And here’s part two of my answers to your brilliant questions!
Q: (Diane) Where do you get the ideas for your stories?
A: Oh…everywhere. A word, a phrase, a picture, something I see on tv, or from other stories I’ve read. A person walking down the street or someone I see at the mall, conversations with friends or with my husband. One little thing can spinoff an idea into a story for me. They come from anywhere and everywhere. The ‘what if’ game is a very powerful and useful tool for a writer.
Q: (Karin) How much of your own experience riding motorcyles, if any, has gone into your Wild Riders series? Have you ever been, or do you ever plan to go, to the Sturgis Rally?
A: Quite a bit, actually. I use a lot of my own experiences and my own feelings and sensations riding a bike and interject those into how my characters feel about riding. A lot of the places my characters have ridden are places we have been. One of the best things about having first hand experience is being able to really see and feel that and make it more real for the reader.
I haven’t been to Sturgis yet, but it’s definitely on my list of places I must go.
Q: (Bookdragon3) You know bikerdude cares about what you are (or aren’t wearing) *VBEG*
Need another test or beta reader?
A: Heh. Good one. Actually he doesn’t care whether I’m in sloppy sweats or an evening gown. He says I look good either way. (I know…can the man suck up well or what?)
And you know…I never use beta readers. But I swear one of these days I’m going to start. Duly noted and thank you for the offer!
Q: (Brandy) Okay you meet someone who has never read one of your books. They are willing to read only one. What book would you have them read?
A: Oh this is such a tough question because I’ve written in various genres and I wouldn’t know which genre to recommend. Plus some books are more explicit than others and it depends on the reader’s comfort zone.
So I guess my answer would be:
If you like paranormal romance read Surviving Demon Island
If you like erotic romance read Wild Wicked & Wanton
If you like romance read Nothing Personal
I know. I cheated. Can’t help it. :giggle:
Q: (Greta)
How important are guest appearance on reader blog to authors?
Do you plan your promo (guest appearance, signings, contests) for books or do you have someone who helps with that?
How many books do you have planned for your Wild Riders and Demon Hunters series?
A: Anytime I can guest on reader blogs, it’s a good thing. It gets my name and upcoming book information out there. And frankly I think there’s no greater promotion than word of mouth from a reader. Which is why guesting on reading blogs is my absolute favorite since I think they’re the most widely read.
I do try to plan my appearances to coincide with upcoming book releases. It doesn’t always work out that way, but it’s awesome when it does.
As far as the # of books in my Wild Riders Series, there are 6 Wild Riders. If things work out the way I want them to, there should be 5 books because 2 of the guys will be in a one book together. Then again, you never know. I might bring in a new guy or two. 😉
As far as the Demon Hunter series, there’s no definite count because there were the 6 original characters introduced in Surviving Demon Island, plus the hunters who were already veterans, plus new characters who I introduce. So it could go on for awhile.
Q: (Cheryl) Do you have any ideas stewing in the back of your brain for a new series after you
finish up the Demon-Hunters and Wild Riders?
A: As a matter of fact, I do. 😉
Q: (Terri) Do you need to read all the books in a series to enjoy the current one or can they stand alone?
A: I do try to write all my series books as stand alone. However, to be honest, some are probably best enjoyed read in order, particularly the Demon Hunters series. The first book of my Demon Hunter series, Surviving Demon Island, explains how the Demon Hunters came to be and really digs deep into the world building and setup of all the characters. And each subsequent book of the series builds upon what happened in the book before it.
But my other series do stand alone and I think you could pick up a book out of order in any other series and not be confused at all.
Q: (Susan) 2 questions:
1- How important to your career is having an agent?
2- What criteria do you use in choosing one?
A: At the beginning of my writing career, I was primarily publishing ebooks. Back then, having an agent wasn’t important at all because I was negotiating my own contracts, there were no advances, and it was a fairly simple process–write the book, turn it in, have it edited and in a few months the book released. A couple years later after having several books released I wanted to branch out and try NY publishing. Only then did I pursue an agent.
It was important to find someone I was comfortable with, who understood my career goals and could help me get there, and obviously someone who loved my writing. I didn’t want someone who was going to change who I was as a writer, but at the same time I wanted someone who could help grow my career. I got very lucky and landed an agent who loved my writing and who launched my career in NY very quickly.
Right now it’s essential I have an agent because I’m juggling multiple publishers and trying to grow as a writer. Contracts are so important as are the language within them and I see my agent as my business partner—someone who will find the right place for my work, the right deal for me and who will push me to grow as a writer.
Thanks for all your awesome questions!