 On Writing
The idea of writing came to me in one of those rare and wonderful flashes. <g> As a stay at home mother, I’d tried plenty of creative activities but always came back to the stories in my head and finally I decided writing was something I wanted to pursue as a career. Two more kids and ten years later, I sat down and wrote my first book. While the story was awful (and will never see the light of day) I knew I’d found what I was meant to be doing with my life.
On Genre
I’m drawn to romance because I love how a hero and heroine challenge each other to grow and change into becoming the best person possible. I have a very contemporary voice which is great since I write contemporaries. <g> I’m actually drawn to all sub-genres but I’m afraid I’d be overwhelmed by the research needed for historical novels.
On the Writing Process
Anything and everything [triggers a story idea]. I recently had a new idea after watching The History channel about stories from the Bible and how they may have come about. I’ve also gotten ideas from news stories, articles, real life happenings – you name it. And they all start with the same question: What if? What if a reformed troublemaker fell for the cop trying to put her brother back in prison? What if a man who spent 5 years in prison fell in love with a woman who cares too much about what people think about her?
After asking myself that initial “What If” question, I spend time thinking about my story, what motivates my characters, why they can’t be together and what it is about each other that draws them to each other. I then write an outline and polish that down until it’s a cohesive synopsis. Then I dive in.
The hardest part about writing for me is starting. Starting a new project or getting back to writing after having a few days (or sometimes even a few weeks) off is tough. The doubts are there: Will this be any good? Do I even have another story in me? And getting back to a schedule takes me some time.
On Writing Schedule
I’m in my office by 7 am, check email and blogs and then after my youngest leaves for school, I start writing. I’ll write until 2 or so, take a break for exercise and then from 3 – 5, depending on if I’ve hit my page count for the day, I’ll either go back to writing or answer emails, or work on any promotion I might have.
On Writer's Block
For myself, I don’t believe in writer’s block. My writing has been slowed (and even stopped) by my doubts and fears and procrastination but there’s never been a time for me that I couldn’t write. More like I didn’t. Procrastination is a killer for me and I’ve had to limit my time online but honestly, having a deadline has helped me keep my butt in the chair, my hands on the keyboard and the pages adding up. :-)
On Conferences and Contests
I finaled in the GH three times – twice in 2006 and once in 2007. Both times were fantastic experiences! Going to RWA’s national conference as a GH finalist is so much fun and being a GH finalist opened a lot of doors for me as an unpublished author. Best of all, I’ve made a lot of really good friends.
I sold as a direct result of my last Golden Heart final so I’ll always have a very soft spot in my heart for contests, the GH especially. As for conferences, I think they’re a great way to network and to make contacts with publishing professionals as well as other authors. And for me, they’re a great way to keep my enthusiasm for this industry high. I’m never more inspired than when I come home from a conference. I not only learn so much from the workshops, but being around other authors is invigorating!
On Getting "The Call"
Getting The Call was amazing – especially since it was totally unexpected and it happened on my husband’s birthday. <g> My editor was one of the final judges of the Golden Heart contest last year and I had no idea she’d even requested my story until she called and offered to buy it.
On Being a Published Author
I’m living my dream and there are so many wonderful things about being published but I’d say one of the best is when someone says they enjoyed my story – especially if that someone isn’t related to me or better yet, doesn’t know me at all. :-) The biggest challenge is balancing writing with promotion – and remembering that the writing always comes first. <g>
Best Advice Received
Just write. This pushes me to keep going when that nitpicky internal editor whispers in my ear that a page or chapter isn’t good enough. <g>
Worst Advice Received
Hmm…to be honest, I can’t think of any bad advice. If I was given bad advice, I must not have taken it (which is good since I’ve made enough mistakes on my own!)
On Promotion
I feel self-promotion plays an important part in an author’s career – especially those who are single title writers. But even with category I’ve done a bit: Advertised in Romance Sells, I have a website and am part of two group blogs, I had bookmarks made up and give them away at every opportunity. As for a tip, I’d tell new writers to do as much as you’re comfortable with and to remember that the writing always needs to come first.
On Publishers
I’m published by Superromance which is one of the longer category lines from Harlequin Enterprises. Superromance stories are very mainstream stories that can have various elements; family saga, suspense, Westerns. They can be humorous or dark but are all very contemporary. I love having the freedom to write different kinds of stories. <g>
On
Agents
I sold without an agent but am looking for representation. Since I’ve never had an agent, I don’t really feel qualified to give any advice but I will say that, after witnessing a few friends’ bad experiences, the saying A bad agent is worse than no agent is so true.
On the Future: What are you working on now?
In March, [2008] I sold two more books to Superromance. I finished the first one and sent it in last week and am currently working on the second. And of course I’m doing all I can to promote my debut release, NOT WITHOUT HER FAMILY which is a June [2008] release.
Advice for Aspiring Writers
Don’t give up. Keep learning your craft – read books on writing, GMC, plotting, etc, take workshops (both online and at conferences) read your RWR and local chapters’ newsletters. Learn also how to use feedback (from critique partners or contests or even better, editors and/or agents) to your advantage. Take what you can use to improve and let the rest go. Believe in yourself and your talent.
The Last Word: Any parting words for our readers?
Follow your heart because dreams really do come true. :-)
You can visit Beth on the web at www.BethAndrews.net
(Interviewed by Cathy Zornes, June, 2008)
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