Wednesday, May 12, 2010

FAQ



Now that one of my novels is contracted with a publisher, more people in my life are finding out that I write. Here are a few of the questions I've gotten.


1) What kind of books do you write?

I love to tell them I write romance and see their reactions. It surprises a lot of people. When they give me the eyebrow raise, I explain it’s Christian romance. Usually, it’s a positive response. Every now and then, it’s not. Betsy St. Amant recently blogged about it.

2) I’ve always wanted to write a book. How do you find the time?

My response to this is, “Sit down and do it!” If I can do it, anyone can do it.

3) How long did it take you to write the book?

Eight years. I’m kidding, sort of. I wrote a children’s book in college. Then, I wrote my first novel my senior year of college. I tinkered with it for years. I wrote my second novel (a young adult) in 2005 as part of NaNoWriMo. I actually finished this one and submitted it to agents and editors. In November 2006, I wrote the first draft of the book currently under contract. I wrote it in a month and edited it over the next year before submitting it. I’m almost finished with the first draft of my next novel. I wrote it in a month and a half and plan to take a few months to edit it.

4) How much are they paying you for the book?

I get this question a lot. I totally understand why people would be curious, but I’m never sure how to answer it. I’m so thankful that my book is going to be published and even more thankful that I’m getting paid for it. I’ll say that my advance isn’t enough to buy a new car, but it is more than enough to make it possible for me to attend the ACFW conference in Indianapolis this year!

5) Where do you get your ideas?

The setting for the book came from real life experiences, and the story idea literally came while I was sleeping. I was visiting my sister and took a nap one afternoon. I woke up and furiously scribbled my idea down on paper. For other books I get ideas from everywhere. They are bits and pieces of things I’ve experienced or read about, people I know, and places I’ve been. The fun part about fiction is that you get to make it up as you go along.

So there you have it! Did I leave anything out? Writers, what responses do you get about the fact that you’re a writer?

13 comments:

  1. Great questions. Thanks for your answers.

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  2. Good questions and good answers! I also get raised eyebrows when I say Historical Romance. It's like they didn't think I had it in me. Plus most of the people I know have known my non fiction writing.

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  3. I liked reading your answer to #3. Many of my non-writing friends think books are just written, fast, and they just get published. Done! Writing, for most of us I believe, is a craft that takes time to develop. Thanks for sharing.

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  4. Yep, I've gotten these questions before.

    My answer to #4 is usually "Suffice it to say, Stephen King makes more than I do." :)

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  5. Cool answers!! An advance is an advance. :-) You're on your way! Very exciting.
    I try not to tell people I write, but my husband frequently outs me, which is embarrassing. :)

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  6. Great answers and questions. I love reading about authors who are beginning their journeys. I am new to your blog so I don't know if you posted about this in the past, but I'd love to hear what your story is about.

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  7. Thanks for stopping by my blog! Congrats again on your contract!

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  8. Huge congrats on your publishing contract! How cool!! I loved all your answers, but the one thing that resonating with me is your published novel wasn't the first one you wrote. Writing takes practice, like everything in life. I find comfort in knowing that, and I enjoy the freedom it brings to my own work.

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  9. Looking forward to meeting you at the conference!

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  10. Thank you for answering some of these questions like you did:) I am thrilled you have a contract and are attending the conference. I so want to go but can't bring myself to spend the money now.
    I met with an editor from Bethany and he asked for a partial--isn't that where yours is? I don't hope that anything will come from it but he was nice and it made me think it must be a great place to work with.

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  11. fun post!
    people ask me what you write too and i too find it fun to see their reaction :) (until i clarify the genre, of course ;) )
    interesting what ppl will ask. i understand the curiosity of the pay but that's so... bold(?) almost imprudent to ask. but then, i'm a more private person than most ppl, so i probably think differently ;-)

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  12. That's so funny. I get the money question, too, which is kind of odd. I mean, I dont' go up to them ask them how much they make at their job. LOL

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  13. OK now you have me curious about the negative responses. Why would someone not be encouraging or look down on romance? I don't get it. I'll have to check out Betsy's article.

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