Waibel's World: December 2012

Today, I welcome fellow MuseItUp author Elle Druskin, Romance and Mystery author, to share her writing process with us.

What do you write?

This is a deceptively simple question with a complicated answer. I’m not sure the genre label is important. The one rule that cannot be broken in any writing is Write a Good Story. When I wrote my first book which was written for the sole purpose of trying to figure out how to write a book, I had no idea what I had written. It wasn’t going to be seen by anyone so it didn’t matter which genre it might turn out to be. At least, that’s what I thought. You can imagine my surprise when To Catch A Cop was published and nominated as Best Romantic Comedy of 2010 by The Romance Reviews.

I thought it was a romance. As it turned out, it was reviewed as romance and mystery. I never saw the mystery; I knew it was there, but weak, in my opinion. What did I know? Did it matter? I don’t think so. Readers can figure out the genre and some books are cross genre. A great story is a great story and the genre label will take care of itself as long as it’s a great story. That being said, I’ve mostly written romance and mystery. Currently, I’m focusing on The Liberty Heights series. That could legitimately be labelled romance, small town romance, romantic comedy and probably some other genres. I have a great time writing the series and fortunately, my editors are just as devoted to Liberty Heights and all the wacky things that seem to happen in the town. I was pretty tickled when a reader wrote to me after reading Animal Crackers (Book 1 in the series) asking for driving directions to Liberty Heights. What a disappointment for her that the town isn’t real, it only exists in my head but I know exactly how it looks, what the people look like, sound like and just about everything else so it’s real to me.

Do you use 1st person, 3rd person, multiple POVs?

I have used all of the above. My first book was first person. I thought that would be easier for me to control and not run the risk of “head-hopping.” During the re-write, I added a third person point of view but the bulk of the book was told from first person. Reviewers commented that it worked well, that switching point of view did not detract in any way.

How do you get started with a book- is it an idea, a character, vary from story to story?

I think I probably start with the germ of an idea. I don’t necessarily write sequentially but in bits and pieces that eventually are pulled together to create a coherent story. These scenes point out places where linking scenes might be needed to craft an overall book that hangs together. For the Liberty Heights series, I use secondary characters that may appear in previous books, but then I decide to bring them front and center and give them their own story. I use the characters who were primary in earlier books as secondary. I kind of like that because it allows all the characters to keep developing and for me as the writer, and for the readers, to learn more about them. They surprise me lots of times and I write the series!

Do you draft quickly?

As I said, I don’t write in sequence. I might have some ideas for scenes and as I am writing them, others start taking shape. I usually know what ending I am writing towards but not necessarily everything that might happen along the way. It just unfolds scene by scene. Whether or not this happens quickly or takes a fair amount of time doesn’t matter, as long as it ultimately results in a book that fits the series, adheres to the tone (Liberty Heights is more than a little bit quirky ) and still has fresh elements.

Do you do research before your first draft or during?

That depends on the type of book. I might need to do some research but it can also be done during the writing, or blanks can be left where I mark places that I have to revisit once I am satisfied with the scene development. As far as research goes, there is no substitute for quality literature. Surfing online is not research, sorry, but it isn’t. It might be a good starting point but not the end point. Research should mean reading quality literature that is most often found at a college library, consulting archives, or occasionally, spending time with a professional to gain insight into that profession. In terms of research, I think I’m a bit advantaged. For my doctoral work, I conducted archival research and oral history interviews so I’ve had a pretty good grounding in research methodology. That doesn’t mean you need a PhD to research material for a novel but it does mean a writer should be able to differentiate between a reputable source and let’s say a less than reliable source of information. It’s surprising how many people cannot differentiate.

Do you outline?

No. It doesn’t work for me. It’s fine for other writers who adhere strictly to the outline but I’ve found even when I tried, the final product was so different to the outline that there was no point in it for me. Every writer is different with a different voice, style and technique. If outlines work for you, that’s great. They just don’t work for me.

Do you work with CP's or Beta's? How soon into your draft do you let them see your work?

I use Beta readers. They don’t see a draft until I feel it is as good as it gets. Liberty Heights is particularly special and one of my beta readers said she laughed so hard reading Animal Crackers that she wet her pants, so we now have the “wet your pants rule.” If you don’t laugh that hard at least once, the book is not good enough. My beta readers know what to look for, believable characters, balance of narrative and dialogue, realistic dialogue, a well paced story that has twists and engaging characters. Happily, they’re as addicted to Liberty Heights as I am and continually ask me to write a new story and even make suggestions who they would like to see featured. They don’t always get what they want, but they’re always happy to read another story. There are 2 books published in the series, Animal Crackers and The Life of the Party. Book 3, Hanky Panky, will be out in December 2012. The beta readers have read Books 4 and 5, and happily, loved them both. Book 4 has been submitted so now it’s a case of Wait and See if accepted.

What books/websites have you found most helpful to helping you write your best?

One of the cardinal rules of writing is to be a good reader. It’s a fatal mistake to stop reading because one is so caught up in writing. Reading is a pleasure, first and foremost. In terms of writing, reading teaches vocabulary, how to create tension, page turners, character development, and many other elements of the craft. I read anything and everything and generally, I read about 4 books a week. That includes fiction and non-fiction. The bottom line is reading is an investment in the craft of writing.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started writing?

Plenty! I think I’ve learned a considerable amount in terms of balance in character point of view and how much information to reveal. One of my earlier flaws was giving away too much, too soon. It’s a mistake a lot of writers tend to make early in their writing career. Hold it back, let it unfold slowly and use that to twist the tension line.

What do you have out now, or coming out? Any upcoming events? A website we can find you and your books at? An author photo? A booktrailer? Anything else you want to share?

Here’s a brief synopsis of The Liberty Heights Series books.

Animal Crackers: You’re fired. Karma really slammed Manhattan workaholic Hayley Weaver. Out of work, out of money and out of luck. In desperation, she grabs the first job offered, house-sitting a movie star’s home. How tough could it be? Water the plants, take in the mail. Oops! Nobody told Hayley the house is in New Jersey and loaded with more critters than the Beverly Hillbillies. Local cutie and veterinarian Jake Marx is dying to meet a woman he hasn’t known since kindergarten. With Jake on animal phobic Hayley’s speed dial, the whole town is in cohoots to give Jake and Hayley their happily ever after.

Life of the Party:

Cruise director and party organizer extraordinaire Ellie Marx sweeps into Liberty Heights organizing a party for any and every possible occasion. Daddy baby showers, Not Quite Sweet Sixteens, beach parties with no beach. No problem. Nothing stops Ellie who’s on a collision course with foreign correspondent Zach Resnick. After ten years on the road, Zach’s finally home in Liberty Heights seeking peace and quiet to write a book. Cranky Zach doesn’t stand a chance with Ellie around because she’s determined to turn him into The Life of The Party.

Hanky-Panky: Kaboom! A gas leak destroys Dana Fremder’s apartment and business in Brooklyn. With nowhere to go, Dana runs straight to best friend Hayley Marx in Liberty Heights where a gunman is running loose. Or so Dana thinks. Voice over actor Hank Axelrod is loaded with sound effects that pop, whine and screech, irritating Dana’s overstretched nerves. Too bad for Hank and Dana, that Grandma Baumgart’s joyride on a skateboard results in a concussion, and an unshakeable conviction that grandson Hank and Dana are married. Nobody wants to upset Grandma. What can Hank and Dana do?

It’s Grandma as matchmaker along with Algernon the Meerkat. More romance, fun and mayhem in Liberty Heights.

You can find my books in lots of places.

MuseItUp

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

My website and blog which includes interviews, my world wide beach blog, travel tips, excerpts from books, trailers and downloadable bookmarks can be found at:

www.elledruskin.com

I’m frequently spotted at Books and Writers Community. It’s a great hangout for writers and readers. You’ll find some very famous names engaging in all sorts of discussions there:

http://community.compuserve.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=start&webtag=ws-books

I’m also on Facebook and Twitter:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elle-Druskin/126850454018019

www.twitter.com/ElleDruskin

Today, I am thrilled to be a part of Aubrie Dionne's Colonization Blog Tour. So, without further ado, please welcome Lieutenant Crophaven.

Hello, Lieutenant Crophaven, it’s nice to have you here today!

Thank you. I have a lot of business to accomplish with the ship reaching its destination. So if you’ll keep this short…

Of course. We wouldn’t want to keep the most important lieutenant from doing his job! Just a few quick questions. Now: what are you looking forward to on Paradise 21?

It’s not really what I’m looking forward to, it’s about keeping control and preventing any sort of widespread panic when we get there. I want the colonization efforts to run smoothly, and for everyone to keep their cool despite the stressful situation of acclamation. That’s my job.

And it’s an important job! Let’s continue: what do you think of this new generation of colonists preparing for the tests?

A lot of them just plain aren’t ready. I’ve seen some of the pretests, and the results are less than desirable. There’s only a few that stand out in my opinion: Nova Williams, for instance has been working her butt off. She’s the daughter of two janitors on the ship, so I think she’s got a little chip on her shoulder so to speak. But that’s okay, whatever fuels a person to achieve their best. Sirius Smith is also another hopeful. He’s doing great at aerodynamics and navigation and would make a fantastic aviator. I’ll be interested to see where they end up.

What do you think of the pairing system on the ship?

It’s logical, efficient, and prevents a lot of drama. I like it. End of story.

What’s your favorite thing to do on the ship?

Prepare. I’m constantly evaluating our resources and planning ahead for the future. The most important thing is the survival of this colony. Since we lost contact with the rest of the fleet, this ship could be humanity’s last hope. I’m not going to let it fail.

Anything else you’d like to share with us today?

The latest results from the scout droids are in, and I need to get back to my work. You’ll have to read further on the subject in Colonization: Paradise Reclaimed.

“Forbidden love on a paradise planet that’s anything but paradise...Dionne’s Colonization will keep you guessing.” – Cherie Reich, author of Defying Gravity

Finding a new home has never been so dangerous.

Andromeda has spent all seventeen years of her life aboard a deep space transport vessel destined for a paradise planet. Her safe cocoon is about to break open as Paradise 21 looms only one month away, and she must take the aptitude tests to determine her role on the new world and her computer assigned lifemate. As a great-granddaughter of the Commander of the ship, she wants to live up to her family name. But, her forbidden love for her childhood friend, Sirius, distracts her and she fails the tests. The results place her in a menial role in the new colony and pair her with Corvus, “the oaf”.

But when Andromeda steps foot on Paradise 21, her predestined future is the least of her worries. Alien ghosts from a failed colonization warn her of a deadly threat to her colony. And when Sirius's ship crashes on the far ridge in an attempt to investigate, she journeys to rescue him with Corvus.

Andromeda now must convince the authorities of the imminent danger to protect her new home. What she didn't expect was a battle of her own feelings for Sirius and Corvus.

Can she save the colony and discover her true love?