On Writing
 I
was a bookworm when I was young. I read anything I could get my
hands on. For me, going from reading to writing was a natural
progression as it probably is for most writers. Almost everything
I write is paranormal or fantasy. I’m drawn to it. I guess
I just never outgrew my love of fairytales.
On the Writing Process
As far as a writing process, I start with my idea, build my characters
then work on a story outline. This isn’t to say I follow
it. <Grin> But it does give me structure and focus.
On Writing Schedule
Whenever I’m not at work, I write. <Grin> I write
in the evenings when I get home from work and on the weekends
and often times during my lunch hour.
On Writing Ideas
I get them from ‘what if’s’. I’m fascinated
by the ‘what if's.’ I take a ‘what if’ and
convert it to a story. What if you really could see that dark,
handsome stranger in the crystal ball? What if there really were
amulets with magic powers? What if a cat could use one of its
nine lives to come back to earth from the afterlife? I take these
questions and build a story basing it on how a woman today would
deal with this type of situation.
On Writer's Block
I’m a believer in the adage you can rewrite a badly written
page but you can’t rewrite a blank page so I try to get something
down even if its not exactly what I want. I’m also taking
a different approach this year. In the past, I’ve always
finished my story before I started a new one. Now I’ve got
three going so I can flip around. This gives my subconscious time
to work on a plot for one book while I’m writing another.
On Conferences and Contests
 I
seldom enter contests. They’ve helped me indirectly through
my critique partners though. <Grin> I haven’t felt
that financially I could afford to attend conferences, but I’m
going to make a determined effort to do so in the future since
I do feel it’s important.
On Getting "The Call"
I had a feeling this was it, that this was the right house for
my story. The editor who had my manuscript told me she’d
read it and get back to me within the week. The next day she emailed
me offering me a contract. It was a huge, take-your-breath
away rush. I’m eternally grateful to my editor Helen Woodall
of Cerridwen Press.
On Being a Published Author
The best is when someone writes and tells you they loved your
story. That it moved them to tears. It’s one of the best
feelings in the world.
You can be a published author and still not be financially successful.
I would have to say, at this point in time, that is the worst.
Getting that contract is putting your foot on the first step
of the ladder but you’ve got to keep pulling yourself up
those rungs. And it’s a challenge.
Best Advice Received
Don’t stop writing no matter how often you are rejected.
I probably received more rejects than the aspiring author reading
this will before he/she is accepted.
Worst Advice Received
Don’t have a heroine with a sense of humor in a suspenseful
situation. That never quite made sense to me.
On Promotion
Very important. Unless you’re a Nora Roberts or a Stephen
King you need to be prepared to promote. Chat, interview,
and hold contests whenever the opportunity arises.
On Publishers
Cerridwen is primarily an e pub, but it also prints paper. Everything
that comes out in e will at some point be in paper. Wings is basically
e but also does POD, print on demand. It publishes several genres
and is not limited to romance. Highland Press is a small press
that is basically paper but also does e.
 On
Agents
It depends on where you are heading. If you have your sights
set on NY, it would probably be beneficial IF you find the right
agent. If you get hooked up with the wrong one, in my opinion
your better off without one at all.
On the Future: What are you working on now?
I’m working on two YA fantasies, one of which is third in
a series and a paranormal romance, which is fourth in its series.
Advice for Aspiring Writers
If you haven’t already done so I recommend a critique group.
Add to your toolbox. The two books I found most helpful to my
writing were Scene and Structure by Jack Bickham and Goal,
Motivation and Conflict by Debra Dixon. Also helpful is, our
own, Karen Docter’s W Plotting.
The Last Word: Any parting words for our readers?
FTHRers are the greatest. I wish you all upcoming and continued
success.
You can visit Sandra on the web at http://www.sandracox1.com/
or http://www.myspace.com/sandra1c
or http://sandracox.blogspot.com
(Interviewed February, 2008)
|
