Lori Devoti, paranormal romance and urban fantasy author

And a peg leg at that. (I know, I know–so not funny.)

Two authors have agreed quite nicely to answer a few questions about PIRATES.

First—Darlene Marshall. Darlene longs for a little more swashbuckling in her life. To fill that void, she writes of piracy, smuggling and romance in 19th C. Florida, a good excuse to abandon the office and take day trips with the convertible top down to hotbeds of intrigue and romance like Fernandina, St. Augustine, and Micanopy. Florida is her home and her passion, and its history, politics, flora, fauna, and natural disasters provide a well of inspiration that never goes dry.

She shares her Florida home with her husband of 30 years, two sons who occasionally return to the nest and make snarky comments about pirate porn, a snake who had a cameo role in Smuggler’s Bride, and a dachshund who’s constantly on guard against squirrel encroachment.

Marshall has three books published, all available now from Amber Quill Press (www.amberquill.com): Captain Sinister’s Lady, Smuggler’s Bride, and Pirate’s Price.

CAPTAIN SINISTER’S LADY– Morgan Roberts, AKA “Captain Sinister” would like nothing better than to settle down with a nice lady When Amanda Stephenson practically falls into his lap while he’s robbing her ship, he’s sure it’s a sign she’s the one for him. No matter what her own plans are for the rest of her life.

PIRATE’S PRICE–Christine Sanders is a runaway bride who believes the best way to live comfortably on her own is to turn pirate. And the perfect man to rob is her own husband, Justin Delerue, Lord Smithton, especially since he got rich by marrying her against her will and taking her inheritance! When Smithton himself is taken captive he has a different plan for his pirate bride, and could very well end up stealing something from her–her heart.

SMUGGLER’S BRIDE–Rand Washburn is on top of the haul of his life. He’s not going to let some sassy, misplaced Englishwoman mess up the biggest smuggling operation ever seen in Territorial Florida. Rand will do whatever it takes to stop Julia, even if it means getting out the shotgun and making her the smuggler’s bride.

RWA has a little bit in their email newsletter about second sales–listing them that is. Why you ask? Because contrary to what a lot of aspiring writers think–the second sale (contract) is not a sure thing. I and many of my friends are bobbing around in this limbo ourselves right now.

With that in mind I wanted to post a
few second sale stories here on my blog. Only, one kind soul has shared hers with me so far, but I’ll try and dig up some more. So, here is the first in what I hope will be more second sales stories.

Gail Dayton has had four books published–two with Silhouette Desire and two with Harlequin’s Luna line. A rather interesting hop from Desire to Luna, and Gail was kind enough to tell me how it happened.

–From Gail–

I can not only give you a second sale story, but a third…sort of.

Okay, my first sale was to Desire. I sent a partial in January of 2000, sent the complete in March, and they bought it on May 31. Wow! So of course, I thought I had it made. Problem was, this was the 1st Desire I’d written–I’d been all over the place in my writing (still am)–so I had Nothing under the bed to follow up with. I tried a couple of things and got shot down. Then my editor went out on maternity leave.

It took a while to get an interim editor, and about the time my original editor was about to return to work, 9/11 happened. (My sheikh book was released that November–sales weren’t great, but they weren’t bad either.) So the editor decided Not to come back. And it took another couple of months for the interim editor to be confirmed as my new official one. Then H/S New York moved their offices, so nothing happened for another month or so. By this time, it was 2002, and I had sent in a
rich girl/poor boy story (about the 4th ms I’d tried). But poor boys weren’t doing well, so they turned it down, and I asked if they thought it would work if I made him rich. One major re-write later, they bought the book. Two years after my first sale. It came out in 2003.

About this time, Harlequin underwent their major reshuffle, moving editors to new lines, promoting them, re-arranging them, etc., etc. And I was submitting new proposals for Desire and getting them shot down. All this time, I’d been hearing about this new fantasy line Harlequin was starting up: Luna.

Fantasy was my first love. I read fantasy back when I still thought kissing was icky, long, long before I discovered romance. So I watched, listened, and read the first few books that came out. Then I worked up a proposal for Luna. While waiting to hear about those Desire proposals I kept sending in. A year after my 2nd Desire sale, in August 2003, I got
a call from my editor: They loved my Luna proposal and wanted to contract for three books.

I still haven’t sold another Desire, despite continuing to submit proposals on a semi-regular basis. The Lunas do keep me busy, which I know is part of it. And the other part may be that, while I read a lot of Desires and they definitely have a place in my heart, that’s not where my head is any more. I think I’m going to focus on the fantasy and paranormal arena for a while…

Visit Gail on the web at www.gaildayton.com.

Eeek! I’ve been lazy lately, but I’m trying to be better. Here’s an interview with Ryka Mennen, author of suspense and paranormal novels.

Q.) First tell us about your books.

RM) Well, somehow I stared out writing romantic suspense then got sidetracked with paranormals – so now you’ll alternate releases – suspense and paranormals. I try to keep things light, humorous, believable, and sensual. My goal is for readers to remember my characters – I want them to think back and say Kyra was like that or Leena did this.

Q.) Your current releases are both in ebook format. What do you like about writing for this market? Do you think it is any different to writing for a strictly traditional publisher?

RM) Before my foray into the fiction world my only experience was with writing non-fiction—scientific research articles. So I had no experiences to compare e-publishing with; I like the quick releases in e-book format. I don’t think an e-book publisher is that much different from a print publishing house. I am held to very high standards by my e-book publisher, Champagne Books, and my editors are of the caliber that I would expect to find at any high level house. I enjoy ‘meeting’ readers online and find myself involved in more chats and discussion loops than I had expected to. I wish I had more time to devote to these for they are quite enjoyable.

Q.) I’m reading my first book in this format and was really surprised at how much I like it. What can you say to encourage other people to try ebooks?

RM) I’d say try it – its easy, convenient, and you’ll see more books from your favorite author published faster I believe. I travel a lot and before I discovered e-books, half the weight of my suitcase was from the books I was lugging along. Now I simply turn on my computer and I have the same reading enjoyment with less hassle. You’ll find great stories, some terrific new voices – a must try in my opinion.

Q.) Are you a plotter or a panster? Character-driven or plot driven? Ever try to be the opposite? Do you have a set method you use when starting a book?

RM) Definitely a plotter. I mean I make lists of things I’ve completed so I can cross them off! I start a book with a long synopsis of about 5 or so pages and then what I call my story-board – a chapter by chapter outline of the main points. Though my characters do take over at times and the plot takes some twists and turns I hadn’t anticipated, I’ll at least have a basic outline to follow.

Q.) What common element can readers expect to find in all your books?

RM) Strong women definitely! Despite intermittent doubts they basically know who they are, go after what they want, and march to their own drummers. And sensitive men for the most part. I’m kinda’ all “alpha-maled” out for now. I also like introducing secondary characters who will feature in the next book. Gives a nice sense of continuity and family. There is usually one special moment or event in each story – something that a reader can sigh over and remember, well after the book is read.

Q.) Any new projects on the horizon? What would you like to try next?

RM) LOL – I have enough on my hands writing my Operation series and paranormals and trying to keep up with my academic research career. I have about four more books under contract with Champagne Books. Starting in 2007, expect to see a three-book historical series set in Elizabethan England, published under the pen name, Audrey Weston. However, if things ever slow down, I would like to finish my fantasy book and submit that.

Q.) And, finally, where can people go to purchase your books?

RM) The anthology, Stupid Cupid is available in mass market paperback, so just head to Amazon or your friendly neighborhood book store. The ebooks and trade paperbacks are available at www.champagnebooks.com

What with printing and binding ARCs of my new release and finishing up a couple of proposals, I’ve gotten a bit behind in blogging. To make up for it, I’ve got a great interview today with Shelley Bradley. In addition to being a writer, Shelley is the creator of plotting parties–an idea I just LOVE. So, here you go…

Q: In November Karin Tabke stopped by my email loop, plotspot–and did a presentation on plotting parties. She said they were your baby. Where did you get the idea, and how do you use them? Can you share a success story or two?

SB: You know, it’s been so long, I don’t remember exactly how the idea came about. I know my critique group at the time (4 of us) plotted together during out usual 2-3 hours together bi-weekly and it wasn’t enough. It may have been born out of that frustration. I just know that the first time we got together in a hotel room for a day and a half, we all came away with useful plots and had a great time doing it.

Typically, we’d draw names to see who would go first. From there, it differed. Some people only came with ideas. Others came with plots half or mostly formed and just wanted help fleshing out. 3 of the 4 of us used storyboards and would fill it in as things were discussed and decisions made. We eventually got so proficient at it that we’d start on a Sunday morning at 9 and finish by 5 that day and have anywhere from 4-6 plots either mostly or wholly completed. My
preference, however, is to allow a bit more time. Getting some fun in-between the hard work of plotting actually makes things flow a bit more easily. Weekend parties are the best! Bring wine and snacks and be prepared to work hard.

Once we started doing these several times a year and writing the resulting stories, the 4 of us collectively sold over 30 books in the next 4 years. Once things started clicking, we were all on a roll!

Q: Left to your own devices, would you call yourself a plotter or a panster?

SB: When I very first started writing, I was a panster all the way. Now, I’m the polar opposite. I know 90% of my plot before I ever begin putting words to page. I find there’s 3 advantages to this:

1. From a practical standpoint, I think it’s easier to sell on synopsis and develop your editor’s trust if you’re able to fully explain the book you plan to deliver.
2. Knowing where you’re going frees you up to focus on the finer elements of the book: character, description, dialogue, wordsmithing. When I write a first draft, I’m at that level because I’m not trying to decide if I want event A or event B to happen and what the repercussions of that choice will be. A lot of writers say that once they know the story totally, they feel like it’s been told and they don’t want to write it. I look at that as, I know the story but no one else does, and since I know it, I can concentrate on making it the best possible so it’s ready to share.
3. I’m extremely time-challenged. Lots going on in my life! I don’t have time to write and re-write and re-write. I don’t do multiple drafts of a book. I write it, polish it, send it out for critique, read it one more time, then send it to my editor. I don’t ever re-write a whole scene, much less a chapter or more because I’ve already determined the outcome and point of every scene, cut anything extraneous, saw where I could add more for some oomph–all in the plotting process. I do make a few modifications as I go, but usually to logistical things, rather than overall plot itself. The result? In the 11 books I’ve turned in over the course of my career, I’ve done 4 hours of revisions for my editors total, all books combined. For me, once I type The End, I want the book to be over and ensuring a tight plot in advance, getting my editor’s buy in, then delivering what I promised generally ensures that I don’t do much in the way of revisions.

Q: Can you tell us about your newest release, Bound and Determined?

SB: Wanted for kidnapping:
To prove her brother innocent of embezzling three million dollars, Kerry Sullivan abducts hunk-of-the-month computer security expert Rafe Dawson. The attraction between them sizzles, resulting in a deal: the price of his services in exchange for hers. After forty-eight hours of Kerry’s passionate surrender, infectious optimism and unwavering loyalty, Rafe is emotionally alive for the first time in his life. But can he win the girl once her brother is freed, the real embezzler is caught and their deal expires?

BOUND AND DETERMINED is my first contemporary, so I’m really thrilled to be doing something so different for me and so fun. I’ve received lots of rave reviews and am writing more books in the series–and having a great time doing it.

Q: Your tagline is “Sizzle from the Heart”. Is that the common thread in all your books? What can readers expect?

SB: Absolutely a common thread. Readers who dive into my books can expect steamy reads with a lot of emotion because, as a reader myself, that’s my favorite sort of book. The rest–whether it’s suspenseful, funny, poignant, otherworldly, etc. is only the back drop. I feel that my job is not just to entertain, but to evoke emotions in the reader, so I construct plots around that goal.

Q: What do you love about being an author? What could you do without?

SB: What do I love about being an author and what could I do without? The writing… It just depends on what day you ask me (g). I love that I can create people and situations and worlds and make it whatever I want it to be. But sometimes, the worry that it’s not coming out right or it could be better conveyed make owning your world stressful.

Q: Any new projects on the horizon? What would you like to try next?

SB: I have several projects on the horizon. The follow up to BOUND AND DETERMINED is called STRIP SEARCH and will be out in July. I’ll follow that up with my first trade paperback erotic romance, tentatively titled GOOD TO BE BAD. It’s due out next January. I’m hoping to continue both of these series later in 2007 and into 2008. I should know more soon.

Q: And finally, where can readers find your books?

SB: At their local or online bookstores, definitely Waldenbooks, Borders, Barnes & Noble or their online outlets. Chapters in Canada is carrying them, I’m told. For readers in Australia and the UK, Rendezvous Bookstore has you covered.

Back to the interviews! I have four planned for this month. First up is Debra Parmley. Debra is in RWAonline with me and is also a finalist in American Title II. Welcome, Debra!!

Q: First tell us about your book.

DP: Desperate Journey is a western historical romance set in 1867 along the old Chisholm Trail.
Sally Wheeler travels to Texas to find and retrieve her son from the husband who stole him and abandoned her on their failing Kansas farm. She learns he has another wife and her marriage is a sham.

Rob has thought of nothing for the last seven years except balancing the scales of justice on Luke Wheeler, the man who sent him to prison for a crime he didn’t commit.

Believing Sally will lead him to Luke, Rob follows her. When she discovers this, she asks him to travel with her. She’ll stop at nothing to find her son, even traveling with a handsome maverick bent on revenge.
Through the dangerous journey, Sally and Rob learn to respect each other. Love grows. But Rob is torn. Love for Sally puts his plans for revenge at risk. If he kills Luke, can he ever win her heart? And Sally doubts her ability to judge men. How can she follow her heart with Rob when she was badly mistaken in her first marriage? She knows from hard experience men aren’t always what they appear. And she fears her son will get hurt when Rob finds Luke.

Once her son is safe, will Sally dare to trust her heart just one last time?

Q: What made you decide to enter American Title? Had you entered any of the RWA contests with this book before that? What kind of results did you get with those contests?

DP: I first heard of the American Title at the RT conference last year in St. Louis. It was my first RT conference and my first experience with the magazine. I had also entered this manuscript in the Bobbi Smith contest last year and I was thrilled to be called up on stage at the RT luncheon as a finalist. Bobbi met with me and told me I needed to start the first chapter in a different place, so I went home and rewrote it. Then when I saw the category for the next American Title was historical, I thought why not?

I can count on one hand the number of RWA contests I’ve entered and I’ve never entered the Golden Heart. Chapter contests have been disappointing because I’ve had judges say they really liked this manuscript but they had to stick with the judging sheet. It seems ironic to me because I’ve heard editors say they want something different, yet the contests sort of require everyone to do things the same way. I’m not adverse to editing, cutting and completely rewriting, but only to serve the manuscript, not a contest.

Q: How do you feel about your first sentence, etc. being posted on the web for everyone to judge? Have you received any feedback or fan mail from voters?

DP: I have to wonder how many writers ever think about their first sentence standing alone. I know I certainly didn’t. So I was rather nervous about that one. But all the judges have been kind to me. I was probably harder on myself about that first sentence than they were. Fan mail is absolutely the most wonderful thing in the world. Especially when people you have never met write to say they hope to be able to read this story soon. I’ve been thinking of printing those emails.

Q: Once you are established what can readers expect from you in future books? Will you stick with historicals or would you like to try something else? What makes your books different from others?

DP: I haven’t stuck with anything yet. So far I have a completed historical, a completed contemporary and I’m working on a paranormal. From what I’ve heard, once you sell, you need to stick with one thing for a while. So my thought up till now has been to try everything until I sell. Then I’ll follow editor and agent advice. I don’t see myself as writing in only one genre though. One thing I’ve learned is that I’m happiest working on two projects at once. This means if I’m working on a historical and going through a bumpy patch I can switch over to the contemporary, keep writing and pretty soon the bumpy patch will iron itself out. It’s kind of like trying to think of someone’s name while at a party and then on the drive home it comes to you. Sometimes we try too hard and need to step away. But it’s important to keep writing.

I’m not sure what makes my books different from others. I’ve been trying to think about what make them alike since they’re different genres. Both heroines were previously married. So perhaps one of my themes is the idea that it’s never two late to find true love. I firmly believe that.

Q: If this book were to be published, what would your dream cover be like? And where can readers learn more about you and your books?

DP: Well, I’m no expert so I would just ask the art department to do their very best and I would trust my editor. Hopefully the cover would show something about the book. For a while there, flowers seemed to be the in thing on covers, and they’re pretty, but they don’t really tell you anything about what’s inside. Of course a handsome man on the cover always catches my attention.
Readers can visit my website www.debraparmley.com where I have a new feature I call Make-believe Mondays. I’ll interview authors and talk about creating fiction.

LD: Thanks for taking the time to visit with us and Good Luck!!!

DP: Thank you, Lori, and thanks for inviting me!

As I said in my earlier post, today I am posting interviews with two of the American Title finalists. Scroll down a bit to see my interview with Theresa Meyers. :) Now in the spotlight is Michèle Ann Young.

Welcome, Michèle!

First tell us about your book.

MAY: It is a marriage of convenience story, set in 1816 in London and Paris and a little bit in Norfolk, England. Lord Lucas Foxhaven and Caro Torrington were friends growing up, and although Caro would never admit it, she’s always had a secret passion for Lucas. When Lucas has to marry to get control of his inheritance, he thinks of Caro, the one woman who won’t interfere with his life. Will she? After the death of her father, Caro finds herself with three younger sisters and little money. Helping out a friend is one thing, but a marriage in name only to a man you once dreamed of is more than a little daunting. However, he is her best friend and it will make both of their lives easi! er. Won’t it?
Of course, they soon discover more than friendship binds them together and while their passions ignite in the drawing rooms of London and high society Paris, an intrigue threatens to ruin it all. Only if they admit to their love and throw out their bargain, can they triumph over the sudden danger from an unexepected source.

Q: If you could design your dream cover for this book, what would it look like?

MAY: As an author, I am hoping to get a dream artist to design the cover. I am much better at words than pictures. For this book, I would really like to see my couple on horseback - together. It is the opening scene of the book. I’m not sure if it is possible, however.

Q: What made you decide to enter American Title?

MAY: My book was ready, and it seemed like somthing different and exiting. Of course winning would be a wonderful opportunity.

Q: Had you entered any of the RWA contests with this book before that?

MAY: Yes, a couple.

Q: What kind of results did you get with those contests?

MAY: Good results. No finals, but some great insightful comments and some near misses. One or two of the judges really loved it, which made me think it had merit.

Q: How do you feel about your first sentence, etc. being posted on the web for everyone to judge?

MAY: It is quite nerve wracking actully. I suppose it is a bit like actually having a book published and having it reviewed.

Q: Have you received any feedback or fan mail from voters?

MAY:I have had a great many complements from voters who have taken their job of voting very seriously. I have had mail from person who liked my first line whom I did not know directly but who took the trouble to write a note on my blog.

Q: Once you are published what can readers expect from you in future books? Will you stick with historicals or would you like to try something else?

MAY: My first love is historicals. Some writers find the research intimidating. I do think one has to be as accurate as possible, but also tell a good story. I would like to write some really great historicals before moving to another genre. I have also started thinking about a fantasy/paranormal.

Q: What makes your books different from others?

MAY:I believe my books are relevant to today’s, even though dealing with a different era. My heroine in No Regrets is dealing with a low self esteem, something many women face.

Q:So we are ready to vote, what’s the schedule?

MAY:The next round of voting starts today, December 19th for the best Hero and heroine and finishes on January 1. (note from Lori: Again I got this a couple days ago.) The full schedule is posted at www.romantictimes.com. Voting takes place once a month until all but one of the contestants are eliminated.

Q: And where can readers learn more about you and your books?

MAY:My website www. micheleannyoung.com.

Thanks for taking the time to visit with us and Good Luck!!

Continuing with the American Title interviews, I’m going to post two more today, both finalists this year. First up is Theresa Meyers. Theresa is best known to many authors as the owner of Blue Moon Communications, a public relations firm that does a lot of work for writers. But she’s also a writer herself and an American Title finalist.

Welcome, Theresa!First tell us about your book.

TM: The Devil’s Maiden is a Scottish historical based on the actual North Berwick witch trial presided over by King James VI of Scotland, who later became King James I of England in 1603 (the man we credit with the King James version of the Bible.) The extent and the horror of the witch hunts of the time made the Salem witch trials looks like a little girl’s slumber party in comparison. I was captivated by the period and how much of it was politically motivated. A line popped into my head that started the book “Don’t marry the lass, Mangus. You’ll be dead before sunrise.” I wanted to find out who she was, why he’d die and what would happen to her. That was the start of The Devil’s Maiden.

The book centers on Sorcha MacIver. Suspected of witchcraft, she must find a man who can overcome the curse that haunts her and keep her from being burned at the stake. The Campbell clan believes her to be a Devil’s Maiden, able to keep her virginity via the dark arts, but Sorcha knows different. From the time she was little, everyone she loved, has died.

Seeking protection from the taint of witchcraft, Sorcha’s uncle hires a mercenary to marry her and take her virginity. He selects Ian Hunter, The Immortal Mercenary, as Sorcha’s groom. But Sorcha has her own plans. All Hunter wants is to earn his money and leave Scotland behind forever. His older brother stole his bride and is about to steal his inheritance as well. But once he weds the suspected witch, that’s when everything starts to go wrong.

Sorcha is a pawn in a deadly play for the throne of Scotland and they uncover political schemes between the treacherous lords of Scotland, where witch-hunts are only the beginning. (Think along the lines of what William Wallace endured in Braveheart.) Once they discover who is behind the deaths of Sorcha’s husbands and family, no one can stop the vicious game of death, deceit and power.

Q: If you were to design your dream cover for this book, what would it look like?

TM: I absolutely love Liz Carlyle’s covers where you see a woman’s hands or her shoulders, with a hint of a secret, like the girl holding the book behind her back on Three Little Secrets. I imagine if I were to have a dream cover it would be something similar to a swath of Campbell blue and green plaid, just below bare shoulders, a loosening plait of raven hair and her hands holding a little dagger behind her.

Q: What made you decide to enter American Title? Had you entered any of the RWA contests with this book before that? What kind of results did you get with those contests?

TM: I entered it more or less with the thought of, “this can’t hurt, might as well try.” I had entered The Devil’s Maiden into a few RWA contest, including the Hearts Through History chapter contest and the Golden Heart, but the book never finaled. I would always hit in the middle because I’d get a mix of low and high scores.

Q: How do you feel about your first sentence, etc. being posted on the web for everyone to judge? Have you received any feedback or fan mail from voters?

TM: My day job is as a publicist, so I wasn’t too worried about it. I’m use to counseling my clients on how to handle public attention. I also have a rejection file that’s approaching three inches thick for my books, which has gone a long way to developing the famous thick skin a writer needs in this business. What was a wonderful surprise was how well it was received. I did receive a lot of congratulatory emails and notes from voters telling me that they really thought it was the best first line (which thrilled me!). I’m just hoping that they like the other parts that will be posted just as well!

Q: Once you are published what can readers expect from you in future books? Will you stick with historicals or would you like to try something else? What makes your books different from others?

TM: I’ve been writing for over 10 years, so I have several books I’ve completed. I’ll continue to write historicals set in Elizabethan Scotland, but I also have some Victorian novels, and I write chick lit and contemporaries as well. (I’m a Gemini and trying to pin us down to one thing is nearly impossible.) In general I tend to work on two to three books at a time and switch off between them. What makes my books different? Good question. I’d say first my voice, a mix of sly humor and deep emotion shaken with a splash vivid description and flavored with a twist of suspense, and second my characters, who always tend to be out to prove something to themselves or others, but have to discover who they truly are first.

So we are ready to vote, what’s the schedule?

TM: The next round of voting starts soon!

• Best hero and heroine, starts on Dec. 19th to Jan. 1. (note from Lori: Uh, yeah, she sent me this a few days ago. Anyway, voting has started at Romantic Times for best hero.)
• Best story summary, Jan. 23 - Feb. 5
• Best Dialogue Scene, Feb. 20- March 5
• Best Romantic Scene, March 20-April 2

The winner will be announced on May 22!

Q: And where can readers learn more about you and your books?

TM: Absolutely! My website is www.theresameyers.com and I have story descriptions, a blog, a great extra’s page with links recipes and more just waiting for them.

Thanks for taking the time to visit with us and Good Luck!!

You guessed it…interview time. I’m enjoying this–hope you all are too. This time I’m doing a series of sorts, three writers associated with the American Title Contest. First up Janice Lynn last year’s winner.

First tell us about your book and how you got published.

JL: Jane Millionaire is my debut book and it got published in a fairly unique way. I won the publishing contract via the American Title contest sponsored by RTBOOKclub Magazine and Dorchester Publishing. I competed through 5 rounds of American Idol style competition and won when readers voted Jane Millionaire the #1 American Title. It was a dream come true.

Jane Millionaire is a spin on reality television. Sort of Miss Congeniality meets Joe Millionaire. My heroine is a cop who goes undercover to save her sister’s behind. Instead of falling for any of the eligible bachelors she falls for the producer and all sorts of trouble ensues.

Q: What made you decide to enter American Title? Had you entered any of the RWA contests with this book before that? What kind of results did you get with those contests?

JL: I entered the American Title contest on a whim. I’d never written a single title manuscript before (I’d been targeting category romance) but decided to try my hand with Jane Millionaire. The contest was free and I decided I had nothing to lose by entering and everything to gain. I had entered several RWA contests prior to the American Title contest. One Jane didn’t final in, the others she did, winning the prestigious Golden Pen and placing honorable mention in the other three.

Q : Do you recommend contests for other non-published writers? Why or why not?

JL: I’d feel hypocritical if I said no since I sold via a contest. I do think there are pro and cons to contests. The pros are obvious–feedback from other writers, a chance to have an editor or agent read your work, and getting your name out there. The cons, well, they aren’t as obvious. Although it shouldn’t happen, ideas do get stolen. Putting a high concept idea out in contests is risking someone else taking it and running with it. I think this is rare because most of the individuals in RWA are professionals, but it is a realistic risk. The other, much more likely to happen risk, is that contests can change your writing voice. Writing to final in a contest trains you to put certain things in certain orders in certain ways in those first pages, chapters. This can be good and bad, but I’ve heard editors at conferences mention cookie cutter submissions and I can’t help but wonder if contests aren’t contributing to this. Personally, contests were very good to me. I finaled in over 40 RWA contests with multiple manuscripts and won several of those contests. And, my first sale was directly from winning the American Title, so I’m definitely pro contests.

Q: How did you feel about your first sentence, etc. being posted on the web for everyone to judge? Did you receive any feedback or fan mail from voters?

JL: It seemed really strange to have my first line posted. Not as odd as having a “romantic scene” though. It was hard to resist lengthening the sentence to give the reader more information. Fortunately I didn’t because the contestants with the longer sentences were criticized for it. During the contest I started a Vote4JaneMillionaire yahoo loop (now the JaniceLynnReadersgroup) and friends and fans could join it and follow the contest there. I gave away prizes and posted information in regards to the contest there first. Amazingly I had people join from several countries–Australia, Canada, Venezuela, England, & of course, the US.

Q: What was the most exciting thing about the past year? Finaling, winning, seeing your book on the shelf, or something else?

JL: Finaling was fabulous, but winning—WOW. The Romantic Times convention was such a dream. Everyone treated me so wonderfully I felt like a movie star or something. The neatest thing about it was my husband surprising me by showing up for the awards ceremony. There were family issues where he’d decided to stay home so I could go without worries, but he drove 6 hours (in the rain!) to be in St. Louis for the unveiling of Jane Millionaire’s cover, stayed the night, and then drove the 6 hours home the next morning. That was fab and added to the whole dreamy experience! Holding Jane Millionaire in my hand for the first time was just as exciting….was I supposed to limit my answer to just one thing?? Oops. Let’s just say it’s all been a pretty amazing and exciting ride!

Q: How about now-do you have an agent?

JL: I do have an agent and a fabulous one! I signed with Pamela Harty at The Knight Agency in late August. We plan to start submitting my new stuff in early 2006.

Q: What can readers expect from you in future books? What makes your books different from others?

JL: I’m currently working on Causin A Commotion which is the sequel to Jane Millionaire. It’s Jill’s sister Jessie’s story. I’m also polishing my first paranormal. It’s a lighthearted romantic contemporary.
What makes my books different from others? Ack! That’s a hard one to answer. The simplest answer is to say “Because I wrote it”, but that’s probably not what you’re looking for. The thing that stands out to me and that a lot of reviewers have commented on is that Jane Millionaire is truly a romance. The story is romantic and so are the characters. I’m not talking sappy stuff, but just the kind of story that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside, satisfied. Well, at least that’s what it’s supposed to do. ;) I’m not saying there aren’t a lot of other books out there that are ‘romantic’, but more and more it seems romance is moving away from actual ‘romance’. Jane doesn’t and I’m working hard to make sure Causin A Commotion doesn’t, but it isn’t an easy thing to accomplish in all stories as some lend themselves to romance better than others.

Q: Do you want to write anything in addition to contemporaries?

JL: Uhm, I sorta answered that with my last one, didn’t I? I love contemporaries, but I had so much fun with The Glass Slipper that I’ve plotted two more light paranormals. I can’t wait to get started on them!

Q: Where can readers go to learn more about you and your books?

JL: Readers can find me at www.janicelynn.net or http://janicelynn.blogspot.com . On my home page there’s a place at the bottom where readers can join my yahoo group and become eligible for all the fab prizes I give away. Oh, and be sure while visiting to enter my contest to win ROSES EVERY MONTH FOR A YEAR! The drawing is on February 1st 2006.

Thanks, Janice, and good luck with everything!

To BUY Jane Millionaire go here. :)

I’d like to welcome Kate Pearce to my blog. Kate and I are both members of RWAonline and Your Virtual Book Bag. Kate’s new release is a Regency set romantica published by Ellora’s Cave.

Q.) First tell us about your books.
KP: Eden’s Pleasure is a Regency-set erotic romance. It’s about a widow who is offered the opportunity by the Harcourt twins. (Gideon and Gervase) who ruined her, to make all her erotic fantasies come true.

Q.) Are you a plotter or a panster? Character-driven or plot driven? Ever try to be the opposite? Do you have a set method you use when starting a book?
KP: I’m a true panster, If I write one page of plot, character notes and a list of what’s going to happen I consider I’ve done a lot. I think I’m 50/50 on the character and plot. I love adding complexities to both. I’ve never tried to plot. I feel as if I’ve told the story and what’s the point of writing it? I try and write in a more linear fashion these days as I’m often sending out the first 3 chapters and synopsis on spec now-of course sometimes that means I have to rush to finish the book but I’m fairly prolific.

Q.) Your current book is a Regency set. What attracted you to that period? Do you plan on setting future books in this period also?
KP: I love Jane Austen and I grew up reading Georgette Heyer. I’m originally from England and grew up near London. I have a deep sense of familiarity with the time period and the places. To me, writing about it is as natural as breathing.
I’ve written a follow up to Eden’s Pleasure which I’m busy editing at the moment before I ship it off to my agent and editor and I plan to write plenty more.

Q.) Your book is also Romantica. What made you decide to write spicier?
KP: I had a sense that I wanted to push myself as a writer. I gave myself permission to ignore all my inhibitions and really write as if no one would ever see the thing. (That was my original intention, The book sat under my bed for 2 years before someone coaxed it out of me.) I’ve always found writing the love scenes easy and my agent suggested I push that aspect of my writing just to see if I could-obviously I can,…

Q.) What can readers expect to find in all your books no matter the setting?
KP: Good question. Hopefully good tight elegant writing, strong characters and plots and quite a lot of sex!

Q.) Any new projects on the horizon? What would you like to try next?
KP: I’ve flitted around a bit with the various romance sub-genres. At the moment I have a contemporary erotic romance, a sensual Regency historical and a futuristic making the rounds of editors. I’m trying to focus a bit more and even do some career planning. I completed four books this year and almost wrote myself into the ground. Next year I intend to be more careful and perhaps more selective. On the horizon? A second Regency set erotic romance, a second futuristic (if anyone likes the first one) and a big new project involving werewolves, gothic romance and a historical setting, as yet undecided.

Thanks for the interview, Kate!

To learn more about Kate and her books, check out her web site.

Till next time–stay warm. It was -8 F in Wisconsin this morning. (brrr - I’d say something else but this is a G rated blog.)

Lori

This is something a little different for me, it’s an interview, except instead of being with the author it’s with a character. :) Miranda Chase is the heroine in my friend Teresa Bodwell’s second book–Loving Miranda. For more information on the book, you can visit the Your Virtual Book Bag blog.

I met up with Miranda Chase when she stopped in Denver on her way from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Fort Victory in Colorado Territory. Let’s see what she had to say:

September, 1868.
Denver, Colorado Territory

?: You’ve been away from Colorado Territory for a year now. What brings you back?
Miranda: My sister sent a letter asking me to come. This might sound strange, but Mercy ain’t never needed me. Once I got that letter, you couldn’t have kept me in Philadelphia if you tied me to a tree.

?: Last I heard, you were planning to marry Harold Pearson. What ever happened to him?
Miranda: Harold? He found a gal who suits him better. I had hopes he would choke on his wedding cake, but last I heard he was still kicking.

?: You’ve lived in the big city and on the frontier–which do you prefer?
Miranda: You want some fun in Fort Victory you can go to Rita’s Saloon or a church social. Pa and Mercy never did allow me inside of Rita’s so that left the monthly socials. And my sister wearing her gun and glaring at every man who asked me to dance. In Philadelphia I chose my friends. It wasn’t near as easy as I reckoned it would be.

?: Can you describe your ideal man?
Miranda: My pa. He’s not a handsome fellow, but he’s good and kind.

?: What are your hopes and dreams for your future?
Miranda: Truth be told, I’m afraid to hope, but I reckon I still have dreams. From the time I was a little girl playing with my doll, I thought sure I’d have my own family one day. I still think maybe it could happen. When you grow up you learn there ain’t no such thing as sure.

To find out what happens to Miranda check out Loving Miranda by Teresa Bodwell, or start with her sister’s story, Loving Mercy. Both from Zebra. :)