Terescia’s thoughts and such on writing romantic fiction for publication.

So, it’s time for an interview with a first-time author, and who better to choose than my first-time writer friend, Heather Reed.

TERESCIA: You’re a soon-to-be published author, and I know that because you’re also my closest friend. I doubt I can be objective where my friend, business partner (WWR), and critique partner is concerned. Ah, well. We’ll pretend.

Anyway, I know you recently went through your first revisions for an editor. Was it as scary as you imagined it would be to make changes to your book based on someone else’s wishes?

HEATHER: Scary really doesn’t describe what it was like. At first, I looked at the revision letter and thought, “How am I going to change that?” But by the end of the revisions I couldn’t have been happier. All of the changes made the story stronger and I learned a lot about myself and my writing abilities.

Of course, it also helped that the editor I worked with at the time was really great. She answered all my questions and helped me work through whether or not some of the changes really needed to be made. All in all when the process was over I was pleased with the end result.

TERESCIA: Did you have trouble giving over control?

HEATHER: I won’t lie. Giving up control over your work is hard. But if you want to be published (and not have a reputation with the editors as someone hard to work with), you have to be somewhat flexible. I did find that on some issues it’s okay to stand your ground, though. My editor listened to my questions and concerns over some of the changes and in the end it worked out well.

TERESCIA: When it comes to revisions, what’s the number one thing you would pass on to an unpublished writer (like myself)?

HEATHER: Don’t go in with unreasonable expectations. If you go into the process thinking you aren’t going to change this or that, you may find that’s exactly what the editor wants you to change. And remember that some things aren’t worth fussing over. Life’s too short and there’s another book to be written.

TERESCIA: Your book comes out in August 2006 from Avalon Books. What’s it like writing for Avalon?

HEATHER: So far it’s been a different experience from what I expected. I had thought as soon as you got “the call” the process would go a bit faster, but all in all it’s been good working with Avalon. And, there’s a lot of support. From being able to pick up the phone and call (and speak directly with your editor) to the Avaloners loop, if you have questions someone is willing to answer them. I think starting with a small publisher is a definite plus in this respect.

TERESCIA: New writers are always wanting to compare their level of productivity to that of established writers’. I can tell them until I’m blue-faced that you should never compare yourself to someone else, but it’s a disease, I tell you. I still find myself doing it on occasion to see where I’m at on a scale of most prolific to least prolific. ;-)

So, what’s your productivity like? Do you write best in short bursts, a little at a time, or in longer sessions? Give me an idea of your writing process.

HEATHER: I’m not sure how to answer this. With each book I write, I find my process differs some. If I put my mind to it and am able to make the quiet time, I can write more than three-fourths of the book really fast. But then I get to the end and the process changes. Of course, this doesn’t hold true with each of the books I’ve written.

On my first book, I finished the ending fast but the beginning took longer. On the second one, I didn’t slow down and wrote the entire book in six weeks (with about a six month thinking process mixed in before time).

Then with my current WIP, I took the idea and immediately started the book with little to no thinking time. And now, I’m nearly to the end and things have slowed down considerably even though I know exactly where I’m going and what has to happen.

I’m attributing the slow down to life (holidays, sickness, surgeries, deaths in the family, etc.) because now that everyone in the family seems to be getting back to normal I’m writing slower, but it’s coming to mind quick.

I will say that I agree no writer should compare themselves or their writing habits to anyone. If you plant the seed of doubt in your mind that you might not be as good as someone else you’re liable to stunt your productivity. Writers tend to have enough doubts and insecurities without adding to them. My advice: write the book/finish the book. Don’t worry about how long it takes, just get it done.

TERESCIA: Do you go for an average word count per day (a quota) or do you have some other method of making sure you stay on track to reach your deadlines?

HEATHER: I shoot for 5-10 pages a day at least 3-4 days a week. Working outside the home and having so many other things going (like WeWriteRomance.com and HR Web Concepts), I try to set reasonable goals so I’m not disappointed if I don’t reach them.

TERESCIA: I’ve recently been writing on my blog on the topic of writer’s block. You’ve told me before that you don’t believe writer’s block exists, per se. But really, isn’t anything that stops or halts your progress when you’re writing so that you can’t seem to get anywhere a form of writer’s block?

HEATHER: Yes, I believe “writer’s block” is a term that can be used to describe anything that prevents you from writing…but I don’t personally believe in it. I think there are obstacles to writing (kids, holidays, etc.), but I honestly think that if you are sitting down with a blank screen or even pen and paper and you’re thinking about your story you should be able to write. Something. Anything. It could be dialog. It could be setting. It could be anything, but something should come out.

This is, of course, personal opinion. There are many people out there who believe writer’s block is real and prevents them from writing a single word. I’ve never had that happen really. Even if I can’t write on the story I’m on (trying to figure out where to go next or how to get them out of a jam), I usually can write on something else.

TERESCIA: Got any tips or tricks to share with other romance writers or romance author wannabes?

HEATHER: Tricks, no. Tips…hmmm, maybe be sure this is what you want to do, and follow through with finishing the book (even if you don’t think it will sell). Because, I believe every book you write makes you a better writer. It also proves to yourself that you can follow through. And, of course, GOOD LUCK!

Fast facts:

Do you have a daily quota in page count or word count? 5-10 pages at least 3-4 days a week

Do you write every day? Yes, I write something every day. Be it a blog post, an email, something. :-)

Do you revise as you go or write it all down and then go back for your punishment? ;-) I do some revising as I go, but usually I do about half the book then go back through to revise and catch up with the plot. It makes it easier to finish and tie up all the stray ends.

Do you use pictures to remind you of what your characters look like? Not really. The characters are so real in my head that the picture I make there sustains me.

Do you work more often on a computer or on paper? More on the computer or my Dana. I’ve found I can sit at night in front of the tv with my family and write with the Dana without giving in to any revision urges or looking up facts on the net.

Do you read while you write? Some authors claim they take a reading hiatus when they’re working on a book. Some. I mostly read historicals while I’m in writing mode. Julie Garwood is my all time favorite and I tend to re-read all of her historicals while I’m writing or gearing up for my next book. I find it a great escape and it takes my mind off my stories for a bit.

Do you start a book with nothing on your mind or with your entire book outlined in advance of the writing, or somewhere in between? I’d say somewhere in between, but more often with the entire book in my mind. I try not to outline on paper. Outlining tends to make the story “told” in my mind and getting it down on paper is harder since it seems like I’ve already written it. Does that make any sense? ;-)

You can’t yet find Heather Reed’s books at any bookstore. Her first book, A Secret Design, is due from Avalon Books in August 2006.

About A Secret Design by Heather Reed (August 2006, Avalon Books):

Life in Rock Valley is nothing like Paris, with its fashion shoots and runway shows, and that’s just how Angelina Kensington wants it. Five years after she left to become a famous clothing designer, Angelina can’t wait to come home and relax. She’s made enough money in Europe to buy her dream home near her family’s ranch and go into business with her sister. But her past catches up to her in the form of ranch foreman Marcus Leary.

Struggling to fulfill his grandfather’s last wish–to find his family’s buried treasure–Marc doesn’t have time to deal with this new-and-improved Angelina, or his reawakened feelings for her. He’d once been strong enough to turn her away, but he’s not sure he’ll be able to do it a second time.

But they have to work together to find the legendary Leary treasure before a crazy cowhand beats them to it. And what they’ll discover between them is more precious than gold.