I am happy to have Deborah here at the Pen to Paper Blog.  Deborah has alot of information for writers so lets get started

                              

 

  

1. Tell us something about you and your books

 

I write Western romance set in Montana. My heroines are strong women, because you had to be very strong to survive on the frontier, but they are also Victorian ladies. My heroes are alpha males, because when you have gun-toting, horse-riding cowboy types, they are all strong, take charge men.

 

I have a degree to teach American history, so I’m compelled to write stories set within that context. That’s not an easy sell, but I love to write about the way men and women created our country, with hard work, perseverance and faith.

 

 

1.  Are there any new authors who have grasped your attention?

 

I’ve been reading a lot of Steampunk, which is set in the Victorian era. Gail Dayton is a talented writer, and I loved her book,” New Blood”. She isn’t exactly a new author, but she’s new to me.

 

1. Do you have any advice for other writers?

 

Don’t give up, don’t quit. I had five years from the sale of my first book to the sale of the second one. I wrote 3 books in-between, and still keep sending them out. You collect rejections, and if you see some of the same messages, you revise. Keep writing.

 

1. What’s your latest book about?

 

“Promise Me” is the story of a young widow, Amanda Wainwright, who suffered through a loveless marriage with an older man that was arranged by her father. She made a deathbed promise to her husband to go to Willow Creek and help the miners. He was searching for repentance, but Amanda is searching for meaning for her life. She meets Sam, who is a handsome, charming and glib businessman. What she doesn’t know is that Sam is actually a Secret Service agent, in town to investigate a conspiracy of mine owners to control the price of silver and possibly change the US monetary system. The story is about how they meet, have an affair and fall in love set against the backdrop of a wild mining town.

 

1. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

 

I visit Montana almost every year, so the setting seems to come from trips there and my love of the landscape. My characters come from studying people, hearing personal stories and taking the “What if?” question to a full development into an outline, then a story.

 

1. What promotional ideas can you give to other beginning authors?

 

Because part of my job is arranging author events for one of the busiest library systems in the country, I always advise authors to consider ways to promote with libraries. Many authors only consider book stores when they want to promote, but libraries are in the READING business, so they can help you reach a new audience. And the promotional opportunities are quite amazing, and usually free to the author.

 

1. What advice would you give to somebody trying to get a literary agent?

 

I’ve sold two books without an agent, and since I haven’t really gone through the process, I can’t give advice. Sometimes you can sell directly to a publisher, and the might make it easier to find an agent to represent you. Since I work in the “book business” I have a lot of knowledge and experience. While an agent would get me read by some houses I can’t contact, at this point in my career it’s not something I’m focused on.

 

1. Are there any thing you would like to say to other aspiring writers?

 

Keep writing – and while it’s important to create something new, it’s also important to revise what you’ve written. Many writers stop at the point where they could benefit from one more deep, concise and through edit. I learned this from my last editor, who was fabulous by the way. But much of what she pointed out to me should have been fixed before I submitted it. I work much harder now on the editing part. I can write very fast, and just let my imagination go in the creation phase because I know I’ll be working equally hard to polish and edit the manuscript.

 

Also, don’t go against the grain. I hear so much about not writing to the market, and while that’s true, if I had written anything except a Western I think it would have been easier to publish my second book. Because I don’t write historical romance set in England or Scotland, it’s been more difficult for me to build a career. But, I can’t write what doesn’t feel good to me, so if you do insist on writing outside the NY publishing box, you might have better luck with a small publishing house or an E-book publisher.

 

1. As a child what did you want to do when you grew up?

 

I wanted to be an actress and dancer. But, my mother was a single parent trying to raise three daughters. There wasn’t money for dance lessons, so I became a teacher. I played school a lot with my sister and cousins, so I know that was part of my dream too.

 

1. As a writer and published author how do you feel about e-publishing

 

I have thought e-publishing was the future for over eight years. When I was first hired at the library system, we had a program from the man who was creating the typeface for the Microsoft E-Reader, (which was never launched by the way). He said something that really did resonate with me. “Do you think five years into the future we will be cutting down trees to publish books?” There’s tremendous waste with traditional publishing, because so many books are published in Southeast Asia, transported by boat to the US, shipped to bookstores, and then many destroyed when they don’t sell. No wonder publishers have difficulty making money – it’s an 18^th century model! With e-books and POD (Publish on Demand) there is less waste of precious resources, and your book never goes out of print. The Kindle has proven the public will read digital books, and I think it’s exciting. There will be always be print books, but the e-book is another very viable format.

                                                           

                                                               

1. What advice would you give to other aspiring authors about getting their work placed with a big publishing company?

 

Consider what your reasons are for wanting that – are you imagining a huge advance? Many publishers don’t pay large advances to first time authors, so you might be shocked at what you are offered. Is there a reason you have a “dream publisher” and be clear what that is, and then create a series of objectives, a work plan to get you there. It might include small steps like publishing with smaller presses. Or you might have the book that publisher is looking for, and if you do – find a way to get it in front of them if you don’t have an agent. I won two major contests with my first book, and the second one came with a publishing contract. Look for those kinds of opportunities.

 

12.  Please give us a list of all of your books currently available.

 

“Promise Me” will be released on January 22, 2010. My first book, “Beneath a Silver Moon” is available used on Amazon, but is out of print. That’s one of the reasons I love being published by The Wild Rose Press, because in addition to great attention to detail, being part of a business owned and operated by women and the amazing editorial support I received, my book will never go out of print.

 

13.  How long does it take you to do research on the books you write?

 

I spend a lot of time on research, before I start a book and while I’m writing it. But, I also have a system of jumping over the details and doing the specific research after I’ve written the first draft.

 

1. How do you give credit to any research you do?

 

I don’t use research verbatim, like a high school history lecture. I use research to create the mood of the times, to know how people dressed, how they spoke and what they were interested in, but it’s fiction – and Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick has pointed out that if we make mistakes, our readers will forgive us. They want a good story, not a historical non-fiction book.

 

1. What inspired you to become a writer?

 

I love telling make-believe stories about imaginary people. Watching a world take shape word by word is an astonishing thing. First you have people on paper, but eventually – at least for me – you hear their voices, know what they are feeling and become part of their world. Then you publish that story and other people can visit that world too.

 

1. How did you go about getting published?

 

I was a finalist in the New Historical Voice contest sponsored by Dorchester Publishing s and Romantic Times magazine. All three of the finalists were given a publishing contract.

 

1. What is your novel about

 

After spending years in an arranged marriage as the repressed wife of an older man, Amanda Wainwright has learned the hard way that money can’t buy happiness.  She arrives in Willow Creek, Montana determined to keep a deathbed promise to her husband and do something to help other people.  When Amanda meets a handsome, mysterious stranger who tempts her with sweet promises and long nights of passion, she discovers a fiery, passionate nature that could lead her to disaster.

 

For Samuel Calhoun, falling in love wouldn’t just be foolish, it could be deadly. He’s on  assignment as an undercover agent for the Secret Service. In order to maintain his secret identity he accepts an offer from a consortium of mine owners to seduce, humiliate and ruin the Widow Wainwright. Before long, Sam knows he’s met the woman who can banish the aching emptiness in his soul and he’s willing to risk everything – even his life – to be with her.

 

 

1. Where do you do most of your writing?

 

I write at home in our family room. I learned early on to write with noise around me, because when I started writing I owned a child care business and wrote during nap time. With only my grown son and my husband at home now, it’s pretty quiet. This year I’m going to finally get an office, and I’m looking forward to that.

 

1. Are you working on other things, if so what are they?

 

I’m writing a Steampunk fairy tale, “The Scarlet Cloak” that is my first young adult book. I love all the alternate history elements I can combine with magic and science. I’m actually something of a science geek, (I taught workshops for The Pacific Science Center) so this has been an adventure for me. I like focusing on the two main characters, and how they will grow from girls into women and not having the main focus be a relationship. Of course, there will be romance in this book!

 

1. What do you enjoy most about your writing?

 

I love reading something that I thought was really horrible at the time I wrote it, and realizing that it’s good, very – very good. That doesn’t happen much, but when it does, that feeling is fuel to continue working on the story.

Thanks Deborah for being here.  You have left us with a lot of great info

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

                    

Amber, I am so excited to have you here at the Pen to Paper.  You are a very talented author.  Let’s get started, we have alot to cover

1. Tell us something about you and your books

 

I’m a multi-published romance author and a member of Romance Writers of America and the Gulf Coast Chapter of RWA. I live on the Gulf Coast with my husband and three labs. My published titles include a romantic suspense DENIED ORIGIN, published in paperback in ebook from The Wild Rose Press, western romance and 1^st Place More Than Magic Novella BLACKEST HEART, which is also available now in the paperback anthology THE WAY BACK HOME. Black Lyon Publishing recently launched my first historical romance, FOREVER AMORE, in paperback in ebook.

 

1.  Are there any new authors who have grasped your attention?

Absolutely! Larissa Ione made huge splash last year with her Demonica series. I’m dying to read more! I recently read some of Ann Aguirre’s work, which is fascinating. I’m looking forward to reading Annette McCleave, Judi Fennell, and Kris Kennedy.

 

1. Do you have any advice for other writers?

So many writers just starting out are more focused on getting published than writing the story. That’s just not the way it happens. Writing comes from the heart, the soul, and should be rewarding all in itself. It could take years and years to get into your target market, the industry is ever-changing and many authors come and go in a flash. If a writer doesn’t find those rewards in the writing, they’ll never be satisfied.

 

1. What’s your latest book about?

 

BLUEST HEART is the sequel to 1^st Place More Than Magic Novella BLACKEST HEART, a western romance that takes place in Wayback, TX. It is the second book in the Ridge family trilogy. The final installment, BET IT ON MY HEART, will be released later this year.

 

The Wayback bachelor is a dying breed, but that doesn’t stop Casey Ridge from wanting to settle down. For this cowboy anyone but Josie Brusky would be an easy wrangle. Unfortunately for him, the Blue Bug singer and owner of Josie’s Treasures doesn’t believe in commitment much less marriage.

Years ago, Josie lost her heart to Casey’s charm and dimpled smile. Since then she has done everything she knows to forget him. After all, she’s known as the local harlot and the daughter of the town’s biggest bigot. Casey could have any girl he wanted. Why would he saddle himself with her? In the wake of a shattering past, she refuses to give up her independence.

Casey digs down deep to win her over, but does he have what it takes to win Wayback’s BLUEST HEART?

1. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

 

Anywhere and everywhere! The idea for BLACKEST HEART and the subsequent trilogy came from an article in a magazine about an actress. It wasn’t the words the glimpse into her life that piqued my interest. It was the pictures of her visiting a ranch. The concept of an A-list actress returning to the peace and quiet of a dusty town like Wayback, TX and life on her family ranch intrigued me. From the minute I added a silent, bull-riding cowboy to the mix, I knew I had to write the story.

 

1. What promotional ideas can you give to other beginning authors?

 

Networking is the biggest weapon in your promotional article. Join the latest social networking site. Learn to use it. Scour publishers lists and join in organized promotional group activities. Develop a unique site and draw people to it. Group blogging also seems like a great way to double promotional efforts. If you’re willing to do the work, it works!

 

1. What advice would you give to somebody seeking a Literary Agent?

 

AAR’s site is a great place to go to research prospective agents. Look for the agent who is going to be as passionate about your book as you are.

 

1. As a child what did you want to do when you grew up?

 

A mermaid, a teacher, a marine biologist, an Olympic gymnast, a country music singer, and Princess of Wales. I was very ambitious, lol

 

1. As a writer and published author how do you feel about e-publishing

 

It has nowhere to go but up. It amazes me that there are those who still choose to disregard it. Technology is making ebooks more and more appealing to the average consumer. Book downloads have also given piracy a boost, however, and that isn’t something I or any other author should tolerate.

 

10.  How long does it take you to do research on the books you write?

 

Hopefully, no longer than a month. I give myself a month after the completion of a manuscript to restore my creative energy. By the end of a WIP, I know what my research materials will be. Usually it’s no more than a reference book or a list of topics to research at credible sites online.

 

      11.How do you give credit to any research you do?

 

If I don’t mention it in the novel’s dedication, I try my best to expose it to readers and other authors. My blog, The Cozy Page (http://amberleighwilliams.blogspot.com), makes this easy. I featured Lee Lofland’s guide to police investigation especially for writers and a private investigating handbook that helped me plot a romantic suspense concept. Whenever a book launches, I usually make several web appearances and mention where the concept came from and the different elements that helped me along the way. For example, during FOREVER AMORE’s virtual book tour, I talked quite a bit about the various references that helped me through six revisions.

 

 

1. What do you enjoy most about your writing?

 

The tingly feeling I get when a good brainstorm sets in. The satisfying realization that I’ve made good progress in the story, whether its plotting or the writing. Also the reaction from reviewers or fans. There’s nothing more rewarding than fan letters! If I’ve given someone a satisfactory read, I know I’ve done my job well and that’s what motivates me into the next story.

 

Amber, it has been delightful having you here.  Here is Amber’s Website:  http://www.amberleighwilliams.com/

Walk in hamony,

Melinda