Welcome to another edition of Romance Weekly! Do you love romance novels? Ever want to know more about your favorite authors? Well you’re in the right place! Each week, the writers of Romance Weekly invite you behind the scenes of our books and tell all. About our writing, of course! After you’ve checked out my entry, hop along to the next stop on the tour! This week, we are answering some questions posed by our very own JJ Divine.
1. You’re moving right along with a storyline and suddenly it takes an unexpected twist. Do you go with the flow and follow where the twist leads you or do you conform your story to your way?
When I embarked upon my journey as a romance writer last year, I had no idea what kind of writer I was. I had no methodology, other than to sit down and write. Did I plot? Sorta. Most of the time, I would just start typing and see where things went. Since then, I’ve learned the terms “plotter” and “pantser” and I’ve come to realize that I fall somewhere in between. I will jot down a story idea, as well as the major plot points that I need to hit, and then I just go. So if a story begins to take an unexpected twist, I’ll generally allow it. To a point. If I feel as if the story is getting away from me, I might snap off the wonky bits and save them for another time. (I have at least one book in the queue that sprang out of the writing of another.) Generally speaking, I listen to my characters. It’s their story, I’m just here to write it down for them.
2. What time of year is your best time for writing? Winter, Summer, Fall, Spring?
I looooooove Autumn. I love its mood, its attitude, its inherit ambiance. I find it supremely conducive to writing. Winter works as well, though there are more distractions (holidays, family gatherings, etc.) Spring and Summer offer too much in the way of outdoor fun. Those warm months are great for reading (on a beach!) The colder months, I find, are better for writing.
I took this shot one Autumn while walking around in Paris. There’s a reason why they call it the “city of light.”
3. When looking for a publisher do you chose a traditional press, indie route, or one that does both, ebook and print?
Being such a newbie, I’m still exploring every opportunity. Self-publishing is a big temptation. As an independent musician, I am accustomed to that route. I do appreciate the support and stability of a traditional publisher, and many Indies offer the same perks, though with perhaps more flexibility. So yeah, I’m still figuring this one out. In the end, I think I’ll be a hybrid author. We shall see. As for eBook vs print, my ideal would be to have both, but I”d be fine with going digital-first.
Now, I’ll send you over to visit the other half of my brain, Sarah Hegger. Sarah is the supremely talented author of Sweet Bea. Can’t wait to read her answers! I know I’ll be taking notes.
See you next time!
“…snap off the wonky bits, and save them…” Such a great image. Best of luck whatever path you follow to publication.
Thank you, S.C.! I tend not to throw any of my wonky bits away. You never know what gold could be mined from them. =)
Love your answers and also the term, ‘wonky bits’ 😀 I know what you mean though, saving some bits that don’t really work for one story might be good for another!
Great author trailer btw!
Thanks, Mishka! My Buffy lingo comes in handy at times, lol.
Absolutely love that pic Xio!
You and I have a lot in common when it comes to plotting. : ) And all this talk of Fall on the hop this week is making me miss MD – just a tad.
I loved Paris! Definitely going back there soon. As much as I enjoy warmer climates, I would miss the autumn colours too much. Maybe I’ll send you some leaves in the mail. =)