Today on Make-believe Mondays I'd like to introduce Kate Duggan, another of my RWAonline friends. Kate writes erotic romance as Kate Pearce.
Kate, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Kate: Well, first off my new e-book, Planet Mail a futuristic erotic romance comes out from Ellora’s Cave on July 5th!
I’m currently working on three others. The first is a proposal for my next Virgin Cheek book-three chapters and a synopsis. At the moment I’m stuck waiting for some feedback about sports injuries and rehab which will dictate the pace and time scale of the whole story.
I’m editing a companion book to my Ellora’s Cave ebook, “Eden’s Pleasure” which is about the second of the Harcourt twins. It’s due to my editor by the end of June.
The third is a new gothic erotic paranormal set in Georgian England which I am having a blast writing, probably because no one has contracted it.
Mark Twain said, “You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” How do you fill your creative well to keep your imagination in focus?
Kate: It’s hard. I tend to have a very tight focus on my writing and being productive and successful. I have to remember to get out and sniff the flowers, ride my horse, play with my 4 year old daughter and forget to stare at a computer screen. If I don’t, I can’t write.
Debra: It is a balance of sorts isn't it? Too much writing or too much play will tip that balance. I imagine that with a four year old the pull to write and the pull to your daughter could be equally as strong at times.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Kate: Absolutely. I keep a page from one of the drafts of a Regency historical I wrote when the couple were supposed to indulge in some steamy lovemaking. I’m trying to type what I think should happen and somehow my fingers get taken over by them having a row. In caps I have typed WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING??? They carried on arguing for days in my head before I finally gave in and let them have their way.
Debra: When characters come alive they can be very strong willed. It is after all their story.
Some very famous authors have played with language, creating words for people or places that no one has ever heard of. Have you ever played with words in that way and if so how?
Kate: I experimented with a couple of made up words and creatures in my new book Planet Mail which is set on another planet in the future. It was quite liberating!
Debra: Oh, what fun! Creatures! Now I'm intrigued. Just 9 more days until the book is out!
For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?
Kate: All the time. The moments between waking and sleeping seem to produce some of my best ideas and scenes-it’s as if a piece of my subconscious peaks outs just in time to give me a visual, a scent or the answer to a plot question that has been plaguing me.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Kate: I loved a British historical writer called Rosemary Sutcliff. She wrote bitter-sweet children’s books about many different historical periods and her research was immaculate. One of her books about the Romans in Britain gave me the germ of the idea for the first book I ever wrote.
If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?
Kate: I’m lucky enough to work with a publisher who already allows me to write that kind of story. My first published book was an erotic Regency romance but my editor didn’t turn a hair when I next presented her with a racy romp about intergalactic Vikings set in the future.
Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?
Kate: I think you have to push the envelope and let yourself explore emotions and places in your writing where you never thought you could go. We all have unique experiences and insights so use them to enhance and develop your voice.
Kate, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.
Kate: You are welcome!
Visit Kate at www.katepearce.com
Monday, June 26, 2006
Monday, June 19, 2006
Make-Believe Mondays With Celia May Hart
Today on Make-Believe Mondays I'd like to introduce Celia May Hart. Celia writes historical sensual romance set in the regency period (1800 to 1830) and her first book SHOW ME just came out from Kensingtons new erotic line, Aphrodisia.
Celia, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you're working on now.
Celia: I’m working on another Aphrodisia book, also a Regency-set historical, but this one has everything in it but the kitchen sink. (I almost gave it the title of “KITCHEN SINK” because I never get to keep titles anyway. Ok, I have once, so far.) It has time travel, adventure, paranormal elements in the form of Greek mythology coming to life.... And it’s just going to be a crazy, bantering, sexy yarn. If I finish it on time (I’ve just started it), it should be out in Summer 2007.
Debra: If I ever see a book titled KITCHEN SINK I'll think of you. It sounds like your work in progress will be great fun to write! And to read.
For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?
Celia: Absolutely! I rely heavily on dreams or in that state just before you fall completely asleep to help me get through a book. I set myself what I think the characters need to do next, and then hopefully in the morning, I have some new pages to write. There is a scene in my upcoming novella in THE HAREM that was completely taken from a dream. I’m not going to include any spoilers, but there’s a fountain involved. Everything: the character emotions, the sound of the water, the colors, came in that dream and I think I managed to get it all down.
Debra: Oh, that's wonderful! So in a way the readers will be able to enter your dream with you.
If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?
Celia: Um, I think I’m writing that book right now. There are so many “different” category elements in it, that it just might fit that bill. The wildest works of imagination usually find themselves in fantasy or literary fiction, for what it’s worth. *smile*
Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?
Celia: I’ve written stories for as long as I can remember, so the imagination has always been there. Sometimes, I think I’m not imaginative enough. For example, when the hero of my current work informs me (through the story) that the family has a legend, but that granny had garbled it into a riddle. So now I have to think of a riddle. Thanks a lot, Myles.
Debra: It's a bit like talking to the Cheshire cat, then isn't it? What fun!
Celia, thank you for joining us here on Make-Believe Mondays to share a bit of the magic of creating fiction with our readers.
Celia: Thanks Debra, for these questions. They were fun!
You can visit Celia at www.celiamayhart.com
Celia, first, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you're working on now.
Celia: I’m working on another Aphrodisia book, also a Regency-set historical, but this one has everything in it but the kitchen sink. (I almost gave it the title of “KITCHEN SINK” because I never get to keep titles anyway. Ok, I have once, so far.) It has time travel, adventure, paranormal elements in the form of Greek mythology coming to life.... And it’s just going to be a crazy, bantering, sexy yarn. If I finish it on time (I’ve just started it), it should be out in Summer 2007.
Debra: If I ever see a book titled KITCHEN SINK I'll think of you. It sounds like your work in progress will be great fun to write! And to read.
For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?
Celia: Absolutely! I rely heavily on dreams or in that state just before you fall completely asleep to help me get through a book. I set myself what I think the characters need to do next, and then hopefully in the morning, I have some new pages to write. There is a scene in my upcoming novella in THE HAREM that was completely taken from a dream. I’m not going to include any spoilers, but there’s a fountain involved. Everything: the character emotions, the sound of the water, the colors, came in that dream and I think I managed to get it all down.
Debra: Oh, that's wonderful! So in a way the readers will be able to enter your dream with you.
If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?
Celia: Um, I think I’m writing that book right now. There are so many “different” category elements in it, that it just might fit that bill. The wildest works of imagination usually find themselves in fantasy or literary fiction, for what it’s worth. *smile*
Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?
Celia: I’ve written stories for as long as I can remember, so the imagination has always been there. Sometimes, I think I’m not imaginative enough. For example, when the hero of my current work informs me (through the story) that the family has a legend, but that granny had garbled it into a riddle. So now I have to think of a riddle. Thanks a lot, Myles.
Debra: It's a bit like talking to the Cheshire cat, then isn't it? What fun!
Celia, thank you for joining us here on Make-Believe Mondays to share a bit of the magic of creating fiction with our readers.
Celia: Thanks Debra, for these questions. They were fun!
You can visit Celia at www.celiamayhart.com
Monday, June 12, 2006
Make-Believe Mondays With Ann Macela
This morning on Make-believe Mondays, I'm pleased to introduce Ann Macela, (Fredericka Meiners) one of my RWAonline friends. Ann writes paranormal romance for Medallion Press.
First, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Ann: Right now I’m working on “Magic3.” Magic1 is The Oldest Kind Of Magic, which was published in October 2005. Medallion Press, my publisher, is looking at Magic2, tentatively titled “Do You Believe In Magic?” Magic3 has no title yet—I haven’t come up with its “true name” yet. Magic1 was the story of Daria Morgan. Magic2 is her brother Clay’s story. Magic3 completes the trilogy with sister Gloriana.
Mark Twain said, “You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” How do you fill your creative well to keep your imagination in focus?
Ann: I read, especially mysteries and sci-fi/fantasy. I also tell myself stories before I fall asleep each night. These stories have nothing or little to do with my WIP. I have done this since I was a small child. When my mind is thinking about another story, ideas about the WIP just seem to come. I used this technique to work out a number of the aspects of my magic system.
Debra: What a fascinating way to put yourself to sleep! And it sure beats counting sheep.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Ann: I think they’re alive from the first for me. However, I don’t know all about them. I’m a pantser for the most part, so I don’t do elaborate character sheets and outlines to begin with. So writing the story is an investigation into the H/H’s characters. I just realized an aspect of my hero’s character the other day, for example. Never would have thought it, but it really fits. Now to go back and make sure that aspect is “seeded” throughout the ms.
Debra: Most seat of the pants writers (including myself) enjoy those little surprises the characters can toss us even though it means rewriting. It's like getting to know a new friend.
Some very famous authors have played with language, creating words for people or places that no one has ever heard of. Have you ever played with words in that way and if so how?
Ann: Although I write paranormals and read lots of it and fantasy/sci-fi, I have not done this. I have created people and places, but I’m using plain old English to describe and explain my “magic practitioners” and their magic. If my story location was on another planet, then I might make up words—I’m thinking of the Darkover series as examples, but there are many others.
For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?
Ann: I pay attention to my dreams, as I have found they tell me how I’m feeling—when everything’s going well, I fly in my dreams, like Superman. I haven’t consciously used any of my dreams in my stories, though. I do know there have been times when I wish I could have remembered what I was dreaming, because I woke up with the feeling of having a complete story in my head, but then, poof!, it was gone.
Debra: What a great dream to be flying! But oh, how sad to feel you had lost a story. I hope you can discover a way to keep them long enough to write them down.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Ann: What I remember most is reading Sherlock Holmes and other mysteries. I don’t remember any particular book. What I do remember is being a voracious reader who was always riding my bike to the library.
Debra: Those wonderful days of summer once school was out and you could read whatever you wanted, loading up that library card to the limit. Ah.....
If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?
Ann: Probably what I’m writing now—lots of magic and hot sex! I do have a couple of ideas for stories set on another planet, but first I want to explore all the manifestations of my magic practitioners and the soulmate imperative.
Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?
Ann: Ask yourself, “What if . . . ?” and go from there. Nothing is too fanciful, too outrageous, too complicated. In fact, I prefer complication, not only in my plot, but also in the “world” of the book. When I first had the idea for Magic1, I had no idea the world of my magic practitioners would grow so complicated, so rich in detail and organization. I finally had to write it all down—see “A Theory of Magic” on my website.
Also, pay attention to your dreams. You may get a story out of them, you may not, but they will tell you how you are.
Debra: Excellent advice. Thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.
Ann: Thanks, it’s been fun.
Visit Ann at http://www.annmacela.com
First, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Ann: Right now I’m working on “Magic3.” Magic1 is The Oldest Kind Of Magic, which was published in October 2005. Medallion Press, my publisher, is looking at Magic2, tentatively titled “Do You Believe In Magic?” Magic3 has no title yet—I haven’t come up with its “true name” yet. Magic1 was the story of Daria Morgan. Magic2 is her brother Clay’s story. Magic3 completes the trilogy with sister Gloriana.
Mark Twain said, “You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” How do you fill your creative well to keep your imagination in focus?
Ann: I read, especially mysteries and sci-fi/fantasy. I also tell myself stories before I fall asleep each night. These stories have nothing or little to do with my WIP. I have done this since I was a small child. When my mind is thinking about another story, ideas about the WIP just seem to come. I used this technique to work out a number of the aspects of my magic system.
Debra: What a fascinating way to put yourself to sleep! And it sure beats counting sheep.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Ann: I think they’re alive from the first for me. However, I don’t know all about them. I’m a pantser for the most part, so I don’t do elaborate character sheets and outlines to begin with. So writing the story is an investigation into the H/H’s characters. I just realized an aspect of my hero’s character the other day, for example. Never would have thought it, but it really fits. Now to go back and make sure that aspect is “seeded” throughout the ms.
Debra: Most seat of the pants writers (including myself) enjoy those little surprises the characters can toss us even though it means rewriting. It's like getting to know a new friend.
Some very famous authors have played with language, creating words for people or places that no one has ever heard of. Have you ever played with words in that way and if so how?
Ann: Although I write paranormals and read lots of it and fantasy/sci-fi, I have not done this. I have created people and places, but I’m using plain old English to describe and explain my “magic practitioners” and their magic. If my story location was on another planet, then I might make up words—I’m thinking of the Darkover series as examples, but there are many others.
For some writers, dreams play a role in creating fiction. Has this been true for you? Have you ever dreamed a scene or an image that later wound up in one of your books?
Ann: I pay attention to my dreams, as I have found they tell me how I’m feeling—when everything’s going well, I fly in my dreams, like Superman. I haven’t consciously used any of my dreams in my stories, though. I do know there have been times when I wish I could have remembered what I was dreaming, because I woke up with the feeling of having a complete story in my head, but then, poof!, it was gone.
Debra: What a great dream to be flying! But oh, how sad to feel you had lost a story. I hope you can discover a way to keep them long enough to write them down.
As a child did any particular book or author pull you into their imaginary world?
Ann: What I remember most is reading Sherlock Holmes and other mysteries. I don’t remember any particular book. What I do remember is being a voracious reader who was always riding my bike to the library.
Debra: Those wonderful days of summer once school was out and you could read whatever you wanted, loading up that library card to the limit. Ah.....
If there were no categories for books, no reader expectations to meet, and you could create the wildest work of imagination that you could think of what kind of story would that be?
Ann: Probably what I’m writing now—lots of magic and hot sex! I do have a couple of ideas for stories set on another planet, but first I want to explore all the manifestations of my magic practitioners and the soulmate imperative.
Is there anything else you would like to add about the role of imagination, and dreams in creating fiction? Any other message for our readers?
Ann: Ask yourself, “What if . . . ?” and go from there. Nothing is too fanciful, too outrageous, too complicated. In fact, I prefer complication, not only in my plot, but also in the “world” of the book. When I first had the idea for Magic1, I had no idea the world of my magic practitioners would grow so complicated, so rich in detail and organization. I finally had to write it all down—see “A Theory of Magic” on my website.
Also, pay attention to your dreams. You may get a story out of them, you may not, but they will tell you how you are.
Debra: Excellent advice. Thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.
Ann: Thanks, it’s been fun.
Visit Ann at http://www.annmacela.com
Monday, June 05, 2006
Make-Believe Mondays With Michele Ann Young
It gives me a great thrill on this Make-Believe Monday to introduce one of my American Title II sisters. Michele Ann Young is the first of our group to have sold a book, just months after finalling in the contest. Pistols At Dawn is a June 2006 release and I can't wait to read it.
Now let's chat with Michele.
First, tell us a little bit about the manuscript you’re working on now.
Michele: I am working on two novels at the moment. One is historical fiction, set in 1809 and my British heroine is deeply involved the war with Napoleon. It is probably what would be described as a bombshell. Because the story revolves around historical events, it requires a substantial amount of detailed research.
The other novel is a romance, set in Kent in the Regency, but it deals with a woman at risk, the same kinds of risks women face today. What interests me, is how women have always had the same issues to deal with and how different generations have handled them. Obviously, women had a lot less freedom in the 1800’s than we do today, but ssurprisingly many of them managed to take control of their lives, nevertheless.
Debra: Women have strengths they often don't realize until put to the test. This is one of the wonderful things about historical fiction. That theme of strong women.
Is there a point when your characters begin to come alive and you can see and hear them?
Michele: It always starts with a character in one scene and moves from there. My characters come alive to me the minute they walk on stage. Translating the vision into words that create the same or similar picture for the reader is the challenge. I do find that my characters don’t fully develop for me until most of the story is done. Quite often I learn things about them at the end, that I did not know at the beginning. This can be wonderful and amazing but it usually means a lot of revisions.
Debra: So you get to know your characters as you go along. I've met many writers who find that to be true for them as well.
Some very famous authors have played with language, creating words for people or places that no one has ever heard of. Have you ever played with words in that way and if so how?
Michele: I have been working on a fantasy, more for fun than as a serious work. It is a world with its own culture and names for things, and creatures that do not exist in our world. It has it’s own set of rules and some magical elements. It’s lots of fun, and I keep a glossary or dictionary as I go along. I also have a map to keep track of locations of continents and oceans. For each word or name I write a brief definition and sometimes a description, particularly if it is an animal or a race of people, that way I have it fixed in my head. It is a quest story so it has lots of adventure, but there is a strong romantic element. I usually write it when I am at the beach and my imagination is free to wander without interruption..
Debra: What fun! And isn't it lovely to be able to write at the beach!
Michele, thank you for joining us here on this Make-believe Monday to share a little bit of the magic of writing with our readers.
Visit Michele at http://www.micheleannyoung.com/
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