Author Interview – Terri Brisbin

 

      Joining me today is Terri Brisbin.  Terri has been writing romance fiction since 1995 and has had more than 20 historical and paranormal romances published. When not living the glamorous life of a romance author in the southern NJ suburbs, Terri spends her time being a married mom of three as well as a dental hygienist of hundreds. Active in several RWA local chapters, Terri currently serves on the Board of Directors of Romance Writers of America.

 A three-time RWA RITA® finalist, Terri is working on several new sexy, emotional romances from Harlequin Historical Romances and Kensington BRAVA for release through 2011. Please visit her website for more info or to contact her: www.terribrisbin.com 

What is your writing process?  Are you a plotter or a pantser? 

I’m a modified pantser — LOL! I have to write a synopsis for my books (for those pesky contract requirements!) so I do some preliminary plotting and planning, but the biggest chunk of my story is a big gap until I write it. I usually clearly see the beginning and the ending so once I begin writing, I just keep connecting those parts. I do write most of my books in the last weeks before my deadlines — I guess the pressure of it causes my creativity to flow…and I race through the last 200 or so pages.

What inspired you to write your first book?

 

Well, I’d been getting these ideas for stories for a while, but claimed to only be a romance reader, not a writer. Then, when discussing it with my hubby, he suggested I try writing the ideas and see where they led. They led to my first romance novel, a time travel to medieval Scotland, and led to me pursuing this writing career. And, of course, it was reading so many wonderful romance novels that probably gave me the ideas to begin with!

  

How much time do you spend researching the historical time periods you write about?

 

 I spend lots of time researching, both before I write the story and during it as I fill in details and background. I generally have a vague idea of a time and place for the story when I begin to think and plan it, but then I begin looking at social, economic, political and other factors and pinpoint it as I discover more details that will work for my story. Sometimes, the story comes to me already set in time and place and that makes it easier to research and write, until real history doesn’t work for me and I have to change it to fit my needs.

When not writing, what do you do for fun?

 

Well, first of all I read for pleasure and to refill my own creative source. I have discovered that I love to travel — both for pleasure and especially for research. I enjoy spending time with my family.

What are you currently working on?

 

I am about to go onto deadline-binge-o’writing-mania for the second book in my Kensington Brava trilogy. The first one, A STORM OF PASSION, just went on sale and this one, A STORM OF PLEASURE, is scheduled as an October 2010 release. The second book continues the story about three brothers who are gifted and cursed by the Fae and only the freely-given love of their enemy can break the curse. A STORM OF PLEASURE is set in Orkney and northern Scotland when those areas were still controlled by the Norse.

Then I will be writing the third book in my KNIGHTS OF BRITTANY trilogy for Harlequin Historicals – and it’s going to be a dark and emotional beauty-and-the-beast story…just the kind I love to write!!

In the first of a breathtaking trilogy set against the stark beauty of medieval Scotland, one man discovers a surprising past, a remarkable gift—and a terrible destiny…

 Once, Connor believed that his ability to see the future would grant him everything. Instead, it landed him in a prison of his own making. Summoned by the Lord of the Isles to serve as his counselor, Connor gains wealth and prestige, but with every vision, his own sight dims. Even so, Connor doesn’t grasp the terrible consequences of his gift until he’s wounded by a young woman who blames him for her family’s massacre.

 Moira curses herself for failing to kill the Seer—especially when she learns her punishment is to be given to him as a slave. Far from the proud, arrogant tyrant she imagined, Connor is a tortured man with a dark sensuality that tempts her night after night. But freeing him from a strange power that is spiraling out of control will mean forsaking her vow and risking her heart for the one man she has sworn to destroy…

For more information on Terri or to read an excerpt of A STORM OF PASSION, visit Terri’s website at www.terribrisbin.com.

Thanks Terri!

Author Interview – Tina Gabrielle

  Joining me today is Tina Gabrielle.  Tina and I sat next to each other at the New Jersey Romance Writers Conference and had a good time chit-chatting.  Welcome Tina!

Tina Gabrielle is a former mechanical engineer and attorney whose love of romance novels helped her get through years of academia. She often picked up a romance and let her fantasies of knights in shining armor and lords and ladies carry her away. After multi-publishing for a prestigious law journal, she has finally fulfilled her dream of writing fiction. She lives in New Jersey. Tina loves to hear from readers. Visit her website at www.tinagabrielle.com.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I have always been a writer! I can’t put a date on when I penned my first story. I wrote as a teen, but I didn’t really consider publication until I joined Romance Writers of America about six years ago.

Do you have a specific writing process? Do you plot of just sit down and write?  

First, I start with a kernel of an idea. My work helps in this regard. I am a former mechanical engineer and attorney, and the legal cases that have crossed my desk were quite colorful. Second, setting plays an integral part in my brainstorming process. I love intelligent female characters. The heroine in my first book, LADY OF SCANDAL, is an anonymous investor in the London Stock Exchange. The combination of an intelligent and ambitious heroine in a historical setting provides instant combustible conflict since both qualities in a woman held little value to men in Regency period London.

Once I have a basic plot, I write a rough outline of the book. I used to be a pantser, but I found I could never make it through the sagging middle.  I eventually realized that I needed more direction, and then I turned into a plotter. I write a rough outline, definitely not a polished synopsis, and I find myself returning to that outline time and again when I get stuck in the middle of a manuscript. After I have a rough outline, I write a solid first draft and then go back and fill in any research that I had left blank. Lastly, I rework sentences to strengthen them if needed, and polish the manuscript.

What is the best writing advice you were given? 

The most important suggestion I have for aspiring writers is to join organizations dedicated to writers and the publishing field. I am a member of Romance Writers of America, NJ Romance Writers and Liberty States Fiction Writers. Until I found these groups, I was a little lost. They have been so helpful and informative. I have learned
from every meeting that I have attended and have met writers who share my hardships as well as my good news. These organizations offer annual conferences where you can network with agents and editors, as well as other authors—published and pre-published.

Lastly, and most importantly: Never give up! No matter how many rejections you receive. Keep learning. Keep writing. Keep trying.

When not writing what do you do for fun? 

I love to read, and yes, I read a lot of romance! I enjoy cooking, even though most of the recipes I try from the Food Network never really turn out the way they look on TV. I also like to swim laps and find the repetitive motion relaxing. I have plotted lots of stories doing the freestyle stroke.

What are you currently working on?

I write historical romance. My first book, LADY OF SCANDAL, is a Regency-set historical which was released by Kensington/Zebra Books in September 2009. Here’s a quick blurb. The heroine, Victoria Ashton, is an anonymous investor in the London Stock Exchange whose hopes of independence are shattered when her father’s enemy, Blake Mallorey, assumes the family debts and presents her with a stark choice: live with him as his mistress for one year, or condemn her family to bankruptcy. Scoundrel he may be, but Blake will not force anyone into his bed. He intends to seduce Victoria, one wicked kiss at a time. But with a woman as spirited and sensual as Victoria, seduction works both ways—and a plan rooted in revenge can blossom into a scandalous passion.

I am working on the second book in the series, A PERFECT SCANDAL, which is an anticipated 2010 release. I also love paranormal romance and have an idea in the back of my mind for a series that I would like to try out one day.

More information on Tina and her writing can be found at  www.tinagabrielle.com

  Tina’s first book, A Lady of Scandal was released in September 2009 by Kensington.  It is available at major booksellers.

A WOMAN WITH A SECRET

Victoria Ashton has intelligence and ambition—qualities of little value to most marriage-minded gentlemen of the ton. Her own father has no idea of Victoria’s hidden life as an anonymous trader in London’s stock market. But her hopes of independence are shattered when her father’s enemy, Blake Mallory, assumes Charles Ashton’s debts and presents
Victoria with a stark choice: live with him as his mistress for one year, or condemn her family to bankruptcy.

A GENTLEMAN WITH RESOLVE

For years Blake has dreamed of justice, and his scheme becomes all the sweeter when he sees the beauty that Victoria has become. Scoundrel he may be, but Blake will not force anyone into his bed. He intends to entice Victoria, one wicked kiss at a time. But with a woman as spirited and sensual as Victoria, seduction works both ways—and a plan rooted in revenge can blossom into a scandalous passion… 

Thank you, Tina!

Author Interview – Kathleen Shaputis

               Joining me on my blog today is my friend, Kathleen Shaputis.  Kathleen is published in both ficiton and non-fiction, but she is also a ghostwriter, which is what we’ll be discussing today.

     Kathleen Shaputis is well experienced in the headline lifestyles of the baby boomer generation. Kathleen balances her day job at Gorham Printing with additional  careers in writing, ghostwriting, and professional speaking.

     Her own books include the international selling Grandma Online: A Grandmother’s Guide to the Internet (Ten Speed Press); The Crowded Nest Syndrome: Surviving the Return of Adult Children (Clutter Fairy Publishing) a humorous look at a nationally growing issue; the Third Edition of 50 Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family (Career Press, February 2006); Changes in Attitude (Clutter Fairy Publishing, 2005) her first romantic comedy; and Sorry, You Can’t Enter Heaven (iUniverse, November 2008) a fun new novel about life and choices.

      A professional presenter on writing, marketing and publishing subjects, creating the Olympia Writers Workshop (highlighted in Writers Digest, October 2003 issue), Kathleen is experienced in dealing with people of all ages. Her career has provided networking and travel across the country. No state will be left behind.  Whether speaking of her books or the love of writing, Kathleen offers advice and enthusiasm to all who come.

Welcome Kathleen!

You’ve written both fiction and non-fiction books on your own, how did you get into ghostwriting? 

Back in 2003, the terrific author/instructor/ghostwriter, Eva Shaw, of southern California had just released her latest book “Ghostwriting: For Fun & Profit” and I found myself swept up in the pages of my copy describing the how-to’s of this niche industry.  I’ve always found Ms. Shaw’s instructional books to be helpful and encouraging yet this one opened up a different avenue of writing that I hadn’t truly understood.

What exactly is a ghostwriting? 

Ghostwriting can take various forms with the common thread that you’re writing for someone else, you express their voice in writing on a work-for-hire basis. Whether it’s to flush out a book proposal or write a novel based on an idea that won’t leave the person alone, a ghostwriter can work in a variety of venues. You might be interviewing the person to help them create a tome of their life’s story, or assist in the research of a new product development grant.

What kind of books do you write for people? 

I’ve done book proposals and sample chapters; and novels working with people across the United States.

How does someone approach you to write his or her book?

Typically they reach me through email describing briefly what they have in mind through my web site or referred by another ghostwriter who might think I’m a better fit for the project they’ve passed over. The email opens a dialogue as to the scope of the project, what expectations the customer may have for the finished product, and whether we would be a good fit together. If things go well, the next step is to send them a copy of one of my books to see if they like my voice as a writer. I would not be interested or the best choice in a non-fiction proposal for national security or global warming as my tone on paper is more on the light, humorous side.

What happens once you accept a book project? 

A contract is drawn up detailing the scope of the work, a timeline of first draft submission and final draft; payment schedule; and is signed by both parties. A section in the contract will spell out whether my name is listed anywhere on the book or not.  I’ve started with as little as a concept or dream a customer had, to a multi-page outline I was to follow. Some projects take weeks of research, others are based more on imagination and character-driven.

What happens once the book is written?

The manuscript or document belongs to the customer and I usually send a hard copy as well as a copy of the digital file of the final draft. Whether the book will be shopped around to agents and editors or self-published depends on the client. 

What do you find easier, ghostwriting or writing your own book? 

Now that’s an interesting question. With ghostwriting, you’re like a surrogate mother, you take x-amount of time to build and create this story line, this manuscript, and when it’s finished to give it away and may not know the final outcome of the work. A ghostwriter has to be able to shred their passion for words all over the blank page and be willing to let go when it’s over knowing you’ve made someone’s dream come true through your efforts. It’s a different experience than working on your own material and yet very fulfilling.

What are you working on now?

 I’m in the final editing of an historical novel spanning decades of time inspired by a true story. I also have started notes and research for a political novel which will include factual information couched in a fictional setting, action packed and character driven.

You can find out more information on Kathleen and her writing at www.shaputis.com.

Thanks Kathleen!

Happy Thanksgiving

I’m taking a break from Author Interview Wednesday this week because of the holiday.

I won’t be online much today because I’m hosting Thanksgiving dinner and will have my hands full slicing, dicing, and baking. 

Have a great holiday and be sure to take time during all the hustle to count your blessings.

Author Interview-Kathleen Coddington

      Joining me today is my good friend, Kathleen Coddington.  Welcome!

Kathleen Coddington writes paranormal and historical romance for Cerridwen Press.  She is a member of RWA, Pocono Lehigh Romance Writers and the Greater Lehigh Valley Writer’s Group.   She also teaches a novel writing course at Northampton Area Community College.  Her books are available at www.jasiminejade.com and www.amazonbooks.com.  A retired middle school librarian, she lives with her husband and three cats in a small town in Northeastern PA.

What is your writing process?  Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Initially, most of my planning starts in my head.  After a few days of mulling over the story concept and characters, I start jotting things down.  I set up a 3-ring binder for each of my books, as well as a file on my computer.  The note book is reserved for my research—maps, setting information and photographs, a collage of my characters, clothing, architecture, mores and manners of the time if it’s a historical.  I keep a list of characters and a working synopsis on the computer.  For my current work in progress, a futuristic novel, I also have a page of all the alien cities, planets, flora and fauna I’ve developed for my world. 

If the timing is right, I attend my local chapter’s writer’s retreat or annual plot party to help me fill in any holes or find ways to strengthen motivation and conflict.  All of this preparation probably makes me sound like a plotter, and for a long time that’s how I described my process. In reality, once I understand my characters, their goals, motivations and conflicts and the basic story arc, most of my scenes are written off the top of my head.  I make up a lot of stuff as I go along.  If I like how it’s going, I change my synopsis to fit the new route and tweak everything at the end to make it all work.  Thinking about it at the moment I’d have to say I’m fifty-fifty.

What inspired you to write your first book?

 Like many authors, I’ve been writing on and off since I was in elementary school.  I still have the notebooks with some of my poetry, plays, short stories and the opening of my first novel.  Marriage, a child and working full time as a school librarian side-tracked me for many years.  I’d like to say that I experienced some deep meaningful epiphany that finally spurred me into action.  Actually, my first book was done as a lark. 

One summer day about 15 years ago, after reading a romance that had been given to me by a friend who worked with the author I announced that I could do as well.  As a voracious reader and middle school librarian I knew about books, so I reasoned how hard could it be to write a romance and get it published? The next day, fortified with a few glasses of wine and with input from several good friends as we floated around my pool, the outline of my book took shape.  It was a historical romance set in Italy.  I called it Love’s Tangled Web.  Many incarnations and a title change later, it became my second book to be picked up by Cerridwen Press, Mistress of Deception

 You’ve attended quite a few writer conferences and workshops over the past couple years.  What do you think are the benefits of attending such events?

This has been a banner year for me as far as attending conferences goes.  I’ve traveled to Florida for the 2009 Romantic Times Book Lovers Convention, to Ohio for Ellora Cave’s first annual RomantiCon and New Jersey for New Jersey Romance Writer’s annual Put Your Heart in a Book.  I also made it to two small local writer’s conferences.  While it may sound like I’m a conference junkie, I’m really not.  However, I do believe that as writers, it’s important that we try to attend at least one good conference a year.  Here’s a few reasons why:

Your family can only listen to you ramble on about your protagonists Big Black Moment for so long before their eyes glaze over.  Spending time with other writers provides support and a ready ear.  Today’s publishing climate demands that you network and promote yourself and your books. Conferences keep you in the loop with the latest trends, contests, agent and editor tips, social networking and marketing opportunities.

The sessions that conferences provide are invaluable in helping you improve your craft.  There is always something new someone can teach you.  One idea might be all it takes to turn your book into a best seller.

Conferences almost always allow attendees to meet with agents and editors to pitch their latest completed book.  Publishing is a tough business to break into and query letters aren’t always the easiest way to grab an agent or author’s attention.  Chatting with one face-to-face provides you with a stronger chance to get your work in front of them.

When you’re not writing, what do you do for fun?

Well, I’m an avid reader of course.  I always have a pile of books on my bed stand. My second big passion after writing is Civil War Reenacting.  My husband and I both love history, especially that time period.  We belong to two groups, the 88^th PA Volunteer Infantry and the 5^th VA.  I have a closet full of period reproduction mid-Victorian gowns and can spend 10 hours a day in a corset without batting an eyelash.  I’m often asked to speak at local women’s groups and historic societies and have had several articles about fashion of the period published.  My husband and I also are involved with several Civil War preservation projects.

What are you currently working on?

I’m close to completing the final revisions of my erotic futuristic romance, Palace of Dreams.  It’s set in a dream palace in Gemmax City on a planet renowned for its pleasure domes.  Inari Rau, my main character is about to retire after 27 years as the most sought after guide at the Celestial Crystal.  She is looking forward to settling in her new house by the sea and to embarking on her new career as a dream designer for other dream domes.  Her replacement, thirty year old Kastel Fane’s first task is to give Inari a special dream on her last night.  During the dream, they are drawn to each other and discover they possess an unknown psi talent.  

Their lives are complicated when their new ability to link without the usual means, leads to the forced psi testing.  This is my first attempt at writing erotic romance.  Being a Cerridwen Press author (the mainstream line for JasmineJade) I’ve met many authors who write for the Elloras Cave line and read their books.  When my dream palace story popped into my head, I realized it was perfect for that line, so decided to give it a try.  Fortunately erotic romance author, Kathy Kulig, is in my critique group to guide me.

  Kathleen’s latest release, Threads Of Love, is available at Cerridwen Press.

As a dreamy fourteen-year-old with a penchant for minstrel tales, Aislinn deTalby took one look at Roger Montclaire at their betrothal feast and vowed to love him forever. A few years later, Roger is dead and Aislinn is forced to marry his younger brother, Garrett. The reserved, scholarly Garrett cannot compare to the golden knight of Aislinn’s cherished dreams. A skilled weaver, but unable to read or write, she spurns both Garrett and his scholarly pursuits.

 As artistic temperament and intellect collide, Garrett retreats to his books while Aislinn begins a new tapestry designed to taunt him with her love for his dead brother. Drawn together by a series of mysterious attacks on their estates, they discover intriguing qualities about each other, and although they both deny it, a growing physical attraction. Aislinn and Garrett discover the threads of love binding them together are stronger than any chains others can devise.

For more information on Kathleen and her books, visit www.kathleencoddington.com.

 

Author Interview – Sylvie Kaye

My good friend Sylvie Kaye is here today to discuss her writing life. 

Born and raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the shadows of the Pocono Mountains and its honeymoon havens, Sylvie Kaye breathes the air of romance daily. After getting one short story published in 1994, she went from hooked on reading romances to hooked on writing them.

Her years of work experience in manufacturing, as well as varied jobs in offices, retail, and a bank, to name a few, lent itself to writing contemporary romances. Road trips to exciting locations in our beautiful country inspire the settings for her stories.
She’s a member of the Romance Writers of America, the New Jersey Romance Writers, the Pocono Lehigh Romance Writers, EPIC for electronically published authors, and PASIC, a published author special interest chapter.

Welcome Sylvie!

What inspired you to write your first book?

 I  can’t say exactly what inspired me, but I know I couldn’t not write it. That unexplained desire to create that all writers have, I guess.

 Do you have a specific writing process?      

I have no specific process.  I write when I can and when I must.  I’m not very disciplined. 

Do you plot or just sit down and write?

 Ah, plotting.  The big mystery for me.  I wish I could plot. It might eliminate those periods when I’m stuck. But I can’t seem to see more than three chapters at a time. I start with the characters and an opening scene and build from there toward a happily-ever-after.  Sometimes the opening scene is inspired by dialogue, or a character, or a setting I visited or want to visit.  So I guess I’m what is called a pantser, flying by the seat of my pants.

What’s the best advice you were given about writing?

 Quitting is not an option.  Writing is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done and it takes perseverance.  After ten years and nine published books—I’m working on my tenth—it never gets any easier.  I still take the workshops and study the craft and read, read, read.  Someone once said you have to read 150 books in the genre you want to write in.   

When not writing, what do you do for fun?

A  little of everything. I like to walk, swim, golf, and travel. 

And read. I love to read. I wish I could read and write faster.

 What are you currently working on?

 I have two projects right now. LOVING JILLY, a contemporary romance set in New Orleans, is in edits at The Wild Rose Press.

Jilly is a New Orleans daycare aide by day and by night an errand-running caregiver to the three quirky aunts who raised her.  What Jilly doesn’t  have time for is a man who wants more than she can spare.

Zack is a brawny carpenter who works for his father’s construction company.  He’s attracted to Jilly but wants the real deal when it appears all she has time for is a slam-bam-thank-you-man relationship.  Will his patience and persistence gain him the time he needs to win her trust and her heart?  Or will her aunts’ stop the clock with a voodoo hex?

 My work-in-progress is a mainstream story and a huge stretch for me.  I’m working on the second draft and think it may take three drafts.  FOR THE GREATER GOOD OF MANN attempts to answer the age-old question of why we are here through a fictionalized story that takes place on both Heaven and Earth.

Sacrificing eternal happiness in Heaven for even a short time is not an option many souls consider, but there are those who do when five brave volunteers, become born to five earthly mothers, for the purpose of stopping the evil brewing in the town of Mann.  As their earthly lifetimes run out, their free-will interferes with their decision-making and their human frailties dictate their actions.  But in the end, they not only succeed in saving the town of Mann but also offer man hope, simplicity, and a reason for being.

   Sylvie’s latest release, HER MAINE MAN is available at The Wild Rose Press.

One weekend a year to bare your soul and your passion. He couldn’t believe the sweet deal she was offering. No commitment, just pure release.

 A deathbed promise takes Jon from his consulting desk to a remote island in Maine, where he becomes entangled with one of the loose ends.

As one of the island’s first family and a target for scandal, Maddie longs to share her body and her secrets. The sexy, visiting consultant seems perfect for a clandestine, once-a-year affair—until once isn’t enough.

For more information on Sylvie and her wonderful books, visit www.sylviekaye.com.

Author Interview – Marcia James

Today I’m welcoming Marcia James to my blog.  Marcia and I will be on the Million Dollar Marketing Plan panel with Sutton Fox at the Romantic Times convention in April 2010.

 An animal lover, Marcia donated a story to the anthology Tails of Love, which benefits a no-kill animal shelter and  has raised $10,000 so far.  This benefit anthology is the pet project (pun intended) of New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster, who contributes a story along with those of award-winning and bestselling authors Kate Angell, Stella Cameron, Dianne Castell, Anne Christopher, Marcia James, Donna MacMeans, Sarah McCarty, Patricia Sargeant, and Sue-Ellen Welfonder. 

In Marcia’s “Rescue Me” story, ex-quarterback Adam “Nuke” Baumgardner saves a starving stray, and the Chinese crested hairless dog returns the favor by reuniting him with his lost love, veterinarian Claire Mendelsohn.

Here’s what Marcia had to say…

 What is your writing process?  Are you a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in-between?

I’m a plotter who works hard to create three-dimensional characters.  I wish I were a pantser, since most of the books on readers’ “keeper” shelves are written by pantsers.  As for my writing process, I often come up with a funny scene or a great title and develop my stories from that point.  Unfortunately, I don’t have characters talking to me in my head.   

 Since I know you speak on marketing and public relations, can you share your favorite self-marketing idea(s)?

There is so much pressure on authors to promote themselves and their work, but no one thing works for each person or every book.  For example, marketing an e-book is different from marketing a print one.  And promoting a category romance that is only on the shelf for a month is different than promoting a single title novel.  I always urge authors to learn about the PR options available and then make an educated decision about which to pursue, based on their time, money, books, and personality.

By the way, I am ALL for guilt-free promotion.  If authors are going to be squeezing promotion into their busy days, the PR should at least be something they enjoy.  That is the core message in the promotion workshops I present.  I’ll teach two online PR workshops in 2010.  The information can be found on my Web site’s “Schedule” page: http://www.marciajames.net/schedule.html

Writers who want to learn more about promotional options can get my free 245-page PR file.  All they have to do is visit my Web site (www.MarciaJames.net), go to the “Contact Me” page, and send me an email that way, requesting the file.  I’ll attach the file to my reply.

When you’re not writing, what do you do for fun?

I love to read, of course, as well as play golf and go to charity fundraising events.  (I LOVE silent auctions!)  I’d say hanging out with my husband tops my “Fun” list!

 What is your advice to new writers?

Treat publishing as the business it is.  You can be writing the “book of your heart” and studying the craft of writing, but also simultaneously learn about the business side of publishing.  For example, promotion/marketing is part of the business of being an author.  And there is a lot you can do to promote your “author brand” before you get The Call.  So don’t wait until you’ve sold a manuscript to lock in your pen name and domain name, design your Web site (at least on paper), and learn about branding and promoting.

What are you currently working on?

 I’m revising the first manuscript I ever wrote, a funny romantic mystery set on a clothing-optional Caribbean resort.  I’ve always loved the story, so I’m using what I’ve learned in the last couple of years to polish this manuscript.

Thanks Marcia!

Here’s a little bit about Marcia’s latest release, At Her Command, available at Cerridwen Press…

DEA agent Domino Petracelli is chasing a career-making promotion and nothing will keep her from getting her man. Okay, so she’d rather infiltrate a Columbian drug cartel than go undercover as a dominatrix at D.C.’s Xecutive Branch sex club. But she’s up to the task. As the leather-clad Mistress Bella, Domino investigates the club’s drug ring while juggling a surreal roster of kinky submissives—and resisting one sexy client who’s not what he seems.

 Police detective Dalton Cutter is a man with a mission—avenging his partner, who was murdered investigating the Xecutive Branch. Retracing his partner’s steps, he goes undercover as a club client. Dalton’s handled killers, junkies and pimps, but can the Alpha-male cop act submissive long enough to fool Mistress Bella? And will their sexual chemistry, crackling louder than Bella’s whip, derail Dalton’s investigation?

 This romantic suspense pokes a bit of fun at the alphabet soup of D.C. law enforcement agencies, famous for their lack of interdepartmental cooperation. Imagine what could happen if several agencies unknowingly put operatives undercover at the same location—let the sparks fly!

To find out more about Marcia and what she’s working on, visit www.marciajames.net. 

 

Something new

Starting tomorrow, I’ll have a new feature on my blog. 

Each week, I’ll interview a different author, asking questions about writing, promotion, and whatever else comes up.

Stop by and check it out!

Getting ready for a conference

This past week, I’ve been getting ready for the New Jersey Romance Writers Conference, where I’ll be presenting my workshop, Marketing for Introverts.   While going through some old files, I found snippets of advice I’d written down when attending my first conference and thought I’d share…

Do your homework.   Be sure to study the schedule and highlight the workshops you’re interested in attending before you get to the conference.  Have some backup choices in case of cancellations.  Also, do research on all the agents and editors who will be attending, even if you’re not meeting with them.  Last minute changes can occur.  Be prepared, but be flexible.

Dress to impress. Business casual attire is always appropriate because, like it or not, writing is a business.  And remember comfortable shoes. You don’t want your feet giving out on you while schmoozing with your peers.

 Split up.   If you’re attending the conference with a friend, don’t be afraid to part company for a while. You never know who you might sit next to at lunch or during a workshop. 

 Treat the entire conference like a job interview. Be sure to shake hands and make eye contact. Always be polite when speaking to others and leave your personal business at home. When someone asks “How are you?” consider it a rhetorical question and say “Fine” instead of filling them in on your marriage, divorce, or medical problems.

 Don’t intrude on private conversations. If you see an author, agent, or editor you’d like to meet having a conversation, don’t interrupt. They could be discussing private business, and you don’t want to come off as pushy or rude. On the same note…

 Feel free to introduce yourself. If you see someone you’d like to meet, introduce yourself, as long as they’re not already involved in a conversation. Big name authors, editors, and agents are people too, so don’t be afraid to approach them in a pleasant, businesslike manner.

Bring plenty of business cards and hand them to the people you meet.

 Be prepared.  If you’re meeting with an editor or agent, be sure to have a blurb about your work memorized.  This is also useful when you’re mingling and someone asks what you’re working on.  A helpful hint is to print your blurb/idea on a label and attach it to the back of your business card.  

Ask questions. There’s no better way to find out what you want to know than to ask. What we learned back in grade school still holds true…the only stupid question is the one not asked. Most workshops allow time for a question and answer session afterward. Be sure to take advantage of it. And don’t be afraid to ask an editor or agent what they’re looking for or specifically not looking for.

 Have fun and remember that a positive attitude is the most effective tool you can bring to help you have a great conference experience.

I’ll be signing at the book fair Saturday night so if you’re attending the conference, be sure to stop by and say hi…and snag a piece of chocolate or two. 

Cleaning House

My goal this past weekend was to get organized.  My exact quote was “organize my office, my schedule, my life”.   Looking back, I realize that goal was kind of lofty, especially for a weekend, but I did manage to check a few items off  my  list and organize a couple things.

My office, while not totally spic and span is much more organized than it was last week at this time.  I got rid of three garbage bags full of papers.   Can you imagine?  Three garbage bags full.  Just removing that from my desk area has created some much needed elbow room.  I also have two large shopping bags full of books set aside to donate to the library.  At least now I can walk into my office and sit at the desk without wading through debris and worrying about piles of paper falling to the already cluttered floor.

My schedule is a little tougher.  Working all day and chauffeuring the kids to one activity or another afterwards makes for a hectic (and long!) day.  What I’ve been trying to do to make this a little easier is sleeping.  Normally, I only get 4-5 hours a night and let’s face it…that’s not good.  I was constantly suffering from headaches and extreme fatigue.  For the past week, I’ve been trying to get to bed no later than 11:00pm, giving me a whopping 6-1/2 to 7 hours a night.  I feel much better and I’m happy to say, the headaches have disappeared. 

My life may never be totally organized.   I feel the best I can do  is set goals.  Over the weekend, I thought a lot about what I want to do professionally and personally and made a list.  I’m an old-fashioned paper and pen kind of girl, and my list is in a plain old spiral bound notebook I can refer to anytime I need a reminder of what I want to get accomplished.  On the same note, I have the satisfaction of crossing items of the list as I complete a task or reach a goal…an activity I find immensely satisfying.

So while my goal to “organize my office, my schedule, my life” had been pretty lofty, I’m happy with the progress I made.  I even managed to go to two baseball games, wash a slew of laundry, clean the house, and put the fall decorations up.  Not bad for a weekend.

Anyone have  suggestions for getting organized and more importantly stay that way?  I’d love to hear them.