This is a tough one for me because I don't plot. I think of an idea and just see it as a movie. The story just comes to me. Example, a woman emailed me her first chapter and she really isn't sure where she wants to go next. So after reading the first chapter, I sent her an email several paragraphs long with ideas of where to go with the next chapter and the plotting.
After I have my beginning, middle, and end I come up with my theme. At some point there is a scene that stick out and where I get my title from, from there I use it as my theme and weave it through the entire story.
I'll give you the example from my current WIP: My hero and heroine were lovers when they were young. They did everything together, loved the same things. Eighteen years later, they meet up and search for a child they had and put up for adoption. Long story short, he wants to date her again and tells her that if he can find ten things they still have in common she will agree to see if they can pick up where they left off. Of course, throughout the story, he starts counting things they have in common. The title of the story COUNT DOWN TO LOVE. This has become my theme.
So how do you plot? Or do you sit and write and see where your characters take you?
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Next step: plotting
I have my hero and heroine, and their antagonist, physical or ethical. I have a setting. I have an everyday life (starting point) and a goal on the horizon. Now I have to invent interesting hurdles.
In my first two novels, I followed my muse's lantern as it bobbed in front of me like a carrot on a stick. I fell into sagging middles. I meandered into dead ends. Constantly, I needed to backtrack to upgrade already written pages to match a just-conceived twist in my plot.
To wit: who better to force an unwilling hero back to his rich and powerful family than a beloved younger sister who arrives unannounced on the woolly frontier desperate for help in finding her kidnapped secret fiance? Oops, my only child hero now has a sibling. Go back and correct pages 45, 83, and 144.
Midway through story: A middle brother! He could covet my hero's place in their patriarch's heart and would be able to intercept mail and therefore believably sabotage my hero's efforts to find beloved younger sister's betrothed. Oh, he will be summarily rejected by said patrician family due to his low station. Backtrack and write in middle brother. And opinion of patrician of the lower classes.
I freely admit that I love epic sagas. I also accept that my skill sets are fledgling. But after my second rejection letter, I decided I needed to plot.
That effort has led me through a host of proven systems: Donald Maass -- too complicated for my first attempt. First Draft in 30 Days: ditto and we occasionally like to eat at the kitchen table. Hero's Journey: too heroic for my paltry capabilities. On-line classes: great, but too short to plot 80,000 words. 3 Act with Black Moment post-it-note grid: I am definitely deficient. Personal writing coach: Cheaper to abandon writing and stick to reading.
Something clicked during Break into Fiction: Mary Buckham and Dianna Love got through to me. I plotted the emotional journeys of my hero, heroine, antagonist, and mentor for my WIP, plus my two other first novels.
I have been reading Larry Brooks's blog about The Pantser's Guide to Story Planning. He asserts that pantsers plot, even if it is just for the next scene. He argues, convincing me, that the 4 contextual parts of a story--and the transitions between them--have to be followed to write a sellable character-based story.
He says the First Plot Point is the most important moment in the story. This is when the hero/heroine are first presented with the huge situation that changes their everyday world and "ignites their journey, need and quest, which is what the story is really about."
Re-outlining would be an excuse to postpone jumping into the water. I feel confident about my preliminary plotting, but I will keep his maxim front and center as I write my first act.
Ana
In my first two novels, I followed my muse's lantern as it bobbed in front of me like a carrot on a stick. I fell into sagging middles. I meandered into dead ends. Constantly, I needed to backtrack to upgrade already written pages to match a just-conceived twist in my plot.
To wit: who better to force an unwilling hero back to his rich and powerful family than a beloved younger sister who arrives unannounced on the woolly frontier desperate for help in finding her kidnapped secret fiance? Oops, my only child hero now has a sibling. Go back and correct pages 45, 83, and 144.
Midway through story: A middle brother! He could covet my hero's place in their patriarch's heart and would be able to intercept mail and therefore believably sabotage my hero's efforts to find beloved younger sister's betrothed. Oh, he will be summarily rejected by said patrician family due to his low station. Backtrack and write in middle brother. And opinion of patrician of the lower classes.
I freely admit that I love epic sagas. I also accept that my skill sets are fledgling. But after my second rejection letter, I decided I needed to plot.
That effort has led me through a host of proven systems: Donald Maass -- too complicated for my first attempt. First Draft in 30 Days: ditto and we occasionally like to eat at the kitchen table. Hero's Journey: too heroic for my paltry capabilities. On-line classes: great, but too short to plot 80,000 words. 3 Act with Black Moment post-it-note grid: I am definitely deficient. Personal writing coach: Cheaper to abandon writing and stick to reading.
Something clicked during Break into Fiction: Mary Buckham and Dianna Love got through to me. I plotted the emotional journeys of my hero, heroine, antagonist, and mentor for my WIP, plus my two other first novels.
I have been reading Larry Brooks's blog about The Pantser's Guide to Story Planning. He asserts that pantsers plot, even if it is just for the next scene. He argues, convincing me, that the 4 contextual parts of a story--and the transitions between them--have to be followed to write a sellable character-based story.
He says the First Plot Point is the most important moment in the story. This is when the hero/heroine are first presented with the huge situation that changes their everyday world and "ignites their journey, need and quest, which is what the story is really about."
Re-outlining would be an excuse to postpone jumping into the water. I feel confident about my preliminary plotting, but I will keep his maxim front and center as I write my first act.
Ana
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday Friends with Lois Greiman
Lois Greiman is a multi-pubbed, award-winner author from Ana's home state, Minnesota. Her paranormal/historical, “Charming the Devil” hit bookstores in January, 2010.
Lois, thanks so much for being here today!
1. “Charming the Devil” is book 3 of the Witches of Mayfair series. Tell me more about the series.
The Witches of Mayfair series is about a coven of government witches in Regency London. Each book involves one of the women who lives in Lavender House and works for an agency that employees them to handle situations that can’t be dealt with by more conventional means.
2. You set your novels in palpably vivid settings. Do you research and build the story around specific details, or do you layer in details after a first draft?
The details come later for me. I’m a five draft writer, so with each pass the characters and settings become fleshed out. After the first draft I generally think, dear Lord in heaven, save me from myself. But eventually things smooth out and I begin to see some hope…usually.
3. Your heroes are strong, virile men--with backstory. Do you think there will there any difference between heroes in 2013 vs 1999? I ask because aspiring authors are writing with 2013 as our target?
Heros, and characters in general, will always change and evolve with society. As our mores and values flux, so does our fiction.
4. I have heard you speak of getting “the call” after persistence and a dash of “in your face.” What advice can you give on acquiring an agent or publisher?
Persistence is extremely important in this business. Granted, a little talent and luck are nice to have, too, but hard work is the backbone of getting published. So keep writing, meet people in the industry, go to conferences, keep honing your craft, exercise discipline, and eventually luck will find you.
5. Your very first novel was "Highland Jewel." If you were starting out now, would you e-publish “Highland Jewel?”
I’m still not very friendly with the techno universe. The printed page is my best friend. But I’m waiting to see where e-publishing goes. I’m certain it’ll be good for the environment to have less paper copies, and that’s always a positive thing, but for me the jury is still out as to whether or not it will be good for authors.
1. “Charming the Devil” is book 3 of the Witches of Mayfair series. Tell me more about the series.
The Witches of Mayfair series is about a coven of government witches in Regency London. Each book involves one of the women who lives in Lavender House and works for an agency that employees them to handle situations that can’t be dealt with by more conventional means.
2. You set your novels in palpably vivid settings. Do you research and build the story around specific details, or do you layer in details after a first draft?
The details come later for me. I’m a five draft writer, so with each pass the characters and settings become fleshed out. After the first draft I generally think, dear Lord in heaven, save me from myself. But eventually things smooth out and I begin to see some hope…usually.
3. Your heroes are strong, virile men--with backstory. Do you think there will there any difference between heroes in 2013 vs 1999? I ask because aspiring authors are writing with 2013 as our target?
Heros, and characters in general, will always change and evolve with society. As our mores and values flux, so does our fiction.
4. I have heard you speak of getting “the call” after persistence and a dash of “in your face.” What advice can you give on acquiring an agent or publisher?
Persistence is extremely important in this business. Granted, a little talent and luck are nice to have, too, but hard work is the backbone of getting published. So keep writing, meet people in the industry, go to conferences, keep honing your craft, exercise discipline, and eventually luck will find you.
5. Your very first novel was "Highland Jewel." If you were starting out now, would you e-publish “Highland Jewel?”
I’m still not very friendly with the techno universe. The printed page is my best friend. But I’m waiting to see where e-publishing goes. I’m certain it’ll be good for the environment to have less paper copies, and that’s always a positive thing, but for me the jury is still out as to whether or not it will be good for authors.
Lois is on a speaking/marketing tour today, but will be checking in to answer questions and comments.
She was born on a cattle ranch in central North Dakota where she learned to ride and spit with the best of them. After graduating from high school, she moved to Minnesota to train and show Arabian horses. But eventually she fell in love, became an aerobics instructor and gave birth to three of her best friends.
She sold her first novel to Avon Books in 1992 and has published more than twenty-five titles since then, including romantic comedy, historical romance, children’s stories, and her fun-loving Christina McMullen mysteries. A two-time Rita finalist, she has won such prestigious honors as Romantic Times Storyteller Of The Year, MFW’s Rising Star, RT’s Love and Laughter, the Toby Bromberg for most humorous mystery, and the LaVyrle Spencer Award. Her heroes have received K.I.S.S. recognition numerous times and her books have been seen regularly among the industries Top Picks!
Currently, she lives on the Minnesota tundra with her family, some of whom are human (she says).
Vist her website www.loisgreiman.com
She sold her first novel to Avon Books in 1992 and has published more than twenty-five titles since then, including romantic comedy, historical romance, children’s stories, and her fun-loving Christina McMullen mysteries. A two-time Rita finalist, she has won such prestigious honors as Romantic Times Storyteller Of The Year, MFW’s Rising Star, RT’s Love and Laughter, the Toby Bromberg for most humorous mystery, and the LaVyrle Spencer Award. Her heroes have received K.I.S.S. recognition numerous times and her books have been seen regularly among the industries Top Picks!
Currently, she lives on the Minnesota tundra with her family, some of whom are human (she says).
Vist her website www.loisgreiman.com
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Story Setting
Because I LOVE Tennessee and cowboys, I set my story in the Smoky Mountains. I also have a story set in Texas (Again, cowboys! But the story has nothing to do with them). A current story is set in NY and RI (what I know).
I look at a map of the state and find an open area. Example, the Smoky Mountains is close to Knoxville, but there isn't anything on the map east of that city. This way I can create my own little world and not have to worry about making "mistakes" during research. The same goes for the other stories, I create my own little world apart from the "reality" of that city/town.
Tell us how you come up with a setting for your story? Do you write what you know? Or do you use the internet to get as close to a description as possible?
I look at a map of the state and find an open area. Example, the Smoky Mountains is close to Knoxville, but there isn't anything on the map east of that city. This way I can create my own little world and not have to worry about making "mistakes" during research. The same goes for the other stories, I create my own little world apart from the "reality" of that city/town.
Tell us how you come up with a setting for your story? Do you write what you know? Or do you use the internet to get as close to a description as possible?
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Settings
My early novels were all set in North West England, the area with which I am most familiar. I used towns that I knew but gave them different names, and in one novel I ‘transplanted’ one of my favourite Lakeland villages into a different part of the Lake District. Apart from the latter, the setting could actually have been anywhere as it was not particularly vital to the storyline. In the Lakeland novel, however, the storyline involved an issue which was specific to that area (and indeed was based loosely on an actual issue which had caused a lot of controversy in the area).
I was more comfortable writing about places I knew and, of course, I was writing in the pre-internet era, when research into ‘unknown’ places depended mainly on the written word (travelogues etc) and photographs.
What a difference the internet has made! When I started writing ‘The West Wing’ fan fiction, I was faced with having to write about places I didn’t know as well. I’d visited Washington DC several times, so I was fine with that, and an internet search found a wonderful site which showed the whole layout of every floor in the White House. But in one fanfic story (a spin-off from the series) I took the characters to Ireland and at that point I had only visited Ireland once (a day trip to Dublin). But again the internet was invaluable as I could explore Galway (both the city and the county) to my heart’s content, with instant access to maps, videos etc. In another story, the characters were in New Hampshire. I have never been there, but I have an internet friend who lives in NH, so I plied her with questions.
When I returned to writing novels, I dug out an unfinished story I had started years before. This story had originally been set in England but at some point I had decided to re-site it in America, with the heroine working at a college in Virginia. Heaven only knows why, because I knew nothing about American colleges! I found the names of some colleges (at the local library, I think) and then wrote to them for their prospectuses, which seemed to take ages to arrive. How much easier it was, when I picked up the story again, to ‘google’ for colleges and get a mass of detail about them.
The internet is a wonderful resource for the settings we use for our stories, and one of our Friday Friends recently gave a wonderful tip about using Google Earth and also the Google Streetcar Views. Excellent – at least for contemporary novels.
At the same time, I am still wary of making some very basic error when I am writing about places that I don’t know. I have read too many of these errors in novels and they always irritate me. One that caused me to laugh out loud was a story where someone crossed the road to reach the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. No mention of the eight lanes of traffic, all whizzing round at top speed, cutting in, overtaking etc. The hero would probably have been killed on the spot! It can be practical details like this which can trip us up.
And, for us Brits trying to write about America, there are other problems, not least the language difference! Even though I have visited the States several times and know to say elevator and not lift, sidewalk and not pavement etc, I have been picked up several times by my American friends when I have used a word or expression that would not be used by Americans.
Basically, I am saying that all kinds of problems can arise if you choose a setting with which you are not familiar and therefore, of course, far more research is needed!
I was more comfortable writing about places I knew and, of course, I was writing in the pre-internet era, when research into ‘unknown’ places depended mainly on the written word (travelogues etc) and photographs.
What a difference the internet has made! When I started writing ‘The West Wing’ fan fiction, I was faced with having to write about places I didn’t know as well. I’d visited Washington DC several times, so I was fine with that, and an internet search found a wonderful site which showed the whole layout of every floor in the White House. But in one fanfic story (a spin-off from the series) I took the characters to Ireland and at that point I had only visited Ireland once (a day trip to Dublin). But again the internet was invaluable as I could explore Galway (both the city and the county) to my heart’s content, with instant access to maps, videos etc. In another story, the characters were in New Hampshire. I have never been there, but I have an internet friend who lives in NH, so I plied her with questions.
When I returned to writing novels, I dug out an unfinished story I had started years before. This story had originally been set in England but at some point I had decided to re-site it in America, with the heroine working at a college in Virginia. Heaven only knows why, because I knew nothing about American colleges! I found the names of some colleges (at the local library, I think) and then wrote to them for their prospectuses, which seemed to take ages to arrive. How much easier it was, when I picked up the story again, to ‘google’ for colleges and get a mass of detail about them.
The internet is a wonderful resource for the settings we use for our stories, and one of our Friday Friends recently gave a wonderful tip about using Google Earth and also the Google Streetcar Views. Excellent – at least for contemporary novels.
At the same time, I am still wary of making some very basic error when I am writing about places that I don’t know. I have read too many of these errors in novels and they always irritate me. One that caused me to laugh out loud was a story where someone crossed the road to reach the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. No mention of the eight lanes of traffic, all whizzing round at top speed, cutting in, overtaking etc. The hero would probably have been killed on the spot! It can be practical details like this which can trip us up.
And, for us Brits trying to write about America, there are other problems, not least the language difference! Even though I have visited the States several times and know to say elevator and not lift, sidewalk and not pavement etc, I have been picked up several times by my American friends when I have used a word or expression that would not be used by Americans.
Basically, I am saying that all kinds of problems can arise if you choose a setting with which you are not familiar and therefore, of course, far more research is needed!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Settings
This week's topic is setting.
My first two novels were historicals. The accuracy of setting impacts historical plot, I think, so I researched settings right after I fleshed out my main characters.
One is a western set in 1890's South Dakota. I am familiar with the northern plains landscape and climate, and have first hand experience with cows and live-off-the-land lifestyle. I have books about Native American life, and a farmer-husband who adores that area's prairies and wild spaces. I ordered books on the Missouri River system from my regional library system, and found on the Internet letters between mail order brides and their future spouses.
The second is set in 1490's Brittany. I studied travel guides, European archaeology texts, and the Rance River estuary. I read up on castles in general, and the fortified city of St. Malo in particular. I joined a Preservation of the Brehonic Language Society, and familiarized myself with 15th Century political tensions between Brittany and France, and France and England. I researched Celtic coinage, and compared History Channel shows on medieval weaponry with the information I gleaned on writing loops.
My current WIP is a contemporary suspenceful romance. I am setting it in Duluth/Superior for familiarity. I am not finding that the setting is as critical -- or as helpful. What the characters do for a living and the impact of childhood family issues are driving my plot as much as their personalities and their mutual attraction.
Ana
My first two novels were historicals. The accuracy of setting impacts historical plot, I think, so I researched settings right after I fleshed out my main characters.
One is a western set in 1890's South Dakota. I am familiar with the northern plains landscape and climate, and have first hand experience with cows and live-off-the-land lifestyle. I have books about Native American life, and a farmer-husband who adores that area's prairies and wild spaces. I ordered books on the Missouri River system from my regional library system, and found on the Internet letters between mail order brides and their future spouses.
The second is set in 1490's Brittany. I studied travel guides, European archaeology texts, and the Rance River estuary. I read up on castles in general, and the fortified city of St. Malo in particular. I joined a Preservation of the Brehonic Language Society, and familiarized myself with 15th Century political tensions between Brittany and France, and France and England. I researched Celtic coinage, and compared History Channel shows on medieval weaponry with the information I gleaned on writing loops.
My current WIP is a contemporary suspenceful romance. I am setting it in Duluth/Superior for familiarity. I am not finding that the setting is as critical -- or as helpful. What the characters do for a living and the impact of childhood family issues are driving my plot as much as their personalities and their mutual attraction.
Ana
Friday, February 12, 2010
Friday Friends with Margaret Blake
Our Friday Friend this week is multi-published author, Margaret Blake, whom I ‘met’ via a yahoo group last year and have since met up with a few times, as we only live about 50 miles apart. Margaret has written over 20 novels, and her historical romantic suspense “The Substitute Bride” made the finals at the Eppies this year. Her new book, “Dangerous Enchantment” is published this month by Whiskey Creek Press.HWH: Hi, Margaret, you and I have a lot in common, not least both being Lancashire born and bred. But whereas I’ve always lived in North West England, you have experienced other places. Can you tell us a little about your life?
MARGARET: I was born in Manchester, England – actually during the blitz. My Grandson wrote a story about me and told how I was “born under a table” when actually what I had told him was that I used to “hide under a table when the bombs were falling!” If ever I do write an autobiography I certainly know what to call it.
John, the love of my life and my wonderful husband, recently died. He and I both lived in the United States when we were younger, however we did not know one another then, and it is just one of those small coincidences that seem to bind us together. We used to travel quite a bit and lived in St Tropez, France for a short time, which was quite amazing. Now I live in Fleetwood, Lancashire and it is wonderful – I love being part of Lancashire once more!
I have one wonderful son, a fantastic daughter-in-law and three lovely grandchildren. They live in the States so I get to go over every year, which is marvellous.
HWH: Our sympathies are with you over your recent sad loss. It was John who encouraged you to submit your stories for publication, wasn’t it?
MARGARET: I always wanted to be a writer but when I was growing up such things were not possible for me. My parents were wonderful but they were quite hard up. From being fifteen I had to go out and earn money and did lots of different jobs from window dresser, waitress and secretarial work. I ran a pub and worked in a hotel, lots of variety is highly recommended for any writer. Having such a varied career did me no harm, in fact in many ways it was a great educator.
I always wrote from being a little girl but it was John who encouraged me to do something about it and in 1978 I had my first novel accepted for publication. I wrote historical and contemporary romance over a period of ten years and then opted to go into Higher Education. This proved to be another remarkable experience, I can highly recommend being a student at 40, and you meet so many interesting people. It used to amuse me to see that it was the mature students that turned up for all the lectures!
HWH: Whether you’re writing historical or contemporary, your stories are all romances. What do you think makes a good romance novel?
MARGARET: Strong characters, male and female. I hate wimpy girls who hang on men’s arms, I like women who are capable. And, of course, there has to be tension and passion.
HWH: Totally agree! So are you a plotter or a pantser?
MARGARET: I am a “pantser”. If I did plot I would change it, I change as I am writing. I think of a plot such as “what would happen to this woman if…” and then I have to have her name and the name of my hero. If I don’t have the name I can’t write a word. I then let the characters run away with the story. It would not work for everyone but it works for me. I like my characters to drive the story forward and not me!
HWH: Another thing that we have in common, as I too let the characters lead me. Now, something that I have problems with - how do you know when to stop ‘tweaking’ your manuscript?
MARGARET: I never know. I just think that seems all right – then when I get the proofs I always think I could have done something slightly different. But the basic plot I generally am happy with, it is just a word or two. I think you can over-tweak too! You have to be firm with yourself. I know someone who is still “tweaking” their novel that they wrote five years ago – it hasn’t gone on its merry way to a publisher yet.
HWH: Very good advice about being firm with yourself. Now I need to be firm, stop tweaking mine, and send it on its merry way. What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received or read?
MARGARET: I don’t understand the advice “write about what you know” as, if I took that mantra as my own, I would never write anything interesting. For instance I have written two books set in Spain and I’ve never been to Spain, so I am not sure what they mean by that. Perhaps it is for more “serious” writers. The best advice I ever had is from my husband. “Stop hiding those stories in a drawer and send them out to a publisher!”
HWH: John gave me some advice too, the last time I saw him. He said simply “Keep on writing.” Which leads us to my next question: what’s your cure for ‘writer’s block’ or when you’re stuck at some point in your story?
MARGARET: Leave it alone, go for a walk or just forget about it for a day or two. When you return and look at the story you will be inspired. However, there is a more serious side to writer’s block when you can’t even write a story. That did happen to me and it was meeting up with my late friend Loren Teague that had me back in the saddle and raring to go. Other people can, by showing they have confidence in you, be inspiring.
HWH: Meeting you has certainly inspired me! It’s so good to have a writer friend in ‘real life’ as well as those we meet via the internet! I know you have a varied and busy life in addition to your writing. What are your other interests?
MARGARET: My other hobbies are walking and reading. I like the theatre and films and television – I am a Frasier freak and just have to watch all the CSI shows. I also really feel lucky to have my family and my friends. They are a wonderful support to me. They are carrying me over this lonely, heartbreaking path that I am currently on. Bless them all.
HWH: You didn’t mention my favourite TV show, ‘The West Wing’ but I know you enjoyed that too! Now let’s talk more about your writing. Which, of all the characters you have created, is your favourite – and why?
MARGARET: Oh yes, how could I forget The West Wing, one of the greatest shows on TV, if not the greatest. When I am writing my characters they are my current favourites but if I look back over my work three spring to mind. One is Sarah who featured in my Peterloo books, I liked Sarah because she was a fighter. She overcame terrible odds in her life and she is a role model for anyone. My other favourite is Maddie in Eden’s Child, she is strong and although suffering like Sarah, manages to move her life forward. She is also not afraid of facing up to the truth. My other favourite is Jesse Crane from "A Poisoned Legacy"…oh boy I am afraid I have fallen madly in love with Jesse and don’t mind admitting it!
HWH: Your new book is set in the late Middle Ages. What attracts you to the medieval period?
MARGARET: I was born in Manchester, England – actually during the blitz. My Grandson wrote a story about me and told how I was “born under a table” when actually what I had told him was that I used to “hide under a table when the bombs were falling!” If ever I do write an autobiography I certainly know what to call it.
John, the love of my life and my wonderful husband, recently died. He and I both lived in the United States when we were younger, however we did not know one another then, and it is just one of those small coincidences that seem to bind us together. We used to travel quite a bit and lived in St Tropez, France for a short time, which was quite amazing. Now I live in Fleetwood, Lancashire and it is wonderful – I love being part of Lancashire once more!
I have one wonderful son, a fantastic daughter-in-law and three lovely grandchildren. They live in the States so I get to go over every year, which is marvellous.
HWH: Our sympathies are with you over your recent sad loss. It was John who encouraged you to submit your stories for publication, wasn’t it?
MARGARET: I always wanted to be a writer but when I was growing up such things were not possible for me. My parents were wonderful but they were quite hard up. From being fifteen I had to go out and earn money and did lots of different jobs from window dresser, waitress and secretarial work. I ran a pub and worked in a hotel, lots of variety is highly recommended for any writer. Having such a varied career did me no harm, in fact in many ways it was a great educator.
I always wrote from being a little girl but it was John who encouraged me to do something about it and in 1978 I had my first novel accepted for publication. I wrote historical and contemporary romance over a period of ten years and then opted to go into Higher Education. This proved to be another remarkable experience, I can highly recommend being a student at 40, and you meet so many interesting people. It used to amuse me to see that it was the mature students that turned up for all the lectures!
HWH: Whether you’re writing historical or contemporary, your stories are all romances. What do you think makes a good romance novel?
MARGARET: Strong characters, male and female. I hate wimpy girls who hang on men’s arms, I like women who are capable. And, of course, there has to be tension and passion.
HWH: Totally agree! So are you a plotter or a pantser?
MARGARET: I am a “pantser”. If I did plot I would change it, I change as I am writing. I think of a plot such as “what would happen to this woman if…” and then I have to have her name and the name of my hero. If I don’t have the name I can’t write a word. I then let the characters run away with the story. It would not work for everyone but it works for me. I like my characters to drive the story forward and not me!
HWH: Another thing that we have in common, as I too let the characters lead me. Now, something that I have problems with - how do you know when to stop ‘tweaking’ your manuscript?
MARGARET: I never know. I just think that seems all right – then when I get the proofs I always think I could have done something slightly different. But the basic plot I generally am happy with, it is just a word or two. I think you can over-tweak too! You have to be firm with yourself. I know someone who is still “tweaking” their novel that they wrote five years ago – it hasn’t gone on its merry way to a publisher yet.
HWH: Very good advice about being firm with yourself. Now I need to be firm, stop tweaking mine, and send it on its merry way. What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received or read?
MARGARET: I don’t understand the advice “write about what you know” as, if I took that mantra as my own, I would never write anything interesting. For instance I have written two books set in Spain and I’ve never been to Spain, so I am not sure what they mean by that. Perhaps it is for more “serious” writers. The best advice I ever had is from my husband. “Stop hiding those stories in a drawer and send them out to a publisher!”
HWH: John gave me some advice too, the last time I saw him. He said simply “Keep on writing.” Which leads us to my next question: what’s your cure for ‘writer’s block’ or when you’re stuck at some point in your story?
MARGARET: Leave it alone, go for a walk or just forget about it for a day or two. When you return and look at the story you will be inspired. However, there is a more serious side to writer’s block when you can’t even write a story. That did happen to me and it was meeting up with my late friend Loren Teague that had me back in the saddle and raring to go. Other people can, by showing they have confidence in you, be inspiring.
HWH: Meeting you has certainly inspired me! It’s so good to have a writer friend in ‘real life’ as well as those we meet via the internet! I know you have a varied and busy life in addition to your writing. What are your other interests?
MARGARET: My other hobbies are walking and reading. I like the theatre and films and television – I am a Frasier freak and just have to watch all the CSI shows. I also really feel lucky to have my family and my friends. They are a wonderful support to me. They are carrying me over this lonely, heartbreaking path that I am currently on. Bless them all.
HWH: You didn’t mention my favourite TV show, ‘The West Wing’ but I know you enjoyed that too! Now let’s talk more about your writing. Which, of all the characters you have created, is your favourite – and why?
MARGARET: Oh yes, how could I forget The West Wing, one of the greatest shows on TV, if not the greatest. When I am writing my characters they are my current favourites but if I look back over my work three spring to mind. One is Sarah who featured in my Peterloo books, I liked Sarah because she was a fighter. She overcame terrible odds in her life and she is a role model for anyone. My other favourite is Maddie in Eden’s Child, she is strong and although suffering like Sarah, manages to move her life forward. She is also not afraid of facing up to the truth. My other favourite is Jesse Crane from "A Poisoned Legacy"…oh boy I am afraid I have fallen madly in love with Jesse and don’t mind admitting it!
HWH: Your new book is set in the late Middle Ages. What attracts you to the medieval period?
MARGARET: I have always been fascinated by this period, of course my main attraction has always been Richard the Third. I obsess about what kind of country we would have were he to have remained king. He was a true renaissance man and not a penny pincher like Henry the Seventh! So I imagine lots and lots more art would be seen.
HWH: Although I’m a historian by profession, I’ve always been scared by the research needed to write a novel set at any time in the past. How do you research your historical novels?
MARGARET: I used to research my novels by going to the source, I would read extensively and especially really good biography. Then I learned a trick about background research. Children’s history books are a mine of information and they have excellent illustrations too!
HWH: Please give us a ‘teaser’ about your new book, “Dangerous Enchantment”.
MARGARET: A medieval historical romantic suspense, it tells the story of Kate Merryweather. She has been trusted with a very important cargo. How can she keep the secret of her supposed stepson? If someone finds out the truth, Kate knows both of them will be killed. The safety of the castle in Yorkshire is suddenly no more. A Lancastrian lord has been granted the house and lands of her dead husband. Shall she chance the roads and escape to Burgundy, or stay and out bluff the new lord?
HWH: I can’t wait to read it because, as you know, I’m also a ‘fan’ of Richard III and the mystery that surrounds him.
“Dangerous Enchantment” is published by Whiskey Creek Press this month. It is available from the publisher in e-book and print, and also from www.amazon.com or as an e book only from http://www.fictionwise.com/
We wish you every success with it, Margaret, and thank you very much for joining us at this time. We really appreciate it and hope that your happy memories of John will help you through this very sad time for you.
HWH: Although I’m a historian by profession, I’ve always been scared by the research needed to write a novel set at any time in the past. How do you research your historical novels?
MARGARET: I used to research my novels by going to the source, I would read extensively and especially really good biography. Then I learned a trick about background research. Children’s history books are a mine of information and they have excellent illustrations too!
HWH: Please give us a ‘teaser’ about your new book, “Dangerous Enchantment”.
MARGARET: A medieval historical romantic suspense, it tells the story of Kate Merryweather. She has been trusted with a very important cargo. How can she keep the secret of her supposed stepson? If someone finds out the truth, Kate knows both of them will be killed. The safety of the castle in Yorkshire is suddenly no more. A Lancastrian lord has been granted the house and lands of her dead husband. Shall she chance the roads and escape to Burgundy, or stay and out bluff the new lord?
HWH: I can’t wait to read it because, as you know, I’m also a ‘fan’ of Richard III and the mystery that surrounds him.
“Dangerous Enchantment” is published by Whiskey Creek Press this month. It is available from the publisher in e-book and print, and also from www.amazon.com or as an e book only from http://www.fictionwise.com/
We wish you every success with it, Margaret, and thank you very much for joining us at this time. We really appreciate it and hope that your happy memories of John will help you through this very sad time for you.
MARGARET: Thank you, Paula, it has been wonderful to be here. I feel John has inspired some of my answers, he always was “the wind beneath my wing” and now he is my guardian angel and will always be there for me.
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