It’s Romance Weekly time! A between-the-sheets look at upcoming romance books and the kick ass authors who write them. If you’re visiting from Veronica Forand’s site, thanks for being here!
Before we get started, don’t forget there’s a big six-month Romance Weekly anniversary giveaway brewing! We’ve got loads of paperback and e-books, a fifty dollar Amazon gift card, and a 7” Kindle Fire pre-loaded with one heck of a starter library to give away July 29th. The rafflecopter entry is below so be sure you get signed up.
Now, onto the questions, given to us this week by Amazon Best Selling historical romance author, Collette Cameron.
How do you respond to someone calling your writing smut or demeaning your work in some other way?
Ah, the bodice ripping, eye rolling response you mean? Or the ever popular, “Oh, you write romance?”
I used to blush.
Now I smile and say, “Yep. Sure do. Did you know that in the fiction market romance is the top selling genre? And not just by a little. Last year romance books generated 1.4 billion dollars. Next in line were thrillers and mysteries in the $600 million range.”
That usually puts an end to any other snarky comments and teaches them something in the process.
When critiquing or beta reading, do you ever find the voice of the other author creeping into your writing?
Hmmm….nope. Can’t say that I do. But then I critique for some pretty amazing authors so it’s easy to fall into their characters.
What’s one quirky thing you do or must have around you while writing?
Quiet.
I’ve heard lots of other authors write with music on, or can work just about anywhere. But me? Nope. I need something close to a meditation room. I think it’s because distractions keep me rooted to this world. If I’m rooted here, I can’t transport my head to the character’s world and convey what I’m seeing onto the page.
So, those are my answers. Hop over to Amy Jarecki’s site to see how she answers.
But before you go—use the rafflecopter below to get yourself entered in the big giveaway on July 29th!
Good luck!
19 Comments
Veronica Forand
June 24, 2014 at 12:22 pmI love quiet when I write. The only time I use music is when I need a huge mood change, happy to sad, or serious to lighthearted. I have certain music that will instantly make me feel the emotion I need for a specific scene.
Rhenna
June 24, 2014 at 2:36 pmSo glad someone else needs the quiet. To much impetus to dance with music. 🙂
Kim Handysides
June 24, 2014 at 12:37 pmShow them the money, Rhenna! 😀
Rhenna
June 24, 2014 at 2:34 pmAbsolutely! Might even do the little dance that goes with it.
Jami Denise
June 24, 2014 at 2:50 pm1.4 BILL. BOOM. That is probably the best response yet. Seriously, Romance is no joke.
I envy that you get actual silence to write. In my life… There is never a second of quiet time. lol. I would never get anything done!
Great post lady!
Rhenna
June 24, 2014 at 6:38 pmWell, I admit…the Bose sound cancelers are worth their weight in gold.
Fiona Riplee
June 24, 2014 at 4:07 pmI need quiet as well. If the TV is on or there is music I can’t focus. I think the worst is music because if it’s something I know I’ll want to sing to it. If it’s something I don’t know or don’t like I’m just annoyed. 🙂
Amy Jarecki
June 24, 2014 at 4:39 pmOMG, that is one racy cover…tee hee. Let the bodices rip!
Rhenna
June 24, 2014 at 6:37 pmI’ll take any cover with a near hiney shot. 🙂
Beth Carter
June 24, 2014 at 5:18 pmI also need quiet when I’m writing. If I’m editing, I can occasionally work from a coffee shop or if it’s a really rough first draft, I can sometimes manage with a little background noise, but when I REALLY need to concentrate? Scoot over in that meditation room.
Love your stats. I remember during the economic downturn when bookstores were closing (think Borders) and big publishing houses were crumbling, romance continued to sell.
Dani Jace
June 24, 2014 at 5:21 pmStill love those types of covers… Of course the bare chested men adorning some today are just as fine.
Rhenna
June 24, 2014 at 6:37 pmI was kinda tickled when I saw that one. I mean, the dude is damn near flashing a pretty hot hiney. I bet it was scandalous in its day.
J.J. Devine
June 24, 2014 at 5:46 pmI used to be able to write with a house full of kids. Today, put one kid in the house (even on the other side of the house) and I can’t write worth a darn. Great answers!!!
Rhenna
June 24, 2014 at 6:36 pmI think it is a rather acquired skill. I should practice in noise more.
CJ Burright
June 24, 2014 at 6:20 pmYep, the stats say it all, don’t they? I prefer either quiet or music when I write, but I definitely can’t do it in a crowd or in a coffee shop. My zoning powers aren’t strong enough.
Rhenna
June 24, 2014 at 6:36 pmTeleportation powers, muahahahaha
Victoria Barbour
June 24, 2014 at 8:05 pmYES! Way to school those who don’t understand the power of the romance genre! Great post.
Rhenna
June 24, 2014 at 8:08 pmThanks, Victoria!
Jo Richardson
June 25, 2014 at 12:08 pmLMFAO Rhenna, God I love you and your statistics. EXCELLENT response.