Sunday, June 27, 2010
Meet Author: Delilah Marvelle
Writers face many challenges. What are some of yours?
I would have to say the biggest challenge for me is writing while juggling my family life. I always feel as if I'm giving up so much for my writing time and missing out on things that mean so much to me. At the same time, writing *is* important to me, so that's my biggest challenge, ensuring I balance the two.
Are you a Pantser or Plotter?
I am a Panster. Big time. If I plot out a book, I feel like I've already written the dang thing and don't want to write it (and actually can't...). As a Panster, I feel like I have more freedom with no set path. I love not knowing what to expect from my characters and feel if I'm surprised, my readers will be, too.
Are your books Plot-driven or character-driven
I would say my books are character driven. People, after all, create plot by the things they say and do. So it's like getting the plot handed to you because your characters are driven.
Do you go with the flow or follow a schedule
I do a bit of both. There are times, like when I'm getting closer to deadline, that I set a rigid schedule that I follow to ensure I get the time in and finish the book. I go with the flow when I'm unexpectedly given a day to write by my husband who will take the kids somewhere. During the school year, I usually write from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (longer if I'm under deadline)
Is your research in advance or as you write?
Both. Many of the stories I write come from a lot of the research I do. Of course, as I write the story, I find there are things I don't know or need to dig more into and that's when I'm place marks in the manuscript to remind myself that I need to research something.
How do you write the best with noise or quiet?
I write best when it is not only quiet but when there is no one in the house. Even if someone were to be sleeping or locked away somewhere in the house, I feel like they're violating my "world" and I'm not as focused as I should be. I also talk out loud as I write (in a British accent, too!), so I can better hear the characters and understand them and that makes me feel awkward, to say the least.
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 Delilah?
My family, meaning my husband and two kids are without a doubt holding the towels and water bottles each day, cheering me on. Without them, I wouldn't be able to pursue what I love. I also depend on my writing chapter and my CP's (Lacy Danes, Christine Cooks, Susan Lyons and Maire Creegan). For me, it doesn't take a village, it takes an entire city, I'm finding, lol.
What are you working on now?
I just finished writing my last book, The Perfect Scandal, in the Scandal Series and handed that in. I'm taking the summer off, after writing three books in 10 months. So I'm thrilled to say, "I'm not working on anything right now!" LOL
I understand another category may be calling your name. Is that so?
Historical Romance is where I plan to be for quite some time, so I wouldn't say another category is calling my name at all. BUT...my historical romance is taking a turn from just funny and erotic to funny, dark, and erotic. I'm really enjoying the freedom to write what I've always wanted to write.
What are five Things Delilah Has Around Her When She Writes?
A Starbucks frappucino (I've learned I really can't write without one...), my iphone, a dictionary of historical slang, a pen/notebook and whatever books I'm using for research (which usually amounts to anywhere from 5-25 books.
Do you ever have writers block. If you do, how do you overcome it?
I am proud to say that I haven't experienced writer's block yet. (Knocking on wood over here). I find what keeps me going is constantly keeping my mind active (theatre, movies, books, traveling, people) and keeping my body active (Tae Kwon Do, running and kickboxing).
Let's talk writing mechanics. How many drafts do you do? How many books can you complete in a year?
My drafts are endless. I don't ever go through writing the entire manuscript, I find myself usually writing and rewriting the same first three chapters for a week and once I feel like I've really gotten to know the characters and the setting, I can move forward and keep revising and moving forward, little by little. I used to think I was a two book a year sort of girl, but I found with my recent sale to HQN and the back to back release they were offering me, I actually write three books in 10 months. I'm still recovering from my own shock...it was quite a challenge but it was a great experience in understanding what I am and am not capable of.
I would have to say the biggest challenge for me is writing while juggling my family life. I always feel as if I'm giving up so much for my writing time and missing out on things that mean so much to me. At the same time, writing *is* important to me, so that's my biggest challenge, ensuring I balance the two.
Are you a Pantser or Plotter?
I am a Panster. Big time. If I plot out a book, I feel like I've already written the dang thing and don't want to write it (and actually can't...). As a Panster, I feel like I have more freedom with no set path. I love not knowing what to expect from my characters and feel if I'm surprised, my readers will be, too.
Are your books Plot-driven or character-driven
I would say my books are character driven. People, after all, create plot by the things they say and do. So it's like getting the plot handed to you because your characters are driven.
Do you go with the flow or follow a schedule
I do a bit of both. There are times, like when I'm getting closer to deadline, that I set a rigid schedule that I follow to ensure I get the time in and finish the book. I go with the flow when I'm unexpectedly given a day to write by my husband who will take the kids somewhere. During the school year, I usually write from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (longer if I'm under deadline)
Is your research in advance or as you write?
Both. Many of the stories I write come from a lot of the research I do. Of course, as I write the story, I find there are things I don't know or need to dig more into and that's when I'm place marks in the manuscript to remind myself that I need to research something.
How do you write the best with noise or quiet?
I write best when it is not only quiet but when there is no one in the house. Even if someone were to be sleeping or locked away somewhere in the house, I feel like they're violating my "world" and I'm not as focused as I should be. I also talk out loud as I write (in a British accent, too!), so I can better hear the characters and understand them and that makes me feel awkward, to say the least.
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 Delilah?
My family, meaning my husband and two kids are without a doubt holding the towels and water bottles each day, cheering me on. Without them, I wouldn't be able to pursue what I love. I also depend on my writing chapter and my CP's (Lacy Danes, Christine Cooks, Susan Lyons and Maire Creegan). For me, it doesn't take a village, it takes an entire city, I'm finding, lol.
What are you working on now?
I just finished writing my last book, The Perfect Scandal, in the Scandal Series and handed that in. I'm taking the summer off, after writing three books in 10 months. So I'm thrilled to say, "I'm not working on anything right now!" LOL
I understand another category may be calling your name. Is that so?
Historical Romance is where I plan to be for quite some time, so I wouldn't say another category is calling my name at all. BUT...my historical romance is taking a turn from just funny and erotic to funny, dark, and erotic. I'm really enjoying the freedom to write what I've always wanted to write.
What are five Things Delilah Has Around Her When She Writes?
A Starbucks frappucino (I've learned I really can't write without one...), my iphone, a dictionary of historical slang, a pen/notebook and whatever books I'm using for research (which usually amounts to anywhere from 5-25 books.
Do you ever have writers block. If you do, how do you overcome it?
I am proud to say that I haven't experienced writer's block yet. (Knocking on wood over here). I find what keeps me going is constantly keeping my mind active (theatre, movies, books, traveling, people) and keeping my body active (Tae Kwon Do, running and kickboxing).
Let's talk writing mechanics. How many drafts do you do? How many books can you complete in a year?
My drafts are endless. I don't ever go through writing the entire manuscript, I find myself usually writing and rewriting the same first three chapters for a week and once I feel like I've really gotten to know the characters and the setting, I can move forward and keep revising and moving forward, little by little. I used to think I was a two book a year sort of girl, but I found with my recent sale to HQN and the back to back release they were offering me, I actually write three books in 10 months. I'm still recovering from my own shock...it was quite a challenge but it was a great experience in understanding what I am and am not capable of.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Meet author K.J. Dahlen
Coming in JulyLeave a comment and your name will be put into a drawing to win a free download of one of K.J. Dahlen's books. Contest ends June 27th.
Writers face many challenges. What are some of yours?
finding time to write. I have so many books outlined and in the last two weeks I outlined three more
Are you a Pantser or Plotter?
a plotter, I find if I do a sequence of events it moves the book along to a conclusion. The final version may not follow the sequence all the way but its fun to do anyway
Are your books Plot-driven or character-driven?
I'd have to say character driven, sometimes they find their own way out of the situation
Do you go with the flow or follow a schedule?
mostly go with the flow. somedays I write three pages some days a whole chapter or two
Is your research in advance or as you write?
I try to do it ahead of the writing but sometimes something comes up while I'm writing
How do you write the best with noise or quiet?
noise, I usually have the tv on while I write
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 Kim?
I take many charactistics from a lot of the people around me, my husband, my children and some friends
What are you working on now?
outlines for a series of books I plan to write- the Sabella Quinn series
I understand another category may be calling your name. Is that so?
maybe, you never know
What are five Things Kim Has Around Her When She Writes?
a huge cup of coffee, my cigarettes, my files, a legal pad and several pens
Is there anything else you would like to add?
My dreams of writing was put on hold while life interupted and for several years I raised my children. Now that they are grown I found my way back to writing and I love it. Never give up on your dreams and don't let someone else take your dreams away. Cherish them for they are what make you, you
finding time to write. I have so many books outlined and in the last two weeks I outlined three more
Are you a Pantser or Plotter?
a plotter, I find if I do a sequence of events it moves the book along to a conclusion. The final version may not follow the sequence all the way but its fun to do anyway
Are your books Plot-driven or character-driven?
I'd have to say character driven, sometimes they find their own way out of the situation
Do you go with the flow or follow a schedule?
mostly go with the flow. somedays I write three pages some days a whole chapter or two
Is your research in advance or as you write?
I try to do it ahead of the writing but sometimes something comes up while I'm writing
How do you write the best with noise or quiet?
noise, I usually have the tv on while I write
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 Kim?
I take many charactistics from a lot of the people around me, my husband, my children and some friends
What are you working on now?
outlines for a series of books I plan to write- the Sabella Quinn series
I understand another category may be calling your name. Is that so?
maybe, you never know
What are five Things Kim Has Around Her When She Writes?
a huge cup of coffee, my cigarettes, my files, a legal pad and several pens
Is there anything else you would like to add?
My dreams of writing was put on hold while life interupted and for several years I raised my children. Now that they are grown I found my way back to writing and I love it. Never give up on your dreams and don't let someone else take your dreams away. Cherish them for they are what make you, you
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Night Owl Reviews gives Rekindled Love by Rosemary Indra a Top Pick
I thoroughly enjoyed this story by Ms. Indra and I fell in love with Mitch and Abby instantaneously. When I found out the real reasons Abby left Mitch, my heart broke even more for her. I found myself hoping that they both would be able to get past their hurt and possibly be open to making a fresh start with each other. As I was turning the pages I couldn't help but wonder if they both realized that they were perfect together and I wanted them to start talking through their issues that still plagued them from years ago. Now was as good a time as any to turn a new page in their lives and work toward the future together. The author did a fantastic job concealing the identity of the arsonist until the very end and I must say I was completely shocked at who it turned out to be! This is one story you shouldn't pass up!
Read all of the review at: Online Link: http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.aspx?daoid=6538
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Give a cheer for Fathers everywhere!
Fathers day is just around the corner and I would like to give a rousing applause for fathers everywhere. I respect and love my father more than I have words for. He was always there for me, to listen, to give advice, and to help me through troubled times. Along with my mother, he taught me that I could do anything I wanted to. He was the rock of the family, kind, gentle and loving. He was the role model for me, and I found that I fell in love with and married a man who was very much like my father.
Now my son is about to become a father. Little Abby is due any day now. They are waiting for the big event. I remember I waited an extra week for my son. I know as a father, he will be much like his own. He will be patient, loving and kind. He will teach his daughter as she grows that she can do anything or be anything. Hard work is the root of everything that is good and nothing great can ever be achieved without effort.
So hooray for Fathers everywhere, and may all children be blessed with wonderful fathers--fathers who have time for their children and who are willing to spend time on the ball field, the swimming pool, or any other learning environment their children wish to pursue
Now my son is about to become a father. Little Abby is due any day now. They are waiting for the big event. I remember I waited an extra week for my son. I know as a father, he will be much like his own. He will be patient, loving and kind. He will teach his daughter as she grows that she can do anything or be anything. Hard work is the root of everything that is good and nothing great can ever be achieved without effort.
So hooray for Fathers everywhere, and may all children be blessed with wonderful fathers--fathers who have time for their children and who are willing to spend time on the ball field, the swimming pool, or any other learning environment their children wish to pursue
What to do? What to do?
It sounds so simple in the beginning... start a blog... put down your creative ideas. The blog goes well for a while then my mind goes blank; me--a writer--who's currently in the last stages of writing her dragon book at over 100,000 words.
I sit in front of the computer and think, "What do I want to say?" The truth is there are so many ideas I want to get across to people that my mind becomes a jumble of ideas as to the specific topic.
Similar to walking into ones' garage and looking at the floor-to-ceiling "stuff" we all felt we needed to keep. Where do you start? Well, to be a bit corny, I'm going to borrow something from my mom... you start right where you stand cleaning up one inch at a time.
For blogging, you start with the idea that just came to mind. So there it is. To all those who don't know what to do with a blog, just start putting words on the page and allow your imagination to run free.
The answer for What to do? Start at the beginning.
Sable Angel
I sit in front of the computer and think, "What do I want to say?" The truth is there are so many ideas I want to get across to people that my mind becomes a jumble of ideas as to the specific topic.
Similar to walking into ones' garage and looking at the floor-to-ceiling "stuff" we all felt we needed to keep. Where do you start? Well, to be a bit corny, I'm going to borrow something from my mom... you start right where you stand cleaning up one inch at a time.
For blogging, you start with the idea that just came to mind. So there it is. To all those who don't know what to do with a blog, just start putting words on the page and allow your imagination to run free.
The answer for What to do? Start at the beginning.
Sable Angel
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