1. What or who inspired you to start writing?
I started writing years ago. I always enjoyed reading and you would find me almost anytime sitting in a chair with a good book in hand:) I wrote my first book in 2008 and that's when my writing really started. That's when I actually learned how to write. You never think it's that hard until you send in your first submission and the editor sends you back a list of things you did wrong LOL.
2. How did you come up with your idea for A Surprise for Christmas?
I originally wrote "A Surprise For Christmas" for a contest for Charity. The winners didn't win any money but the book would be donated for charity. Christmas is my favorite holiday. I've always loved to put decorate and drive around looking at all of the lights. I'm one of those people that can't wait until Thanksgiving is over so I can drag my tree out the next day. So for me writing a Christmas Romance wasn't that hard :)
3. What expertise did you bring to your writing?
I didn't really bring any expertise other than the love for reading and wanting to share good stories with other people.
4. What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio?
I am probably the most honest person anyone could meet. I'm an open book and don't hide anything. I'm married and have two wonderful boys.
5. As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?
I plan to continue writing. My stories are all over the place. I may write a short 20 page story or I may write a 200 page book. The genres will go from Romance to Mystery, to Paranormal. I write whatever comes to mind.
6. If you could be one of the characters from this book, who would it be and why?
Samantha the main character. She is a strong woman who can take care of herself.
7. Can you give us a sneak peak into this book?
This story takes place with Samantha making a wish on the Christmas star. She doesn't know by making a simple wish that he entire life is going to change. She wakes up and finds a baby on her doorstep. She becomes and instant mother and is no longer alone, but then her world is turned upside again when the father of the child comes to claim what is his. She has to figure out a way to keep from losing the child she has grown to love.
8. Do you belong to a critique group? If so how does this help or hinder your writing?
I don't belong to an groups. I think they can be helpful, but what I've also found is the more people that you let read the book the more different opinions you will get. You will end up driving yourself crazy trying to please everyone that reads it LOL. I think if you just find a couple people that you trust to help you out you will do just fine.
9. When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step?
In 2008 I wrote my first book. My husband was my biggest supporter and without him I probably never would have had the nerve to hit the send button. Like I said I had no clue what I was doing. LOL So I got back a very helpful email with suggestions to improve my story. I put the time in and made the corrections and got my first contract. I was on cloud nine. If not for my husband though I may not have had the nerve to work on it and send it back in.
10. What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing)
The best advice I've recieved and I would tell new authors is don't do it for the money. Just write because you enjoy writing. If you focus on sales and all the other stuff it will take the enjoyment out of it for you. My other advice would be don't let a negative review get you down. You can't please everyone.
11. Do you outline your books or just start writing?
I usually just start writing. I'll do a small outline on scrap paper but I don't stick to it 100%. I use it more for a direction to go in. I don't use pen and paper either. I sit down at that computer and just start typing. Then I do my proof reads and everything straight from that file. If I tried to do it on paper I probably couldn't even read what I wrote LOL.
12. How do you maintain your creativity?
I don't have any schedule. I only write when I want to and when I'm in the mood. I don't force myself to sit down and write anything. I think that keeps it fun and relaxing that way.
Anything else you might want to add?
Lizzy, welcome to Rogue's Angels' blog! I also love Christmas stories, but rarely have the time during the holidays to sit down and enjoy them. Guess a good present to myself would be to take the time. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for being our guest today!
-Amber Angel