The Pros and Cons of Being a Reviewer

"When we read a story, we inhabit it.The covers of the book are like a roof and four walls.What is to happen next will take place within the four walls of the story.And this is possible because the story's voice makes everything its own." ~ John Berger

Reviews count for A LOT in the writing world, especially if you're a new author trying to convince other people/publishers/agents that your work is top-quality. But sometimes it's tough to get reviews in a timely manner - mostly because so many of the reviewing sites are flooded with requests from authors just like you.

One option, of course, is to ask other authors to review your work. This works well if the person you ask (1) writes in a similar genre and (2) is ideally better-known than you are. You can also ask the readers who've read your work to post reviews on Amazon or the Barnes and Noble website.

On the flip side, you can also help authors by becoming a reviewer yourself, by signing up with a site like The Long and the Short of It. Now, I'm partial to LASR, 'cause I'm friends with the women who established it and run it. But I also want to talk about why you might consider helping them out, whether or not you're an author yourself.

The Pros of Reviewing for LASR:
*You get to read books/stories/novellas FOR FREE.
*You get to share your opinion with other readers and with the author herself.
*You can earn points that can be cashed in for Amazon gift certificates OR free advertising on their site, if you're an author.
*Every month, you're entered into a contest to win a free book all your own.
*If you're an author, reading other people's published work can be one of the best ways to learn the craft.

The Cons of Reviewing for LASR:
*They have specific guidelines for their reviewers (I don't mind, but some might): you can't write ONLY a synopsis of the story, you can't give away the ending, you can't be rude or snarky.
*They like their reviews to be finished in 1 month (again, I don't have a problem with this, but some people are slow readers).
*If you're an author, you have to figure out how to balance reading other people's works with writing your own.

I think the pros outweigh the cons. And I've enjoyed reviewing for them and learned a lot about other genres and authors I would normally never have picked up. Seriously...give it some thought. And if you're interested, visit their site and drop them an email...and make sure to tell them that Allie sent you!

New Hampshire, Summed Up

"I've traveled the world twice over, Met the famous; saints and sinners, Poets and artists, kings and queens, Old stars and hopeful beginners, I've been where no-one's been before, Learned secrets from writers and cooks All with one library ticket To the wonderful world of books." ~Anonymous

First, a couple of VERY important announcements:

#1: The Long and the Short of It is kicking off their one-year anniversary celebration, and they're giving away prizes EVERY SINGLE DAY. Go on over and visit, OK?

#2: My author friend Devon has her very first novella releasing with The Wild Rose Press today!Here are the cover and the trailer for Addicted:

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And in other news, I was pleased with the way my New Hampshire mini-book tour turned out. At the Nichols Memorial Library on Thursday evening, I spoke to a very small group (5) but also sold 5 books, so that wasn't too bad. And I've decided that reading from your books is one of the best things you can do, to whet readers' appetities. I read 3-4 pages from each of my books, and when I stopped everyone sort of sighed and said, "Hey! You can't stop there!" I said, "Well, if you want to know what happens next..." ("buy the book"...in my head, of course...)

Here's a picture of the sign they had up outside the library:

And a picture of me signing a book for a fan :)

I also had the wonderful opportunity to have lunch with Marianne. We go way back (5-6 years or so, I think), and it's been wonderful to share the ups and downs of the publishing biz with her. We talked nonstop for 2+ hours, and of course it wasn't nearly enough time. But it was something :)

Here we are!

The Life of a Cat...Rough, Isn't It?

"Cats are dangerous companions for writers because cat watching is a near-perfect method of writing avoidance." ~Dan Greenburg

I'm on my way back from my New Hampshire mini-vacation and book tour, and I'll fill you in on all the details tomorrow - pictures too!


In the meantime, for a completely unrelated but very cute post, here are pics of my babies:

Tolerating Each Other's Presence in Order to Watch the Birdfeeder Activity Outside

The Younger One's Shoe Fetish...

And The Older One's Sleep/Anything New in the House I Must Climb On Fetish...

I Love New Hampshire

Really, I do. It's such a pretty state (OK, in the summer anyway) - the people are nice, and there's still so much unspoiled countryside. Plus, I'm meeting Marianne for lunch TODAY. Very exciting!

Update on yesterday's appearance: the Lincoln Public Library in central NH hosted me for a lovely talk last night~ the librarian is charming and enthusiastic and loves having authors visit. (She'd ordered 2 copies of each of my books but hadn't read them yet since they'd been out ~ one woman returned Lost in Paradise as she walked into the reading and said she read it in one night ~ "I couldn't put it down!")

I spoke to a group of 12 for an hour or so; they were kind and attentive and asked good questions. I also read a couple of excerpts from Lost in Paradise, and after my talk I sold 6 books. So I was happy!

OK, So I'm Not Crazy...

Most of you felt the same way I do about yesterday's stories.

Yes, it's a terrible tragedy that the girl died, but suing the school? I think it's another case of people trying to find a way to assuage their loss and pain by finding someone - anyone - to share the blame. And it's one thing if we're talking about a child, finding a "neat" way to climb up somewhere she shouldn't. But they were 16 and 18 years old. I understand the thrill of the the forbidden, but with that comes consequences - and if they're tragic ones, they're still consequences. (Thanks, J.K., for the comment from a legal standpoint, though - it helps to make sense where the lawyer is coming from)

And the West Point grad...at first, I didn't think it was a terrible thing, for him to take an opportunity for a pro sports career. But West Point students receive a free, outstanding education - and, as many of you mentioned, they all know what they owe in return. Mostly, though, I felt that if the Air Force and Naval academies have a strict policy in place regarding athletes and service, then the Army should follow. And there's nothing stopping him from pursuing that career once his military obligations are fulfilled.

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I'm off to a mini-tour of New Hampshire today: a book discussion tonight and tomorrow night at 2 different libraries. I'm interested to see the response (or lack)...I'll keep you posted!

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Fellow author Anne Whitfield was gracious enough to interview me for her blog "Authors and Books." Stop by and visit, if you'd like.

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And finally, the Bitten by Books Blog Carnival started yesterday and runs all this week! Click on the icon below for more info about fabulous prizes...

I Want to Know What You Think

"I was raised the old-fashioned way, with a stern set of moral principles: Never lie, cheat, steal or knowingly spread a venereal disease. Never speed up to hit a pedestrian or, or course, stop to kick a pedestrian who has already been hit. From which it followed, of course, that one would never ever -- on pain of deletion from dozens of Christmas card lists across the country -- vote Republican." ~Barbara Ehrenreich

OK, I know it's Monday, and I know that means perhaps your brain isn't fully functional yet, but I have to know what you think about these two stories:

(I was going to say this post was non-writing related, but I think there's a kernel of story possibility in almost everything that happens in the world, so...)

#1. Last winter, two teenagers (18 and 16) in a town close by were out after midnight and climbed onto the roof of the local elementary school. Guy and girl, hanging out, flirting (no alcohol involved, according to sources). They were sitting on a skylight over the school's gymnasium and fell through. The girl (16) died from her injuries. Now her parents are suing the school, saying the school should be held responsible because custodians had stacked milk crates near the roof, and that's how the 2 climbed up in the first place.

My question: do you think this lawsuit is justified? Also, the parents have not specified a dollar amount; they want the courts to make a decision. What do you think would be an appropriate amount to award the parents, if they won the suit?

#2. You might have seen this one on the national news recently. A 2008 graduate of West Point was recruited by the Detroit Lions, and in the spring the Army released him from his military obligations to repay the Academy through traditional military service. They felt that he was serving his country in a different way by bringing positive attention to sports at West Point and the NFL if he played football instead. Last week, the Army reversed its decision and said he must serve military duty after all (this came in part by pressure from the Air Force and Naval academies, who do not allow any kind of similar waiver for their athletes).

My question: do you think this grad should be released from his military service obligations and allowed to play pro football as an alternate way of repaying his education?

I'm reserving my opinions 'til tomorrow, and I've tried to be as objective as possible in presenting the stories...but I really want to know what other people think, because I had strong reactions to both of them.

So...tell me what you think!

Sunday Update

"A Friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of Nature."- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Number of books I sold at my author appearance yesterday: 5.

Number of books I sold to people I did not already know: 1.

Opportunity to stand in a Barnes and Noble with books I wrote and talk to a local reporter: priceless :)

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Hey, guess what? Next week during my mini-tour to New Hampshire, I'm going to have lunch with Marianne! The last time the two of us got together was 2 1/2 years ago. Since then, she's launched a (really successfu) book review site and published 7 short stories, a novella, and a novel. And I've managed to publish 3 novels. Not too shabby, right? I think maybe we're good karma for each other, so let's see what the next 2 1/2 years bring!

Blog Carnival - Look What You Can Win!

Here's a quick tip about a very cool blog carnival that's coming up next week over at Bitten by Books: there are all kinds of great prizes available from both authors and non-authors (on their sister site Weird Stuff on my Desk.) You can take a peek at the prizes by clicking on either site. Rules for the carnival will be posted here and on the BBB site Monday, so check back to play and win, OK?

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I have a book signing at Barnes and Noble this afternoon, with 6 other romance authors. It's been promoted decently in our local paper, and I know I have a few friends coming, but we'll see. Sales in bookstore events like these haven't typically been great for me.

Details here tomorrow...

It's Half Over Already?

"Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language." ~Henry James

This is the fourth week of summer vacation, which officially means it's halfway over. Sigh. I have to say, though, I've gotten a lot of those little projects done which somehow add up, around the house; the rock wall out back is almost finished (hooray!) and best of all, I've gotten a lot of good writing accomplished.

Special shout-out to Diane, who's reading One Night in Memphis right now and emailed me to say she's really enjoying it: "Like reading the POV of 3 characters...lots of action too, which I like."

And an interesting observation about residual sales: my Amazon rank numbers have jumped this week, which I'd like to believe comes from my appearances the last two weekends. Never know who's going to pick up a bookmark and like what they see, or tell a friend about your book and send them to the Internet to order.

Oh, and speaking of which, I ran into an acquaintance in the bank yesterday who said, "I didn't know you published books! I just found out and was checking out your website...I'm in a bookclub, and I think we're going to read one of your books for our monthly selection. So what's the best way for me to get 15 copies?"

Summer Cleaning

"No person who can read is ever successful at cleaning out an attic." ~Ann Landers

Since it rained all day yesterday (and is supposed to continue today), I tackled one of the biggies on my summer vacation to-do list: sorting through and cleaning the basement. It's interesting how things get piled up down there. Am I the only one, or does it happen to you, too? (We don't have much of an attic, so anything that gets stored in our house heads for the basement). A box of things here, a spare chair/table/humidifier there, and the next thing I know, there's an entire jungle of things down there that have created a mini-world all their own.

So after I vacuumed and dusted (never a fun thing...I swear I came across a dust bunny the size of a small child), I sorted - and sorted. Amazing what I found. Among the more interesting things in the three piles I finally established:

To Throw Away
*Notebooks from college classes with copious scribblings about things like "the structural analysis of readership" and "the economic exchange similarities of books and brothels" (true - I even wrote a paper on that subject)
*Random baseball hats from vendors that my husband accumulated (Note: he does not ever wear baseball hats)
*Old candles that used to smell like "birthday cake" and "peppermint" but now just smell


To Sell at a Yard Sale/on Ebay/on Craigslist
*A baby gate (originally used to keep our cats out of our bedroom...yeah, right)
*Slipcovers
*Dollhouse furniture

To Bring Upstairs and Find a Home For
*Gorgeous drapes from our previous home that I completely forgot we had
*My grandmother's china
*Books from my YA reading stage (books! - how could I forget they were down there??)

Hmm...reading over this post, it looks as though I'm a bit of a packrat who collects and forgets. Really, I promise, everything's very well-contained down there...I just have a hard time getting rid of things, apparently. What about you? Packrat? Super-organized? Or can you get rid of things with no problem?

Writers' Wednesday: An Interview with Dayana Knight

Welcome to another Writers' Wednesday! Today I'm chatting with author Dayana Knight, who has an exciting release coming up soon. Enjoy!

Thanks for being here today, Dayana. Can you tell us a little about your background?

Hmmm...I was born and raised a South Jersey girl. I loved the summers and trips to the seashore so it only made sense that I picked up and moved in my early twenties to South Florida. I picked up a pen early on and never really put it down. I enjoyed classes in creative writing and journalism in junior and senior high school. I published a poem in my 6th grade year book and attempted writing my first romance when I was about twelve years old.

My interest in the paranormal began at a very young age when Barnabas and Quentin Collins, Angelique, Maggie, Julia, et al were household names. Yep, I'm talking about Dark Shadows. I became infatuated with everything paranormal. I watched and read everything I could containing vampires, weres, witches, and ghosts. I studied books on the occult and witchcraft in my teens but dark magic, I must admit, frightened me. I even had some relatives that insisted they had ghosts in their homes. I loved scary stories and the thrill and chills they brought deep in the night. To this day I love the thought of and touring haunted houses, ancient cemeteries, legend and lore.

I remember in perhaps my early teens going to the neighbor's house(she was older probably in her twenties) and playing the Ouija board game. It scared the wits out of both of us, and I never fooled around with one again.

Ooh, I have memories of the Ouija board too! So when did you first begin writing? above Was there an event or moment in your life that triggered your desire to write?

I really have written in some form most of my life whether it be diaries, poems, journals, or stories but I actually hadn't written seriously until the year 2000. I'd had a very traumatic year. My father had lost a battle with the after effects of colon cancer and my eleven year old Sheltie, Kazzy, succumbed to lymphosarcoma. I was devastated and didn't know how to deal with my grief. I was keeping a journal on my computer at the time and was working through my thoughts and grief. One day I started searching the net for creative writing venues and stumbled upon The Writers' Village University who offered a free writing class. I joined and during one of the classes I actually wrote a scene that would turn into my first published novel, a crime suspense romance, which I wrote under another pseudonym. From there I moved on to my present writing career.

Tell us about your latest writing project or published title.

My present genre preference is paranormal, specifically shapeshifters(wolves) and vampires. As a matter of fact, I'm about to release the first novel of a planned series titled The Roma Wolf Tales. Curse of the Marhime is due out in ebook September 5 and print will be released December of this year by The Wild Rose Press.

It's the story of a woman whose routine stop at the grocery store alters life as she has always known it. She is drawn by accident into her seemingly mysterious past only to discover her destiny totally different than anything she'd ever imagined and with it has unwittingly found her soul mate.

How do you go about developing your characters?

My characters grow out of and around my story ideas. They tend to mold themselves once I get a story idea and begin to sketch it out in my mind and then down on paper. Actually, the story premise for Curse of the Marhime came out an actual experience I had when I'd stopped at the grocery store one night on the way home from work. Characters are unique to every story so I believe the grow and evolve much the same way the story does.

As far as character description, I tend to get a picture in my head and then I will look at random magazines and pick out random people who resemble the way I imagine the characters to appear. I am constantly foraging magazines for interesting people, scenes, places, etc. I have a file I keep the pictures and pages in for future reference.


Imagery to me is very important. You want to place your reader into the scene. You want them to see, smell, touch, and hear your scenery and feel what your characters feel. The better picture you draw using the senses, the more a part of the story your reader will feel and the more the reader will identify with your characters.

OK, now what advice would you give to new writers just starting out?

Practice makes almost perfect! Just keep writing. The more you do it the better you get.

What kinds of books do you like to read? Who is your favorite author?

My favorites are paranormal namely, shifters/wolves and vamps and other assorted dark sensual creatures. This is a tough one. I like several authors though I'd have to say my most favorites are Laurel K Hamilton, J D Ward, and Katie McAllister. I do dip into authors like Diana Gabaldon, Patricia Cornwall, Linda Howard, and Kathy Reichs, as well.

What do you find most difficult about writing?

I can not write on demand. If I am not in a creative frame of mind, I don't even attempt to sit down and write. I tend to write when the spirit moves me so to speak and that means there are times when I really don't sit down and do a good run for several days or even weeks, so I take advantage of those times when the craft flows.

I think that's interesting, especially since many authors say you must "write every day." It's good to hear from someone who doesn't work that way. What do you find most exciting or rewarding about the craft of writing?

When my characters take the reins. There comes a point when the characters come alive and take over. It is exhilarating and frustrating at the same time. I want them to do something they don't want to and the whole forward motion stops as if someone stepped hard on the brakes. Until I give in and move in the direction they choose, I'm going nowhere. I believe every author has experienced this phenomenon. That is when you know you've breathed life into your characters. That is when you know they've come alive.

Another very rewarding aspect is to finally complete a project and get it accepted. A definite Snoopy dance occasion.

How do you balance writing with the rest of your life?

Writing is a natural part of my life. It is a form of relaxation to me. Some people sit down with a good book and read for relaxation. I write. I loose myself in the creation of characters, scenery, love, hate, conflict and I let the tensions of every day life slip away for a while. I create my own happy place or not so happy place depending on what's going on in the story.

My life is busy like everyone else's. I work a full time job during the day, have a home base business I tend to, and a family. Somehow it all works. I'm lucky I guess and I'm never bored. And I hate being bored!

Do you ever suffer from writer's block? If so, what do you do about it?

Some writers debate that writer's block even exists, but I truly think it has to do with what I mentioned above. The times that I truly cannot move my story forward is when I am not listening to the characters and what they want to do. When I finally stop beating my head against the desktop, sit back, analyze and listen, that's when things begin to move forward again. Sometimes it takes walking away for a while--days, weeks--whatever it takes.

Describe your writing space for us.

My writing space is pretty much anywhere I want it to be. I started off years ago in a spare bedroom that I set up as an office as well. It was light and airy, decorated like a french provincial bedroom and office. It was feminine and felt like my personal and private space. But eventually, I went out and got a laptop because we needed more than one computer with my growing need to write.

Now, I work anywhere I choose. I will sit beside my husband and tap away while he is entertained with NASCAR or Football. I'll work in my living room and enjoy my beautiful fireplace, or I can sit outside on the patio amid my orchid arbor and gardens enjoying the great outdoors.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I take long walks on the beach. I am an avid gardener. I like to do projects around the house, read, listen to music, dance. I keep busy:)

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book(s)?

Everything! Writing, editing, cover art, galleys. Its all grueling work. But holding that finished book in my hands and knowing that I did it was awesome. But then, I had to market it. Whoa! Wow! That is something I didn't know or care to do. I'm a writer. I'm not comfortable in front of people, talking about myself or my stories. Marketing was something I'd never thought about but... well... its a necessity. Marketing is how you get yourself and you book out there. Marketing is hard work but I am now learning how to make it fun.

Anything else you’d like to mention?

Yes, for more information on my new release, Curse of the Marhime and to view my book trailer, as well, lots of chat and helpful writing information, please visit my blog located at http://www.dayanaknight.blogspot.com/ and my website at http://www.romawolftales.com/. Also, check out the contest/links page while you're there. My "Dog Days of Summer" contest begins August 1st. You will find all details listed. Win great prizes and get to know some great authors as well.

Thanks for being here today, Dayana!

Thank you for having me, Allie. Its been fun.

Updates

"The cat is above all things, a dramatist." ~Margaret Benson

Today, some updates:

Our container vegetable garden is doing quite well, despite the hot and dry weather conditions. We have lettuce and cucumbers every day, and the beans and peppers are starting to do well too. We're still waiting on the peas, tomatoes, and broccoli, but they look promising. And the basil...well, let's just say we're going to have homemade pesto through the winter.

Both cats survived their vet appointments yesterday, though the older one (who ended up in the hospital for 4 days last summer) had a rather rough time on the road trip. However, it seems that he has at least 9 lives, and probably more like 10 or 11, since his heart disease has reversed itself and is approaching "normal" numbers - against all odds.

The agent response to my Summer's Song queries has been lukewarm and reinforces my belief that it is tougher than ever to get an agent these days UNLESS you have one of the following:

~You write erotica.
~You write fantastic inspirational romance.
~You have a national platform like, say, Paris Hilton or Brittany Spears.
~You have a terrific voice AND a brand new, original idea.

I still want to find a home for Summer's Song - so will probably submit to my editor at Samhain. Fingers crossed that she likes it!

So, what's new with you?

Anniversary Party - Check Out What You Can Win!

Hey everyone, the folks over at The Long and the Short of It are holding a one-year anniversary party next month...and every day, you can win a prize from a different author! Not only that, but with each daily entry you’ll also be entered into the drawing for the $50 Amazon Gift Certificate they’ll be giving away on the actual anniversary date of August 27, 2008!

You can also get an entry for the grand prize just by telling other people about it on your website and/or blog... just enter the link on Mr. Linky on the anniversary page. You can see all the authors that are participating on the anniversary page. The question and link to each author's site will be on the LASR anniversary page on the designated day. Be sure and check every day, because once the link is gone.. it’s gone and you’ve lost your chance at that particular prize (and for your entry that day for the Grand Prize).

Of course I'm participating, so head on over to find out when and what you can win...along with all the other great prizes!

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And in completely other, unrelated news, I have not one but two trips to (different) vets with my two cats today...not looking forward to it. They're always so traumatized by the experience. Anyone have any advice, besides heavy drugging? (Just kidding...sort of...)

My First Fan

Here it is: the picture of me with my fifth grade teacher, who wrote in my yearbook "Someday I'm going to read books written by you." I never forgot it...

I'm On the Road, So...

"I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework." ~Lily Tomlin

Hey everyone, I'm on the road today, so no profound blog post until later this afternoon, when I'll be home and can share the details of yesterday's appearance. I did sell 32 books, so I was pleased with that. And I saw lots of familiar faces, including the 5th grade teacher who inspired me to write (and who is named in the dedication of One Night in Boston) - pics later, so check back, OK??

Another Appearance Today!

"It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I'm so excited, because today I have an author appearance at this HUGE craft fair in the town where I grew up - the event is almost 30 years old, and usually very well-attended (I'm crossing my fingers that the rain will hold off). Lots of crafts, and jewelry, and stuff to eat...but only one other person selling books besides me :)

I'm not only looking forward to having my books out in the public eye, but seeing some familiar faces from the past. It's a small town, and quite a few people I graduated with (that I never ever see) will probably be there.

I'll do my best to get some pics - now I'm off to set up my tent and do the sun-only dance!

But How Do You...?

"I even shower with my pen, in case any ideas drip out of the waterhead." ~Graycie Harmon

Devon asked yesterday how I found the writers' group I spoke to. Here's a little secret: check the newspaper. This writers' group was featured in my hometown paper, and my mom sent me the clipping. (So thanks mom!) But I also always check the "Local Events" calendar in my local paper as well, to see not only what authors are appearing where ('cause that might be an opening for me too), but also if there's a community group that might be interested in hearing an author speak.

To be honest, I had focused more on contacting book clubs and bookstores before, but it makes sense to target writers' groups as well. After all, they're REALLY interested in writing and getting published, so you would think they'd like to hear from someone who has.

There's an online site called www.meetup.com, and I've heard authors recommend contacting groups listed there, too. They have groups organized by geographical location as well as interest, so I'll probably be checking them out for possible guest speaker opportunities too.

But today I have to spend a little time revising One Night in Napa. One of my writer friends said she recently read a piece of advice that said you must "live in your book" as you're working on it, which makes sense. If I spend too much time away, I forget what's going on, character names, the whole feel of the chapter I'm in.

So I'm off to write...wish me luck...I want to have this revised by the end of the summer!

Put 15 Writers Into One Room, and...

"Every author in some way portrays himself in his works, even if it be against his will." ~Goethe

Last night I spoke at a writers' group - in the library of the hometown where I grew up. Quite fun, I have to say, and a better turnout than I expected: 15 people, all writers, and all quite interested in what I had to say.

I spoke about my general background, my books, and then answered questions about the writing and publishing process in general. Since everyone there was a writer (except for one woman, who loved to read but thought writing seemed "much too hard"), it was a really cool, relevant discussion. They asked questions about writing, and finding an agent, and making $$, and self-publishing, and then at the end one woman asked me how old I was, and when I told her, she said, "No way! I thought you were in your 20s." So that was probably the best part of the night :)

If you're an author, I highly recommend connecting with writers' groups. It's a great way to spread the word about your own work, while having meaningful conversations with "other people who love words," as one woman put it.

Writers' Wednesday: An Interview with Marie Treanor

Welcome to Writers' Wednesday! Today I'm featuring a fellow Samhain author, Marie Treanor. Enjoy!

Hi Marie, and thanks for joining me today. Can you tell us a little about your background?

I was born in Scotland where I live now with my husband and three kids. I'm a history graduate and a librarian by profession, although I haven't worked in libraries for about eight years! I stopped work when we moved out of the city and travelling became too difficult (good excuse, eh?), and then my youngest child was born so I've never felt inspired to go back. I love having the opportunity to write.

When did you first begin writing? Was there an event or moment in your life that triggered your desire to write?

I began about as soon as I could hold a pencil! But I suppose the trigger to actually trying to get published, was my last job, which I hated. In my innocence I thought I could earn an alternative living from writing :)

Ah, I remember those innocent thoughts too! OK, tell us about your latest writing project or published title.

My latest book is Gothic Dragon, a sort of historical fantasy/not-quite-time travel romance, featuring a dark sorcerer hero. Basically my heroine stumbles into his world through a gothic novel, and falls in love with him. Well, so would I - have you seen the book's cover? :)

Wow, you're right - I love it! So how do you go about developing your characters?

Actually, they sort of develop themselves :) Usually they're the beginning of the story, and as I think about them, they become clearer. But I think they're only fully developed when I've actually finished the story!

What do you find most difficult about writing? What do you find most exciting or rewarding?

Hmm - I think I find the promotion most difficult, because basically I want to be writing. And yet there's less point to writing if you don't tell people the books are out there :) The most exciting is when the characters change the story for you, and the most rewarding when readers tell me they've enjoyed reading my books.

Great answers - I tend to agree on all three counts! But how do you balance writing with the rest of your life?

With difficulty! I don't work as many other writers manage to do, but I have a four year old daughter and two older kids who keep me busy! I like to spend time with my family and friends when I'm not writing, so basically it's my housework that suffers :)

When you write, do you use the computer or compose by hand, oral dictation, or some other method?

When I began, I wrote by hand and then typed it up - it was quite a useful self-editing process, but now I find it quicker to both write and edit on the computer. For one thing, I don't have to decipher my own hand-writing :)

Marie, thanks so much for giving us a peek into your writer's life today. Readers, Marie's novel Gothic Dragon releases on July 22 - make a note on your calendar...and in the meantime, visit her website to read an excerpt or find out more!

Today, an Interactive Post

"Fiction was invented the day Jonas arrived home and told his wife that he was three days late because he had been swallowed by a whale." ~Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Two things for you to do today!

For all you animal lovers, click here to sign a petition asking Barack Obama to consider adopting a shelter dog (apparently he promised his daughters a dog if he wins the White House in November). Here's the skinny:

If Sen. Barack Obama becomes president, he'll instantly be faced with decisions that will affect millions of Americans. Obama will also soon be making a decision that could affect millions of American dogs. It has been reported that once the election is over, the Obamas will be looking for a new four-legged family member (much to his daughters' delight).

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has suggested five types of purebred dogs that would fit the Obamas' lifestyle. While we don't disagree that it's important to choose a dog that matches well with the family, mixed breeds should certainly be considered along with pure breeds. Also, whether purebred or mutt, we believe the Obamas should make a winning choice and adopt a family dog, not buy one.

Whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, left-wing, right-wing or any other wing, please sign our petition urging the Obama Family to adopt, and encourage all your friends and family to sign it, too.

*****

And on a totally unrelated topic, here's an interesting quiz for you to take, borrowed from Chandler Craig (I have to say interesting here, because I'm not sure how the 6 questions led to "my" book, and, um, it's a little off base. But whatever. Take it anyway and see which book you are!)

You're Love in the Time of Cholera!

by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Like Odysseus in a work of Homer, you demonstrate undying loyalty by
sleeping with as many people as you possibly can. But in your heart you never give
consent! This creates a strange quandary of what love really means to you. On the
one hand, you've loved the same person your whole life, but on the other, your actions
barely speak to this fact. Whatever you do, stick to bottled water. The other stuff
could get you killed.


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.