1)
What
is your writing routine?
Sometimes I start with a plot idea and other times, I have specific
characters in mind. It’s been different with each story. But generally, I create
a basic list of “what needs to happen” for the story and for the romance. Then
I spec out a basic plot that includes external and internal GMC’s (Goal,
Motivation, and Conflict) for the main characters. On my “crappy first draft”,
I’m mostly discovering my characters and getting down the bare bones of the story.
On subsequent edits, I begin layering, adding details and emotion and going
deeper into the character’s point of view. I have a wonderful critique partner,
Mary Ann Clark, who helps keep me on track with deep POV.
2) Which author/s inspire you to write? I’m most inspired by Joanne Bourne and
Lisa Gardner. Two totally different genres, yet both write simple and powerful
prose.
A passage from Joanna Bourne’s
THE FORBIDDEN ROSE:
Then,
from beneath the rustle of rain, voices slid like snakes. Men’s voices. She
grabbed up her skirts and ran.
How powerful is that. The voices
sliding like snakes. Conjures up an immediate picture doesn’t it? Who doesn’t
run from snakes?
Now from Lisa Gardner’s CATCH
ME:
In
four days, I believe someone’s going to try to kill me. But the son of a bitch
has gotta catch me first.
Now doesn’t that just grab you
around the throat and squeeze? Woowee.
3) Which is your favorite romance subgenre
to read? To write?
I have always loved reading
historical romances. Getting
immersed in worlds and characters from the past. Very fascinating.
And that’s the genre I prefer to write in. I enjoy researching the past
and finding real situations and people for my characters to encounter.
4) How do you deal with
criticism/rejection? Just like all human beings, any type
of criticism or rejection, whether well-meaning or not, hurts. I let myself
feel those emotions. Then after the pain subsides, I evaluate what was said in
a more objective light. In most cases, I’ve found the criticism was right on
the money (probably explains the pain J ). I then work to fix the issues that were
pointed out.
5) What do you expect from an editor?
First and foremost, I expect honesty from an editor. If something isn’t working
with my story, then I want to know.
I don’t just want line edits to fix spelling and punctuation. I want to
know when there are problems, so I can fix them. I know for me, I’m so close to
the story, sometimes I can’t see the forest for the trees. I think I’ve
conveyed something, but in reality
I haven’t. I want this pointed out
when it happens so I can address it. Everyone wants to be told how
wonderful a writer they are. I want to know the areas I can improve on, so I
CAN feel like a wonderful writer.
6) Tell me about your latest release: My latest release with The Wild Rose
Press is titled THE REBEL WIFE. The idea for the story evolved from our
current-day reporters chronicling the Iraq War. I wondered about the “embeds” of the past and decided to
research the newspapermen of the American Civil War. From this emerged the character of Jackson Porter, a
physically and emotionally scarred Yankee journalist on his way to the federal
prison in Maryland to gather information for a news article. I immediately hit upon the perfect foil
for such a hero – a dyslexic, Southern Rebel willing to use any means to free
her brother from prison. Jack is
all about words, a seeker of truth, while Louisa sees everything in a distorted
light. The story of these two
people coming together can’t help but be filled with emotion and conflict.
7)
Tease
us with a blurb or short excerpt
Excerpt:
Hardness replaced the sadness on her face. “With the
soldiers looking for me, I need another way to get to Point Lookout.”
“You have something in mind?”
“Sure do.”
“And, pray tell, what is that?”
Her almond-shaped eyes gleamed like a cat with a fresh kill.
“Apparently we’re married, so I’ll travel with you, Mr. Porter.”
8) Which is your favorite character in the
book? Why? Louisa is my favorite character in
THE REBEL WIFE. She’s very family
oriented and will do anything for the people she loves, even if that means
sacrificing her own well-being. I’m much like that, so I can relate to her.
9) What are you working on right now? Right now, I’m working on a
sequel to THE REBEL WIFE. It’s
Louisa’s brother’s story. Lance has returned to the estate where they grew up
and where he accidentally killed the owner’s son. He’s there to pay his
respects to his father’s grave and then leave for a job offer in Chicago. Yet,
his plans are disrupted when he discovers the owner’s daughter trying to
restore the plantation on her own. Guilt for robbing Beth of a brother weighs
heavily on him. Despite her hatred for him, he offers to stay and help her with
the estate. It’s a very emotional story where each has to decide whether the
past will defeat them, or make them stronger.
10) Your biggest piece of advice to aspiring novelists? Read, read,
read. When you come across a story that grabs you, dissect it. What has the
author done that keeps you reading? The converse is true as well. If you find
yourself putting down a book after the first few chapters, delve into it and
find out why.
11) Where can readers find you? Readers can reach me at my website www.donnadalton.net , on facebook at
DonnaDaltonBooks, and on twitter at DonnaDaltonbks.
Love, love, love the sound of this book, Donna! What an original idea - off to download my copy right now - I'll let you know how I get on :)
Comments?
Thanks Rachel, and thanks for having me as a guest. I really appreciate it.
ReplyDelete