What is LOVE?
What’s Jack up to? Ugh! The wild dog tried to give the DH a heart attack this morning on his walk by dashing out into the street towards a car. Thankfully he’s fine. Not so sure about the DH.
Thanks to all of you who submitted questions on Ask The Agent yesterday. There’s still time to chime in. If you want to ask submit here. I’ll be writing up the interview soon and submitting it to Elaine. I’ll give a shout out as to when it will be posted. Great Fun! Thanks again.
Speaking of fun…
Happy Birthday to my dear DH! My own sweet knight in not so shining armor (not his fault. I’m just a poor armor shiner). No this is not my DH in this photo, but this is me at about the time I met my DH about 20 years ago with my big time forever crush, Prince.
Then my DH came along. He was my total opposite with his southern charm and cool demeanor, but he and give me the same type of chills as the very best Prince song. I was a lost from the start.
He really is my true BFF, my toughest critic and greatest supporter. Sticking by me at my best and worst and understanding me when no one else does.Happy Birthday DH!
I Love you. But you already know that.
Love,
Me
Ask the Agent- why don’t cha?
What’s Jack up to? Well, he’s really bummed today. We can no longer hold Nana hostage and she’s going home today, so no more clandestine treats for Jack. Sad days ahead. Waaa….
This weekend while having lunch with my Fab Agent, Elaine Spencer of The Knight Agency , Elaine agreed to be interviewed on my humble little blog here. So we were brainstorming on what she would be interviewed about and she came up with the idea of Ask the Agent. That means the interview is up to you!
Please feel free to post your burning (not too burning-this is a family show!) questions in the comments section and I’ll pose a bunch for Elaine to answer here. So what do you want to know? Don’t be shy. This should be fun!Best,KwanaPlotting By The Seat Of Your Pants
What’s Jack up to? He’s mad because the DH put a new lock on the laundry room door so he can’t get in there and rifle though the clean towels. Sorry Dude. You must find some new trouble to get into today.
This weekend I’m excited to be attending the New England Chapter of Romance Writer’s of America’s Annual Conference. On top of getting to sit down for first time face to face with my fab agent I’ll get to attend workshops with some great authors which is always pretty inspiring.
One of the inspiring authors giving a workshop this year is my own PIC (partner in crime) and author of the regency historical, A Singular Lady, Megan Frampton. Megan will be doing a workshop called Plotting by the Seat of Your Pants which I got to hear her do recently for our local New York Chapter. Listening to this workshop caused me to bug Megan for a quickie interview on plotting. Enjoy.Hi Megan. Thanks for doing this interview. It’ll be quick and painless. I promise.
1. Tell me a little about your workshop and what made you decide to put this type of workshop together?
In the course of attending various writers’ conferences, I realized—perhaps not a rocket scientist moment on my part—that there were very few workshops for pantsers, probably because of our seat of the pants style. As I tried to figure out how to write a story, and not just pretty words strung together, I came up with some ideas to ask myself in the course of writing that don’t involve “plot,” “outline” or “stay true to the synopsis.”
[And I gotta give props to my faux critique partner, Carolyn Jewel, who worked on the outline with me. Some day we will present this workshop together, but meanwhile, buy Carolyn’s Book, My Wicked Enemy, when it comes out this summer. End of commercial.]
2. When you said, ” a writer has to decide if they really are a Pantser and not a plotter looking to get out of the work,” it made me laugh and made me think. Can you tell me what that really means? How can a writer tell if they really are a true Pantser or a Plotter?
I think true pantsers feel freest to write—and write best—when when they have only a vague story trajectory in mind. Wannabe pantsers work well with structure, but might not want to put in the advance work that pantsers do on the fly. Either way, it’s work that has to get done; it’s just a difference in when you do it.3. Another great point you make in your workshop deals with the fact that romances always have the happily ever after and you talk about how NOT to get the character together for 400 pages. Can you talk about that concept?
Real-life romances are boring: You meet, you have a first date, it goes well, you have another one, and so on until you’re I-do-ing. Great for life, not so great for a fantastic story. The whole point, the big question the reader should be asking herself through the course of reading is not ‘when will they I do?’ but ‘how is the author possibly going to get these two together?’ THAT’s why you read. In a romance, the HEA is a foregone conclusion; it’s your job as a writer to make it less foregone, at least in the reader’s mind.4. You also bring up the clothes line approach. Can you tell me a bit about that and how it helps the Pantser?
For me, I can write really pretty words (see above) but the scenes they’re in might not have much storyline significance. In order to make it to the final edit, you should ask yourself if the story can exist without that scene. If it can, rip it out, no matter how pretty your words are. If it can’t, keep it, and that becomes one of your clothesline items: You move from sock to sock (event to event) until you reach the end of the pole (no double entendre intended, btw). Each sock is more crucial as you advance, and you can work from one point to the next without having to know the whole wash in advance.5. How can a Pantser feel confidant when they type THE END that they really are at the end with all the loose ends tied up neatly and completely.
Oh, for goodness’ sake, ask me a hard question, why don’t you! I have no idea. I know I feel confident that it’s done because I am COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY OVER IT, at least until I pull it out and edit it. I guess when your characters are smooching you are at the end, hopefully with ends tied. As you re-read, keep a notebook and make note of threads of plot you may or may not have tied up. Chances are you did, since your unconscious helps you, but if you didn’t, you can work it into your edit.Ha! Don’t get mad at me. I was hoping for something divine. Humph! I guess we’ll have to keep relying on each other. Ah-hem. Ok. Back to interview mode.
6. Finally, please tell us what’s next for you.
I’ll be working on a super-sexy high-concept novella called “Fortune’s Lady” (although I might name it My Lady’s Pleasure), and then the next book in my Road series, Road to Desire. I am searching for a new agent, and am committed, for the time being, to historical, although I would love to write another contemporary (I did one that didn’t sell—yet—called Mothering Heights which is being shopped around).Thanks for doing this PIC! See you in New England! Well, there and on the bus going there:)
About Megan:
Megan majored in English literature at Barnard College with a double minor in political science and religion. She worked in the music industry for 15 years, editing and writing music reviews for a music industry trade magazine. Eventually, she became the Editor-in-Chief and went on to develop music industry conference programs.Megan married one of her former interns and lives in Brooklyn, NY, with him and her son. Now that she stays at home, Megan has returned to reading — and writing — the fiction that was her first love. She is a member and was President of the Beau Monde (2004-2005), the Regency chapter of the Romance Writers of America, and a member of the NYC chapter of the RWA as well. Find out more about Megan here.
Portrait of the Artist
What’s Jack up to? He’s just doing his Monday chill thang. Enjoying ruling the house once again.
You may have wondered about my cool banner above. Well, it was designed by a wonderful artist and my very dear friend, Patricia Van Essche. I just love how she illustrated me way more fashionable than I really am! What a good friend. Wink.
I’m one that believes God brings certain people into your life for a reason. Now when I first met Patricia over 15 years ago, as a young girl starting out in fashion, there was no way I would know that so many years later we’d still be fast friends. But that’s what happened. I guess the fact that Patricia was the first, even before my doctor, to inform me that I was having twins sealed the deal!Patricia is a a wife, mother of a beautiful daughter and awsome teen twin boys and as you will see here an amazing artist. She can be checked out here at her studio PVE Design or at her blog for her daily thoughts.Over the years Patricia has done quite a few wonderful works for me. One of my favorites was the gift she have me of my moving cards where she illustrated my house, truly showing it as the house of my dreams. For the longest time when friends pulled up to the house they were amazed that it really was the house on the card!
I’m also the proud owner of this lovely “rose” oil painting by Patricia. Yep, I’m starting a collection!
Being a busy mom and trying to live her dream like so many of us I thought Patricia would be great to interview. Here are a few of her thoughts on art, life and knitting it all together…1. It’s a long way from Louisville to Broadway. Is being an artist something you always knew you’d do? How did you get your start?
Always, loved creating an artful world. My mother always instilled in us to use our talents, all 7 of us. To never be bored and my father had a strong work ethic. They will be celebrating their 60th wedding Anniversary so dedication and commitment comes naturally. If you want something and you love it, one must work at it and it evolves over time.
2. Whether it be paper or canvas, the blank page can be a scary thing. Where do you get your inspiration?Often being scared or on the edge is what it takes, it requires a certain risk, because art is subjective and there are many opinions but I still get a rush when people look at it and say, “Wow” that is amazing and then I say – well, I guess it’s ok, part of me says I can do it better. Inspiration comes all the time, perhaps that was learned – to appreciate everything.
3. We both know that art and fear seem to go hand in hand, so what made you take a leap of faith and step out on your own?Being fortunate to have worked for the best, and then realizing that I had a unique vision and style that it was just time for me to do it for me. It took courage to realize that I was the artist, copier, mail-gal, secretary, accountant, pr agent, all rolled in one and faith, naturally!
4. As busy wife and mother how do you find the time to do it all and still make it look so effortless?Like a mother bird feeds her baby birds, it is only natural to protect –feed – nourish and then push them to fly. My mother always says, “never do for them, what they can do for themselves. I have had to learn to allow help along the way. I also love to help and that gives me strength. We all need and want to be independent but we also need to work interdependently.5. Who are you some of your art and style icons?Real People, like you with dreams.
6. Awww!!! Don’t make me cry. Where do you want to go in the future with your art? Paint us a picture. Ha! I couldn’t resist. Sorry.Realizing that we are all only here for a short while, I want the future to be one of harmony, bright, pure, peaceful, no war, no disease, no suffering – everyone working towards a common goal to realize we are all here now for only a moment. My painting would be free, loose, and playful.Thanks so much for the interview, Patricia and for being a wonderful friend!Patricia is currently doing custom work for clients, be it a home sketch, portrait or still life. So if you have a hankering for a special gift for someone or a treat for yourself, please be sure to check her out. You won’t be disappointed.
Best,KwanaGena Showalter- Interview with a star
What’s Jack up to? Why he’s resting up for the holiday weekend. Don’t party too hard, Jack. I don’t think I can keep up.
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Today I’m honored to be interviewing New York Times bestselling author (and fellow agency sistah) Gena Showalter!
Gena’s newest book in her Alien Huntress series Savor Me Slowly is out now and her contemporary women’s fiction novel Catch A Mate has been released in mass market as well as audio book form. To top things off her teen alien huntress story Red Handed has been optioned for TV. Wow!
Hi, Gena thanks for being here. It’s a real honor.Thank you so much for having me!! I’m thrilled to be here.
1. First off a traditional question. What made you want to be a writer? It is something you always knew you’d do?I began playing around with my own stories in junior high, but soon learned that crafting them was a little too much work for my fourteen year old self. It wasn’t until I began bouncing around from one major to another in college (all in the medical field, strangely enough) that I realized writing was my true love and it was the only thing I could see myself doing for the rest of my life.
2. Tell us about your road to the New York Times Bestseller List. Were you an ‘overnight’ success?I wish I could claim to be an overnight success, but it took me about ten years. First, I had to write seven books before I sold one (most of those books will never see the light of day). And I did not make a single list until my. . . eleventh release, I think it was. The Nymph King turned out to be my breakout novel. And to think, when the hero of that book first appeared in one of my books, he wasn’t meant to have his own story. He had other ideas, though, and I’m so glad he did!
3. I’m amazed at the amount of books you have published and the amount of books to come. Your upcoming release link on your website take us to May 2010, when we’ll all have a spaceship of our very own! What’s your typical work day like? What’s your discipline? Do you write 24/7 to get it all done?My writing schedule seems to change with every book. Used to, I wrote the rough drafts long hand in about 3 weeks, writing seven days a week until it was done. Now, I write a chapter a day, five days a week, until the rough draft is done. That usually takes me a month and a half. Then, I read over the book, adding everything I missed the first go round. Then, I read over it again to make sure everything flows smoothly. The entire process takes about 3 months.
4. You write in many different genres: paranormal, contemporary women’s fiction, urban fantasy and young adult. How do you change genres in such a seemingly effortless way? Come on tell us, do you love all your babies equally or are some more of a challenge to raise than others?
Changing genres keeps me from burn out because each genre taps into different emotions. My contemporaries tend to be lighter, funnier. My paranormals have become darker, more sensual, more emotional. The young adults bring out the kid in me.
Of all those genres, though, the paranormals are my favorite. Especially the ones I’m writing now. The possibilities are endless. Anything I can think up, I can write.**Bonus question from a fan (my daughter). Growing up were you anything like your character, Jade in Oh My Goth? What inspired you to write her?
My junior high years, I was indeed a bit like Jade. Wore black, dressed punk, rocked out. (I feel so weird saying that now LOL) So when I sat down to write Oh My Goth, I wanted to show the struggles of someone who is considered a freak but wants so badly to be happy with who and what they are. (I was often called Casper, Ghost, Mustache Girl) Though don’t get me wrong. In high school, I became more like Mercedes: captain of the cheerleading team, rude to others.
Now, when I think back to the girl I used to be, I can only shake my head in wonder. I’m so different, almost as if my personality was cut up into little pieces and put back together out of order.5. What’s one piece of writing advice you’d like to give aspiring authors?
Write the book of your heart. Never write to trend. Because, by the time you finish, the trend will be over.
6. What can we look for next from you?
I am so excited to launch my new Lords of the Underworld series (May, June, July 08) They features immortal warriors who opened Pandora’s box, releasing a horde of evil demons upon the earth. Now, as punishment, each warrior carries a demon inside himself.Maddox, the hero of The Darkest Night (May 08) is the keeper of Violence. He’s been cursed to die every night, only to awaken the next morning knowing he has to die again. Lucien, the hero of The Darkest Kiss (June 08). Reyes, the hero of The Darkest Pleasure (July 08), is the keeper of Pain and is forbidden to know pleasure.
Once again, WOW! Thanks so much for being here and I can’t wait to pick up the next book(s)!
Thank you for having me!!
For a laugh Check out this fun video of Gena being interviewed by fellow author (and comedian), Jill Monroe below. Enjoy!Best,
KwanaInterview with a Siren
Here is the first of what I hope will be an ongoing writer interview series. Today I’m featuring, new author, Wendy Toliver.
Wendy’s first book: The Secret Life Of Teenage Siren was released in December of 2007.
Here’s a teaser:
Geek
y to gorgeous in sixty seconds… Roxy’s about to turn sixteen, but life isn’t so sweet. As a band geek, Roxy can barely get the cute guys to notice her, much less go out with her. Then, on her birthday, Roxy is transformed into a siren: seductively beautiful with the power to control all men. She thought sirens were an ancient myth, but suddenly Roxy can get any guy she wants with just a few notes on her flute. There are only two rules: don’t tell anyone about being a siren, and don’t fall in love. When she starts dating Zach, the guy everybody’s crushing on, Roxy realizes she could get used to this siren thing…but how can she keep herself from falling in love?First off, congratulations on the debut on you first book, The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren out with Simon Pulse this past December.
What made you want to write for this Young Adult age group? Do you feel a certain kinship here?
Yes I do! I had a wonderful teenage life myself and I love reliving it through writing. One of my favorite things about being a published author is speaking to junior and senior high schools, getting to hang out with teens.
What made you decide to take on writing novels as a career? Is it something you always dreamed of or did you fall into it sideways?
LOL! I definitely fell into it sideways. I had a fun experience about 5 years ago that I thought would make a good chick lit novel so I started writing it out. It became a manuscript and I sent it out to agents and received offers for representation. The thought of being a novelist always intrigued me, but I can truthfully say writing was just a hobby, something I could do as a mom of three active little boys, and it’s just an added bonus that I’m finding some success in it.
Can you give of a brief overview of your road to ‘overnight’ success? (I laugh as I ask this one) and what has being a member of RWA meant to you on your way to publication?
Ha! Yes, there were definitely a bunch of ups and downs en route to becoming a published author. I might not have been writing (with the intent of being published) for as many years as some authors, but let me tell you, it hasn’t been easy. I’m still in the mindset that if something wonderful happens, I stand back and take a breath or two, making sure it’s real before I let loose and celebrate. On the flip side, writing YA seems to be a natural fit for me, as The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren is my first attempt at writing YA. So I guess I can’t complain!
RWA has been very important to me because it has educated me in the craft as well as the world of publishing, offered me support, introduced me to amazing writers who’ve become some of my closest friends, and given me the inspiration necessary to keep writing. RWA rocks!What’s your writing process like as a stay at home mother of three small boys?
I have a mommy’s helper who comes for about 6 hours a week, and though that might not
sound like much writing time, I get a lot done because I have to. I try and think about whatever project I’m working on while I’m doing other things (like laundry, dishes, and changing diapers) so when I do sit at my computer, I’m ready to write.What are you working on next?
I’m working on edits for my second YA with Simon Pulse. It’s called Miss Match and it is about a teenage matchmaker who is hired to fix a new guy up with her sister, only to discover that she’s crushing on him herself. I think it’s scheduled to come out around Valentine’s Day of 2009. I’m really excited about it!
Thanks so much, Wendy and best of luck with your next book!
