Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Behind the Scenes: Author Process Interview Series Featuring Leona Bushman

Hello Leona Bushman and thank you, for stopping by on my blog today for my Behind the Scenes: Author Process Interview series. I hope you found my questions thought provoking and I hope my readers will find a glimpse into the author's mind thought-provoking and educational.


Writing Routines/Mechanics

  1. What type of software do you use to write? On what type of device do you do your writing? (example: laptop, tablet, phone, paper/pen, etc.) I use word. I've tried others, but yeah. Laptop, usually. I love me a good notebook and pen.

  1. Do you have a writing routine? How often do you write? No. I wish. I used to. I was more productive then.


  1. When you sit down to write about how many words do you write in one sitting? In a day? In a week? If I'm having a good day, 7k isn't unheard of. I'm supposed to be writing 3k a day. *growls at self*

  1. Do you use outlines? Are you a pantser or outliner? Can you do both? Pantser I'm having to be a little of both in my War of the Weres series as I had to do up a proposal. Thankfully, I lost a lot of my notes... LOL

  1. How many works-in-progress do you have stored on your computer right now? Please don't make me count...

  1. How many pieces are you currently working on right now? See answer above...
  2. Do you have another job besides writing? Do you consider writing a full time job, part time job, hobby, chore? Right now, I have three full time jobs: being a wife and mother, writing, and editing.

Writing Inspirations/Process

  1. How do you come up with story ideas? Seriously, I'll be sitting there and ideas will bombard me. I got a headache about 2 weeks ago because a 7 series book of novels flew into my head. I will be writing them soon as they won't shut up. First, must get out two more for the War of the Weres series

  1. How do you feel about the "write what you know" saying? True? Haahahaha only if you know any werewolves. You need to expand your horizons.

  1. What do you come up with first, plot or characters? It's happened to me both ways. But if the characters aren't clear, I'm definitely not writing the plot.
  2. Do you completed a first draft and then revise or do you revise as you go? Since becoming an editor? Both lol

  1. How many re-writes do you do prior to submitting a story? LOL depends on how close to deadline it is :D

  1. How much research do you do prior to starting a story? How much research do you do as you go? Where do you do your most research at? For heaven's sake, before?? LOL actually, I've got a huge file in my yahoo on Anne Bolyn. I want to do an historical from that time period. I genuinely like history, so I don't "do" research. I also like knowledge, so if I find something interesting, I look it up. It means I need less priory research and only some for specifics during most books.

  1. People say that in order to write, you must read a lot. How much do you read? Do you read the genre you write? YES READ A LOT. I can't read a different genre than the one I'm currently writing, even though I do a ton of reading.

  1. Do you include prologues in your stories? Do you like prologues? Love me a good prologue. I've done a few.


Marketing/Publishers/Reviews

  1. Do you seek out a publisher call for a certain type of story and then write that story, or do you write a story and then find a publisher? I've done both, but as time constraints hit, I end up writing to calls LOL
  2. Do you have pen name? (Don't worry, not asking you to share your real name.) How did you pick your pen name? What made you decide to have a pen name? LJ Bushman. Just to differentiate it from my Romances.
  1. How do you feel about reviews? Do you read your reviews? How do you move on from a horrible review? Love good reviews. If it's legit, I learn from it. If it's someone on a hate for romance books, I ignore it.


  1. Do you have a blog and/or website? How do you think having a blog and/or website helps you? (Feel free to include links.) I'm thinking it helps. I'm not as active on my blog and I think my sales are suffering from that. www.lbushman.blogspot.com

  1. How many publishers are you published with? Will be two in October.


  1. Do you think more publishers is better, or is it better to stay with one? If you are published with more than one publisher, did you start with one and then move to another? How did that work? Or do you plan on being published with multiple publishers? I use one for my romance, and one for my non romance.

  1. Are you self-published or published through a publisher? Which experience do you prefer? Both, definitely. Why? Lots more support, even from the small ones I went with. Friendly, etc. And you have an author network.


  1. Ebooks vs. paperback vs. hard cover? Your thoughts. PAPER>

  1. Any tips on writing a synopsis? Don't unless they make you.

  1. Any tips on writing a good blurb? Yeah, write it and let your editor take it from there. I'm much better at helping other's with theirs than doing my own.


Writing Genres/Heat Levels

  1. What genres do you write now? What genres would you like to write/branch out to in the future? Paranormal, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy, urban fantasy. More mystery and sci-fi. Oh and I have a steampunk nearly ready.

  1. There are lots of genres and sub-genres nowadays. More than there used to be. Do you feel familiar with them all? How do you keep up with the ever expanding dictionary of genres/sub-genres? I'll never be completely familiar with them as the definitions seem to change more than my kid does.

Writing: Types of Stories

  1. What length of stories do you write? Do you find certain lengths of stories sell better than others? Do you prefer to write a certain length over others? Whatever blows my hair back. I do prefer longer ones.

  1. Free reads. Do you think they bring in more readers? (Feel free to include a link.) I hope so as I'm going to be writing a few soon. 
  2. Have you written any pieces in an anthology? Does it help get more readers to standalone books? Do you think anthologies sell well? Hahahah I have my fourth anthology coming out September 25th lol I think it helped my sales a lot. I think it'll continue to do so as people pick it up for A author, but find they liked D author (hopefully me ;) ) and go and buy it.


Writing Background

  1. How many stories have you written? How many published stories have you written? (Feel free to include buy links here.) uh.... *head explodes* Will include links of latest bits  http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=Leona+Bushman&x=21&y=12
  2. What type of formal training have you had with writing? Do you think it has helped or hindered you? I've had English classes in college and took college levels in high school. I think they help immensely.

Writing Support Groups/Forums/Nanowrimo/Networking

  1. Have you done nanowrimo or any variation of nanowrimo? Do you think it helped or hindered you? Do you plan on doing it in the future? Love them. Did the campnanowrimo and forgot to put in my finished numbers  I had it all too!

  1. Do you do writing sprints? Do you think they help? Yes and yes!





    An ex-lover on trial, life as a newly formed werewolf, and a passion kindled; what's a girl to do? Released from depraved control of a psychotic lupa, free to find his mate, and a passion kindled; what's a man to do?
    Lisa Sanchez is having a bad couple of years. She was betrayed by her lover and made into a werewolf but she's making the best of her new life...except when it comes to love. Lisa is out of luck in that department until Lance arrives in her not-so-perfect life.
    Lance Navarro once saved his mate from the clutches of his ruthless pack leader by hiding her in a rival pack. Then the packs merged and things got interesting.
    Can Lisa accept that Lance is to be her new mate, and get past the betrayal of the last wolf who made promises? Can Lance protect her from the vindictive pack leader? Or will they end up sharing an early grave?










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Sunday, June 23, 2013

Behind the Scenes: Author Process Interview Series Featuring Megan Martin

Hello Megan and thank you, for stopping by on my blog today for my Behind the Scenes: Author Process Interview series. I hope you found my questions thought provoking and I hope my readers will find a glimpse into the author's mind thought-provoking and educational.


Writing Routines/Mechanics

  1. Do you have a writing routine? How often do you write?
-I do have a writing routine. I try to write every day, at least 2k, though I don’t always end up writing this much, it is definitely my goal. (Otherwise I would never finish anything)
  1. How long typically does it take you to finish a piece?
-I used to be terrible, I would start things and then take OVER A YEAR to finish them, but now I am much better. It typically will only take me 2-3 months to finish something.
  1. Do you use outlines? Are you a pantser or outliner? Can you do both?
-I am some sort of hybrid of both. I usually make a general outline of where my book is going, though not with too much detail and the nitty gritty info is subject to change. You know how characters go, always running off in one direction with guns blazing without permission.

Writing Inspirations/Process

  1. How do you come up with story ideas?
-I usually get my ideas from everyday life like most writers. I find inspiration in the simplest things. Like a man walking down the highway. A catch phrase that clicks into something in my mind and spurns a plot theme, a picture. Things like that.
  1. Do the characters just come to you or does it take a bit of work to get them straightened out?
-I have to say both on this one. I have had characters come to me, whole and full of their own issues, while I have had others that have taken longer to evolve.
  1. Do you completed a first draft and then revise or do you revise as you go?
-I typically revise as I go, though this doesn’t mean that I don’t make changes when I go back over it, before sending it out to beta readers.
  1. Are you ever worried about offending anyone with a character or plot choice? How does that effect your writing?
-Oh, girl. All the time! My characters seem to want to do things that people would find crazy, awkward, or just down-right wrong. I try very hard to let them do what they want, because in reality, that’s what people do and I like for my characters to feel as real as possible.


Marketing/Publishers/Reviews

  1. Do you have pen name? (Don't worry, not asking you to share your real name.) How did you pick your pen name? What made you decide to have a pen name?
-I use my real name. I considered using a pen name when I first started writing, but found that I wanted my real name to be associated with what I had written. I found it to be more rewarding.
  1. How do you deal with rejection letters?
-Rejection letters are a part of being an author and they have helped me grow. I wouldn’t be the writer I am today without a whole plethora of rejection letters.
  1. How do you feel about reviews? Do you read your reviews? How do you move on from a horrible review?
-I definitely read reviews. Like rejection letters, it is the bad reviews that help me grow as writer.


Writing Genres/Heat Levels

  1. What genres do you write now? What genres would you like to write/branch out to in the future?
-All I write is romance (of course I am a romance junkie! Lol) I have spaced myself out across several different romance genres though. Historical, contemporary erotica, and paranormal.
  1. Heat Levels. What heat levels do you write? Can you write multiple heat levels? Are there any heat levels that you feel uncomfortable with?
-I usually write toward a higher heat level. There are always some graphic scenes in my books. ;)
  1. Do you write BDSM? How do you feel it is portrayed in books today?
-I don’t write BDSM, but I love to read it. I don’t know much about the BDSM world, not enough to write a book about it, but I find it very interesting.

Writing: Types of Stories

  1. What length of stories do you write? Do you find certain lengths of stories sell better than others? Do you prefer to write a certain length over others?
-I have written a novella, a novelette, a short story, and a novel. LOL, so I can be versatile. As far as what sells better, I’m not really sure, but I know that I, as a reader, prefer to read books of novel length, so I don’t plan on writing anything short in the near future…though that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. ;)
  1. Have you written any pieces in an anthology? Does it help get more readers to standalone books? Do you think anthologies sell well?
-I have had the privilege of being a part of one anthology. The HerStory anthology that came out in March 2013. To be honest, I loved this experience. I got to work with a bunch of amazing authors and got the chance to expand my writing circle. Definitely something that I would like to do again in the future.
  1. How do you feel about series? Do you think they sell better? Are easier or harder to write?
-I love series. I love to read them and I’m currently writing one right now the first of my paranormal series will be published later this year with Dragonfairy press. For more info click here. I think they are a great way to build an audience as a writer, but I also have found that they post challenges to the writer because you definitely have to have continuity.

Writing Background

  1. What type of formal training have you had with writing? Do you think it has helped or hindered you?
-I am a junior in college and an English major. Focusing on English has definitely helped with my writing. I have been exposed to a lot of classical pieces through school as well as learned how to perfect my writing as a whole.
  1. When did you first start writing? Do you remember your first story? First genre?
-My first story that I wrote was titled Beautiful Nightmare. A paranormal novel that ended up being over 125k. WOWZA. It is unpublished and is horribly written, lol. It was my first though, and I will always love that story.

Writing Support Groups/Forums/Nanowrimo/Networking

  1. Have you done nanowrimo or any variation of nanowrimo? Do you think it helped or hindered you? Do you plan on doing it in the future?
-I haven’t tried out nanowrimo, but I would like to in the future. I think it is a great idea and opportunity to band writers together and get stuff done!
  1. Do you do writing sprints? Do you think they help?
-I haven’t done sprints before, but they do seem to help out others. I have considered giving it a try, though I just haven’t yet.
Thank you so much for having me Sally!



Megan’s debut novella is a Historical Holocaust Romance titled Forbidden Angel.



Blurb: When captured by the Nazis, Sarah finds herself in a concentration camp that not only brings her closer to death...but closer to love.
Sarah Brenner, a young Jewish woman, is terrified when she finds herself in the heat of a railcar bound for a work camp in Nazi Germany. For years she, along with her mother and sister, had hidden from the SS, but no one could hide forever. Her hatred for those who have enslaved them is ever-growing, especially when they arrive and she encounters the shockingly handsome Nazi doctor who can’t seem to keep his eyes—or hands—off her.
Aurel Rothstein is not your everyday concentration camp physician. The endless prisoners and lack of care he's allowed to give have made him numb to the work he so coveted. It isn’t until he comes face to face with a beautiful prisoner that his heart becomes involved with his job—a forbidden and fatal move to any Nazi.
When a vile soldier takes direct interest in Sarah, she will be forced to make a choice that will change her life forever: ignore the pull toward the handsome doctor or give in to the forbidden passion he awakens with only a look. Either way they both risk everything...
Buy on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Angel-ebook/dp/B00AOF9U6Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356715861&sr=1-1&keywords=megan+d+martin




Author Bio
Megan D. Martin is a multi-published author, mother, student and editor. In her spare time she enjoys decorating her house with strange things that do not match, playing her old school Nintendo Entertainment System, and buying fish for her many fish tanks. 
Website: http://www.MeganDMartin.com




Thank you so much Megan, for stopping by!  :-)




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Sunday, June 16, 2013

BP Blog Hop Featuring Dianne Hartsock for Behind the Scenes: Author Process Interview Series

Hello Dianne and thank you, for stopping by on my blog today for my Behind the Scenes: Author Process Interview series. I hope you found my questions thought provoking and I hope my readers will find a glimpse into the author's mind thought-provoking and educational.


Writing Routines/Mechanics

  1. Do you have a writing routine? How often do you write?

To begin with, I get up an hour earlier in the morning than I need to, to get in some writing before work. I'm a full time floral designer, so I put in my eight hours, come home, have dinner. Unwind with my husband. Then I have about two hours in the evening after he's gone to bed to write. On my days off I squeeze in as much writing as I can, but still make sure I leave enough time for my family.

  1. Do you use outlines? Are you a pantser or outliner? Can you do both?

*chuckles* I love the word panster! Makes me imagine a person running around pulling down people’s pants. I think some of my characters would love doing that. But I think I’m a little of both. I usually have the story thought out in my head, and the stories usually end where I wanted them to. But a lot of the time, in between the start and finish, the characters take me places I’d never imagined going before.

  1. What atmosphere do you need to write in? Music? Silence? Any particular snack or drink?

Quiet, with alternative rock music playing softly in the background. If a house is too quiet, I tend to listen to every squeak it makes. So distracting. The only snack I really need is a pot of coffee!

  1. How many pieces are you currently working on right now?

Not too many, at the moment. I'm writing the sequel to my psychological thriller ALEX, which is taking up most of my time. I do have a contemporary m/m erotic story started and am doing edits on two stories for two different anthologies. Besides these, I'm planning the sixth and final book in my SHELTON series. So, busy as usual!

  1. Do you have another job besides writing? Do you consider writing a full time job, part time job, hobby, chore?

Although I'm a full time floral designer, I also consider myself a full time author. I can't put in as much time writing every day as I would like to, but I make up for it on my days off work. Also, even when I'm not writing, I'm thinking about it, usually plotting out scenes in my head when I should be concentrating on other things. Makes me seem a bit distracted, but I can't help it.

Writing Inspirations/Process

  1. How do you come up with story ideas?

Usually a bit of music or a magazine picture or something on TV, even a customer at work will catch my interest and I'll start to build a story around it. I'll think about it for a few days or a week plotting it out, then one day I'll sit down in front of the computer and begin to write. At this time I usually have a beginning, middle, and ending, but everything else comes to me as I write. This technique works for me because usually by the time I reach the middle then the ending, things have changed so much it's a surprise to me as well.
  1. Do the characters just come to you or does it take a bit of work to get them straightened out?

One of my favorite parts about writing a story is that the characters come to me whole, names and character quirks and everything. I simply write the story and let the characters introduce themselves as I go along. I find out about them in the same way my readers will. The only real difference is that I know who my bad guy is from the beginning so I make sure to leave clues along the way so when they're discovered it's not a huge shock.

  1. Do you complete a first draft and then revise or do you revise as you go?

I revise and edit as I go. I would probably be considered a very slow writer, not moving on until I have a scene just right. The good part about this, though, is that when the story is done, it's pretty much done. I have very little editing to do and only need a few rereads before it's ready for my editor.

  1. How much research do you do prior to starting a story? How much research do you do as you go? Where do you do your most research at?

I usually don't do any research until I get into the story and the situation calls for it. Most of my research is done online. And for my m/m romances, I always go to the Goodreads M/M Romance group for answers. Such a fun, informative group! And I usually find what I need.

  1. People say that in order to write, you must read a lot. How much do you read? Do you read the genre you write?

Let's just say I've been a bookworm all my life. I devour books. And yes, I definitely read the genres I write in.

Marketing/Publishers/Reviews

  1. Do you have a blog and/or website? How do you think having a blog and/or website helps you? (Feel free to include links.)

I do have a blog where I share my books and am also in a lot of blog hops, which I thoroughly enjoy participating in. I've met a lot of my writer friends on these hops and can always find some new books to read. This also gives me a place to host other authors, which is a great way to meet new readers. My blog is here: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/

  1. How many publishers are you published with?

At the moment I'm with four different publishers and am looking at several other publishing houses to join. I love being able to work with a variety of editors and this also expands my readers group. And it's a fun way to meet other authors and make new friends.

  1. Any tips on writing a good blurb?

I once had a publisher I admire tell me that, before I even write the first line of the story, to write down the blurb. Say what the story is going to be about in short, concise sentences. This usually makes for a terrific blurb at the end.

Writing Genres/Heat Levels

  1. What genres do you write now? What genres would you like to write/branch out to in the future?

For the most part I write m/m erotic romance. Love the genre! Even in the stories I've written that aren't erotic, with a traditional m/f theme, I still have elements of gay sensuality included. I can't say I'm interested in writing anything else.


Writing: Types of Stories

  1. Free reads. Do you think they bring in more readers? (Feel free to include a link.)

I think free reads definitely bring in readers. It's a painless way for people to sample my work then turn around and buy something more.

Damon's Touch: As Damon's prisoner, Lacey's love for his beautiful captor grows, but will love be enough to set them both free? https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-damon039stouch-1005996-139.html

  1. Have you written any pieces in an anthology? Does it help get more readers to standalone books? Do you think anthologies sell well?

I'm in four different anthologies and have stories in two more that will be coming out this summer. As a fairly new author, having my stories in with other well-known authors helps draw some much needed attention to my writing. And I think anthologies sell well because there are so many other people to help with promoting.

  1. How do you feel about series? Do you think they sell better? Are easier or harder to write?

When I first wrote SHELTON IN LOVE I had no idea it would be the first book in a series of six. (working on the sixth one now). Each book came with its own difficulties to write, but in a way they were also easier. I had all my characters, and though each book can stand on its own, the reader knows right away that the main characters are in a committed relationship and I can carry the story forward from there. I find with each new book, I can go back and also promote the earlier ones and create more sales that way.
Writing Background
  1. How many published stories have you written? (Feel free to include buy links here.)

It looks like I have 17 published with two more free reads and two more anthology stories on their way.

-Shelton in Love






Shelton's Promise






-Shelton's Choice






-Shelton's Homecoming




-Merry Christmas Shelton






ALEX






-Nathaniel






-Philip's Watcher






-Wee Willie Winkie






-Without Aiden




-Trials of a Lonely Specter






Anthologies


Ad-Dick-tion vol. 2 Anthology: Eran's Release






Freaky Flashes: m/m stories






Halloween Heat vol. 1: Costumes






HER STORY: Without Borders


HOT FLASHES anthology: m/m stories




Free Read: Damon's Touch






Writing Support Groups/Forums/Nanowrimo/Networking

  1. Conferences. Have you gone to any? Plan on going to any? What conferences would you recommend to go to, or to avoid?


My first and only conference so far was EPICON-2013 in Vancouver Washington earlier this year. It was fabulous! Had so much fun and the workshops were so informative. Hoping to go to the one in San Antonio, TX in 2014. Made some wonderful connections.

  1. Have you done a book signing? How did that go?

I've done half a dozen book signings, and though I usually don't sell a lot of books, I meet some great readers and authors and make some amazing connections. And I always have one or two of my fans show up, which really makes my day!




WEE WILLIE WINKIE



Blurb:

Willie has met an old flame, but is he willing to give up the decadence of Boston society for the man he loves?
For the past three years William Wilkerson has led the life of the privileged rich. Head of his father’s shipping business, Willie indulges in the pleasures of Boston’s fine young men to his heart’s content. That is, until he meets Fredrick, the one man who has captured his heart, again.
As his former tutor, Fredrick has been declared off limits by William’s father. Fredrick also believes he's beneath the attention of Wilkerson’s heir. Willie disagrees, but is he willing to throw away rank and privilege for the man he loves?

Excerpt:

Fredrick held up his glass and stared at the candle's flame through the amber liquid. He took a sip, savored the rich, biting taste on his tongue. He welcomed the burn down his throat. This was the very last drink he could afford, and he had to make it last.
A giggle erupted from the booth in the corner, the one whose curtains were drawn against curious eyes. A smile tugged at Fredrick's lips despite the dire state of his wallet. The laugh had been carefree, joyous, naughty. Fredrick shifted on the cushioned bench. Only a few straggling customers remained in the dining room. He wondered if any of them would notice if he shifted his cramped cock as it throbbed in sympathy with the bright laughter.
Rather than risk it, he watched the fruit vender outside the window beguile a customer. Another giggle and stifled moan swiveled his attention back to the corner. A silk-clad foot and slim calf peeked beneath the curtain. He grinned even as the delectable sight emphasized his own loneliness. It had been far too long since he'd had someone in his bed.
"Excuse me. Sir?"
Fredrick looked up, distracted from his memory of lush lips and white skin and wide, hazel eyes, and blinked at the stout innkeeper at his elbow. "Yes?"
A frown fleeted across the man's homely face at another bout of laughter from the corner. "If they're disturbing you, I can have Wee Willie take his guest upstairs. Excuse me, I mean Mister Wilkerson." The man broke off, flustered by the slip of the tongue.
Fredrick's heart leaped on hearing the name mentioned. Is William really here? How could that be? The innkeeper coughed, and Fredrick frowned at the intrusion into his thoughts. The man was so damned serious about such a minor indiscretion. "They're no bother. In fact, I'm almost done anyway." He lifted his nearly empty glass. Hearing a shout, they looked over in time to see a young man tumble through the curtains onto the floor. Fredrick caught a glimpse of red hair and an embarrassed cheek before the gentleman crammed a hat on his head and strode passed them, face averted. The innkeeper shrugged and followed, likely to be sure he paid for his drinks.
Fredrick stared at the silk-clad foot still protruding from the parted curtains. He loosened his hold on his glass but had no way to stop the wild hammering of his heart. Before he lost his courage, he stood and swallowed the last of his brandy, then walked the short distance to the booth.
A grin tugged the corner of his mouth at his eagerness. It had been three years, after all, and they'd parted in anger. Would William acknowledge him? His hand trembled as he drew aside the heavy curtain and allowed his gaze to travel up the silky hose to bright blue trousers. Blood heated his face when he found the laces undone at the waist and the silk shirt open to expose white skin and rosebud nipples.
A sigh brought his gaze up to the pretty face that stirred his dreams. Rich brown curls surrounded lovely hazel eyes and full, pouting lips. He groaned when a delighted smile revealed the even, white teeth that had nipped his collarbone on more than one glorious occasion. "Freddie, is it you?"

Dianne Hartsock









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Sunday, June 9, 2013

Behind the Scenes: Author Process Interview Series Featuring Caitlin Ricci

Hello Caitlin Ricci and thank you, for stopping by on my blog today for my Behind the Scenes: Author Process Interview series. I hope you found my questions thought provoking and I hope my readers will find a glimpse into the author's mind thought-provoking and educational.

Writing Routines/Mechanics


1. What type of software do you use to write? On what type of device do you do your writing? (example: laptop, tablet, phone, paper/pen, etc.)

Whether on my desktop or laptop I’m always using Google Docs and Write or Die.

2. Do you have a writing routine? How often do you write?

I write full time so after my fiance leaves for work in the morning I get started writing and barely stop until he comes back home. I don’t write on the weekends or evenings but I’m usually plotting during those times.

3. When you sit down to write about how many words do you write in one sitting? In a day? In a week?

Write or Die is set for 1,000 words every half an hour for me. I usually sit down for about four hours in the morning before I take a break and then I do a few more hours of writing in the afternoon. So in a day I typically do around 5-8k or more depending on how much research and plotting I have to do. When a story is flowing well I can get a novel done in a week. Sometimes it takes me longer though if something isn’t working or if I get edits tossed back to me.

5. Do you use outlines? Are you a pantser or outliner? Can you do both?

I do both but usually outlines are reserved for longer pieces or co-authored works. Outlines are more of just general guidelines though so I can always go away from them. They’re more just notes of what I want to see happen in a book and the most logical order of those events.

6. What atmosphere do you need to write in? Music? Silence? Any particular snack or drink?

Water or iced green tea and Pandora set to my classical station are what works for me the most.

7. How many works-in-progress do you have stored on your computer right now?

Somewhere in the 40s or higher I believe. But I try not to have more than five current project focuses going at a time.

Writing Inspirations/Process

12. How do you feel about the "write what you know" saying? True?

While I agree that people shouldn’t write things that they aren’t familiar with or haven’t researched well, I think that stretching myself as an author is fun and rewarding. While each character has some part of me, I’m certainly not all of them and that’s part of the fun of being a writer.
16. How many re-writes do you do prior to submitting a story?
It depends on the story. If something doesn’t feel right then I do a few minor changes until I like it. But other than that I don’t re-write before I submit. I do edit but I don’t pour over the piece. By the time I finish with a piece I’m ready to move on and so I do. The edits and re-writes I do are as I’m going. I’m one of those writers that when a story isn’t working for me during the process I have to go back and really work with it until I like it again and can work on it.

18. Are you ever worried about offending anyone with a character or plot choice? How does that effect your writing?

No. If people are offended that’s fine. I write for me. That I make a living off of something that I love is a huge bonus and I’m grateful for the readers that make that happen. But I learned early on that I can’t please everyone and there are always going to be people that don’t like one of my stories for some reason or another. That’s fine and I appreciate their opinions and the criticisms I’ve learned from since first getting published last year. Those reviews help authors grow.



Marketing/Publishers/Reviews

24. How do you deal with rejection letters?

Read them, take what you can from them and move on. Always have backup publishers ready to go and keep the synopsis you had to write to begin with.


25. How do you feel about reviews? Do you read your reviews? How do you move on from a horrible review?

Some reviews are helpful and those usually come from reviewer blogs. I don’t go on goodreads unless I’m reviewing someone else’s work for my own blog. Everyone has an opinion and that’s what a review is. Don’t look at them. Your publisher will get the ones from blogs and then notify you. I ignore the hateful, personal attack type of reviews which blogs rarely do so that’s another plus for them. If there’s something helpful to get from a critical review find that one spec of information, save it and then move on. Nothing will hurt your writing mojo than a horrible review and the stress and lack of motivation is not worth it in the least.

26. Do you have a blog and/or website? How do you think having a blog and/or website helps you? (Feel free to include links.)

I do. www.CaitlinRicci.com and my blog can be found on there too. I like being able to have everything in one place and connect with readers and my site helps me do that.

27. How many publishers are you published with?

Five. They’re all different and offer me specific things that I’m looking for with each story. Because of their diversity I know who I’m going with for a story before I’m done with it and if my first choice doesn’t accept it I’ve got others that might and that are familiar with me and my work.

28. Do you think more publishers is better, or is it better to stay with one? If you are published with more than one publisher, did you start with one and then move to another? How did that work? Or do you plan on being published with multiple publishers?

You should always have more than one because each publisher has their own fan base and going through different publishers allows you to broaden your reader base.

29. Are you self-published or published through a publisher? Which experience do you prefer? Why?

Both. I prefer a publisher because there’s less risk but self-publishing offers ultimate control and it can come with some very large rewards.

31. Are their any characteristics of an editor that make them more likeable to you?

I like an editor that is professional while still having fun. A bit of snark and some wit make the process a lot easier. I don’t need to be loved but I absolutely must be respected. Sometimes new authors are afraid to stand up for themselves with a bully editor. They don’t need to put up with that.

34. Any tips on writing a synopsis?

Keep it short and interesting. No one needs to know about all the side plots at first glance unless they directly impact your characters. Go through your manuscript and pick out the points that are most critical to understanding your story. If you have those points and can flesh them out so that they don’t look like bullet points anymore then you’re good. It doesn’t have to be complicated.

Writing Genres/Heat Levels



38. What genres do you write now? What genres would you like to write/branch out to in the future?

I write every pairing and every genre but historical and I have an idea for one of those coming up so by the end of the year hopefully that’ll be changed.

40. Heat Levels. What heat levels do you write? Can you write multiple heat levels? Are their any heat levels that you feel uncomfortable with?

I write every level from YA to sweet romance to BDSM. If there is a heat level that I don’t write it would be one with extreme BDSM including pain to the point of torture and blood play but many publishers don’t accept those stories anyway.

41. If you write romance, do you write M/F, F/F, M/M? What about group scenes or threesomes?

I write every pairing including trans*. I have written and will continue to write menage stories but they aren’t what most of my characters tell me that they prefer.


Writing: Types of Stories



44. What length of stories do you write? Do you find certain lengths of stories sell better than others? Do you prefer to write a certain length over others?

I’ve written everything from a 3,500 word short for an anthology up to a 100,000 word super novel. Books in the 30-60k range sell the best and readers seem to feel more satisfied with them. I let the story take me where it wants to go. Some stories I know won’t be longer than 10k, others I already know are novels before I ever start typing.

45. Free reads. Do you think they bring in more readers? (Feel free to include a link.)

I do. http://www.caitlinricci.com/free-reads.html they’re all available here. I like free reads because they let readers try out a writing style before deciding to buy a book.

47. How do you feel about series? Do you think they sell better? Are easier or harder to write?

Series will always sell better and I enjoy writing them because I get to have longer story arcs and explore the other characters that come in contact with my original pair. It becomes like getting coffee with an old friend and I enjoy the time I get to spend in their world while writing stories in that series.


Writing Background

49. What type of formal training have you had with writing? Do you think it has helped or hindered you?

None. Writing isn’t a formula and the people I’ve talked to that got their degrees in writing don’t seem to have nearly as much fun with it as I do. There seems to be this preconceived notion that to be a full time author you need to have a degree in writing. That’s not true. If you want to take a class, go for it. But its not required and in the end take what you learned and put it to your own voice. Those people are miserable because they’re trying too hard to stay inside the lines.


Writing Support Groups/Forums/Nanowrimo/Networking


53. Have you done nanowrimo or any variation of nanowrimo? Do you think it helped or hindered you? Do you plan on doing it in the future?

I do nanowrimo each year because I like competition. I write more than the requirement though in far less than a month so while it isn’t a challenge, it is fun.

57. Do you have local writers in your area that you network with?

I do. I’m part of a Colorado gay romance author group and we do events together throughout the year. This month we’ll actually have a booth at the Denver Pride Fest.

59. Conferences. Have you gone to any? Plan on going to any? What conferences would you recommend to go to, or to avoid?

I have. They offer different things to different people so I won’t say that any are good or bad. It’s all up to what you’re looking for. The one I’m most looking forward to coming up is RainbowCon 2014 http://rainbowconference.org.


Thank you everyone for hanging out with me today and I hope you had fun and learned a little bit about what it’s like being me.



This collection brings six talented authors from the Centennial State together under one title, all offering their take on what it means to be Out in Colorado. These stories explore the cultures and mores of the state as only native authors can, each bringing a unique perspective on the diverse peoples and changing attitudes that are quickly coming to define this state in transition.

First, in Something Old, Something Blue, Justin Pauldino, the adopted son of Denver's Italian mob boss, is a one night stand kind of guy and likes it that way, until his latest bed partner, Michael Blu, upsets his applecart world enough to make him consider settling down. When Justin decides to put his best foot forward with Michael—a third generation attorney, whose father and grandfather have an unpleasant history with Justin's adoptive father—Justin's world is turned upside down when his good intentions set in motion a series of events that will change his life forever. Then, Joey Graham has demonstrated his Casual Brilliance and landed the job of his dreams out of school; the only catch is that he has to move to Colorado to do it. Fortunately, Joey's got a new coworker who's more than happy to introduce him to everything his new home has to offer. Next, in a yearly tradition, five friends had gotten together in a cabin in the winter mountains of Colorado, but one of them has been lost for years. This year, all five friends will be back together and discover secrets that will change their lives forever, in Spirit's Fire.

In Take a Bow, Brandon's daughter's wedding is approaching quickly, and the nervous father realizes that if he is to keep from embarrassing his little girl during the father-daughter dance, he needs some lessons pronto. But the gorgeous and charismatic dance instructor, Crispin, has Brandon too distracted to learn when all he can think of is dragging the man down for some dancing of a more horizontal sort. Next, stuck in an abusive relationship with the cultured and sophisticated (and closeted) Ethan, a relationship that is quickly spiraling downward, Trevor feels Frozen, lost and left behind as everything spins on around him. When a sudden turn of violence forces Trevor to face the tragedy that his life has become and make a hard choice, it could be the awakening he needs, or it could be the last decision he ever makes. Finally, being an otter shifter, though fun, comes with its own set of problems for Lon, not the least of which is the need to be in his shifted form for at least a few hours every week. This biological imperative threatens his budding romance with University of Colorado adjunct professor Corey when an accident in the back country leaves Lon unable to make his shift without revealing his furry secret, in Slip/Slide/Snow.





Caitlin was fortunate growing up to be surrounded by family and teachers that encouraged her love of reading. She has always been a voracious reader and that love of the written word easily morphed into a passion for writing. If she isn't writing, she can usually be found studying as she works toward her counseling degree. She comes from a military family and the men and women of the armed forces are close to her heart. She also enjoys gardening and horseback riding in the Colorado Rockies where she calls home with her wonderful fiance, their dog and Blue Tongue Skink. Her belief that there is no one true path to happily ever after runs deeply through all of her stories.




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