Thursday, July 23, 2009

Romancing the Revenge – Welcome Emily Bryan

Chance rolls out of her bunk, rubbing her eyes, resisting the urge to sneeze and infect the entire ship with her cold. A soft murmur comes from the deck above, so after thoroughly cleaning her hands with disinfectant, she determines to see what is going on.


 


- “Damned germs!” she curses before climbing the steps. As her head clears the deck, she spies Lady Jane, in full Scarlett O’Hara regalia. Hoops skirt, great big hat, ruffles and bows scattered about the huge skirt. Across from her, being careful not to step on the elegant fabric, sits the guest Chance had invited aboard some weeks before.


 


- “Oh, blast. Knew I’d forgotten somethin’!” Chance shook her head, grateful Lady Jane had taken over the duties of the day.


 


With a furtive glance, Chance raises her keyboard onto the step at chest level and types, putting the blog together from the questions Jane so eloquently asks…


 


“She do owe me,” Chance mutters as she types. “And I’ll give ‘er credit. Maybe…”


 



Jane and I met Emily Bryan at the Orlando Romantic Times Convention. Well, that is where I met Emily. Jane had already wheedled her way into the author’s confidence some weeks before via Emily’s most excellent blog, www.emilybryan.com. Emily was new to me, but I dove in and read two of her books right away, VEXING THE VISCOUNT and DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS. I bought PLEASURING THE PIRATE, but held off. (I admit to a jealous nature when books with pirate themes hit the shelf…) I finally tamed my jealous nature and read PtheP. And really loved it. I enjoyed the other two, but the nautical nature of PtheP caught me right off.


 


 


Emily writes lovely “wickedly witty historical romance.” The story of a landlocked former pirate, learning how to be a gentleman is full of fun and lots of nice steamy sex. My favorite line from PLEASURING THE PIRATE?


 


“Aye, ‘tis easy enough to fall in with villains, bad company being so much more pleasurable than good company as a general rule.”



 


Totally seems to fit the theme for the ship, don’t it!?


 


Now, let’s continue with Lady Jane’s well thought out questions and Emily’s very educational answers!


 


- “Sin, ya keep that undead monkey out from under Jane’s skirts!”


 


- “Jack! The pleasuring be done in the book, ya want more, ya go find Hellion! Quit lookin’ down Emily’s dress!”


 


Now, we let Jane take over the interview…


 



“Emily, Being a teacher once, you have posted a section on your web site for aspiring authors, have you or will you take on mentoring an aspiring author one on one?”


First of all thanks for having me, Pirates! You rock!This is an interesting question. Guess I’m not quite sure what you mean by mentoring. I am involved in my local RWA chapter and try to help out by doing workshops and I’m always available in case someone has any questions. My e-critique partner is not currently published, so I suppose you might say I’m mentoring her, but she mentors me right back! If a writer emails me with a question, I will answer. I’ve done online workshops where I give individual critiques everyone in the class can hopefully learn from. And occasionally, I’ve offered to do an in depth critique of a few pages for writers who came to a workshop of mine. The WRITE STUFF pages on my website cover lots of how-to advice, from picking a premise to polishing a finished manuscript. I also list a number of books on the writing craft that have helped me. 


 

 


It sounds as if you’re asking if I’d take responsibility for motivating and directing another writer’s work. I don’t think that’s something I could take on due to the enormous time required and because I’m not sure it would help anybody. A writer has to be self-directed. If she can’t get her bottom in the chair and her hands on the keyboard regularly (read every day!), no one can “make” her do it. A writer can seek advice from others, but no one can tell someone else’s story. Or make her tell it.


 

“Do you feel it’s important for aspiring authors to build a platform before they are published or focus strictly on writing?”

I didn’t have a web presence prior to publishing, but I wish I had. Instead of a full-blown website, I’d recommend a blog for pre-published writers. (I like ‘pre-published’ better than ‘unpublished.’ It’s more hopeful.) It’s a great way to make professional connections and using Blogger or Wordpress, it won’t cost you a dime.One thing to keep in mind, though. Remember to be kind. My mom always says every bad thing you say about someone else is a prayer to the devil. Publishing is a very small world. The author you diss now, you may want a cover quote from later.

 

 



However, if you’re pre-published, your main job is to write that fabulous book everyone is waiting for. Limit your online play to “after” you finish your page count each day. And yes, you should set a deadline for yourself with each manuscript.


“Paranormal seems to be the ‘craze’ at this time, do you feel an author should follow the trends or be true to their genre?”




If you love something, it shows. I believe in stretching and trying new things, but make sure you have a story you’re dying to tell before you wade into a new subgenre. Read extensively in that subgenre to understand reader expectations.

 

I confess I have tried writing romantic suspense (which my new agent says I totally stink at) and paranormal (which she likes better, but isn’t sold on the viability of my premise). However, historical seems to fit my voice and my temperament. I need to stick with what’s working for now.

 

I’d advise pre-published authors to make it as easy as possible for editors and agents to take a chance on you. If you write historicals, set your story in Regency England or Scotland. If you write paranormals, write about vampires or werewolves instead of Nordic elves in Tahiti. Give your work a fresh twist, but it’s important to try to color inside the lines right now. Poor economic conditions make publishing pros less apt to take wild chances. Don’t give them a reason to say no.

 

“Do you have a set schedule for writing? a word count per day, hours etc?”


 
Absolutely and I always have—even before I got the call. I figured I’d have deadlines once I published, so I might as well learn to produce on schedule right up front. When I was working a 40+ hour a week day job, I wrote 2 pages a day during the work week, 10 pages on Saturday and 5 on Sunday. That’ll get you 400 pages in 4 months, which is a respectable output. 

 

Now that I write full-time (Thank you, God and my DH!) I aim for 10 pages a day. It’s a good thing to try to stay ahead of schedule, because you never know when life is going to throw you a curve. When I was unexpectedly diagnosed with colon cancer before last Christmas (I’m doing great now! No chemo, no radiation, the surgery seems to have worked!) I still had 30 pages to write on my Christmas novella in A CHRISTMAS BALL (due out 09/29/09). Between pain meds and my 50day/50 blog tour to promote VEXING THE VISCOUNT, my page count fell to under 2 a day. But because I had worked ahead, I still made my deadline and my editor said it was the funniest, sexiest thing I’ve ever turned in.

My writing day starts around 9 and ends when my DH comes home from work. I sneak in a blogpost while I have my morning coffee, then I pick up where I left off writing the day before. I write linearly—I start at the beginning and write straight through, editing as I go. I check my email at lunch and walk the dogs. Then it’s back to the 19th century. If I have time after I finish my page count, I tweak my website or visit other blogs. I really should add 30 minutes on a treadmill to my schedule, too, but sweating is so overrated. 

 



 

 



 

 


“When putting together a story do you usually have characters first? an idea? a place, how does your story sometimes unfold from a seedling?”

Romance is character-driven fiction, so I have to start with the characters. Once I figure out who they are and what they want, then I can devise fiendish ways for them NOT to get it. Until they deserve it, of course.I talk about how to choose which premise to work with at www.emilybryan.com/Which Rocks to Polish which is one of my Write Stuff pages.

 

 


I’m inspired by lots of things. Music, art, a walk along the river. I really got jazzed up when I was at RT last April and saw a picture of my hero Crispin Hawke, almost exactly as I imagined him at the Fortin and Sanders booth in Club RT. Crispin’s story STROKE OF GENIUS will be out next summer.

 

“Emily, you write under both Diana Groe and Emily Bryan, when writing do you find it hard to "switch hats" between the two different styles in order to keep up with your readers expectations?”

 


 





I haven’t written anything as Diana Groe since SILK DREAMS in 2007 and I’m not contracted for any more of those darker dramatic stories. That said, I sneaked a little of my Diana Groe voice into Emily Bryan’s VEXING THE VISCOUNT. Tucked amid the main story with Lucian and Daisy set in 1731 London, there was an older, darker story set in the Londonium of Roman Britain. It’s the love story of freedman Caius Meritus and the Celtic slavegirl Deirdre. This part of the book is pure Diana Groe.

I think the difference in voice is partly due to the difference in the stories. Daisy and Lucian’s love story is a light-hearted romp. Caius and Deirdre’s tale is more bittersweet. The two stories intersect in Lucian’s hunt for the missing Roman treasure and I hope my readers enjoy both journeys of the heart.

 

Thanks so much for having me today. I’ll be around to answer questions and in light of your first question, I’d like to offer a two page critique for someone who leaves a comment here today. I find if a writer sees what needs to be done in a couple of pages, they’ll be able to tighten the rest of their work on their own. In fact, if the writer is willing and the Pirates agree, we might post the critiqued version here so everyone can see the kind of things I do to my own work in the way of slashing and burning. (Make no mistake. You must learn to cut up your own work without pity or someone else will do it for you and you may not like it a bit!)

 

Happy Writing!

 

 



Emily

 


Clambering to the full deck, Chance shoos the monkey away from Jane and Emily with a swift kick to the railing.

 


- “Splendid! Jane-o, you did great! Where did you get that dress? The fabric looks like the curtains in Hellions’ cabin… Emily, welcome aboard the ship. I be mannin’ the bar now and lettin’ the crew gather ‘bout fer questions…”


 


“Glittery Hooha? Anyone!? Oh, and I gots me a new drink here…Stephanie’s Double Stuffed Flaming Twinkies…jus’ give me a moment ta stuff the chocolate chips in and set it afire…it be a drink and snack in one!”


 





Ask away, crew and guests! Ya mights win a critique from Emily!


70 comments:

Emily Bryan said...

Avast, ye lubbers! Belay that racket and someone put a leash on that monkey!

I forgot to add that if the person chosen for a critique isn't a writer, they can have a signed copy of PLEASURING THE PIRATE instead!

www.emilybryan.com

Jane L said...

Good Morning Emily! and crew! Thank you so much for joining my wonderful new friends here on the Revenge Emily! Although they can seem a bit intimidating at times, they are the most loyal friends you will find on a ship. Well that undead monkey is sometimes pesky LOL! I am so excited about your new release A Christmas Ball! You have worked with two other authors in this project is that correct? How did that partnership form? Was it your idea, an agents idea? Was it easy or harder to write with other authors on a project?
I hope you enjoy your day on the Revenge and you must try one of Chances, unique drinks! they are yummy.

Jane L said...

Chance! Now look what you have done, the Captain does'nt look to pleased about those lovely pink curtains I put up in her cabin, hmmm time for me to take Emily ashore for a bit of tea!

Emily Bryan said...

Avast, ye lubbers! Belay that undead monkey already! Aye, I'd love one of Chances unique adult beverages, but maybe I'd better wait till I finish my daily page count before I imbibe!

Thanks so much for having me today. You're my very favorite pirate crew!

A CHRISTMAS BALL is the brainchild of my fabulous editor, Leah Hultenschmidt. She came up with the concept that all three of our stories would happen on the same night at the same Christmas Ball. She also put together the team of USA Today Bestseller Jennifer Ashley, Alissa Johnson and moi! This project was one of those serendipidous "by invitation" opportunities. I leapt at the chance.

We had to agree on a date for our ball--December 19, 1822 and a place--Lord and Lady Hartwell's grand manor. Since all our characters are occupying the same space, we had to decide on a floorplan. We used the blueprint of Spencer House in London for Hartwell House. Other than that, Jennifer, Alissa and I were free to let our characters have free rein. (Which is how my characters showed up at the party without valid invitations!)

Oh! I wanted to add that if the person chosen from today's commenters isn't a writer and can't use a critique, I'll send them a signed copy of PLEASURING THE PIRATE!

Kelly said...

Hi Emily! So good to "see" you again!

You mentioned that you "edit as [you] go". One of the pieces of advice I keep hearing is to just push forward and not do any revising/editing (or as I prefer to think of it - "tweaking") until the entire story is down on paper, for better or for worse. How do you draw the line between editing as you go and stalling out on revisions (as is my tendency, I'm ashamed to admit)?

Emily Bryan said...

Hi Kelly! Back at ya, girl!

Sadly, I'm a two steps forward, one step back sort of writer. I start my day by whipping through my previous day's pages (my goal is 10 since I write full-time) and then I plough the virgin page.

To keep myself from stalling sometimes I set a timer and declare that for the next 30 minutes, I WILL NOT GO BACK! Another thing that works is just writing dialog (no action, no description, not even any tags or quotation marks) for a couple pages. It makes the dialog ping and once I go back to fancy it up, my page count grows quickly.

And more important, the story is advanced.

I resist going back further than the previous day's work until I type "THE END." Sometimes, it's a struggle. For instance, on my current WIP, I know I need to add a small secondary character to do a little info plant earlier in the book. However, I've made myself a note and I'm continuing to write forward as if I had already added him.

Tiffany James said...

Ahoy, Emily and the Revenge crew! Loved the interview. :0)

Emily - I noticed you change time periods in your books. Do you have any tips or tricks for capturing the "feel" of each era?

I loved Distracting the Duchess! PtheP and VtheV are waiting rather impatiently in my "to-be-read" pile, and I'm anxiously awaiting A Christmas Ball!

Happy Friday!

Tiffany James

Maggie Robinson/Margaret Rowe said...

I'm in awe of your daily goals. I try to hover around 500-1,000 words a day when I'm working.I'm in a high school library, so thank goodness I have the summers off---oddly enough, though,I don't write that much more when I have all the time in the world. :( Love the time idea.

You're certainly aboard the right ship! Good luck with all your books. Off to check your website!

Marnee Jo said...

Welcome aboard Emily! :) We're soo happy to have you.

I'm in awe of your daily goals too. I'm with Maggie; between 500-1000 words a day. But your daily routine of writing all day sounds like heaven.

And this -- "sweating is so overrated" -- had me totally cracking up. I completely agree.

I think what you had to say about finding where you voice lay is great. And about just finding a twist on what's out there, versus trying to carve a new path entirely in a genre. Very interesting. Sometimes it's important to remember that though we're "artists," we work in a real business setting.

Thanks for coming to hang out with us today.

And beware of Chance's cocktails. The extra glitter in those Glittery Hoohas can really go to your head.

*waving to Jane* Hi dearie! Thanks for taking care our sickie.

Emily Bryan said...

Tiffany--I research a new time period extensively, but what I'm looking for is what I call "women's history"--the details on how ordinary people lived their lives. I try very hard to climb inside my character's heads and figure out how they viewed their world, what motivates their goals and actions based on their beliefs and values.

So glad you loved my DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS! I'm happy to share that it's up for a BOOK BUYERS BEST AWARD!

Maggie, when I was working my page goals were much humbler. But the important thing is to set a deadline for yourself and break the task of finishing your manuscript down into manageable chunks. Even a page a day will get you finished in a year.

If you are pre-published (which I know Maggie is not--Congrats on your upcoming Berkley release!), your mantra should be "Finish the book!" Without "the end," you have nothing to sell, nothing to attract an agent.

Marnee--Artists starve when they fail to reach a market. We can be just as creative being wildly successful as we can being unnoticed and unread.

A "Glittery Hooha" sounds just like what I need to reward myself with after I finish my pagecount. Back to the saltmines ...

Sabrina said...

HUGE hellos to Emily!!!!!

You pirates get the most excellent guests on board!

I was lucky enough to take a workshop with Emily at the RT convention this year and it was fantastic. She's a great teacher and loved this interview.

With my review hat on, I was so happy to read Vexing the Viscount and gave it my first ever highest rating! Emily's writes perfectly to my wishes! It's like she's reading my mind as she writes!

Putting on my writer hat, I'm in awe of her daily writing output! I do like the timeline for when you were working (as I still am) and might have to see if I can work my way up to it. I'm still working on my 500 words a day goal I pledged here!

I'm so happy to have Emily here today!

Jane L said...

Yes, Yes, It's such an honor to be able to escort Ms. Emily around this fine ship! I knew you would all make her feel as welcome as you have me, during my visits! Emily, you may not know this but the revenge has some excellant aspiring authors, who have been very gracious in sharing their advise and tips with us newbies! "Oooh Hi Marnee Jo" (waving excitedly).
I see some of the regular crew is still laying low (they tend to have a little to much rum on occasion!)
"Undead monkey scoot, scoot I tell you, that blasted thing keeps trying to get under my pretty skirt!"
Yes, I followed Emily on her extensive blog tour and I was so nervous, I had not posted on a blog at all and she was always so gracious! It was quite the event, like 50 days I believe WHEW!! But now I consider myself her favorite stalker LOL!!
Oh and by the way Emily dont worry a lady NEVER has to sweat!! LOL!

terrio said...

Good morning all and welcome to the ship, Emily!

I somehow missed meeting you last week in DC though I know Chance ran into you a couple of times. Though it felt long, the week seems like a whirlwind looking back now.

I like the realistic goals you set and I'm loving the pre-pubbed alternative title. The Banditas called it yet to be pubbed or something like that. Also a very positive ring to it. LOL!

I agree that it's good to not shut yourself out too far from what is selling right now, but have you found that once you're pubbed, it's easier to expand your horizons and try something different?

terrio said...

Thank you, Jane, for stepping up and showing Ms. Emily around. We appreciate your assistance and I'm sure the way Chance is feeling lately, so does she. LOL!

Di R said...

Jane-Great interview!

Emily-I love the idea of trying to write more than your daily goal. I can see where that would be easier than trying to play catch up, when life gets messy.

Since I've switched back to my regency, I'm having alot more fun, and can't wait to write. I hope it continues this way.

Di

Emily Bryan said...

Sabrina! Lovely to see you on this fine ship! Re:word count--I usually think in terms of pages, so two pages would be roughly equal to your 500 words. Guess publishers like the actual word count, but I worry about that once I've typed "the end."

Jane L--You are the nicest stalker a writer ever had!

Terrio--Sorry I missed you in DC. I was holed up in my room a couple days polishing up my NEUROTICA workshop. It was my first time speaking at Nationals and I wanted it to sparkle. And of course, I'd put preparing off till the last minute...

Di R--There are plenty of reasons not to write. We need to be the most self-motivated people on the planet. I hear horror stories from some of my writing buds about "being in deadline hell" and I never want to go there. I'm afraid I couldn't produce under that kind of pressure.

Congrats on switching back to Regency. Yay for writing what you love!

Sin said...

Emily, welcome aboard the ship!

That was a great interview Jane!

Emily Bryan said...

Thanks Sin. Please tell me what Sin is short for. Not Sinbad, surely!

2nd Chance said...

Welcome aboard, Emily! Sorry ta be late. Bein' a wild coaster, I generally rise a bit later than the rest a' the crew.

Jane-o, thanks fer handlin' me hostin' duties. I'll be breakin' the bar open. I do recommend the Flaming Double Stuffed Twinkies if'n ya haven't had breakfast yet.

Yes! I washed me hands before stuffin' the chocolate chips in wit' the cream. the flame be caused by the rum, 'course!

Emily, I loves the work ethic. 10 pages a day! Whoo! Lately, I be lucky if I manage 10 words. But I been sick...

So, will ya tell us yer call story?

Sin said...

They call me Sin aboard the ship and probably a lot of other things behind my back.

Usually it's Sin, the sneaky ninja tart.

I wish I had your work ethic when it came to my writing, Emily. I find that I'm very erratic.

2nd Chance said...

Not jus' when ya write, ya sneaky ninja tart. ;)

Try a flamin' twinkie!

Hellie said...

Every time I come to comment, the undead monkey interrupts me and I have to go clean up monkey sh...never mind.

Great blog! Thank you, Emily for blogging with us today!

Your upcoming novella sounds hilarious! I love gate crashers! *LOL* Sounds like a blast.

I also absolutely love the line about bad company being infinitely more pleasurable than good company. *LOL* Boy, isn't that the truth!

Do you have trouble coming up with twists in an era where so much is done already? I understand coloring within the lines, but how do you make yourself stand apart instead of just blending in? Or is the goal to blend in?

Hellie said...

Sin is leaving off that when we met her at Eloisa James' thread board, her name was Magnificient Sin.

She simply couldn't get us to fall in line and start calling her Magnificient though. *LOL* We elected to go with Sin. With the added bonus that there wasn't as many syllables to slur out between rum shots.

Sin said...

LOL. Nice.

Hellie said...

I guess that's supposed to be "magnificent" without the extra i. Maybe I was think Maleficient or something and got all Freudian.

It should be noted I consistently spelled the word wrong, both times.

terrio said...

Maybe you just have some extra "i's" lying around and figured you should use them.

Hellie said...

Probably what it was. Isn't that grammatical rule about "I before E" going away and we now get to spell those words however we want? Clearly I had some spares from that happening. *LOL*

Jane L said...

O.K. chance you talked me into that whatever twinkie drink, but I warn you it better not be as bad as a deep fried twinkie I tried at the fair once ISH!!!! Yes, Emily do share your call story, how a teacher/Opera singer/Mom/ Wife, lets see what else has Emily done LOL! How did you become a writer??

2nd Chance said...

I bet Em's off being dilegent wit' her 10 pages a day... She be back.

Stephanie's Double Stuffed Flamin' Twinkie is a twinkie...but we stuff chocolate chips in where the cream holes are (quit snickerin'!) ... then we douse it in rum and set it afire! Very dramatic... It's a drink and a snack, all in one!

I like the extra 'i' in magnificient...it do bring ta mind maleficent...or however that be spelled... One a' me favorite wicked women a' Disney...

Hel, I do be sorry 'bout the curtains Jane put up, I know pink ain't her color... Least she left the curtain rod, though it would a' added some breath ta her shoulders...

terrio said...

I was wondering if the did the "leave the rod in" thing a la Carol Burnett. LOL!

Hellie with pink curtains. I can't imagine it.

Emily Bryan said...

Chance--Ok, my call story. I'd been writing since 2001 and this was May 2005. My DH had lost his job (along with his whole division) in 2003 and we moved across the country to MO to cut our expenses. It also cut our income. After 6 months of unemployment my DH took a position at 1/3 his former salary. So I was working as a banker, writing evenings and weekends (enslaving people to debt by day and lust by night!).

My agent called with the offer for Maidensong (my first Diana Groe title) from Dorchester. I'd love to tell you we popped champagne and broke open the caviar, but we celebrated by calling for pizza. Hey! I'd been banking all day. Not cooking was a treat!

Emily Bryan said...

Good question, Hellie. I try to make my Regencies/Georgians/Victorians stand out by not casting the usual suspects. You won't find lords and ladies in my books. Or if you do they aren't the run of the mill nobility.

My Duchess is a widowed artist who paints nude young men. My Pirate is a prodigal 2nd son who never thought to inherit his father's title (and the care of his 5 orphaned nieces!) My Viscount is a virgin (but he's an eager student!) My hero and heroine for A CHRISTMAS BALL are a scullery maid and the head groom.

My settings may be familiar, but my characters are unusual.

Emily Bryan said...

Jane wants to know how I became a writer.

I met one.

She was married to a guy my DH worked with and she was fascinating. Anyway, after talking to her for a while, I decided if she could do it, I could do it.

The Greeks have a word for that. It's called "hubris."

Writing was a very steep learning curve for me, but if you've visited my website and checked the Meet Em page, you know I've tried lots of different things. Writing was something that let me use all the different experiences I've had. I became a student of the craft.

And about my work ethic--part of that comes from my singing past. If you don't practice a skill everyday, you lose it. Writing (creativity of any kind) is like a muscle. You must exercize it regularly.

You don't have write 10 pages a day. Just like you don't need to run a marathon to get fit. Maybe just 30 minutes on the treadmill will do. At least that's what I'm hoping.

That's where I'm headed now before my backside gets big enough to need its own zipcode.

terrio said...

Characters who are regular people, thank the heavens! Though I write contemp, my characters are just ordinary people and I get dinged for that all the time. So annoying.

But that's even HARDER to do in Historicals. Kudos to you, lady.

Di R said...

Terri-I love to read about ordinary people. Some of my favorite authors write regular folks-Nora Roberts the Quinns, the Gallaghers, the MacGregors. SEP, and Julie Garwood both have some great everyday heroes. I can't wait to add your book to my list of favorites.

Di

Quantum said...

Hi Emily
Welcome aboard.

May I introduce myself as the resident scientist. In science the most exciting action takes place at the frontiers of knowledge and every scientist worth his test tubes longs to make a break through discovery.

Do you see analogous frontiers in writing historical romance?

I started reading Jane Austen and moved on to Heyer. After that taking recommendations from these pirates (and other web sites) I have noticed that sex is becoming much more prevalent and explicit in modern romance novels. I am not against this as a natural and admittedly exciting enhancement of the plot but sometimes wonder if authors are at times competing to see who can be the most daring!

I looked for your novels in ebook format without success, so only have the interview as a guide.

If you were trying to persuade people to buy your books at say a book signing, which aspects would you highlight as unique to you as a writer and are there any writing boundaries that you strive to cross or fear to approach?

My own fictional writing efforts are rather limited, but I'm always fascinated by the unknown, the unknowable and exploring any limits to imagination.

I would love to hear any thoughts you may have on writing boundaries.

Thanks for joining us today.

I think I'll try one of those 'Flaming Double Stuffed Twinkies'. :lol:

terrio said...

I knew I liked you, Di. LOL! I always throw out author names where they write regular characters and people come back with, "Yeah, but that's [insert top author name here]." They all had to start somewhere!

That's why I like Jenny Crusie. She has the regular Joe characters down to a science and NO ONE would say her books aren't awesome. (Well, someone might, but we probably wouldn't like that person much...lol.) How often do you see a mechanic and a HS art teacher as the lead characters in a Romance? Not often!

2nd Chance said...

I do find the romances that only feature the wealthy oil man who secretly buys the lease of the health club for the yoga instructor he didn't mean to start dating...

*pant! pant! deep breathe...

...when he'd had his fill of rich debutants who don't have any curves at all and perfect noses which he doesn't really find attractive ever since his mother married for wealth and became addicted to plastic surgery and...

Yeah. I find those sorts of books a bit repetitive. Give me me the waitress and auto mechanic any day!

2nd Chance said...

Em - Pizza and champagne sounds fine ta me. I'll take me pizza wit' any drink I can find! So, me DH been laid off...we haven't moved, but are striving ta save money... Perhaps I be on the verge a discovery!?

Q - Fer you, I can douse the twinkie with whiskey...they all flame the same!

Emily Bryan said...

Quantum--My books are electronically available for the Sony Bookreader at Ebookstore.sony.com and of course for Kindle on Amazon for readers who want to save a tree. Yes, I would say romance novels are becoming increasingly sensual, but my rule of thumb is that every scene must serve my story or deepen characters or I have to cut it. I like sex to mean something.

As far as my distinctive brand, I would say readers have told me my stories make them laugh and cry. I shoot for a light-hearted tone (sort of Gilbert & Sullivan with sex!) but occasionally even in comedies, a little tragedy must fall.

terrio said...

These two statements just made my day.

I like sex to mean something.

sort of Gilbert & Sullivan with sex!

2nd Chance said...

OK, Emily...I thought of an interesting question reg. the platform building stuff. I sat in on a meeting yesterday with the DH where he met with a career counseling service. (We did sign up, they made an excellent pitch...) One of the things they want to do is film a sixty second pitch with the DH, where he has a chance to state his skills, etc. They'll post it on their website...

So, got me thinking about doing the same sort of thing with a book pitch. A way to generate interest, build a platform...

Is this too way out there? What do you think? I do mean a serious pitch, (as serious as I can get considering I did go 'bwah ha ha' in Orlando when pitching to an editor...)

;)

Emily Bryan said...

Quantum, you also asked if I have boundaries in my writing. Of course. I think we all have places in ourselves we'd rather not explore, places so dark no one else would want to read about it. The next time you are in a group of people, look around at the faces. Chances are there are secrets in those lives that would break your heart.

Someone else will have to write those stories. I want to spread some laughter with my fiction. Since I aim for a little humor in my stories, I'm not likely to pick spousal abuse as a theme. Sexually, I can't imagine a HEA involving more than 2 people, so you won't find a menage in my work. My goal is to give my readers an adventure, a laugh, a hero they can fall in love with and a heroine whose shoes don't pinch. When my reader reaches the end, I want her to sigh and say, "Yes, love is just like that."

Emily Bryan said...

Jane--If you're comfortable in front of a camera, I say go with it. I don't think it would work for me. I still remember being filmed while I sang and it was going really well till the camera zoomed in on my hand. I was twirling my ring around and round without realizing I was doing it. All my nerves were focused in that one little spot.

But if you're comfortable with recording your pitch, I think it's an intriguing idea. Certainly a way to separate yourself from the pack.

2nd Chance said...

Hey! Jane-o! We'll do it tagether!

Thanks, Em. I appreciate the support, even if'n ya called me Jane! Ya been slippin' inta me extra hoo for the glittery hoohas? ;)

LOL! They do be addictive!

Great! I'll dress up in me pirate coat...set me 'gainst the poundin' ocean a' Monterey Bay... Hee, hee. Nah, tho that would be fun! But I find some way ta make me twinkle come through...

Emily Bryan said...

Oh, dang! I knew you'd catch me in the sauce, Chance!

Hellion said...

I'm cracking up at the Gilbert & Sullivan with Sex. That's the sort of stuff I want to write, though typically in a more modern period.

So you still live in MO?

2nd Chance said...

G&S... "Modern Major General" stuff?

Me ignorance a' musical theater be showin' up...

"We are all orphans..."

I did see the musical with Kevin Kline as the pirate king!

Hel - A modern settin' of singin' orphan pirates, with sex! Hazzah!

Quantum said...

G&S came close with 'Pirates of Penzance' :lol:

Thanks for the detailed reply Emily.
You definitely sound like my kind of writer! :D

Chance, perhaps you could leave the whisky on the twinky un-burned. Seeing that delicious emerald fluid disappear in flames might raise my blood pressure to danger level!

2nd Chance said...

Q - Fer the man who's buildin' me a time machine, anythin'!

(Whiskey is green?)

Quantum said...

Damn it! I meant amber!
Perhaps I've had one too many! *grin*

2nd Chance said...

Now, who's been sneakin' inta the hoo? ;)

Amber...emerald...anyone could make that mistake!

terrio said...

Whiskey is green?

LMAO!!!

That's alright, Q. I didn't catch it until she pointed it out. I was actually just confused because I always think of whiskey as clear. I obviously don't know much about liquor.

The sun is shining outside my window, yet it's pouring rain. WTF?

2nd Chance said...

Emily - I won't serve ya green whisky...whiskey? I promise.

We need a spell check on the blog. No, it would slaughter me pirate talk!

2nd Chance said...

What a great backdrop fer me video book pitch! Sunshine and rain!

If'n yer whisky is green, it's time ta stop drinkin'...or drink more.

terrio said...

Whisky is how they spell it in Scotland. So yer servin' Scottish whisky. You're good.

2nd Chance said...

Ha! I'm great!

Lord luv a duck, it be good ta biddin' farewell ta this head cold!

Emily Bryan said...

Hellion--No, I don't live in MO anymore. We are in Boston now, but we kept the home in the Ozarks and hope to retire there someday ... if the stock market ever comes back!


My DH and I went to a production of Pirates of Penzance last month and it was splendid. The DH was singing "I am the Pirate King!" in the shower for the next week!

I think they dye whisky green here in Boston on St. Paddy's day. I'm sure about the beer and I think they'd dye the Charles River if they thought they could get away with it.

2nd Chance said...

I was in Boston once! Me DH and I crawled all about the USS Constitution every day we was there. He's a big fan a' that grand ship. Drove up ta Salem and then ta Gloucester (sp?) and even took a walk 'bout Walden Pond... We 'ad a busy three days!

I look forward ta yer next book, Emily. And apologize fer takin' so long ta read PtP... Hangin' me 'ead in shame... Jealousy be me green demon...

Hellie said...

I love Boston! The Ale Train, the Revolutionary history, Paul Revere's house, and all the pubs! And Concord was near--and Walden's Pond--and a Sleepy Hollow cemetery (though not the Sleepy Hollow of NY fame--but lots of dead authors there we all know.) I would visit Boston again in a heartbeat. (When are they doing RWA there? *LOL*)

Hellie said...

Oh, 2nd! I loved the USS Constitution too! Great ship! (Funnily enough I visited on a 3 day trip. *LOL* Apparently the same places you did.)

2nd Chance said...

October in Salem...walkin' around Walden Pond with glowin' leaves everywhere. Sigh. 'Twas loverly beyond description.

Me DH be so romantic! He'd donated 'nuff money ta the Constitution Museum that there be a brick in the courtyard wit' our name on it!

That would be so cool, fer the Nationals ta be there... I must admit, RWA picks better sightseeing locations. Not sure what there be ta see in Columbus, OH!

terrio said...

I can tell you what you can see in Columbus. As far as the eye can see. LOL! That part of Ohio is very FLAT.

terrio said...

Except for next year in Nashville and 2014 in San Antonio, they are hopping from east coast to west coast every year and Boston is not on the list. At least not between now and 2015.

When it's in NYC which is 2011, the conference is actually at the end of June. How weird.

2nd Chance said...

Oooh boy! Something to look forward to... Least Pittsburgh had the bridges, rivers and museum... I did hear Columbus had replicas of the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria... Orlando had Pirate Dinner Theater and much more if I'd had a car...

Patricia Barraclough said...

It is almost midnight here. Will have to go back up and finish the blog. Sounds like a good interview.

Patricia Barraclough said...

Very nice interview. You give some very good advice for aspiring authors. I look forward to finding and reading your books.

2nd Chance said...

Thanks fer checkin' in so late wit' us, Patricia. I'll be sure Emily knows ya came aboard...

Ashlyn Chase said...

Argh. I met no undead monkey!

Oh well, I enjoyed your interview! I have P the P as my next book to read in my out-of-control TBR pile. However, I admit, it snuck up to the top of the pile when I wasn't looking. Must have been those devious pirates!

Ash

Emily Bryan said...

Thanks for dropping by, Ashlyn!

When last seen, the undead monkey was peeking under Jane L's skirt and interrupting Hellion when she was trying to post. Some one must have locked him in the parrot cage.