Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The Glam and Exciting Life of a Romance Writer with Jill Shalvis!
Hey Pirates, Wenches, Crew and Lurkers! It's Sin and today I have the extreme honor and pleasure of welcoming aboard New York Times Bestseller and recent RITA award winning author Jill Shalvis. She was gracious enough to take time out of her busy schedule to tell us a bit about how her daily life really goes. (Seriously, the woman has bionic fingers- three books are coming out before December. Animal Attraction (Book 2 to Animal Magnetism), Head over Heels (Book 3 in her Lucky Harbor series) and Christmas in Lucky Harbor (which is the 2-1 of Simply Irresistible and The Sweetest Thing.) So please raise your rum tankards high in the air and welcome aboard Jill Shavis!
People ALWAYS ask me about my research. I’ll get: how do you write those scenes (with a wink, wink). The truth is, it’s the other parts that are the hardest (no pun intended). Creating the tension in daily situations, the character building …
But the other day I had a new and exciting experience in research. I’m currently writing a story with a hero who rides a motorcycle. A Harley to be exact. And since I knew NOTHING about this, I decided I needed to ride a Harley …
Hmm, riding a Harley . . . For some reason I didn’t think this would be a big deal. But first I had to find someone who was willing to be subjected to all sorts of stupid questions (doesn’t that leather chafe?) and then get him to give me a ride.
So I found a guy, through a friend of a friend of a friend. I called home and got Alpha Man on the line and said “don’t worry but I’m going on a date this afternoon with a leather-wearing, badass Harley driving dude. Okay?"
Now Alpha Man, well used to my occupation, didn’t bat an eye. “Wear a helmet” was his only comment. “And don’t forget to get milk on the way home.”
Fine. So I’d forgotten to pick up milk three days running and the kids were whining about not being able to eat cereal. That seemed insignificant in the light of this exciting adventure. So I said “I’m not kidding, you know. I’m really going riding on a Harley.”
“Is the life insurance paid up?” he asked.
Men.
I did get my ride, and wow, there is something about the power of the beast between your legs and the roar of the engine and the danger and the wind in your hair . . . And the bugs in your teeth.
Afterwards I found myself grateful to get back into my car, thinking maybe I’m not quite as adventurous as I’d thought.
Oh, and I remembered to get milk on the way home. The glamorous, sexy lifestyle of a writer …
Oh and P.S. … I’m going to be doing a giveaway VERY soon so make sure to stop by my site (http://www.jillshalvis.com) and sign up for my newsletter, and if you have Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/jillshalvis) , come “like” me to be entered.
Grab a drink and pull up to the bar! Jill will be here to answer questions today! One lucky commenter will receive a copy of Simply Irresistible! (Paper or e-format. Winner's choice.)
People ALWAYS ask me about my research. I’ll get: how do you write those scenes (with a wink, wink). The truth is, it’s the other parts that are the hardest (no pun intended). Creating the tension in daily situations, the character building …But the other day I had a new and exciting experience in research. I’m currently writing a story with a hero who rides a motorcycle. A Harley to be exact. And since I knew NOTHING about this, I decided I needed to ride a Harley …
Hmm, riding a Harley . . . For some reason I didn’t think this would be a big deal. But first I had to find someone who was willing to be subjected to all sorts of stupid questions (doesn’t that leather chafe?) and then get him to give me a ride.
So I found a guy, through a friend of a friend of a friend. I called home and got Alpha Man on the line and said “don’t worry but I’m going on a date this afternoon with a leather-wearing, badass Harley driving dude. Okay?"
Now Alpha Man, well used to my occupation, didn’t bat an eye. “Wear a helmet” was his only comment. “And don’t forget to get milk on the way home.”
Fine. So I’d forgotten to pick up milk three days running and the kids were whining about not being able to eat cereal. That seemed insignificant in the light of this exciting adventure. So I said “I’m not kidding, you know. I’m really going riding on a Harley.”
“Is the life insurance paid up?” he asked.
Men.
I did get my ride, and wow, there is something about the power of the beast between your legs and the roar of the engine and the danger and the wind in your hair . . . And the bugs in your teeth.
Afterwards I found myself grateful to get back into my car, thinking maybe I’m not quite as adventurous as I’d thought.
Oh, and I remembered to get milk on the way home. The glamorous, sexy lifestyle of a writer …
Oh and P.S. … I’m going to be doing a giveaway VERY soon so make sure to stop by my site (http://www.jillshalvis.com) and sign up for my newsletter, and if you have Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/jillshalvis) , come “like” me to be entered.
Grab a drink and pull up to the bar! Jill will be here to answer questions today! One lucky commenter will receive a copy of Simply Irresistible! (Paper or e-format. Winner's choice.)
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43 comments:
Welcome ta the ship, Jill! No, I be a barbarian pirate who hadn't read yer books afore, but hearin' ye were gonna be a visitor, I rowed ta me nearest bookseller and found Animal Magnetism and glad I am ta hear there be a second book comin' up. Seems natural, with three loverlee hunks ta match up...
Now, I read these series now and then...three sisters, or three brothers or three friends or three whatever. I'm wonderin'...there ever been somethin' like two sisters and a little brother series? I mean, why tis it always three men or three women? Why can't we match it up different like?
I also be the bartender on the ship, sos if ya gots a favorite beverage ya would like, just speak up!
And it be different if yer handlin' the handlebars a' the big bikes, instead a' hangin' on at the rear. Though I never rode a Harley, I have been their quieter cousins!
Welcome, Jill -- I loved reading about your motorcycle research since I'm pondering something similar for a WIP. I hadn't thought about the bugs, though. Mmm. Thanks for the warning on that! LOL Maybe the hero can drive a fast car instead. . .
Hey gang ... thanks for the invite. We get our choice of beverage?
But why is the rum gone?
Sorry, I just recently watched Johnny Depp play my favorite pirate in order to avoid writing pages ... but I digress! I am guilty of writing connected stories with sisters, brothers, friends, etc. I can't help myself. I love romance but I do love a good bro-mance just as much. Sue me. :)
Just stopping by to show some love to my favorite author Jill Shalvis. I already have Simply Irresistible so I'll pass on the contest. It's nice to see that people are now discovering what I've known for a long time .. Shalvis rocks!
I love your adventures, they are as much fun as your books!!! Can't wait for the next books to be out.
Love this blog. Thank you so much for gracing our ship with your oh-so-talented self, Ms. Shalvis. I picked up SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE a couple months ago and couldn't believed I'd been missing out all this time. Amazing writing. Though, I must admit, gave me a tiny complex about my own writing but I'm working through it. *g*
I grew up riding a motorcycle with my dad and I love it. My cousin's hubby has a Harley and he's a former Navy SEAL. I could have set you up with all kinds of research. LOL! And he's a talker, if you can believe that.
My current hero is the captain of a fishing charter on Ocracoke Island so I'm planning to take a little excursion just to observe. Once I find a local boat captain willing to let me tag along. Must get on that...
Insanely excited....I'm a HUGE fan!!!!
My question is one I'm sure isn't easy to answer but here goes.
You have a very distinct writer's voice. Did that come naturally or is it something you developed as you kept writing?
I'm struggling to figure out the style and voice that comes most naturally to me and it's helpful to hear how others did with that process.
Thanks for being on the ship today!
I love this series!! This is the one time I've taken Bo'sun's book suggestions to heart. She texted me one Saturday and said, "GO IMMEDIATELY TO THE BOOKSTORE AND GET THIS BOOK." And by Golly, I did and I read it right away and fell in love with the series.
And BTW, she's underplaying the "tiny complex"--she whines about it all the time. Please reassure her, her writing is fine. Thanks. Because she won't listen to us.
My dad had a Kamasaki 250 (it looked like a dirt bike) and it was great for riding about on the farm. We didn't wear helmets though, and I loved riding with him. It was so much fun. Now he has a 4-wheeler that he cruises about on. Good times.
Hey, this is the place I should stop by every morning before I start writing. You know that time where you open a blank screen and stare at it, where you're sure you suck beans ... thanks for giving me smiles!
Bo'sun, your writing is awesome. Don't ever doubt it. There. Now go forth and keep writing.
Yes, I definitely want to talk to Ex Navy SEAL guy! What is it about a SEAL I wonder ...
:)
Thanks for all the nice words about my books!! Extremely uplifting, given that I am on deadline and a bit of a mess... Well, okay, so I'm always a bit of a mess.
Well, you totally rock, Jill, and be sure to tell your Alpha Hubby we said so. As is clear from the comments we're all big fans--and you don't know how rare that is among this group. *LOL* We're as diverse in our reading as it gets. But we agree on YOUR books. *LOL*
Scapegoat, the "voice" question is a tough one. I write without thinking about my voice. I suspect that THAT is the answer, your voice is natural, it's what comes out without thinking. Do it long enough, and it becomes distinct to others. Since I've been doing this now since before the dinosaurs, I sure am glad to hear mine is extinct-- er, distinct. :)
p.s. the captcha code thing is giving me gas
Aw, now I'm getting all misty at my desk!!! *sniffles*
Fly into Norfolk and we'll meet up with ex-SEAL dude. (His name is Michael but ex-SEAL dude is fun to say.) Though I suggest you wait at least a week, unless you also want to research living through a hurricane. LOL!
Scape - I'm on my 2nd MS and I still don't think I've found my voice. Unless sparse is a voice. Keep going. We have to find them eventually!
Bo'sun what is with you today. You have a very distinctive voice. It shows in your blogs as well as your WIPs. Don't make me sic Keith Urban after you.
Yo.
Jill, thank you so much for blogging today! I know things are hectic but we love you so we'll give you some good juju to get through it.
Sorry 'bout the CAPTCHA, Jill. It is a PITA.
I have to agree with Hells, Ter. You have a great voice. I think we all worry a bit about our voice and if it's distinct and strong enough. But yours always shines through. Don't worry. Have some rum.
Rum AND Keith Urban. Y'all really love me today!!!
So I just found out Jill has a backlist of 70 books. *falls out of hammock*
Hi, Jill! Please don't take this the wrong way, but I love your husband! What a great sense of humor, which is part of what I love about your books. Among your humor, the great heroes (and heroines, but the heroes are my favorites), and the heat you bring to your stories, you can't miss.
I loved Animal Magnetism and can't wait for Animal Attraction. I adored the two Lucky Harbor books so far. I could have eaten Pace and Wade from your baseball books with a spoon, they were so delectible, and I nicknamed your heroes from your Wilder brother series "The Testosterone Brothers" for obvious reasons. I love them all! I think I may have read pretty much every book you've ever written, though I keep searching for more. So, please keep those bionic fingers working!
Hurray! Jill has a backlist of 70 books! That means I have reading material for at least the next four months or so. I was so worried. I have some books I'm waiting to read this Fall...but they're like so far away...
I got so caught up that I forgot to ask my question. How does your husband feel about the love scenes you write in your books? I would think that could be just a bit on the intimidating side, but it could also be inspiring.
Also, do your kids read your books and, if so, what do they think about them? Do they enjoy them, or is it just too embarrassing?
Four months?! That list would take me into retirement!
Great questions, JV.
Oh and I forgot the kid question. My girls are all teens and are vaguely embarrassed by me in general, not just because of what I do. :)
Thank you, Hellion, I'll be sure to tell Alpha Man that I rock. I might have turned all his whites pink yesterday so a reminder right now would be good.
Sin, you know I love ya, thanks for inviting me here today, it's a much needed diversion from the two teens down the hall packing for college, SOB!
JV, Alpha Man is a bit baffled by romance, to be honest with you. Like scratch his head baffled. He tries to get it but he's an alpha, what can I say. But he's also the first to defend what I do. When someone recently asked him if the sex in my books embarrassed him, he said "no, why? Does sex embarrass YOU?"
Hi, Jill! PJ and the other Romance Dishes convinced me to read your Lucky Harbor books, which I loved and immediately started glomming. I thought Simply Irresistible was my first Shalvis, but this week I was reminded of your Loveswepts. I never missed a Loveswept. So I'm actually a long-time reader. :)
I'm really interested in learning to write more quckly. What's your secret for finishing three books in one year?
"But he’s also the first to defend what I do. When someone recently asked him if the sex in my books embarrassed him, he said “no, why? Does sex embarrass YOU?”"
This, btw, is awesome. :)
Motorcycles are cool.
You can skip the bugs in your teeth by getting one of those helmets with a flip down visor. At anything over about 30 mph, getting hit by even the tiniest bug in the face is hurty.
I've ridden motorcycles but the plan, after we finish the dining room, is for hubby and I to take a riding course* and get our licenses. Then, we're getting bikes. *My husband grew up riding dirt bikes, but t won't hurt of him to have a refresher course.
Riding on the back is sexy is you're dating. But at this point, after nearly 17 years of marriage, I want to be in charge of all that growling horsepower.
The secret is to sit your butt in the chair and write. No waiting for the muse. Just do it! (now I sound like a Nike ad)
Since I'm single, I'm now wondering who people will ask about the sex in my books. Huh.
Pat - I too want to learn how to ride. Have for a long time. Between the time, the money, and not owning a garage, I'm still waiting.
Jill. the rum is never gone on the Revenge. I have this keg...you see...I stole a bit of technology from this guy in a blue phone booth and so this keg, it never empties.
Though Jack tries to empty it...
70 books! That is impressive! And what a great attitude for the DH to have.
Yes, Bo'sun, you have a voice and it's perfect!
Thanks, Chance. *kicks dust on deck with big toe*
Jill - Do you plot out an entire series like Lucky Harbor before getting started? You work so much characterization in on all the characters, be they primary or secondary, I'm wondering how you get to know them so well from the beginning.
Hi Jill
Just love how AM was so worried about you on a bike. I bet he breathed a sigh of relief when you got home especially with the milk LOL. No questions - just keep writing what you write. Love every word;)
Don't point out the dust on the deck, Bo'sun! Hellion will have us all breaking out the dust cloth!
I loved the motorcycle story. LOL! I've ridden a motorcycle a couple times and, though I toughed it out both times to not appear like a wussy, I admit that I was scared. Especially the last time when the guy driving decided to go on one of the major highways in NJ.
I'll stick to enclosed transportation from now on.
I am one of the few who hasn't read your stories (sorry...) but I am going to have to pick them up now, what with all the squeeing on the boat today.
Thanks for stopping by to play with us!
Bo'sun, oh if you only knew how much your question made me laugh. I did NOT have the whole series worked out in my head, though my editor sure would have liked that. Instead, as I wrote the first book I made it all up as I went along. That turned out to be far too much work so after Simply Irresistible, I got my shitola together and planned for the next two, The Sweetest Thing and Head Over Heels. I never know my characters right away, it takes time. I write a fast, dirty rough draft and hurry to the end. Then go back in and with multiple drafts, add in the heart and the soul, and the logistics. Series are a lot of work but I really love it once they're set up because then the writing flows. I hope that jumbled answer made sense ...
You have no idea how much better this answer makes me feel. LOL! It's the perfect explanation of my process. Huzzah! I can't be that far off then. Whew!
Do your characters for future books pester you while you're writing the first one? I've got a couple who are so damn pushy.
Hi Jill! Congratulations on the RITA win for Simply Irresistible this year. I have to say every time I come across a cover of one of your books in the bookstore or books aisle in the grocery store, I always sense a heartwarming and romantic story. I'm still meaning to try your books and I think it's time I remedy that soon! I enjoyed your post and I find many romance writers very relatable and down to earth, despite creating amazing romances. I don't expect their lifestyle to be much different than mine, well maybe more exciting but the routine and chores are the same. The same thing can be said for characters I meet in contemporary stories, they can very easily be my own family and friends and that's one of the reasons I enjoy them.
Hi Jill! I love your work. I recently read Trouble in Paradise. I must know where you got your inspiration for this story? Oh and you sounded a like Dorie. I mean the first line of the book was about Cookie! Which character really represents you and your personality?
Yes, my future characters bug me all the time. I tell them to go eat and cookie and wait their turn.
The inspiration for Trouble With Paradise came from me being tired of having no vacations or money for them, and dreaming about how to get an island getaway with no money in my pocket ... Dorie wins her island vacay. Of course it's mayhem and murder, but hey, that's exactly what would happen to me so ... I wrote it. :)
Mayhem & Murder. I think we have the name of Ms. Shalvis' new drink.
I can work with that! Mayhem & Murder. Let's see, clear rum and something deeply red. How about pomegranite juice? And I need something to give it a real bite...lemon bitters... I'll serve it with dry ice so it steams nicely... ;-)
There should be a bandaid stuck to the side of every glass.
That's quite a good way to research. I actually do it in reverse. I went to Corsica last year and wrote my story based on the travel instead.
Every Savage Can Reproduce
Thanks for having me here yesterday! Had a great time!
No! Thank you for coming aboard, Jill! You were awesome! (As usual!)
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