I love that Sara uses an Alphasmart - a tool that should get far more credit.
Ten Questions for Authors:
1) A short paragraph on what you write about and the genre, please? (don't forget your web page address!)
I write contemporary romance fiction--irresistible romance with captivating family drama. Not only do I aim to entertain, I also want to give people hope and a belief that everything can and will turn out happily ever after. So, if you're looking for a warm fuzzy feeling and hoping to come away a little less cynical about the world, visit my website at www.SaraDaniel.com.
2) What is a typical writing session like, in 300 characters or fewer?
I sit in front of the computer and catch up on my email and social media with a cup of coffee. Then I open my writing file and stare at the screen. I write for a while, then wander the house, reheat my coffee and find some food. I write some more, rewarm the coffee, get another snack, etc., etc.
3) Men: boxers or briefs? Women: underwire or banded? (apparently people want to know this!)
Who wants to know this??? Okay, I admit to being totally curious about the boxers/briefs quandary, but that's different, right?
4) If you use a pen name, why? If you don't, do you worry about stalkers?
I don't use a pen name, except for my children's books to avoid confusion. But honestly, with the internet, I'm convinced anyone can find anyone if they really try hard enough. And I'm too transparent to keep my name a secret.
5) What is the oddest thing about your writing or the way you write?
I've found lately that I'm most productive sitting at my children's extracurricular activities with my AlphaSmart. Yes, I really still use one. There are no email or internet distractions, and the screen only shows four lines of text, so it's too small to edit. I can only write. So I do!
6) Give us a glimpse into how you choose the names of your characters, please?
I think about the type of person my character is supposed to be. If a name doesn't pop into my head, I pull out "The Baby Name Survey Book: What People Think about Your Baby's Name" and use that as my Bible. And I work very hard to make sure I use a different letter to start each name, and they don't rhyme or end the same or anything corny like that.
7) Any thoughts on staying healthy while pursuing such a sedentary career?
Sometimes I'm really good about taking a break to exercise. Lately, not so much. But my eyes definitely need a rest from staring at the computer screen. When I take time to exercise, I also free up my brain to consciously think of nothing and let my muse start mulling over fresh ideas.
8) Dogs or cats, and why? (don't say "neither" because even if you don't have one, choosing is informative! )
Cats. We have one cat, and I like that she's around but does her own thing. I feed her and scoop her litter, but I can leave for the weekend without thinking twice about leaving her alone. I have enough demands on my time, and frankly, dogs and I have never mixed well.
9) If you research, what's your method? If you don't, how do you get away with that?
If I could get away without researching, I would! It's the reason I've never written a historical. I'd have to do a massive amount of research to get the details right. What I need to learn for my contemporaries is usually only a keystroke away on the internet.
10) What is the most interesting or outrageous comment you've heard/read about your writing?
My grandmother constantly laments that she can't get my books for her friends because they have -- gasp! -- love scenes in them. Fortunately, my other grandmother was a voracious reader of romance and had no such qualms about sharing my books with her friends.
www.SaraDaniel.com
www.facebook.com/SaraDanielSaraShafer
www.facebook.com/SaraShaferDaniel
www.twitter.com/SSaraDaniel
Showing posts with label author. Show all posts
Showing posts with label author. Show all posts
Friday, February 3, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Ten Questions Answered by Author Stephanie Campbell
I'm happy to welcome Stephanie Campbell to my blog. I particularly love her answer to the final question! Too funny!
I'm Stephanie Campbell, the author of Dragon Night at Musa publishing. Thank you so much for providing us the opportunity to be interviewed! I have also enclosed a picture, just in case.
1) A short paragraph on what you write about and the genre, please? (don't forget your web page address!)
I got my first book published at the age of seventeen. Now, I am the author of multiple novels with many more on the way for this upcoming year. I mostly write YA novels in all genres, but I’ve written in pretty much every genre. One of the reasons why I became a writer is so that I can experience different types of situations that I can’t in real life.
http://stephaniecampbellreleases.weebly.com/
2) What is a typical writing session like, in 300 characters or fewer?
I actually do different things, so a “writing session” for me is hard to define. I am very much a creature of habit. I sit down and I re-read the last two paragraphs of what I was working on last to get my scheme. I then pick up the scene in my head again. Sometimes I wonder if other writers see their work in the same way—for example, I actually see my scene. I barely notice that I’m actually typing. I edit my work at a different time.
3) Men: boxers or briefs? Women: underwire or banded? (apparently people want to know this!)
Both. I run in the morning and use a banded bra to keep from chafing. I swap out for an underwire later. I’ve been stabbed by underwire bras a few times, though. They make me nervous.
4) If you use a pen name, why? If you don't, do you worry about stalkers?
I have different pen names. I use them to separate writing interests for my readers. People expect Stephanie Campbell to write YA. It’s more simple that way. I suppose I’m worried about stalkers—I have a handful to speak of right now. I once had a set of anonymous letters on my doorstep. You have no idea how chilling that is.
5) What is the oddest thing about your writing or the way you write?
I take on the personality traits of my book characters. If my character is angry, so am I. The more intense the scene, the more intense my personality gets in real life. I don’t run around stabbing people, but people have noticed the changes in my personality. I guess I don’t have a line between my work and reality. You can’t take the writer out of me.
6) Give us a glimpse into how you choose the names of your characters, please?
I have a lovely book of character names that has meanings. If I write about a mean, vindictive character, I will find a name that means mean and vindictive.
7) Any thoughts on staying healthy while pursuing such a sedentary career?
I run every morning. I stand ten minutes out of every hour. When my writing hours are done, I stay on my feet. I am actually not that sedentary. I even write on my dresser so I can stand up.
8) Dogs or cats, and why? (don't say "neither" because even if you don't have one, choosing is informative!)
I prefer dogs, but I like cats. I like it because a dog wants to cuddle and get hugs. (At least my dogs do.) They also remind me that there is a life outside of my office.
9) If you research, what's your method? If you don't, how do you get away with that?
The internet is such a wonderful thing. If I have an idea, then I get a piece of paper and write a school-style report. I use that to keep my book up to par.
10) What is the most interesting or outrageous comment you've heard/read about your writing?
Someone once told me that my books made them hungry…I still can’t figure out why. I haven’t written a single book about food.
I'm Stephanie Campbell, the author of Dragon Night at Musa publishing. Thank you so much for providing us the opportunity to be interviewed! I have also enclosed a picture, just in case.
1) A short paragraph on what you write about and the genre, please? (don't forget your web page address!)
I got my first book published at the age of seventeen. Now, I am the author of multiple novels with many more on the way for this upcoming year. I mostly write YA novels in all genres, but I’ve written in pretty much every genre. One of the reasons why I became a writer is so that I can experience different types of situations that I can’t in real life.
http://stephaniecampbellreleases.weebly.com/
2) What is a typical writing session like, in 300 characters or fewer?
I actually do different things, so a “writing session” for me is hard to define. I am very much a creature of habit. I sit down and I re-read the last two paragraphs of what I was working on last to get my scheme. I then pick up the scene in my head again. Sometimes I wonder if other writers see their work in the same way—for example, I actually see my scene. I barely notice that I’m actually typing. I edit my work at a different time.
3) Men: boxers or briefs? Women: underwire or banded? (apparently people want to know this!)
Both. I run in the morning and use a banded bra to keep from chafing. I swap out for an underwire later. I’ve been stabbed by underwire bras a few times, though. They make me nervous.
4) If you use a pen name, why? If you don't, do you worry about stalkers?
I have different pen names. I use them to separate writing interests for my readers. People expect Stephanie Campbell to write YA. It’s more simple that way. I suppose I’m worried about stalkers—I have a handful to speak of right now. I once had a set of anonymous letters on my doorstep. You have no idea how chilling that is.
5) What is the oddest thing about your writing or the way you write?
I take on the personality traits of my book characters. If my character is angry, so am I. The more intense the scene, the more intense my personality gets in real life. I don’t run around stabbing people, but people have noticed the changes in my personality. I guess I don’t have a line between my work and reality. You can’t take the writer out of me.
6) Give us a glimpse into how you choose the names of your characters, please?
I have a lovely book of character names that has meanings. If I write about a mean, vindictive character, I will find a name that means mean and vindictive.
7) Any thoughts on staying healthy while pursuing such a sedentary career?
I run every morning. I stand ten minutes out of every hour. When my writing hours are done, I stay on my feet. I am actually not that sedentary. I even write on my dresser so I can stand up.
8) Dogs or cats, and why? (don't say "neither" because even if you don't have one, choosing is informative!)
I prefer dogs, but I like cats. I like it because a dog wants to cuddle and get hugs. (At least my dogs do.) They also remind me that there is a life outside of my office.
9) If you research, what's your method? If you don't, how do you get away with that?
The internet is such a wonderful thing. If I have an idea, then I get a piece of paper and write a school-style report. I use that to keep my book up to par.
10) What is the most interesting or outrageous comment you've heard/read about your writing?
Someone once told me that my books made them hungry…I still can’t figure out why. I haven’t written a single book about food.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Ten questions answered by Rebecca York!
I'm so pleased to post answers to my Ten Questions for Authors from my friend and mentor Rebecca York. She's a best selling author of romance and paranormal books that are a delight to her fans.
From Rebecca York
1) A short paragraph on what you write about and the genre, please?
I write mainly paranormal romantic suspense. I love plotting stories featuring men and women falling in love against a background of suspense and danger. My latest series is Decorah Security, about a detective agency where the agents have paranormal powers or take on paranormal cases. The first three are out on Amazon and B&N. Dark Moon has a werewolf hero. Chained is a novella with a hero who’s a ghost–or maybe he isn’t. Ambushed is a short story where the hero relies on his special instinct for danger.
2) What is a typical writing session like, in 300 characters or less?
I get up, check e-mail, tweet, finally get to writing and work until I’ve written ten pages. That might take three or four hours, or I might still be working at ten p. m. I start each session editing yesterday’s work. I write fast, knowing I will revise later.
3) Men: boxers or briefs? Women: underwire or banded?
Banded
4) If you use a pen name, why? If you don't, do you worry about stalkers?
I picked my pen name years ago when having one was the industry standard for romance writers.
5) What is the oddest thing about your writing or the way you write?
I never work at a desk. I always use a laptop. Either in bed or in a comfortable chair. I never write with a pen or pencil if I can avoid it.
6) Give us a glimpse into how you choose the names of your characters, please?
For first names, I look at the Social Security baby name data base and pick a name that’s either popular or one I like a lot.
7) Any thoughts on staying healthy while pursuing a sedentary career?
I try to exercise for at least a half hour to forty-five minutes every day. I get up and do work around the house to break up writing sessions. If I’m on a phone call I know will be long, I get up and walk while talking.
8) Dogs or cats, and why?
I like both dogs and cats, but I travel a lot and it’s easier to have someone come in and take care of a cat.
9) If you research, what's your method? If you don't, how do you get away with that?
I try to visit the location where I’m setting a story to pick up details unique to the area. These days, I do a lot of research on the internet.
10) What is the most interesting or outrageous comment made about your writing?
I once read an article I’d written to my critique group. When I’d finished, one of the women said, “That was discombobulated, unstructured and boring.” I think she was feeling hostile because she was having trouble organizing her work.
From Rebecca York
1) A short paragraph on what you write about and the genre, please?
I write mainly paranormal romantic suspense. I love plotting stories featuring men and women falling in love against a background of suspense and danger. My latest series is Decorah Security, about a detective agency where the agents have paranormal powers or take on paranormal cases. The first three are out on Amazon and B&N. Dark Moon has a werewolf hero. Chained is a novella with a hero who’s a ghost–or maybe he isn’t. Ambushed is a short story where the hero relies on his special instinct for danger.
2) What is a typical writing session like, in 300 characters or less?
I get up, check e-mail, tweet, finally get to writing and work until I’ve written ten pages. That might take three or four hours, or I might still be working at ten p. m. I start each session editing yesterday’s work. I write fast, knowing I will revise later.
3) Men: boxers or briefs? Women: underwire or banded?
Banded
4) If you use a pen name, why? If you don't, do you worry about stalkers?
I picked my pen name years ago when having one was the industry standard for romance writers.
5) What is the oddest thing about your writing or the way you write?
I never work at a desk. I always use a laptop. Either in bed or in a comfortable chair. I never write with a pen or pencil if I can avoid it.
6) Give us a glimpse into how you choose the names of your characters, please?
For first names, I look at the Social Security baby name data base and pick a name that’s either popular or one I like a lot.
7) Any thoughts on staying healthy while pursuing a sedentary career?
I try to exercise for at least a half hour to forty-five minutes every day. I get up and do work around the house to break up writing sessions. If I’m on a phone call I know will be long, I get up and walk while talking.
8) Dogs or cats, and why?
I like both dogs and cats, but I travel a lot and it’s easier to have someone come in and take care of a cat.
9) If you research, what's your method? If you don't, how do you get away with that?
I try to visit the location where I’m setting a story to pick up details unique to the area. These days, I do a lot of research on the internet.
10) What is the most interesting or outrageous comment made about your writing?
I once read an article I’d written to my critique group. When I’d finished, one of the women said, “That was discombobulated, unstructured and boring.” I think she was feeling hostile because she was having trouble organizing her work.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Guest blogger, Dominique Eastwick
I recently asked the authors at Musa Publishing to be guest bloggers by answering ten questions. Some of the questions were for fun, but all got interesting results. Here is my first guest, Dominique Eastwick. With more to come, this may be another way to find yourself some new beloved authors!
1) A short paragraph on what you write about and the genre, please? I write erotic romance Heavy on the Romance. I write both Contemporary and Paranormal romance, with strong heroine to help control those stronger alpha males.
2) What is a typical writing session like, in 300 characters or fewer? I don't think I have a typical writing session I write when I can and edit when I take my son to Tae Kwon Do. But when I do write I tend to write to instrumental music and have to turn everything off including the Internet.
3) Men: boxers or briefs? Women: under-wire or banded? (apparently people want to know this!) Boxer briefs :) Hows that for decision, and for myself Banded unless I am going out then its under-wire.
4) If you use a pen name, why? If you don't, do you worry about stalkers? Yes I use a pen name I don't feel I need the PTA giving me a hard time. And they would. Silly women with nothing better to do.
5) What is the oddest thing about your writing or the way you write? Odd? Hmmm lets see the oddest thing is that my Muse and I do not seem to be on the same schedule.
6) Give us a glimpse into how you choose the names of your characters, please? For my men I always pick a characteristic then find what the meaning is. But for the Sherman Series all the mates for the siblings there names had to fit into the title. Hunter for Hunting JC, Haven for Tony's Haven, Killoran for Killing Lucas ect...
7) Any thoughts on staying healthy while pursuing such a sedentary career? I do a lot of chair dancing LOL
8) Dogs or cats, and why? Both... sorry, I love that my dog is always at my feet when I write and makes me get up from the computer every now and then to play with her, and I love that my cat curls up behind my monitor to watch me work :)
9) If you research, what's your method? If you don't, how do you get away with that? I love research, I research mainly on line these days but every now and then I have to get out there and do it. I went to Boston and ate at restaurant I plan to use in my book, walked the routes I have my characters walk and remember what the city is like. I try not to write about places I haven't been to first hand.
10) What is the most interesting or outrageous comment you've heard/read about your writing? Honestly it was the comment about a short story they complained that it was too short that I hadn't gone into depth about the couple and their back ground. And that they wanted more. Compliment about the more part, but it was supposed to be a short story no more then 8000 words. But the best was that she complained that the book was a hook up book. I am not really sure what she expected from a series names 1 Night Stand.
My Links
Website http://www.dominiqueeastwick.com/
Blog Spot http://dominiqueeastwick.blogspot.com
Facebook http://facebook.com/dominique.eastwick
1) A short paragraph on what you write about and the genre, please? I write erotic romance Heavy on the Romance. I write both Contemporary and Paranormal romance, with strong heroine to help control those stronger alpha males.
2) What is a typical writing session like, in 300 characters or fewer? I don't think I have a typical writing session I write when I can and edit when I take my son to Tae Kwon Do. But when I do write I tend to write to instrumental music and have to turn everything off including the Internet.
3) Men: boxers or briefs? Women: under-wire or banded? (apparently people want to know this!) Boxer briefs :) Hows that for decision, and for myself Banded unless I am going out then its under-wire.
4) If you use a pen name, why? If you don't, do you worry about stalkers? Yes I use a pen name I don't feel I need the PTA giving me a hard time. And they would. Silly women with nothing better to do.
5) What is the oddest thing about your writing or the way you write? Odd? Hmmm lets see the oddest thing is that my Muse and I do not seem to be on the same schedule.
6) Give us a glimpse into how you choose the names of your characters, please? For my men I always pick a characteristic then find what the meaning is. But for the Sherman Series all the mates for the siblings there names had to fit into the title. Hunter for Hunting JC, Haven for Tony's Haven, Killoran for Killing Lucas ect...
7) Any thoughts on staying healthy while pursuing such a sedentary career? I do a lot of chair dancing LOL
8) Dogs or cats, and why? Both... sorry, I love that my dog is always at my feet when I write and makes me get up from the computer every now and then to play with her, and I love that my cat curls up behind my monitor to watch me work :)
9) If you research, what's your method? If you don't, how do you get away with that? I love research, I research mainly on line these days but every now and then I have to get out there and do it. I went to Boston and ate at restaurant I plan to use in my book, walked the routes I have my characters walk and remember what the city is like. I try not to write about places I haven't been to first hand.
10) What is the most interesting or outrageous comment you've heard/read about your writing? Honestly it was the comment about a short story they complained that it was too short that I hadn't gone into depth about the couple and their back ground. And that they wanted more. Compliment about the more part, but it was supposed to be a short story no more then 8000 words. But the best was that she complained that the book was a hook up book. I am not really sure what she expected from a series names 1 Night Stand.
My Links
Website http://www.dominiqueeastwick.com/
Blog Spot http://dominiqueeastwick.blogspot.com
Facebook http://facebook.com/dominique.eastwick
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