On my mind:

Sorry I just have to ask, because I don't get it. Why does there seem to be a HUGE amount of erotric romance coming out lately? Even though it is not what I wirte and read, I would like to understand it. Is it just a new trend that will die down like all other trends in romance writing or does it mean that people don't want non-erotic romance anymore? Hoping some of you can shed some light on this for me. If you do write erotic please don't take my question as an insult it is not intended to be.

Interview With

Romantic Suspense Author Stacy Juba

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I knew I wanted to be a writer in fifth grade. I was writing a lot of stories at that time, and my teachers were giving me a great deal of encouragement with my writing talent. I was very introverted, and they were delighted to see that I was expressing myself so vividly through fiction. I published my first novel at 18, and loved getting fan mail and seeing my book in bookstores. I've been working as a writer ever since.

How long does it take you to write a book?

That has varied at different periods in my life. It used to take about a year, before I was married and had a family. Now it takes me a couple years as I'm juggling so many other tasks.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Probably that my handwriting is so messy. When I worked as a reporter, my interview sources would get very curious when they peered at the scrawled words in my notebook. I was asked repeatedly whether I used shorthand, but it's just my natural handwriting. If I'm signing my name, my handwriting is neat, but if I'm taking notes during an interview or am writing a story in longhand, I write fast to get it all down before I lose it.

What do you think is the best way of publishing a book these days?

At this point, I'm more interested in self-publishing through sites such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo than in submitting my work to traditional publishers. I know I can make money on my books quickly, and I can immediately get them into the hands of readers. My feelings may change as the industry evolves, but that's where I'm at right now. If authors do this, though, they need to make sure their book is professional. It needs to be-well-edited and polished, with a professional cover, and the author needs to be a good marketer with a website, social networking platform, and insight into how to market ebooks.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Ideas just pop into my head, and if I can't stop thinking about it and the idea excites me, then I'll start developing it into a book. Twenty-Five Years Ago Today was inspired by my days working as a newspaper obit writer and editorial assistant. For Sink or Swim, I was intrigued by the popularity of reality TV shows and wanted to explore what might happen after an ordinary person returns to her normal life once the reality show ends. Dark Before Dawn was inspired by my interest in psychics and the metaphysical. I'll often need to do research to flesh out the idea. For example, I might interview a police detective for a mystery novel.

When did you write your first book?

I wrote my first book, a young adult novel called Face-Off, when I was 16 years old. I scribbled in a notebook in high school study halls and typed it at home on an electric typewriter. I entered it in a contest for teenage writers and it won a publishing contract when I was 18. Recently, I've re-issued it as an ebook and published a new paperback edition, so it's amazing to be finding new readers for a book I wrote as a teenager.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I like to spend time with my family, do Tai Chi, and read. I love to read!

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

So far, I've published four novels, a children's picture book, and a children's e-book collection. They're all special to me in different ways, but Dark Before Dawn is the book that I relate to the most, as I remember those awkward teenage days and trying to find the right path in life. Twenty-Five Years Ago Today is special to me as it was my first adult novel.

Can you tell me and your readers something about your main characters?

In most of my books, my characters are strong, determined young women trying to find themselves and get on the right path. Kris in Twenty-Five Years Ago Today is an aspiring reporter haunted by guilt, and she needs to find the strength to leave the past behind. Cassidy from Sink or Swim is a personal trainer who wants to start her own chain of fitness centers, but she has a lot of emotional baggage to leave behind if she wants to make the best decisions for her future. In Dark Before Dawn, the main character of Dawn is a teenage psychic whose mother wants her to hide her abilities. Dawn needs to find the courage to be herself and stop trying to please others.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I hear from them a lot on my Facebook page and on Twitter. They usually let me know they were surprised by an ending or that they just finished one book and are getting ready to read another one. It's fun to hear from readers.

What do you think makes a good story?

I think a good story needs compelling characters, with strengths and weaknesses just like real people. It also needs conflict so that we can root for the character to get what he/she wants. The character needs hurdles to overcome, as that suspense keeps readers turning the pages.

What are your favorite book genres in writing and reading? Why?

I love reading mystery, romantic suspense and romantic comedy, and those are my favorite genres to write in also. Reading is an escape for me. I like reading books that are playful and fun, and that's the audience I have in mind when I write.

Who are you favorite authors to read?

I've been discovering so many new authors on my Kindle lately. Juli Alexander, Gemma Halliday, and Juliette Sobanet are the authors whose books I've devoured lately. When I find an author whose story keeps me turning the pages, then I seek out other books that they have written.

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Interview with Historical and Paranormal Romance Author Lily Silver

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I first realized I wanted to be a writer and write romances about twenty years ago. As a mother with younger children, I needed something to do one summer that didn’t involve children and as an avid romance reader, I decided to try to write a romance. Actually, it was just my own romantic fantasy, but it turned into a 600 plus page book by the time I was finished at the end of the summer. It was my first manuscript and I wrote it longhand, on notebook paper.

 

How long does it take you to write a book?

My first serious book took years, as I was learning my craft and doing lots of rewrites. Since then, I’ve learned to write in under a year, usually about four to six months from beginning to finished copy.

 

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I listen to epic movie soundtracks while writing. It helps me get into the storyline more as a historical romance writer. Usually I listen to Last of the Mohicans or Pirates of the Caribbean.

 

What do you think is the best way of publishing a book these days?

I have become enthralled with the new digital publishing platforms offered to Independent authors. It seems to be a mirror occurrence to the Impressionist Art Movement in the 1880’s. The Impressionist Artists were banned from the Paris Art Exhibitions as their work was so new and different from what was traditionally displayed each year in the Salon. So, the artists banded together and had their own art show, allowing the public to view their works. It was met with success as the art lovers decided they liked this new style of painting. In publishing, the same thing is happening today; the big publishing houses control what is available to the reading public, but with new digital platforms open to authors, we can take our works directly to the reading public. I feel this is an important change in the publishing world, allowing the reader to decide what is worth reading, not the editors.

 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I am a historian by degree, so I find inspiration in researching historical settings and events and then imagining what kinds of conflicts a set of lovers might encounter in a specific time or place.

 

When did you write your first book?

Summer of 1992

 

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I have also studied art and have a minor in art history. I am a photographer, mostly nature photography and I paint watercolors, again--nature scenes. I have recently taken up creating mixed media collage art.

 

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I learned that not all 18th century doctors were quacks. Many physicians of the time were quite intellectual and used cause and effect methods to study disease. They discovered such things as Digitalis (foxglove) as a cure for heart problems, a drug we still use widely today. Another example is the Small Pox cure that was first discovered in the late 18th century by a doctor who noticed milkmaids developed a ‘pox’ on their hands from milking the cows and then seemed immune to the small pox outbreaks. This led a doctor to experiment with inoculation by the turn of the 19th century as a means to stem the tide of Small Pox, and as we know, it turned out to be highly effective

 

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have written four completed books. The first two were the ‘training wheels’ versions, meaning, I learned how to write by doing them but won’t ever publish them. My two published novels, to date are Dark Hero and Some Enchanted Waltz. My favorite book is Dark Hero. I fell in love with Donovan, the mysterious hero in that book.

 

Can you tell me and your readers something about your main characters?

In Dark Hero, Donovan Beaumont is a physician, and also a nobleman. He escaped France after being tortured for a crime he didn’t commit, became a pirate for a time and then settled into life as a cane planter in the West Indies. He’s suffering what we would term today as PTSD, so he tends to hide behind elaborate disguises and uses them to distance himself from others. He’s a recluse with a somber, intimidating exterior but under all his bluster and blow he is really a closet philanthropist. He collects the broken souls cast off of society and gives them a sense of purpose, dignity and a reason to go on.

Elizabeth O’Flaherty is the heroine of Dark Hero. She loved to read Gothic romances as an adolescent girl. After her mother died, she became the strength of the family, keeping everything together by taking care of her elderly grandmother and her younger brother. She can see and speak to ghosts and has the gift of the seer. She is the opposite of Donovan, as he is all about logic and science and Elizabeth is more in tune with the mystical world. Elizabeth is a strong, resilient character but she is also an adolescent girl of 18, so her reactions to the events in the story are much different than would be coming from a mature woman in her thirties or beyond. She has never been able to trust a man due to past abuse by her alcoholic stepfather and yet she is thrust into circumstances where she is completely dependent upon Donovan and has to learn to trust him.

 

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

Yes, I do hear from readers. The most recent notes come from readers of “Some Enchanted Waltz” my new time travel romance. Readers have said that they would like to see a sequel to that story.

With “Dark Hero”, Readers often tell me they could not put it down. One reader recently told me she stayed up way past her bedtime last week trying to finish the story because she couldn’t wait until the next day to see the storyline resolved.

 

What do you think makes a good story?

Characters make the story. A reader must be able to connect with the heroine; we must like her, if you will, want her for a friend, or want to be her. Also, I believe in a romance the hero must be attractive as a character. It’s not enough that he’s handsome, he must be likeable to the reader--not merely a good looking jerk but the kind of guy you would want to meet and spend time with. The real world is full of jerks. Let’s have our romance heroes rise above that.

What are your favorite book genres in writing and reading? Why?

Historical romance mostly, for reading. I do read contemporary romances, too, but those are very few. I also like reading paranormal romances. As for writing, it is very much the same. I love the historical romance genre, and that is why I write it, because I enjoy reading it. I also like to read historical mysteries. I can’t say if I’d try writing one, however.

 

Who are you favorite authors to read?

Lisa Kleypas, Candance Camp and Jeri Westerson.

Lily Silver Author
http://romancinghistorylove.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/LilySilverAuthor

Amazon

Callie Taylor's life is turned upside down when she learns the truth about her birth following the death of her mother. Not only is her father alive, but he's none other than presidential candidate Senator Warren Sherbrooke.

Billionaire and confirmed bachelor, Dylan Talbot, is devoted to his family. When his stepfather Warren Sherbrooke receives a letter from a past love telling him they have a daughter together, Dylan is instantly suspicious. In order to keep the media vultures away and protect Warren's political aspirations, Dylan convinces Warren to let him handle the situation.

As Callie and Dylan spend time together, they can't resist the feelings that blossom between them. However, when Callie learns the real reason he has been spending time with her their fledgling romance is put in jeopardy and only complete honesty can save it.

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Happy Father's Day

The heroes in our Romance Novels are not always fathers, at least not at the beginning.  However which of your favorite heroes would make great fathers?  Please include name of book as well as hero name.

Writing is a Journey

I read somewhere today that writing is a journey and I believe this is true.  I began writing my first story at the age of 10 using my grandmother's manual typewriter.  I would work until my fingers were either to sore to work anymore, I ran out of paper, or the ribbon dried up.  Over the years my method of getting the words on the paper has changed and so hasn't my storytelling ability.  With each story I write, I feel like my skills improve.  Writing is one of those things where the learning and improving never stops.  While I believe I am a good story teller now, I know that I will continue to grow and learn new ways to develop my plots and characters.  I don't know where the journey will take me in the end.  I hope it leads me to all my goals, but who knows in this crazy unpredictable world of writing.

Interview With Historical Romance Author Jill Hughey

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I've always been a writer as the terrible anniversary poems my mom still has will prove. I first tried to actually sell a book in 2001 and I self-published in 2011.

How long does it take you to write a book?

I haven't ever written straight through to publishing so I'm not sure. I wrote Sass Meets Class in about two months in 2001 but that was because of a self-imposed deadline. I re-worked it a great deal before releasing it in June 2012 so I would guess four to six months.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I write out of order. I like to get some of the important emotional scenes down so I sort of have the goal I am headed for already in front of me, and I also like to write what I feel inspired to write on any given day.

What do you think is the best way of publishing a book these days?

The greatest and often ignored plus for self-publishing is creative freedom. The author is not limited by page count requirements or a publishers idea of what will sell or deadlines. The book is done when it is done and is the length it needs to be to tell the story and the words are what the author really wanted to say. In my opinion, this is why readers can so easily find such really fantastic ebooks. There are authors who do not fit into a traditional publishing niche that now have a way to be found by readers.

I would add that if a reader finds a new book he/she loves to please post positive reviews both where you purchased and on any sites you use like Shelfari or Goodreads, plus mention it in your social media outlets. We live or die based on word-of-mouth.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

In terms of research, I rely on books and the internet. Sass Meets Class is set in 1880s Arizona and I had visited that part of the country so the settings and history were very alive for me.

My ideas usually start from a single scene that builds in my head. Often that scene does not even make it into the book but it introduces me to characters who have a story to tell.

When did you write your first book?

Probably in 2000.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

My big indulgence - when I am not working part-time in my husband's business and shuttling our two sons around - is taking voice lessons. I am a soprano and learn classical pieces as well as show tunes.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I should not have been surprised, but I learned that I LOVE to write. Time passes so quickly and I get such satisfaction when I've crafted a paragraph or chapter that says exactly what I wish to convey.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have written three. I like them all, but if someone insisted on reading just one I would pick Sass Meets Class because it is a sweet (no sex) romance that would not offend anyone. The books in my Evolution Series are darker and edgier, and my heroes and heroines definitely enjoy the pleasures of the marriage bed.

Can you tell me and your readers something about your main characters?

My main characters are never perfect. In Sass Meets Class, the heroine is not particularly pretty or good with men and the hero is a broke English viscount who is very out of place in America and plans to return to England to marry the first rich girl who will have him.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I don't but I am so happy when I do. Most say "when is the next book coming out?" which makes my week. I can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jillhugheyromance and I also tweet @jillhughey.

What do you think makes a good story?

A realistic, meaningful conflict and fully-fleshed characters.

What are your favorite book genres in writing and reading? Why?

I like historical fiction books because I enjoy escape to another human world. Reading about some woman's horrible day in her cubicle followed by a beer at the local bar with a guy in tight jeans does not do it for me.

Who are you favorite authors to read?

For authors who are currently writing historical romance I like Madeline Hunter and Eloisa James. Back in the old days, I loved Julie Garwood, Catherine Coulter, and Kathleen Woodiwiss. I still read A Rose in Winter once year.

Jill Blogs at http://medievalnovels.blogspot.com/

To Purchase Sass Meets Class

http://amzn.com/B0089NLLBC

http://tinyurl.com/cabzhtd

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/169732

Interview With Award Winning Romance Author Tori Scott

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

When I read my first Nancy Drew. Seriously. I wanted to be Carolyn Keene. Then I wanted to be Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts, Iris Johansen, Janet Evanovich…

How long does it take you to write a book?

That depends on the length of the book. I average about 1000 words a day, but they're good, edited, ready to roll words. Some days, when inspiration strikes, the stars line up just right, and the world leaves me alone, I can write as many as 10,000 in a day.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I write all night long. Very often I go to bed when my husband gets up in the morning. Sometimes I don't go to bed until the next day is well underway.

What do you think is the best way of publishing a book these days?

I'm a huge fan of self-publishing because I'm a control freak--of my own life, anyway. I like being able to check Amazon and B&N to see how many books I've sold and not rely on my publisher's honesty (or lack of it). I've been burned by a publisher once, so I'm not excited about doing it again. That's not to say I'd turn down a six figure advance, but I'd have to seriously think about it.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I have no idea. Mostly I get this line of dialogue running through my head just as I lay down to sleep. Then another line, and another, and soon a book idea is born. Occasionally I might get an idea from a news story, but you can bet if I read the story and got an idea, so did a thousand other writers. I like the original ones in my head better.

When did you write your first book?

1992. It's still on a word processing disk that I can no longer access. After that one that I never did anything with, the next one was in 2000. It finaled in the RWA Golden Heart Contest, nearly sold to Silhouette, and was my first self-published book.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I hang out on Facebook and Twitter with my fans, ride my bike, travel with my hubby who is a photographer. We both love taking nature photos. I love to swim, too, but only in nice clear pools where I can see my feet.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That all those report cards that said I talked too much in class would come in handy when writing dialog. I love dialog.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I've written 13, published 12. As for my favorite, that's like asking which of my four kids is my favorite. They all have their inherent strengths and their appealing qualities. It's hard to choose one. Usually, it's the one I just finished.

Can you tell me and your readers something about your main characters?

With twelve books, that's hard to do. But my heroines are usually a bit sassy, headstrong, and determined. They aren't content to sit back and let their heroes save them. My heroes usually subscribe to a code of honor--whether that be military, law enforcement, cowboys--and want to save the day. They occasionally get frustrated by the women in their lives who won't just let them get on with the job.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I hear from readers quite often, usually to tell me how much they enjoyed a book and wanting to know when the next one will be released. The readers who have gotten to know me send me emails or post on my Facebook fan page, prodding me to get back to writing and get that next book out. Sometimes they aren't gentle! 

What do you think makes a good story?

Ah, the million dollar question. If I knew that for sure, all my books would be NYT bestsellers. But as a reader, for me a good story is one that has a solid, uncontrived plot, plenty of action, good character development, realistic dialog, and a satisfying conclusion where all the questions are answered.

What are your favorite book genres in writing and reading? Why?

I love suspense. See question one above. From the time I was ten years old and discovered Nancy Drew, I've loved to read anything with a good mystery, a creepy villain, something that keeps me turning the page to make sure everything turns out okay.

Who are you favorite authors to read?

I love all kinds of authors. I know how hard they work to write those books. But my favorites are Allison Brennan, Lisa Jackson, Lisa Gardner, Nora Roberts, Bronwyn Parry, Valerie Parv, Sandy Blair. Then there are the self-published authors like TR Ragan, Trish Milburn, Debra Holland, Norah Wilson, Delle Jacobs--just beginning to make a name for themselves, but who have always been awesome.

Tori Scott

www.amazon.com/author/toriscott

http://toriscott.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tori-Scott/

https://twitter.com/#!/ToriScott

In my opinion writers, especially romance writers are amazingly similar.  Over the past 8 years I have been attending conferences and I am always surprised to see how alike we all are regardless of the type of romance we write.  Not only do I find that romance authors are alike in many ways but they tend to be very helpful individuals who are always willing to offer advice or suggestions.  Has anyone else found this?  I am so grateful for this fact.  Without the help and expertise of other writers I think I would still consider my writing just a hobby to do in my spare time rather than as a possible career.