Writing

Martha Reynolds

August 28, 2012 23 Comments

Bio of Martha Reynolds: She’s a graduate of Providence College and studied at the Universite de Fribourg in Switzerland. Martha returned to Switzerland numerous times and is always looking forward to her next trip. Recently, she ended an accomplished career as a fraud investigator (many stories to tell!) and now writes full-time. Martha and her husband, and their little dog Bonnie, live in Rhode Island, never far from the ocean.

Q & A with Martha Reynolds

Describe yourself in five sentences: I’m living proof that it’s never too late to pursue a dream. Even when I was doing something I didn’t like, I always tried to do it well. When I stopped looking for the perfect man, I found the right man. I inherited my mother’s propensity to gain weight, and (fortunately) my father’s sense of humor. I have an older sister and a younger sister; yep, classic middle child.

Tell us about your books: My debut novel is “Chocolate for Breakfast.” It tells the tale of a young woman who spends her junior year of college in Switzerland. Yes, I spent my junior year in Switzerland! And I lived in a tiny room. And during that year, my father died unexpectedly. Other than that, my life was pretty boring, so I decided to make up a story about a young woman named Bernadette. Her year in Switzerland was much more riveting! ‘Bernie’ makes adult decisions and the rest of her life is really characterized by those decisions. I always said that even if only my friends and family read my books, I still didn’t want them to suck. From the feedback I’ve received so far, I’m very pleased.

What is the writing/editing process like for you? I write freely for as long as it takes, not worrying about spelling, grammar, punctuation. I just write everything that’s in my head. Every thought, every idea that relates to the work in progress. I have used an Excel spreadsheet to sketch out my characters. That’s just so I stay consistent on things like birthdays, anniversaries, favorite colors, etc. When I begin to edit, I slow way down. In the case of “Chocolate for Breakfast,” it took about six months for the editing. I did some of it, then turned it over to my editor, Teresa Kennedy. She didn’t think my original ending worked (she was right), so I completely rewrote it, and I think this ending works very well.

Hardback/Paperback or eBooks? Why? Chocolate for Breakfast is an e-book only. Because it was my first effort, I’d overspent my budget on editing, formatting, and the gorgeous book cover. I wouldn’t have gone with hardcovers anyway, as I think they’re overpriced and most people I know don’t read them. I have had some people ask for the paperback version of this book, and I feel bad that it isn’t available to them, although there’s a free Kindle app that enables anyone to read a book on their computer, or even their phone.

If you could write anywhere, where would it be? Easy question – Switzerland. By the lake in the summer, high in the mountains in a cozy chalet in the winter. As long as I have some solitude.

What are you reading right now? I just finished “Girl Unmoored” by Jennifer Gooch Hummer and am about to start “Where We Belong” by Emily Giffin.

For an author, how important is social media? For me, it’s everything. I don’t know what I would do to market my book without it. For the past year and a half, I’ve worked on building my platform through Twitter, Facebook, my Facebook writer page, LinkedIn, and my blog. Twitter friends retweeted information about my book, Facebook friends shared the Amazon link – I’m very grateful to all of them. And I’ve learned so much about publishing and marketing from the writer blogs I subscribe to. (sorry, I know I ended that sentence with a preposition, but writing ‘the blogs to which I subscribe’ sounded way too stuffy!)

What authors do you admire? Oh, there are so many! Flannery O’Connor, Claire Cook, Tonya Kappes, Amy Tan, the late Maeve Binchy. Just so many wonderful writers! And, of course, Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Faulkner. Harper Lee. Kathryn Stockett. Stop me, I’ll just keep going.

How did you celebrate your first book being published? Just a quiet dinner out with my husband, then screaming it all over the internet 🙂

Tell us about your daily routine: I wake up around 7:30 most days. Two cups of coffee and usually a power shake (almond milk, banana, protein powder, and frozen fruit), then it’s upstairs to write. I try to write for at least three hours each day. The afternoon is spent with household chores and reading, catching up on e-mail, blogs, etc. I’m usually up until 11:00 at night, and may do more writing, if I’m inspired. And now I always keep a notebook with me, because there are words, phrases, thoughts that must be written down!

What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Probably “to live your life without regret.” My husband has helped me to see that more clearly, and it’s really because of him that I’m writing full-time.

Can you tell us about any of your upcoming projects? I’m writing a novel now about a high-school reunion. There’s a lot of angst that accompanies a reunion, especially after so many years. Ghosts from the past can haunt a person for decades, and I’m tapping into some of that.

**Contact Martha:

Blog: marthareynoldswrites

Email: MarthaCFE@gmail.com

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**GIVEAWAY**

To enter to win a FREE Kindle download by Martha Reynolds, please leave a comment telling us what your favorite kind of chocolate is, along with your email address! A winner will be picked on Friday, September 7th!

Lauren Clark

August 20, 2012 8 Comments

Q & A with Lauren Clark

In five sentences, tell us about yourself: I am a mom to two great boys. I live in a historic house (aka The Money Pit) in a wonderful neighborhood in the Deep South. I adore the color pink (I have a pink cell phone case, a pink Kindle cover, etc). I used to be a TV news anchor and once interviewed Eliot Spitzer (client # 9…eww!). I have no sense of direction (It’s terrible. Ask my husband).

Have you always wanted to be a writer? Not always. My parents love to remind me that I wanted to grow up to be an Indian Princess named Tiger Lily!

Do you have a system for writing and editing? If so, what is it? I have to plot first, as my writing meanders all over the place if I don’t! My first-ever manuscript (probably 7 years ago) was a mess to fix!! I learned my lesson then, and now start out with note cards to brainstorm ideas for chapters, later type up a rough outline on my Mac, and then, get to work. The library is one of my favorite places to work, as it’s really quiet, allows coffee (with a lid), and I don’t have the password for the Internet connection!

What kind of research do you do for your books? With Dancing Naked in Dixie, I had visited Eufaula a dozen or more times, so I was very familiar with the setting. Now, however, I live four hours away, so I spent a lot of time on MapQuest and GoogleEarth to make sure my locations were accurate. I also fact-checked with books about the history of Barbour County and, of course, the official “Eufaula Pilgrimage” website.

George Clooney or Ryan Gosling? Ryan Gosling.

Which do you prefer, coffee or tea? Coffee. Flavored coffee, please!!

What are your guilty pleasures? I adore flavored coffee and drink wayyyy too much of it! I am also totally smitten with Downton Abbey. I loved every episode and cannot wait for Season 3!!

What are you reading right now? Divergent (audiobook). It is sooo good that I want to stay in my car and keep listening!

If you could write anywhere, where would it be? Santorini, Greece

What other authors inspire you? Sophie Kinsella, Jodi Picoult, Stephen King (love his book, On Writing)

Do you have any upcoming projects? I am working on story about The Pie Lab, which is an actual restaurant in Greensboro, Alabama. It’s a great little place, has wonderful pies (both dessert pies and quiche-type pies), and provides a place where local folks can get on-the-job training. My protagonist is a young woman who’s vowed never to return to Greensboro (her hometown), but is forced to do so when her husband leaves her for another man.

Additional comments by Lauren: The highest compliment a reader can pay an author is to write a quick review for sites like Amazon, BN.com, and GoodReads. It means the world to me and it’s helpful to see what people liked about the book (or thought could be improved). Also, I love getting email and answer every message!

**Visit Lauren at any of the below links:

Email: laurenclarkbooks@gmail.com.

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Some Days I Just Want To Write

August 16, 2012 6 Comments

Now that I’ve written two books and am in the editing process of both of them, I just want to write! Don’t get me wrong, I love editing and always have. There are days where I just want to wake up, fix a cup of tea and spend time creating all the ideas I have in my mind! I’ve spent so much time with the characters in the first two books that I’m wanting to make new friends. I know that some writers are talented enough to do both, edit and write, but when I tried last week to start another book, that darn blinking cursor stared back at me. (I guess you could say that my inner goddess was not happy with what I had written), so I deleted all two and a half pages. Looking back on it, I can say it was the right thing and that what I wrote was in fact not good!

But, there’s some good news — November is just around the corner. That means once again, I’ll be participating in National Novel Writing Month! Last year was my first year to participate and I loved it! I loved the way that I was so invested in it, not with only my characters, but the story, too. While it was difficult timing wise (Thanksgiving and getting ready for Christmas and my wedding anniversary), somehow I made it work (thanks to my amazing husband who supported me along the way — I couldn’t have done it without him). As for what I’m going to write this year, I have part of it already outlined and I’m really excited about it. Also, if you’ve not done NaNoWriMo before, I highly recommend it. It’s changed my life in the way I think of writing a book. Apparently, I can write a book in 30 days! 🙂

C. Robinson

August 16, 2012 6 Comments

Q & A with C. Robinson

Describe yourself in five sentences: I’m a passionate person and writer who takes life’s experiences and turns them into stories that people can relate to and learn from. I seek out opportunities and create them if I have to. I am not limited by a fear of making mistakes – I see them as material for my books. I’m a go-getter by nature, a positive person by choice and someone who finds humor in every day.

How did you come up with the title of your book, “Me and D*ck?” Once I had the concept of the book, a character who’s moonlighting as a partial escort (oral sex escort), I figured that Me & D*ck could serve as a double meaning: the main character deals with dicks on a daily basis and the main male character is Dick. It worked out perfectly.

Where is your dream place to write? The beaches of Malibu with a martini in one hand and a computer on my lap watching the waves crash against shoreline.

Hard/paperback or eBook? Both

What is your favorite word? Why? AWESOME – There’s so much positivity behind the meaning; it emphasizes greatness.

Explain your best setting for writing and editing? Laying on my bed with the music playing in the background listening to the rain hit the window. I seem to be most motivated to write during a thunderstorm.

What other authors do you admire? Tim O’Brien – The Things They Carried. He is able to connect to his readers in a unique way. Although the material is difficult and gut-wrenching, his style of writing still leaves the reader inspired as well as informed.

Have you always want to be writer? Yes. Writing was my strongest subject in school. As funny as it is, Mighty Ducks the movie, inspired me to want to write books that would be turned into movies.

What is your guilty pleasure? Nail polish (I have a habit of changing the color of my nails every other night) and watching Master Chef.

What is your favorite scene from “Me and D*ck?” Towards the end of the book when my main character, Sunshyne Mercy, realizes her self-worth, is empowered, takes a risk and is comfortable with who she really is.

What must a writer have with them at all times? An open mind and no limits on their imagination.

Do you have any upcoming projects? If so, can you tell us anything? The second book of the Me & D*ck trilogy is almost complete.

Additional comments from C. Robinson: Keep writing your life; you never know where the next great story will emerge from.

**Click HERE to read a guest post by C. Robinson!

**Visit C. Robinson at any of the below links:

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Carol Cadoo

August 9, 2012 2 Comments

Q & A with Carol Cadoo

Tell us about yourself by describing yourself in 5 words: Saucy Irreverent Funny Tough and Mom

What is a typical day like for Carol Cadoo? I live in a blender set on frappe. My typical day is never typical but one thing is constant. I live out in the country so at 5am I am on my patio having coffee and getting my list of to do, for the day. Love a list because I love to mark things off the list, not necessarily to keep track. I always write in the morning for 2 hours and at night for2 hours. The difference between a writer and someone who writes is that a writer writes daily, as a matter of self- discipline. Someone who writes gets to write whenever they want. On MWF I write for an additional 8 hours. When I am in first draft or first rewrite mode. I also have a busy life as a wedding planner and mom of one left at home with two adorable dog babies. I have an adult son living in Tulsa. Being the control freak I am; I also touch base to micro manage his life daily. I garden and work with others in creative projects. My house tends to be the Kool-Aid house for artist, musicians and other writers. They always know there is good coffee and conversation in my garden.

What or who inspires you? I tell you my sister inspires me she is a schizophrenic and has to work real hard to live a normal life. Things that we take for granted are hard work for her. She inspires me with her courage and steadfast desire to get better, in order to live a normal life. She is funny and bright a special person in a mean world; she lives her life with dignity and hope. I am awestruck by her courage. I always remind myself of that when I feel like I am having a bad day. There are worse days for people, so my little minor problems seem just that…minor. You know they say you can’t pick the path you walk. But you can decide how you will walk it. Colette walks her path with grace.

How long did it take you to write your book, Déjà vu of Love? Well I say 20 years because I started thinking about a book at 20 and actually wrote it at 40. Once I sat down to do it two weeks for a first draft. I naively thought the process was done, oh no little grasshopper. What I discovered was that writing the first draft just starts the process. So I made a lot of mistakes and had to learn how to write a book with this one. Got a few editorial critiques rewrote, restructured so my rewrite process with this book has been about 10 years. There is much to learn before the book actually makes it to peoples Kindle. I had to learn how the whole process of publishing worked. So this book has been a journey. The next two benefitted from all the learning, total time on each from first draft to publication about 18 months.

At what moment did you feel that you were a real author? When one of my editors cried when she read a passage, another one laughed those were the moments that I said to myself okay, you are now an author. I believe that writing is about putting the reader right smack dab in the middle of the story…living it. If they read the book from one of the characters prospective you have done your job as a writer.

If your book were to be a movie, who would like to play your characters? I would love for Bethany Frankel to play Jazz and Charlie Sheen as Gianni probably the guy who played Jack on Will and Grace for Patrick.

How did the idea come for Déjà vu of Love? Like most of my ideas it came up while I was gardening and playing the, what if game. I spend a lot of time growing 37 different sunflowers plus roses and lavender. After I come up with the basic story line I let the characters fill in the blanks. I find the more I stay out of their dynamics the better it all flows. So when I get into editing I really think it is more like channeling the characters. I have to go back and reread as I have no memory of writing anything. It is a real bazaar thing. If you have never experienced it, no one can explain it but weird is an understatement.

When writing, what are the 5 things you must have with you? Cold Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pepsi, Jalapeno almonds, coffee and my laptop

Have do you deal with writer’s block? I don’t believe in writers block, I think it is a myth. See here is the thing if you try and force your characters into dialogue or try and dictate how you want them to react; they plant their feet and go “no way”. Writers block is just an author trying to force their views or agenda onto the characters the characters rebel. That is why nothing works, it is best to walk away come back and write another day. Clean the house, play with your grandkids let thoughts of the book go away. Let the characters sort everything out amongst them, then when you go back everything falls into place. If you fight the characters nothing will happen.

What is your favorite part of the writing/editing/publishing process? Why? I love, love, love the rewrite process. I love the angst, the suffering the whole deal. It really makes me know I am a writer when I am knee deep in rewrite. Just love it fleshing out the details of the story line and really getting to know my characters.

Paper/hardback or eBooks? Why? Ebooks all the way. Somewhere in a forest in the world a mother tree and her children are thanking me. Somewhere in the world of the future, a mom will take her kids to a park to climb a tree. It has to come, the time is now, and we can no longer waste our resources. You know there will always be paper books. I believe that is the future role of the library. I write very good fluff. Not War and Peace but fun easy hammock, vacation, airplane and sick bed novels. I write them well; they are entertainment. I believe Kindle will replace paper books like elevators replaced stairs, not at all. There is nothing that will replace the smell and feel of paper and ink. But again use our resources sparingly.

Do you have any upcoming projects? If so, can you tell us anything? Yes the second install of this standalone nightstand trilogy Inheritance of Love is in final rewrite scheduled release is Nov 15^th ish. The third Journey to Love is scheduled for release Jan 15^th it just finished in first draft. Waiting for the first edit.

Additional comments by Carol: I hope everyone enjoy reading Déjà Vu of Love as much as I loved writing it. Also if anyone wants to drop me a line I would love to hear from you. They should always feel free to let other readers know what they think at Amazon by placing a review. Thanks for having me and I wish everyone a great summer and one good read in a hammock.

**Contact Carol:

Email: carolcadoobookstore@gmail.com

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Anita Hughes

August 6, 2012 5 Comments

Q & A with Anita Hughes

Who is Anita Hughes? I was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. I live with my family in a villa on the grounds of the St. Regis, Monarch Beach. I am a mother, writer, taxi service for my children, cook, laundress and dog washer.

What are your days/nights like? I take my children to school and then sit down and write. At noon I take a break and walk my dog to the beach. I love to think while I walk. By the time I get home I usually have the next section of my manuscript worked out. Then I pick the kids up, help with homework, make dinner and hang out with them in the evening. After they have gone to bed I revise what I wrote that day and plan the next day’s writing.

How did you come up the title of “Monarch Beach?” Actually an editor at St. Martin’s Press came up with the title! I am so grateful because it fits perfectly. I love my cover and my title: they make me feel like I’m at the beach even when I’m not.

If “Monarch Beach” were turned into a movie, who would you choose for actors? I could see Natalie Portman or Ann Hathaway as Amanda. Adrian Grenier would make a perfect Andre and Alec Baldwin would be terrific as Edward. I see Stephanie as someone really fun – maybe Kate Hudson.

What inspired “Monarch Beach?” I live on the grounds of the St. Regis and I am surrounded by beauty. I thought – if you were really unhappy would living in a gorgeous place make you feel better – or do you take your grief wherever you go?

How did you celebrate your first book being published? My children and I went out for frozen yoghurt. I did browse online for pretty shoes and dresses but I decided I would save that for my first author event.

What are your favorite must-haves for writers? I need my laptop, coffee and a good book. When I’m not writing, I’m reading, so I always have to have a great book on my bedside table.

Explain what would be your perfect day? Sleep in and then go to the spa and sit in the Tranquility Room. Then go for a swim or walk along the beach. At night, I love to watch a great movie or a show on HBO.

What’s your favorite snack to eat during the editing or writing process? I like a cup of coffee when I’m revising. It gives me a burst of energy to do my best work.

Do you have any advice for new writers? My advice is to completely immerse yourself in your manuscript. When I am working on a novel, I think about it all the time. Make your characters your friends, live in their world, and it will come alive.

What is the best advice you’ve been given? To write the books I want to read. I look forward to sitting down and writing – it is like reading but better. It is exciting to see what appears on the page.

Do you have any upcoming projects? If so, tells us: My second novel, MARKET STREET, will be released on March 26^th,2013. I love the cover and I’m really excited about it. A third novel, LAKE COMO, will come out some time next year.

Additional comments from Anita: Thank you so much for hosting me on your wonderful blog, Isabella!

**Visit Anita at any of the below links:

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**Click HERE to read my review of “Monarch Beach”

Tracie Banister

July 30, 2012 5 Comments

An avid reader and writer, Tracie Banister has been scribbling stories since she was a child, most of them featuring feisty heroines with complicated love lives like her favorite fictional protagonist Scarlett O’Hara. Her work was first seen on the stage of her elementary school, where her 4th grade class performed an original holiday play that she penned (Like all good divas-in-the-making, she, also, starred in and tried to direct the production.) Her dreams of authorial success were put on the backburner when she reached adulthood and discovered that she needed a “real” job in order to pay her bills. Her career as personal assistant to a local entrepreneur lasted for 12 years. When it ended, Tracie decided to follow her bliss and dedicate herself to writing full-time. Her debut novel, the Hollywood-themed Blame It on the Fame, was released in January, 2012. And she’s following that up with the fun summer read, In Need of Therapy.

Q & A with Tracie Banister

Welcome back, Tracie! Since you last guest appearance, how have you been? I’ve been busy! I’ve spent the last six months promoting my first book, Blame It on the Fame, while trying to get my second book, In Need of Therapy, ready for publication. In the midst of all that, I’ve been working on some new writing projects!

How long did it take to write In Need of Therapy? About seven months for the actual writing, then another month or so to proofread and fine-tune things.

Which do you prefer, writing, editing, or both? Why? I’m the type of writer who edits as I go, so I can’t really separate the two. It’s all part of the same process for me. My first draft is pretty close to my final draft. I never do major rewrites where I have to cut pages or rework a sub-plot.

Where did you get the ideas for this book? My overactive imagination, as always! 🙂 Truthfully, I have no clue where my ideas come from. I just start out with a premise, write detailed character bios, then jump into the writing. The characters come to life on the page, and they lead me where they want to go. The best bits in all of my books are the things I didn’t plan in advance.

What’s it like in a day of Tracie Banister? I am awakened every morning at 10 by my houseboy, Fernando, who brings me breakfast in bed (an egg white omelet w/spinach and cheese – very healthy.) I dictate a chapter or two of my latest novel to my personal assistant while getting my hair and make-up done (by professionals, of course.) Then, I’m off to meetings with my “team” (publicist, manager, agent, fan club president, et al.) In the afternoons, I do personal appearances, interviews, etc. Then, it’s back home to get ready for whatever movie premiere, club opening, or gala I’ve been invited to . . . Oh, wait, did you mean a day in my real life? Unfortunately, it’s not nearly as much fun as my fantasy life. In fact, it’s totally unglamorous. I’m chained to my desk for up to 10 hours a day, 6 days a week (this is why I have carpal tunnel and a twitchy eye!) My writing “uniform” is a t-shirt, sweats, and fuzzy slippers (I have them in 5 different colors – no lie!) The only breaks I take during the day are to exercise, do household chores, run errands, or play with my dogs. Other that that, it’s work, work, and more WORK, and I love it!

After being published, how do you celebrate? I really don’t do anything special other than have a few “Woohoo!” moments with friends and family.

What do you snack on while working? I’m not much of a snacker, although I will confess to eating breakfast and lunch at the computer almost every day because I hate taking time away from work to have a meal! We won’t even discuss all the crumbs that have accumulated in my keyboard!

Tell us your favorite word? Why? Serendipity. It’s a fun word to say! And I love the meaning: “The accidental discovery of something pleasant, valuable, or useful.”

What or who inspires you? My mother – she’s always succeeded in life by being kind, hard-working, and determined. I’ve, also, been very inspired by all the authors I’ve met during the course of my publishing journey. As a whole, they are a strong, positive, resilient bunch!

Name 5 things that every writer needs? 1) An excellent thesaurus. 2) Lots of multi-colored post-its for jotting down all of your brilliant ideas as they occur to you. 3) A Twitter account – social media is so important in connecting with readers and other writers! 4) Supportive friends and family. 5) CDs, a flash drive, or a memory stick – some place to save all of your work!

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given? The best advice I ever received was to self-publish and that came from multiple sources. I was just so worn out from having my work praised by agents and publishers only to be rejected because they didn’t think they could sell Chick Lit/funny women’s fiction anymore. I was at the point where I probably would have given up writing, but my family and friends all convinced me to give indie publishing a shot and I’m so glad they did! It’s been such a great experience, and now after all these years people are finally reading my books and giving me such wonderful feedback! My love of writing has been restored, and I’m excited to find out what the future holds for my career as an author.

What do you have coming up next? I have three different contemporary Chick Lit novels simmering on the backburner. I’m just trying to decide which one I want to write next! Meanwhile, I’m focusing on a novel that I’m calling “Regency Chick Lit” as it’s in the vein of Jane Austen/Georgette Heyer novels with a large cast of characters and lots of romance and comedy.

Additional comments from Tracie: I had a blast writing In Need of Therapy, so I hope everyone has just as much fun reading it! I think it’s the perfect summer read to take with you to the pool or beach (and it pairs nicely with a Mojito given that the heroine is part-Cuban! :))

**Visit Tracie at any of the links below:

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In Need of Therapy

Lending a sympathetic ear and dispensing sage words of advice is all part of the job for psychologist Pilar Alvarez, and she’s everything a good therapist should be: warm, compassionate, supportive. She listens, she cares, and she has all the answers, but how’s the woman everyone turns to in their hour of need supposed to cope when her own life starts to fall apart?

While working hard to make a success of her recently-opened practice in trendy South Beach, Pilar must also find time to cater to the demands of her boisterous Cuban family, which includes younger sister Izzy, an unemployed, navel-pierced wild child who can’t stay out of trouble, and their mother, a beauty queen turned drama queen who’s equally obsessed with her fading looks and getting Pilar married before it’s “too late.” Although she’d like to oblige her mother and make a permanent love connection, Pilar’s romantic prospects look grim. Her cheating ex, who swears that he’s reformed, is stalking her. A hunky, but strictly off-limits, patient with bad-boy appeal and intimacy issues is making passes. And the sexy shrink in the suite across the hall has a gold band on his left ring finger.

When a series of personal and professional disasters lead Pilar into the arms of one of her unsuitable suitors, she’s left shaken, confused, and full of self-doubt. With time running out, she must make sense of her feelings and learn to trust herself again so that she can save her business, her family, and most importantly, her heart.

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A Quick Update!

July 26, 2012 4 Comments

It’s been a long time since I’ve blogged, so thank you to my loyal followers for being patient with me. I hope I haven’t let any of you down.

First of all, can you believe summer is almost over? Thank goodness, because it’s hot in Texas!
If you’ve been keeping up with my BOOK REVIEWS, TOURS and GUESTS pages, then you know I’ve been busy reading and getting to know a lot of wonderful and inspiring authors!
As far as edits on my two books, Redefined Dreams and The Right Design, things are going great! I have two amazing editors who are helping me create two books that I’ve put my heart and soul into.
Happy Friday!
Oh, and I have a HUGE announcement coming on Monday, so stay tuned!

Rose McClelland

July 5, 2012 3 Comments

You’ve now written two books. How does it feel to be an author? I feel very grateful. I have been writing for a long time so it’s lovely to have my book ‘out there’ and to hear that people are enjoying it. That’s lovely.

If you weren’t an author, what would you be? I quite fancy the idea of being a librarian. I’m quite sure it would involve lots of putting the feet up and reading, wouldn’t it?

How did you celebrate your 1^st and 2^ndbook being published? Launch day for Book 1 – I met friends for lunch in a gorgeous restaurant with a high ceiling dome. Never mind the ceiling; I was as high as a kite. The book had gone into the Top 100 by 1pm. In the evening, I went for dinner with friends. By 10pm, I was exhausted, but in a good way.

The following night, I had loads of friends round to my apartment to watch a light show. It was an event organized to celebrate the opening of the Titanic museum – they couldn’t have timed it better if you asked me.

Launch of Book 2 – I will meet friends for lunch & then go out for dinner with friends in the evening. I like to celebrate as much as possible, can you tell?

People would be surprised to know that you…? I can’t drive! I tell people that this is because I lived in London for years where everyone used the tube. But the truth is; I’m too scared to learn!

What’s it like in a day of Rose McClelland? If it’s a writing day, I get up early, put the kettle on and switch on the laptop. I’m at my laptop drinking my coffee before I even have time to say ‘morning’. Pyjamas on and not a scrap of make-up; I write my ‘morning pages’. These are three pages of anything that comes into your head. It’s a technique devised by Julia Cameron to help you get past the fear and get on with it.

After that, I pour another coffee and make breakfast. I get out my book notes and look at what I’m going to write next. Usually in a previous session, I’ve made a rough sketch of what the next scene will be.

So, still in my pyjamas, I’ll crack on and write that scene. I pretend I’m just watching what the characters are up to and I just write it down. It doesn’t have to be funny or brilliant or clever, I’m just recording what’s happening. Most of the time, it turns out okay.

After I write the scene, I do a bit of exercise, have a bath, and make lunch.

In the afternoon, I’ll go shopping or meet friends. And in the evening, I’ll go out to the cinema /theatre or have friends over.

What is your favorite part of the writing and/or editing process? My favorite part is when I’m about halfway through the first draft; when I’m starting to get to know the characters well. From that point on, the writing comes easily and the words gallop along. It’s the editing that’s a bit harder…

Hardback, paperback or eBooks? Ebooks – definitely. Hardbacks are too heavy. Even paperbacks are too much to lug around. But a kindle – now that can just slip into your handbag no problem. I also love the ‘sample’ option – it allows me to get a good idea of the style of the book before I’ll consider buying it. And then of course, once I decide to buy it, it’s there immediately!

What is your favorite word? Why? Autumnal – Isn’t that lovely? It evokes an atmosphere of copper leaves; romantic walks; being wrapped up in a warm scarf and gloves; puppy trotting along.

What motivates you to keep writing and/or editing when writer’s block hits? If I get stuck in a story, I will ‘go back to the drawing board’ – looking at the overall plot – the beginning, middle and end. I’ll try to stand back from the picture and wonder what else the characters would have done. It’s important to take a step back and ‘watch’. I try to observe what my characters are up to.

In terms of motivation, it can be hard to write if you’ve just received a knock-back. If this is the case, you have to remind yourself why you write – because you enjoy it, because it’s a pleasurable past-time, because it’s a fun way to express yourself. When you write for the process, rather than just the outcome, then you experience the joy of it again.

What is your favorite editing, reading or writing accessory? My ear-plugs! I would be lost without them. I need perfect peace and quiet to write!

How would you spend your perfect day? I would wake up late (next to some Adonis creature of course); I’d have coffee and croissants (in an ideal world I wouldn’t be wheat intolerant). I’d sit at my desk looking out over the river writing (that bit does happen). I’d then get dressed up (selecting from a range of gorgeous clothes) and head off into town where I’d meet fabulous friends for lunch and shopping. In the evening I’d head to the theatre or cinema with my Adonis creature (no, scrap that, he’s too busy looking at himself – just a normal bloke) and we’d have a lovely evening chatting and laughing.

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects, or do you have anything you’d like to share? I’m writing my fourth novel at the moment. It’s set in the theatre world and it’s all about the sizzling chemistry that goes on behind the scenes. I love writing it!

**Contact Rose!

**Click HERE to read my review of “How To Look Like You!

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