February 8, 2010 – 12:01 am
At first that might seem like a strange question. After all, Valentine’s Day is noted on calendars and discussed in the news. I can’t go into a store without seeing a red and pink display and there seems to be a lot of gift/craft/makeover/date ideas for Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day was a big deal when I was in school. It was one of those rare days when we had a party, although we were also required to give a Valentine’s card to every classmate. In high school, class parties gave way to the Valentine’s Dance. But once I graduated from school, I didn’t notice that many people observing this holiday.
These days my friends either make alternative plans (like a girl’s night out) or make Valentine’s Day a family event. A few have a romantic night planned, but most are ignoring it.
So I’m wondering: are you celebrating Valentine’s Day or are you ignoring it?
February 7, 2010 – 12:01 am
Question: What is the hardest part of writing for you? The easiest?
Answer: The hardest part of writing is the revisions. It’s painful. I think it’s because I have a set idea of how I want the story to unfold and now I have to look at it in a different way (and I usually have to make the revisions under a deadline!) The easiest part of writing is getting that spark of an idea and considering all the possibilities.
February 6, 2010 – 12:01 am
Every once in a while I get an e-mail from a writer asking about novellas. I guess it’s because I’ve published close to 20 novellas. I thought it might be helpful to post some common questions here, but I am the first to point out that what I say is based on my experience. Talk to authors who write in your sub-genre for the most up-to-date information! ~ Susanna
What is a novella? In the romance fiction industry, a novella is a complete story between 20,000 to 30,000 words. When the novella is part of a six-author anthology, the story is expected to be 15,000 to 20,000 words.
Why do authors write novellas? Novellas offer writers an opportunity of reaching different readers, have more releases during the year, and write for more than one publisher.
How can I write a novella if I haven’t been invited to contribute to an anthology? It used to be that contributing to an anthology was invitation-only, but these days editors buy unsolicited novellas. E-publishers will sell a novella as a stand-alone story, and they often have calls for submissions for specific anthologies.
What if there are no publisher guidelines? Study the market! Compare the anthologies by publishing houses and you’ll soon realize which publisher prefers holiday anthologies and which one won’t do them. Comparing anthologies within the publishing house will help you determine that your novella about common female fantasies would be a hard sell because they focus more on taboo fantasies.
Can I put together my own anthology idea? Many anthologies you see today are author-driven or literary agency-driven. Find out the policy in your targeted publishing house, or see if your agent puts together anthologies for clients.
February 2, 2010 – 5:51 pm
I just came back from seeing When in Rome starring Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel. I hadn’t seen the commercials for this film, but I got the 
basic idea that it was about an anti-romance woman who steals coins from the fountain of love. The men who had tossed the coins are under a love spell and pursue her. The result is a light and silly movie (that was barely set in Rome!)
Was it funny? Yeah, it has some physical comedy (finally, the guy is the klutz!), some very funny moments, and some over-the-top ridiculousness. Most of the humor came from the weirdoes who were following the woman.
Was it romantic? Not really–although Josh Duhamel came across as adorable. I hope to see him in more romantic comedies.
Did it say anything new or different about relationships? Absolutely not. I think the whole point was that risk is a part of passion. This is something I’ve seen in many romantic comedies.
When in Rome is 1 out of 3 in my Romantic Comedy Meter. My opinion? Wait for it to come out on TV.
February 1, 2010 – 7:00 am
In the summer of 2008 I had an entry at Tote Bags ‘n’ Blogs entitled Men to Do: Olympic edition. Obviously I had to do one of the Winter Olympics. It just wouldn’t be right to dismiss these guys, right?!
Drop by http://www.authorsoundrelations.blogspot.com/ and see who I awarded gold, silver and bronze for Sexiest Olympian. I would love to hear your opinion on who is the hottest athlete in the upcoming Olympics!
January 31, 2010 – 12:01 am
Congratulations to Leni, who wins a signed copy of Valentine’s Day is Killing Me! Using random.org, Leni’s name was chosen from those who commented on my blog during the month of January.
January 30, 2010 – 10:49 am
When I attended a local writing group, I noticed a pattern with new members. They wanted to find a critique partner the moment they joined. I admire their courage and assertiveness—it’s hard to show your work to anyone! I understand the need to have someone other than a relative or friend read your work. You want some input, you want to know what you’re doing wrong and you really want to know what you’re doing correctly. You want encouragement, direction and help.
I recommend choosing a critique partner or group with care. I won’t get into the horror stories I’ve witnessed, but you need to find someone you can trust and whose opinion you value. You also need to prove that you can critique their work in a timely manner and provide helpful feedback. If you fix a few commas on your critique partner’s chapter when they ask specific questions about pacing, it’s not going to be a long and fruitful relationship.
Finding the right critique partner or group will take time. Keep your head down and write, but keep your ears open for an opportunity of a critique. (FYI: Editors, agents and authors often raffle off a critique for charity!) And remember, developing your storytelling instincts and self-editing skills are much more important to your writing career than finding the perfect critique partner.
Want to know what to look for in a critique partner or group? Read Jane Porter’s article here.
January 26, 2010 – 12:03 am
My sister loves the movie Guys and Dolls. I’m not sure why. Is it because of the whole good girl/bad boy love story? Is it the music? The plot? Marlon Brando? Or is it because the guys sing and dance?
You see, my sister loves it when a man can sing and dance. She’s always been that way, which might explain her baffling admiration for Ewan McGregor. 
I’m not sure which is more attractive to her—the dancing or the singing. For me, I think it’s the dancing. You can tell a lot about a man by the way he guides a woman along the dance floor.
What about you? Which talent is more attractive in a man: singing or dancing?
January 25, 2010 – 1:00 am
Sometimes the lack of sunlight and the excessive rain can get on my nerves. A person can only handle so much. I think there is a corellation between this weather and the number of writers in the Pacific Northwest. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to stay inside and imagine a brighter, sunnier world.
Ardmore Park, January 2010
And then when I go take my dog for a walk in the woods, I see all the ferns, moss and greenery. I remember that there’s a benefit for all this rain. The senses come alive with all the shades of green. I’m thankful for it.
And I’m especially thankful that all this rain hasn’t turned into snow!
January 24, 2010 – 12:19 am
Question: Do you have any favorite authors or books?
Answer: I have lots of favorite authors! Sometimes I gravitate toward an author based on what mood I’m in. If I’m sick, I’ll read a lot of Leigh Michaels, Jessica Hart, Susan Fox, and Betty Neels. There is something about the flow and rhythm of these books that I find very comforting and entertaining. (I’ve also learned not to read Harlequin Medicals while I’m sick, because then I get a little hypochondriac. Those books have quite a lot of medical information!)
My go-to authors, the ones whose books I will buy and read no matter what mood I’m in are Jayne Ann Krentz, Lynne Graham and Lori Foster. I really wish Barbara Boswell was still writing, but I’m fortunate that I have a lot of her books to re-read. Right now I’m reading a lot of Sarah Morgan.
