Writing for the Money and Loving It

Click Here to Buy

Kelly Clarkson, the first American Idol winner, did an interview where she was quoted (paraphrased) as saying, "When my agent asked what I wanted, I replied I want to become so well off I never have to make a career decision because I need the money." And she got her wish.

So sad, few professional authors ever reach that level and I certainly hadn't gone beyond needing the money when my agent told me my editor suggested I set my next paranormal in Scotland. I'm not too crazy about using settings or plot devices that are currently hot. There are a number of reasons why that I'm not going to talk of in this blog because, more troubling, the suggestion contained a hint that perhaps the story could be straight romance, no paranormal at all.

Well . . . readers either praise me for it or complain, but they all seem to know I'm not real great at writing straight, tender romance. I adore a good love story quite as much as anyone else, but I not quite as good at writing them. What I think I am good at is crafting stories where the love is so pressured, the characters so endangered, that emotions rise to unbearable heights, forcing the attraction to go beyond everyday conversations and conventions.

 

My biggest fear as a writer is that I'll create a boring book, which is a true risk if I'm pushed to write a story that I consider boring. Which is why I couldn't help myself, I just had to throw in a paranormal element.

A time bubble, which sent me out to research Einstein in the children's books section I always visit first when I'm researching something I'm a dummy in. The great man's take on time truly is radical – he calls it the fabric of time – and numbers of readers didn't understand my best stab at explaining it. But you don't need to understand the mechanics of time to understand the disturbance that this handful of thugs brought to the Scottish paradise when they crossed through the fragile gate. Not that these hardy people weren't up to the battle. Let's face it they could squash these twenty-first century fops like bugs. But the ruler of the paradise had said no fair killing outsiders, meaning I had to create a bigger conflict

Just Love Those Dragons

Which brought me to dragons, and Ormeskirk, the scourge that was destroying the peaceful life in this floating kingdom. But was that truly what he was?

This book turned out to be so much fun to write, proving that "needing the money" maybe isn't such a bad thing after all. THE DRAGON HOUR not only had me researching stuff I'd always been interested in, it stayed on the Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Borders Books bestseller lists for nearly two years, plus going out to win me the PRISM award from the FF&P chapter of Romance Writers of America.

That was quite a surprise. I'd been up for the PRISM before, but lost out to my good friend, Christina Skye. I was so sure I wouldn't win I didn't even write an acceptance speech, something my friends really balled me out about. But that didn't mean winning wasn't just thrilling, it was astounding. How, I wondered, could a book that threatened to be so flat end up as an award winner? And I know I'm not the only author that has happened to.
 
Which puts me in mind of Christina Dodd, whose book cover for CASTLES IN THE AIR came complete with a three-armed woman. That's not a typo, this historical heroine did indeed have three arms. Fortunately, none in naughty places, but very visibly present. So what did Christina do? She kept her wits about her. Rather than complaining and crying "Why me?" Christina went to her email loops and sent readers straight out to see this unusual and startling mistake. The book became a bestseller.

How about you? Have you had a surprising success? Or maybe it didn't happen to you directly, but you know someone else who had that experience.  If so, let me know by dropping a line in the comments section or sending me an email. If I get enough of them, I'll do a dedicated blog about these unique situations and surprisingly delightful outcomes.

In the meantime, I retain my fondness for Ormeskirk. Without him, there would have been no story at all except for a micro-war between a handful of thugs and a village full of Scots. Ho-hum.

Until later,
–Connie

Website: http://connieflynn.com 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ConnieFlynn
Email: connieflynn@yahoo.com
Subscribe to Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/qOHbT

Interview with Donna MacQuigg

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Donna MacQuigg. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.

I understand you have a new release out called The Dragon’s Secret. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

It’s my first fantasy romance set in 975. I think the advance praise or blurb given by my dear friend and critique partner, and a member of the Desert Rose chapter, Kathryne Kennedy bests describes it. “A beautiful tale of predestined love and the power of a dragon’s tears.”

The Dragon’s Secret is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

There are several secrets revealed throughout the story and one of the most important is known by the spirit of the old dragon that ‘haunts’ the castle.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I have to give Kathryne credit again. Kathryne is a well known fantasy historical author. She read the first draft of Dragon, which was a straight historical at the time and suggested that I add a little magic. She gave me some ideas which were fairly easy to incorporate into the story and waalaa, I created a fantasy full of sorceresses, mystical dragons, and an evil wizard.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

I love medieval times and also stories about Druids, their culture and the various tribes of ancient Wales.

What are your favorite fantasy research books, and why?

I love books and usually end up buying them rather than checking them out of the library. I have quite a selection, but the three that influenced this story were The Sacred World of the CELTS, by Nigel Pennick, Myths and Legends of the Middle Ages, by H.A. Guerber, and lastly I picked up a “Living History” book entitled The Vikings. Although “Living History” books are geared for young readers, they are full of pictures and descriptive text that I find very useful. I highly recommend them.

Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

Gosh, that’s a hard one. I love to write about villains, but I guess I’d have to say my heroine, Sayrid is my best character. In the story, her powers as a sorceress are just beginning to unfold. It was lots of fun writing about her reaction to the changes she’s going through.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research and world affect your character development?

I don’t use charts. I usually jot down descriptions and personality traits on a steno pad on my desk. I often go back and tweak my characters as the story unfolds.

How do you go about building your world? Do you use maps, charts or drawings?

Since I use real places, I use history books and the internet to help me with descriptions and locations. After I’ve chosen my location, and looked though as many pictures of the area I can find, I let my imagination take over. In Dragon, I wanted the castle to vaguely resemble a dragon’s head, yet still have towers and walls to incase the out buildings.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

Well, at the risk of repeating myself, Kathryne Kennedy was and is my biggest influence.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

I like to do library mailings, bookmarks and sending out ARC’s for reviews.

What do we have to look forward next?

I have several things on the burner, but nothing that I can say at the moment. I ask that my readers stay tuned for previews of next week’s show!

Thanks, Donna!

To celebrate her book release, Donna is offering a free book of The Dragon’s Secret to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see who won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)

She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Bio..Donna MacQuigg has previously published six historical romances and one contemporary western romance. The Dragon’s Secret is her first in a series of fantasy books.

Check out author’s website at www.donnamacquigg.com

Interview with Candace Havens

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Candace Havens. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.

I understand you have a new release out called DRAGONS PREFER BLONDES Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

Thanks so much for letting me hangout here. Let’s see, this one is about Alex Caruthers, who is a wealthy club owner, who also happens to be a Guardian Key. She is a warrior who protects our world from dragons. When a certain dragon sets his sights on her, she turns to the one man she can trust, Jake. He promises to be her “pretend” boyfriend to help out and Jake and Alex discover their relationship is not so make-believe after all.

DRAGONS PREFER BLONDES is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

LOL. I didn’t. My editor always comes up with my titles. She’s playing off of old movies and musicals. The first one was THE DEMON KING AND I.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I’m fond of magic, and I love tough chicks. I think the paranormal genre sort of opens that book wide on what you can do. I love it.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

Alex is one of four sisters and the idea for this came from wanting to explore those sibling relationships. And this book in particular was about what do you do when all the odds are stacked against you in every part of your life.

What are your favorite paranormal research books or sites, and why?

Hmmm. I don’t know that I used any research sites for the paranormal side of things. These girls are all over the world, the universe for that matter, so I did a lot of research/Googling on travel destinations.

Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

This is such a tough question. This is my third series, so it’s hard to pick a favorite. Besides Alex and Jake in this book, there’s a very interesting character Graves, I’d like to explore him more in another book. (Smile)

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research and/or world affect your character development?

I don’t do any kind of research. I’m panster (write by the seat of my pants) so I get to know my characters as the readers do. When I’m finished with that first draft, I’ll go back and make sure I have continuity with all of the characters.

How do you go about building your world if you use one? Do you use maps, charts or drawings?

I hadn’t done a lot of world building until this series. I’ve been keeping copious notes on what the different worlds look like, the people/creatures there, and I refer to those often.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

In my early days Janet Evanovich, Laurell K. Hamilton and Nora Roberts. I’m a big fan of authors in general. Everyone inspires me now.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

Using the Internet, Twitter and Facebook. And I’ve been doing a big blog tour this time, and had a great response.

What do we have to look forward next?

My next book comes out Feb. 2010. It’s called Take Me If You Dare and it’s for the Harlequin Blaze line. It’s my first book for them, and it’s a romance with lots of intrigue. Fun stuff!

Thanks, Candace!

To celebrate her book release, Candace, is offering a free book of DRAGONS PREFER BLONDES to one lucky commenter on today's blog. She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Check out author’s website at http://www.candacehavens.com

Buy http://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Prefer-Blondes-Candace-Havens/dp/0425227804.

CRACKING THE NUTTY PROFESSOR STEREOTYPE

CRACKING THE NUTTY PROFESSOR STEREOTYPE

(or the nutty Skhye!)

I'd like to thank Kim Watters for asking me about the "nutty professor" crack I always make about myself. Well, she invited me over to CHEAPER THAN THERAPY to talk about something writing related. Of course, I was exhausted and thought lordy I'll never think of a topic. The 3-yr old was sick all week. I had a writing deadline. I was basically braindead and cringed at the anything-you-want-to-talk-about response. But, low and behold, I can go on and on about the nutty professor persona. Whoa. Hang on. I should say nutty professor STEREOTYPE. Allow me a moment while I meditate and center...

First, I would like to point out that professors don't save the day. This character type drives me bonkers. Most professors know one thing. That's it. The term "specialize" is crucial here. Professors paint themselves into a corner and can't see beyond their tunnel vision looking back the way they've come. I know. I'd like to add that I had many worldly professors who had diverse backgrounds. But none of them reminded me of McGyver. Only on TV can you save the world with nothing more than a piece of fishing line. Okay. Okay. I'll give you the movies too.

After digressing on my soapbox, I think it best to talk about what "nutty" refers to when paired off with professor. Nutty equates to obsession. I love rocks. I love old dead things in rocks, i.e. fossils. I love culture. I love cultures lost to time found in layers of sediment, i.e. extinct like old dead things in rocks but trash in dirt. I love antiques. Those are things that are almost lost to time... I love science. I hate math. (I guess I'd fail the planet if an asteroid headed this way since I'd use the wrong formula to divert the destructive mass.) I never cared much for the human body but loved ecology. Stick a finger under the microscope and I was disinterested in biology class. I have no clue why. Mental blocks are crazy things, eh? Since I'm disinterested in the human body, it's odd that I specialized in osteology in bioarchaeology. But I love... See what I mean? Obsession=passion=love=nutty. I still can't save the planet with what I crammed inside my head studying geology and anthropology. And we're talking about the "cross-genre" hard science and soft science choices of my majors. Geology and Anthropology are eclectic in natural and social sciences. Back to the STEREOTYPE, a honey pot expert probably won't be saving earth any time soon. Aren't stereotypes insane? Lordy, I'm on the soapbox again.

Well, besides my crazy list of things most people could care less about but I love, I guess I should explain how my passion for said things makes my writing unique. I started writing my Time Guardian series with a singular idea: why not write about something considered taboo? Yes, I'm always bucking the system. The anthropologically-inclined often do. So, I chose a secret society, Freemasonry. Next, I decided to make my secret society from the future and strictly male. How does one fit that into the romance genre? Well, all you have to do is give these boys a counterpart sect of females and make them intermarry to safeguard something as important as human history. And why not give the lads kilts and swords? Even better, match them with female Druids. And the big question now would be are all Druids in history from the future? Are you one of them and just don't know it yet? Are you about to learn by encountering your one-and-only soul mate? Yes, soul mates protect the timeline by ensuring you will never be happy with any other soul wherever you fall along Time's vast continuum... Well, that's the fun in writing about a time-travel cult. I get to write about many things I enjoy researching and pontificate through the characters I torture (eh, send) along the time line by exposing them to potential paradox. You know, all known history could change in the blink of an eye if someone didn't uphold time-travel law! And if you break the rules, oh well, your author will torture you... I suppose my passion for thinking beyond the here and now is what makes me a nutty professor. I certainly don't carry fishing line. It's much more fun writing fantasy romance. ;)

In the end, talking about penis gourds http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penis_sheath and medieval pubic wigs http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penis_sheath is not going to save our planet. Mind you, these objects show the vast extents to which humans go to solve problems--something that fascinates me. Never ask an author who has studied anthropology for years to get people chatting! There will inevitably be an inspirational author or editor present who will be floored by the interesting topics one can sling into a chat room. ;) Although I haven't dropped penis gourds or pubic wigs into any of my tales, I've been told I do leave fascinating tidbits for the curious reader. :) Since I'm a horrible pessimist about my writing, I'll stop here and leave you with some of the reviews I've received. ~Skhye

"Arthur is a masterpiece... a fantastic job of world building. Watching him struggle to retain something of his dragon ways while trying to be as human as possible had me laughing and crying. Anyone who likes fantasy worlds and romance mixed with myth and legend
should run right out and pick this one up." Diane Mason; The Romance Studio

"He of the Fiery Sword is an outstanding book with a new twist on King Arthur. From the very first chapter I was hooked. I am an older woman and usually read books by Mary Higgins Clark and her daughter Carol, so this was a very different kind of book for me. The concept of a dragon changing form and all the new feelings and experiences he had was totally thought provoking. I felt his pain and his joy and I laughed and cried right along with him. It was incredible... It was so good I couldn't stop reading. I can't wait for the next book!"
~Carolyn Cole; reader review from bn.com

"Skhye Moncrief's fiction is pithy, yet deep and dark. Complex, yet straight forward. I know those qualities sound at odds, and they are! But these opposing elements are a large part of what makes her fiction unique. She really knows how to throw a curve ball. Skhye
writes a unique brand of fantasy. A lot of the usual element are present: dragons, loads and loads of mythology, faries, and, yes, magic--her brand of magic." ~Tarah Scott

"EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED! I love tony hillerman books and mysteries. A friend recommended 'he of the fiery sword' and i am delighted i ordered it. Don't think it is just another romance. When i settled down with the book, i thought i had the plot figured out within the first few chapters. Well, i was wrong. This story has it all shape-shifters, magic, time travel, celtic legends and myths and the most unusual hero. Just a good read." ~Carole Wright, an avid older reader/review from bn.com

"If you think you have read every possible spin on King Arthur possible, think one more time. He of the Fiery Sword is like none of them. Telling you much more would spoil it, but past and future collide and legends meet in this most ambitious of tales. This is a new legend that is designed for the intelligent and imaginative minds out there." Amanda Killgore

"Ms. Moncrief, you have a clever way with words. You wrote a book that I did not want to see end. I loved your characters and everything about them. I am an older lady, but I love fantasy well created and you sure did it. I have told many of your book and will tell more. I am very well read, from mysteries to Harry Potter and have been for many years. You keep writng and I will keep reading. I am looking forward to your next book. Sincerely, Alice Boling"
~reader review from www.thewildrosepress.com

HE OF THE FIERY SWORD available at http://www.skhyemoncrief.com/Page_5.html

HAUNTED HEARTS contains 2 Time Guardian tales: SACRIFICIAL HEARTS & NAKED ON THE STAIRCASE

"Druids, magic, time travel. They’re all present in NAKED ON THE STAIRCASE. The title of this book intrigued me, but by the time I’d finished reading I understood why the author chose this intriguing title. The entity is a mysterious being whose identity is not solved until the last few pages... Naked on the Staircase is well written with intrigue, mystery, magic and time travel, ingredients that work well in a fantasy novel. The interaction between Aron and Cowboy was excellent and the background of the story was skillfully woven into the book. I enjoyed reading Naked on the Staircase and would like to read more of Skhye Moncrief’s novels." ~Orchid; LASR
"Intense, original, suspenseful, and dramatic... an unpredictable topsy-turvy romance... the suspense builds with every page in SACRIFICIAL HEARTS. In a world where symbols mean everything, magic is the way..." ~Snapdragon; LASR

HAUNTED HEARTS available at http://www.skhyemoncrief.com/Page_5.html

All Skhye's books available in e-format at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/skhye-moncrief-m-232.html

Vow Of Superstition: Dragon's Blood

VOW OF SUPERSTITION: DRAGON'S BLOOD
Skhye's Free Read http://www.thewildrosepress.com/vow-of-superstition-dragons-blood-p-840.html