I thought long and hard about what I wanted to write today. Normally, I have the column up before midnight but last night I went to bed early. I had spent the day at a RWA meeting then went over a friend’s home to float in her pool. Even though I was only out for two hours in the hot sun and in water, I came home completely wiped. I did a few things, had dinner then promptly fell into bed before nine last night. A first for me in many, many months.
So, sitting here thinking this morning about what I want to write about got me worried. See I was so tired I woke up with a fuzzy brain and no thought patterns. Yeah, I know I haven’t had my coffee this morning but I really need to write something...LOL!
In light of this fact, I decided I wanted to give you ten things about me you may or may not know. This can give you time to speculate then ask me questions about my life. Have fun!
- I was born in Ohio. I do keep this to myself mainly because there are so many of us transplanted elsewhere.
- The most scary place I went to growing up was called Serpent Mound. There was something odd about it and while I don’t get creeped out like I used to the place does set my mind to whirl. And the stories which are going to come from that experience makes me want to write them all now.
- My two children are sixteen years apart. What was I thinking? LOL!
- I love romantic comedies and try to get people to go with me to the movies every time I notice one I might like. It’s then I remember I live in a house filled with all men. Sigh.
- I love sci-fi space thrillers like Alien and Predators. Gotta love those kick ass women! Matter of fact, they are my favorite movies. Probably the reason I write so many of them.
- I’ve been in RWA off and on since 1985. There was a period where my mother was ill and I didn’t belong but I’ve seen the organization grow from about 300 people to where it is today.
- I’ve run the contests for two international writing groups – RWA and EPIC. Those were very thrilling to do but hard work. My husband told me when I was doing the RWA one that he had never seen me work as hard even when I got paid. Leave it to a man!
- I used to write screenplays for the Star Trek franchises. This was a hoot and something that made me know those people in Hollywood can be scary if you don’t have your head on straight. While it was the experience of a lifetime, once truly has been enough.
- I’m a pantser by nature but plan all my books longer than 50K for almost a month before I start writing them. By planning, I mean write down what I want to happen chapter by chapter. Sometimes I go deeper than that but I have to have every step in my mind of where the story is going before I put more than a few words on paper. Weird, I know.
- I have six completed books in my virtual file cabinet which haven’t seen the light of day since the mid-90s. The whys are complicated but suffice it to say, some of them are coming out of that closet very, very soon. These are long stories that need work and at the time they were completed, didn’t have a market. Things like fantasy romance, stories about women off-road racers and lingerie shop owners. I think I can find them homes now.
So there you have it. Ten things to know about me. I’ll give you more of course in time but I think these are enough to get you to think about all the questions you might have. So don’t hesitate to ask me those questions...I look forward to them!
See you all tomorrow!
Lynn
As my birthday approaches, I started thinking about just why I love writing and the best answer is it is the only thing that has kept my attention for over forty years. I started writing when I was a little girl with little poems and the moment one was published, I knew I had found something, which excited me.
When I was twelve, I started the great American novel fashioned after my all time favorite at the time, Gone With The Wind. I just knew if I could get it all together, I would have the best Civil War romance ever. Thank goodness, that book and all its iterations have remained hidden for years. Not that I haven’t thought about it, I have but I’ve also matured enough to realize it will never seen the light of day.
In all honesty, it shouldn’t. A lot of my work shouldn’t see the light of day because it never goes past the idea stage. Some actually get a little further but the moment I lose interest, I need to move on elsewhere. Again, some I actually get back to and some never. But I know these foibles about myself and accept them to a point.
You may wonder why I don’t accept them and me totally. Well, if I did more than acknowledge them, there would be a chance they would overwhelm me and I would have more than a handful of uncompleted work. Right now, that handful is okay. Anymore and I would doubt my ability to write or ever complete a project.
Another thing that I discovered in my twenties was the importance of writer meetings. I discovered this with my very first RWA national convention in Dallas and I never looked back. Matter of fact, yes I’m using a cliché, I am preparing to go to one today. Today’s meeting is all about synopsis writing and one can never learn enough about this craft.
Writers meetings can keep one actively thinking about writing. It can recharge you when the well is drying up and ideas aren’t coming as easily as they used to come. These meetings are always motivating in some was as you will always learn something new and different while there. From a new writer being published to a multi-published one finding a new niche, there will be something for you.
When I found today’s comment, I also knew I had found today’s subject:
You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you. ~Ray Bradbury
Is this a wonderful quote? Writers must stay drunk on writing, not just so reality won’t destroy you but so you can keep focused on the task at hand. A writer must always love writing even when they don’t like it. They must forge ahead even when it seems the book or work will never be done. They must continue to fulfill their destiny every day or we won’t have all those wonderful books to read.
See you tomorrow...have a great one!
Lynn
Today, I have with me the amazing and wonderful Johanna Riley. I am fortunate enough to have Johanna in my critique group, Cactus Rose Critters, when we dissect our writing. It’s a fantastic group of women who have made my writing better.
So help me in welcoming Johanna to XtraOrdinary Romance. Welcome Jo!
At what age did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
I think I knew at the age of 8 that I wanted to be a writer. In elementary school I created quite a few stories for my teachers, and always got great reviews from them. Of course that fed the ego. Then in junior high I kept a notebook of short stories starring my friends—still have that notebook, but the stories will remain hidden from the public eye.
What has been your biggest influence on becoming a writer?
My father encouraged me to follow my dreams. He always told me that if there was something I wanted to do, something I dream, I should do it. Until the week of his death, he was my biggest cheerleader, asking about my writing, brainstorming with me.
How did you feel when you got your first publishing contract?
When I got the “call”—email really—with my first contract offer I broke into tears. I had only submitted the story because I believed my dad’s spirit was pushing me to do so. He was telling me to get off my butt and put myself out there. So yeah, I cried, then I screamed and jumped around the house like a goober.
How many novellas/novels have you published to date? When did you have your first sale?
To date I have six stories published. The first sale came in early September of 2006.
Tell me about your latest release.
My latest release is Kiss Me By Moonlight. And here is the blurb: Lindsey Carter thought she’d found her Prince Charming in Brandon Thompson. When he pulls a vanishing act after their first date, her prince becomes a frog. However, Fate steps in. At a weekend conference, she gets a second chance to find out if Brandon’s a shining knight or a real croaker. Will playing hard to get earn her a victory in love, or will she be left seeing green?
What was your inspiration for this book?
Kiss Me By Moonlight was inspired by a dream of a man’s eyes and a soda machine. Seriously.
How do you categorize yourself: pantser or plotter?
I’m a definite pantser. Plotting scares me.
How do you handle the editing/revision process?
Tied to a chair, kicking and screaming. No, seriously, I take them one line, one comment at a time. I have yet to have an editor make changes/suggestions that I feel would hurt the story. My editors have been fabulous to work with, and they constantly teach me something.
You’re received some fantastic reviews...how do you feel about them and why?
I am always terrified when I get reviews. I’m not one of those writers who think everything I produce is the best story out there. Even though I do have some that I absolutely love. But when a complete stranger reads my work, no matter how many stories I have published, I am nervous to see how they perceive the story. When the reviews are good, I breathe a sigh of relief, grin like an idiot and get back to writing. In all the reviews I’ve had, there have been maybe two that weren’t stellar, but the most negative thing said was that the story was too short. If that’s the worst I hear about my stories, then I’m a happy camper.
Did anything odd happen while you were researching this story?
Not this particular story. But the story previous to this (Fearless Heart) was written as a result of me falling off a horse and suffering a concussion.
How much of yourself can we find in one of these books? Do you ever make yourself a character?
The more stories I write, the more I find myself putting my weird humor in the story. I can only imagine how interesting that will make my thriller/suspense stories when I start writing them.
If you could take the place with one character in your books, who would it be and why?
Hmm, that’s a great question. You know, I think it would be Kate in Christmas Angel. First, I relate to losing a father you are close to. Second, Zach is sexy and loveable. And, third, hello, you get your own angel!
Now, if you had a choice of taking the place of any character in any book you have ever read, who would it be and why?
That’s a tough question. I used to love the Nancy Drew books growing up. She had the hot boyfriend and got to fight crime. Watch out, Nancy Drew, I’m moving in on Ned.
What has been your all time favorite question from a reader?
My favorite question and the biggest compliment was from someone who read my very first published story, It’s In His Kiss. They asked where they could get their own Tyler because they fell in love with him. Tyler was a great hero to write, and to have a reader like him as much as I do was a thrill.
What is the biggest piece of your advice you can give a beginning writer?
My advice is to write the book first. Worry about the rules once the first draft is done. Too many rules can stunt the creative flow. Commence with the rotten vegetable tossing now.
What writers groups do you belong to? Critique groups?
I belong to the Las Vegas Romance Writers (RWA Chapter), the Cactus Rose Critters critique group, and the Princesses of the Pen critique group.
Do your characters take over the story?
ABSOLUTELY! For example, I am writing a contemporary (what I thought would be category) story about an heiress who only just found out she was an heiress. Well, she was a bit stodgy at first, and she was supposed to have an equally stodgy attorney. Well, the attorney decided he didn’t want to be stodgy, he wanted to be a cross dresser with a larger than life personality. I’ve got to keep a very close eye on Frankie, otherwise he’ll take over not only this story but every other story in the three book series. And Becca’s brother, the prince who was plotted to be serious, a bit controlled, turned out to be a bit of a smartass who’s just as interfering as Frankie. But, without those wonderful characters my writing wouldn’t be half as much fun to write.
Where can readers find out more about you and your work?
http://www.johannariley.com/
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/ (as Johanna Riley and Johanna Melaragno)
http://themanyshades.blogspot.com
Johanna’s Bio: I met my very own romance novel hero at the tender age of sixteen. Joe sat in front of my in Geometry class and it was love at first sight...poor guy. We married in 1998, and have been through our share of trials and celebrations, and I wouldn't have it any other way. My critique partners are greatful for Joe because he hides my chainsaw, and any other sharp objects I might try to play with.
Thanks for taking part in my 2 for Thursday promotion, Johanna. I had a wonderful time learning more about you!
Lynn
Today I’m here with the lovely Patti Shenberger. Help me in welcoming her to XtraOrdinary Romance.
Patti, it’s great to have you here!
At what age did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
I think I was 5 or 6 years old. As far back as I can remember, I have loved to write. Even in kindergarten we created books about what we did over the weekend, complete with drawn pictures. I think my mom still has them somewhere.
What has been your biggest influence on becoming a writer?
My biggest influence to date is Jude Deveraux. I have read every book Jude has ever written. I love her style of writing and how she can create a family tree that goes on for generation after generation. But that being said, it was author Shelly Thacker who got me into RWA and my local chapter, GDRWA (Greater Detroit RWA). Without all of the above, I doubt I would have ever made my first sale on my own.
How did you feel when you got your first publishing contract?
I was over the moon excited. The email came on my birthday in 1998. I had sold to Hard Shell Word Factory (now Mundania). It really makes you feel validated when you make that first sale.
How many novellas/novels have you published to date? When did you have your first sale?
I have published three novels, seven short stories, four novellas with 10 more of The Zodiac Club on the way, and twelve more co-authored novellas with Stephani Hecht, the first to be released Oct 31st. And numerous nonfiction magazine length pieces as well. My very first sale was back in October of 1998. I sold to Hard Shell Word Factory my contemporary novel Womb For Rent. But my first nonfiction sale came in 1997 to The Friend with an article on children’s crafts entitled Potato Jewelry. (G)
Tell me about your latest release. Please include if it is part of a series or a standalone book.
My latest release is Candid Seductions, which came out October 15th from eXtasy Books. It is book two in The Zodiac Club series. Taylor Caldwell is a photographer who has been given the assignment to photograph one of the richest bachelors in town. She finds herself very attracted to him, but being burned in the past isn’t willing to risk it all again. Yes Rick Rossman knows exactly what he wants and Taylor is caught directly in the high beams.
What was your inspiration for this book?
I love reading my horoscope each day, and I thought it would be great fun to write a series where each heroine’s characteristics are based on her astrological sign. And of course the hero is the exact opposite of every heroine, making for more fun.
How do you categorize yourself: pantser or plotter?
I am definitely a pantser. While I can write a synopsis first, it doesn’t mean I actually follow it (Darn, did I say that out loud!) I follow it to a certain degree, then after the book is written I go back and update the synopsis.
How do you handle the editing/revision process?
I edit as I go. I write about 4-6 pages a day on average, then at night go back and edit what I have written. This way I can start the next day with a fresh slate. After the book is totally finished, I go through it again for clarity, typos, punctuation and grammar.
You’re received some fantastic reviews...how do you feel about them and why?
Thank you. I really like reading the reviews, whether they are good or bad. It is a treat to find someone picked up the book, read it and enjoyed it. And when you get a fabulous review I think (for me at least) makes me want to make the next book even better so the reader keeps coming back for more. Bad reviews are good in their own way too. They tell the author what needs to be worked on, where they slipped up.
Did anything odd happen while you were researching this story?
Not this book, no. But things have happened to me when I’ve been writing my paranormals. I’ve always been open to the paranormal world and lately have had a few ‘visit’s from ghosts. But never when I am writing the contemporaries, or the erotics.
Did you do anything special after that first sale?
The next day I headed out to Tennessee to present a workshop at the Smoky Mountain Romance Writers. At the initial meet and greet, I said who I was and that I had just sold my first book. A really nice woman came up to me, hugged me, congratulated me, and asked more about it. I told her and then realized I had no clue who she was. Turns out she was Brenda Chin of Harlequin Blaze. She even offered to have me pitch to her and I had nothing!!!! But she was and is a fascinating editor and anyone who gets in with editor as their editor is a very lucky person.
If you could take the place with one character in your books, who would it be and why?
It would definitely be a toss-up between Meg in The Captain’s Wench and Devin in The Laird’s Lady. Both are my paranormals. Captain’s is set in New England along the lines of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. The Laird’s Lady is set in Scotland in a castle. I would love the chance to interact on a daily basis with a handsome ghost who wants to love me. Who wouldn’t?
If you could spend the day with anyone in the world who is famous, who would it be? Why did you choose them and what would you do?
I would ask to spend the day with Jude Deveraux. To learn how she does it and for all these years would be amazing. She is a master storyteller in my opinion.
What is your typical writing routine? Do you count words, pages or time?
Typical writing routine is I write 9-3 M, T, W Sa, Su. My hubby works retail and is off Th and Fr and I always reserve those days for him. That being said, I can be found back at the computer at night after supper while he watches sports. I count words, as opposed to pages. Kresley Cole has a great Excel spreadsheet that you plug in all your information and it keeps track of how you are doing each day you write.
What writers groups do you belong to? Critique groups?
I belong to the Romance Writers of America and to my local chapter Greater Detroit RWA. I also belong to the From The Heart Romance Writers. And I am active on the eXtasy, Devine Destinies, Noble Romance, Wild Rose Press loops as well. I don’t belong to any critique groups at present.
Where do you see your career in five years? Ten years?
I would love to see myself as a New York Times Bestselling author in five years. (G) I think that is everyone’s goal. But I would be very happy just to still be creating passionate tales of love and happily ever after’s too.
What’s your biggest reward in being a writer?
Having someone say they loved what I wrote! There’s nothing better.
Do you have another career besides writing? What is it?
I am a wife of 27 years, mother of a 26 yr old daughter(mile and a half away) and 24 yr old son (Army in Iraq right now) and a 14 yr old Shepherd golden and 3 yr old gray cat (courtesy of the daughter – both animals)
Patti’s BIO: Patti has been writing since she could put pen to paper, creating many magical journeys in her mind and letting them spill onto paper. She found her creative outlet in high school when she took a creative writing class and fell in love with the craft. Since that time, Patti has sold numerous fiction and non-fiction length articles to various magazines such as Affiare de Coeur, Romantic Times, Women's Weekly, Natural Touch, GoGirl.com, Metro Parent, Long Island Woman and other publications.
She is also published in romantic fiction. Her first sale was to Hard Shell Word Factory with Womb For Rent, a contemporary romance. She followed this with three sales in 2007 to The Wild Rose Press. They are A Miracle Through Time, Take No Prisoners, and The Laird's Lady. In 2008, she sold The Captain's Wench to Devine Destinies, an imprint of eXtasy Books. Patti loves to write romance, whether it be contemporary, paranormal, or historical. If there's a love story to be told, she'll tell it!
Married to her wonderful hubby Randy for over a quarter of a century (she was a child bride (G)), with two grown children Amanda and Brian, (who have yet to read a word of what their mother has written, especially if there's a love scene in it), Patti can be found most days sitting at the computer with her senior dog Cassie and the newest four legged member of the family, Ace the annoying feline snoring at her feet.
Patti is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Greater Detroit RWA (which she currently serves as President and Booksellers Best Award Chair),, the Greater Seattle RWA, and From The Heart Romance Writers.. She also participates in many online chat groups.
Where can readers find out more about you and your work?
Readers can find out all about me on my website:
www.pattishenberger.com
and also on the
www.extasybooks.com
www.devinedestinies.com
www.thewildrosepress.com
www.nobleromance.com
http://vivaciousvixensofromance.blogspot.com/ (I blog here on Wednesdays)
http://themanyshades.blogspot.com/ (and here on Sundays).
Thanks Lynn!
You are very welcome, Patti, and thanks for taking part in my 2 for Thursday promotion. I really enjoyed having you here!
Lynn
