Police Dramas. Medical Thrillers. M/M Romance. Froggy books (you remember 'Heeeey Frooooggggyyyyy!'). Wagons West. James Patterson. John Irving (A Prayer For Owen Meany). Robin Cook, Michael Palmer.
Do I write any of this stuff? No. I couldn't produce a mystery if my life depended on it; I'm too eager for the bad guys to be caught. But I do like to READ about how the bad guys are caught:) Can I figure it out? Sometimes. Other times, I discover I've been waaaay off base.
Reading outside the genre I choose to write...gives me a break from the boy-meets-girl/boy-loses-girl/they-make-up-and-live-happily-ever-after. Sometimes there's a subplot in my mainstream fiction which will give me an idea for my writing, but mainly I'll read nearly everything I can get my hands on which sounds like a good story, or if I like the author.
Some authors I've met by accident, such as the Wagon's West series. I'd privately made fun of the titles when they first appeared, but while on a family vacation, I ran out of reading material. And out of desperation, I picked up the latest title and bought it for the ride home.
I was instantly hooked into the storyline, and was determined to read the entire series.
Dad got me started on Irving and Michenor. He took me to see Hotel New Hampshire, and one day I found Prayer for Owen Meany at the library. I took it home, read it, and bought my dad a copy for Christmas. He let me 'borrow' Hawaii and Centennial after the mini-series ended during my high school years.
I decided to read Twilight after my sister told me it was something I could have written. I read Harry Potter after seeing the first movie. And having devoured The Percy Jackson (Lightening Thief) series, both teens and I are looking forward to the movies.
I've won books in contests and become instant fans of the authors, with few exceptions.
So yes, I read outside my genre. It makes me a well-rounded reader.
Just don't expect any vampires driving covered wagons to Oregan and finding themselves inside a mystery in any of my books. I'll leave that storyline to the 'experts'.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
New Cover:)
So what do you think? I LOVE it! Already I've had one person tell me they would buy it strictly because of the cover, as it hints to the plot just enough to make her curious:)I'm also guest blogging over at the Writer's Evo blog. But in case you missed it, here's the repost:
So You’re Published; Now What?
“…and they lived happily ever after. The End”.
“Dear Kenzie, We’d like to offer you a contract… Here are your edits… Here’s your cover…. Your release date is…”
Wow. Now what? Your book, which you’ve worked so hard to write, submitted it to a publisher and had it accepted, bitten your nails to the quick over edits, and approved your cover, is finally available. But what comes next?
Throw yourself a release party, first and foremost. This is an accomplishment, after all. Go out to eat; enjoy some cake and ice cream with friends or family and celebrate a little. And hopefully if you blog or belong to chat loops, you’ve already posted the news, an excerpt, and the cover all over cyberspace and your website. Soak up the applause and bask in any guest blogging comments on your friends’ sites.
And get a good night’s sleep, because the real work begins the next day.
What? Oh…you didn’t know? Aren’t you glad I’m telling you this now?
Your publisher has done their job. Now everything else is up to YOU, the author, to get the word out. Watch for calls for guest bloggers or interviews. Promote your work on any promo days on the chat loops you belong to. Show up at chats with your online friends and rebuild relationships with those you’ve interacted with before, but maybe neglected while you were busy editing.
Sign up for a Google Alert on your title and name, and put quotes around them; otherwise you’ll get hit with any or all uses of the words. One of the groups I belong to is the marketing for romance writers, and the members are very generous in answering any questions pertaining to promotions.
Have some bookmarks made up, or postcards to send out. VistaPrint.com is a wonderful source to find inexpensive promotional items, as well as your local office supply store. I sent my local Office Max a copy of my cover and pay about eleven dollars for one hundred bookmarks.
If your book is coming out into print, look around in the community for places to network. My alter ego placed a few copies of her books in gift shops on consignment. I’m considering doing the same at a local adult gift shop with my own books. I’ll buy a copy of my own work, download it to CD and set the price accordingly. Don’t forget to leave a few of your business cards with the owners. I’ve also set up at local festivals, contacted book stores to set up signings, and set up booths at craft fairs at Fish Fries around my area. If you don’t know who to contact, call the fire station once you see the signs and ask to speak to the person in charge of the booth rentals. Call the local Chamber of Commerce to find out about when the festivals take place. And if it’s too late to set up, go and talk to the vendors. Ask about fees, who to contact, and the hours.
And above all else, don’t stop writing! Because at some point, someone will ask ‘What is your next book about?”
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Importance of Covers
Covers serve many purposes:
a) It gives the reader a hint of what the book is about;
b) It keeps the content safe from the weather elements ie: rain, snow,
c) Bed covers keep a body warm at night, or during daytime naps
There are good covers, which entice the reader to pick up said book and thumb through it, or flip over to read the back cover or the inside book jacket.
Then there are bad covers, which give absolutely NO hint of what the book is about. And you've all heard the saying, 'Don't judge a book by its cover'? Well if I showed you a plain green cover with 'All She Ever Wanted' or 'Teacher's Pet', would you be tempted to investigate further? (Not discounting author name recognition...but that's another topic altogether!) But if I were to show you two people of the opposite sex; both smiling; he's handing her something....with the title 'All She Ever Wanted', wouldn't you be interested in what it was she wanted? And if he gave it to her?
Likewise, Teacher's Pet. A plain blue cover won't tell you very much. But picture two people kissing and leaning up against a desk or a blackboard in an obvious classroom, and you'd be a little curious, no? At least that's what my cover request said, with some examples from photoshop, or whatever that site was. I hope she's able to 'get' what I was trying to convey.
E-books covers function more in a Promotional capacity. I'll admit, the catchy blurb and excerpt are my main means of putting a certain book on my TBB list. I really don't pay much attention to e-covers as I do the print ones. But to people who like covers and judge the book accordingly, they are a HUGE part of getting the word out, in a visual sense on blogs, websites, and social networking. When I'm on Facebook and post a picture of my cover, people will take notice of it if it is eye-catching. Likewise, a person may click on any links I may post about it.
I've heard it said it takes an average of ten mentions before a potential reader will consider buying an author's work. What makes me put any book on my TBB list? As I've said, the blurb and excerpt. But I've also been guilty of not putting it on the list until I've either read another excerpt more to my liking, or I've developed a friendship with the author and agreed to try out her book. Sometimes I come away kicking myself for not reading it sooner, and some times yeah, my 1st instinct was right. But not everyone has the same taste in books. And I've already admitted mine are eclectic.
That being said, I'll let you know when my latest cover is ready. And if it's less than awesome, please read the blurb and excerpt before making up your mind?
Thanks:)
a) It gives the reader a hint of what the book is about;
b) It keeps the content safe from the weather elements ie: rain, snow,
c) Bed covers keep a body warm at night, or during daytime naps
There are good covers, which entice the reader to pick up said book and thumb through it, or flip over to read the back cover or the inside book jacket.
Then there are bad covers, which give absolutely NO hint of what the book is about. And you've all heard the saying, 'Don't judge a book by its cover'? Well if I showed you a plain green cover with 'All She Ever Wanted' or 'Teacher's Pet', would you be tempted to investigate further? (Not discounting author name recognition...but that's another topic altogether!) But if I were to show you two people of the opposite sex; both smiling; he's handing her something....with the title 'All She Ever Wanted', wouldn't you be interested in what it was she wanted? And if he gave it to her?
Likewise, Teacher's Pet. A plain blue cover won't tell you very much. But picture two people kissing and leaning up against a desk or a blackboard in an obvious classroom, and you'd be a little curious, no? At least that's what my cover request said, with some examples from photoshop, or whatever that site was. I hope she's able to 'get' what I was trying to convey.
E-books covers function more in a Promotional capacity. I'll admit, the catchy blurb and excerpt are my main means of putting a certain book on my TBB list. I really don't pay much attention to e-covers as I do the print ones. But to people who like covers and judge the book accordingly, they are a HUGE part of getting the word out, in a visual sense on blogs, websites, and social networking. When I'm on Facebook and post a picture of my cover, people will take notice of it if it is eye-catching. Likewise, a person may click on any links I may post about it.
I've heard it said it takes an average of ten mentions before a potential reader will consider buying an author's work. What makes me put any book on my TBB list? As I've said, the blurb and excerpt. But I've also been guilty of not putting it on the list until I've either read another excerpt more to my liking, or I've developed a friendship with the author and agreed to try out her book. Sometimes I come away kicking myself for not reading it sooner, and some times yeah, my 1st instinct was right. But not everyone has the same taste in books. And I've already admitted mine are eclectic.
That being said, I'll let you know when my latest cover is ready. And if it's less than awesome, please read the blurb and excerpt before making up your mind?
Thanks:)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Hot Button Issues
I usually tend to keep my opinions to myself; I've always been a people-pleaser who prefers to not rock the boat. However, there are a few I do support, however quietly.
Pro-Choice: I once took a counselor's training course at a local Free Clinic. Their anti-abortion stance made me realize I favor the women's right to choose. And yes, to keep it legal. When I became pregnant with baby #3, I seriously considered all alternatives, because finances were shaky and it had been ten years since the last one. I'll confess; I prayed for a miscarriage. But since I'd seen the abortion tapes in college, as part of a health class, I personally had no desire to undergo the procedure. A neighbor of mine had no such qualms, and while I did play Devil's Advocate and questioned her decision, ultimately it was her body, not mine. I do NOT support terminating any pregnancy past the 12-week mark.
Battered Women's Shelters: As a former survivor of emotional abuse, I whole-heartedly encourage women who find themselves in any abuse situations to leave their husbands. Ladies, he did it once; he'll do it again. Get out while you're alive.
Marriage = One Man, One Woman: Going to take some heat for this one, but if you choose to follow an alternative lifestyle, so be it. But don't call it marriage. It is not sanctified by God, so no, it should not become legal. Want to adopt children and cohabitate with your partner? Go right ahead.
Socialized Medicine: Absolutely not. I've heard the horror stories from my sister in Canada.
E-book vs Print: I've become an avid fan of e-books. Now I just need an e-reader.
America's Constitution: I caved to pressure two years ago when my 1st ammendment rights were slammed. I was wrong. This is my blog; I can express any opinion I want. If a reader finds my opinion offensive, they can choose to ignore me. I've seen material I consider offensive; I check back the next day until I just can't stomach the views expressed anymore.
Besides, this post should tell me how many readers I have. I found out two years ago: If you want to see how many lurkers are out there, post something controversial and watch your inbox fill up with hate mail:)
Some of the opinions expressed above are not stated in polite conversation. I'm a non-confrontational person who prefers to simply walk away from a fight. Especially if my friends have stromg opinions, I prefer not to let issues come between friendships. Everyone is entitled to their opinion; just don't try to shove yours down my throat.
Pro-Choice: I once took a counselor's training course at a local Free Clinic. Their anti-abortion stance made me realize I favor the women's right to choose. And yes, to keep it legal. When I became pregnant with baby #3, I seriously considered all alternatives, because finances were shaky and it had been ten years since the last one. I'll confess; I prayed for a miscarriage. But since I'd seen the abortion tapes in college, as part of a health class, I personally had no desire to undergo the procedure. A neighbor of mine had no such qualms, and while I did play Devil's Advocate and questioned her decision, ultimately it was her body, not mine. I do NOT support terminating any pregnancy past the 12-week mark.
Battered Women's Shelters: As a former survivor of emotional abuse, I whole-heartedly encourage women who find themselves in any abuse situations to leave their husbands. Ladies, he did it once; he'll do it again. Get out while you're alive.
Marriage = One Man, One Woman: Going to take some heat for this one, but if you choose to follow an alternative lifestyle, so be it. But don't call it marriage. It is not sanctified by God, so no, it should not become legal. Want to adopt children and cohabitate with your partner? Go right ahead.
Socialized Medicine: Absolutely not. I've heard the horror stories from my sister in Canada.
E-book vs Print: I've become an avid fan of e-books. Now I just need an e-reader.
America's Constitution: I caved to pressure two years ago when my 1st ammendment rights were slammed. I was wrong. This is my blog; I can express any opinion I want. If a reader finds my opinion offensive, they can choose to ignore me. I've seen material I consider offensive; I check back the next day until I just can't stomach the views expressed anymore.
Besides, this post should tell me how many readers I have. I found out two years ago: If you want to see how many lurkers are out there, post something controversial and watch your inbox fill up with hate mail:)
Some of the opinions expressed above are not stated in polite conversation. I'm a non-confrontational person who prefers to simply walk away from a fight. Especially if my friends have stromg opinions, I prefer not to let issues come between friendships. Everyone is entitled to their opinion; just don't try to shove yours down my throat.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
One Step At A Time...
'Put one foot in front of the other..." and so goes the song from the movie Santa Claus is Coming To Town.
That's the way I've approached my writing life.
At first it was all about the writing. I was thrilled when I realized I'd written two books in the fall of 2007 and two more in the first half of 2008. But now what? I'd been approached about a submission call; would one of my stories fit the criteria?
And so I screwed up my courage and sent them all out. One by one the rejections came. I had a snarky moment and sent one story out again. Lo and behold....it was accepted!
My goals for 2009 were simple: Get my contract, do my edits, promote it everywhere, and submit the second one, hopefully spacing the release dates several months apart. Didn't quite happen that way, but I did get another contract, in order to finish the year. I've also written two more books this past year, both sequels to the first published one. Again, didn't plan it that way, but I'm thrilled with the way everything came together.
So what's in store for 2010?
Besides filling out my cover art form and getting ready for edits again, I plan to finish a few more wips and submit more stories this year. Again, I'll be thrilled with two releases. I don't think I'm ready for the 'Book of the Month Club' yet.
As a reader, I hope the economy is better in the coming year, so I can offord to buy more books on my TBB list. And maybe buy an e-reader. I also want to attend more craft fairs in towns other than the ones I normally do, in order to reach a broader audience.
On the home front, Fall 2009 was non-stop nagfest. My oldest had several deadlines to meet, and I was constantly asking him:
-Are you signed up for the SAT's?
-Have you gotten your college application sent?
-Get cracking on your final Eagle Scout requirement!
-Send off your SAT scores!
-Turn in your BSA paperwork!
-Keep your appointment for your Senior Pictures!
-Turn in your National Honor Society paperwork!
-Any word from Purdue yet?
-Call the guidence offiice, concerning your chosen major!
-Humor your mother and go get fitted for a tuxedo if you intend to take your girlfriend to the dance.
This coming semester will be more of the same:
-Bring home the financial aid/scholorship papers so we can get them filled out and sent in.
-Send out the invitations to your Eagle ceremony, and pray we didn't pick a date that coincides with bad weather.
-Tell me who is on YOUR list for graduation announcements.
-You want to do what for Spring Break?
-Graduation
And for my daughter, she will be taking driver's ed next spring, which means taking her to get her permit and allowing her practice driving time. And if the youngest expresses interest in baseball, well there's another set of committments for us to juggle!
My hair might be completely gray by June.
Oh, and did I mention I'd like to attend RomantiCon next October?
To Sum Up:
Kenzie resolves to:
-write
-submit
-get one child off to college
-get another one to be a safe and responsible driver
-attend signings and at least one convention!
The Sprin
That's the way I've approached my writing life.
At first it was all about the writing. I was thrilled when I realized I'd written two books in the fall of 2007 and two more in the first half of 2008. But now what? I'd been approached about a submission call; would one of my stories fit the criteria?
And so I screwed up my courage and sent them all out. One by one the rejections came. I had a snarky moment and sent one story out again. Lo and behold....it was accepted!
My goals for 2009 were simple: Get my contract, do my edits, promote it everywhere, and submit the second one, hopefully spacing the release dates several months apart. Didn't quite happen that way, but I did get another contract, in order to finish the year. I've also written two more books this past year, both sequels to the first published one. Again, didn't plan it that way, but I'm thrilled with the way everything came together.
So what's in store for 2010?
Besides filling out my cover art form and getting ready for edits again, I plan to finish a few more wips and submit more stories this year. Again, I'll be thrilled with two releases. I don't think I'm ready for the 'Book of the Month Club' yet.
As a reader, I hope the economy is better in the coming year, so I can offord to buy more books on my TBB list. And maybe buy an e-reader. I also want to attend more craft fairs in towns other than the ones I normally do, in order to reach a broader audience.
On the home front, Fall 2009 was non-stop nagfest. My oldest had several deadlines to meet, and I was constantly asking him:
-Are you signed up for the SAT's?
-Have you gotten your college application sent?
-Get cracking on your final Eagle Scout requirement!
-Send off your SAT scores!
-Turn in your BSA paperwork!
-Keep your appointment for your Senior Pictures!
-Turn in your National Honor Society paperwork!
-Any word from Purdue yet?
-Call the guidence offiice, concerning your chosen major!
-Humor your mother and go get fitted for a tuxedo if you intend to take your girlfriend to the dance.
This coming semester will be more of the same:
-Bring home the financial aid/scholorship papers so we can get them filled out and sent in.
-Send out the invitations to your Eagle ceremony, and pray we didn't pick a date that coincides with bad weather.
-Tell me who is on YOUR list for graduation announcements.
-You want to do what for Spring Break?
-Graduation
And for my daughter, she will be taking driver's ed next spring, which means taking her to get her permit and allowing her practice driving time. And if the youngest expresses interest in baseball, well there's another set of committments for us to juggle!
My hair might be completely gray by June.
Oh, and did I mention I'd like to attend RomantiCon next October?
To Sum Up:
Kenzie resolves to:
-write
-submit
-get one child off to college
-get another one to be a safe and responsible driver
-attend signings and at least one convention!
The Sprin
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
PC Christmas??
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
Season's Greetings
Happy New Year
Which one do you prefer?
Several years ago, I got tired of saying Merry Christmas and thought I was being more creative by saying 'Happy Holidays' wherever I went. Imagine my shock when I discovered it was not 'Politically Correct' to wish those around me Merry Christmas, because I might 'offend' someone who practiced Hanukkah or Kwanza, or was even an atheist. And since I happen to be a devout Christian who is appalled at the ACLU's attempt to remove God from everything and thereby destroying humanity, I've returned to MERRY CHRISTMAS.
I'm a Christian and proud of it. And I think we've gotten so worried about offending everyone else, we're willing to set aside our beliefs? Give me a break! We're in the midst of a crisis. America is in danger of losing her moral compass. You're offended by public prayer? Fine; don't pray. You don't want to say 'Under God'? Skip that part. Don't agree with our National Anthem? Fine; don't sing. Just stand there respectfully. But don't take away my right to show a moment of silence for the fallen and let me honor my flag.
And for the record, I may not be Jewish, but I love Hanukkah. I've played the dreidle, eaten honey cake and potato latkes. And thanks to a lesson on the Passover, I discovered I love lamb. Several years ago, my neighbors were from Ethiopia and we were fortunate to share in some of their cultural traditions.
It's Christmas, people. Let this be a time of coming together to celebrate whatever your beliefs say about this time of year. Let's not slam each other's views and be an 'us against them' mentality. Instead, this is a time of celebration and family.
Merry Christmas Charlie Brown!
Happy Holidays
Season's Greetings
Happy New Year
Which one do you prefer?
Several years ago, I got tired of saying Merry Christmas and thought I was being more creative by saying 'Happy Holidays' wherever I went. Imagine my shock when I discovered it was not 'Politically Correct' to wish those around me Merry Christmas, because I might 'offend' someone who practiced Hanukkah or Kwanza, or was even an atheist. And since I happen to be a devout Christian who is appalled at the ACLU's attempt to remove God from everything and thereby destroying humanity, I've returned to MERRY CHRISTMAS.
I'm a Christian and proud of it. And I think we've gotten so worried about offending everyone else, we're willing to set aside our beliefs? Give me a break! We're in the midst of a crisis. America is in danger of losing her moral compass. You're offended by public prayer? Fine; don't pray. You don't want to say 'Under God'? Skip that part. Don't agree with our National Anthem? Fine; don't sing. Just stand there respectfully. But don't take away my right to show a moment of silence for the fallen and let me honor my flag.
And for the record, I may not be Jewish, but I love Hanukkah. I've played the dreidle, eaten honey cake and potato latkes. And thanks to a lesson on the Passover, I discovered I love lamb. Several years ago, my neighbors were from Ethiopia and we were fortunate to share in some of their cultural traditions.
It's Christmas, people. Let this be a time of coming together to celebrate whatever your beliefs say about this time of year. Let's not slam each other's views and be an 'us against them' mentality. Instead, this is a time of celebration and family.
Merry Christmas Charlie Brown!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
This One's For Mia:)
Mia Watts tagged me for this writer's MeMe. Since Molly took some of my answers, I tried not to get too repetitive:)
1. What’s the last thing you wrote? What’s the first thing you wrote that you still have?
The last thing I wrote was Class Reunion. The first thing I ever wrote was Wild At Heart.
2. Write poetry?
Every once in a while. Some are better than others.
3. Angsty poetry?
Only one or two.
4. Favorite genre of writing?
Contemporary Romance
5. Most annoying character you’ve ever created?
Either Melanie from Teacher’s Pet or Paul from Class Reunion. They’re both annoying. Paul, because he whines, and Melanie, because she won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.
6. Best plot you’ve ever created?
Personally, I love my Reunion story!
7. Coolest plot twist you’ve ever created?
Male model/stripper meets and falls for Christian Inspirational author. I’m on chapter three.
8. How often do you get writer’s block?
Too often to count.
9. Write fan fiction?
The one and only story I ever wrote based on the characters from Star Wars showed me I was destined for the romance angle!
10. Do you type or write by hand?
Both. It depends on if the computer is available when I get the brainstorm.
11. Do you save everything you write?
Absolutely!
12. Do you ever go back to an idea after you’ve abandoned it?
Yes.
13. What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever written?
I still love Wild At Heart. Part of it takes place in Colorado and features my dad’s favorite restaurant!
14. What’s everyone else’s favorite story that you’ve written?
According to published reviews, they all love All She Ever Wanted. And my old crit partner LOVED Teacher’s Pet…at least what she read of it. She ended up getting published first and was too busy to critique the rest of it.
15. Ever written romance or angsty teen drama?
Molly’s Arbor U might be considered angsty; I’ve also got a YA story in the works. Don’t know when I’ll get around to finishing it.
16. What’s your favorite setting for your characters?
Small town Indiana, Florida, Colorado.
17. How many writing projects are you working on right now?
Two. I’m editing Teacher’s Pet and after the holidays I’ll probably get back to work on Model Behavior.
18. Have you ever won an award for your writing?
Not an actual award, but All She Ever Wanted went to #3 on the Best Seller’s list! Does that count?
19. What are your five favorite words?
And, Then, Christ, God, Sure.
20. What character have you created that is most like yourself?
All of my characters have a little bit of ‘me’ in them, ha ha!
21. Where do you get ideas for your characters?
Past experiences, Life.
22. Do you ever write based on your dreams?
Once in a while I’ll dream about my characters, and write about it the next day.
23. Do you favor happy endings?
I’ve written happy and sad endings, but I usually end up changing the sad ones to Happy For Now, in order to please the crit partners.
24. Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write?
Yes. It drives me crazy to see those lines in the word document! I often reread what I’ve written the day before and will correct any obvious mistakes before continuing. Even during NaNo (hangs head in shame)
25. Does music help you write?
Yes. It helps the creativity, and I usually end up blocking everything out once the story is flowing.
26. Quote something you’ve written. Whatever pops into your head.
From Class Reunion:
“Here’s the thing: We’re both single, in our forties, and established in our jobs. Just because we’re attracted to each other doesn’t mean there has to be a romantic connection, does there?”
“Gee, Brian, you put it like that, why not just hire an escort for the evening?” Pushing her hurt feelings aside, she stared at him. “We’re both caught up in the moment, let’s just go fuck each other and see you again in five years? Sorry; I don’t operate like that.”
Hmmm...who's not been tagged yet? Carol P, James, and Travis.
1. What’s the last thing you wrote? What’s the first thing you wrote that you still have?
The last thing I wrote was Class Reunion. The first thing I ever wrote was Wild At Heart.
2. Write poetry?
Every once in a while. Some are better than others.
3. Angsty poetry?
Only one or two.
4. Favorite genre of writing?
Contemporary Romance
5. Most annoying character you’ve ever created?
Either Melanie from Teacher’s Pet or Paul from Class Reunion. They’re both annoying. Paul, because he whines, and Melanie, because she won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.
6. Best plot you’ve ever created?
Personally, I love my Reunion story!
7. Coolest plot twist you’ve ever created?
Male model/stripper meets and falls for Christian Inspirational author. I’m on chapter three.
8. How often do you get writer’s block?
Too often to count.
9. Write fan fiction?
The one and only story I ever wrote based on the characters from Star Wars showed me I was destined for the romance angle!
10. Do you type or write by hand?
Both. It depends on if the computer is available when I get the brainstorm.
11. Do you save everything you write?
Absolutely!
12. Do you ever go back to an idea after you’ve abandoned it?
Yes.
13. What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever written?
I still love Wild At Heart. Part of it takes place in Colorado and features my dad’s favorite restaurant!
14. What’s everyone else’s favorite story that you’ve written?
According to published reviews, they all love All She Ever Wanted. And my old crit partner LOVED Teacher’s Pet…at least what she read of it. She ended up getting published first and was too busy to critique the rest of it.
15. Ever written romance or angsty teen drama?
Molly’s Arbor U might be considered angsty; I’ve also got a YA story in the works. Don’t know when I’ll get around to finishing it.
16. What’s your favorite setting for your characters?
Small town Indiana, Florida, Colorado.
17. How many writing projects are you working on right now?
Two. I’m editing Teacher’s Pet and after the holidays I’ll probably get back to work on Model Behavior.
18. Have you ever won an award for your writing?
Not an actual award, but All She Ever Wanted went to #3 on the Best Seller’s list! Does that count?
19. What are your five favorite words?
And, Then, Christ, God, Sure.
20. What character have you created that is most like yourself?
All of my characters have a little bit of ‘me’ in them, ha ha!
21. Where do you get ideas for your characters?
Past experiences, Life.
22. Do you ever write based on your dreams?
Once in a while I’ll dream about my characters, and write about it the next day.
23. Do you favor happy endings?
I’ve written happy and sad endings, but I usually end up changing the sad ones to Happy For Now, in order to please the crit partners.
24. Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write?
Yes. It drives me crazy to see those lines in the word document! I often reread what I’ve written the day before and will correct any obvious mistakes before continuing. Even during NaNo (hangs head in shame)
25. Does music help you write?
Yes. It helps the creativity, and I usually end up blocking everything out once the story is flowing.
26. Quote something you’ve written. Whatever pops into your head.
From Class Reunion:
“Here’s the thing: We’re both single, in our forties, and established in our jobs. Just because we’re attracted to each other doesn’t mean there has to be a romantic connection, does there?”
“Gee, Brian, you put it like that, why not just hire an escort for the evening?” Pushing her hurt feelings aside, she stared at him. “We’re both caught up in the moment, let’s just go fuck each other and see you again in five years? Sorry; I don’t operate like that.”
Hmmm...who's not been tagged yet? Carol P, James, and Travis.
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