The awesome Jeanne McDonald has brought us back to the origins of the Romance Writers Weekly blog, with three challenging questions. If you’ve joined me from Betty Bolte, welcome! 1. Describe that moment you first felt like a true author (not just an aspiring one). I truly believe anyone brave enough to put their thoughts on paper, whether for a private journal or for all the world to see, is an author. So the very first time I felt like an author was when I actually finished my first manuscript, MOUNTAIN FIRE. While I’ve been writing most of my life, I had never actually completed a novel length work. Too many had died around page 70, suffocated through lack of craft, inclination and imagination. When I stared at the screen knowing I’d written the last word of the manuscript, I almost couldn’t believe it. Even if that work had never been published, I would have considered myself an author just for finishing the damn thing. But to answer the question in the spirit it was intended, I first felt like a “true” author the day I received a contract offer to publish MOUNTAIN FIRE. I was at work, and just happened to check my personal email, and there it was. I had to read it over and over again. I was thrilled, to say the least! Of course, getting published is just one step on the ladder, and while I may consider myself an author, I am not as successful as I would like. Achieving one goal just pushes you on to the next – and after all, isn’t that what life’s journey is about? 2. Name three authors who you inspire you. Nora Roberts: Not only do I enjoy her novels, I am in awe of her work ethic. She publishes 4 or 5 full length words a year. I don’t care that she has assistants to help with the marketing and social media and other obligations. The act of sitting down and writing around half a million words a year is up to her. It’s amazing. Susan Elizabeth Phillips: SEP’s writing is brilliant. It’s emotional and engaging and funny and heartbreaking and everything in between. The connection I feel with her books is something I aspire to give my readers. Trust me – I’m still working on it. Jennifer Crusie: If you want a lesson on how to write dialogue, pick up any Crusie novel. Her characters talk a lot, but it is never “soap opera” dialogue. The story unfolds in the conversations, and sometimes her books read like stage plays. The pace of her writing is breakneck, but so crisp and clean that you are never lost. I devour her books in one sitting when I can. 3. Describe your favorite fan moment (either you as the fan or one of your readers approaching you as a fan). In October 2013 I attended the Surrey International Writers Conference. If you ever get a chance – go! It’s not just for romance writers, but all genres. One of the founding presenters of the conference is Diana Gabaldon. She could have joined the list of writers who inspire me (she’s another whose work ethic humbles me). I sat in on one of her presentations and really enjoyed it, then had my picture taken with her. She is the ONLY author I have ever done this with, as I’m not “that kind” of fan. But I couldn’t help myself this time. As for myself, the first time I was asked to autograph one of my books was my biggest fan moment as an author. A group of very supportive ladies at work purchased print copies of my first book and had them delivered to work. Signing those books was an out-of-body experience.
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Fiona Riplee is the instigator for this week’s blog. Her challenge: Write a Flash Fiction that's 500 words or less with the following items: an empty parking lot, an abandoned SUV & a chihuahua sitting in the driver's seat. What did you think of Leslie Hachtel's contribution? I’d love to hear what you think of mine. I might have cheated a bit (it's longer than 500 words) but I got on a roll. Be sure to leave a comment! Naomi hated dogs. She knew that made her a bad, bad person in the eyes of many people, but it was the truth. She didn’t mind puppies, in the way she didn’t mind babies – to admire from a far, with a bone deep gladness they weren’t her responsibility. And a well-trained, quiet dog walking with its owner on a leash – she could handle that kind of dog, too. Now it’s on to Veronica Forand to see what she’s come up with. Have fun!
Xio Axelrod thinks it's been a while since we interviewed our characters. Here are five questions she set us. The tricky part was deciding which characters should answer. If you joined me from Susan Scott Shelley welcome!
I chose to go with Charlotte and Justice, from my fourth (as yet unpublished) manuscript, WHEN TIME FALLS STILL. Professor Charlotte Girardet’s career is firmly on track, but complicated by her attraction to rugged security guard Justice Cooper. Justice chose family over a career as a professional hockey player. Now he’s must convince Charlotte that love and ambition are not mutually exclusive. It isn't only Charlotte's heart that's in danger. Tensions blaze after several students are viciously attacked. Struggling to balance her profession and her passion, Charlotte trusts Justice with her deepest secret. Then she is kidnapped by the assailant plaguing the university. Will she have the chance to decide between her long-held dreams or a new life with Justice? I chose to have Charlotte and Justice answer these questions as they would have before they met each other. Trust me – by the end of the book they would answer some of these very differently! What's your favourite word? Charlotte: Obfuscation. It’s just fun. Justice: Team. What is your fondest childhood memory? Charlotte: I had a lovely childhood, so this is hard to narrow down. But one of my most vivid memories is the day I picked up my father’s copy of “Beowulf”. I was enthralled by the archaic language, the rhythm and roll of it. That day is the reason I became a professor of medieval poetry. Justice: After my mom died, hockey became one of the only ways my dad and I communicated. The look on his face the day I was drafted to the NHL is something I’ll never forget. I guess that’s not really a childhood memory, but I was still a teenager, so I hope that counts. What one thing in your past do you wish you could do differently? Charlotte: That’s another tough question. I’m pretty pleased with my life, the way it is now, where I see myself going. I suppose if I have to answer, I would say I wish I could have completed by Masters sooner. If I’d put a bit more effort into it, I would be that much further ahead in my career. Justice: I wish I had paid more attention to Tiffany, my ex-wife. When she asked for a divorce, it was like getting hit from behind—unexpected and painful. If I’d been paying more attention, maybe I could have kept our family together. Vanilla or Chocolate? Charlotte: Chocolate, of course. Justice: Vanilla. Why mess with perfection? If you could have lunch with one famous person (alive or not) who would it be and why? Charlotte: Well, since the author of Beowulf is unknown, my second choice would be Geoffrey Chaucer. His work is so grounded in real people and everyday life that meeting him would give me a whole new understanding of the world I study. Justice: Geoffrey Chaucer. I like to audit university English courses, and “The Canterbury Tales” is one of my favourite poems. I think he’d be a fun guy to have a beer with. Who did J.J. Devine pick to answer these questions? And how did they handle the tough ones? Find our here. |