Hi Crystal and Welcome! Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to interview you for Romance Junkies. First, can you let us know what projects you are currently working on?
Well, I just had my second Wereplanets book (IN HEAT) come out, and I’m working on the third one (IN SMOKE). I also have my first romantic comedy coming out called BIG GIRLS DON’T DIE. Those are being released through Cobblestone Press. I’m also working on a dark paranormal about ghost hunters in the CIA called CHASING SHADOWS.
What does your workspace look like? Do you need absolute quiet when you write or do you need background noise?
My workspace is my laptop and my overstuffed, vintage pink tweed arm chair. And noise? It depends on my mood. Sometimes I rock out to music, watch a movie or television. Sometimes I demand silence. I’m just fickle that way
What are the biggest challenges you have faced as a writer? What inspires you most to write?
My biggest challenge is time. I work full time as a university librarian and sometimes I come home and want to just crash and forget all about this more-complicated-than-it-looks second career I have. Then I kick myself in the bum and get back to work. My inspirations are the nagging characters whispering naughty things in my ear that prod me to put my fingers to key and start typing.
Have your characters ever taken a turn on you and changed personalities? What was your most challenging character to create and why?
I write by the seat of my pants, so from page to page I have no idea what my characters will do or say or want. I like the unpredictability of it. When I outline extensively I find myself getting bored because I feel like I’ve already written the book. It’s the unexpected “what the heck just happened??” moments that keep me going.
The most challenging characters I ever wrote were in the first of my Wereplanets series. Jain and Kesuk refused to cooperate the whole way through the book. My writing partners had to talk me down from the ledge of killing them both off and starting from scratch. Those are some lucky characters that my friends liked them so dang much.
Have you seen changes in your writing since you began writing? How about in the writing industry? What do you feel are the best changes that have happened?
My writing has changed tremendously since I started. I began writing urban fantasy chick lit and now write contemporary, futuristic, paranormal, comedic, and erotic romance. I live to keep myself diverse so if the market drastically changes, I have options. I love that the romance market seems to be opening up to erotic romance. It’s not all I read or all I write, but I do like that I can write it. I’m all about options.
What kind of research do you do for your books? Where is your favorite place to find what you need to know? What is the most interesting thing you have learned?
I’m a librarian—so I always start any research at the library. I learned some very interesting swear words that were used back in the Renaissance. I love it!
What do you feel it takes to be a writer? What are three elements that are a must to be a writer?
I think it takes dedication. This isn’t a career that happens overnight. If someone wants to succeed as a writer they have to stick with it through acceptance and rejection letters. Basically, you have to be willing to put your big girl panties on every day and learn to have a thick skin. Three things a writer needs: creativity, flexibility, and dedication.
What do you feel is a ‘must’ in a hero? How about a heroine? Is there anything that drives you nuts about a hero/heroine when you read?
Obviously, I hate the Too Stupid To Live heroes and heroines. Nothing will make me put a book down faster (or chuck it across the room). I like an alpha hero because they are just dead sexy. I hate an uber alpha hero who makes the heroine feel stupid so he can be right. There’s a fine line there, but it is there. Like Johnny Cash said, “Walk the Line.” Hey, I’m picky. I admit it. Picky and fickle—such a fun combination. You should see my family holidays!
What is one thing that you yearn to learn but haven’t gotten around to yet? What are some hobbies that you have?
I want to skydive. Why? Because I’m bone-deep, scream-like-a-little-girl terrified of heights.
Writing used to be my hobby and now it’s a second career. I’m afraid to take on another hobby or I’ll never get any sleep.
If your life were a movie, what would you call it? What would the theme song be?
I’m not even going to mention the eighteen naughty/snarky answers I thought of to this question. I’m being good. I swear. This is me on my best behavior.
Movie Title: Men and Mascara Always Run
Theme Song: Love is a Battlefield
(And, yes, I realize they’re both technically song title. Call it artistic license. It’s the root of all author-ly evil.)
What is the last book that you read that left a big impression on you?
I’d have to say Robin Owens’ HEART QUEST. It’s the fifth or sixth book in her futuristic fantasy series and it’s one of those ideas that you step back and wish like heck that it’d been your idea.
MORE FUN…
Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Have you kept yours if you did make them?
I normally don’t make them. Let’s face it, those things were made to be broken. It’s like they taunt you until you break down, give in, and give up. However, I did make one this year. I decided to submit my work to a New York publisher. It’s still January and I’ve already met that resolution. Go figure.
What are your favorite TV shows? Do you have any that you avoid watching?
I watch HEROES because I like paranormal, and I recently got sucked into THE DRESDEN FILES for the same reason. GILMORE GIRLS for wholesome family fun. NUMB3RS for action adventure. And I’ve recently become addicted to MONK and PSYCH.
I avoid reality TV like the plague. It usually showcases people at their catty, plain old mean worst. And I can get that in rush hour traffic for free.
Do you have any websites that you are addicted to and visit regularly?
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books for sure. I almost wet my pants on a weekly basis reading their snarky cover reviews. Cobblestone Press forum. We have research help in our library section and I have a Flying Saucer as my own personal author thread. Of course, I have to post pretty pictures of science fiction men. It’s out of this world. Literally. And Romance Divas. I’m a moderator there and I still think it’s the best source of information on the romance industry out there.
Who would you love to meet? What would your conversation be about?
I want to meet up with all the fantastic ladies I met at the RWA conference last year. We’d talk about writing and bounce ideas off of each other...can’t WAIT for July to hurry up and get here. Hope to see everyone there!
Thank you, Crystal, for spending time with us. It has been a lot fun! Best of luck in Year 2007 with your writing!
