Writers

A ROMANCE WRITER’S INTERVIEW WITH LISA FOX. Click here to visit Lisa’s Web site.

What do you enjoy about writing fiction and interacting with other writers?

I enjoy the solitude of writing fiction, of sitting quietly and telling myself wild, wondrous, adventurous, sexy stories.

Interacting with other writers isn’t quiet at all. It is in fact often loud and rambunctious and full of laughter. But after all the quiet of writing it is nice to share ideas and knowledge and experiences with people who completely understand.

Do you have fiction you’ve written that’s not been published?

Oh god yes. And that’s probably for the best.

How long did it take you to write Sculpting a Demon and what did you learn about the craft of fiction?

It took me about six months to write Sculpting a Demon. It was only my third attempt at romance so there was a lot of trial and error and a whole lot of rewriting.

I learned so much. The major thing I took away from the experience is that even though I am writing paranormal, fantastical stories, it has to make sense. A character can’t just do something magical because it’s cool. There has to be some reason and logic.

Do you write when you feel inspired or do you have a regular writing schedule regardless of feelings?

Well, I sit down at my computer to write every day, but the words only come when I am feeling it. In a way that’s a schedule, but I only really produce when I’m feeling inspired.

What are your writing goals?

New York Times Bestseller List. That has always been my goal. My absolute dream.

What advice do you have for newbie writers trying to get a work published?

Just keep writing and reading. Listen to the critiques people give you. Listen to the praise as well. Write what you love and don’t’ ever, ever, worry that someone else has done it before and done it better. They can never tell the story the way that you can and that makes all the difference.

A ROMANCE WRITER’S INTERVIEW WITH DEBRA KAYN.

Debra Kayne, author

When I started getting ready to submit my work for publication, I came across Debra Kayn’s name and her works on Breathless Press. She was generous in answering questions I had and told me to go ahead and submit my romantic and erotic storiesto BP.

Here’s a chance to get a peek in to Debra and discover her stories at DebraKayn.com.

DD Symms: How long have you been writing fiction?

Debra: Since I learned to write! Lol I was the little girl who would give letters instead of Valentine’s Day cards, and write a book to give to my mom on Mother’s Day. Throughout the years, I would write for fun, without a thought to actually seeing anything published. In 2008, I bit the bullet and started submitting, and had my first book published in 2009.

DD Symms: How are your stories changing now from when you first started? (style, type of character)

Debra: I think the sexuality in my books have changed, since I began writing. So many of the ebooks offered are more spicy than the traditional books you buy at the supermarket while grocery shopping, and as an author I seem to be writing hotter books than what I started out with. In fact, my very first book, Betraying the Prince, is being re-released with Breathless Press in June. Before submitting it, I went and made the sexual tension higher and the sex scenes…yummier. I really like the improvements, and hope the readers will too.

DD Symms: What would you like your readers to know about you?

Debra: I’m just a wife and mom in real life who loves to write. I’m a simple gal, who enjoys family and friends. I spend a lot of time outdoors getting dirty, whether riding motorcycles, fishing, and gardening. I also love to talk to my readers, and welcome any emails. If you have a question for me, don’t be afraid to ask!

DD Symms: What advice do you have for writers starting their first novel?

Debra: Keep writing! I know everyone says that, but it is so true. Your first, third, or sixth manuscript might not sell, but you’ll keep learning as you go and eventually you’ll make it. Also, surround yourself with other writers. There are some great groups online, on Twitter, and on Facebook that have a wealth of information they hand out. You can learn so much just by listening.

DD Symms: How do you choose publishers for submitting your work?

Debra: I talk to a lot of other authors who work with the specific publisher. There are also great resources on the internet about publishers, and you can see if they are a good risk to try. Once I find a publisher I’m happy with, I stick to them like glue!

DD Symms: Why pick one publisher over another?

Debra: Some publishers sell better with shorter stories or erotics, while others are known for their mainstream romances and genre stories. Sometimes, I’ll aim the story for a certain publisher, and other times I’ll wait to see which way the story is leaning…I’m not a plotter, so sometimes the story even takes me by surprise.

Visit DebraKayn.com to read more.