz and my brilliant web goddess, Cissy Hartley, founder and proprietor of www.writerspace.com. (Not all at once, I should make clear). Tea with Christina Dodd and Teresa Medeiros, among others. Also saw Nora Roberts in the ladies restroom!

The annual Literacy Signing was a crush, as usual. Four hundred authors and tons of people buying books and getting them signed and all for a terrific cause. Super long lines for the paranormal authors such as the terrific Sherrilynn Kenyon and, of course, for the incomparable Nora Roberts.



Got a jolt when my very first editor, Vivien Stephens (who bought my first book, Gentle Pirate for Dell Ecstasy -- anybody remember that line?) showed up at the Berkley signing. It was a little like running into your first grade teacher. Let's just say I sat up very straight in my chair. For those who aren't aware of their romance genre history, you owe more than you will ever know to Vivien Stephens. With the Dell Ecstasy line she pretty much single-handedly defined the modern contemporary American romance novel, buying so many first books by so many names that you know today, including moi.

There was a lot of talk at the conference about how historicals are poised for a come back. The feeling is that it is a hungry market that has been starved for too long because so many writers have gone off into the paranormal and contemporary romantic-suspense worlds. The recent death of Kathleen Woodiwiss prompted a lot of these conversations Over and over again I heard people say that she was the writer who got them started reading historical romance.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips and I gave our annual workshop "Secrets of the Bestselling Sisterhood" (otherwise known as the Susan & Jayne show) in which we pretty much tell aspiring authors to forget all the rules they've heard in the other workshops. Those of you who know this workshop will remember that Susan always starts things off by reminding folks that no two authors take the same road to success. Then (because she can't help herself) she always points out that SOME AUTHORS (that would be her) win lots of awards for their writing while OTHER AUTHORS (that would be me) never win any awards. But this year I was ready for her. I doctored my bio which the moderator read at the beginning of the session. Suffice it to say, SEP never saw it coming.....

Everyone agreed that book trailers are hot-hot-hot but several people felt that there are so many trailers running now that they have lost their impact. I heard the same observations about blogs. Everyone was looking for the next new thing to bring books and readers together on the Internet. If you've got any ideas, by all means, please share them!

All in all, it was a great conference, as usual. It reinforced my idea that ours is the best genre, the most innovative, the most creative of all. I wouldn't want to write anything else.

Sincerely,
Jayne

Being oh-too human...

Well folks, if you're at all like me, you won't remember this, but my son is getting married today!
Yep, I have a million last minute things to do, and I did have a guest blogger lined up, but... I guess she forgot.

So here I am, scrambling last minute, and probably because I have so much to do and so little time to do it, I'm going on a rant.
If you want to skip out now, go ahead.

So... SIMON SAYS hit stands and it's doing great. I'm getting all this wonderful reader feedback, and only a few not-so-positive comments. It's all good. I love hearing from readers and I embrace their honesty.
I'm a big girl, I can take a little negativity.

BUT... (you knew it was coming, didn't you?)

I got a raging email from a woman who made some heated accusations. She said that with what is going on in this world, my support of this genre is reprehensible."

What's going on in the world???
I didn't know for sure what she meant, but hey, the nastiness of the note was clear, especially when she said she threw the book in the trash, and told me that if I'm going to continue to put books out there to be published, do a better job.
I was like...

I'm usually pretty tactful when dealing with letters like these. But this time, well, I think I told her that she could have returned the book to the bookstore and gotten a refund, but if telling me she trashed it somehow brightened her day, then I was okay with that. Sure, it was deliberately snarky.

She wrote back.

Now understand, I have SO much going on right now, I can't see straight. I've lost 3 pounds, which might not sound like much, but I wasn't trying. I just haven't had as much time to eat.
Sad but true.
It will be better very soon - after I turn in this book. (Which will be my first late book ever!)

Anyway, I read her new post, which clarified her meaning. She - in a very uninformed way - compared Chris Benoit, the WWE wrestler who killed his wife and son - to the mma fighters I have in my current series.
She also ordered me to keep "fisticuffs" out of my books, because it is boring and not relevant.

Yeah. That didn't go over to well with me.

I'm ashamed to admit that I wrote her back (I know, I should have just deleted it, but hey, I'm human too and I LOVE mma!)
I clued her in on a few things - the first being that WWE and mma fighting are two entirely different things.
WWE is entertainment, and mma fights are an actual sport.

The second, obviously, is that one bad apple does not color a whole sport, or good grief, every athletic event - from baseball to football to Olympic skating would be tainted!

In fact, not just sports, but EVERY profession EVERY WHERE has probably had a crazed, cruel, unbalanced person in it somewhere.
We Quills are all angels but we could probably even find a nasty writer if we dug around enough.
Does that mean we're all evil?

Insane, huh?
Okay, I'll quit grumbling and decorating my blog with smilies.

Do you think if you really, really hated a book, or were totally offended by it, that you would send the author such a letter?

Have you written to an author to tell her when you're disappointed, and if so, how did the author respond? (better than me, I hope!)

If you were an author and received a hateful letter, how do you think you'd reply?

Quickie update - the remodeling is done except for some tweaking.
The wedding is today, the reception is tomorrow at my house.
I have around 200 more pages to write between now and the 2nd week of August.
Then I'm free for several months!!!

Have an awesome weekend everyone! And I PROMISE my next blog will be better.
I think.

ELIZABETH ANSWERS/part 2

Do you reread your own work? And, if you are doing a series with follow-up from previous books, do you reread differently?

Yes, I reread my own work. I’m entirely self-taught as a writer. I didn’t even know another novel writer--except Evan, trained as a journalist--for the first decade of my career. (Thanks for breaking the drought, Jayne!) The only way I could learn my craft was to reread my fiction and see if what I thought was on the page indeed was there, and if not, what happened.

When I began publishing science fiction, the editors I had didn’t actually edit. They acquired and published. So I learned how to edit myself, to throw away the gorgeous phrase that nonetheless had the effect of stopping the story cold; to remove the scene that didn’t have to be there, no matter how much I loved the characters; to begin the story 100 pages into the manuscript, taking out everything that the reader didn’t need to know but I, as author, did; to pace the plot so that it didn’t end before the story was finished; to make my style more transparent for the reader by making the common language uncommonly meaningful rather than reaching for a Thesaurus.

The more I write, the more I edit. Reading tastes change. I try to change to keep in step with the ever-changing audience. What’s really fun is that I’ve been in the business so long, I can reread earlier books almost “cold,” like a new reader. That’s an unusual experience, to say the least. But then, how much do any of us recognize the person we were 30 years ago?

Has turning your art into your "job" in anyway detracted from the joy you take in writing? Have you ever felt like you had to do less than your best to meet a deadline?

Creation is always work. You finish a project with less energy than you began it. Some parts of a book come more easily than others. No part comes without effort.

If I don’t like a book, it doesn’t get turned in. I’ve been that way from the first book I published. Fortunately, I used to be organized enough to get everything done within the required time. Now I write only one book a year, so I actually have a shot at life beyond writing.

Is there one book you've written, that you wish now you could have changed something major?

Major? No. I’ve rewritten some earlier books, but only to bring the way of presenting the story up-to-date. This generation of readers prefers short chapters, plenty of dialogue, and fast pacing, and a grammar that changes every few years.

Since I enjoy playing with language, meeting changing reader expectations excites rather than frustrates me.

What are your top ten romance novels you would take to the beach?

I’d rather take my ten favorite authors to the beach! Then we could talk about the business of writing, share tour horror stories, editor horror stories, agent horror stories, etc. (Publishers quail at the thought.)

What comes first, characters or plot? What happens when it's characters first? Does the plot just flow naturally from a discovery of those characters, or do you find it difficult to weave a story together to fit the characters you want to write?

For me, backdrop comes first. I have to experience the place where the story is set before anything substantial happens in my brain. In my books, backdrop is an important character, one that interacts with and shapes the plot along with the “human” characters.

My characters rise from the backdrop like ghosts. The ones that take solid form become books. The ones that don’t…don’t.

For me, the balance of elements that make up a novel can’t be forced. If a background/idea/character/plot doesn’t fly, I move on until I find things that will work together.

After reading this blog for a while now and learning what hectic schedules you all keep between your writing and other activities, how do you find time to read other authors books? Is there one particular author that you ALWAYS read no matter what? What is your favorite book of all time?

I don’t find time, I make it.

When I’m writing, I reread favorite authors, because I have no energy to bring to a new author. A book is a collaboration between author and reader. A novel that I don’t have patience for today might become a beloved favorite if I read it when I’m not cross-eyed tired.

I always make time for reading, no matter what. TV, movies, theater, opera, concerts, parties…thanks, but no thanks. I’d rather read. And do.

My favorite book of all time? The one I have just written THE END to.

I really want to know how to make a green ghost martini.

Make it or drink it? Two very different experiences! ;-)

When you don't want to sit in the chair and write…what do you do to make yourself sit there? Duct tape? Crazy glue?

Paying bills has a real focusing effect on me.

That said, it takes a great deal of discipline to write a book no matter what you’d rather be doing. I’ve known many talented people who will never publish because they can’t spend that much time alone in a chair.

If a person had never read any of your books, which one would you want them to read first and why?

That’s an impossible question for me to answer, as I’ve written across so many genres. First I’d have to know what kind of book the reader enjoys—long books or short, suspense or mystery, pure romance or a mix, historical or contemporary, fiction or non-fiction. Then I’d have to know the person well enough to predict whether or not I’m that reader’s “flavor.”

If I am, it really doesn’t matter where the reader starts.

Do any of you work on more than one project at a time? I find myself doing this more and more lately and it's about ready to drive me insane. All these people just keep bumping around inside my head.

I always work on more than one project at a time. Shades of completed projects come back to haunt me as copy-edited mss to be read again, pages proofs to proofread, précis of the WIP for the sales department, research on possible future projects; and the all-important writing of the books that’s in front of me.

If you’re having trouble sorting out books in your mind, be ruthless: decide which character/set of characters is haunting you the most and then ignore the rest. That’s right. Ignore. (Remember that bit about self-discipline?)

Characters in your mind are daydreams, solitary creations. Characters on paper are a novel, a shared creation. Pick a dream you must share and follow it all the way to THE END.

Is there a novel (famous or otherwise) which you wish you had written?

I always wish I had written--as in finished!--the novel I’m working on now.

As for books by other authors, no, I don’t wish I’d written any of them. What makes me love those books is the author’s unique voice. I could write the same plot with the same characters, and it would come out with my voice, my view of the characters, my pacing, etc. Each author can write only her/his own book.

How do you organize research? Do you try to do it all ahead of time?

Organize? *snicker*

At first I simply pile all the references I think might be useful in the same place. Then I dive in.

If I see a fact/situation that might be useful in the novel I’m researching, then I highlight the pertinent parts and put a sticky note on the page. (No, these aren’t library books!)

When I go online, I search certain words, phrases, and read what comes up. If it looks useful, I print it out, punch three holes in it, and put it in a 3-ring notebook. Then I treat the result like a book.

Yes, I try to do research all ahead of time, since it’s a very important aspect of my novels.

What happens when you run into something that you need to look up before you can finish the scene? Do you just type {research blah} and keep going, or stop then and look it up, or some other option I haven't thought of?

If I need the information to finish a scene, I go out and find it. When I’m writing, one scene leads to another and refers back to the scene that came before.

If it’s a single fact or the spelling of a proper name, I may or may not pursue it. Depends on how I feel.

Do any of you find that having a clear notion (such as a map) of the area you're setting the story in is worth the time it would take to set it up?

If the time it takes to get from one place to another is part of the plot, then get/make a map. If the geography of a place is important to the book (think science fiction), then get/make a map. Otherwise do whatever works for you; just remember, research or map-making isn’t a substitute for writing. I only resort to maps if I trip over the timing thing too often.

Many people who read your books would recognise you if they come face to face with you. 1. What is their normal reaction?

If I’m working—a signing, a conference, speaking, etc.—people expect writers to be there. No biggie. The bravest will smile and tell me how much they enjoy my books.

2. What is usually your reaction? I smile and say thanks. If I have time, I’ll chat.

3. Do you sometimes wish they would just pass by and not acknowledge the recognition?

If the occasion isn’t labeled as work/publicity—in other words, if I’m Ann Maxwell going to the store or the bank or the dentist--I’m rarely recognized. I’ve been very careful to keep a low profile in the places I live, because basically I’m a private person. I’m a writer, but I’m also a wife, mother, sister, grandmother, etc. Those things are very important to me. I treasure and protect them.

If I’m recognized as Elizabeth Lowell, I’m polite, smile, and change the subject. If the person persists, I smile and tell them I gave Elizabeth the night off, I’m Ann, and I’m glad to meet you.

I keep my professional life and my personal life as separate as possible. (My sister is fierce about it. She warns people that I’m coming to her house as her sister and nothing else, and if they can’t deal with it, stay home.)

My question to all of you is, do you find the ancillary activities inseparable from being a professional writer a welcome balance and counterpart to the intense concentration of actually writing, or just a distracting pain in the neck? ;-)

Um, distracting pain in the neck pretty much sums it up. I'm always looking for extra hours in a day, extra energy for family and friends. That's what balances my life, not more work.


And that's the last question. See you in two weeks.

ELIZABETH (FINALLY) ANSWERS

I’m doing a two-part blog on Monday and Wednesday, answering your questions, because Stella had aliens gnawing on her shoulder and shouldn't be typing two-handed for a week or three.

Which book would you like to see made into a movie and who would your dream cast be?

I spent a few years working in Hollywood. What I learned was that books and movies are two very different art forms. Movies…move. They are visual and come with sound to reinforce the story. Movies are usually viewed in an audience, and the audience (for better or for worse) becomes part of the experience. The shared gasp, the shared laughter, the shared tears; all are a part of the movie experience.

Reading is a silent collaboration between the author and the reader. The words on the page become pictures in the reader’s head. It is, by nature, a solitary experience. (I’ve often wondered what the blind see when listening to an audio book.) You can get together and talk about books you’ve read, but I don’t know anyone who gets in a group to actually read.

Because of the very separate demands of books and movies, I find it miraculous when any movie is made from a book without totally destroying the reader’s hopes for the movie. We all visualize heroes/heroines differently. (Just think of book covers. Or don’t. *shudder* Little boy-toys portraying tough adults. Centerfolds portraying shy virgins. *shudder*)

I watched Evan’s book, ALL THE WINTERS THAT HAVE BEEN become a TV movie. Did Evan’s hero resemble Richard Chamberlain? Uh, no.

Hollywood and a London producer both optioned (one after the other, over a period of years) TELL ME NO LIES. Hollywood’s ultimate response: “Couldn’t we pack them [ancient Chinese bronzes] with dope so people would care?”

Do you think that most romance novelists marry their ideals?

I can’t speak for others. I didn’t even want to get married until Evan changed my mind. Like Evan, my heroes are intelligent, honorable, fiercely protective of those weaker than themselves, sensual, and capable of enduring love. That’s why the heroines put up with the vices of those virtues: stubbornness and protectiveness/bossiness come immediately to mind!


Karende asked: How does one go about finding an agent?

With your special difficulties, I’d suggest getting the help of a reference librarian to search for agents who are selling the kind of writing you do. No point in sending a mystery to an agent who specializes in non-fiction or science fiction or poetry. Many agents work online, which would be suited to your needs. If the librarian doesn’t have time (with all the cutbacks, I wouldn’t be surprised), look into hiring someone (junior high or high school) for a few hours to go with you to the library and search for what you need.

If you’re writing romance, find your nearest local RWA group and join. You’ll learn and make friends, the kind of friends who wouldn’t mind helping you in your search for agents.


Is there someone in your family background who was a writer or otherwise more "creative" type of person?

I’m the only writer on either side of my family.

Evan is the only writer on either side of his.

Our son has two unpublished manuscripts. He sold a graphic novel, only to have the publisher go out of business two weeks before the novel was to appear. At the moment, he’s the hands-on parent for two healthy, active, intelligent kids under six, lovingly referred to as the Energy Vampires. That's all the creativity one person can handle.

Our daughter has two romantic suspense novels (as Heather Lowell) published. If the Knee From Hell ever permits, there will be many more.

Do you feel that you have grown as a author?

I’ve certainly changed! As Jayne and I have often discussed, about every ten years an author has to reinvent herself in order to stay interested in the game. Since I’ve written and published nonfiction, science fiction, mystery, historical novels, historical romance, contemporary romance, and romantic suspense, I’ve stayed interested. If that changes, I’m outta here.


Do your non-writing friends understand your frustrations or joy when you talk about your stories? Or do they give you the vacant stares and polite smiles?

My non-writing friends rarely talk to me about writing. Nor do I talk to them about their careers in any but the most general ways. It’s the time off we share—the dinners and laughter, the kids and grandkids, fishing, boating, hiking, gardening, hobbies. Basically when I’m not writing, I don’t really care to talk about writing. When I get together with writing friends, we tend to talk about the business of writing, rather than the "art" itself.


How do you keep yourself from doing too much research - particularly if you're working on a historical? I really enjoy that aspect and sometimes fear I use it as a form of procrastination.

I love research. Having deadlines keeps me honest. That, and the knowledge that my readers aren’t stupid. If they really want to know the minutiae of an historical era—or anything else—they’ll go to the library or research online.

For me, research that actually appears as words on my novel’s pages is barely the shine on the tip of the research iceberg. Research suggests characters and plot points and action, a sense of place, of difference, of immediacy.

IMHO a novelist should always, always, remember the book will be filed with fiction. Don’t let a parade of facts get in the way of a good story.


Which three people (currently living or deceased) would you love to have to a dinner party?

I’m afraid I don’t/can’t think in those terms. History is written by humans who have known or unknown filters through which facts are strained. Dinner with anyone would be, at best, an exercise in understanding that people from different times view the world differently. As I can get that among my friends, there’s no need to disturb the famous. ;-)

If there was one thing you could go back and change in your writing career, what would it be and why?

Nothing.

Everything I’ve done has led to what I have now. If I changed anything, I’d end up in a different place. I like where I am now.


Has there ever been a book you've written, that you wish now you hadn't?

No. Again, everything I’ve done has led to this moment. I like this moment.


For all the Quills...if you weren't writers, what would be your dream job?

This is my dream job. If I can’t do this, I don’t want to work, period.


That's it for part one. Part two on Wednesday.

Susan wants to know: What would you save?

A friend of mine was looking at my Spain photo album a couple of weeks ago and said that she wants me to be her photographer on her next trip. She added that she and her family hardly ever take pictures.

"You're kidding me," I said incredulously. "My photo albums would be the first thing I'd grab in a fire."

Actually they'd probably tie for third. First would be the Soul Mate. (that's my favorite picture of him with the I've-said-something- outrageous smile he gets) The second would be Boo and Mojo. Then I'd haul patootie for my office to scoop up the flash drive containing my book-in- progress and scoop as many of my photo albums from the bookshelves as I could manage. (and believe me, there are a LOT of them)

I'd be sad to lose the locket my dad gave my mom for her eighteenth birthday, which she then gave to me the day I got married, as one day I hope to give it to my son's bride. I'd miss the old silk fan I have on my mantel. My father brought it back from China during WWII. And I've collected a lot of other vintage odds and ends over the years that have meaning for me. But that's just stuff.

My photo albums are a visual history of my life. They show me, my family, my friends, when we were young. They show my son, my nieces, my nephews, from birth to present, and are the only visuals I have of my father or my husband's parents, who are gone now. They chronicle the pets I've had, the changes my home, my garden has gone through, and remind me of special moments with people near and dear to me. There have been many evenings, particularly in the winter when the nights are long, when I've made a cup of tea and hauled out a random stack of albums to immerse myself in memories.

So my albums tie for first place when it comes to the material things that I would save were my house to catch fire. What would you save?

A Quill Quickie: What are the three things you enjoy most about summer?

Colleen Coble:

1. Ice cream (But if it doesn't have chocolate in it, don't even bother me.)

2. Summer writers conferences.

3. The continual hope of finding a diet that works. (Yes, you're right, two of those things are in direct conflict. I like to kill people in my books so it only makes sense I'm a little schizophrenic!)

ABOMINATION. Hardcover suspense. Colleen Coble. Thomas Nelson. August 2007.
http://www.colleencoble.com/
www.girlswriteout.blogspot.com


Natalie Eggeman

1. Walking outside without a jacket.

2. Eating s'mores by the campfire.

3. More creative energy.

To view results of Natalie's creative energy, check out www.PizzazzyProductions.com NovelTease Videos: trailers that capture the soul of your book.


Janet Dean

Only three is tough, but here goes:

1. Licking ice cream cones. (Making the ice cream last as long as the cone.)

2. Sitting on the swing with my husband on lazy summer nights listening to bullfrogs in the pond.

3. Watching our sun-kissed grandchildren romp and swim at the neighborhood pool. (Smiling, proud, and a touch sad that goggles and the backstroke have replaced baby rings and sunbonnets.)

ORPHANED HEARTS. Janet Dean. Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical. September 2008.
www.janetdean.net
www.janetdean.blogspot.com


Liz Flaherty

1. Not wearing coats, long pants, or--most of the time--shoes.

2. Living in the country. Not that we don't live in the country the rest of the year, but it's better in summer.

3. The sensory part of it. There's something bold and fearless about summer. The colors are more vibrant, the sounds happier and more musical, and the smells are memory-creating in themselves.

THE DEBUTANTE'S SECOND CHANCE. Liz Flaherty. Silhouette Special Edition. September 2007.
www.lizflaherty.com


Shirley Jump

1. Spray on tans. (I feel like a real-live Barbie doll, except without the cool hair, nice shoe collection and impossible waistline.)

2. Pedicures. (Nothing says spoil-me like a pedicure. And it's a reason to buy new shoes!)

3. School being out. (The kids may drive me crazy some days, but having them home is a treat and a half!)

REALLY SOMETHING. Shirley Jump. Zebra. December 2007.
www.shirleyjump.com
www.shirleyjump.blogspot.com

Thanks to the wonderful women from my local chapter of Romance Writers of America who shared a little bit of summer with us. (You can tell we live in the Midwest: land of freezing cold winters and long hot summers!)

Inquiring Minds want to know, of course: What are the three things you enjoy most about summer?

Happy July!
Elizabeth G.

Au revoir to a great lady

My editor at Avon sent this to me. I thought all of you might like to share the memories.

Elizabeth Lowell


A statement from Morrow/Avon Publicity:

On behalf of all of Avon, I want to extend our deepest condolences to the Woodiwiss family. We pledge to do our utmost to help them through this painful, difficult time. We remain deeply committed to Kathleen and her wonderful legacy -- and will work with her family to ensure that her forthcoming book, "Everlasting", is the final gift she intended for her fans, and a lasting, glowing testimony to the talent and passion of this amazing author.

All our love is with Kathleen, and the Woodiwiss family.


An obituary for Kathleen E. Woodiwiss:

Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, creator of the modern historical romance, died July 6, 2007 in Minnesota. She had just turned 68.

Her attorney, William Messerlie, said that she died after a long illness.

Born on June 3, 1939 in Alexandria, Louisiana, Mrs. Woodiwiss was the youngest of eight siblings. She long relished creating original narratives, and by age six was telling herself stories at night to help herself fall asleep. At age 16, she met U.S. Air Force Second Lieutenant Ross Woodiwiss at a dance, and they married the following year. She wrote her first book in longhand while living at a military outpost in Japan.

Mrs. Woodiwiss is credited with the invention of the modern historical romance novel: in 1972, she released "The Flame and the Flower", an instant New York Times bestseller, creating literary precedent. The "Flame and the Flower" revolutionized mainstream publishing, featuring an epic historical romance with a strong heroine and impassioned sex scenes. "Kathleen E. Woodiwiss is the founding mother of the historical romance genre," says Carrie Feron, vice president/editorial director of William Morrow and Avon Books, imprints of HarperCollins Publishers. Feron, who has been Mrs. Woodiwiss' editor for 13 years, continues, "Avon Books is proud to have been Kathleen's sole publishing partner for her paperbacks and hardcover novels for more than three decades." Avon Books, a leader in the historical romance genre to this day, remains Mrs. Woodiwiss' original and only paperback publisher; William Morrow, Avon's sister company, publishes Mrs. Woodiwiss' hardcovers.

"The Flame and the Flower" was rejected by agents and hardcover publishers, who deemed it as "too long" at 600 pages. Rather than follow the advice of the rejection letters and rewrite the novel, Mrs. Woodiwiss instead submitted it to paperback publishers. The first publisher on her list, Avon, quickly purchased the novel and arranged an initial 500,000 print run. The novel sold over 2.3 million copies in its first four years of publication.

The success of this novel prompted a new style of writing romance, concentrating primarily on historical fiction tracking the monogamous relationship between a helpless heroines and the hero who rescued her, even if he had been the one to place her in danger. The romance novels which followed in her example featured longer plots, more controversial situations and characters, and more intimate and steamy sex scenes.

"Her words engendered an incredible passion among readers," notes Feron. Bestselling author Julia Quinn agrees, saying, "Woodiwiss made women want to read. She gave them an alternative to Westerns and hard-boiled police procedurals. When I was growing up, I saw my mother and grandmother reading and enjoying romances, and when I was old enough to read them myself, I felt as if I had been admitted into a special sisterhood of reading women."

New York Times bestselling author Susan Elizabeth Phillips, a leading voice in the women's fiction arena, says, "We all owe our careers to her. She opened the world of romance to us as readers. She created a career for us to go into."

The pioneering author has written 13 novels over the course of 35 years, all New York Times bestsellers. Kathleen E. Woodiwiss' final literary work, the upcoming "Everlasting", will be published by William Morrow in October 2007. " 'Everlasting' is Kathleen's final gift to her fans," notes Feron.

Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, who was predeceased by her husband and son Dorren, is survived by sons Sean and Heath, and numerous grandchildren.

JAYNE WELCOMES CHRISTINA DODD

Jayne, here, to welcome Christina Dodd, whose fabulous new paranormal, SCENT OF DARKNESS has just arrived in stores. (By the way, you're going to love this one! Starts off with a heroine who has decided to seduce her boss only to discover to her horror that he is not quite what she expected, if you get my drift).

Anyhow, Christina has promised to blog on a philosophical topic today. We here at RWQ are very excited because we're all about sophisticated, high brow stuff like philosophy. I will admit it never occurred to us that a former squawker might know much about that kind of thing, but what the hey... Go for it, Christina!

CHRISTINA DODD ASKS: WHAT IS HELL?

No, no, I’m not making comparisons between the Running With Quills authors and Hell. At least, none of them except for … well, never mind.

I’m really here to talk about my new paranormal series, Darkness Chosen, is a big, dramatic chain of stories linked by a family who signed an ancient pact with the devil, and the one branch chosen to break the pact. The consequences of failure are dire — when their beloved father dies, he’ll be condemned to hell. In this story, hell is a very traditional place of fire and eternal torment.

But my college-age daughter said no, that’s not hell. She claims her chem professor is obviously the devil, and he showed her a hell made up of simpler things. She said we all get a taste of hell every day.

Sometimes, I think she’s right.

For instance, in my work hell:
— I’ll work in retail at Christmastime where they play the same carols over and over and over and over …
— I’ll get yelled at for everyone else’s mistakes
— All my pencils will have the erasers worn down
— No one I work with will have the ability to fill up the paper tray/change the toilet paper/make the coffee/clean up after themselves
— In the next check stand, there’ll be that guy who talks loudly because he wants to entertain everyone — and he’s boring.

In my hell bathroom
— The toilet paper’s not attached well and when I pull, it comes off and rolls on the disgusting wet floor.
— I’ll always follow that person who doesn’t wash her hands, then touches everything on the way out, especially the door handle.

In my hell restaurant:
— My water will never get refilled.
— And they’ll give me all the free hot salsa and chips I can eat.
— At the next table, there’ll be that guy who talks loudly because he wants to entertain everyone — and he’s boring.

In my vacation hell:
— They’ll serve Pepsi.
— The beach will be filled with thin, toned people, especially That Girl in a string bikini.
— There’ll be a fabulous Olympic-sized lap swimming pool, and as I swim through the warm blue waters … I’ll swim through a warm spot.

When I fly:
— I’ll follow that jerk onto the plane who brings on the largest carry-on bag and blocks the aisle while he pounds it in the overhead.
— He’ll be the same guy who thinks he doesn’t have to turn off his cell phone when he’s instructed to
— Every bag of peanuts they give me will be impossible to open, and finally I’ll rip it and peanuts will fly all over.
— I’ll be seated between the lady with too much perfume and the businessman who’s been wearing the same suit for three days.
— In the seat directly behind me, the guy with the big carry-on and the cell phone will talk loudly because he wants to entertain everyone — and he’s boring.

In my everyday hell life:
— At my gym, all the women will put on makeup and jewelry to exercise. Except me.
— I’ll stand behind that guy in the 9-item express lane with 12 items, and he won’t pull out his check book until his order is rung up and bagged.
— Someone will always flush while I’m in the shower.
— That guy who talks loudly because he wants to entertain everyone — and he’s boring — will follow me everywhere.

So what about your hell? Is your hell going to be full of people who automatically deduct 10 points from your IQ when you speak with a Southern accent? Teachers who think everyone should belong to the same political party as them? Bad losers? Will there be elevator music everywhere? In hell, do all the bridesmaids’ dresses have a gigantic bow on the butt? Tell us all.


While you’re planning your perfect day in hell, don’t forget to enjoy SCENT OF DARKNESS, the first book in the Darkness Chosen series. TOUCH OF DARKNESS follows in August.

Oh! And really, ignore the rumor about the Quills authors. They are all really good people. Good. Kind. Generous. Angelic.

Really.

Christina Dodd

SIMON SAYS & Lots of Questions

Good morning everyone!

I'm going to totally cheat and hope you'll forgive me. Yeah, SIMON SAYS is out, and yeah, we usually do an interview. But... where to start?
The 30th of June was my 29th wedding anniversary.
Our remodeling is getting close to being finished, but isn't yet. I now have a 4 season room- without furniture, a nice new deck- without stairs, a much bigger kitchen- without water...
Patience I tell myself.

We had no time to celebrate an anniversary or much of anything else.
Crews have been in my house for months now.
As an aside - I had no idea how much I LOVED writing in my flannel pants and sloppy Tees without makeup. Seriously. I miss it.
Now I have to be dressed and presentable by 7 am because any number of subcontractors will likely need to ask me something. It's very hard to write in makeup. Who knew? And I can't quite twist my legs around the chair the way I like when I'm wearing jeans. A strange misfortune, because my book is due the end of this month.

No, I'm not done. Not even close.

Yeah, I'm getting panicky. Deep breaths, deep breaths, deep breaths...

July 1st I had a wedding shower, without a kitchen floor or countertops. No one seemed to mind. I have very forgiving family and friends.

July 20th is the wedding for my son and his beautiful fiance. The reception is at my house.
SURELY I'll have countertops and running water by then, right?
I hope so. That's the plan. (Yesterday I got carpet for my 4 season room, and the day before I got the flooring my kitchen. Monday is the new big screen TV and surround sound, and Thursday is the new furniture.)

I'm without daughters, so I'm thrilled for this marriage, and I'm doubly thrilled to get to organize it in the place of the bride's mother. I'm having a blast - even in my panic-mode.

But it does take mega time, and I am trying to finish this book, so... no interview from me.
I just plain don't have time, not if I have any hope of getting this book done on time. Instead, I'll just tell you that SIMON SAYS is available, reviews so far have been very encouraging, and I'll love you if you buy it and read it and tell me what you think.

Now, to make it easy on my brain, I'm just going to answer some of those clever questions Stella gathered! (BTW, in the midst of all my craziness, I'm reading TARGET, and let me tell you - WONDERFUL!)


Pia asked:
One question I am kinda curious about, this goes to all the quills EL, EG, Susan, Stella, Lori, Jayne, if there was a book you read of your fellow quills which one would you like to see made to a movie and who would your dream cast be?

Off the top of my head, one of my all-time favorite EVER books is PERFECT PARTNERS. Loved, loved, loved every word. I know, it's an oldie now, but it's still as delicious as when I first read it. That's the real test for a book - how it holds up over time.
I could see Hugh Jackman as the guy, and maybe Sandra Bullock as the heroine.
But honestly, I'd almost hate to see it made into a movie because the few "books to movies" that I've seen have sucked pretty badly.
Julie Garwood's FOR THE ROSES just broke my heart.
Linda Howard's LOVING EVANGELINE destroyed that awesome alpha male.
I say leave incredible books alone!


Kate said...
... do you think that most romance novelists marry their ideals?

Kate! Congrats on your upcoming marriage. Go you!
OF COURSE those men exist!!! It irks me that women always try to insist they don't. And you know why they insist it? Because they refuse to accept the flaws with all the yumminess. Show me a perfect woman, and then we'll worry about finding her a perfect man! Ha!

Oh, and to answer your question, yep, I married my idea man. After 29 years together, it makes me weepy to think about how much more I love him every year. I just did a blog for another site for this - about romance in marriage. When it's available, I'll let y'all know.


Karende asked:
How does one go about finding an agent?

Honestly, it's harder to get a good agent than it is to sell that first book. I'd say sell first, then ask your editor who she likes. Or get on some of the RWA loops and ask other authors for pros and cons on various agents.
When you find an agent you're interested in, talk to her numerous times - on the phone or in person, not on email - before you decide. Don't sign a contract if you can help it, but if you must, make it a book-by-book deal. Many, many agent/author relationships have gone down the toilet, and you don't want to be tied to someone if he/she lets you down.


Ranurgis said...
Since I don't intend to write a book, I have a different sort of question.Is there someone in your family background who was a writer or otherwise more "creative" type of person?

No other published writers that I know of, but my mother had a wonderful way with poetry. My "real" father (not my stepdad, who raised me) is artistic. I'm artistic. My boys are all artistic and good storytellers and someday at least one of them, if not more, will be published. I'm sure of it.


dee from Australia said...
do you feel that you have grown as a author?

Enormously! And it makes the job harder every single year. I keep challenging myself, and taking chances, and then working hard to make them work. But I would hate to NOT grow as an author. If each book doesn't teach me something about writing, then I'm not trying hard enough.


Marcie said...
Do your non-writing friends understand your frustrations or joy when you talk about your stories? Or do they give you the vacant stares and polite smiles?

I have two very close friends who aren't in the industry. We do dinners out a lot. Our kids all wrestled together, and that makes you close. They get it. They're wonderfully supportive and always interested. Everyone else... I just don't discuss my business with them. For many people, if you're not on Oprah, you haven't arrived.


Michelle said...
How do you keep yourself from doing too much research - particularly if you're working on a historical? I really enjoy that aspect and sometimes fear I use it as a form of procrastination.-Michelle

Because I write contemporary, it's probably a different animal. But I try to wait to do the research only when I need it, and I stop when I've found enough to answer my immediate questions. It keeps me from getting too fascinated in stuff that won't actually go in the book anyway.


DFender said:
Okay, since I'm not an author, nor aspiring to be one, my question is more general interest:For each of the lovely Quills, Which three people (currently living or deceased) would you love to have to a dinner party? Famous, infamous, celebrity, icon, regular Joe... your choice.Deb

Oh, I just know this might get me flamed, so please refrain folks. I'm super, super tired these days, and really, we all look at life from different perspectives. To each her own!
But here goes:


President Bush
Randy Couture (a fighter in the UFC)
Princess Diana

For various reasons, I think they're all three utterly fascinating and well worth knowing better. My heart still breaks for Princess Diana. I try not to think about all the good that could have been -probably would have been - done if she'd lived.


Darla said:
For all the Quills...If there was one thing you could go back and change in your writing career, what would it be and why?

I'd be nicer. I was pretty mean to some of the Harlequin editors when I was with them. I'm a "bigger" person now and realize that I could have handled some of those conflicts over editing and titles and covers in a more tactful way.
:::sigh::: Unfortunately, we can't go back.
I'm still every bit as territorial over my word choices, my descriptions, my... everything. But I better understand now that Harlequin is a world of its own, with a different set of rules than other publishers, and different goals. I was playing in their backyard, so I should have abided by their rules without so many complaints.
They do a GREAT job for what they intend, and I didn't appreciate that as much as I should have at the time.
Looking back now, I appreciate it enormously.


Brandy said:
I have a question about y'alls books. Has there ever been a book you've written, that you wish now you hadn't?

Wow, good question! And actually, yeah. If I had it to do over, I wouldn't have taken part in the Maitland Maternity continuity series with Harlequin. Because of the set up of a continuity, it never totally felt like my book. It's a long thing to explain here, but you get a "bible" with preset names and situations and even conversations. You have to coordinate with a lot of other people. I'm one of those who likes to do my own thing in my own way, without any input - so it was a painful experience for me, and because it's not a stand alone book, it's nearly forgotten in my backlist.


Anonymous said...
For all the Quills...if you weren't writers, what would be your dream job? Karen (who cannot remember her pswrd and user name)

I'd always wanted to be a teacher for elementary school, and/or an art teacher. I love kids, and I love art, and I love young minds. I have a great empathy for children, and I remember my youth, my own personal struggles and my hurts. I think I relate well with kids.


SusanB said...
Do you reread your own work ?? And, if you are doing a series with followup from previous books, do you reread differently?I find as a reader that if a book is good, but not a "reread" then I am not as happy!

Until recently, I did. Now I barely have time to read the instructions on medication. LOL.
But yeah, in my "early" writing days, I reread all my own books just to see how they were after becoming an official book. For connecting series, I keep a profile sheet with everything I think might be important, from names with height, hair color, eye color, profession, quirks to local stores, stop lights and landscaping.


Ms. Owen & Ms. Kinder said:
Has turning your art into your "job" in anyway detracted from the joy you take in writing? Have you ever felt like you had to do less than your best to meet a deadline?Ms. K

Nope, but I have done without sleep, food, or entertainment to finish a deadline. It can be grueling when you find yourself falling behind. That's why I recently changed my deadlines so that now I'm only scheduled for 2 books a year. I hope to do a little more living and a little less writing.
But I have always, from day one, made my books the absolute best that I could make them before turning them in.
And it's paid off for me because I've not only never had "big" revisions, I've seldom had revisions at all. I've been lucky.


Tammy said:
Is there one book you've written, that you wish now you could have changed something major?Hopefully that makes sense.

Because so many readers have complained to me about Alyx Winston not having her own book, (She's Joe Winston's sister) I sometimes wish I could go back and write JAMIE without Alyx's secondary romance in there. But at the time I wrote that book, I was done, done, done with the series and just really wanted to move on to something new and different.
I bore easily. And besides, Visitation, NC had so much testosterone in it at that point, females were ready to faint in the street. I needed to wrap up that series for more reasons than my urge to move on to new ground.


Cbell:
I would love to have each of you list your top ten romance novels you would take to the beach.

Wow, that's a tough one! I just know I'll miss one!
Well, first off would be TARGET by Stella, because I'm still reading it and I'd hate to hit a beach and not get to finish it. LOL
Second would be COMING UNDONE by Susan Andersen, because it's next on my list and I've been waiting forever for it. C'mon PJ and Jared! I LOVED them in the other book.
Favorites I've read and reread:
3. PERFECT PARNER by Jayne Ann Krentz
4. DREAM MAN by Linda Howard
5. HONORS SPENDOUR by Julie Garwood
6. LION'S LADY by Julie Garwood
7. TENDER REBEL by Johanna Lindsey
8. GENTLE ROGUE by Johanna Lindsey
9. THE SHERBROOKE BRIDE by Catherine Coulter (and the rest of the Sherbrookes)
10. FIRESTORM by Brenda Joyce (and the related family books)


Everscoi said:
What comes first, characters or plot?What happens when it's characters first? Does the plot just flow naturally from a discovery of those characters, or do you find it difficult to weave a story together to fit the characters you want to write?

Characters come first for me, usually already in a scene. Then I have to figure out why they're there, why it matters, how it plays out in the rest of the book, etc... Fun stuff! I always plot around characters.


Anonymous said...
After reading this blog for a while now and learning what hectic schedules you all keep between your writing and other activities, how do you find time to read other authors books?Is there one particular author that you ALWAYS read no matter what?What is your favorite book of all time?Thanks for the ability to ask.Kathy H

Man, I can't think of ONE favorite book of all time. I've loved too many.
My schedule has gotten unmanageable in the last two years, which is why I'm cutting back - so I can get more time to read again.
Prior to the last couple of years, I could do six books a year and still have free time. I DID six books a year, without a problem. But... life changes and when I think it should be getting easier and calmer, instead it's more hectic.
I'm reading again now by doing the treadmill and only reading when I'm on there. It's works out great in two ways - keeps me exercising and lets me read again!


Anonymous said...
I really want to know how to make a green ghost martini. :)When you don't want to sit in the chair and write..what do you do to make yourself sit there? Duct tape? Crazy glue? Rebecca

LOL. I don't drink, so I don't know about the martini