Monday, August 3, 2009
Today I have romance author Nicole Morgan here for an author interview. She got in touch with me through my association with the e-publisher Wild Horse Press. She contacted me in hopes of scheduling an author interview, author guest blog as well as a book review for her romance novel, Sudden Devotion, which was supposed to be out on August 12 with Wild Horse Press but won't be since Nicole and Wild Horse Press have decided to amicably part ways. Remember to come back on Thursday, July 16 to find out more about how she came to write her novel, Sudden Devotion and keep a look out for my review of the novel as well. Now on to the interview between me and Nicole.
* * * * * *
Phoebe Jordan: When did you know that writing romance was going to be the thing that you would do with your life? Which author inspired you to start writing romance?
Nicole Morgan: Well that is a 2 part answer. I first was inspired to start writing almost 20 years ago, when my main addictions at the time were Danielle Steele and Jackie Collins. But it wasn’t until 2008 that I decided to really buckle down and go for it. It was the first time I ever decided to put any of the romantic stories in my head down on paper.
Phoebe: Did you know what type of romance you wanted to write about or did you experiment with different genres before you chose the one that you felt was for you?
Nicole: I thought about writing a suspenseful romance, which I did, it had a lot of twists and turns, but the funny thing I realized when I started writing was that the erotic or sexy scenes came naturally to me. It’s actually harder for me to write those scenes without all of the steam.
Phoebe: What was the first fiction you ever wrote? And do you still have it with you?
Nicole: The first book I ever started to write was my first published book called, Sweet Redemption.
Phoebe: How much research do you have to do for your novels and does it take you a long time to gather that research?
Nicole: That’s a funny question. I’m probably the most disorganized person when it comes to my research. When I sit down to write my story I don’t always know ahead of time what research I will all need so I will have to research as I go, which isn’t the most efficient method, but that way I get exactly what I’m looking for while it’s fresh in my mind. For example in the book I’m writing now, Blessing in Disguise I wrote a sentence that said, “Yes, I’m at the corner of ________ and ________.” Until I have a chance to pull up a city map for the Hollywood/Los Angeles area I won’t be able to fill that in. I don’t like to make up the information if it is a well known place. I want the two streets I mention to actually intersect.
Phoebe: How did you come up with the concept for your novel, Sudden Devotion?
Nicole: I came up with the premise and starting ground for Sudden Devotion after reading an article about how some couples today are using voyeurism as a way to spice up their love life.
Phoebe: How do you come up with each of your characters for your novels? How do you choose their names out of so many names out there?
Nicole: I choose the characters personalities within the first chapter. Usually I get an idea and start writing it. It isn’t until the second chapter that I have an idea of the kind of person that they are. As far as the male names I like to choose names that I myself find as masculine and sexy names. You’ll never find a leading man in my books called Wilmer. As for the women I try to pick a name that can be pretty, but sometimes, when possible I like to mix up the spelling, to make it different. An example would be in my current work in progress, instead of using Holly, I chose Hollie.
Phoebe: Do you have a favorite character that you really enjoyed writing about in your novel, Sudden Devotion? Did you have a character that you felt you could really relate to in your novel, Sudden Devotion?
Nicole: I would say I really enjoyed writing about Sara. She seemed real to me. Throughout the book she struggles with a mixture of emotions, just like many women do. Still inexperienced with men she is forced to face her new found sexuality, her insecurities and her love and devotion for Mitch. Surprisingly I actually relate to her the most also. While my husband and I have been together and married for a long time I can’t help but remember that I was a bit shy and insecure when he ‘moved in for the kill’ so to speak all those yeas ago and turned me into the kind of gal that writes erotic romance.
Phoebe: Do you have a process of how you start to write your novels?
Nicole: I do things probably a lot differently than other authors. I get an idea in my head about a couple and how they might meet or what might bring them together. Then I sit down and literally start writing the characters and scenes until my idea comes to life.
Phoebe: Have you ever considered writing a series or are writing stand alone novels your preference? How would writing each be different for you?
Nicole: I have already written a two book series, Sweet Redemption and Sweet Salvation. Also, I am currently in the middle of a series titled Intimate Temptations. The first book is complete and with Siren Bookstrand for editing and is called Intimate Persuasions and the second book titled Intimate Desires is still a work in progress. I still enjoy writing the stand alone books just as much though.
Phoebe: What process did you have to go through to get your first book published and did it take you long?
Nicole: When I completed my first book I read though it a couple of times for editing and to make sure that it flowed, then I realized I was putting it off because I was afraid to send it off. So my husband finally put his foot down and told me that if I wanted anyone else to have the chance to read it I needed to ‘get my butt in gear’ and submit it. I began submissions in early February and a couple of weeks later I was offered my first contract.
Phoebe: Do you ever get writers block? What do you do to get rid of it so you can get back to writing your novels?
Nicole: I don’t get it too often, but when I do I usually just put it aside and work on something else. I know that eventually it will come to me so I try not to let it get to me. The main reason I don’t get it too often is because if I am ‘blocked’ and am not sure where to take the story next, I just write whatever pops into my head anyway, sometimes it doesn’t flow or work and then I have to go back and change things, but actually I’ve gotten some pretty good scenes from just writing aimlessly with no plan.
Phoebe: What is your biggest reader pet peeve, if you have any? (stock characters, unresolved endings, predictability, everything wrapped up hurriedly in the end, etc.)
Nicole: My biggest pet peeve is predictability. I have read tons of books where you can tell by the second chapter exactly how everything is going to play out. It’s disappointing. The story might be well told, but I want to enjoy the story and be surprised. It’s hard to do that when you know exactly what’s going to happen.
Phoebe: Which aspects of writing do you enjoy the most and why? And what is your biggest writing pet peeve? (overuse of exclamation points, adverbs, bad guys named Wayne, etc.), if you have any?
Nicole: The thing I enjoy most about writing is making the characters emotions come to life. One reader told me once that she cried after reading a scene from my book Love Knows No Boundaries. Which in turn made me cry, because that’s what I want, I want the reader to feel the same emotions that the character is. My biggest pet peeve in writing, which I’m suffering through right now, is in coming up with a synopsis. Sometimes it is hard to condense 350 pages into 100 words or less and still have it jump out and grab at the reader.
Phoebe: What is the one writing tool can you not live without?
Nicole: I would die if I did not have an online thesaurus/dictionary!
Phoebe: How do you handle your writing schedule and your personal life without going insane?
Nicole: Who says I’m not insane? Seriously though, it is actually very hard at times. It basically translates into a lot of missed sleep and a very understanding husband and two kids. The dogs aren’t very understanding at all though. One sits on my feet (yes on, not near) and the other one nudges my hand as I type. They’re spoiled and get lonely when mommy doesn’t give them attention.
Phoebe: What do you do to relax after having spent a long while writing? Do you have any hobbies?
Nicole: What I love to do is have a long hot bubble bath. If I’ve been really good I treat myself to a manicure and pedicure though.
Phoebe: Is there any advice that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you?
Nicole: Yes there is. Just try! It can’t hurt and even if you don’t get published the first time you might get some really good tips and constructive criticism. I myself still seek out any tips anyone is willing to give me.
Phoebe: Is there any writing tips, research tips, promotion and marketing tips that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you?
Nicole: In writing make sure that your story flows for the reader. Just because you can see it in your head does not mean that the reader can. So, describe and explain all aspects of what you are trying to say. As far as research tips go I think it is important to be accurate, no matter how small the detail. If you’re not willing to research a topic, then do not write about it. This can annoy and bother readers. In regards to promotion and marketing I have a few tips, first remember that it is important to get your name out there, so join groups and chat along with others. You’ll actually find you meet some pretty neat and talented people. In these groups make sure you always follow the rules and promote your work accordingly. No one likes a rule breaker. Second, make sure your emails are friendly or even fun. I myself receive emails from people that are short and abrupt. While this may not be intentional remember that a tone of an email sets the tone for the communication. Lastly before you spend any money take a look at all of the free promoting opportunities there are out there in cyber land. There are a lot to choose from.
Phoebe: Do you have a favorite genre you like to read? Who is your favorite author(s)?
Nicole: My favorite genre is erotic romance. While I enjoy some less erotic romance novels erotica is my favorite. I can’t choose a single favorite because I like these authors for different reasons, but here they are: Maya Banks, Sasha White, Lora Leigh, Stella Cameron, Joann Ross and most recently I’ve added Beth Kerry to the mix.
Phoebe: What are you reading now? And what do you plan to read after that?
Nicole: I am eagerly trying to finish Beth Kerry’s Wicked Burn. So far it has been an awesome read! After I am finished I am going to start reading Joann Ross’ Breakpoint. It was just released in July and I am a huge fan of hers. I’ve been waiting for this one to be released for months.
Nicole Morgan: Well that is a 2 part answer. I first was inspired to start writing almost 20 years ago, when my main addictions at the time were Danielle Steele and Jackie Collins. But it wasn’t until 2008 that I decided to really buckle down and go for it. It was the first time I ever decided to put any of the romantic stories in my head down on paper.
Phoebe: Did you know what type of romance you wanted to write about or did you experiment with different genres before you chose the one that you felt was for you?
Nicole: I thought about writing a suspenseful romance, which I did, it had a lot of twists and turns, but the funny thing I realized when I started writing was that the erotic or sexy scenes came naturally to me. It’s actually harder for me to write those scenes without all of the steam.
Phoebe: What was the first fiction you ever wrote? And do you still have it with you?
Nicole: The first book I ever started to write was my first published book called, Sweet Redemption.
Phoebe: How much research do you have to do for your novels and does it take you a long time to gather that research?
Nicole: That’s a funny question. I’m probably the most disorganized person when it comes to my research. When I sit down to write my story I don’t always know ahead of time what research I will all need so I will have to research as I go, which isn’t the most efficient method, but that way I get exactly what I’m looking for while it’s fresh in my mind. For example in the book I’m writing now, Blessing in Disguise I wrote a sentence that said, “Yes, I’m at the corner of ________ and ________.” Until I have a chance to pull up a city map for the Hollywood/Los Angeles area I won’t be able to fill that in. I don’t like to make up the information if it is a well known place. I want the two streets I mention to actually intersect.
Phoebe: How did you come up with the concept for your novel, Sudden Devotion?
Nicole: I came up with the premise and starting ground for Sudden Devotion after reading an article about how some couples today are using voyeurism as a way to spice up their love life.
Phoebe: How do you come up with each of your characters for your novels? How do you choose their names out of so many names out there?
Nicole: I choose the characters personalities within the first chapter. Usually I get an idea and start writing it. It isn’t until the second chapter that I have an idea of the kind of person that they are. As far as the male names I like to choose names that I myself find as masculine and sexy names. You’ll never find a leading man in my books called Wilmer. As for the women I try to pick a name that can be pretty, but sometimes, when possible I like to mix up the spelling, to make it different. An example would be in my current work in progress, instead of using Holly, I chose Hollie.
Phoebe: Do you have a favorite character that you really enjoyed writing about in your novel, Sudden Devotion? Did you have a character that you felt you could really relate to in your novel, Sudden Devotion?
Nicole: I would say I really enjoyed writing about Sara. She seemed real to me. Throughout the book she struggles with a mixture of emotions, just like many women do. Still inexperienced with men she is forced to face her new found sexuality, her insecurities and her love and devotion for Mitch. Surprisingly I actually relate to her the most also. While my husband and I have been together and married for a long time I can’t help but remember that I was a bit shy and insecure when he ‘moved in for the kill’ so to speak all those yeas ago and turned me into the kind of gal that writes erotic romance.
Phoebe: Do you have a process of how you start to write your novels?
Nicole: I do things probably a lot differently than other authors. I get an idea in my head about a couple and how they might meet or what might bring them together. Then I sit down and literally start writing the characters and scenes until my idea comes to life.
Phoebe: Have you ever considered writing a series or are writing stand alone novels your preference? How would writing each be different for you?
Nicole: I have already written a two book series, Sweet Redemption and Sweet Salvation. Also, I am currently in the middle of a series titled Intimate Temptations. The first book is complete and with Siren Bookstrand for editing and is called Intimate Persuasions and the second book titled Intimate Desires is still a work in progress. I still enjoy writing the stand alone books just as much though.
Phoebe: What process did you have to go through to get your first book published and did it take you long?
Nicole: When I completed my first book I read though it a couple of times for editing and to make sure that it flowed, then I realized I was putting it off because I was afraid to send it off. So my husband finally put his foot down and told me that if I wanted anyone else to have the chance to read it I needed to ‘get my butt in gear’ and submit it. I began submissions in early February and a couple of weeks later I was offered my first contract.
Phoebe: Do you ever get writers block? What do you do to get rid of it so you can get back to writing your novels?
Nicole: I don’t get it too often, but when I do I usually just put it aside and work on something else. I know that eventually it will come to me so I try not to let it get to me. The main reason I don’t get it too often is because if I am ‘blocked’ and am not sure where to take the story next, I just write whatever pops into my head anyway, sometimes it doesn’t flow or work and then I have to go back and change things, but actually I’ve gotten some pretty good scenes from just writing aimlessly with no plan.
Phoebe: What is your biggest reader pet peeve, if you have any? (stock characters, unresolved endings, predictability, everything wrapped up hurriedly in the end, etc.)
Nicole: My biggest pet peeve is predictability. I have read tons of books where you can tell by the second chapter exactly how everything is going to play out. It’s disappointing. The story might be well told, but I want to enjoy the story and be surprised. It’s hard to do that when you know exactly what’s going to happen.
Phoebe: Which aspects of writing do you enjoy the most and why? And what is your biggest writing pet peeve? (overuse of exclamation points, adverbs, bad guys named Wayne, etc.), if you have any?
Nicole: The thing I enjoy most about writing is making the characters emotions come to life. One reader told me once that she cried after reading a scene from my book Love Knows No Boundaries. Which in turn made me cry, because that’s what I want, I want the reader to feel the same emotions that the character is. My biggest pet peeve in writing, which I’m suffering through right now, is in coming up with a synopsis. Sometimes it is hard to condense 350 pages into 100 words or less and still have it jump out and grab at the reader.
Phoebe: What is the one writing tool can you not live without?
Nicole: I would die if I did not have an online thesaurus/dictionary!
Phoebe: How do you handle your writing schedule and your personal life without going insane?
Nicole: Who says I’m not insane? Seriously though, it is actually very hard at times. It basically translates into a lot of missed sleep and a very understanding husband and two kids. The dogs aren’t very understanding at all though. One sits on my feet (yes on, not near) and the other one nudges my hand as I type. They’re spoiled and get lonely when mommy doesn’t give them attention.
Phoebe: What do you do to relax after having spent a long while writing? Do you have any hobbies?
Nicole: What I love to do is have a long hot bubble bath. If I’ve been really good I treat myself to a manicure and pedicure though.
Phoebe: Is there any advice that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you?
Nicole: Yes there is. Just try! It can’t hurt and even if you don’t get published the first time you might get some really good tips and constructive criticism. I myself still seek out any tips anyone is willing to give me.
Phoebe: Is there any writing tips, research tips, promotion and marketing tips that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you?
Nicole: In writing make sure that your story flows for the reader. Just because you can see it in your head does not mean that the reader can. So, describe and explain all aspects of what you are trying to say. As far as research tips go I think it is important to be accurate, no matter how small the detail. If you’re not willing to research a topic, then do not write about it. This can annoy and bother readers. In regards to promotion and marketing I have a few tips, first remember that it is important to get your name out there, so join groups and chat along with others. You’ll actually find you meet some pretty neat and talented people. In these groups make sure you always follow the rules and promote your work accordingly. No one likes a rule breaker. Second, make sure your emails are friendly or even fun. I myself receive emails from people that are short and abrupt. While this may not be intentional remember that a tone of an email sets the tone for the communication. Lastly before you spend any money take a look at all of the free promoting opportunities there are out there in cyber land. There are a lot to choose from.
Phoebe: Do you have a favorite genre you like to read? Who is your favorite author(s)?
Nicole: My favorite genre is erotic romance. While I enjoy some less erotic romance novels erotica is my favorite. I can’t choose a single favorite because I like these authors for different reasons, but here they are: Maya Banks, Sasha White, Lora Leigh, Stella Cameron, Joann Ross and most recently I’ve added Beth Kerry to the mix.
Phoebe: What are you reading now? And what do you plan to read after that?
Nicole: I am eagerly trying to finish Beth Kerry’s Wicked Burn. So far it has been an awesome read! After I am finished I am going to start reading Joann Ross’ Breakpoint. It was just released in July and I am a huge fan of hers. I’ve been waiting for this one to be released for months.
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Awesome interview Nicole. You must be a natural born writer because your method seems so straight forward. I love your work that I've read so far.
ReplyDeleteVery nice interview, Nicole! I love your approach to research, too - sounds like mine, so we're having another of those spooky moments, aren't we??? LOL
ReplyDeleteHugs and Blessings,
Denysé