Q&A with Maisey Yates, author of THE LAST DI SIONE CLAIMS HIS PRIZE

What is your favorite part about writing about a royal scandal?

I think what like most about stories about the rich and powerful is how public interest shapes their behavior. And then how behind all of that, they have the same feelings and fears that we do. If a bit more lavish of an existence while having them. 

What was the first book that made you cry?

Probably Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I remember staying up all night reading that book and having to go to work at 6 that morning, with no sleep and red rimmed eyes. 

How long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

I tend to dive right in. Sometimes there are things I need to know before I start, but I’m big on googling as needed so the info never takes over the romance. 

How do you select the names of your characters?

Sometimes I read name lists. Sometimes if I have sibling groups I look at certain types of names (Irish names for a recent group of brothers) and other times the names just appear and they’re RIGHT. 

If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?

My back up plan is to win The Voice. I’m practical in all ways. 

Do you believe in writer’s block?

No. I believe in days when I don’t want to work. And sometimes those days win. But sometimes I write through them even if it feels dry. What I feel isn’t necessarily the truth. 

Do you believe opposites attract?

I do. I think that little bit of mystery you can’t ever quite figure out in the other person keeps things exciting. And also you can kind of bolster each other’s weaknesses. 

What is your favorite thing about Valentine’s Day?

Going out to a fancy dinner! I love nice restaurants, particularly farm to table type places or restaurants with an emphasis on local foods. 

Q&A with Stella Bagwell, author of HER SWEETEST FORTUNE

How did you come up with the friendship/relationship love triangle as a plot?

Actually, the plot was suggested by the editors as a part of a special continuing series. As the author, it was my job to breathe life and personality into the characters and their story.

What is your favorite part about writing for Her Sweetest Fortune?

My favorite part of writing Her Sweetest Fortune was putting two friends together and watching their confusion and surprise as the attraction builds between them.

Any tips for readers hoping that a special someone was more than just a friend?

If that special someone goes out of his way to do something thoughtful for you, then he probably has more than friendship on his mind!

What was the first book that made you cry?

While I was still in high school my brother gave me a set of Ernest Hemingway books. When the hero of A FAREWELL TO ARMS lost the love of his life, I definitely cried. To this day I still can’t watch the movie or I’ll start sobbing.

How long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

That all depends on the setting of the book and the plot. If it’s a place or plot I’m familiar with then a week or two of research is plenty. When writing continuity the research always takes longer because you have to make sure characters, setting details and plot lines match those of the authors stories going before and after your own.

How do you select the names of your characters?

For me, choosing names for my characters is one of the most time consuming part of writing a book. I want the name to define my character’s personality and at the same time I have to be careful not to choose a name I’ve used in a prior book. If something doesn’t immediately pop into my head, I’ll reach for the telephone directory and search until I find a name that feels right.

If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?

I would probably be doing the job I held before I became a writer, which was a hairdresser. By the way, a treasure trove of stories goes through a beauty salon!

Do you believe in writer’s block?

I think a writer’s mind can go on a lazy streak or be distracted by outside influences. But I personally don’t believe in writer’s block.

What is your favorite thing about writing contemporary romance?

My favorite thing about writing contemporary romance is definitely the happy endings and the hope that the future will be filled with love.

Are you excited for Valentine’s Day?

I always look forward to Valentine’s Day. After being married for nearly forty-six years it still melts my heart to get flowers and romance from my husband!

Q&A with Carolyne Aarsen, author of COURTING THE COWBOY

How did you come up with the relationship between artist Ella and rancher Cord?

The first picture that came to me was a woman with three kids standing on the deck of her house, looking at her like they are supposed to help her out and she is reluctant to. Then a truck comes on the yard and here comes the father. This was how the book starts and this was the first idea that came to me. So then I had to figure out why the woman didn’t really want to help the kids. Why the father was so upset at her reaction. And because I knew I needed them to be forced together, I had to delve into that. I knew my heroine was an artist trying to find solitude so I came up with the idea that the kids, once they found out she was an artist, finagle her into helping them with an art project. The hero is trying to protect his children and knows that she is uncomfortable around them but also that they really want this to happen. 

What is your favorite part about writing Courting the Cowboy?

The interacation with the kids and Ella. I have two precocious granddaughters and a chubby loveable grandson and they became my models for Suzie and Ollie. Paul was a composite of my other grandson and a nephew’s son. It was fun bringing them to life.

How is it different to write about children than adults?

Kids say what they think and aren’t scared to ask the hard questions. They aren’t scared to satisfy their curiosity so that makes for some interesting and fun conversations. Plus they don’t overthink so what you see is what you get. Adults spend more time debating and questioning  and filtering what they say so it’s a different dynamic.

How did you pick a cabin in Alberta as the backdrop for the book?

I loved the idea of seclusion and the mountains and a ranch. It created a sense of coziness that appealed to me. I wanted my heroine to be apart from her usual support system so that she was a bit vulnerable when the kids came barging into her life.

What was the first book that made you cry?

he Outsiders. I remember sitting under one of those dome, homestyle hairdryers, my hair in curlers as the hot air blew over my head, reading the book and my tears drying on my hot cheeks as I read how Johnny died. Such delicious sadness.

How long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

I often say I’m always researching stories and books. I gather information and hoard it, store it away for when I can use it. So it’s difficult to say. I love ranching life and the lifestyle and my husband has his horses and cows so, like I said, I’m always trying to find ways to write what I know into my story. As for the other stuff, like the art references in this book, I have a niece who’s an artist and I’ve listened to her talk about shows and galleries so I drew from that as well. Then, whatever I don’t know I fill in as needed either by phoning or going on Google.

How do you select the names of your characters?

I actually have a master list of names of hero’s and heroine’s that I’ve used in the past and for future books so I don’t make the mistake I did previously of having two hero’s named Logan. I usually pick names that sound strong, masculine for my men and a bit softer for my women. And that’s about it. For secondary characters I rely on a little tool in Scrivener that gives ideas for names. I’ve used it often.

If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?

Take pictures and edit them. Make covers for books and learn how to properly use the gradient tool in Affinity. Sometimes I think I would like to work in a store with other real people instead of the fake people I spend so much time with. (though they become very real to me). But the truth is I really can’t imagine not being a writer. I’m always coming up with stories.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Not really. I think it’s often resistance to do the hard work that keeps me from writing. For instance I’m supposed to be reworking a book right now that I’m struggling with so it’s much easier to fill this out than to work on it. But I will go back to it and keep plugging. I know, for me, when I shut the internet off, the distractions cease and I have no choice but to work. I can’t really say that I’ve had actual writer’s block. Resistance to do the hard work, yes, but not writer’s block.

Are you excited for Valentine’s Day? 

I know I’m supposed to say yes, but Valentines Day is often just another day here. If I’m in town I’ll buy some Lindor Chocolate for my husband and I and we’ll have them with tea as we have our devotions after supper. My dear husband is not a romantic so it’s often a non-event. I don’t doubt my husband’s love for me and I’ve learned, long ago, that birthdays, Christmas, Valentine’s Day should never be a test of that love.

Guest Post: Sue Duff, author of The Weir Chronicles

What Is The Weir Chronicles about? Short answer: A race of magical beings have a direct connection to the energies of Earth and have lived among humans for thousands of years. But lo-and-behold in present day they are dying out, condemning the planet to natural disasters with increasing intensity and frequency. In steps Ian Black, the last born to dwindling their race. He’s prophesized to inherit their combined powers, thus saving Earth, except he doesn’t inherit the necessary powers and the desperate Weir turn to modern science to perpetuate themselves—with less than optimal results. After all, it’s not wise to tinker with Mother Nature . . .

When I wrote the original draft to the series, Fade To Black, I had a difficult time placing it into a solid category. It was a modern-day fantasy, set on present day Earth with magical beings. But I also added scientific elements, a lot of them, in a way that screams science fiction. I carried this through, not just in the initial novel, but throughout the series. I’ve kept the magic of the Weir, and the miniscule amount that Ian’s able to develop, albeit less than what is needed, but I’ve also kept the science fiction elements, incorporating nannites, other dimensions, evil pharmaceutical experiments (because who doesn’t love to hate those guys), all the while combining paranormal, urban fantasy, mystery, suspense, and even unrequited love and romance.

It’s one hell-of-a-ride and fun to write, but not a simple thing to explain, and I equate it to pulling teeth to fit my series into that standard box called genre. I get it. Agents need to know how to market it to Publishers. Publishers need to know how to tell book sellers where to shelf it. But in this speed-changing world of books, melding genres, and publishing, there’s always that catch-all genre and where I most often find my books on shelves. YA. It was never intended to be a YA book series, but to my surprise, I have twelve year old girls and fourteen year old boys who are some of my biggest fans. Of course, I also hear from the octogenarians who rave about my series being a bright light on what they feel has been a cookie-cutter, all-too familiar trope called fantasy or science fiction.

I’ll let you be the judge for yourself. Connect and let me know what your preferred genre self you see The Weir Chronicles fitting into. Or better yet, make up your own and post it on my website at www.sueduff.com. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

About the Author

Sue Duff has dreamed of dragons and spaceships before she could even read, so it’s only natural that she now combines both fantasy and science fiction as her favorite genre. Having written since high school, Duff never took it seriously until a skiing accident laid her up for an entire summer and she turned on the word processor to combat the boredom. A couple years later, her first urban fantasy novel, Fade to Black, was one of five finalists in the RMFW Colorado Gold Writing Contest and in 2015, Duff’s writing earned her the PEN Award.

She is the second oldest of six girls with an avid reader mom and her dad, the family’s single drop of testosterone in a sea of estrogen.

By day, Duff is a dedicated speech-language therapist at an inner city school district, a career she pursued much in part to her aunt who got her hooked on stories of the profession when Duff was younger. She is passionate about the work she does and regularly works to help those students that need it the most.

Sue is a member of the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and The Pikes Peak Writers. She calls Colorado home and when not saving the world one page at a time, she can be found walking her great dane, getting her hands dirty in her garden, or creating something delicious in her kitchen.

Check out her blog, A Cook’s Guide to Writing and other musings on her website. 

Connect with Sue: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

Q&A with Rachel Brimble

As a romance author, where do you find your inspiration?

Inspiration is everywhere! I write mainstream romance, romantic suspense and Victorian romance and as romance is all about emotion, these three subgenres provide excellent story opportunities. I try to alternate the sub-genres so it keeps both my readers and I excited about the next project. I often use news stories, TV shows and experiences in my own life to develop a story. The hard part is stretching that premise to 80,000 or more words.

Out of all your published novels, which is your favorite and why?

Ooh, difficult question! My favorite is usually the latest one that’s finished, lol! If I had to pick my favorite Victorian romance, I would say What A Woman Desires because I could relate to the heroine, Monica, so much. She was driven, determined and honest and I loved writing her. For my contemporary novels, I love all of my Templeton Cove books! The Cove has become an extremely special place to me and even though I’m currently writing book eight in the series, I still haven’t finished with these fabulous characters.

What do you like to read? What are you currently reading?

I read voraciously and my favorite genres are romance, historical fiction, crime and biographies of past kings and queens of England. I am currently reading The Taming of the Queen by Philippa Gregory and A Virgin River Christmas by Robyn Carr. 

What is the most difficult thing about writing romance novels?

I think it’s the same as any other novel – writing the best story you can! I have been writing novels for over ten years and each book brings a new challenge. Having said that, the best piece of advice I was ever given was to ‘give yourself permission to write a crappy first draft’. That was so liberating! My process is to come up with a premise, create my hero and heroine (and villain, if I have one) and then a 3-4 page synopsis. Once that’s done, I write the entire novel from start to finish without looking back. The hard work comes in drafts two and three!

What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

See above – the crappy first draft is a must for aspiring authors. Many would-be writers start a novel and never continue past chapters three or four. They run out of inspiration or the project feels overwhelming. I advise all writers to keep going, no matter what. Eventually, you’ll have the first draft of a finished novel which you can then alter, cut, tweak and expand upon. After that? Submit! No published writer (expect self-published, of course) came to be one without submitting their work to agents and/or editors.

What do you think makes a good romance story?

Emotion, emotion, emotion! Romances, for me, are all about the characters’ internal journeys. Whether I’m writing contemporary or historical, the characters and the emotions they experience is paramount to the unfolding of the story and the journey to happy ever after.

Your latest release, Saved By the Firefighters is a new installment in your Harlequin Templeton Cove Series. Tell us about it.

Saved By The Firefighter is book 6 in the series, but all the books can be read as stand-alone novels. This book was inspired by the loss of my beloved black Labrador. He passed away in February 2015 and I was devastated. As I view my books as an opportunity to exploring emotions and our reactions to them, I knew I needed to write something to help me through my pain and grief. Thus, I wrote a novel about loss. This is the most poignant and emotionally-charged book so far in the series and most definitely one of my favorites.

Do you have anything you can share for us to look forward to this year?

Book 7 in the Templeton Cove series, Ethan’s Daughter, is due out in August and this one is romantic suspense. I loved writing this book and combining suspense with family and new love. The heroine, Leah Dixon, has appeared in three previous books so I thought it was time I gave her a starring role!

I also have the first part of what I hope will be an Edwardian romance series sitting on my agent’s desk. This one will be shopped out market wide very soon and I am super-excited for an editor to love this book as much as I do.

About Rachel Brimble

Rachel lives with her husband and two teenage daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. Since 2013, she has had six books published by Harlequin Superromance (Templeton Cove Stories) and recently signed a contract for two more. She also has four Victorian romances with eKensington/Lyrical Press.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America, and was selected to mentor the Superromance finalist of So You Think You Can Write 2014 contest. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England.

She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!

Connect: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Street Team - Rachel's Readers

Q&A with St John Karp

What authors have influenced your writing the most and why?

People say I have a bit of Vonnegut in me, which is very flattering but only true in a figurative sense — I haven’t stolen his false teeth or anything. Of course I was addicted to Vonnegut growing up, but then I also love John Kennedy Toole, who wrote A Confederacy of Dunces. It’s one of the funniest novels of all time, and helpless indignation still cracks me up to this day. I’d also have to mention James Kennedy, whose novel The Order of Odd-Fish showed me that you can still write dazzling, hilarious, clever novels for teenagers. Somehow I’d got the idea that had gone out with hydrogen dirigibles and asbestos underpants.

Why did you choose to start writing YA novels? What about your voice really caters to that audience?   

I got into YA novels when I realized you can get away with pretty much anything except being boring. If you write for adults you instantly get shelved as one genre or another, but YA is kind of its own genre. No one bats an eyelid when you write about radium-obsessed teenagers in antique flying machines, or Old West vamps with guns that shoot round corners, or accidentally assaulting people with candy cake-toppers. The only thing you’re not allowed to do is be boring, which suits me fine. When a book spends ten pages telling me how the protagonist cooks dinner and how everyone’s hair smells, I’m halfway ready to drop-kick the thing into the street.

SKUNKS DANCE has very unique and endearing characters. Do those characters come to you first or do they just flow out of your writing?  

I like to let them flow. Some people have fantastic brains and can see everything in advance, but I prefer to put a bunch of nascent characters in a room together and see how they interact. I’ll happily change the whole book to suit the characters. The entire Old West half of SKUNKS DANCE was never meant to happen — I just liked the characters so much I wanted to find out what happened to them next.

Writing effective humor is often difficult. What do you find to be the most effective way you create humor in your writing?

You’ll never make everyone laugh, and if you do then it won’t be interesting writing. There are never any hard rules for writing jokes, but I love wit and I think it’s important to take the reader by surprise. If the reader can guess the punch-line before it’s delivered, the joke is probably going to fall flat. Look at something like Rick and Morty — it refers heavily to popular science fiction, but even in plots we’ve seen before, we never know what the hell’s going to happen next. Or what Rick’s going to say. Or even the correct use of the dinglebop end of a plumbus.

1960s Westerns really inspired SKUNKS DANCE. What movies in particular most influenced your writing?

Well, 1960s British-made Westerns — the bad ones. I know nothing about the real Old West and I’m not especially interested in it. I don’t even like most Westerns. But comedy Westerns? Those things are brilliant, especially if it’s full of British actors who sound like they’ve never even heard an American accent. I can watch Carry On Cowboy (1965) or the Doctor Who serial The Gunfighters (1966) all day long. And have you seen the Hulu series Quick Draw (2013)? Amazing stuff. Let’s leave accuracy to the historians. Tell me a good joke and I’m anyone’s.

Who is your favorite character in SKUNKS DANCE? Who was the most fun to write?

My favorite character (and the most fun to write) is Spivey Spillane, our protagonist in the Old West. He wrote himself — I’d never intended to involve him in a complex plot, so for a long time I just let him fall into more and more elaborate and humiliating traps. He’s like us — not stupid or incompetent, but somehow surrounded by people who are either crazier or smarter than him so he can never win. Plus, he’s a cross-dressing cowboy, and if you saw him in that pink tutu I think you’d understand.

Both RADIUM BABY and SKUNKS DANCE involve an adventurous search. What is it that you love about the classic adventure search with a twist? 

You have to be able to bring together characters who don’t like each other — that’s where you get your drama. There are lots of ways of doing that, but I like a search because it lets you take your characters to the moon and back, as long as you bring it round to the MacGuffin in the end. It also gives the novel a clear goal, even if you never get there or if the goal was illusory all along. Having done two of them now I’ll probably do something different for the next novel. A torrid love story between an ostrich and a potato. Or something.

San Francisco writer ST JOHN KARP is an ornamental hermit who likes to live near exciting things so he cannot go to them. He has an undying love for the unusual, the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band and toast. His debut novel, RADIUM BABY, released in 2013. SKUNKS DANCE, Karp’s second novel, releases Jan. 24, 2017.

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