Sunday, April 25, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Meet Elisabeth Naughton
Thanks so much to the Rogue's Angels for inviting me to be here today!
Did you jump into writing and rocket to contest fame, or did the process happen over time?
Gosh, no! Actually, that question makes me laugh. I started writing in 2003, after the birth of my 2nd child. I'd been a junior high science teacher for 9 years and took a years leave of absence to stay home with my kids. About 6 mo. into my leave, I realized I was going to go nuts without something to do. As a voracious reader, I thought, You know...I bet I could write a book. So I gave it a go. I wrote at night, didn't tell anyone what I was doing. Finally I got the nerve up to tell my husband I was working on a novel, and to my utter surprise, he said, "I know. I saw it on your laptop." Lucky for me, he doesn't read a lot of fiction (he's heard me tell this story and claims this is my "throwing him under the bus" moment), so he didn't realize how bad that first manuscript really was. He encouraged me to keep writing though, and when I finished that book, I moved on to the next. By the end of that year, I knew I'd found something I wanted to keep doing. So I quit my teaching job and decided to give writing my serious effort.
I think if you asked people who don't know me well, they'd probably say my success has been "overnight", but to me that's nowhere near the truth. Yes, over the last 16 months I've had four books release, two RITA nominations and signed three new contracts. But the truth is nothing in this business is instantaneous. I wrote for five years before finally selling, finished five manuscripts before I found "the one". My debut book, STOLEN FURY (which was recently nominated for two RITA awards), was written back in 2006. It took me a year and a half to find an agent with that book, another year to sell it. There were times when I questioned whether that book was really "the one" like I thought it was, and wondered if I was heading in the wrong direction. For writers who know what it's like to toil over a book, know the ups and downs of this business and how no author's future is guaranteed, nothing about this process seems quick. And while my success may seem fast to others, to me it's all just been part of the process.
Things really began happening for you since your release of your first book. One could say it has been a couple of Glorious years. Why is that?
Well, I hope it's because people enjoy my voice and characters and writing. But I think part of it is simply the release schedule my publisher established. My editor at Dorchester has really worked hard to keep my releases no more than 6 mo. apart so that my name is constantly out there and buzz is building around my books. And she loved my new paranormal series so much (which begins with MARKED, which releases April 27th) that she scheduled the first two books in that series really close. The RITA nominations definitely have helped, as have some really great reviews from Publisher's Weekly and other places. But I'd also have to say that nothing about my journey has been easy. I work hard, daily. I'm constantly writing, doing promo, spreading the word. I don't let myself get distracted (for too long, anyway) and I keep my goals firmly rooted in front of me. I've sacrificed a lot to write, and I continually sacrifice outings and activities so I can finish the next proposal or write the next scene. At the end of the day, I love what I'm doing, and every morning I wake up, I'm thankful I get to do what I love for a living.
When did you receive the call that you were a RITA nominee? What were you doing at the time? And how long and loudly did you squee?
The RITA calls went out on March 25th. I'd forgotten all about them until the night before when someone on Twitter mentioned the next day was "the day". That night I went to bed never in a million years expecting to be nominated. In fact, I'd convinced myself it wasn't going to happen. The next morning my husband and I were lazing away watching the Today Show (it was Spring Break) when the phone rang. It was 8:15 AM. I figured it was for my husband--the only people who call me in the morning are my mother (who was out of town) and my running partner (who was also out of town)--but it wasn't. He handed me the phone, and Terri Brisbane said, "Hello, I'm calling from RWA and your book was nominated in the Best First Book category of the RITAs." To say I was shocked was an understatement. After hanging up with her, I quickly explained the call to my husband, then flew downstairs to call my critique partner. Then I sent out some quick emails - to my agent, to my editor - and I Twittered the news (of course!) Since I was scheduled to speak at the Public Librarian's Association Conference in Portland later that day with Christina Dodd, Niki Burnham & Elizabeth Boyle, I couldn't dawdle on Twitter too long, so I signed off, ran upstairs to get ready and was just gathering the last of my things to leave for the day when the phone rang again at 10:30. This time I have no idea who the caller was, but when she said, "I'm calling from RWA and your book was nominated for Romantic Suspense in the RITAs," I nearly fell over. I don't remember much of that call except a lot of nodding on my part and then some serious squee-ing.
Writers face many challenges. What are some of yours?
Family. Definitely. I have a preschooler who's home with me during the day so fitting in the writing time is tough. I mentioned sacrificing. I do, a lot. I don't volunteer in my other kids' classes as much as I should. I'm terrible about scheduling things until the last minute. The biggest challenge for me is finding enough hours in the day to do all the things a busy mom of three has to do. And then finding time to write.
Pantser or Plotter?
I'm a mix. I call myself a Planster. When I start a book I know the opening, most of the major turning points, the black moment and the resolution. I rarely know more than that. When I'm writing I can see about three chapters into the future. Everything else is hazy. It's there, but not solidified in my brain yet.
Plot-driven or character-driven?
Character driven. Story IS character. Without strong characters, every story--even the most intricate plots--will fall flat. I'm a firm believer in that. I ALWAYS know my characters before I start a book.
Go with the flow or follow a schedule?
Um...okay, I lied. This is something else I struggle with. Tight deadlines (like the one I'm on now) force me to write on a schedule, which isn't the natural flow for me. I'm a "fits and starts" writer. One day I may write 5K words, the next 500. I'm constantly editing as I go, and when I get stuck it's always because I've written something that doesn't work or I've gone off target. And I can't get back into the scheduled words/day when something's not working. My brain just won't let it go. I also can't go on when I know something has to be fixed.
Research in advance or as you write?
Depends on the book. I do a little of both. I generally research the main plot/characters before a book, but I'm constantly researching as I write as well. I honestly don't know how authors worked before the Internet. It's a Godsend for me!
Noise or quiet?
Quiet. Which, in my house of 3 kids, is REALLY hard to deal with. Right now I'm sitting on the couch in the living room with my laptop and I can hear two TVs going in the house, in addition to a game system. (Nothing inspires a romantic love scene like the sound of a Playstation Star Wars game firing in the background, let me tell you.) When I'm generating new pages, I have to have quiet. The library has become my friend, sadly. On weekends I often escape to work for a few hours.
Our characters claim much of our time as we spend hours in front of our computers capturing their stories. However, each of us has a cast of real life characters who inspire, encourage, and support us. Who are some of the many members of Team Eli?
My husband, Dan, is number one. He's my biggest fan, greatest support and the one person who has always changed every one of my IFs to WHENs. He reminds me every day about the power of positive thinking.
My kids, definitely. They make me laugh and remind me why I work so hard for my goals.
My critique partner, Joan. We talk daily on IM. I'd be lost without her. We've only met in person once (she lives in California) but we're as close as sisters. She knows more about me than most people.
My running partner, Connie. Exercise is so important, especially for writers who spend all day behind a computer screen. She motivates me to stay active and exercise keeps my stress level in check. (And she's great at listening to me vent about real people or fictional ones!) She also loves my books (which is a huge plus!).
My dear friends Alice Sharpe, Lisa Catto, Kendra Elliot, Kristina McMorris and the entire group at the MidWilamette Valley RWA who have supported me since I joined the chapter. I definitely wouldn't be where I am today without them.
What are you working on now?
Right now I'm finishing up TEMPTED, book three in my Eternal Guardians Series. It's scheduled to release Feb 2012. After that I'm moving on to a romantic suspense novella I'm writing for Kensington, then I'll switch back to paranormals and work on book 4 in the Eternal Guardians Series.
I understand another category may be calling your name. Is that so?
(I think you're talking about the RITAs here...are you? I was already called twice)
Five Things Eli Has Around Her When She Writes.
Ooh, this is a fun one. Okay...
1) My laptop
2) My ipod - instrumental music is important for drowning out TVs and game players
3) A blanket (for some reason I'm always cold)
4) Something to drink - usually seltzer water with a splash of cranberry juice
5) A copy of the last book I wrote in that series so I can quickly look up things I can't remember - like hair color or eye color or how the heck I spelled so-and-so's name last time.
Is there anything you want to add that your readers might not know about you?
The first book in my new paranormal series - the Eternal Guardians (which is based on ancient Greek mythology) launches April 27, 2010:
As unrest in the Underworld threatens, seven warriors descended from the greatest heroes in all of Ancient Greece may just be mankind’s last hope.
“Gripping, dangerous, and sinfully sexy, Marked is a top-notch read! Elisabeth Naughton combines dynamic dialogue and sizzling romance with a wicked cool world. Do NOT miss this series!”— NY Times Bestselling Author, Larissa Ione
To learn more about me and my books, visit http://www.elisabethnaughton.com/. And while you're there, be sure to sign up for my newsletter for info on upcoming releases, contests, and the chance to win free books and prizes.
Thanks so much for interviewing me, Chris. This was a lot of fun!
Elisabeth
***Elisabeth NaughtonSTOLEN FURY - **2010 Double RITA® Nominee!**MARKED - May 2010ENTWINED - August 2010
Did you jump into writing and rocket to contest fame, or did the process happen over time?
Gosh, no! Actually, that question makes me laugh. I started writing in 2003, after the birth of my 2nd child. I'd been a junior high science teacher for 9 years and took a years leave of absence to stay home with my kids. About 6 mo. into my leave, I realized I was going to go nuts without something to do. As a voracious reader, I thought, You know...I bet I could write a book. So I gave it a go. I wrote at night, didn't tell anyone what I was doing. Finally I got the nerve up to tell my husband I was working on a novel, and to my utter surprise, he said, "I know. I saw it on your laptop." Lucky for me, he doesn't read a lot of fiction (he's heard me tell this story and claims this is my "throwing him under the bus" moment), so he didn't realize how bad that first manuscript really was. He encouraged me to keep writing though, and when I finished that book, I moved on to the next. By the end of that year, I knew I'd found something I wanted to keep doing. So I quit my teaching job and decided to give writing my serious effort.
I think if you asked people who don't know me well, they'd probably say my success has been "overnight", but to me that's nowhere near the truth. Yes, over the last 16 months I've had four books release, two RITA nominations and signed three new contracts. But the truth is nothing in this business is instantaneous. I wrote for five years before finally selling, finished five manuscripts before I found "the one". My debut book, STOLEN FURY (which was recently nominated for two RITA awards), was written back in 2006. It took me a year and a half to find an agent with that book, another year to sell it. There were times when I questioned whether that book was really "the one" like I thought it was, and wondered if I was heading in the wrong direction. For writers who know what it's like to toil over a book, know the ups and downs of this business and how no author's future is guaranteed, nothing about this process seems quick. And while my success may seem fast to others, to me it's all just been part of the process.
Things really began happening for you since your release of your first book. One could say it has been a couple of Glorious years. Why is that?
Well, I hope it's because people enjoy my voice and characters and writing. But I think part of it is simply the release schedule my publisher established. My editor at Dorchester has really worked hard to keep my releases no more than 6 mo. apart so that my name is constantly out there and buzz is building around my books. And she loved my new paranormal series so much (which begins with MARKED, which releases April 27th) that she scheduled the first two books in that series really close. The RITA nominations definitely have helped, as have some really great reviews from Publisher's Weekly and other places. But I'd also have to say that nothing about my journey has been easy. I work hard, daily. I'm constantly writing, doing promo, spreading the word. I don't let myself get distracted (for too long, anyway) and I keep my goals firmly rooted in front of me. I've sacrificed a lot to write, and I continually sacrifice outings and activities so I can finish the next proposal or write the next scene. At the end of the day, I love what I'm doing, and every morning I wake up, I'm thankful I get to do what I love for a living.
When did you receive the call that you were a RITA nominee? What were you doing at the time? And how long and loudly did you squee?
The RITA calls went out on March 25th. I'd forgotten all about them until the night before when someone on Twitter mentioned the next day was "the day". That night I went to bed never in a million years expecting to be nominated. In fact, I'd convinced myself it wasn't going to happen. The next morning my husband and I were lazing away watching the Today Show (it was Spring Break) when the phone rang. It was 8:15 AM. I figured it was for my husband--the only people who call me in the morning are my mother (who was out of town) and my running partner (who was also out of town)--but it wasn't. He handed me the phone, and Terri Brisbane said, "Hello, I'm calling from RWA and your book was nominated in the Best First Book category of the RITAs." To say I was shocked was an understatement. After hanging up with her, I quickly explained the call to my husband, then flew downstairs to call my critique partner. Then I sent out some quick emails - to my agent, to my editor - and I Twittered the news (of course!) Since I was scheduled to speak at the Public Librarian's Association Conference in Portland later that day with Christina Dodd, Niki Burnham & Elizabeth Boyle, I couldn't dawdle on Twitter too long, so I signed off, ran upstairs to get ready and was just gathering the last of my things to leave for the day when the phone rang again at 10:30. This time I have no idea who the caller was, but when she said, "I'm calling from RWA and your book was nominated for Romantic Suspense in the RITAs," I nearly fell over. I don't remember much of that call except a lot of nodding on my part and then some serious squee-ing.
Writers face many challenges. What are some of yours?
Family. Definitely. I have a preschooler who's home with me during the day so fitting in the writing time is tough. I mentioned sacrificing. I do, a lot. I don't volunteer in my other kids' classes as much as I should. I'm terrible about scheduling things until the last minute. The biggest challenge for me is finding enough hours in the day to do all the things a busy mom of three has to do. And then finding time to write.
Pantser or Plotter?
I'm a mix. I call myself a Planster. When I start a book I know the opening, most of the major turning points, the black moment and the resolution. I rarely know more than that. When I'm writing I can see about three chapters into the future. Everything else is hazy. It's there, but not solidified in my brain yet.
Plot-driven or character-driven?
Character driven. Story IS character. Without strong characters, every story--even the most intricate plots--will fall flat. I'm a firm believer in that. I ALWAYS know my characters before I start a book.
Go with the flow or follow a schedule?
Um...okay, I lied. This is something else I struggle with. Tight deadlines (like the one I'm on now) force me to write on a schedule, which isn't the natural flow for me. I'm a "fits and starts" writer. One day I may write 5K words, the next 500. I'm constantly editing as I go, and when I get stuck it's always because I've written something that doesn't work or I've gone off target. And I can't get back into the scheduled words/day when something's not working. My brain just won't let it go. I also can't go on when I know something has to be fixed.
Research in advance or as you write?
Depends on the book. I do a little of both. I generally research the main plot/characters before a book, but I'm constantly researching as I write as well. I honestly don't know how authors worked before the Internet. It's a Godsend for me!
Noise or quiet?
Quiet. Which, in my house of 3 kids, is REALLY hard to deal with. Right now I'm sitting on the couch in the living room with my laptop and I can hear two TVs going in the house, in addition to a game system. (Nothing inspires a romantic love scene like the sound of a Playstation Star Wars game firing in the background, let me tell you.) When I'm generating new pages, I have to have quiet. The library has become my friend, sadly. On weekends I often escape to work for a few hours.
Our characters claim much of our time as we spend hours in front of our computers capturing their stories. However, each of us has a cast of real life characters who inspire, encourage, and support us. Who are some of the many members of Team Eli?
My husband, Dan, is number one. He's my biggest fan, greatest support and the one person who has always changed every one of my IFs to WHENs. He reminds me every day about the power of positive thinking.
My kids, definitely. They make me laugh and remind me why I work so hard for my goals.
My critique partner, Joan. We talk daily on IM. I'd be lost without her. We've only met in person once (she lives in California) but we're as close as sisters. She knows more about me than most people.
My running partner, Connie. Exercise is so important, especially for writers who spend all day behind a computer screen. She motivates me to stay active and exercise keeps my stress level in check. (And she's great at listening to me vent about real people or fictional ones!) She also loves my books (which is a huge plus!).
My dear friends Alice Sharpe, Lisa Catto, Kendra Elliot, Kristina McMorris and the entire group at the MidWilamette Valley RWA who have supported me since I joined the chapter. I definitely wouldn't be where I am today without them.
What are you working on now?
Right now I'm finishing up TEMPTED, book three in my Eternal Guardians Series. It's scheduled to release Feb 2012. After that I'm moving on to a romantic suspense novella I'm writing for Kensington, then I'll switch back to paranormals and work on book 4 in the Eternal Guardians Series.
I understand another category may be calling your name. Is that so?
(I think you're talking about the RITAs here...are you? I was already called twice)
Five Things Eli Has Around Her When She Writes.
Ooh, this is a fun one. Okay...
1) My laptop
2) My ipod - instrumental music is important for drowning out TVs and game players
3) A blanket (for some reason I'm always cold)
4) Something to drink - usually seltzer water with a splash of cranberry juice
5) A copy of the last book I wrote in that series so I can quickly look up things I can't remember - like hair color or eye color or how the heck I spelled so-and-so's name last time.
Is there anything you want to add that your readers might not know about you?
The first book in my new paranormal series - the Eternal Guardians (which is based on ancient Greek mythology) launches April 27, 2010:
As unrest in the Underworld threatens, seven warriors descended from the greatest heroes in all of Ancient Greece may just be mankind’s last hope.
“Gripping, dangerous, and sinfully sexy, Marked is a top-notch read! Elisabeth Naughton combines dynamic dialogue and sizzling romance with a wicked cool world. Do NOT miss this series!”— NY Times Bestselling Author, Larissa Ione
To learn more about me and my books, visit http://www.elisabethnaughton.com/. And while you're there, be sure to sign up for my newsletter for info on upcoming releases, contests, and the chance to win free books and prizes.
Thanks so much for interviewing me, Chris. This was a lot of fun!
Elisabeth
***Elisabeth NaughtonSTOLEN FURY - **2010 Double RITA® Nominee!**MARKED - May 2010ENTWINED - August 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
I have been blessed:
I have been blessed with friends, women who have like interest. These friends have not just been in the writing field but I have found them in all walks of my life. My jazzercise friends have supported me and all of my endeavors for the past 29 years. How can anyone ask for more than that? They have encouraged me through all of my rejections and were there when I sold my first book.
My writing friends know the trade inside and out. They understand rejections and sales. They critique, encourage, and applaud. They have empathy when a rejections filters through the mail and understand review that are not as great as we had hoped. They know that our stories are like our children. Yet they also understand that if there is something wrong they have to speak up.
My walking partner is there for me on a completely different level. We have encouraged each other while training to walk a marathon, make through a bad day of teaching, and most importantly our weight loss.
My mother is so wonderful (and my father as well, but I am talking about women). Both my parents have encouraged me. They have expected the best from me and have always told me that I can achieve whatever I want to achieve. They encouraged me to take math and science classes in school, never telling me I could not do well because I was girl.
My sister--we were so close growing up. Distance has separated us somewhat, but I know she is there and full of encouragement.
Good days as well as bad days I know I can count on all of these women. If I were to need anyone of these wonderful ladies I have met on my journey through life, they would be there for me as I would be there for them.
Sometimes I wonder why I have had such wonderful experiences.
I have been blessed.
My writing friends know the trade inside and out. They understand rejections and sales. They critique, encourage, and applaud. They have empathy when a rejections filters through the mail and understand review that are not as great as we had hoped. They know that our stories are like our children. Yet they also understand that if there is something wrong they have to speak up.
My walking partner is there for me on a completely different level. We have encouraged each other while training to walk a marathon, make through a bad day of teaching, and most importantly our weight loss.
My mother is so wonderful (and my father as well, but I am talking about women). Both my parents have encouraged me. They have expected the best from me and have always told me that I can achieve whatever I want to achieve. They encouraged me to take math and science classes in school, never telling me I could not do well because I was girl.
My sister--we were so close growing up. Distance has separated us somewhat, but I know she is there and full of encouragement.
Good days as well as bad days I know I can count on all of these women. If I were to need anyone of these wonderful ladies I have met on my journey through life, they would be there for me as I would be there for them.
Sometimes I wonder why I have had such wonderful experiences.
I have been blessed.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Rogue's Angels presents the newest angel: Rosemary Indra
Why did you choose to write sweet romance?
When I first started writing I read only sweet romances, so that’s what I wrote. How many times haven’t we heard "write what you know?" So that’s what I did. I enjoy writing sweet romance because it’s a genre I’m comfortable working on. However, I mainly read historical romance now and I have several story lines floating around. So I’m not sure in what direction my writing will be going.
Writers face many challenges. What are some of yours?
My main challenge is allowing myself time to write. Family and work always seem to come first and finding time to write is difficult and a luxury.
Go with the flow or follow a schedule?
With my schedule I have to go with the flow whenever I can find a free moment to write I write. I take advantage of a quit Saturday morning or work late at night when everyone’s asleep.
Research in advance or as you write?
Researching while I write helps me to tie into the storyline giving characters added detail and motivation.
Noise or quiet
Although I prefer a quiet room I’ve learned to work with all sorts of noises as my computer is in our family room.
Our characters claim much of our time as we spend hours in front of our computers capturing their stories. However, each of us has a cast of real life characters who inspire, encourage, and support us. Who are some of the many members of Team Rosemary?
My husband and family have always encouraged my writing. I also have a great group of writer friends who’ve given me technical support and critique my work. I’ve learned a lot of writing skills from Chris Young, Genene Valleau and C. L. Kraemer.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on The Look of Love it’s a sequel to Rekindled Love.
Five Things Rosemary Has Around Her When She Writes.
A glass of water, a dictionary, a thesaurus, notes on whatever I’m working on and a notebook as I sometimes write long hand especially if I’m having problem with a scene.
When I first started writing I read only sweet romances, so that’s what I wrote. How many times haven’t we heard "write what you know?" So that’s what I did. I enjoy writing sweet romance because it’s a genre I’m comfortable working on. However, I mainly read historical romance now and I have several story lines floating around. So I’m not sure in what direction my writing will be going.
Writers face many challenges. What are some of yours?
My main challenge is allowing myself time to write. Family and work always seem to come first and finding time to write is difficult and a luxury.
Go with the flow or follow a schedule?
With my schedule I have to go with the flow whenever I can find a free moment to write I write. I take advantage of a quit Saturday morning or work late at night when everyone’s asleep.
Research in advance or as you write?
Researching while I write helps me to tie into the storyline giving characters added detail and motivation.
Noise or quiet
Although I prefer a quiet room I’ve learned to work with all sorts of noises as my computer is in our family room.
Our characters claim much of our time as we spend hours in front of our computers capturing their stories. However, each of us has a cast of real life characters who inspire, encourage, and support us. Who are some of the many members of Team Rosemary?
My husband and family have always encouraged my writing. I also have a great group of writer friends who’ve given me technical support and critique my work. I’ve learned a lot of writing skills from Chris Young, Genene Valleau and C. L. Kraemer.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on The Look of Love it’s a sequel to Rekindled Love.
Five Things Rosemary Has Around Her When She Writes.
A glass of water, a dictionary, a thesaurus, notes on whatever I’m working on and a notebook as I sometimes write long hand especially if I’m having problem with a scene.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
DAFFODILS MEAN SPRING
Posted by: Amber Angel
Shorts and T-shirts one day. Snow and hail the next. That's the usual introduction of spring here in Oregon.
As I mentioned in comment to Allana's post, my mind knows spring is here when my early daffodils bloom, no matter what the weather. Though I have to admit that I'm really longing for sunshine and sixty degrees now that the weather has turned rainy and cold again. With the temperatures hovering at about forty degrees, the rain feels like ice water coming down.
Even my doggies got spoiled with the beautiful weather we had for awhile. They charge to the edge of the covered deck, then stop and look back at me with eyes that say, "Turn off the rain."
And Mother Nature does turn off the rain for a few minutes or a few hours, then comes another rain shower. However, we also get some rainbows that way and a chance to finish up indoor projects before the real arrival of spring tempts us outside in the sunshine and warmer temperatures. Once that happens, I want to be outside all day.
Makes it tough to write stories with that sunshine just outside my door. Though I'm very fortunate to have a door that opens from my office onto the deck into my back yard and a wonderfully large window where I can see the magnolia tree in full bloom on the side of my house. My own corner office!
How about you? What tells you that spring has arrived?
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