Are you Married? kids? pets?
I’m recently divorced and learning to be me again. No kids, but I have two loyal dogs and a super stealthy ninja kitty to keep me company.
What/who/ How did you get started writing?
My stories started as fits and figments of imagination captured in the margins of notebooks back in school. My first manuscript was typed in the word processing program of a Tandy 1000xl. Multiple fledgling stories migrated to Windows 3.x with MS Works and then on to Windows 95 and MS Word. (I know, I’m a PC, but I have much admiration for Mac)
Now, my writing is done in Liquid Story Binder with component based authoring, but the stories still start as bits of random thought and captured plot bunnies in a notebook.
Do you want to thank one person in particular for giving that extra push?
If you ever have the chance to spend time with my little sister and me in tandem, you’ll find it to be a unique experience. It’s a bit like watching the Bynars interact, anime style.
Without her, some of my stories would never have evolved from the random plot bunnies hopping through my head.
I am very thankful to her for helping me round up those plot bunnies.
How many books did you attempt before you were published?
Two full length novels are sitting on the shelf, one of which will never see the light of day (it really was that bad). They both helped me find my voice, though, and laid the groundwork for later worlds.
Do you have any MUST haves to write? Food, drink or time?
I need some sort of media to capture words. I prefer my laptop and Liquid Story Binder for heavy duty writing, but I often draft scenes on my iPad in Notes or jot down outlines in a paper notebook. I’ll even capture random tidbits in my Blackberry.
Which novel is your favorite of your books?
Thus far, Heart’s Sentinel is the only full length novel and wins by default.
Red’s Wolf is the second in the Terra’s Guardians series and novella length, while Evie’s Gift is completely set apart as a steampunk short story with romantic elements.
Who is your favorite character?
I gotta go with Toby. Read Evie’s Gift and you’ll want a Toby too, trust me.
How many books do you have in the work now?
I’m focused on Book #3 in the Terra’s Guardians series, tentatively titled Full Disclosure. I’ve also got outlines for books 4 and 5 with a few rogue scenes already written.
For your next book, What is the name and when is the release date?
Evie’s Gift is a steampunk short story completely separate from the Terra’s Guardians series. It will be released by Decadent Publishing in December as part of their holiday line up.
What inspired you write this book?
I’ve wanted to write steampunk for a while now. Evie and her little companion, Toby, spoke so strongly to me as a pair that I just had to give them an airship to ride, a submarine trying to blow them up and fun adventures to be had.
Do you like writing hot romance scenes?
I love writing hot hanky panky. LOL. It took a bit to warm up in Heart’s Sentinel, and things heated up quickly in Red’s Wolf. I decided to start the flames sooner in Full Disclosure. Chocolate always helps those scenes along, but a healthy helping of Man Candy is always appreciated. 😉
Do you have plans for another new book/series?
Absolutely. The plot bunnies, they are Everywhere.
Readers can look forward to a sci fi romance series from me someday as well as another paranormal romance series. I’d also love to write a follow up to Evie’s Gift and add to my steampunk work.
What is the 1st book you remember reading and falling in love with?
The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
In fact, I recently attended PhilCon with him as the Principal Speaker.
Who is your favorite author? Favorite series?
Gah. Do I have to pick one?
My favorite series is the Black Jewels by Anne Bishop. I love the way she built the Realms with her passionate and violent Warlord Princes.
While I love Anne Bishop, I also can’t get enough of Lisa Kleypas, Kelley Armstrong, Patricia Briggs, Nalini Singh and Lora Leigh.
What is your favorite quote?
From one of my books? Here’s my favorite snippet shared from my NaNoWriMo project, the next book in the Terra’s Guardians series:
A little mean streak found its way to the surface and he added, “Can’t leave a delicious little thing like you out here with just these boys to protect you.”
She recovered quickly, replying with a touch of tart. “Well, I’ll be sure to have dinner ready then, so we don’t tempt your appetite.”
Do you have a favorite book cover?
Of my current book covers, I have to say Red’s Wolf is my favorite. I love them all, though, and Dara England is a fabulous cover artist!
Naughtiest book you ever read?
If we’re talking naughty, I think it would be Lora Leigh’s Nauti Boy. I’ve got a thing for soldiers. 😉
Favorite color?
Blue. But in eyes, I love hazel eyes that turn blue or green depending on the light. *melts*
Tell us something no one knows.
I have at least one super sekrit alternate identity, maybe more. *nods*
Thank you for your time, please add anything extra you think is relevant or just needs to be said.
I’d like to thank you, Kelly, for reviewing Heart’s Sentinel and hosting me for this author interview. Heart’s Sentinel will be coming to print early next year for those who love the feel of paper under their fingertips.
I’m also looking forward to getting my copy of your 2011 Man Candy Calendar in support of a good cause.
I know you recently joined a writing group, but who helped you along the way with Heart’s Sentinel? Did you have a group of beta-readers?
Hi Kelly,
A Tigger hoodie. LOL
I don’t base my characters on real people but I can tell you Adam’s knack for puns comes from a good friend of mine, Alex.
Adam has no other characteristics from Alex, but his puns…they’re so bad they burn. >_<
*wavehi*
OK, sis, while I’ve got you cornered; how much of what you write is pulled from a situation or conversations you experience, and how much is made up from whole cloth?
Also, not counting beta reads and writing projcts, how much do you read, and of what?
Hi Danni,
I love being a part of the Rebels!
Yes, I had a few very special beta readers help me polish Heart’s Sentinel for submission.
I think beta readers are key to really making a manuscript shine prior to submission. 🙂
*waves hi to Big Brother Bobby*
Oooh, compound questions.
I draw inspiration from all sorts of snippets of conversations and situations. They make for interesting gems in my overall manuscript. I’d say the majority of what I write is cut from whole cloth, accented with those bits of inspiration here and there.
There are a few authors I follow enthusiastically: Anne Bishop, Patricia Briggs and Nalini Singh. I try to snap up their new releases and short stories asap. Those are “spoil me” reads that I’ll take the time for, no matter what I’ve got going on.
I’m trying to catch up on Kelley Armstrong and also on several sci-fi book recommendations from our friend, Dusty.
I also try to read stories from our fellow Decadent authors, always a fun indulgence!
Hi HighlandHussy!
I try to write a little every night for a few hours.
I shoot to complete a cohesive scene, rather than a particular word count.
Hi PJ,
Just dropping by to say “Hi”. I love Evie’s Gift, BTW. Not that I’m partial to Steampunk or anything:) LOL!
Cheers,
Lisa
Hi, PJ! I just started writing, just for fun. But I do wonder about someday attempting to get published. What pushed you over from writing just for you and into sharing your work?
Hi Lisa 🙂
Thanks so much for dropping by. I’m very excited for Evie’s Gift releasing in the next couple of weeks. 🙂
Hi Jax,
I’d been writing just for me for quite some time and I came to a point where I felt I wouldn’t be challenged to improve my writing craft without the added feedback from sharing my work.
Working with my editors in the publishing process has taught me a lot, helping me to improve my writing significantly.
Plus, I’m so happy to share my stories with others and to know people are enjoying them. 🙂
Hi PJ!
Congrats on the book! Great interview!
DBR
Hi DBR,
Thanks 🙂
Hey PJ,
I’m back! 🙂
Was Heart’s Sentinel the first novel you tried to get published? (you mentioned completing two novels prior to this one)
How long did you query Heart’s Sentinel before it was picked up by Decadent?
Rebels Rule!
(if this posts twice, delete one, I’m a dork sometimes LOL)
Hi Danni,
I tried to get an urban fantasy novel representation with an agent first. After the query phase and rejections, I shelved the novel with careful notes on feedback received to give myself a little time to consider how to revise the story. It’s still on the to do list. 😉
Heart’s Sentinel went through a round of query (and subsequent revision) and was entered in Authoress Anonymous’ Secret Agent contest in Aug of 09 before it was picked up by Decadent this past summer.
Great questions, keep ’em coming. 🙂
Hi PJ,
I love Sci-fi/fantasy books and I understand you write sci-fi erotica. Do you think I would enjoy your novels? What elements of your novels do you think would convince me to to enter into this territoy?
BD
Hi PJ,
this is a neat idea, thanks to you and Kelly Demonlover for doing this. I also adore Patty Briggs and Kelley Armstrong, they are among the best.
If you had to choose only one genre to write in, what would it be and why? Is there any genre that you won;t ever write in?
Bea
Hi PJ
Do you read the same genre of books you write or does your taste vary? I really like the diabetic addition(if that makes sense) in Reds Wolf, I think it adds a bit more realism to the story.
Kim Particka
Hi BD,
I do write sci fi and paranormal romance, maybe not considered erotica just yet. My heat level is around about a 3 or 4 out of 5, depending on reader preferences.
I grew up reading sci-fi and fantasy, which has influenced my writing. I spend a lot of time on world building and character development, so I think you’d enjoy those aspects of my stories.
My stories might be a good bridge or introduction for you into the world of romance because I bring so much of what I loved in sci-fi/fantasy to my story telling.Hi BD,
I do write sci fi and paranormal romance, maybe not considered erotica just yet. My heat level is around about a 3 or 4 out of 5, depending on reader preferences.
I grew up reading sci-fi and fantasy, which has influenced my writing. I spend a lot of time on world building and character development, so I think you’d enjoy those aspects of my stories.
My stories might be a good bridge or introduction for you into the world of romance because I bring so much of what I loved in sci-fi/fantasy to my story telling.
Hi PJ! I posted earlier, but I guess it didn’t take. I agree with the review. You have a way of writing steamy love scenes which don’t require saying 10 Hail Mary’s afterwards. Good luck! 😉
Hi Bea,
Thanks for coming by 🙂
Wow, just one genre? I think I’d choose paranormal romance, because there’s a lot of flexibility and scope in the genre. I could sneak in elements from some of the other genres I love. 😉
A genre I won’t ever write in…I’d say horror. I’m awful with horror movies and books, falling victim to nightmares and generally making a fool out of myself. Writing horror, I’d never do the genre justice and there are some fantastic horror writers out there.
Hey Kim,
Paranormal romance is one of my favorite genres, especially works by Lora Leigh, Angela Knight and Nalini Singh. But I also read a lot of sci-fi and fantasy, like Anne Bishop, Anne McCaffery, Mercedes Lackey, Robert Heinlein and Terry Brooks.
One of my favorite books outside those genres is actually A Salty Piece of Land by Jimmy Buffet. 😉
Research and drawing from real life experience adds to my stories. I’m glad you enjoyed the added detail in Red’s Wolf.
Hi Lisa, thanks for coming by!
I’m glad you enjoy the heat level in my love scenes. 😉
I can’t watch horror movies at all. I have nightmares for days, but I love writing it because as the writer I have control over the fears. I never thought I would write romance scenes, but I’ve tried my hand at a little sexiness recently and it hasn’t been too bad. 🙂
Never say never, you might have a fantastic horror writer lurking inside you. 😉
PJ,
What order do you go about writing the chapters in your book? Do you go in sequence, or do you skip ahead to the good stuff before coming back to the more boring bits? 😉
<3
Hello AF 😉
There’s a recent post on my blog answering this question:
http://pjschnyder.com/blog/2010/11/05/component-based-authoring/
In brief, I usually write using a component based authoring technique, writing in sequence. Sometimes I break out with a particularly awesome scene that just can’t wait. 😛
LOLs Danni.
You make a good point. You also wrote a super sexy flash for my blog and I have no qualms about sharing it. 😉
http://pjschnyder.com/blog/2010/11/15/guest-post-danielle-la-paglia/
Pursuit was sexy and horror at the same time. 🙂
Maybe I’ll follow your excellent example and give it a go someday.
Please expand on what you consider “awesome”…=d What parts do you like writing the most? What will you skip the boring stuff for? Action? Character-building dialog? Romance?
…”Action”? 😉
<3
AF,
LOL I do like action scenes the best, both the fight scenes and the hankity panky scenes. 😉
I don’t think of any of my scenes as boring, because if they are, I’m doing something wrong. At that point, it’s a question of how to turn up the heat or increase the tension.
I’m mean to my characters, making them suffer to develop and grow…and I have a habit of interrupting love scenes occassionally instead of letting them finish. 😮
It looks like we’re out of time, all.
Thank you to Demonlover for having me here and big hugs to everyone for stopping by. The questions were really great!
I hope you’ll continue to enjoy the Terra’s Guardians series and check out Evie’s Gift coming in December from Decadent Publishing.
(psst…I’ve ordered my 2011 calendar, have you?)
PJ
Whoops, one last question. 🙂
I’m sort of a combo. I plot, put together an outline and start writing. Then my characters hijack a scene or two and the story is so much better, I go back and revise the outline accordingly. 😛
Thanks, HighlandHussy!
PJ
Hi PJ, welcome.
I’ll start us off…
What are you wearing?
LOL
Just kidding.
Was their someone who inspired the main character Adam in Heart’s Sentinel?
Hi PJ!
How often do you sit down to write. And do you write with a word count goal in mind, or just go with the flow?
HI DB
thanks for coming by….
Hugs
DL
Only 5 minutes left to get your questions in…
What a fabulous turn out for our chat.
I want to thank PJ and everyone for coming by DemonLover’s books & more.
Don’t forget to pick up your 2011 wall calendar, makes a great present and it’s fantastic! check back for a sneak peek at the inside!
Have a great Sunday and come back real soon.
DL
Hey Kel, this turned out awesome!
PJ,
Do you consider yourself a pantser? Or a plotter?