Marissa Meyer

You got your start on Fanfiction.net, writing amazing Sailor Moon fiction.  How did writing fanfiction shape your original writing?  So much! I like to make the comparison to how many authors have a drawer of unfinished or unpublished manuscripts somewhere. I don't have that - but I DO have a fanfiction.net page. Those years spent writing fanfiction were really how I learned how to tell a complete story, increase suspense, write dialogue and humor, create compelling characters, and on and on. Beyond that, it also taught me how to take criticism and listen to feedback, and the importance of writing (and 'publishing') consistently - because fanfic readers get VERY IRATE when their favorite stories go un-updated for too long.

 How did you choose the fairytales you developed in your Lunar Chronicles?  Were they favorites of yours, or just worked with the concept of the series best?  When I first had the idea for the series, I started by making a list of twelve or so of my favorite fairy tales, and then brainstorming different ways that I could "futurize" them. These four stories - Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White - kept rising to the top, as far as interesting twists I could give them. On top of that, the more I brainstormed, the more I could see how these tales might potentially fit together into one continuous story. It was a very organic process.

What inspired you to tie four different stories together in one major plotline (which are the different plots to your four books) instead of writing sequels with the same core characters or stand-alones with completely different characters in the same series?  (If this question needs clarification, I can ask it a better way and apologize for the confusion.)  That was actually the original plan - to write a series of stand-alones taking place in one world. But as I started to work on the Cinderella story, I realized that she had a very important link to the evil Lunar Queen, who I already knew was Snow White's stepmother. And as more ideas came to me, I could see how that wicked queen could be the villain of all four stories, and be antagonizing all of my main characters. So the stories started to bleed together until I had this clear picture of how my main heroine (Cinder) would go through the books gathering these other fairy tale characters to her side, in an attempt to wage war against the queen.

Can you give us any information about Cress?  Gladly! Cress is my Rapunzel character, with crazy long hair and all. But instead of being trapped in the traditional tower, Cress is stuck in a satellite orbiting Earth. She also happens to be an excellent computer hacker, but unfortunately these skills have ended up putting her in the employ of Queen Levana, and she's being forced to spy on the rulers of Earth, while desperately trying to find a means to escape...

Terrible question, but do you have a favorite heroine AND hero that you just like to write more so than the others? Or maybe their voice is just more natural to write than others?   Not terrible at all! A lot of interviewers will ask if I have a favorite hero or heroine and that question is impossible - I love them all! But at this point, I do have to say that my favorite romance thread is Cress's. I like the arc that both characters go through as they get to know each other, and both of their personalities to tend to come out more easily than a lot of the other couples.

Has your writing process changed over the course of the four books?  It seems like it's changing CONSTANTLY! Though I've always been an outline writer, I've had to come up with new "tricks" to keep myself motivated and to get words written consistently, especially now that my time is always getting swallowed up by publicity obligations and book tours and school visits, and on and on. I've taken to 'bouncing around' in the book and writing scenes that appeal to me, rather than always writing chronologically, which I never used to do. And I've also recently started using the 'star sticker' technique, which Victoria Schwab explained in this great vlog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvDtCIA-_dk&feature=c4-overview&list=UU_Y6xAtwXaiQhmyKu5kdmAw. It's super easy and effective!



CRESS: Book Three of the Lunar Chronicles is now available for pre-order!

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Megan Hansen Shepherd

What about The Island of Dr. Moreau and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde inspired you to write your own interpretation of the story?  I loved the classics when I was a teenager. These in particular bring up such fascinating and frightening ideas about the dark extremes of science. Even if medical technology has improved since they were written, scientific ethics haven’t necessarily, so I think the basic themes are still relevant for modern readers. However, these books had very few female characters, and I wanted to explore retelling them from different, feminine perspectives.

Even though you based your story on The Island of Dr. Moreau and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, how much research did you have to put into it?  I did quite a bit of research for both books, including taking a trip to London to capture to feel of the dark streets of Whitechapel. I heavily researched Victorian-era medicine and surgery, as well as more disturbing topics like vivisection and galvanism. And of course, there was lots of historical details I needed to research—what people wore, what sayings and curses were popular at the time, that sort of thing.

What can you tell us about HER DARK CURIOSITY without giving too much away?  HER DARK CURIOSITY is a direct sequel to THE MADMAN’S DAUGHTER, picking up in London about six months after the events on the island. We learn what has happened to Juliet, and the fate of everyone left behind on the island, and we learn that there is a new danger stalking Juliet—a mass murderer who seems to know quite a bit about her. Once more, Juliet has to face a danger that is very personal.

Can you tell us what story the third book will be based on?  Yes! It’s inspired by FRANKENSTEIN by Mary Shelley. It isn’t a direct retelling—rather, it’s inspired by the legacy of Frankenstein and the science of galvanism. There’s plenty more dark experimentation and twists and surprises. 

The Madman's Daughter trilogy is gothic and dark.  What about the genre and tone inspires you to write?  I’m in love with the rich atmosphere of Gothic literature. It’s so haunting and mysterious that it feels like anything could happen. It’s easy to believe that ghosts are real or people are capable of monstrous things. And I love how timeless the feel is of Gothic literature.

What does it feel like wrapping up a trilogy?  Will we see any of these characters again?  I’ve just finished the first draft of the third book. It’s bittersweet—I’ve been with these characters for years and it’s both strange and satisfying to wrap up their story. I can’t give too much away, but many of the characters from the first novel are present in the second and third; some live, some die, and some have very unusual fates…

Has your writing process changed throughout the course of the 3 books or has it generally stayed the same?  By now, I’ve developed a system for writing. I love organization, so I use lots of charts and graphs and outlines and sticky notes. But at the same time, each book is different. Each time I start one feels like the first time I’ve ever written a novel. It’s still just a blank page you have to fill, hopefully with something worth reading, and that can be so incredible challenging!

What can you tell us about The Cage trilogy?  THE CAGE will be my next trilogy, coming out summer 2015. It’s a YA science fiction about a superpowerful race called the Kindred who abduct human teenagers for a “human zoo.” There’s madness, and danger, and escape, and romance, and I’ve had so much fun working on it!

Any advice for aspiring writers?  I know it’s difficult not to obsess over getting published, but it really is so much more important in the long run to write a high-quality novel you are proud of, then to get published quickly. Take your time to really study writing, read everything, get your work critiqued. Getting published is the easy part—the hard part is writing a great novel. Once you’ve honed your craft and understand what makes books marketable and come up with a great idea that you’ve executed well, then getting published will come naturally. Focus on writing the book, not publishing the book.

Carey Heywood

First and foremost, please tell us a little bit about yourself.  I am 34, and married, with 3 sometimes adorable children. I have a Yorkie named Dozer who thinks he's an attack dog. When I'm not writing I love to read, watch movies, give my husband projects to do around the house and knit.

You tend to write various types of genres.  What's your favorite to write and why?   As long as there's a love story somewhere in there I'm open to writing any genre.

What are you most comfortable to write and why?  I'm still fairly new at writing actual novels. I've never written anything paranormal or written a mega wealthy, owns an island type character. I'm inspired by teachers and accountants, I feel most comfortable writing about people I could see myself interacting with.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?  I'm a fly by the seat of my pantser ;)

What is your writing routine?  I have a day job and my youngest is 3. I tend to write in the evenings and try to write something every day.

Where do you find your inspiration?  All over the place. I wrote down an idea for a YA novel the other day after being inspired by something I didn't say to someone.

Where did the concept for HIM come from?  I was on an early morning flight to Tampa and had a conversation with the stranger seated next to me. She was on her way to see an old flame. The idea of a second chance romance for Him came from there.

What is it about weddings that provide the perfect backdrop to budding romance?  The whole point of a wedding is to pledge your undying love to someone. It's easy to get caught up in the beauty of that. An open bar also helps!

In STAGES OF GRACE, what is the ultimate catalyst that forces Grace to let go of a relationship that has run its course?  All Grace wanted from Jon was for him to show her he still cared. After months of living in a loveless, sometimes emotionally abusive relationship the stark contrast of the love that surrounded her when she went to Florida was what finally made her let go.

How do you know when to fight for your relationship and when it's best to simply let go and move on?  When you realize you're the only one fighting.

In UNINVOLVED, you have characters who are already friends.  How do you show sizzling chemistry between them when they have a history of knowing each other (so no meet-cute, etc.)?  Becka and Nate really became friends over email. He tried to stay away from her but just couldn't. She had her own ways of dealing with his brush offs. She was so wrapped up in her own insecurities she had little compassion for the damage she was causing.

What, if anything, can you tell us about HER?  You do not need to have read Him to read Her. Her is from Will's point of view. It starts out time wise before Him started and goes out past where Him ended. It also does not alternate between past and present.

What type of relationship is your favorite to explore and develop?  I love relationships in their early stages, where everything is so exciting and new.

What type of person is your ideal heroine when you're both reading and writing?  I love an independent woman with a sense of humor both, for books I read and write.

What type of person is your ideal hero when you're both reading and writing?  I write nice guys, they are also my favorite to read but I do enjoy some bad boys!

Are they the same?  Why or why not? Not always the same, pretty much depends on the book.

What has the publishing process been like?  I am self published. Him is my fourth novel and I've learned some pretty embarrassing lessons along the way. In the beginning I didn't know what a beta reader was, and had zero strategy to market my books. Though, to be honest most days I still don't know what I'm doing advertising wise. I do blog tours but haven't purchased any ads at this point. I might try something like that in the future. Still learning.

Would you recommend advertisements or did you market your books through a different venue?  I have had my greatest commercial success with Him. I offered a copy to any blogger willing to review. I also, about a month after its release had a blog tour. 

How involved are you in terms of editing/book cover/release date/marketing process?  I have an editor (Yesenia Vargas) and a cover designer (Sarah Hansen of Okay Creations). I have worked with Yesenia since my first book and really trust her. She polishes my manuscripts up big time, while never changing what I was trying to say. Sarah is a creative genius. I am in awe of her uncanny ability to take a back blurb and a character description and pluck an image I dream of from my brain. I'm doing another blog tour with Debra, The Book Enthusiast. She is amazingly organized, me, not so much.

Are you working on anything now?  I have completed an unrelated to Him or Her novel called Better, that will in released in Feb 2014. I'm working on Sawyer's story (Sarah's best friend) right now.

Www.facebook.com/careyheywoodauthor

Twitter: @careylolo

Brooke Moss

First and foremost, please tell us a little bit about yourself.  “I write because if I don't...my head will explode, and ruin the drapes." ♥ Brooke writes complex, character-driven stories about kismet, reunited lovers, first love, and the kind of romance that we should all have the chance at finding. She prefers her stories laced with some humor just for fun, and enough drama to keep her readers flipping the pages, and begging for more. When Brooke isn't spinning tales, she spends her time drawing/cartooning, reading, watching movies then comparing them to books, wrangling five kids, mugging on one hubby she lovingly refers to as her "nerd", and attempting to conquer the Mount Everest of laundry that is the bane of her existence. Brooke is also an avid Autism Awareness advocate, and a passionate foster/adoptive mother, who loves to share her experiences with anyone who will listen. Find Brooke elsewhere on the web at www.brookemoss.com

You tend to write various types of genres.  What's your favorite to write and why?  What are you most comfortable to write and why?  I have dabbled in fantasy YA, which I enjoyed, but my confidence level, and the genre in which I've had the most success, is contemporary romance. I love writing true to life stories. Every couple, whether they're old or young, rich or poor, has a love story to share. I love finding that love story and turning it into a book. :)

Are you a plotter or a pantser?  I am a pantser who gets nervous around chapter 4 or 5, then I loosely plot the rest of the book. 

What is your writing routine?  Well, because I have a large family, I tend to write when my children are occupied or in school, and when my family is sleeping. But when I do, I usually pour myself a diet wild cherry pepsi, or get a mug of hot cocoa, then I turn on some music, or a delicious reality television show to create background noise, and I get to work. 

Where do you find your inspiration?  Everywhere! 

Baby & Bump has an incredibly unique concept: A woman gets pregnant and falls in love with a man who isn't the baby's father.  How did you come up with this?  Honestly? It came from a Facebook thread where one of my friends commented that it would be mortifying to see an obstetrician who was hot. It just snowballed from there....

Going into a relationship with kids who aren't yours can be stressful, hard work, and the inspiration for new insecurities.  Despite this, Fletcher still seems intent on pursuing Lexie.  What made him decide Lexie was worth the obstacles he and they will no doubt face in their relationship?  When you know you've found the person who is meant for you, you just KNOW. When Fletcher met Lexie the situation was not ideal. But he knew in his heart that she was the one he was supposed to be with, as did Lexie, and so they wind up together--despite the odds being stacked up against them. Love doesn't always have good timing. It just happens when it happens. 

I love the fact that Lexie is strong and independent, an intelligent businesswoman who isn't eager to settle down just yet but still take responsibility for her actions when she decides to keep the baby.  How did you come up with her character?  The last few characters that I've written (before Lexie) have been women who started off as meek and weak, but eventually grow strong and independent. I wanted Lexie to be strong from the get go. I think I succeeded. 

Billionaires permeate the romance genre.  How did feel writing a blue-collar hero in APPLES & ORANGES?  Honestly, I am over the billionaire craze. No offense intended, but I like reading about guys that you or I could meet in a Starbucks and fall in love with. And the likelihood that I will meet a hot Greek billionaire is pretty low. But the likelihood that I would meet a handsome mechanic? Very high. So why not write about love that is actually plausible? 

THE CARNY has an amazing plotline (pretty much because I'm going through something similar).  Did you have to do any research in Native American tribes while writing Vin?  I did research the tribes native to the Astoria, Oregon, area, since that's where the story was based. I also have a Native American neighbor, so I picked his & his wife's brains on a regular basis. :)

Normally, heroines in romances are "normal" because authors want a wide-range of readers to relate to them.  Charlotte is wealthy.  What was it like writing a financially independent woman?  Actually, Charlotte isn't financially independent. Her family is wealthy, and her father holds their wealth and social standing over her head. Charlotte learns to be independent without her family or their money. It's pretty cool to watch her story unfold. 

It's hard to be with someone family - both his and hers - don't approve of.  What inspires us to be with someone, knowing it's going to be harder than being with someone "flawless"?  Because the relationships worth fighting for are the best relationships out there. Think about what that says to your partner? I love you so much, that I fought tooth and nail to be with you. That's a bold declaration of love. Very romantic. 

You tend to write heroines as single parents.  What inspires single-parenthood in your stories?  I am happily married to the nerd of my dreams now, and we have four biological children, and one foster child. But before we were married, I found myself a single mother of two at a fairly young age. It was those years that really molded me into the person I am today, and I wouldn't trade those times of struggle for anything in the world. I love writing about "real" people, and frankly, lots of people looking for love are single parents nowadays. Plus, when I was single, I would always look for books with single mother heroines, and could never find them. So I decided to take things into my own hands....

How did you come up with the concept for UNDERWATER?  I live in eastern Washington state, near the Idaho panhandle, where there are countless lakes lost deep in the woods. There is one lake, Pend Oreille, that is so deep that they test Navy subs in it. Navy subs! Gah! Whenever we go there, I am scared out of my mind that one of my children will drown, because all I keep thinking is: we'll never find them. They could go down, and we'd never find them! Between that irrational fear, and my love of all things mermaids...Underwater was born. 

Why do people - both women and men - tend to give guys from their past a second chance even if a great new guy from their present is interested, like Vi does in KEEPING SECRETS IN SEATTLE?  I'm not sure. I guess it comes back to what I said before. Your heart loves who your heart loves. Sometimes you fall for someone, even though it's not the smart choice. But in the end, you're meant to be with that person. 

Why did you feel you had to write CHARLOTTE'S WEDDING?  My publisher asked me to. I didn't know she was going to post it on Amazon and charge people for it, as it was intended to be a free bonus story as a companion to The Carny. But here we are...

What type of relationship is your favorite to explore and develop?  Opposites attract. My husband and I are complete opposites, and yet, I adore him. And he me. I love creating love like that for my characters. 

What type of person is your ideal heroine when you're both reading and writing?  What type of person is your ideal hero when you're both reading and writing?  Are they the same?  Why or why not?  I love writing a flawed heroine. Whether she is unconventionally pretty, or really down on her luck, or just plain bitchy...I love humanizing a flawed character. My ideal hero is a guy who is hot, but attainably hot. Someone who can laugh with you, and then make your panties spontaneously combust if the situation calls for it. 

What has the publishing process been like?  Good and bad, with more bad than good. That's why I'm self published now. My self publishing experience has been wonderful! 

Would you recommend advertisements or did you market your books through a different venue?  Most of my publicity has been done through loyal and helpful blogger friends, Facebook, Twitter, and word of mouth. 

How involved are you in terms of editing/book cover/release date/marketing process?  Now that I am self published, I get final say in everything, and I love it. When I was traditionally published, I had very little say. That was tough for me. 

Are you working on anything now?  Yes! I am working on book 3 of the This & That Series, as well as a YA with magical elements. Lots of fun things coming up...

Website: www.brookemoss.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brookemossauthor Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrookeMoss4