This and That

Another year has passed by pretty darned quickly, and soon the holiday season will be here. I don't make resolutions for the coming year, but I have started my Christmas shopping.

I'm not one to do things last minute. And I have to admit that I do most of my shopping online. The selection is better than most stores around here, and the prices are often a heck of a lot cheaper. The hubs and I don't spend a lot on each other so that also makes things easier.

Once again this year I plan on giving a little extra to our local food-bank. It's a charity that I faithfully support since I've known people personally who have had to use it. It's my wish this upcoming season that more people do a little good in this world. Remember a little can go a long way even if you think what you can do is minuscule.

On the writing front it's been slow-going. I'm working on some non-romance. It isn't m/m either or remotely erotic. We shall see how that turns out, but the fact is that I have not been writing much period. The day job has been all consuming, and since it is the money maker at this time, I have to dedicate most of my time to it.

I hope all is good and well with everyone.

XD

The Writing Game

I sent off my requested three chapters to Harlequin last night after spending ages tweaking them. To say the least when I pressed send I was relieved to have it done and over with.

Writing for me is a mixture of love and hate and often I find myself wanting to pull the hair out of my head, especially when it comes to passing edits back and forth.

While I love the creative part of writing, I can't say I love the whole process like some writers do.

So, as I sit here now with second round edits sent off for my latest contracted novella and a submission package send to Harlequin. I am a nervous as heck. Being a nervous person by nature I've come to expect this reaction. And when I want something bad, it makes things worse.

For romance, HQ is the ultimate dream. Let's hope that it becomes a reality. *fingers crossed*.

How to conduct yourself as a writer...

This topic came up on a forum I frequent. So, I thought I'd ask the question here.

Do you think it matters as a writer how you conduct yourself both online and with the public in general?

Personally I say yes. If you act like a nasty ass**** it turns me off, not only from you just as a person but also as a writer. I won't be buying your books nor will I be telling anyone else to do so. It may also affect future sales too if your behaviour becomes public knowledge etc...

I may be wrong, but it's how I feel. This has long been a hot topic for me. So again, what's your opinion?

Author Interview: Abby Wood

Please join me in welcoming Abby Wood to Write Outside the Box. Abby is a writer of erotica.

R- When did you start writing?

A- I've always loved to write, but started seriously learning the craft about 4 years ago. Two years ago, I decided to take the plunge and write stories with the goal to be published.
 
R- How long did it take for you to publish your first work? What do you have to say about the publishing process?
 
A- It took four months from sending off my very first submission to receiving my first contract. I started out writing only mainstream romance, and have slowly grown into writing erotic romance too.

R- You write erotica. What do you think about the increase in the demand for erotica? What was it about erotica that drew you to write about it?

A- I loved reading erotic romance stories and had a friend ask me if I ever thought about writing the sexy books. Since I had the love of a good sexy story, I tried it, and found out that I came away knowing my characters even more. I can go much deeper into their "being" when I write erotic stories. Their personalities, desires, and life experiences mold them sexually. I love to discover my characters.

I love to see the increase in demand. It shows me that people are opening up their minds and relating to a sexual life that everyone has, and shouldn't be something that is never talked about. The nice thing about erotic/erotica is that there are books for everyone's taste.
 
R- What are your three fav books/authors and why?

A- Lol This is the hardest question to answer, because I like so many. Robyn Carr stands out, because I like how she molds her stories around a community. Nora Roberts, because she's Nora. Lori Wilde, for her humor. Julia Quinn, who is rounded storyteller. And, the list goes on!
 
R- Could you tell us about your latest release?

A- My latest is a book called Twice Her Age that came out with Loose Id in July, 2010. Here's a little blurb…

Debbie Nordall was tired of the guys her age who only wanted to party and change girlfriends every other week. She wanted someone older, wiser, and more sophisticated to love.
Mick Reed spotted her right away. The woman at the bar was confident, beautiful, and young... everything he wanted. She was the woman who would commit to him fully, and in return, he'd give her anything she wanted. Was he fooling himself to think that age didn't matter?

 
R- What advice would you give to up and coming writers?
 
A- Keep writing! I know that everyone says that, but it is true. Also, don't give up if you receive a rejection for your story. Publishing is very subjective, and what might not work for one publisher, another publisher will love.

R- What can we expect to see from Abby Wood in the future?

A- More books! I have a three book series called Within the Circle coming out in October about triplet sisters who are also Pagan witches. I have a novel length paranormal called To Play or Obey? coming out in November that has some of the sexiest vampires you'll meet. To Play or Obey? is book one in a new series called Peckerwood: Population 336. There is something secretive about the town of Peckerwood, you won't want to miss it. ;-)

Thank you so much for having me here today. If you'd like to visit my website, you can find it at www.authorabbywood.com, you can also find me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MsAbbyWood and a fan page at Facebook at www.facebook.com/AbbyWoodFanPage

R- And thank you Abby, for taking the time to answer our questions. Abby has also agreed to answer any questions you may have for her. Just leave them in the comments section.