Search here...
0
TOP
Reader News

Speaking of Hot..

62 Views

…which is a great way to segue into my questions for the night”¦ 

You started writing romances because someone thought men couldn’t write them.  Let me say you’ve more than lived up to the challenge!  But, I’d like to ask, is it easier for you”“a man-to write in the hero or the heroine’s POV?  Or does it matter? Why or why not? 

I don’t feel any difference in the difficulty myself, but I wonder how much that is due to the character of my women. They are all assertive leaders who know how to get things done and things will get done. Also I read a lot, study relationship guides, listen a lot to women and have watched tv chat shows and other non-fictional tv where women interact. A lot of this helps me to write my females characters, at least outwardly, to act like women. I know there are differences between male and female communication though. In one book that both my wife and I read she could pick out the feminine nuances that told a subtle understory. At one point where the heroine, who was a willing hostage in a rich man’s house says. “I couldn’t love him.” I didn’t catch the nuance where the heroine was actually trying to deny the fact that she did love him, whereas all the women of my acquaintance caught it first time around.
I’m sure the same goes for men talk too, but I have no idea what the nuances are. Overall I like to think I do fairly well though. I’ve had several readers tell me a write like a woman. So that has to say something for all that research. 

 

I’ve stated before that the reason I stopped reading hard (heh heh) SF and Fantasy was that the relationships in them left me frustrated.(yes,I mean PO’D) You seemed to agree, saying that they didn’t aim at a satisfactory end.  While I don’t need HEA, I’d like for some sort of resolution that doesn’t include spacing or phazing the hero’s girlfriend because she ultimately betrays him to the ‘forces of evil’.  

Do you try to have at least a satisfactory ending/resolution”“ if a series”“or a HEA”“in a stand alone”“ in each of your stories? 

Romance, as I understand the official definition, requires the story to have an HEA. Personally, I like to write my stories with a distinct ending simply because it’s more satisfying to me. I don’t “hate” SF stories where there isn’t any end but I’m not totally satisfied with them. It appears to be, almost, one of the SF tropes. I think the underlying belief is that the end is merely the beginning of the next adventure. I do have this, to some degree, in the PIACT series. Each novel is a standalone adventure, the hero and heroine face the dangers, define their relationship and, although they don’t always get married, they make a decision to remain together by the end of the book. What I love about the PIACT undercover agent series is the secondary story. If you can read the series in order you’ll find the battle between the Separatists and the Federation starts in book one and ends in book five, and there is a minor love story that runs through books two to four, culminating in the two characters having their own tale told in book five. Each book reveals more of their developing affections, and the frustrations caused by the very nature of their opposing political loyalties, which keeps them apart. Having two love stories running through the series has made it, for me, very interesting. The reviewers as a whole seem to like it too. LOL 

 

What comes to you first, the plot or the characters? 

I guess the plot for me. Except for my character Valencius who’s still in the WIP stage. Poor guy was turned into a vampire as he was being embalmed and ended up being dependant on drinking embalming fluid instead of blood, (I love bucking the tropes, LOL). I generally get an idea, then sit down and work it into a scene (which could occur anywhere in the book.) After that I then fit the scene into a novel length story. Simple LOL

 

Do you have a favorite book or series of yours?  

My favorite book that I’m writing isn’t a romance at all. Lol it’s a really cute comedy SF. The PIACT undercover agent series is my only one in print and I hold a certain fondness for that simply because it is the first published and a symbol of success, if you like. 

 

Agent Double D makes me laugh so hard I hurt because I always find myself thinking the same sort of what ifs about werewolves, mermen and vampires, etc.  However, if you could be one of these supernatural/paranormal creatures, which would it be? Why? 

From the non-romance point of view they all have pretty sucky lives, particularly the vampire. LOL. Overall though, if you take standard romantic tropes the paranormals that seem to do best are vampires and ultra cool weres like panthers. After all, vamps always get the most attractive women, and all they have to do is bite them. You have no idea how many women have told me to do that”¦ 

«

»

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Me on Instagram

https://coffeetimeromance.com/pet-costume-contest-get-your-entry-vote/?feed_id=3673&_unique_id=6703ab4bda485&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterPet%20Costume%20Contest%20-%20Get%20your%20Entry%20%26%20Vote%21270470

https://coffeetimeromance.com/pet-costume-contest-get-your-entry-vote/?feed_id=3673&_unique_id=6703ab4bda485&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterPet%20Costume%20Contest%20-%20Get%20your%20Entry%20%26%20Vote%21270470 ...

2 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/win-with-turn-the-page-publishing/?feed_id=3663&_unique_id=67012723c3600&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterWin%20with%20Turn%20the%20Page%20Publishing270433

https://coffeetimeromance.com/win-with-turn-the-page-publishing/?feed_id=3663&_unique_id=67012723c3600&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterWin%20with%20Turn%20the%20Page%20Publishing270433 ...

3 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/270426-2/?feed_id=3633&_unique_id=66fffee27bc88&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20Poster270426

https://coffeetimeromance.com/270426-2/?feed_id=3633&_unique_id=66fffee27bc88&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20Poster270426 ...

2 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/changeling-press-news-10-04-2024/?feed_id=3643&_unique_id=66fff5bb6190a&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterChangeling%20Press%20News%2010%2F04%2F2024270427

https://coffeetimeromance.com/changeling-press-news-10-04-2024/?feed_id=3643&_unique_id=66fff5bb6190a&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterChangeling%20Press%20News%2010%2F04%2F2024270427 ...

1 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/octobers-reader-news/?feed_id=3623&_unique_id=66ffe28234883&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterOctober%27s%20Reader%20News270421

https://coffeetimeromance.com/octobers-reader-news/?feed_id=3623&_unique_id=66ffe28234883&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterOctober%27s%20Reader%20News270421 ...

5 1
@angela.knight.7161 New York Best Selling Author is teaching a class October 2024  Blastoff Beginnings: Writing Opening Chapters That Take Readers Along for the Ride Angela Knight examines the elements that engage the reader’s curiosity and make her care about your characters. She will explain how to design and execute a fantastic story that will land you on your readers’ auto-buy lists. #Writing Opening Chapters That Take Readers Along for the Ride #books #writing #class #booktok https://bit.ly/AK100724class

@angela.knight.7161 New York Best Selling Author is teaching a class October 2024 Blastoff Beginnings: Writing Opening Chapters That Take Readers Along for the Ride Angela Knight examines the elements that engage the reader’s curiosity and make her care about your characters. She will explain how to design and execute a fantastic story that will land you on your readers’ auto-buy lists. #Writing Opening Chapters That Take Readers Along for the Ride #books #writing #class #booktok https://bit.ly/AK100724class ...

1 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-barbara-matteson/?feed_id=3613&_unique_id=66fc9c62e3f96&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Rachel&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Barbara%20Matteson270199

https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-barbara-matteson/?feed_id=3613&_unique_id=66fc9c62e3f96&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Rachel&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Barbara%20Matteson270199 ...

2 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-amber-daulton2024/?feed_id=3563&_unique_id=66fc9ae751575&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=tory%20richards&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Amber%20Daulton270239

https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-amber-daulton2024/?feed_id=3563&_unique_id=66fc9ae751575&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=tory%20richards&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Amber%20Daulton270239 ...

3 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-sevannah-storm/?feed_id=3603&_unique_id=66fc99c63a392&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=RachelFirasek&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Sevannah%20Storm270206

https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-sevannah-storm/?feed_id=3603&_unique_id=66fc99c63a392&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=RachelFirasek&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Sevannah%20Storm270206 ...

2 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/author-newsletter-september-2024/?feed_id=3593&_unique_id=66fc0de57cc5e&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterAuthor%20Newsletter%20-%20September%202024270257

https://coffeetimeromance.com/author-newsletter-september-2024/?feed_id=3593&_unique_id=66fc0de57cc5e&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterAuthor%20Newsletter%20-%20September%202024270257 ...

3 0
Interview with Celia Breslin 
We are thrilled to have author Celia Breslin with us today. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to give readers a chance to get to know more about you and your work. While some questions may be traditional, you’d be surprised at what readers connect to. Sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can. So, let us begin.

Can you share a little something about Celia Breslin that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

Sure! I play piano, and I like to sing. Used to be a soprano, but now I’m more of an alto. I also like to work out every day. Weight training, cardio, walking, etc.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing stories since I was a kid. Mostly short stories back then. After college, I moved on to novella and novel-length work. I still do write the occasional short story, including The Night Hag, a dark modern fairy tale I wrote for Halloween 2023 (free to my newsletter subscribers).

What have you found most challenging about it?

I have more story ideas than I have time, LOL. 

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing is definitely fun and fulfilling. I do get emotional about my stories, especially when I’m throwing all sorts of problems at my main characters. But then I get to cheer them on when they overcome the obstacles and achieve their HEA.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule, or do you have to be in the mood?

I try to write regardless of my mood. I like to stay connected to my WiP, so daily writing is a must.  I’m also an editor, so my typical workday includes both activities. Oh, and my daily workout!

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

It started as a hobby when I was a kid/teen. Fast forward to adulthood…when my daughter was born, I thought, why not publish my stories? So, I started submitting my vampire series to publishers, and it was picked up. Writing has been one my job hats ever since.

Let's move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

 What are your pet peeves?  Being late, drivers...

Interview with Celia Breslin
We are thrilled to have author Celia Breslin with us today. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to give readers a chance to get to know more about you and your work. While some questions may be traditional, you’d be surprised at what readers connect to. Sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can. So, let us begin.

Can you share a little something about Celia Breslin that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

Sure! I play piano, and I like to sing. Used to be a soprano, but now I’m more of an alto. I also like to work out every day. Weight training, cardio, walking, etc.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing stories since I was a kid. Mostly short stories back then. After college, I moved on to novella and novel-length work. I still do write the occasional short story, including The Night Hag, a dark modern fairy tale I wrote for Halloween 2023 (free to my newsletter subscribers).

What have you found most challenging about it?

I have more story ideas than I have time, LOL. 

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing is definitely fun and fulfilling. I do get emotional about my stories, especially when I’m throwing all sorts of problems at my main characters. But then I get to cheer them on when they overcome the obstacles and achieve their HEA.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule, or do you have to be in the mood?

I try to write regardless of my mood. I like to stay connected to my WiP, so daily writing is a must.  I’m also an editor, so my typical workday includes both activities. Oh, and my daily workout!

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

It started as a hobby when I was a kid/teen. Fast forward to adulthood…when my daughter was born, I thought, why not publish my stories? So, I started submitting my vampire series to publishers, and it was picked up. Writing has been one my job hats ever since.

Let`s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

 What are your pet peeves?  Being late, drivers...
...

1 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-sara-swann-barnard/?feed_id=3543&_unique_id=66fbff8f087cb&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Rachel&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Sara%20Swann-Barnard270202

https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-sara-swann-barnard/?feed_id=3543&_unique_id=66fbff8f087cb&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Rachel&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Sara%20Swann-Barnard270202 ...

2 0