Today’s Writers on Writing author is Clare Austin. Check out the great info Clare shares with us today!
Thank you for joining me today for my Writer’s on Writing series! I hear you have some great news to share.
Hello Tess,
I am thrilled to be a featured writer. Thanks for having me.
This is a very exciting week for me. My publisher just sent an email saying my novel, Angel’s Share, is now available. Waiting for my box of books is an incredible feeling. This is my second novel to be published and the thrill has not dulled one bit.
I’ll try to stick to the questions here, though my mind tends to wander.
I know the feeling. 
Congratulations on your latest release! Let’s start with the basics. What is my brainstorming process?
My brain is constantly in a state of turbulent weather and stories have always come to me in the oddest places and times. I once wrote, in my head, an entire plot while having an MRI.
One of the most difficult things I’ve had to learn is to channel the whirlpool of my ideas. When I start a new novel, I see my characters quite clearly and generally have a beginning and fairly solid ending. Those are the easy parts. I know where I would like my characters to end up. Honestly though, sometimes they have different ideas about where they are going. When that happens I go with them. So far, my characters, if I allow them enough freedom, have never left me hanging. There have been times, however, when a character captures my imagination but I find she or he is simply in the wrong story. When that is the case, I can write the other story right away or in the case of the book I’m working on now which is the third in a trilogy and therefore the characters are a bit more confined to fitting into a structure already well set, I have to save that character for later.
Tell us about your typical day.
My typical writing week is not set in stone. It’s more like set in gelatin… firm but wiggly. It has become more amorphous since my first sale as I have had to include marketing and promotion in my day.
I try to drift off to sleep every night thinking of the scene I plan to work on the next day. This seems to mean it is still fresh in my mind when I awaken.
I write in a chair next to my bed, my laptop on a board across my lap. So, I literally roll out of bed in front of my computer. I check emails and then try to go directly to writing. Usually I write until mid morning and then go out to the barn to ride one of my horses or I’ll go for a swim. Doing something physical is a great way to energize my muse (dark chocolate is the other way!)
I write again in the afternoon. I find that taking mental breaks…playing my violin or harp, taking a walk or reading…helps keep me nourished and fresh.
When did I make the decision to write? I really remember that moment very clearly, almost to the day! For years I had been telling myself stories in my head, characters where talking in there and sometimes out loud!
Do you have any advice for authors?
One day a book came across my desk with the title No Plot, No Problem. I believe all potential writers or “writers in their own minds” should check this book out. It gave me a “no excuse” plan to write one of my stories, simple strategies to get started and a realistic word count goal. I set aside October 2005 to write my first book. I went completely over the top; I threw everything in, my characters head hopped their way through four hundred spectacular and confusing pages. I had such eye fatigue my face went numb! Just to prove to myself it wasn’t a fluke, I wrote three more full length novels in the next six months.
I really had little idea what I was doing, but I knew I could learn. The fourth book was written specifically for a market: romance. That book is Butterfly and was my first sale in the spring of 2008.
If I had one suggestion for someone who had never written anything but thinks she wants to be a writer, I would say “just start writing.” Don’t worry that it might be terrible. If you wait until you only write perfectly, you might have to wait a terribly long time. Next, if you are serious about being a published author, pay attention to the market for your genre. Remember your book is a product and if it won’t make the publisher money, they do not care if you are the most brilliant wordsmith since James Joyce. I know I’m talking about your baby here, but you have to be willing to let go, step back and think like a business person because, like it or not, that’s how the publisher is looking at you.
Tell us what you’re working on now.
What I’m working on now? As I mentioned above, Angel’s Share is now available. That means the pressure is on to finish the third book in the Fadό Trilogy. I’m calling this story Selkie’s Song. I’m excited about this story for many reasons, but mostly because I get to take the reader to my favorite place on earth…west Ireland. The first two books, Butterfly and Angel’s Share, take place in Boston, which I absolutely love as a location for my stories. But, when I started getting feedback on my first book, readers were intrigued with the Irish born characters: Flannery, Kerry and Tynan Sloane. I started to imagine what would happen if Tynan, the hero in Selkie’s Song, found himself back on his home turf and confronted by a strong, willful and mysterious heroine. Murran Murphy is going to make Tynan’s quiet life very interesting for the next three hundred or so pages.
I also have a novel set to release in July which is not part of my trilogy. I wrote Hot Flash during a time when I was working out at an all women’s gym. I looked around and there we were, beautiful, smart and oh so much wiser, older women. We needed a story for us. The heroine in Hot Flash is fifty, but she still gets the hot guy and doesn’t have to take the cougar route to do it! It’s a story that encompasses two extended families, three countries and a barn full of horses. I love what award winning author Deb Stover wrote about this story. “Sexy but sensitive, powerful but poignant–HOT FLASH is not your daughter’s romance! This is a story for real women. Savor every word!”
Sounds great! Thank you so much for sharing a bit of your life with us today, Clare! For those of you who want to know more, you can check out her website at www.clareaustin.com for more information about my books and upcoming events. Thanks for stopping by! Stay tuned in for next week!
Archive for the ‘Blog’ Category
Writers on Writing: Clare Austin
Thursday, March 4th, 2010Writers on Writing: Lily Stone
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Thank you for joining me today for my Writers on Writing series! Today we have Lily Stone talking about her writing life. Check out what she has to say. 
What is your brainstorming process for a new book?
I like to sit and daydream until I have a movie running in my head and I can picture the events happening. Once I have it all vivid and can see, smell, taste it, I’m ready to start writing. If I hit a bump or a snag, I do a lot of what-ifs to keep the momentum going.
Can you explain your typical work week day?
I sleep in as late as I can (which is usually until my husband starts banging around or running the vacuum cleaner—unfortunately, that’s often at 8 or 8:30 a.m.) I eat breakfast, maybe go for a walk if the weather’s nice, and check my email. By that time I’ve frittered away most of the morning. In the afternoon, I work on writing (for pay, not my fiction) or on my latest college course (I’m always signing up for classes). After dinner & another email check, I get down to serious writing. I do my best work after midnight—usually from 1-4 a.m. (the witching hour).
Tell us about when you made the decision to write.
I’m not so sure I made the choice. I think writing chose me. It’s always been more of a compulsion than a conscious decision.
What suggestions do you have for aspiring writers?
Exercise, travel, have fun. Don’t take life too seriously. Let yourself play. It’s the fun times that let the ideas flow. The horrible, sad, and overwhelming stuff will flow onto the paper more easily afterwards. Not sure why that is, but something about playfulness releases the flow of words.
If you get writer’s block, forget about the book. Stop trying so hard. Take a nap, a nice long one, even if it’s the middle of the day. You’ll wake up refreshed and ready to write. If that doesn’t work, ask yourself what you fear? What is it that’s scaring you about writing this particular part in the story? What don’t you want to face?
Tell us about what you’re working on right now and what we can expect from you in the near future.
I’m working on a YA set in Ming China. The book’s written, but the research is taking forever. I tend to get sidetracked and just enjoy myself as I learn about other cultures or ferret out details of professions or other areas of interest.
Wow that sounds great, Lily! So exciting to hear about a YA in Ming China. For those of you who want to know more about Lily, you can check out her info here. Thanks for joining me on Writers on Writing! Stay tuned for next week!
“THE BEWITCHED COWBOY” RELEASE DAY!!!!!!
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
Yeaaaay!!!!! Break out the bubbly, have some cake, enjoy the great dance music, because it’s a book birthday party!! My debut novel, “The Bewitched Cowboy” has been released by “The Wild Rose Press!” You can check it out here.
Here’s the blurb for my book:
The last thing Matt expected his twin to tell him was that he had to marry the woman of his parents’ choice or suffer the loss of his powers.
Destiny, a PhD and successful parapsychology writer, certainly did not expect her mother to tell her that she would die if she didn’t get married to a man chosen for her in infancy.
The collision of two hardheaded, anti-marriage witches makes Destiny and Matt’s first encounter explosive. Now they have to figure out a way to get along for the two weeks they can’t be separated without doing the one thing that could change their fate forever…falling in love.
And here’s a never before seen excerpt! Something brand new for all of you to check out!!!
“Why is she here, Gabe? I told you I didn’t want her to come.”
“Matt, you know our parents have arranged this…we told you about Destiny already. We didn’t know where she was to let her know you weren’t exactly, uh, receptive to the idea.”
“And it’s not like I had a choice.” Destiny crossed her arms over her chest. “At least you get off easy. If you don’t want me, you lose your power. But me? I die. You get off easy, cowboy.”
Matt watched the woman’s face. She really did glow. And her eyes. People had told him his eyes were eerie. Strange. But on Destiny Snow, he felt compelled to stare. He was drawn to her and he hated himself for it.
“I’m taking a shower.” Matt walked by the woman, brushing against her. He bit down on the shock of electricity coursing through him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Destiny shiver.
“We’ll talk about this over dinner and then we’ll figure out how to get Ms. Snow and me out of this mess so someone can escort her back to town.” He pulled off his sweat-stained shirt and stormed off to the bathroom, slamming the door behind him. Once he was alone, he didn’t bother hiding his doubt as he stripped out of the rest of his clothes. After all, he didn’t want anyone to see him wonder whether or not there was truth to his brother’s claim. Was there no other way out of this other than losing the one gift he had come to depend on? The one gift he was cursed with?
I hope you’ll like the book! I read it for the first time in its “official” format yesterday and I saw two parts that could have been written WAY better, I saw four paragraphs where I repeat a word a gazillion times, and two grammar errors. I shouldn’t be telling you that stuff, of course, but it’s not like you guys aren’t going to find it anyway. Alas, my great friends informed me that they were too into the story to really catch them. I hope you’ll feel the same way!
Now, to the good stuff. To celebrate the release of my first book ever, I’m hosting a contest! Yeaaaay!!!! In order to enter the contest, you have to leave a comment on my blog answering these three questions:
1. What is your favorite part of the story?
2. What is the name of Matt’s horse?
3. What happens when Destiny is sad/upset?
In order to understand these questions you have to read the book, of course. So, I’ll be picking three lucky winners! The first winner will be chosen on Friday, the second on Monday, and the third next Wednesday.
What’s the prize, you ask? *drum roll please* Friday’s winner will get five awesome paranormal books from some of my favorite authors who have inspired me. *Cheering ensues* Monday’s winner will get a book about different wines and a guide to Napa Valley. *more cheering” Wednesday’s winner will get a 10 dollar gift certificate to Starbucks! *screams*
I’ll put names in a hat for all the people who comment and I’ll pick one lucky winner on each of these days. So don’t forget to put your name in for a chance at getting an awesome prize!
Thanks again for being a part of my release day. Let the partying continue!!!
Release Week for “The Bewitched Cowboy”
Monday, February 22nd, 2010
Yeay!!! It’s finally here! My book, “The Bewitched Cowboy” is set to release day after tomorrow, on February 24th by ‘The Wild Rose Press’! I have a bunch of stuff planned this week that I’m totally excited about.
Tomorrow, I’ll be guest blogging on Autumn Jordon’s blog! She’s a great friend and a fabulous writer. Her book “Obsessed by Wildfire” was just released by The Wild Rose Press, too! On Autumn Jordon’s blog, I’ll be answering some questions about brainstorming, and workshops so be sure to check it out!
On Wednesday, I’ll be hosting an online birthday party on my blog right here! I’ll be posting another excerpt from the story and an exciting contest where I’ll be picking a lucky winner for a prize. You guys will love it, I’m sure.
On Thursday, I’ll be guest blogging on Kathleen Coddington’s blog and talking about arranged marriages which plays a big role in my story. You can check out her website here, as she’s a multi-published author with fabulous books as well. Be sure to check it out!
On Friday, I’ll be picking my lucky contest winner and announcing my second contest so you’ll have another opportunity to win an awesome prize! This time, I’ll be picking the winner the second week of March since the contest involves reading the book.
Really exciting stuff, right? Make sure you stay tuned all week! It’s going to be great. For those of you who are hearing about my book for the first time, here’s the summary and excerpt of “The Bewitched Cowboy.” I can’t wait!!!!!
Book Summary
The last thing Matt expected his twin to tell him was that he had to marry the woman of his parents’ choice or suffer the loss of his powers.
Destiny, a PhD and successful parapsychology writer, certainly did not expect her mother to tell her that she would die if she didn’t get married to a man chosen for her in infancy.
The collision of two hardheaded, anti-marriage witches makes Destiny and Matt’s first encounter explosive. Now they have to figure out a way to get along for the two weeks they can’t be separated without doing the one thing that could change their fate forever…falling in love.
Excerpt
Destiny’s voice was thick and sluggish with sleep. “How can you not believe I’m your other half after everything that happened today, cowboy?”
Matt smiled into the crown of her hair. Her question bothered him, but he didn’t think he could hide the truth from her. He didn’t want to. Despite everything, he wanted to be honest.
“It’s not that I don’t believe in bonding. I just don’t want anything to do with it or marriage. The last time I got involved with helping someone find the person they loved…bad things happened.”
Destiny looked up at him, her face close to his as she continued to rest against his chest. “Sometimes, you can’t stop life from going the way life was set to go.”
“You can’t stop ‘destiny,’ huh?” Matt knew he sounded rueful, but he couldn’t help respecting her for her answer. For someone who reacted so intensely to any reminder of her mother, she didn’t carry any guilt or blame anyone for her difficult life.
“What are we going to do for the next two weeks?” Destiny said, yawning. “We can’t be away from each other, apparently. Leaving you doesn’t feel…right.”
Matt knew saying that must have taken courage. He didn’t want her to know how close he already was to her. How panicked he felt. Was Destiny really the other half of his soul? He took a deep, ragged breath.
“Have you ever ridden a horse, Dr. Snow?”
“No.”
Matt smiled at the dry tone in her voice. “Well you’re going to have to get a crash course in riding, I guess.”
“In your dreams, cowboy.”
Matt smiled as he wrapped Destiny against him more firmly. Holding her this way calmed him, and that was what scared him the most.
Writers on Writing: Christine Columbus
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
Today we have author Christine Columbus joining us to talk about her writing life! Check out her story, which includes everything from brainstorming in the shower, to her high school boyfriend telling her that she’ll be a writer. Enjoy!
What is your brainstorming process for a new book?
You know how there are people who sing in the shower. Well, I brainstorm in the shower. Which is why I’ve written mostly short stories-I live in Minnesota and only have a 40 gallon water heater.
Can you explain your typical work week day?
I get up at 5 o’clock in the morning, Hoola Hoop for 10 minutes; make a cup of coffee and crawl back into bed with my laptop. I write until 6:30 am and then hustle to get ready for the pesky day job. Late in the evening I crawl back into bed with a cup of decaf and my laptop and write a little more.
Tell us about when you made the decision to write.
I am 50 years old and have always written. A couple instances stand out in my mind that solidified that decision…in high school my boyfriend said to me…you’re so lucky you know exactly what you’re going to do.
I stared blankly at him, at seventeen I didn’t have a clue. “What?”
“You’re going to be a writer,” he said.
A writer. I was going to be a writer. I had almost forgotten.
He said, “Promise me you’ll always write with your own name.”
“Sure, but why?” I asked.
“Because someday when I am at the grocery store and am waiting to check out and I look up and see a novel with Christine Columbus on it, I’ll know you wrote it.”
Of course being 17, instead of being thrilled my heart was pounding. Who was he going to be with at the grocery store? Why wouldn’t he be standing next to me? My hands clenched. I thought we were going to be together forever and he was already planning a future without me. I’d be writing best-selling novels and he’d be grocery shopping.
We broke-up shortly after that…got back together…broke-up…etc., but in the end…he was right. I am writing novels and I’m certain he’s somewhere grocery shopping and I have no idea who he’s with.
And when I was in my late 30’s and was at school with my son, a parent walked up to me and asked what I did. Before I could answer I was a clerk at a utility company my son said, “My mom is a writer.”
I smiled and nodded. Yes, I am a writer…even if other people have to remind me.
What suggestions do you have for aspiring writers?
Live your dream. Write.
Thanks, Christine! Great answers! For those of you who want to know more about Christine, you can check out her website here. Her next book, “The Perfect Country Western Story” released on the fifth of this month! Yeay!!
Thanks again for joining us with writers on writing! Until next week!
TV Guide: What are you going to miss?
Saturday, February 13th, 2010
It’s that time of year again when all the amazing fall season shows take a hiatus and don’t come back until March, and then take another hiatus and don’t come back until August. I hate this hiatus business. All of my favorite shows are AWOL until March/April: Glee, NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Bones. Crap. I seriously don’t know what I’m going to do with myself! I am not picking up Vamp Diaries again, that’s for sure. I left off with a few episodes left and I just read the spoilers for the remaining episodes. Nuh Uh. I am not going there. TOO MUCH DRAMA for me. I like mini episode archs and very subtle large series arcs. That is so more my style. Anywho. We have some stuff to look forward to once March/April shows start again. Ready? Here we go.
Glee: We get to see if Shu’s wife and Shu are really getting separated. If Shu is going to end up with our favorite guidance counselor and what songs the Gleeks are going to sing for the upcoming state’s competition. I heard there will be tons more singing involved. Yeaaay!!!
NCIS: Is anyone else curious about what is going on with Ziva and Tony? Because hints were dropped. Very large hints. And then they toned down to nothing again. And now there is this new guy who is rediculously sexy. What is going on with that? Oh, and then there is the viper bitch who wants Gibbs. I hate her. She is so irritating! Lawyers can totally be sanctioned for some of the stuff she’s pulled on the show. Believability people!
NCIS: Los Angeles: This show has totally gotten better. Very happy with it. I want to know what has happened to Dom. I want to know what has happened to Kensi’s dad. And I want to know if Callen will ever get a love interest. Mhm. So intriguing now. Nice job, Shane Brennan. Nice job.
Bones: This is the show I’m most worried about. We will start back up with the Bones 100th episode which goes back in time to the first case Booth and Brennan ever solved together. Revisiting old memories apparently changed the dynamics of their relationship and then the viper bitch who is the attorney in NCIS guest spots as Booth’s new love interest. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don’t know if I can type it any louder. Totally not supposed to happen! Stoooopppppp!!!!!!!!!! I think we need a little more something from Booth and Brennan otherwise fans like me will go psycho bitch on people.
But until then, I am left with re-runs of shows that I really don’t want to watch. Grr. I might have to pull out my old Buffy DVDs and go through each episode again…and then follow up with Sex and the City. Sigh. Hopefully something interesting will come on in the interim!
Be good! <3Tess
TV Guide: What are you watching?
Saturday, January 30th, 2010
This blog entry is all about NCIS. Both NCIS:LA and the original NCIS. Why? Because this week, the two versions of NCIS totally blew me away. Yeay for original story lines, plot arcs that extend more than one episode, and romantic twists! P.S. There might be spoilers!!
Let’s start with the regular NCIS. Three words: Ziva and Tony. OMG. Finally! I had come to the conclusion that they were never going to get together. Their overt hatred for each other was enough to out rule any possible involvement. When they had their mini dialog exchange at the end of the episode, i was totally stunned. YEAY NCIS WRITERS!!! You’ve succeeded in surprising me! The rest of the episode was great as usual, but the ending was awesome. Not to mention, Gibbs little self pity moment where he realized his own age and limitations. That was great, too. I feel like he may recognize his limitations now. And the fact that Tony is really growing into Gibb’s shoes. I wish they did something with McGee. he hasnt’ been really tested in a while. Not since his sister’s run in with the law and i don’t even remember what season that’s from. Anywho. Yeay for aweomse nCIS!!
NCIS: Los Angeles has included some really bad acting, mostly from LL Cool J. Some of the characters are pretty cookie cutter stereotypes. I’ve watched the show now just to see what Hettie and Callen will do as those are the only two cool characters on the show. This week on NCIS, on the members of the team was abducted. Now that was AWESOME. It sucks for the guy who was abducted, but the ending was totally unpredictable, which is saying something for the show’s precedence so far. Every show has a turning point and i hope this is the turning point for NCIS: LA!
Anywho. That’s what I’ve been watching this week! Stay tuned for next week’s overview!
I’ve Chiseled Away my To Be Read Book Pile
Saturday, January 30th, 2010
I haven’t read any new books in such a long time because I’ve been so busy with school starting up again, getting back into the flow of things at work, and finishing up with revisions. I’ve decided to take a bit of a break last night and started reading some new books I’ve bought that were just collecting dust on my to-be-read pile. Once I got started, I couldn’t stop! Here are mini reviews on the four books I finished (the last this morning.)
Hot Rocks: Nora Roberts
I love Nora usually, which is why I picked up this re-print of a novella that was originally published in the ‘Remember When’ anthology. However, the book left little more to be desired. The plot was unoriginal, and the love story trite. Nora usually doesn’t disappoint, although she does have her moments. This was one of them. The characters were interesting. That is one plus point I had to give her. I wish there was more urgency, more umph in this story rather than expertly placed coincidental moments and forced plot devices.
Fired Up:Jayne Ann Krentz
I had high expectations for this story because i have the utmost respect for Jayne. Her work is amazing and I love the world building she does in her Arcane Society series. ‘Fired Up’ is the first in the dream lighter series and I wanted it to be just as compelling as everything else i’ve read that she’s put out. I have to admit, I was disappointed with the first fifty to a hundred pages. The were slow, and the way the background unfolded left more to be desired. However, once the characters got into their first fix, the story picked up rapidly. I was soon engrossed in this high speed chase with clever, sarcastic dialog and hot, sexual tension. By the time I was finished with the story, I knew there was nothing that could stop me from picking up the second in the series. I hope the heroes aren’t all carbon, copies though! That would really put a damper on things. (that was an inside joke that those who’ve read this book may get…unless it’s so subtle that i’m the only one chuckling. sigh.) Anywho. suggested read, but get past the first few chapters before you can really enjoy!
Ice: Linda Howard
Linda Howard once broke my heart. I’m not joking. I was such a loyal, dedicated fan. I owned almost two copies of everything she had written from Sarah’s Child, and McKenzie’s Mountain to Perfect Man and Now You See Her. However, on the fateful day she wrote ‘Kiss Me While I Sleep,’ our relationship was severed. For those of you who haven’t read that book, Dont. The ones published after it, I give the same warning. Why? BECAUSE THERE IS NO HEA! I have no problem in spoiling it for all of you. The pain I have is something I want to spare you. No happy ending equals no happy Tess. I cried, and fumed and freaked for weeks after finishing Linda’s book. I returned it to the bookstore, something I had never done with her book before. I didn’t even bother reading the second and third one that followed. I simply flipped to the back, read the last few pages while standing right in front of the book shelf, and i knew they also didn’t have an HEA. ugh.
When Ice came out, I read the summary of the story and it didn’t appear as if there could be anything but a happy ending. I debated, and i worried, and i decided to forgo reading the ending. instead, I bought the book for my e-reader. And I am satisfied to say….LINDA’S BACCKKKKKK!!!!!!!!! Yes it was a thriller and yes it was crazy intense and suspenseful which was awesome, but Linda’s amazing ability to create a fabulous relationship that beats all odds has finally re-emerged in this fabulous story. I wish she would write more of these instead of the other ones that aren’t romances!!
Hunting Julian: Jacquelyn Frank
I picked up Jacquelyn’s book a few months ago, The Nightwalker series, I think. it was really well written, the passion, the love story, was amazingly developed, and she had this crazy ability to built a fabulous world. Her world building comes on a little strong for me sometimes. The Nightwalker series was great, but I had to sort of accept the intensity of the the craziness, the details, which are great for writers, but too much can be overwhelming. Anywho. This story, Hunting Julian, is the beginning of a new series, The Gatherers, and it’s a bit intense too. The new world is built on the premise that alien races exist. The heroine is this strong willed bounty hunter and the hero is the chivalrous, giving, sexy testosterone-driven king. A lot of the story revolves around circular arguments that don’t get solved towards the end, and explaining this new existence that’s so detailed it’s hard to picture accurately. The good news is, the romance and the appealing characters carried me through the story. I enjoyed it at the end, like I enjoy all of Frank’s books. I just wish she wouldn’t go sooooo crazy with the world building that it takes away from the story.
Anywho. that’s what I’ve been reading lately! I’m going to start chiseling away more books next weekend, so I’ll try to do a review then, too. In the mean time, keep reading!
Writers on Writing: Skhye Moncrief
Thursday, January 28th, 2010
Today we have author Skhye Moncrief with us to talk about her writing life. Check out her story and the great advice she shares!
What is your brainstorming process for a new book?
Brainstorming for me used to be by the seat of my pants. I’d just jump in and type. I’m formally educated in geology and anthropology so I don’t have an issue with connecting ideas and creating new ones. It’s kind of a strange thing to grasp. But I once told the “kids” in the creative writing course I took at college that to get some great ideas for stories they should just whip through the titles listed on a CD-Rom of National Geographic (for the 20th Century). My instructor gave me a strange look and asked if I knew what the titles meant. Well, yeah! National Geographic titles are natural and cultural history… Just shoot me for knowing what a Tse-tse fly is. Now that I have a pre-schooler and stay at home with Lyme Disease and Fibromyalgia (the two stray cat children who adopted me), I tend to have plenty of time to think stories through long before I type the first word!
Can you explain your typical work week day?
I’m doing good to answer e-mail or blog interview questions. Seriously. But my 4 year old has been reading since she was 3 and a half years old. And she does addition! If I wasn’t so worried about silent “e”s and early math concepts, I’d probably get more written… Truthfully, that stray-cat Fibromyalgia keeps me off the computer. It’s literally on my back (and neck). But I feel pretty good today. I just might have to write after I finish this interview. I have a Native-American story in my head. If I don’t write it, I’ll lose my mind.
Tell us about when you made the decision to write.
Gosh, back when a PhD candidate gave me her story to read. I remembered I wrote a novel for 3 years in highschool. So, I started writing again. I was in grad school. Let’s just say writing was more addictive than department politics!
What suggestions do you have for aspiring writers?
Never give up. And always attempt to demystify what other writers tell you is wrong with your writing. You may think everyone is nuts and out to ruin your baby. But there’s a grain of truth in each criticism. Part of the game is learning to sift out the objective info from a critiquer’s bias. I found the best aspect of said advice is learn the lingo. In the definitions of the publishing world’s buzz words, you can learn how to write. You’ve just got to be patient enough to let the language come to you. See. We’re back to “never give up.” Maybe I should add that patience is a virtue. Note, I am not patient. I can attest to this advice given my impatience level runs at around 110%, unless I’m asleep…
Tell us about what you’re working on right now and what we can expect from you in the near future.
I still need to tweak a were-wolf-space opera, add 35 pages to one of my Time Guardian novels to submit the *&^%$~ thing, and then I’m definitely getting this Native-American story out of my head. As for brainstorming, I just need to decide the cultures from which my Native Americans originate. 
A were-wolf-space opera? That sounds so interesting! Thanks so much for joining us today, Skhye! For those of you who want to read more about Skhye’s work, check out her website here.
Writers on Writing: Crystal-Rain Love
Thursday, January 28th, 2010
Today, we have author Crystal-Rain Love joining us to talk about her writing life. Thank you for stopping by, Crystal-Rain! Let’s get started…
What is your brainstorming process for a new book?
Generally, I’ll see a scene in my head and the whole story just grows from there. The hero & heroine usually come to me fully fleshed out, although sometimes I’ll struggle to find the “perfect” name for one or both of them. I’m definitely a pantser. I’ll pretty much know the beginning and the end, but everything in between is a mystery until it’s typed up.
Can you explain your typical work week day?
Unfortunately I have not yet reached the point where I can support myself by writing full time so I have a day job. I work 10-hour days four days a week. On workdays, I get up early and get the kids off to school, try to answer email, blog, etc. and put in about twenty minutes or so writing time before I’m off to work. I get home late and tend to write until about one or two in the morning before trying to catch somewhere between 4-6 hours of sleep. On days off, I get the kids to school, come back home and SLEEP!!! LOL! I get so little sleep. I just write like a maniac whenever I can squash in the time.
Tell us about when you made the decision to write.
As with most authors, I’ve always loved to write. As a kid, my only real talent was writing. I devoured books and was a daydreamer from day one so writing came easy. I wrote poems, journals, songs, stories, you name it. I always knew I’d be a writer professionally, but I didn’t really sit down and write a full book until I was pregnant with my youngest child. It was just the right time for me. I’d experienced enough “life” to write about it and having my third child motivated me to take it seriously. I wanted something more than a day job that took me away from my kids.
What suggestions do you have for aspiring writers?
Read a lot, write even more. Get a tough skin because you are going to get some criticism. Don’t ignore that criticism. Learning from criticism is what will make you a stronger writer. Every time you get a rejection, remember that even the biggest authors got them too.
Tell us about what you’re working on right now and what we can expect from you in the near future.
Right now I’m working on the fourth installment of my Blood Revelation series, a paranormal series coming out from Imajinn Books. The first in the series is scheduled to release on December 31st of this year.
I also recently signed a contract with The Wild Rose Press for Guardian Cowboy, a story I wrote for the Wayback, Texas series. I haven’t received word of a release date yet, but I’m very excited to be a part of the Wayback series.
More information about my books can be found on my website, www.crystalrainlove.com, or my blog: www.crystalrainlove.blogspot.com.
Congrats on your new contract and we can’t wait to hear more about your addition to the Wayback series! Thank you again for joining us and for those readers who want to know more about Crystal-Rain’s books, check out the links above to her blog and website. Stay tuned for our next rendition of Writers on Writing!
