 On Writing
While I’ve always made up stories in my head, for years most of my writing focused on non-fiction for my job in adult education. In 2000, I hit one of those milestone birthdays and thought if not now, when? So I started writing those stories down and soon wondered how I’d ever survived without writing romance. I always enjoyed reading contemporaries, so I suppose it was natural for me to write them.
On the Writing Process
I start with the grain of an idea and do a mind mapping exercise to expand it. As soon as I feel that little zing that comes with an idea developing nicely into a story, out come the character charts. I do pretty sketchy outlines that are constantly changing – at heart, I’m a pantser.
Ideas come from everywhere and often when you least expect them. A chance remark, an advert, a sign on the side of a bus … anywhere. I was chatting with a work colleague the other day about the length of necklaces we preferred to wear and an idea for a paranormal shot into my head. Things like that happen all the time. It’s great.
The hardest part of writing? For me, it’s not having enough time. I’m not one of those people who can get up early and write before going off to work, so most days I’m itching to get home and start. I have a wonderful hubby who makes supper, does most of the household chores, and keeps me supplied with tea and biscuits. Don’t know what I’d do without his support.
On Writing Schedule
 The day job carves into my weekday schedule, but I always write something every day, even if it’s only a couple of hundred words. Happily, I recently negotiated part-time hours, so now I get to write all day Fridays and (most) Saturdays with Sundays off for good behaviour – although that rarely happens, as I find it difficult to keep away from the computer and the current WIP!
I have an Excel spreadsheet on which I record the date I plan to finish a book. The spreadsheet has a widget that figures out the daily word count required to reach that goal. It’s a great motivator and keeps me on schedule (most of the time).
On Writer's Block
Well, I’ve stalled a few times, but that’s usually when I’ve gone off track somewhere in the story or lost sight of the main conflict. What works for me is taking some time away from the story, maybe doing some promo, updating my website, blog or MySpace. When I get back to the story something usually shifts and I can see the problem more clearly. Another thing that’s worked well for me is to interview my characters and ask them questions totally unrelated to the story. Something like “under what circumstances do you think you would commit murder?” or “what would you do if you discovered your best friend had slept with your mother/father/sister/brother?”. I’ve had some pretty interesting insights into a character during those particular conversations which in turn can shift the course of the story.
 On Conferences and Contests
I’ve attended a few conferences here in the UK and have enjoyed the workshops and meeting other writers but, apart from networking and meeting up with old friends, I don’t think they’ve played an essential role in my getting published. Contests are a different matter, and I’d say they really helped. I finaled in two contests as an unpublished author and the feedback and support I received from most of the judges was brilliant. Contests also “blood” you and make you develop that strong hide we writers need. You get to learn that some people will hate what you write and you just have to suck it up and get on with it.
On Getting "The Call"
For me it was “The Email” and it was no less exciting. It was a Friday evening and I danced around the house with this idiot grin on my face. My husband bought champagne and cake and we celebrated most of the weekend. The following day was my birthday, so I had friends calling to say Happy Birthday and Congratulations at the same time. It was a fabulous feeling.
On Being a Published Author
The best thing is when someone says they enjoyed the story and loved the characters. The worst thing is … hmm, I’m not sure there is a worst thing about being a published author, unless you count the frustration of not having enough time to get down all the ideas for stories buzzing around in my head.
The biggest challenge is to keep on writing and improving …. and getting contracts!
Best Advice Received
Just write. Don’t worry about whether or not you’re doing it right, just get the story down on paper (or screen). I’m a great fan of online workshops and love learning new things to improve my writing, but it’s easy to get bogged down in all the technicalities that you become afraid to write for fear of doing everything wrong. So the advice to “just write” is sound.
Worst Advice Received
I once read an article that basically said not to worry about self promotion, because the books will sell themselves. Hmm.
On Promotion
Self promotion is vital. The first thing to do is have a website, then think about the sort of promotional tools that work best for you. Don’t worry what everyone else is doing, just make sure you’re comfortable with what you choose to spend time doing. I like MySpace, but can’t get to grips with Facebook. It’s just personal preference. Try things and see what works for you.
On Publishers
Samhain publishes in e-format and books over 50,000 go to print. I’ve currently got two contemporary romances with Samhain - Satin Lies and His Convenient Affair, the latter will be released in print on 24 June. Samhain are great to work with and I’ve learned so much, both about improving and tightening my writing and about the publishing process in general.
I’m also published with Wings ePress who publish books of all genres, digitally and POD. The Diamond Virgin was released by Wings in January 2008. The Wild Rose Press also releases e-book and print and A Temporary Arrangement is currently awaiting a release date. I’ve had very positive experiences with both publishers.
On
Agents
So far I’ve done okay without an agent, but I have writing friends who believe you need one. I think it depends on what publishing house you’re targeting. Having an agent would maybe offer a better way in than the slush pile, as I’ve heard that agented submissions get a faster turnaround than cold ones.
 On the Future: What are you working on now?
I’ve just completed and submitted another contemporary, so now I’m working on another which is veering toward romantic suspense. Plus, I have another contemporary with a hot Sicilian hero I’m trying to finish. Then there’s a paranormal waiting patiently for me to start work – I’d love to try my hand at those.
Advice for Aspiring Writers
Write because you love and enjoy it. Take advice and follow it if it feels right for you, but don’t ever let anyone undermine you and your writing. Believe in yourself and keep on keeping on. When the writing gets tough, the tough keep writing.
The Last Word: Any parting words for our readers?
A while back, when I was worrying over a submission and got bogged down in the waiting, my oracle husband popped a post-it note to my computer screen. It said simply: Write – submit – move on to the next story. Wise words indeed.
You can visit Tricia on the web at www.tricia-jones.com
(Interviewed by Cathy Zornes, May, 2008)
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