This is the paranormal blog of author Lynda Hilburn, http://www.lyndahilburnauthor.com
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Recommended Halloween Story!
Vampire/paranormal author Hera St. Aubyn's Halloween short story, "Trick or Treat" has been released today by The Wild Rose Press. It's rated "hot/intense love scenes" and it might surprise you. And check out the hot hunks on Hera's blog: http://herastaubyn.blogspot.com
October Contest! Friday the 13th through Halloween!
2 Contest Winners! From the comments on this blog: Tempest Knight Lady Vampire2u
Congratulations! And thanks for participating!
Hera St. Aubyn and Lynda Hilburn are having a contest!
Imagine that your Fairy Godmother pops in and says she’s going to grant you one incredible Halloween night. She says you can select the spooky location and activity of your choice, and you get to take the luscious male of your dreams with you. (Hey! Be wild and crazy! This is a fantasy!)
So, leave a comment here telling us: Where’s the spooky location you wish to visit? What’s your planned activity? (As if we didn’t know!) Which bewitchingly gorgeous male are you taking with you and why?
We’ll choose 2 comment writers from Lynda’s blog and 2 from Hera’s blog to receive a free download of any of our stories from The Wild Rose Press. Winners will be selected on Halloween night and posted on our blogs. http://herastaubyn.blogspot.com www.thewildrosepress.com
Kat: Female PI in Seattle who dies for a few minutes and comes back to discover she can walk in the realm of "things that go bump in the night."
Lynda: What was the inspiration for the book?
Kat: An old British TV series called "Randall and Hopkirk, Deceased" ("My Partner the Ghost" in the US) about a dead PI who won't stop trying to help his live partner solve crimes. And I thought "Why not a PI FOR ghosts, instead of a PI who IS a ghost"?
Lynda: Is it part of a series?
Kat: Yes.
Lynda: What do you like most about your main characters?
Kat: I like that they are tough, but good to others. They aren't selfless, but they all try to do "the right thing." Well... most of them. Some are right bastards.
Lynda: What’s your favorite aspect of the book?
Kat: I enjoy learning more about the history and people of Seattle so I can include the details of the city in the story. It's fun to discover a new story about my town, or find a historic character I can pop into my ghostly Seattle.
Lynda: How long have you been writing fiction?
Kat: Since I was seven or eight, but I didn't do anything professionally with it until I was in my late 30s.
Lynda: Is this your first paranormal manuscript?
Kat: Yes.
Lynda: Is paranormal your main focus?
Kat: Not really. I like Mysteries and SF, so I'll grab onto anything that plays well with those and paranormal fits pretty well.
Lynda: What attracts you about the paranormal characters you write about?
Kat: Their odd views of the world. I like to experiment with their outlook, since they must interact with the world differently than a normal, mortal human would.
Lynda: How long did it take to sell your book, from the time you finished your manuscript?
Kat: Depends on how you count it. I revised and tried for 4 years before I found an agent, but once I had an agent, it took about a year of additional revisions and submissions to sell the book.
Lynda: Did you have an agent when you sold your first book?
Kat: Yes.
Lynda: Do you recommend that a pre-published writer focus on finding an agent first, or do you think it’s OK to submit directly to the publisher?
Kat: If the writer is interested in a commercially successful career, definitely concentrate on getting an agent. Good agents will get writers a better deal than they can get by themselves, and have access to editors un-agented writers cannot reach.
Lynda: Thinking about the notion of “It’s always darkest before the dawn,” what was the lowest point in the process for you? Was there a time you almost gave up?
Kat: I gave up several times, but I kept coming back and in April 2004, I finally decided to give it one last shot and quit if it didn't work out--but it had to be my very best shot, my very best work and no token actions. It worked. It often is darkest just before you kick yourself in the seat of the pants and light a candle.
Lynda: You don’t have to mention numbers, but did you get a nice advance?
Kat: Good by current standards for a first novel by an unknown: $7,500 per book on a 3-book contract. Not "Whoopee! Let's buy a yacht!" But "Oh, boy! We can go on a decent vacation, for once, and pay off some bills."
Lynda: What was the process of revisions/rewrites like?
Kat: Long and painful. I hated having to make the changes, but my editor and agents were able to make suggestions for improvement and explain why they felt they were necessary, how they improved the book, and what other opportunities were made by the changes--good feedback and communications made the process much easier. I still don't enjoy it, though, and I'm currently revising Book 2.
Lynda: Did your agent suggest changes?
Kat: Yes. Twice--he analyzed the book and pointed out weaknesses, made suggestions for changes to improve the work and make it more commercially viable, not just to change for change's sake.
Lynda: What was it like, working with the editor at your publishing house?
Kat: I really liked it. I've worked with editors and as an editor before, so I understood her comments. Anne is also very good at explaining WHY as well as WHAT needs to be changed and making suggestions for HOW, as well. I didn't feel dictated to, which was important. I feel like we work together on the books, as a team.
Lynda: Do you have any words of wisdom for us regarding rewrites/revisions?
Kat: Pick your battles. Some things aren't worth fighting over. A good editor has a feel for the market and recognizes what HAS to change to make the work saleable, versus what she merely WANTS to change for other reasons. The editor wants your book to sell. She's not looking to "ruin" your prose for her own ego's sake. Ask her about changes you are uncomfortable with and discuss the reasons and options. Have good communications with your editor and copyeditor. No one's prose or plot is so perfect it can't take some editing, so be open-minded. Stick to your guns when you have to, though. If something is just NOT negotiable, say so, but politely--word travels fast in publishing and there's no point in making an enemy.
Lynda: Were there any surprises for you about the contract you signed?
Kat: I was surprised how many rights my agents retained for me. I expected to have to give up more than I did.
Lynda: Do you get a lot of help marketing your book, or do you have to do it yourself?
Kat: Mixed. The publisher did a lot of things I could never have done, like producing and putting chapbooks into convention "goodie bags" and getting in touch with big reviewers, inviting me to publication parties if I was at a convention so I could meet industry folks. But I also did my part, going to conventions, chatting up booksellers, making and distributing bookmarks, getting to know other writers, and potential readers. I placed an ad in a strategic small publication and I also spent some time developing local contacts with publications, radio shows, writers groups, and other venues where my book could be discussed, reviewed, or sold by people who felt positive about me and would therefore say nice things about my book.
Lynda: What’s your best marketing advice?
Kat: Be friendly and meet lots of people. Get business cards. Follow up. Be professional and polite to other members of the industry, but don't be pushy. Get to know other writers--they'll help you a lot.
Lynda: Did you have input about your cover?
Kat: A little. I was asked for suggestions, but I don't think they were very helpful--I know I have no artistic ability at all.
Lynda: Have you done any book signings? If so, what were they like?
Kat: Yes, I've done two, now. The first one was very informal and mobbed and silly and we all had a good time just hanging around talking about the book. The second was much more "normal," with a table and books and people came up to the table for signed copies. A lot of chatting and smiling at both, though. And a lot of people just standing around looking at me--which was kind of disconcerting.
Lynda: If you could go back and do something differently, what would that be?
Kat: I'd have tried harder sooner.
Lynda: What are your writing plans for the future?
Kat: More books in this series, get some short stories out there, start another series that's a little harder-edged, and get my graphic novel collaboration back on track. And go sailing.
Lynda: What advice would you give to all the pre-published writers out there?
Kat: Write, write, write! Never pull your punches when you write, and hit as hard as you can with every word. And play nice with others once you hit it big.
Lynda: How can readers find out more about you?
Kat: I have a website (http://www.katrichardson.com/) and a blog (http://katrich.wordpress.com/) and I try to keep them up to date. I'm also very chatty in person and I attend my local MWA meetings regularly.
Thanks for the chance to answer your questions, Lynda. I'm looking forward to hearing more about YOUR book, soon.
First Sale Stories: Deborah Macgillivray, "A Restless Knight"
Lynda: What’s the name of your first book?
Deborah: "A Restless Knight"
Lynda: When was it published?
Deborah: It was released 21 June 2006.
Lynda: Which publishing house?
Deborah: Kensington Zebra Debut
Lynda: What’s it about?
Deborah: It’s a Scottish Medieval Historical set in the turbulent times of the rising of William Wallace. It has Paranormal Elements, people having dreams and visions stemming from Scots’ Pagan beliefs. In my tale, Tamlyn MacShane is a Scots lass gifted with the Kenning – a knowing. Her dreams reveal things to come, things that have passed. This aids her in accepting her fate of being wed to a stranger, a conqueror, a marriage decreed by Edward I of England.
Julian Challon is a warrior, long weary of battle. He wants nothing but to claim the small glen in Scotland and find a place to heal. Instead, he gets a woman full of spirit, one who can heal his troubled soul.
Lynda: What was the inspiration for the book?
Deborah: Family history, actually. I have spent years working with my grandfather, restoring family records that were nearly destroyed during WWII and through neglect. One of the tales was a several page story in Gaelic about my great-great (about 26 generations past) grandparents. Some facts―some fiction, methinks. But a story that was centuries old held a fascination. I began to dream about the people in the story. Knew I had to write it.
Lynda: Is it part of a series?
Deborah: Yes, called "The Dragons of Challon." The second book comes out in August, 2007 called "Ravenhawke, a Knight to Remember."
Lynda: What do you like most about your main characters?
Deborah: Their “being alive”―literally and figuratively. These were not characters in a story, but were real people to me. I have had readers comment the same thing. One said Tamlyn and Julian reminded her of her grandparents, how they were strong people, but it only made their love stronger because of it.
Lynda: What’s your favorite aspect of the book?
Deborah: The love. How despite their own beliefs―he is Christian, she Pagan―despite their political followings, no matter what, they were able to look beyond their immediate reactions and see what was best for their people, how their love formed that bond.
Lynda: How long have you been writing fiction?
Deborah: I’ve been dabbling since I was thirteen. But I seriously decided to go for being published three years ago.
Lynda: Is this your first paranormal (or w/paranormal elements) manuscript?
Deborah: No. I started this book, but put it aside at the time. Lynsay Sands encouraged me to write "The Invasion of Falgannon Isle," the first book in a series for Dorchester Publishing (release 28th November, 2006). It should have been my first book out, but the Historicals slipped in before them. It’s a lighter, quirky romance about a woman owning a teeny island in Scotland where there are 213 unmarried Scotsmen. They cannot find true love until she does because of an age-old curse. It also has flashes from past-lives in it. Each story in this series deals with one of seven sisters who find love better the second time around. Each will have a different paranormal element. "Riding the Thunder" (October, 2007) is the second in the series. In it, a restaurant is haunted by two young lovers who were killed. You get the ghosts, but also a haunted jukebox!
Lynda: Is paranormal your main focus?
Deborah: Both series will have paranormal threads to them. I wouldn’t say it’s my main focus; it just slips into the stories. Gives them a special magical touch.
Lynda: What attracts you about the paranormal characters you write about?
Deborah: My characters are more “normal," not vamps, werewolves or aliens. It’s people who have clairvoyance, past-life images or precognition. Often they have paranormal elements happening around them. I love the small “village” life, whether in Scotland, England or Kentucky. The off the beaten path oddballs that relish the joy of life and love. They tend to be more accepting of things considered outside the everyday.
Lynda: How long did it take to sell your book, from the time you finished your manuscript?
Deborah: In December, 2003, Lynsay Sands suggested I try my hand at writing “funny." I did the first three chapters of "The Invasion of Falgannon Isle" overnight and let her see. She loved it. I spent 2004 finishing it. It took me about 7 months, but that was with bulldozers going 13 hours a day, 6 days a week around me, and the construction firm blasting with dynamite for 11 hours daily! As I was waiting for that book to go to contract, the offer for "A Restless Knight" came. I had about 170 pages done. I had three weeks to write two-hundred pages to finish it!
Lynda: Did you have an agent when you sold your first book?
Deborah: Yes. I am represented by Roberta Brown of Brown Literary Agency. She submitted "Falgannon" and got a request for a full, with contract pending in three weeks from Chris Keeslar at Dorchester. "A Restless Knight" went directly to Hilary Sares, my now editor at Kensington. She called me with an offer within hours of reading it.
Lynda: Do you recommend that a pre-published writer focus on finding an agent first, or do you think it’s OK to submit directly to the publisher?
Deborah: Agents are touchy these days; there are so many swift changes in what editors are buying. It leaves them only wanting writers they can sell quickly. So many of my friends are selling before they get an agent. My friend Dawn Thompson received three contracts for 10 books to Dorchester within a year, then turned around and took a two-book contract for Kensington. All with no agent!
Lynda: Thinking about the notion of “It’s always darkest before the dawn,” what was the lowest point in the process for you? Was there a time you almost gave up?
Deborah: I ran a writers group, and was in ill health. I had a request for a full from Leslie Waigner at Silhouette, and knew I was too sick to finish it. I thought, who am I kidding, I will never make it. I had my finger on the button to delete the writers loop, when an email popped up. It was an email from Lynsay Sands. I just loved Lynsay’s books, one of my fav writers. I thought someone was playing a joke and signing up pretending to be Lynsay. No, it turned out to be her. We became good friends. I wouldn’t even tell her I was a writer, fearful she’d think I was hoping to use her. It was another year after I admitted it, before I let her read anything I had written. After she did, she convinced me I had to get cracking and get published.
Lynda: You don’t have to mention numbers, but did you get a nice advance?
Deborah: I cannot mention numbers!! Yes, I did much better then entry-level writers with both Dorchester and Kensington. I appreciate both contracts.
Lynda: What was the process of revisions/rewrites like?
Deborah: For "A Restless Knight"―a madhouse. I had problems with the deliveryman not delivering first the revisions, then the galleys. I received the revisions on Wednesday night at 8:00 pm. They had to be back in New York City by 10am Monday! Then I discovered chapters 9, 20, and 21 were missing!! I had to print another copy and insert them. Then galleys were late in getting to me. They came on Tuesday evening and I had to mail them out Friday before 10:00 am so they would be in NYC again first thing Monday. If they weren’t there, they would’ve gone to press with the uncorrected galley! With "The Invasion of Falgannon Isle," I actually had a month to do revisions. Two weeks to do galleys. It seemed like a walk in the park.
Lynda: Did your agent suggest changes?
Deborah: Originally she did. But once she saw I knew my books I was left to write.
Lynda: What was it like, working with the editor at your publishing house?
Deborah: I love both my editors. Hilary Sares is funny, a pied piper editor. Everyone who meets her just adores her. Despite that humour, she is a solid editor who has a good sense of what is needed to tweak new writers. I have a strong background in Scottish Medieval History. She was able to guide me in making it “more accessible” to American readers. Hilary’s work was more of a fine-tuning what I wrote. Chris Keeslar is the perfect editor for the Seven Sister series because he gets the“magic” of the romance in a paranormal. His style is different from Hilary. He takes a more hands on in the process, suggesting changes to sharpen the story. I am very lucky to be working with them both.
Lynda: Do you have any words of wisdom for us regarding rewrites/revisions?
Deborah: First, don’t panic. I am a literal person; when I see corrections I thought it was “here do." They are suggestions. Sometimes the editor and copy edit are right. Sometimes not. Do not be afraid to stand up for your work when you are right. Secondly, fight for what matters. I see people getting so upset at the changing of small stuff. Don’t sweat the small things. Save the challenges for things that matter. Trust your editor. They are working to make you look good.
Lynda: Do you get a lot of help marketing your book, or do you have to do it yourself?
Deborah: As with new writers, I didn’t have the money to get someone to do it for you. I set a budget, and made my money work for me.
Lynda: What’s your best marketing advice?
Deborah: Romance Junkies, Coffee Time Romance, Fallen Angels, CK2s Kwips and Kritiques…a lot of traffic goes through these sites. Get your book reviewed.
Lynda: Did you have input about your cover?
Deborah: Yes and no. With "A Restless Knight," I said give me a sexy lad and don’t chop his head off. I hate these covers with no heads. Hilary presented me with my hero, alive in the flesh. It was amazing. With "The Invasion of Falgannon Isle," Chris asked me to pick out two scenes that reflect the heart of the book and give some idea what I wanted. The cover was nothing like I imagined. However, they did a wonderful job of catching the spirit of the book and letting the reader know just what to expect.
Lynda: Have you done any book signings? If so, what were they like?
Deborah: No. I have a deadline for "Ravenhawke" shortly for Kensington and "Riding the Thunder" due 1st March for Dorchester. Then another book for each of them due come summer. I am on a tight schedule. I am hoping to give it a go during the Hols.
Lynda: If you could go back and do something differently, what would that be?
Deborah: Really apply myself. My stop and starting for years kept me from really moving forward. Get a good Critique Partner. Leanne Burroughs is mine. She’s worth her weight in gold! Get a good support group. If you make it, you will need them. Friends you can laugh with, will hold your hand when you need, and protect your back.
Lynda: What are your writing plans for the future?
Deborah: I have 2 books left in both contracts. The historical series, "The Dragons of Challon" have six books. So I would like to continue with Kensington in that series. In the "Seven Sisters" for Dorchester, I have four more books for the next contract. After that―oodles of ideas. Too many books to write, not enough time. I am also co-publisher for a small Tradesize press, Highland Press. Leanne Burroughs is owner. We hope in the next couple years to do some amazing projects.
Lynda: What advice would you give to all the pre-published writers out there?
Deborah: Get a good Critique Partner. LEARN. So many writers won’t listen to good advice. Hehehe, I didn’t, for which I am sorry. Then, believe. In yourself, in your stories.
Lynda: How can readers find out more about you?
Deborah: http://deborahmacgillivray.co.uk/. My website is full of stuff about me, from my books, reviews for them, for my short stories, to my cat and essays on Scottish History and lore. I tend to like to talk about things I love rather than me.
First Sale Stories: Shirley Martin, "One More Tomorrow"
Lynda: What's the name of your first book?
Shirley: My first paranormal book is my vampire romance, "One More Tomorrow"
Lynda: When was it published?
Shirley: Around 2001.
Lynda: Which publishing house?
Shirley: New Concepts Publishing
Lynda: What's it about?
Shirley: It's about a vampire who was transformed against his will, and his search to regain mortality. It also concerns reincarnation, since he had a lover from centuries ago, and he meets her again in the present. It is a beautiful love story between these two people, Galan and Stephanie (Stevie).
Lynda: What was the inspiration for the book?
Shirley: I had been reading several vampire romances, and I wondered what it would be like for a vampire to be transformed against his will, and how he would regain his mortality.
Lynda: What do you like most about your main characters?
Shirley: Their spunk and determination against the odds, and their love for each other.
Lynda: How long have you been writing fiction?
Shirley: A little over fifteen years.
Lynda: Is this your first paranormal manuscript?
Shirley: Yes.
Lynda: Is paranormal your main focus?
Shirley: I enjoy writing both paranormal and fantasy romances. Lately, I've been writing fantasy.
Lynda: What attracts you about the paranormal characters you write about?
Shirley: The idea that they can operate outside the bounds of normality, e.g., that they have paranormal traits that enable them to do things that most people can't do.
Lynda: How long did it take you to sell your book, from the time you finished your manuscript?
Shirley: A little over two years.
Lynda: Do you recommend that a pre-published writer focus on finding an agent first, or do you think it's OK to submit directly to the publisher?
Shirley: If a writer can find an agent within a few months of submitting, then an agent is a good thing to have. Otherwise, there are many publishing houses, especially epublishing, that will consider your manuscript without an agent.
Lynda: Thinking about the notion of "It's always darkest before the dawn," what was the lowest point in the process for you? Was there a time you almost gave up?
Shirley: Getting rejections again and again is never easy, but each rejection spurred me on to try harder. I never gave up, because I knew I could write, and that I had many good stories inside me.
Lynda: What was the process of revisions/rewrites like?
Shirley: A lot of work, but if a writer wants to get published, she/he must be willing to make changes. I know of several writers who refused to make changes, and they are still unpublished.
Lynda: What was it like, working with the editor at your publishing house?
Shirley: She made suggestions, which I followed.
Lynda: Do you have any words of wisdom for us regarding rewrites/revisions?
Shirley: It's a lot of work, but it's worth it to make your manuscript marketable. In my historical romance, "Forbidden Love," I had to change one-third of the book to make it marketable, because in the original copy, the heroine was an adulteress.
Lynda: Do you get a lot of help marketing your book, or do you have to do it yourself?
Shirley: Most of it I have done myself.
Lynda: What's your best marketing advice?
Shirley: Market in as many ways as possible, e.g., at romance sites, and with bookmarks, contests. Having a website is a necessity. Also, often send out goody bags with bookmarks and flyers.
Lynda: Did you have input about your cover?
Shirley: Yes, with every contract, authors at New Concepts are sent an art questionnaire, very detailed.
Lynda: Have you done any book signings? If so, what were they like?
Shirley: I did a couple booksignings at a local Waldenbooks and sold quite a few copies. It was fun talking to the customers.
Lynda: What are your writing plans for the future?
Shirley: Write, write, write. I have lots of ideas.
Lynda: What advice would you give to all the pre-published writers out there?
Shirley: Work hard and never give up. Be willing to take advice. I have general advice for writers at my website, www.shirleymartin.net.
Lynda: How can readers find out more about you?
Shirley: Check out my website (above). Go to your local bookstore and check on my print books, "One More Tomorrow" (vampire romance), and "Dream Weaver," time travel romance.
Fallen Angel Review for "Diary of a Narcissistic Bloodsucker"
Zara is a centuries old vampire, with many unique talents and much vanity. Over her lifetime, she has collected many possessions and much wisdom – not all as a result of her own hard work. Deciding to write her memoirs, she begins with a fond memory that is more than it first appears.
Lynda Hilburn's Diary Of A Narcissistic Bloodsucker is a fascinating novella that had me hooked from the very first page! Told in the first person by Zara, this tale actively engages the reader in the plot in a way that I have yet to come across in other writings. As a character, Zara is brilliantly developed. She is completely selfish and self-absorbed, and whilst not your typical heroine she is nevertheless bound to strike a chord in you; you will love her pure shamelessness and complete lack of inhibitions or modesty. The plot is well developed and paced excellently, and you know not where Zara will take you next. There are sex scenes and they do get described in detail, but this is not a romance. The entire tale will come as a delightful surprise, and you are bound to read this fabulous tale again and again. I give my congratulations to Ms. Hilburn on concocting this delectable story and shamelessly request further episodes!
First Sale Stories: Yasmine Galenorn, "Ghost of a Chance," "Witchling"
Lynda: What’s the name of your first book?
Yasmine: Well, technically, my first published book was "Trancing The Witch’s Wheel," a nonfiction meditation book. My first published novel was "Ghost of a Chance," the first in my paranormal Chintz ‘n China Mystery Series, but my first published paranormal/urban fantasy is "Witchling," the first in my Sisters of the Moon series. ~grins~ If you want to know the name of the very first book I wrote, but which lingers in the back of my closet, it was "Tales of the Fey Queen." From the very beginning, I was focused on fantasy/SF/paranormal.
Lynda: When was it published?
Yasmine: "Witchling" just came out—the official release date was October 3, 2006. Yay!
Lynda: Which publishing house?
Yasmine: Berkley, mass-market. It’s classified as paranormal romance so that’s probably where you’ll find it on the shelves, though it’s really more urban fantasy than romance.
Lynda: What’s it about?
Yasmine: Here’s the official “blurb” I wrote for my site, which pretty much sums up the premise:
Meet the D’Artigo Sisters—three half human, half-Faerie, wild and sexy members of the OIA—the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. Camille, a witch, Delilah, a werecat, and Menolly, an acrobat extraordinaire turned vampire, are sent Earthside to keep them out of trouble by their superiors, who consider the girls nothing but a bunch of bumbling half-breeds. But the girls soon find themselves smack in the middle of Demon-Central when Shadow Wing, the leader of the Subterranean Realms, decides to attempt a coup on both Earth and Otherworld.
From their home in a seedy suburb of Seattle, the sisters must use every ounce of erratic power they have to thwart the havoc about to unfold. Together with Camille's lust-crazed and non-human boyfriends—Trillian and Morio, an FBH (full-blood-human) detective named Chase Johnson who has a penchant for spicy beef tacos and wild women, a gorgeous hunk of dragon flesh named Smoky, Iris the house sprite, and Maggie--their baby calico gargoyle, they must use all of their collective talents to prevent the demons from taking over as the three sisters attempt to save two worlds, one monster at a time.
In this first book, the sisters take on a Degath Squad—a trio of Hell Scouts, who are searching for the first spirit seal. Their fellow operative Jocko, a vertically-challenged giant, has been murdered and this leads them into the discovery that Shadow Wing is attempting to break through the portals and take over both Earth and Otherworld (OW).
Lynda: What was the inspiration for the book?
Yasmine: You would ask that! Uh….my own warped imagination? Let’s just say, the sisters broke into my mind one night and wouldn’t leave me alone. My imagination is very vivid and it just takes off on tangents at times. I was thinking about where I wanted to turn next with my career (I have two other series going right now—a paranormal mystery series, The Chintz ‘n China Series, and a chicklit cozy series—The Bath & Body Series. I write the B/B series under the name of India Ink, and both are from Berkley). Anyway, I’ve been gearing up to turn my career in the direction I’ve always wanted it to go and as I rounded the corner in my thoughts, I ran smack up against the D’Artigo sisters. They were there, waiting for me to discover them.
Lynda: Is it part of a series?
Yasmine: Yes, one I hope that will last a long time.
Lynda: What do you like most about your main characters?
Yasmine: The D’Artigo sisters have a mixed parentage. Their mother was human, their father one of the Fae. As a result, their natural gifts and attributes get cross-circuited at times. They belong to the OIA—the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. They aren’t the best of operatives, but they do try. Their father belongs to a branch of the OIA known as the Guard Des’Estar—more military than intelligence, and their mother died years ago from a fall off of a horse. The girls lived in Otherworld (which branched off from Earth thousands of years ago, and which we commonly call Faerie Land), until their superiors decided to send them Earthside to get them out of the way.
Camille: Camille’s sexual, sensual, and picky about her lovers. She’s snarky, irreverent, playful, intelligent, a gurly-gurl, and yet she will do whatever it takes to protect her loved ones. She’s a witch, although her magic fritzes out at all the wrong times. She’s not squeamish. I love the fact that Camille turned out to be so cocky and yet she’s fun, she can turn on a dime, be talking makeup one minute and the next, be fighting demons without worrying about how her hair’s going to look.
Delilah: Delilah’s kick-ass, and yet she’s vulnerable. She’s insecure about herself, yet not angsty. Delilah’s always been treated like the baby of the family even though she’s the middle child and she’s trying to break out of that role. She wants to be seen as competent and intelligent, and not be brushed off as naïve. She tends to be a lot smarter than her sisters give her credit for. Delilah’s a werecat—she turns into a golden tabby but she can’t always control when she changes shape.
Menolly: Now Menolly’s a vampire, but she’s relatively new at it. She’s trying to hold on to what vestiges of humanity/Fae she has left, and refuses to succumb to the more demonic aspects of her vampirism (in my world, there are greater and lesser vampires, both are considered demons, but some are less troublesome than others). Menolly was an incredible acrobat, but her skills failed her at a crucial moment (that mixed blood problem again), and she fell into the hands of the Elwing Blood Clan—the rogue vampires on whom she was spying at the time. They tortured her, then turned her into a vampire for revenge, thinking she’d go back and wreak havoc on the OIA before they caught on. Menolly managed to retain a few shreds of sanity until the OIA could catch her and help her through months of intensive treatment. She’s a vampire, yes, but she’s gained control over most of her impulses. She’s mad as hell about it, but not angsty, and she mainly feeds on the scum of society. I like the fact that Menolly took a bad situation and is making the best of it, she refuses to give in to the abuse heaped on her by others and she’s bound determined to make a new life (un-life?) for herself.
Lynda: What’s your favorite aspect of the book?
Yasmine: I suppose the fact that I’ve just taken the boundaries and thrown them out the window. The book is fantasy, paranormal, sensual, mystery, suspense, horror, and chicklit all rolled into one. I’m ignoring the rules in favor of creating an offbeat universe that I hope will appeal to readers who want something different and out of the ordinary. My editor gave me leeway with it—she said, “Take it over the top,” and I did.
Lynda:How long have you been writing fiction?
Yasmine: Since before I could print my name. Seriously, I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was three years old and I’ve been making up stories ever since. I have seven novels in the closet from before I sold my first book, which was in 1996. I sold eight nonfiction metaphysical books between 1996-2000. After that, I burnt out on NF and went back to my first love—fiction—and ended up finding an agent and getting my first fiction contracts for the Chintz ‘n China series in 2002.
Lynda: Is this your first paranormal manuscript?
Yasmine: No, my first paranormal book-length manuscripts are sitting in the closet (literally) in a plastic tub, never to see the light of day. My first published novel was "Ghost of a Chance," a paranormal mystery and the first Chintz ‘n China book.
Lynda: Is paranormal your main focus? Yasmine: Yes, I love it and when I write a book without that focus, it doesn’t feel complete. I’m very proud of my Bath and Body series and I do a good job on the novels, but the series just doesn’t satisfy that need for writing about the paranormal/supernatural side of life.
Lynda: What attracts you about the paranormal characters you write about?
Yasmine: To me, the supernatural, or paranormal, is a part of life, not just a part of fiction. Fantasy takes some of the situations/beliefs to the extreme, but I firmly believe there are far more aspects to life than we can see or touch and my characters explore the possibilities (even those vastly improbable possibilities) in ways that we may not be able to. There’s a quote that I absolutely love from Ursula Le Guin, it’s become part of my belief system. In her essay titled “Why Are Americans Afraid of Dragons,” she says, “Those who refuse to listen to dragons are probably doomed to spend their lives acting out the nightmares of politicians. We like to think we live in daylight, but half the world is always dark; and fantasy, like poetry, speaks the language of the night.” That quote has stuck with me ever since I read it, years ago, and pretty much sums up my attraction to the supernatural side of life.
Lynda: How long did it take to sell your book, from the time you finished your manuscript?
Yasmine: Well, "Witchling" was already contracted before I wrote it—I received a three book contract for the series on submitting a proposal and a sample chapter of the first book.
Lynda: Did you have an agent when you sold your first book?
Yasmine: Not for my nonfiction, but for my fiction—yes.
Lynda: Do you recommend that a pre-published writer focus on finding an agent first, or do you think it’s OK to submit directly to the publisher?
Yasmine: To be honest, it depends on what genre you’re writing. There are still publishers who accept over-the-transom manuscripts, but you will vastly increase your chances if you find an agent first. However, remember that finding an agent is hard work. For both publisher AND agent, do your research, polish your queries until they shine, polish your sample chapters until they sparkle. Pay attention to the guidelines and don’t think you’ll be the exception. If you ignore the rules, you increase your chances that they’ll just toss it on the reject pile. And don’t let rejections get you down. It takes time to pay your dues in the business, and each rejection just proves you’re trying. Writing is a career that requires skill, talent, and patience. Hone the first, do what you can to nurture the second, and cultivate the third.
Lynda: Thinking about the notion of “It’s always darkest before the dawn,” what was the lowest point in the process for you? Was there a time you almost gave up?
Yasmine: There was only one time I reached that point, and it wasn’t because of rejections. When I was with my ex, he was jealous of the time I gave to writing and kept telling me, “If you become a success, I’ll have to leave you.” I was trying to save my (then) marriage, which was insane since my ex was an abusive jerk. Anyway, I threw out two complete book manuscripts and a whole bunch of my short stories. I tried to stop writing, but I couldn’t. It wasn’t long after that before he became physically abusive in addition to the emotional abuse and I decided I’d had enough. Nine years was nine years too many. Throwing away my work is one of my few regrets in my career—that I valued his insecurity over my own needs and goals and dreams. I vowed never to compromise my vision again, for anybody, and I never have. My current husband, Samwise, is as supportive as I could ever hope for—it’s a wonderful feeling.
Lynda: You don’t have to mention numbers, but did you get a nice advance?
Yasmine: You know, one thing most aspiring writers need to realize is that it’s going to take time to build your career, and you aren’t going to get rich off of it—not for awhile, anyway. I know a number of authors who do make a comfortable living, and some who make more than that, but building to that level takes awhile, and you have to earn out those advances before you receive royalties. My advances are more than some authors get, less than others.
Lynda: What was the process of revisions/rewrites like?
Yasmine: By now, I’m used to revisions/rewrites. "Witchling" is my eighth published novel. When I wrote "Ghost of a Chance," I went through six rewrites before finding an agent, and then one thorough revision with my editor. When I turned in "Witchling," it was my second draft, and then editor/revisions was the third. My writing is getting tighter as I go along, and with each book, the revision process becomes easier. I don’t mind revisions, and I don’t care how strong the author is, there are always things you don’t see because you’re too close to the manuscript. I will never be one of those authors who demands my books go ‘as is’…as long as I can work with a good editor, I’m more than happy to have a second opinion and make changes to ensure the book is stronger.
Lynda: Did your agent suggest changes?
Yasmine: No, she doesn’t make suggestions on the actual manuscript—at least for me. Either the book is strong enough to send off, or it’s not. And at this point, since my editor at Berkley has edited all of my novels, I work with her on all of the editorial issues.
Lynda: What was it like, working with the editor at your publishing house?
Yasmine: I adore my editor. She’s truly a visionary goddess-send. She has helped me get out of the linear mindset I can get in at times, and look at my work with a new perception. I value her input and welcome it, and I hope she stays my editor for a long, long time! I’ve also learned the value of being cooperative. If her suggestions don’t compromise the plot or the style of my book, then I make them. I pick and choose my battles and if I object to something, she knows I’m serious about it because I refuse to quibble over stuff that doesn’t really matter. But—along the same line—if I do have a serious objection to a change, I have to back it up. There has to be a good reason other than, “I just don’t wanna…” She’s helped me really think about what I’m trying to do with my writing, and that’s a good thing.
Lynda: Do you have any words of wisdom for us regarding rewrites/revisions?
Yasmine: Yes—realize that your words are not set in stone. They aren’t handed down by divine intervention. Be willing to listen to professional advice. When we first start writing (and I was no exception), we’re in love with our own words and we tend to bristle when any changes are suggested. Get over it, if you want to be published, because the editor will request changes and you have to be willing to make them. Pick and choose your battles, don’t sweat the small stuff. Develop a thick skin. Revision is a process of honing the work, of refining it—and every book can use a good editor, and I’m not talking about your mother or your best friend. Find a good critique partner who will give you praise for the good parts, but who will bluntly tell you when something doesn’t work.
Lynda: Were there any surprises for you about the contract you signed?
Yasmine: For my fiction, I don’t know. Since I have an agent, by the time I get the contract, changes have been made. I can tell you that when I saw the length and scope of the contract—especially with multi-book contracts—I was so glad I had an agent! The legalese is an incredible tangle. Seriously, if you don’t have an agent and you are offered a contract, don’t try to fathom it out yourself—good gods, you could get squashed. Get yourself to a literary lawyer (not just a regular lawyer) and pay the money for them to look it over. It will be worth it in the long run.
Lynda: Do you get a lot of help marketing your book, or do you have to do it yourself?
Yasmine: There’s a myth that the minute you get a contract the publisher will bestow upon you massive amounts of promo. Take a moment to wince, then get over it, get your butt in gear, and promote like crazy. Seriously—the best you’re likely to get from publishers—unless you are the exception to the rule or until your books really start selling—is a handful of ARCs sent out to reviewers. So plan ahead, buy books on promoting your book, (or check them out from the library), if you have extra cash, sink it into promo work—but do it wisely. There are a lot of ways to throw away money that won’t bring about return. I’m still learning the ins-and-outs of marketing, but I’m a lot more savvy than I was a couple years ago. You have to drill this into your head: the bottom line is that if your books don’t earn out their advance, eventually your contracts are going to dry up. Period. If the book doesn’t sell, you won’t be offered more contracts by the publisher. And if you want to be a career writer, you—and the publisher--have to make money off your books. Not very romantic, but a reality check.
Lynda: What’s your best marketing advice?
Yasmine: The best promotion is word-of-mouth by excited readers, so write a damned good book. After that:
One: get a website up. Don’t let it go stale, and give the reader more than just a blurb about your book. There’s obnoxious promotion and then there’s fun promotion. Include extras that can’t be found in your books.
Two: networking. There’s a fine art to networking. If you don’t like the people you’re looking to for help, why should they help you? Form business friendships with other authors and find a personal side to that friendship. Conferences are good—you can meet both readers and other authors, but you need to pick and choose the best ones for your money because they can be expensive. Advertising by writing interesting articles for magazines or websites is another way to get your name out there and yet not be just all “buy my book!”
Three: promotional companies—when you can’t afford a private publicist, promotional companies like Romance Designs are very helpful. Most are internet based—I go through RD for promotion, although I do my own website work and host it on a private company—but you can also find snail mail promo opportunities. Romantic Times Magazine has special mailings you can take advantage of at a reasonable cost.
Four: signings, lectures, etc. These are good. Don’t expect to sell a ton of books, but it’s a fun way to meet readers and to interact and give your work a personal touch.
Lynda: Did you have input about your cover?
Yasmine: Ha! That’s a dream. ~grins~ Most authors don’t…so don’t expect it. About the best you can usually expect from the NY publishing scene until you’re a big-name author is to be asked for suggestions before the art meeting. A few months later, you see the cover. Then you either clap your hands in glee, shrug and say ‘Eh…could be worse,” or cry. Whatever the case, there’s very little you can do about it by then.
Lynda: Have you done any book signings? If so, what were they like?
Yasmine: Oh yeah, many over the years. Some have been great, others have been horrendous. Some caveats: Don’t be surprised if half the people you know who say they’ll show up don’t. That’s okay—people have schedules and sometimes they forget. Don’t yell at them, do you always go to every event you say you’re going to?
There will be people who show up, stare at your book, turn around and walk away. Before they turn, engage them in conversation. Offer them a chocolate (yes, take chocolates or cookies or something—it’s just a nice touch). If they show interest, talk them up—tell them what you loved about writing your book. Tell them what books you like. Be personable. It’s the polite thing to do.
You might actually get some fans who show up who LOVE your book, and they may not be the people you expect to see! Be nice to them—even if they’re wearing a tee-shirt with a slogan that makes you cringe. They came out to show their appreciation and that’s a compliment to you. If you don’t have a long line, take the time to chat for a bit—it’s fun to meet new people, and you won’t come off as ‘Ms. Bitchy Author Who Doesn’t Want to Say Hello.’ I’ve had a number of people at my signings tell me how surprised they were, that I was so much nicer than the last signing they went to where the author barely mumbled hello. That always surprises me. Signings can be stressful, yes, but if someone makes the effort to drive to a store to get my autograph and they’ve bought my book, I feel they deserve more than a “thanks, see ya later” brush off.
Accept that maybe nobody will show up. That’s okay, it happens. Don’t blame the bookstore owner, don’t feel too embarrassed. All sorts of factors come into play: there may be a some big event going on, or the weather may be so bad nobody wants to go out, or it may be summer and everybody’s at the beach. Be courteous, chat with people who are in there, chat with the owners of the store, thank them for their time. Even if nobody shows up, if you’re friendly and courteous and the owner of the store likes your work, they’ll most likely hand-sell it to people who come in later.
Lynda: If you could go back and do something differently, what would that be?
Yasmine: I’d do more promotion myself. I wouldn’t wait for the publisher to get behind me. I’d also find a good critique partner years and years ago. And most importantly: I’d quit trying to write the way I thought I “should” be writing, and I’d pay more attention to my own voice and style and cultivate it earlier.
Lynda: What are your writing plans for the future?
Yasmine: I’d like to see this new series fly and expand on it beyond the initial three books. There are so many more books I want to write. I suppose, I just want to keep writing, increase my reading audience, and enjoy life as much as I can.
Lynda: What advice would you give to all the pre-published writers out there?
Yasmine: If you’re an aspiring author: learn the craft, be willing to pay your dues—don’t expect to hit the mark with your first book because it usually doesn’t happen. Don’t be afraid of rejection and don’t take it personally. Learn from critiques, and don’t bristle at suggestions. Write according to your voice and style, not according to what you think you “should” be writing. And most importantly: don’t quit. I cannot guarantee you’ll succeed—not everyone who thinks they can write a book actually has the talent or skill to do so. However, if you give up and quit, I guarantee, you will fail.
Lynda: How can readers find out more about you?
Yasmine: Through my website: Galenorn En/Visions (www.galenorn.com). There, you can sign up for my update letters, my reader forums, and find out more about all of my books.
Robin: Berkley Jove (which became a part of Penguin Putnam during the time I submitted and sold).
Lynda: What’s it about?
Robin: A man meeting and courting his HeartMate, along with his telepathic animal companion, an alley cat with attitude.
The prophecy: Today you will meet your HeartMate. T'Ash survived the slums then avenged his family's death. He knows Danith is the future of his clan. Danith knows T'Ash is noble, powerful and dangerous. Not for her. The second prophecy: A woman surrounded by peril...
Lynda: What was the inspiration for the book?
Robin: I had a bloodstone pendulum I was playing with, and I’d always wanted to write another world with a Celtic (hey the name is Owens) background and a pagan society. I just started writing. “Today you will meet your HeartMate,” says T’Ash’s Divination Dice as he rolls them. Then I had to make a world where a guy could do divination and BELIEVE it and not be thought of as weird or a wimp.
Lynda: Is it part of a series?
Robin: Yes, the “Heart” series from Berkley.
Lynda: What do you like most about your main characters?
Robin: Their vulnerabilities. They all have a blind spot they must recognize and overcome.
Lynda: What’s your favorite aspect of the book?
Robin: Like my readers, I like the telepathic animals with attitude. I use them in several ways, but mostly for comic relief. The cats can be tricksters and occasionally mentors.
Lynda: How long have you been writing fiction? Robin: Mumbledy-mumble on seriously writing. Over a decade.
Lynda: Is this your first paranormal manuscript?
Robin: “HeartMate” wasn’t. It was my fourth completed book. Books 1 and 2 included paranormal.
Lynda: Is paranormal your main focus?
Robin: Fantasy/magic is my main focus.
Lynda: What attracts you about the characters you write about?
Robin: Magic enriches and complicates their lives and can’t solve their problems. But they have a true love out there, a HeartMate and usually one of the couple goes searching for them.
Lynda: How long did it take to sell your book, from the time you finished your manuscript?
Robin: My fourth book? 4 Years. To sell after I seriously started writing? 8-9 years. I wrote my first book during five months.
Lynda: Did you have an agent when you sold your first book?
Robin: No
Lynda: Do you recommend that a pre-published writer focus on finding an agent first, or do you think it’s OK to submit directly to the publisher?
Robin: Both. A good agent is priceless. Keep your manuscripts out there, circulating. Always.
Lynda: Thinking about the notion of “It’s always darkest before the dawn,” what was the lowest point in the process for you? Was there a time you almost gave up?
Robin: A couple of times. There was only one publisher releasing stories like mine and I took first and second place judged by the senior editor for “HeartMate” and “Heart Thief.” They rejected “HeartMate.” That crushed me for about six months. Then, in November 2000 I decided to cut down on my writing time since I was getting nowhere and did, until I sold in January 2001.
Lynda: You don’t have to mention numbers, but did you get a nice advance?
Robin: I liked it at the time.
Lynda: What was the process of revisions/rewrites like?
Robin: For “HeartMate,” not bad. I sold on the complete ms. so she knew the story and my writing.
Lynda: Did your agent suggest changes?
Robin: I was between agents. I revised for a previous agent.
Lynda: What was it like, working with the editor at your publishing house?
Robin: Good. She knows her stuff.
Lynda: Do you have any words of wisdom for us regarding rewrites/revisions?
Robin: I usually polish several times before submission, and give to my friends to read. If more than 1 person makes a comment or if my friends or editor says something won’t work, then I change it.
Lynda: Were there any surprises for you about the contract you signed?
Robin: The whole contract was a surprise. I went over it with a published author. Most particularly that it was fine print on legal sized paper. You don’t see a lot of legal sized documents anymore.
Lynda: Do you get a lot of help marketing your book, or do you have to do it yourself?
Robin: Not a lot of help.
Lynda: What’s your best marketing advice?
Robin: Write a good book and send out Advanced Readers Copies.
Lynda: Did you have input about your cover?
Robin: Yes, always. They didn’t always listen to me and I’ve often had to write something from the cover into the book.
Lynda: Have you done any book signings? If so, what were they like?
Robin: Yes. The first is always great. The multi-author ones can be good. Others can be horrifying and humiliating.
Lynda: If you could go back and do something differently, what would that be?
Robin: I think I’d make the world easier to understand in the first book. Let it filter more gradually.
Lynda: What are your writing plans for the future?
Robin: To keep selling. I have 2 more Heart books and hope to sell the last 3 books in my Luna series.
Lynda: What advice would you give to all the pre-published writers out there?
Robin: Don’t do it if you don’t love it. Make your book shine. Never quit.
Lynda: How can readers find out more about you?
Robin: I have a daily blog about Writing and Publishing (including sample copy edit pages) at http://www.robindowens.blogspot.com and my website is http://www.robindowens.com Thanks for the interesting questions. Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again!
Rowena: My first book was "Forced Mate," and although the title was thoroughly appropriate, it was widely misunderstood. Readers who wanted a violent book were disappointed. Others were deterred by what they assumed it was about.
Lynda: When was it published?
Rowena: It was published in 2004 (twice).
Lynda: Which publishing house?
Rowena: The now-defunct NBI published the SFR version in May 2004 (for about a month, before going into belly-up hiatus) and Dorchester Publishing’s LoveSpell imprint brought out the futuristic romance version on election day, Nov. 2nd 2004.
Lynda: What’s it about?
Rowena: Some call "Forced Mate" an alien abduction romance with a twist. It’s a futuristic take on the myth of Persephone and the god of the underworld. A dark ruler of an interstellar superpower abducts his perfect mate, never dreaming he’ll fall in love.
Lynda: What was the inspiration for the book?
Rowena: There was no one idea or one single inspiration. I had a primeval stew of ideas in the back of my mind and some catalyst twisted them into “life.” That sounds coy, doesn’t it? Before we left Germany (I’m English by birth, but I married an American who worked for an international company) a publisher of an American automotive magazine empire told me that I ought to Write, based on my Christmas letters to friends and family, which were somewhat… creative. I didn’t have the courage to start sending out draft novels, until some years later I read a book that gave me what I might call a Diamond Dogs moment, to quote David Bowie. “Oh…. I could do better than that!” I sang in my head. I do that a lot… usually it’s 1970’s or 1980’s rock lyrics –just like Djetth, hero of "Insufficient Mating Material." Of course, I was wrong. I hadn’t learned my craft. I couldn’t write a page turner. I had the literary equivalent of verbal diarrhea, and a tendency to leave noticeable info dumps in unsubtle places. I still think the stuff I research is fascinating… but I might research 50 pages of background about where my hero or heroine went to university, why he—or she-- chose that particular college, what he/she studied, what clubs and societies he/she joined, and only use five lines of it. Characters, especially alpha male heroes and villains fascinate me. When the first Star Wars came out I found myself wondering what Darth Vader would be like in bed. There was a recurring dream inspired by something I’d read in my childhood where a dark character named either Number One or Numeral One hunts the hidden heroine. And, my favorite author’s Regency and Georgian Romances had a few over-macho villains whom I would have loved to take in hand. Back to "Forced Mate." I thought it would be cool to portray a romance as a chess game, and perhaps have every chapter subtitled after a chess move or piece or position. In the end, I had to drop the subtitles, which is a good thing, because I may need at least six good chess titles for the rest of the series. The title, "Forced Mate," is taken from Pandolfini’s end-game position where there are the two Kings and a few pawns. The first King to make a pawn his Queen wins. It seemed appropriate.
Lynda: Is it part of a series?
Rowena: Yes. I’ve now written three “alien djinn romances” and there are more to come. And they are: "Forced Mate," the short prequel "Mating Net" which is about the greatest mistake of Empress Helispeta’s life—which, depending on your point of view was either getting into bed with the wrong god or else getting out of it--, and the sequel "Insufficient Mating Material."
Lynda: What do you like most about your main characters?
Rowena: So far, my favorite characters are the males, but that might be about to change. They are all very different, but all are powerful, dangerous, complicated and witty. I love to fantasize about them, but I’d probably be scared witless if I met them in a dark alley, no matter how handsome they are.
Lynda: What’s your favorite aspect of the book?
Rowena: I am afraid this will sound pretentious. I love to write a book that is like an onion, not because it stinks or because it makes you cry, but for the invisible layers I like to build up, so that if you were to read one of my books a second time, you might see something you hadn’t noticed the first time.
Lynda: How long have you been writing fiction?
Rowena: With intent to sell? About 15 years. I started writing in 1992, just about the time that paranormals and especially futuristics fell out of favor in the marketplace, but this was to be the book of my heart, so I wasn’t concerned about chasing a market that was spiraling into a booksellers’ black hole.
Lynda: Is this your first paranormal manuscript?
Rowena: Yes, but it is really futuristic, not paranormal. I write about god-aliens, rather than vampires, were-beings, shapeshifters, or magical beings.
Lynda: Is paranormal your main focus?
Rowena: Alien hunks are. I’d like to include more mystical and psychic elements such as the Tarot, Runes, mind-reading, dowsing, aura-seeing et cetera, but my editor encourages me to concentrate on getting aliens into steamy situations.
Lynda: What attracts you about the characters you write about?
Rowena: Their wit, gentleness, intelligence, physical self control, power… that’s not what you meant, is it? Like a lot of novice writers, I guess, I yearned to write The Ultimate Hero. I quickly realized that he would have to be an alien god-Prince or god-Emperor because, I am a former student –and sometime teacher-- of History (as well as English) and I didn't feel comfortable about taking liberties with real historical figures. I felt no such inhibitions about Darth Vader types... or indeed in expanding broadly on Erich von Daeniken's theory that all our ancient gods and mythological heroes were aliens.
Lynda: How long did it take to sell your book, from the time you finished your manuscript?
Rowena: It took me about eleven years, but I passed over three potential sales during that time.
Lynda: Did you have an agent when you sold your first book?
Rowena: No, but I did use an intellectual properties attorney to negotiate the contracts I was offered, and to make sure that the version I signed was right for me and fair to me.
Lynda: Do you recommend that a pre-published writer focus on finding an agent first, or do you think it’s OK to submit directly to the publisher?
Rowena: That’s a tough decision, because of the Catch 22 that many publishing houses won’t look at unagented authors, and many agents won’t look with great interest at unpublished authors. An author does not NEED an agent. An intellectual properties attorney will check a contract for a one-time fee. So will various author unions and associations. RWA and EPIC have good examples of fair contracts. The best way to submit directly to a publisher is to final in a respectable contest where the editor of your dreams is the final round judge. Failing that, if you are great at The Pitch, are editor appointments at conferences and conventions. To find out how to submit to Anna Genoese or where to stalk her (her words) visit her blog http://alg.livejournal.com/profile where she shares this information. http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/peald.htm Lynda: Thinking about the notion of “It’s always darkest before the dawn,” what was the lowest point in the process for you? Was there a time you almost gave up?
Rowena: I’ll tell you when I hope I would: writing isn’t the love of my life. My husband is. My child is. I can only see myself neglecting them to a certain –trivial-- extent. Now, the housework…that’s another story!
Lynda: You don’t have to mention numbers, but did you get a nice advance?
Rowena: I can’t remember why I was surfing the net, but I think I saw a chart recently explaining what “nice” means. Apparently it is anything from $2,000 to $49,000. That puts the question into perspective, doesn’t it? LOL!!! (Not at you, Lynda, at the industry.) Here are two great links which explain advances and what it costs to publish a book: http://sfwa.org/bulletin/articles/profit-motive.html http://alg.livejournal.com/84032.html#cutid1 Lynda: What was the process of revisions/rewrites like?
Rowena: I’m the type to enjoy the challenge of trying to take a certain number of pages out of a book. Taking out 200 is less than fun, though, because a few favorite scenes are going to have to be cut entirely. Sometimes, it’s lonely. The most recent page you wrote is not necessarily the best, but it is terribly tempting to believe that all revisions and rewrites are better than the original. It can be frustrating if you are the sort of author who can write any scene from any point of view, and can model a crucial scene to fit really well in four or five alternative places in the novel, and then can’t decide which is the best place. There’s a limit to how often you want to show variations of the same scene to your best friend… Unless you are paying her! The accepted view is that a scene should be in the POV of the character who suffers most, or failing that, the one who knows the most.
Lynda: Did your agent suggest changes?
Rowena: Agents vary. Some agents have editorial expertise, and some specialize in other areas. It is important for an author to have a good professional relationship with both editor and agent. For me, I think an agent who suggested changes might be a distraction, unless he/she is in perfect agreement with the editor.
Lynda: What was it like, working with the editor at your publishing house?
Rowena: Wonderful. Intellectually stimulating, fascinating! I love it…mostly. The first time was the toughest, because I was hurt that someone would disagree with my spelling, punctuation, grammar. As it happens, at least half of the time, I was correct. I’ve worked with five different editors… maybe six, because I’ve worked privately with freelance editors Karen Babcock Karen@karenbabcock.com and also Karen MacLeod KMacLEOD323@aol.com Every editor is different, and so is every author. Some telephone, some email, some may even write letters. I’ve come to realize that editors don’t want a lot of choices about how their suggestions will be carried out. Any revision that rewords a confusing passage, makes the villain badder (bad grammar intended), or explains a reference to the heroine’s past is going to be better than the original.
Lynda: Do you have any words of wisdom for us regarding rewrites/revisions?
Rowena: No one knows a book like its author. If an author disagrees with an editor’s suggestions she should stand up for her vision, as long as she has a good explanation why this detail should be kept, and why that otherwise cool editorial suggestion would not work.
Lynda: Were there any surprises for you about the contract you signed?
Rowena: Sorry. I just have to make a smart-ass remark. If there were unpleasant surprises, I shouldn’t have signed it. If you don’t understand your contract, pay someone to help you understand it. Don’t sign away all your characters, if you’ve already got an e-book prequel out there with those characters in it…. (that involves about 12 changes to the standard boilerplate).
Lynda: Do you get a lot of help marketing your book, or do you have to do it yourself?
Rowena: It’s probably smart not to expect much help from the publisher of your first book, especially not for the first book that might be a one-off. The less you expect, the happier you will be. Check out Anna Genoese’s blog to understand the maths.
Lynda: What’s your best marketing advice?
Rowena: Carla Arpin (super publicist for Linnea Sinclair) and sexy, paranormal author Sahara Kelly, and witty Dorchester author Marianne Mancusi all report that a site on MySpace.com has been amazing—and cheap—promo. I don’t go there because some of my books are a bit on the adult side. I like what The Romance Studio does for me holly@theromancestudio.com. I think membership for an author is around $2.50 a month. Other sites I really like are Romance Junkies www.romancejunkies.com because they have over a million hits, and Cat Brown is so wonderful to work with, but not cheap. Fallen Angel Reviews is another site with great presence, and a fabulous reviewing staff in my opinion www.fallenangelreviews.com And then there’s MyShelf, www.myshelf.com which is also highly trafficked and easy to work with. I shouldn’t really mention so few sites. I know I have forgotten some wonderful ones. Oh, and if you have $200 to spend, everyone I know swears by a print ad in RWA’s Romance Sells.
For free, chose a good signature file, that says something about you or your book, and how to find it (your own website url). Do not quote homespun philosophy from great thinkers of the past. Most lists allow 4 lines or so of tag line and moderate promotion of other types. Join chat lists—and I have to thank EPIC president and promo genius Brenna Lyons for some of these tips, because I’m not a great chatter—look into: ebookChatters ; enchantersloop; FallenAngelReviewChatters; karenfindoutaboutnewbooks (Karen Simpson runs Coffeetime, which is a great site with some very innovative promo services and ideas, but not cheap) ; Novelspotters ; RomanceJunkiesReaders ; paranormalromance.com… the latter is the group that votes for the PEARL awards. Join before December for your vote to be counted on favorite books for 2006.
Wherever you go -- and this is my best and most delicate marketing advice-- remember that you never know who is watching you and reading your posts. You only get one change to make a good first impression.
Lynda: Did you have input about your cover?
Rowena: For "Forced Mate," I felt myself lucky that there was a chessboard put in. I pretty much did my own covers from a photograph of a hunk for the e-"Forced Mate" and for "Mating Net." For "Insufficient Mating Material," I was horrified when I saw it, although it was –and is— a very attractive cover. I was asked to send the art department descriptions, and scenes that I thought might work, and I did. My editor kindly explained that I could not have a bare-chested hunk because of some stores’ delicate sensibilities about such sights. So when I saw a couple rolling around with no clothes on in the surf, I was dismayed, nay horrified, and not a little indignant! If I were a promotion genius, like the author whose cover sported the heroine with three arms, I could have done something best-selling with it. But I’m not, and as a reader, I feel cheated when I buy a book on the strength of the cover and the scene that attracted me to the book in the first place is not IN the book. With a mere couple of months to final editing, I decided that I was going to have to write a sex scene in the surf. It is not something I have ever experienced, and not something I really want to experience… it’s not legal, anyway! So, off I went with my darling husband reluctantly in tow (because he hates cold water more than my Princess Marsh does) to an ocean and sandy beach, to go as far as I decently dared for the sake of my art.
Lynda: Have you done any book signings? If so, what were they like?
Rowena: The worst book signing (from a signing books perspective) was at a local public library. No one came! The only books sold were one author to another. However, I was sitting next to Kathleen Nance (who also writes about djinn, though hers are more the traditional genii type), and we brainstormed the difficulties of writing the sort of romance where the hero and heroine are marooned on an island together. From a creative perspective, it was a very profitable afternoon. Another really embarrassing booksigning was off-site in conjunction with a Romantic Times convention. Far too many eager authors were crammed into a small Mall bookstore in alphabetical order. There is always an up-side. Cherry was next to Dees with Greyle on the other side. Dees was gracious enough to tell me how she manages to write a polished book in six weeks. The down-side was that the upper end of the alphabet was behind a propped-open swing door, and the line of enthusiastic autograph-seekers—which ran out the door and halfway down the main concours-- made straight for the Ks in the alphabet. At the end of the afternoon, those of us who had sold pathetic amounts, bought up half the inventory of our books (boxes of them) to prevent them from being stripped, and signed the rest, hoping that would encourage the bookseller to hand-sell them.
My best book signing was at the Romantic Times Book Fair in St Louis in 2005. In 2005, my publisher sent a sensible quantity, I’d had the convention week to promote and distribute excerpts, and I sold out within the first hour, which was fabulous… not because I was able to leave (!) but because I was able to enjoy meeting readers who wanted to stop by my table without a trace of embarrassment about the fact that I was there with something to sell, because with an empty table I had nothing left to sell. I’m shy. Can you tell? Therefore, book-signings aren’t my “best” forum. I never seem able to think of the right things to say—or to write in the book. Authors who are really good at book-signing, like Jennifer Crusie or Linnea Sinclair, are amazing to watch.
Lynda: If you could go back and do something differently, what would that be?
Rowena: I could give you all sorts of examples… such as talking about how I painted myself into a corner not only by publishing a family tree but by putting in dates and not checking my arithmetic, and by immortalizing far too many names beginning with Dj (the D is silent, but now I have to explain that in every book!). Apart from trying not to break rules, the most useful change I’d make is that I would have decided where "Forced Mate" ought to end, kept "Forced Mate" to 80,000 words and written not one but TWO books before I started entering contests and submitting.
Lynda: What are your writing plans for the future?
Rowena: I’m writing the enigmatic Rhett’s story at the moment, but at some point I must give Djohn-Kronos of "Mating Net" his own happy ending.
Lynda: What advice would you give to all the pre-published writers out there?
Rowena: Persist. Network. Enter contests for the advice you will receive. Write gracious and positive thank-you notes to your anonymous judges, even if you don’t particularly agree with what well-intentioned critics are telling you. Start your future mailing list early (always with the consent of your correspondents) so that you will have friends when you need them…when you are getting the word out about your forthcoming release. Lock in your own name for your website before you become famous. You do not want to have to be www.theofficialyourfirstnamelastname.com.
Say “thank you” often and as graciously as possible.
And with that, I would like to say a big Thank You for your time and interest today to everyone reading this, and to Lynda for giving me this delightful opportunity to talk about myself and "Forced Mate"… and about my January 31st release "Insufficient Mating Material."
First Sale Stories: Tempest Knight, "Enduring Promise"
Lynda: What’s the name of your first book?
Tempest: “Enduring Promise”
Lynda: When was it published?
Tempest: June, 2006
Lynda: Which publishing house?
Tempest: Cobblestone Press
Lynda: What’s it about?
Tempest: It's a haunting yet very passionate story of a love that will last an eternity and a promise that will endure beyond death.
Before Armand died by the hands of a vampire-hunting mob, he vowed Giselle Dubois he’d find a way to return to her on All Hallows' Eve. But after three centuries of waiting, her hopes have vanished, and feeling lonely, she is about to walk into the sunlight and end her life on All Hallows' Eve. Until Armand wanders into Giselle's house. Except now he’s now thirty-five-year-old photographer Evan Harris. And he doesn’t remember her. She must awake his memories before dawn using every single sensual means at her disposal. But would he be the same man she knew and loved?
Lynda: What was the inspiration for the book?
Tempest: The title, “Enduring Promise.” I knew from the beginning I wanted to write a vampire story, but I didn't have any details in mind. But as soon as I found "the title," it was like magic. I could see Evan and Giselle acting the scenes in my mind's eye. I love those moments when it all comes together.
Lynda: Is it part of a series?
Tempest: Sort of. While I was working on the edits of "Enduring Promise," two more vampire stories popped in my head regarding their schiavi di sesso. Actually, one is a vampire story, the other is a faery story. Anyway, I'd not call it a series per se. The only thing they have in common is the theme.
Lynda: What do you like most about your main characters?
Tempest: Armand/Evan is hot and sexy. His love and devotion for Giselle surpasses time and space. He's the kind of man every woman dreams of in every way. Although she's a vampire, Giselle is sensitive and vulnerable, especially when it comes to her love for Evan, a human.
Lynda: What’s your favorite aspect of the book?
Tempest: It was fun to work on the steamy love scenes. It was something I'd never done before so it was a challenge.
Lynda: How long have you been writing fiction?
Tempest: I began to take my writing seriously about 4 years ago after I did some career moves that allowed me to have more spare time.
Lynda: Is this your first paranormal manuscript?
Tempest: No. I wrote a much longer one two years ago for the NaNo Challenge. That one was a blast. I might have to sit and edit it someday.
Lynda: Is paranormal your main focus?
Tempest: Definitely. I can't seem to get away from it. Even when I've tried to write pure contemporary stories, somehow the paranormal element sneaks in. The funny thing is that it flows so easily and naturally from me that I don't notice it until my critique partners point it out to me.
Lynda: What attracts you about the paranormal characters you write about?
Tempest: What is not to like about them? *wg* The potential to develop these characters goes beyond most of the scope of what you usually have with "normal people." I can make them do things we can't normally do, and that's a lot of fun. Also, this brings further potential conflicts into a plot. An extra edge.
Lynda: How long did it take to sell your book, from the time you finished your manuscript?
Tempest: Hmm... That depends. The original version of "Enduring Promise" was for a competition. When it didn't win, I expanded it for another competition. Again, when it didn't win, I expanded it even more to fit Cobblestone's guidelines. I finished editing it on a Monday afternoon and sent it to Cobblestone. About 7 hours later I had an email from Sable Grey, one of the publishers, accepting my story.
Lynda: Do you recommend that a pre-published writer focus on finding an agent first, or do you think it’s OK to submit directly to the publisher?
Tempest: That depends if you want to go NY publish or epublish. If you're interested in the first, there are publishers who accept un-agented material and there are those who don't. So before you make any decision, think about what you want out of your writing career. Study the market. See which publisher is best suited for your books. If they don't require you to have an agent, then submit away. If they do require an agent, then do a good research and study which agent can help you further your career. Having an agent doesn't guarantee a sale. I'm sure you've heard of horror stories of writers who have wasted years with agents who didn't do anything for their careers. So before you tie yourself to someone who can mess up your career, make sure he/she is the right agent for you. Now, if you're planning to submit to epublishers, then you don't need an agent. Everything is pretty straight forward in this world, so you and your lawyer can handle it just fine.
Lynda: Thinking about the notion of “It’s always darkest before the dawn,” what was the lowest point in the process for you? Was there a time you almost gave up? Tempest: I'd say at the end of the editing process. It became a true hell. There were times when I came very close to push the "delete" button and erase the whole story.
Lynda: What was the process of revisions/rewrites like?
Tempest: It was hellish. I went through 5 rounds of critiques. But then again, I had to do that because the story went from being 6,000-words long to twice that many. I wanted this story to be almost perfect before I submitted it.
Lynda: What was it like, working with the editor at your publishing house?
Tempest: Leanne Salter was truly amazing. We had a great rapport. She made editing hell less hellish. *lol*
Lynda: Do you have any words of wisdom for us regarding rewrites/revisions?
Tempest: Patience. Lots of patience. Writing a story is easy. Editing is not. No wonder it's called editing hell, right? So be patient when you're revising your story. I know sometimes it's too much and you feel overwhelmed. So put the story away for a while, and come back to it later. Also trust your instincts. I know I'm starting to sound like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda here but it's true. *lol*
Lynda: Do you get a lot of help marketing your book, or do you have to do it yourself?
Tempest: Cobblestone Press has a list of places where they submit ebooks. Any other review place outside that, it's up to me to submit. They have a nice website featuring the latest releases, and they sell our ebooks through it. In order to draw attention to new releases and authors, they hold the authors & publishers chats every Friday night (from 7pm to 9pm Central) for the new releases. Readers can come and chat with us. The chats are pretty fun! Besides that, Cobblestone has a Yahoogroup so it adds further interaction between readers and authors.
Lynda: What’s your best marketing advice?
Tempest: Keep your name out there. It's like your brand. Create a website and make sure to update it regularly. Now the trend is to have a blog and a webpage in MySpace, so go for it too. They are easy to set up and free.
Lynda: Did you have input about your cover?
Tempest: Oh yes! Cobblestone Press sent me a form to fill out with almost every detail. I also sent pics of my ideas so the graphic artist, Sable Grey, could see what I had in mind. Then we worked things out, seeing what worked and what didn't.
Lynda: What are your writing plans for the future?
Tempest: I'm juggling a lot of projects at the same time. I'm working on a wereanimal story for an anthology which I'm developing with two wonderful paranormal writers, Cassandra Curtis and Vivienne King. I'm also developing a few other stories which hopefully I'll see published on 2007. I've had offers from other publishers to send them some of my stories so I'm totally thrilled. Then I'm writing flash fiction stories for Midnight Moon Cafe blog and soon I'll also have a short-short out with them.
Lynda: What advice would you give to all the pre-published writers out there?
Tempest: Learn your craft well. Take as many workshops as you can and put into practice what you've learned. But most important, keep writing. You know what they say, "practice makes perfect." The more you write, the easier it becomes. Also read. Reading will jog your imagination. And last, don't give up. Find your niche and stick with it. The last is the hardest part to do. It took me a while to find my niche. I tried to write in different subgenres before I found one that I could feel comfortable with it.
Lynda: How can readers find out more about you?
Tempest: They can check out my personal website at http://www.tempestknight.com/. Also they can join Midnight Moon Café Newletter at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/midnightmooncafe/ to keep up to date . Now, if they’re looking to have some fun, go by my Midnight Moon Cafe blog athttp://midnightmooncafe.blogspot.com/. And finally, they can find me at http://www.myspace.com/tempestknight. Feel free to add me to your list of friends. Thanks for having me here!
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