A very happy and safe fourth of July to everyone out there. I know I haven't been as good at keeping up on my blog as I would have liked, so today I'm going to change all that.
This past year has brought many surprises, both good and bad for me. I've just returned from the hospital once again from another surgery. This time a right knee arthroscopy. I swear the older I get, the harder it is to recoup from surgery. Today every bit of numbness has fled and in its place, plain old pain. I'm sitting here with the ice bag and aspirin, to ease the pain and swelling.
But I digress. This has been a good year for writing and submitting. At present I have a partial at Silhouette Desire, a partial at Mills and Boon, a partial with Kensington and three top choice agent queries out there. I am also getting ready for RWA National Conference July 27-31st. Though I will be leaving Orlando early to fly back for my daughter's wedding on July 31st, so am missing the GH and RITA awards. But some things can't be helped. I have my pitches all ready for National, got my top choice appt and am very happy about that as well. This should be a very fruitful conference, the way I see it.
And hopefully in the fall we'll be heading out for vacation for a week. We had planned to go earlier but everything went a little topsy turvy as the son came home from Iraq and was here for three weeks. The daughter's wedding is closing in quickly, and the real world takes priority at times.
So, in closing I hope you are all having a wonderful summer. Chat soon. Patti
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Chicago North Spring Fling Conference
This past weekend was my first time experiencing the Srping Fling conference and it certainly won't be my last. The conference organizers and speakers, as well as volunteers put on a heck of a show!
The conference started Friday afternoon with a fantastic opening session with headliners Cherry Adair and Julia Quinn. Both can make you laugh and cry at the same time. Though I am still wondering why Cherry Adair thinks Detroit is no place to have an RWA National Conference. (G)
Dinner was a salad bar and pasta bar. Adterwards, I attended a talk by agents Paige Wheeler, Laurie McLean, Diana Fox, Joanna Stempl Volpe, and Kensington editor Selena James. Very imformative information these ladies shared with the group. After we all headed out to the lobby for a chocolate reception. Talk about a sugar rush!
Saturday was a mixture of workshops and editor/agent appointments all day. I had very productive appts with Laurie McLean and Selena James and also had the opportunity to speak with Paige Wheeler and Amanda Bergeron from Avon about pitching. Cherry Adair gave a talk on Career Planning that I wish were taped. I would love to be able to remember every word of it. She brought up points I would never have thought of.
Julia Quinn was our lunch speaker and Cherry Adair took the podium during dinner. The Chicago North Fire and Ice Contest winners were announced during dinner as well. Congrats to all the finalists and winners! Afterward, more chocolate.
Sunday morning we stuck around to have breakfast with Jenna Petersen one of the nicest gals I know, as well as Barbara Vey from Publishers Weekly, Liz Kreger, Sheila (never got her last name) and Jade Lee stopped by the table too. Sorry about almost giving you a heart attack Jade. Wasn't intentional. (G)
I went home Sunday feeling wired to write, and of coourse after spending 7 hours on the road changed my tune and went to bed instead. But bright and early on Monday I put all my submissions into cyberspace and one into snail mail and off they went.
All in all, a very productive, fun filled weekend. And now back to writing. Take care all!
Patti
The conference started Friday afternoon with a fantastic opening session with headliners Cherry Adair and Julia Quinn. Both can make you laugh and cry at the same time. Though I am still wondering why Cherry Adair thinks Detroit is no place to have an RWA National Conference. (G)
Dinner was a salad bar and pasta bar. Adterwards, I attended a talk by agents Paige Wheeler, Laurie McLean, Diana Fox, Joanna Stempl Volpe, and Kensington editor Selena James. Very imformative information these ladies shared with the group. After we all headed out to the lobby for a chocolate reception. Talk about a sugar rush!
Saturday was a mixture of workshops and editor/agent appointments all day. I had very productive appts with Laurie McLean and Selena James and also had the opportunity to speak with Paige Wheeler and Amanda Bergeron from Avon about pitching. Cherry Adair gave a talk on Career Planning that I wish were taped. I would love to be able to remember every word of it. She brought up points I would never have thought of.
Julia Quinn was our lunch speaker and Cherry Adair took the podium during dinner. The Chicago North Fire and Ice Contest winners were announced during dinner as well. Congrats to all the finalists and winners! Afterward, more chocolate.
Sunday morning we stuck around to have breakfast with Jenna Petersen one of the nicest gals I know, as well as Barbara Vey from Publishers Weekly, Liz Kreger, Sheila (never got her last name) and Jade Lee stopped by the table too. Sorry about almost giving you a heart attack Jade. Wasn't intentional. (G)
I went home Sunday feeling wired to write, and of coourse after spending 7 hours on the road changed my tune and went to bed instead. But bright and early on Monday I put all my submissions into cyberspace and one into snail mail and off they went.
All in all, a very productive, fun filled weekend. And now back to writing. Take care all!
Patti
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Hello again!
Hello all, you know there are days when it really doesn't pay to get out of bed. I think since the beginning of the year that has been my life. I've been writing my little brains out, and then got sidelined by an unforeseen surgery. Learned I had a problem on a Monday and was in surgery on a Tuesday.
Sigh, apparently someone must have thought I was having a slow week/month when this was dumped in my lap. I certainly wasn't ready for it, nor did I want it. My body looks like a cross country road map of bumps, lines and such as it is from the 8 surgeries I've had in the past 3 years alone.
But the upside is the restrictions that came along with the surgery are no lifting more than a milk jug till May 1st. Which lets out carrying the laundry basket down three flights of stairs, pushing or pulling or lugging the vacuum up and down those same three flights of stairs. It gives me the chance to heal. And write.
Ah yes writing. I have made a dent but not as big of a dent as i would have liked. What someone forgot to tell me is I'd lose a week right after surgery with just trying to figure how to get in and out of bed. That your abdominal muscles are used for pretty much everything, including the dreaded sneezing and coughing. Oh yes dear readers that alone was a treat and and among itself! (G)
Yet, I persevere and onward and forward. So forgive me for being so silent, but I am once again back in the saddle and ready to rumble. Take care all and have a great weekend!
Sigh, apparently someone must have thought I was having a slow week/month when this was dumped in my lap. I certainly wasn't ready for it, nor did I want it. My body looks like a cross country road map of bumps, lines and such as it is from the 8 surgeries I've had in the past 3 years alone.
But the upside is the restrictions that came along with the surgery are no lifting more than a milk jug till May 1st. Which lets out carrying the laundry basket down three flights of stairs, pushing or pulling or lugging the vacuum up and down those same three flights of stairs. It gives me the chance to heal. And write.
Ah yes writing. I have made a dent but not as big of a dent as i would have liked. What someone forgot to tell me is I'd lose a week right after surgery with just trying to figure how to get in and out of bed. That your abdominal muscles are used for pretty much everything, including the dreaded sneezing and coughing. Oh yes dear readers that alone was a treat and and among itself! (G)
Yet, I persevere and onward and forward. So forgive me for being so silent, but I am once again back in the saddle and ready to rumble. Take care all and have a great weekend!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Happy soon to be New Year!
Well, can you believe it. It's almost the end of another year. A whole 365 days have gone by once more. I swear i don't know where the time goes. Is it because I'm getting older, or just not noticing things the same way I used to do. Whichever, as always it's time to take stock in what I've accomplished and what's up for the coming year.
My career is going well, though not as fast as I would like it to. I signed a whopping 14 contracts in 2009 and am writing my way to 2010 (G). I have partials out with two agents at present and a partial with Harlequin at Silhouette Desire, thanks to the generosity of two very special ladies, Maureen Child and Susan Mallery. I can't thank them enough for helping me to end up on the desk of Senior Editor Krista Stroever. I received an email from Krista last week telling me we will be in touch in January regarding revisions to my partial. I have wanted to be a Silhouette Desire author for as far back as I can remember. So I am willing to do whatever it takes to make that dream come true.
And for the holidays, my hubby surprised me with a check to cover the cost of the RWA conference this coming July. I knew money was tight and it might not be in the cards for this year, but nestled among my dish towels (which I ask for every year) was the check. I think I floated on air for the entire day. It was very sad not to have my son home with us for the holidays. He is stationed in Iraq and this was the first time in 24 years he hasn't been here. We did have my daughter and her fiance though, which helped to fill the void. And of course tons of food.
So what about the rest of you? Did you get what you wanted for the holidays this year? I certainly hope so. I know you were all good girls and boys (G). Well, except for you over there in the corner. You, I'm not so sure about. But we'll let it slide this time! But I've got my eye on you, so you better play it straight for the coming year.
To each and everyone of you, I wish you joy, peace and love. Have a wonderful New Year! Till next year. Patti
My career is going well, though not as fast as I would like it to. I signed a whopping 14 contracts in 2009 and am writing my way to 2010 (G). I have partials out with two agents at present and a partial with Harlequin at Silhouette Desire, thanks to the generosity of two very special ladies, Maureen Child and Susan Mallery. I can't thank them enough for helping me to end up on the desk of Senior Editor Krista Stroever. I received an email from Krista last week telling me we will be in touch in January regarding revisions to my partial. I have wanted to be a Silhouette Desire author for as far back as I can remember. So I am willing to do whatever it takes to make that dream come true.
And for the holidays, my hubby surprised me with a check to cover the cost of the RWA conference this coming July. I knew money was tight and it might not be in the cards for this year, but nestled among my dish towels (which I ask for every year) was the check. I think I floated on air for the entire day. It was very sad not to have my son home with us for the holidays. He is stationed in Iraq and this was the first time in 24 years he hasn't been here. We did have my daughter and her fiance though, which helped to fill the void. And of course tons of food.
So what about the rest of you? Did you get what you wanted for the holidays this year? I certainly hope so. I know you were all good girls and boys (G). Well, except for you over there in the corner. You, I'm not so sure about. But we'll let it slide this time! But I've got my eye on you, so you better play it straight for the coming year.
To each and everyone of you, I wish you joy, peace and love. Have a wonderful New Year! Till next year. Patti
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Interview with Charles Griemsman
Posted with permission from Cheryl Ann Smith, debut historical author.
1-Hello Charles! Welcome! Can you please start us off with a bit about yourself? Where you grew up? Favorite vices? Any deep dark secrets you’d like to share?
I’m a Pisces from the D.C. suburbs who escaped to the concrete jungle quite a bit ago. I live in Brooklyn now and can’t complain. I’m squeaky clean—no vices whatsoever! The same goes for deep dark secrets—none. And if you believe that, I have a bridge in Brooklyn I’ll sell ya.
So I guess I choose to remain a man of mystery where your latter two questions are concerned.
2-Other than living the exciting life of a NY editor, what do you enjoy doing on your off time?
The exciting life of a NY editor, huh? Who have you been talking to? I need some pointers for jazzing up my routine! J
I LOVE swimming—I guess it’s the Pisces thing. As for culture, I’ve been hanging out with a lot of video artists lately and have somehow been roped into performing in videos here and there. The trouble is, I’m not really a performer. So, for example, coming up in November, I’m in a dance show (videotaped before a live audience)—and I can’t dance!
I’ve also been trying to cook more elaborate dishes lately. Let’s just say the results have been indescribable.
3- Have you always wanted to be an editor and what drew you to the romance publishing field?
I’ve always been intense about books. But it hadn’t occurred to me to try to make a living out of this obsession, until I heard about the opportunity to join Harlequin. I guess I was in denial. Not anymore—I’m hooked on what I do.
I came to romance by chance but have stayed by design. People tend to put genre fiction down, but I think it has unique possibilities for revealing great truths in unexpected ways. (Without beating readers over the head with said truths, the way some high-falutin literary creations tend to do.) As for romance specifically—I like a happy ending, it’s human nature to like a happy ending, and I am human.
4-Romance publishing is widely thought of as a female oriented field as most (but not all) authors and editors in the genre seem to be women. What unique prospective, as a man, do you bring to this business and Silhouette Desire in particular?
I don’t want to discount the validity of this question by saying that being a guy makes no difference whatsoever. But my experience has been that it makes very little difference—in fact, my being a male editor, with a man’s POV, came up exactly once with respect to one specific sentence in a book I was editing three or four years ago.
Ultimately, these books are about male and female characters, told from the heroes’ and heroines’ points of view. A full range of human, loving feelings is being expressed. So by extension there’s room in the field for male and female writers and editors. And everybody appreciates a good story well told—that’s the bottom line.
As far as Silhouette Desire goes, the line is more passionate, yes, but passion doesn’t shock me. Passion is natural, passion is fun, and passion makes the stakes in a story even higher.
5- We sometimes hear stories about strange submissions, such as confetti falling out of envelopes or manuscripts written on colored paper in white type. Have you ever had an unusual submission cross your desk?
Why, yes, I have—some of the illustrated material that has come through has been very—interesting? Intriguing? Words fail to describe it…trust me! Ultimately, confetti sounds fun, but it’s best to stick with the more standard modes of manuscript delivery and confine the party to the great writing one submits.
6-Since the Desire line focuses on wealthy heroes, is there a certain type of hero that is your favorite; such as CEOs, Princes, or Cattle Barons?
I’m fickle. Right now I’m not feeling royalty so much but that can change. As for businessmen and wealthy ranchers, I like them as heroes, especially when they are part of a family business dynasty. And let’s not forget the billionaires with babies, secret or otherwise—I’m loving that combo at the moment.
7-It’s common for Silhouette authors write multiple books per year. Is there a preferred minimum or maximum amount of books you’d like to see your authors write yearly?
Well…when your readers are wanting more, it’s good to keep them getting more. When you sell your first book, sometimes it can take some time to get the second one out there. That’s natural. But once you’ve established a publishing track record, to get up to three or more series books published a year is a very nice pace—one that keeps the fans very engaged.
8-What can an author do to make his/her manuscript stand out in a slush pile? Contest wins? Previous publication?
Previous publication and contest wins certainly help. Short to-the-point cover letters, without too many gimmicky come-ons really work, too.
9- What are some common mistakes new authors make with submitting a manuscript to you? Do cash bribes, Rolexes, chocolate or gold doubloons help get an author noticed or does their work have to stand on its own?
The worst mistakes are to target the wrong line and get the word count wrong. Doing the homework and making sure the story fits the imprint is crucial.
As for bribes, what are you trying to do, get me in trouble? J The best bribe is great writing—end of story.
10-What is the best part of discovering new talent?
When the senior editor says buy it, my heart leaps. Sharing the news with the author, establishing a rapport, bonding over a book—it’s all magical.
11-What is your turn around time on a submission? If an author hasn’t heard back in that time frame, how should they check back? E-mail? Phone call?
We aim to respond to submissions within a three-month window, but if you don’t hear back, it’s good to call.
Charles Griemsman
Associate Editor, Silhouette Desire
1-Hello Charles! Welcome! Can you please start us off with a bit about yourself? Where you grew up? Favorite vices? Any deep dark secrets you’d like to share?
I’m a Pisces from the D.C. suburbs who escaped to the concrete jungle quite a bit ago. I live in Brooklyn now and can’t complain. I’m squeaky clean—no vices whatsoever! The same goes for deep dark secrets—none. And if you believe that, I have a bridge in Brooklyn I’ll sell ya.
So I guess I choose to remain a man of mystery where your latter two questions are concerned.
2-Other than living the exciting life of a NY editor, what do you enjoy doing on your off time?
The exciting life of a NY editor, huh? Who have you been talking to? I need some pointers for jazzing up my routine! J
I LOVE swimming—I guess it’s the Pisces thing. As for culture, I’ve been hanging out with a lot of video artists lately and have somehow been roped into performing in videos here and there. The trouble is, I’m not really a performer. So, for example, coming up in November, I’m in a dance show (videotaped before a live audience)—and I can’t dance!
I’ve also been trying to cook more elaborate dishes lately. Let’s just say the results have been indescribable.
3- Have you always wanted to be an editor and what drew you to the romance publishing field?
I’ve always been intense about books. But it hadn’t occurred to me to try to make a living out of this obsession, until I heard about the opportunity to join Harlequin. I guess I was in denial. Not anymore—I’m hooked on what I do.
I came to romance by chance but have stayed by design. People tend to put genre fiction down, but I think it has unique possibilities for revealing great truths in unexpected ways. (Without beating readers over the head with said truths, the way some high-falutin literary creations tend to do.) As for romance specifically—I like a happy ending, it’s human nature to like a happy ending, and I am human.
4-Romance publishing is widely thought of as a female oriented field as most (but not all) authors and editors in the genre seem to be women. What unique prospective, as a man, do you bring to this business and Silhouette Desire in particular?
I don’t want to discount the validity of this question by saying that being a guy makes no difference whatsoever. But my experience has been that it makes very little difference—in fact, my being a male editor, with a man’s POV, came up exactly once with respect to one specific sentence in a book I was editing three or four years ago.
Ultimately, these books are about male and female characters, told from the heroes’ and heroines’ points of view. A full range of human, loving feelings is being expressed. So by extension there’s room in the field for male and female writers and editors. And everybody appreciates a good story well told—that’s the bottom line.
As far as Silhouette Desire goes, the line is more passionate, yes, but passion doesn’t shock me. Passion is natural, passion is fun, and passion makes the stakes in a story even higher.
5- We sometimes hear stories about strange submissions, such as confetti falling out of envelopes or manuscripts written on colored paper in white type. Have you ever had an unusual submission cross your desk?
Why, yes, I have—some of the illustrated material that has come through has been very—interesting? Intriguing? Words fail to describe it…trust me! Ultimately, confetti sounds fun, but it’s best to stick with the more standard modes of manuscript delivery and confine the party to the great writing one submits.
6-Since the Desire line focuses on wealthy heroes, is there a certain type of hero that is your favorite; such as CEOs, Princes, or Cattle Barons?
I’m fickle. Right now I’m not feeling royalty so much but that can change. As for businessmen and wealthy ranchers, I like them as heroes, especially when they are part of a family business dynasty. And let’s not forget the billionaires with babies, secret or otherwise—I’m loving that combo at the moment.
7-It’s common for Silhouette authors write multiple books per year. Is there a preferred minimum or maximum amount of books you’d like to see your authors write yearly?
Well…when your readers are wanting more, it’s good to keep them getting more. When you sell your first book, sometimes it can take some time to get the second one out there. That’s natural. But once you’ve established a publishing track record, to get up to three or more series books published a year is a very nice pace—one that keeps the fans very engaged.
8-What can an author do to make his/her manuscript stand out in a slush pile? Contest wins? Previous publication?
Previous publication and contest wins certainly help. Short to-the-point cover letters, without too many gimmicky come-ons really work, too.
9- What are some common mistakes new authors make with submitting a manuscript to you? Do cash bribes, Rolexes, chocolate or gold doubloons help get an author noticed or does their work have to stand on its own?
The worst mistakes are to target the wrong line and get the word count wrong. Doing the homework and making sure the story fits the imprint is crucial.
As for bribes, what are you trying to do, get me in trouble? J The best bribe is great writing—end of story.
10-What is the best part of discovering new talent?
When the senior editor says buy it, my heart leaps. Sharing the news with the author, establishing a rapport, bonding over a book—it’s all magical.
11-What is your turn around time on a submission? If an author hasn’t heard back in that time frame, how should they check back? E-mail? Phone call?
We aim to respond to submissions within a three-month window, but if you don’t hear back, it’s good to call.
Charles Griemsman
Associate Editor, Silhouette Desire
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Tax Break for Pet Owners
This morning I read a piece in the Michigan Oakland Press Parade Magazine that Michigan Representative Thaddeus McCotter (R.Mich) is proposing a bill that will use the federal tax code to help pet owners. The Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (stands for HAPPY) Act HR 3501 introduced in July 2009, would allow pet owners to deduct the cost, up to $3500.00 per year for pet food, vet care, and other pet-related expenses from their income tax. Rep McCotter says the bill was created to assist pet owners with tax relief while also strengthening the "human-animal bond."
Animal rights activists are for the bill, as this gives some 60% of American who own pets the chance to keep them in their home and not have to relinquish them to shelters and other places when the going gets tough. A director for the Tax Foundation opposed the bill saying this should not be put out there to make people happy. It's only being put out there for congressmen to gain popularity among the voters.
I know that there are tons of animals out there at shelters, on the roadside, in people's homes that need assistance. And as I have often told my daughter, "You can't save everyone of them." Our local shelter has put out reports saying people often leave animals on leashes tied to the door knob of the building over night. They find these animals when they come in the morning. People do this to avoid having to be accountable for their actions and to avoid having to offer any type of monetary donation for the care of their animal.
To me, this is a good bill. It does help people in need, as long as the people in need are using it correctly. Pet food is expensive, veterinary care is even more expensive and it is heartbreaking, gut-wrenching when you have to give up an animal. I have a friend who takes in strays the way we change our underwear (I know, weird way of putting it but she does.) She works tirelessly caring for her own animals and never hesitates when a friend in need asks for her assistance. And one of those foster babies I'm hoping to take home myself sometime next year. (Long story there)
I have a senior dog with many health issues as well as a cat who can only eat one kind of cat food without getting sick. These two are my four legged children, now that my human children are grown and on their own. They have given me hours of love, attention and affection and I will do everything in my power to do the same for them so they live out a happy, healthy life.
Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!
Patti
Animal rights activists are for the bill, as this gives some 60% of American who own pets the chance to keep them in their home and not have to relinquish them to shelters and other places when the going gets tough. A director for the Tax Foundation opposed the bill saying this should not be put out there to make people happy. It's only being put out there for congressmen to gain popularity among the voters.
I know that there are tons of animals out there at shelters, on the roadside, in people's homes that need assistance. And as I have often told my daughter, "You can't save everyone of them." Our local shelter has put out reports saying people often leave animals on leashes tied to the door knob of the building over night. They find these animals when they come in the morning. People do this to avoid having to be accountable for their actions and to avoid having to offer any type of monetary donation for the care of their animal.
To me, this is a good bill. It does help people in need, as long as the people in need are using it correctly. Pet food is expensive, veterinary care is even more expensive and it is heartbreaking, gut-wrenching when you have to give up an animal. I have a friend who takes in strays the way we change our underwear (I know, weird way of putting it but she does.) She works tirelessly caring for her own animals and never hesitates when a friend in need asks for her assistance. And one of those foster babies I'm hoping to take home myself sometime next year. (Long story there)
I have a senior dog with many health issues as well as a cat who can only eat one kind of cat food without getting sick. These two are my four legged children, now that my human children are grown and on their own. They have given me hours of love, attention and affection and I will do everything in my power to do the same for them so they live out a happy, healthy life.
Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!
Patti
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Interview with Debut Historical Author Cheryl Ann Smith
Today I’m chatting with new historical author Cheryl Ann Smith. Cheryl sold her first (and second) historical this summer to Berkley. Please welcome Cheryl…
First off, tell us a little about yourself? Family, hobbies, likes, dislikes?
I am married with three kids who, though they squabble a lot, are awesome. My hobbies are riding snowmobiles, swimming, and watching crime shows. Any crime shows. I’m fascinated by how crimes are solved. I love Mexican food, and nature, and laughing with my family over silly stuff. I dislike rude people and when drivers drive five or more miles under the speed limit during perfect weather. Unless they’re elderly, then they get a pass!
Do you have an agent? If so, how did you acquire them?
I do have an agent. In March, I received a request for a full manuscript from an editor, then a week later, got a very nice rejection from an agent for another project. She asked to see future works so I sent her a partial of the editor requested book. 7 hours later she signed me, and about 4 months after that, I sold to Berkley.
What's your writing day like? Do you follow a set schedule?
I get up at about 4:30 am and work for 3-4 hours Mon-Fri. Or until my brain freezes up and my eyeballs pop out of their sockets!
Any secret vices readers would love to know about?
I can eat an entire tub of Dean’s French Onion Dip in one sitting so I don’t buy it anymore!
What do you read in your spare time? Favorite authors? Favorite book?
Not only do I love crime shows but crime novels also. I adore historical romance, and contemporary novels that make me laugh out loud. Some favorites are Janet Evanovich, Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, and the late Kathleen Woodiwiss.
What genre would you love to write in, but haven't attempted?
I sold in historical romance but also write quirky contemporary-light mysteries. I’d like to dust off and sell them some day. Otherwise, I’m happy with the genre I’m in.
Tell us about your current and upcoming releases.
My first contracted book will come out in early 2011. I just finished the second. We hope they will be released in consecutive months.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
I see myself writing 2 historical books a year with maybe a contemporary single title thrown in. I’d love to travel to England every couple years, for research purposes of course, and to make a decent living doing what I love. Okay, it would also be cool to have fans show up at my book signings that aren’t related to me or I had to pay!
What's your favorite movie? Music? Drink? Food?
Gosh. I have lots of movies I enjoy. Dirty Dancing, Emma (with G. Paltrow), The Phantom of the Opera (with Gerard Butler). Really, anything romantic that engages my emotions. I drink water almost exclusively and some milk. Not too exciting, I know! I really like all food. That’s why I have to exercise like a crazy person!
Tough question, what's your favorite book you've ever read?
I’d have to say it’s a tie between two. The Flame and the Flower and Shanna, both by Kathleen Woodiwiss. She got me started on a lifelong love of historical romance.
If you were stranded on a desert island, and could only take along one thing, what would it be? Choices are chocolate, a hunky guy, or a book?
Can I choose a hunky guy, covered in chocolate, holding a great book?
Where can readers contact you? Do you have a website? Blog? Email they can use?
My website is www.cherylannsmith.com and my blog and e-mail are built into the site.
Cheryl Ann Smith
Adventurous Tales. Passionate Romance.
cherylannsmith.com
First off, tell us a little about yourself? Family, hobbies, likes, dislikes?
I am married with three kids who, though they squabble a lot, are awesome. My hobbies are riding snowmobiles, swimming, and watching crime shows. Any crime shows. I’m fascinated by how crimes are solved. I love Mexican food, and nature, and laughing with my family over silly stuff. I dislike rude people and when drivers drive five or more miles under the speed limit during perfect weather. Unless they’re elderly, then they get a pass!
Do you have an agent? If so, how did you acquire them?
I do have an agent. In March, I received a request for a full manuscript from an editor, then a week later, got a very nice rejection from an agent for another project. She asked to see future works so I sent her a partial of the editor requested book. 7 hours later she signed me, and about 4 months after that, I sold to Berkley.
What's your writing day like? Do you follow a set schedule?
I get up at about 4:30 am and work for 3-4 hours Mon-Fri. Or until my brain freezes up and my eyeballs pop out of their sockets!
Any secret vices readers would love to know about?
I can eat an entire tub of Dean’s French Onion Dip in one sitting so I don’t buy it anymore!
What do you read in your spare time? Favorite authors? Favorite book?
Not only do I love crime shows but crime novels also. I adore historical romance, and contemporary novels that make me laugh out loud. Some favorites are Janet Evanovich, Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, and the late Kathleen Woodiwiss.
What genre would you love to write in, but haven't attempted?
I sold in historical romance but also write quirky contemporary-light mysteries. I’d like to dust off and sell them some day. Otherwise, I’m happy with the genre I’m in.
Tell us about your current and upcoming releases.
My first contracted book will come out in early 2011. I just finished the second. We hope they will be released in consecutive months.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
I see myself writing 2 historical books a year with maybe a contemporary single title thrown in. I’d love to travel to England every couple years, for research purposes of course, and to make a decent living doing what I love. Okay, it would also be cool to have fans show up at my book signings that aren’t related to me or I had to pay!
What's your favorite movie? Music? Drink? Food?
Gosh. I have lots of movies I enjoy. Dirty Dancing, Emma (with G. Paltrow), The Phantom of the Opera (with Gerard Butler). Really, anything romantic that engages my emotions. I drink water almost exclusively and some milk. Not too exciting, I know! I really like all food. That’s why I have to exercise like a crazy person!
Tough question, what's your favorite book you've ever read?
I’d have to say it’s a tie between two. The Flame and the Flower and Shanna, both by Kathleen Woodiwiss. She got me started on a lifelong love of historical romance.
If you were stranded on a desert island, and could only take along one thing, what would it be? Choices are chocolate, a hunky guy, or a book?
Can I choose a hunky guy, covered in chocolate, holding a great book?
Where can readers contact you? Do you have a website? Blog? Email they can use?
My website is www.cherylannsmith.com and my blog and e-mail are built into the site.
Cheryl Ann Smith
Adventurous Tales. Passionate Romance.
cherylannsmith.com
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