Features . . .  FAQ  Podcasts  Articles  Ruth, the Actress FAQ Q: How do you get your ideas? A: Several different ways. When writing medievals, I find ideas in history books and articles. For example, when I read about the 1455 battle of St. Albans, I learned that the troops actually marched through people's yards and gardens on their way to the town square. Combined with the "What if...?" spark many authors use, that fact became: "What if an army marched through the heroine's garden?" That question sparked more questions...who is she, how would she react, who would the hero be, etc. Life experience also provides ideas. For example, I've been an extra in more than 60 movies and TV shows, and thought the ups and downs of extra work would be interesting to incorporate into a manuscript. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction! A couple of ideas have just popped into my head, usually in the form of a "what if" question. Q:  Describe your writing process. A: I'm a 'pantser,' not a 'plotter'. I don't plan out what's going to happen in advance, nor do I write the synopsis, or summary of the book's conflict and story, first. I start with whatever gave me the idea for that project and go from there. I've tried using various pre-plotting tools, have attended workshops and read books about writing synopses first, because doing so is supposed to help you discover the path your story will take and make sure you have enough conflict. But when I sit down to plot, nothing happens. I stare at a blank screen. When I sit down to write, I see what the characters are seeing and the scenes unfold. I know of several best-selling, award-winning authors who are pantsers, so it can be done! I don't always write in order, either. I write the scenes as they pop into my head. It's like a puzzle... which pieces do I have and which are missing? Some authors write 'drafts.' I edit what I've already written before moving on, so by the time I reach the last chapter most of the rest of the chapters are good to go. I prefer to set aside blocks of time for writing, so I can get into the "zone," and don't have to keep looking at my clock to make sure I'm not going to be late for something. I commend those who can write even if they only have 15 minutes in the car waiting for their kids to finish playing soccer. It took awhile, but I have learned to write on a laptop at a quieter coffee shop. Q: How do you decide what kind of book to write? A: I started with medievals because I loved reading historical romance novels and historical fiction. The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss remains one of my favorite HRNs, and Margaret George's The Autobiography of King Henry VIII one of my favorite HFs. And I enjoy perusing detailed history books... but wanted to have a reason to buy and delve into them. My historicals are set in late medieval England during the period we now call the Wars of the Roses, from 1453-1485. I chose it partly because fewer novels are set during the reigns of Henry VI and Edward IV, and partly because after having a small role in Shakespeare's Richard III in college, I wanted to know what really happened during that time. After I completed the first two manuscripts, I continued with this era because I'd invested in so many wonderful research books on 15th Century England! Q: And you've written paranormals and contemporaries, too? A: Until I started my first paranormal, I didn't appreciate the freedom the author has while world building. With historicals and even contemporaries, you need accurate research about your hero/heroine's careers, current events, and what they wear and eat, where they go. With paranormals, I can make the rules (as long as I'm consistent) and give my imagination and characters free reign. Thinking outside the box is a lot of fun. And paranormals with a time travel element let me combine my love of history and historicals with a contemporary voice. Each subgenre has its advantages and disadvantages. Contemporaries set in my home town are fun because I am familiar with the streets my characters walk on. I can describe actual buildings or landmarks, if needed. I don't have to worry about anachronisms, though certain cultural references can date a manuscript. Q: How long do you write each day? A: I usually set a goal of 25 new pages per week. I take some time off between books to, as they say, refill the well. I keep track of new pages because producing product is more important than how long I spend at my computer. If 5 pages pour out in an hour, fine. If it takes 5 hours, then it takes 5 hours. The point is to commit to getting the work done, then have the discipline to follow through. You can't sell or revise something you haven't written. Q: Do you have a day job? A: I'm a voiceover and on camera actress, and I do freelance writing and editing. Podcasts Authors Tell All   Myrna MacKenzie, Traditional 2009 Booksellers¹ Best Award winner and author of more than 30 books discusses her longevity in the publishing industry.  Allie Pleiter, Steeple Hill and non-fiction author: how life experience influences her writing.  Maureen Lang, inspirational author talks about the expectations of becoming a published author.  Sherrill Bodine, author of a paranormal trilogy from Ballantine and her debut from Small Beer Press, talks about making the switch from a small publisher to a big one.  Jennifer Stevenson, author of a paranormal trilogy from Ballantine and her debut from Small Beer Press, talks about making the switch from a small publisher to a big one.  Margaret Watson, author of 23 books, explains why she writes romance novels.  Pat White, author of 11 books, discusses how she decides what type of book to write.  Patricia Rosemoor, author of more than 60 books, talks about writing with a partner.   Debbie Macomber, NYT best selling author Debbie Macomber on her "Aha!" moment...when she knew she wanted to be an author.  Blythe Gifford, Historical romance author Blythe Gifford: the importance of perserverance.  Jenna Petersen, Regency Historicals and Erotic Romance author, who talks about writing under two different names.  Cindy Kirk, Contemporary Romance and Special Edition: how she found her agent.  Simone Elkeles, Young Adult: making time for family and writing. Articles  Rejections: One 'No' Closer to 'Yes'  Want to be in a movie?  Perfect Pitch: Tips for editor/agent appointments Ruth, the Actress  Voiceover Web site, www.ruthtalks.com  Carnal Savior  Stealing Kisses, Fast Talker in short romantic comedy, starts at 1 min 15 sec, here  Highlander: The Source Set Visit Journal  The voice of Princess Passion Fruit, here and here   On Voice123.com (includes demos)