My writing process is tortuous and convoluted at best. I wish I could say I just sit down at the computer and write. But alas, it ain’t so. One day, I may be so efficient and pulled together that I can write a book in three months like so many others.
In the meantime, here is my process, and God help me, I don’t see it changing anytime soon.
I get basic ideas at odd times. Generally, a scene will play through my mind of a woman and a man, in conflict. She’s psychic and has seen a murder. He doesn’t believe it. That sort of thing. I write this down at the first possible moment, along with any pertinent facts that I can think of, such as names, hair color, or any other details that come to me in this first vision.
Of course, as luck would have it, these ideas usually occur while I’m right in the middle of writing something else. So I simply document the notion and get on with whatever I’m working on at the time.
When I’m ready to begin the manuscript, I create a folder structure on my computer with a blank template file and work out the broad-brush plot outline. This translates into writing three short phrases or notes per chapter so that I have at least a vague idea of what I want to happen. At this point, I find it difficult to actually start writing until I’ve done two things: 1) thought of something funny, either a comical character or funny situation involving the hero/heroine; and 2) one or more twists. Without something funny or several plot twists, I just can’t generate the excitement to start writing.
Then…I write. It usually takes me about three months to write the first draft. This draft is bad. Very bad. So I put it away and work on something else. I often edit a previous manuscript at this point. This allows time for ideas about the first manuscript to vegetate and morph. I think of plot twists and bizarre things that never occurred to me in the first draft. This is also why I generally have several projects in various stages of creation. I edit one manuscript while vegetating on a second.
After a few months, I’ve often thought of some really, really cool twist or change that I want to make on my new manuscript, so I write those down. In the meantime, I try to finish the edits to manuscript two and get that off to my editor.
When I go back to manuscript one, I’m ready to do serious deconstruction/reconstruction of the plot and characters. More often than not, I delete the first three chapters. Sometimes, I write an entirely new first chapter. You see, as you write a story, something strange happens. Your characters take on lives of their own. So the latter chapters are true to your characters, but the first few…not so much. So you have to redo the.
Once this is done, I work on adding descriptions and characterization since my first draft tends to be mostly dialog. In fact, I’ve often toyed with the idea of writing a book that is 90% dialog. I may still do that at some point when I feel bolder.
Anyway, for the final draft (which is usually about the 5th or 6th time I’ve gone through the manuscript) I check all the details for accuracy. This is essential for my 19th century mysteries. Things like dialog, speech patterns, historical facts, and other facts must all be verified for accuracy.
All in all, it takes me about two years to produce a manuscript that is ready to send to my editor. The one thing that I find absolutely critical is creating gaps in the process. Without gaps, I don’t have the “fresh eyes” essential to adequately editing a manuscript. Even with that, I’ve been known to see what should be there instead of what is there.
Thankfully, I’ve found editors to save me from myself. They are invaluable and always make me stretch further than I ever thought possible.
It is not possible, at least for me, to write a book without the input from critique partners and editors. Maybe one day.
And maybe one day I’ll be able to write a book in less than two years.
We’ll see.
Leave a comment to be included in Amy's drawing for winners choice of either The Vital Principle or The Necklace, ebook or print. Please note if the chosen winner lives outside the U.S. they will receive an ebook.
Showing posts with label Amy Corwin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amy Corwin. Show all posts
Friday, October 28, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Amy's Journey to Publication
When folks ask me about how I got published and my journey, I cringe and wonder if there is anything I can add to the hundreds of stories written by all the other authors. Our stories are all the same: years of struggle, followed by a few crumbs of success. However, the aspects that may be of most help and interest to others are what the process taught the author. For me, that’s easy: I learned “to thine own self be true.”
That’s an odd thing for a writer to learn, because most writers have the opposite problem. They write what they want to write and discover (to their horror) that their finished tome doesn’t fit into any genre that a potential publisher feels comfortable publishing. So they can’t find their book a home. For many authors, it’s a question of marketability. Can the agent and publisher identify a hook for the books, a genre (so it can be shelved appropriately in the bookstore), or a market plan?
So many new authors write the book of their heart and then seek to publish it, forgetting that unless it can be marketed, it is difficult to find either a publisher or an audience.
I didn’t have that issue in my quest to be published, but I did have the problem of matching my “vision” with reality. You see, I thought I wanted to be a romance writer. I joined Romance Writers of America as a charter member and got some encouraging rejections from romance publishers during the ‘80’s, but I always sort of “missed the mark.”
Later, I discovered a wonderful group of friends also working on being authors and one by one, they signed with agents and got contracts. But somehow, I didn’t fit in. They tried to tell me that I wasn’t really writing romances, but darn it, I had it in my head that that’s what I wanted to be: a romance writer.
Now, a normal writer would have looked at what she actually read and considered that. But I was trying to be strictly business, and I knew that romance sold well. My friends were all writing romances. I didn’t know writers in any other genres. I’d even read one or two romances when I was a teen. I thought it was the way to go.
But it was not where my heart lay. I confused the light, romantic subplots of Agatha Christie books like “The Man in the Brown Suit” or Mary Stewart’s “My Brother Michael” for romances, ignoring that the main plot was the mystery while the romance was only a tenuous subplot. Even my friends noted that one of my favorite authors, Barbara Michaels, claimed “I’m not a romance writer.” I was stunned by that, since Michaels’ books were exactly the kind of book I most enjoyed. I considered them to be paranormal romances.
A brighter writer would have understood the facts sooner, but I’m nothing if not stubborn. I wrote several books that were mostly mystery with a slight romantic subplot and tried to market them to romance publishers and agents. It’s rather surprising that I got as much interest as I did. In fact, I signed with two agents.
In 2008, I sold my first book, a romance. But hard as I tried, I couldn’t for the life of me sell any additional manuscripts. “Strengthen the romance” was the most common remark. Eventually, it occurred to me that I read mostly mysteries, suspense, and science fiction. Sure, I read Georgette Heyer, but I didn’t like her straight romances. I preferred her mysteries. In fact, I was shocked when other folks said they liked those Heyer stories that I considered rather poor specimens. They were straight romances, as opposed to her mysteries or romantic adventures. Eventually, though, even I had to realize what was going on.
A-ha! I was a mystery writer!
As soon as I realized that and had the courage to step forward and write a mystery (with a romantic subplot, because how can you have a happy ending without a romance?) I found success. It’s almost like one of those addiction programs where you have to admit that “Yes, I’m a mystery writer” before you can be cured.
And this brings us back to my original point: “to thine own self be true.”
You can blithely ignore the markets and write what you want to write and not sell because your manuscript doesn’t fit into a marketable niche. Or you can try to squeeze yourself into a niche that doesn’t quite fit you and be miserable. And you might sell, depending upon how well you fit that genre. Ultimately though, you need to find the marketable niche that you can fit into and still be true to yourself.
You need to be happy writing, otherwise, what’s the point? So now I write mysteries, but there is always a romance involved. Somehow, it doesn’t seem like a happy ending unless a mystery is solved and love is discovered.
It sounds so easy, but the path is arduous and twisted at best. But for me, it’s all been worth it, because I still believe: Every good mystery has a touch of romance.
That’s an odd thing for a writer to learn, because most writers have the opposite problem. They write what they want to write and discover (to their horror) that their finished tome doesn’t fit into any genre that a potential publisher feels comfortable publishing. So they can’t find their book a home. For many authors, it’s a question of marketability. Can the agent and publisher identify a hook for the books, a genre (so it can be shelved appropriately in the bookstore), or a market plan?
So many new authors write the book of their heart and then seek to publish it, forgetting that unless it can be marketed, it is difficult to find either a publisher or an audience.
I didn’t have that issue in my quest to be published, but I did have the problem of matching my “vision” with reality. You see, I thought I wanted to be a romance writer. I joined Romance Writers of America as a charter member and got some encouraging rejections from romance publishers during the ‘80’s, but I always sort of “missed the mark.”
Later, I discovered a wonderful group of friends also working on being authors and one by one, they signed with agents and got contracts. But somehow, I didn’t fit in. They tried to tell me that I wasn’t really writing romances, but darn it, I had it in my head that that’s what I wanted to be: a romance writer.
Now, a normal writer would have looked at what she actually read and considered that. But I was trying to be strictly business, and I knew that romance sold well. My friends were all writing romances. I didn’t know writers in any other genres. I’d even read one or two romances when I was a teen. I thought it was the way to go.
But it was not where my heart lay. I confused the light, romantic subplots of Agatha Christie books like “The Man in the Brown Suit” or Mary Stewart’s “My Brother Michael” for romances, ignoring that the main plot was the mystery while the romance was only a tenuous subplot. Even my friends noted that one of my favorite authors, Barbara Michaels, claimed “I’m not a romance writer.” I was stunned by that, since Michaels’ books were exactly the kind of book I most enjoyed. I considered them to be paranormal romances.
A brighter writer would have understood the facts sooner, but I’m nothing if not stubborn. I wrote several books that were mostly mystery with a slight romantic subplot and tried to market them to romance publishers and agents. It’s rather surprising that I got as much interest as I did. In fact, I signed with two agents.
In 2008, I sold my first book, a romance. But hard as I tried, I couldn’t for the life of me sell any additional manuscripts. “Strengthen the romance” was the most common remark. Eventually, it occurred to me that I read mostly mysteries, suspense, and science fiction. Sure, I read Georgette Heyer, but I didn’t like her straight romances. I preferred her mysteries. In fact, I was shocked when other folks said they liked those Heyer stories that I considered rather poor specimens. They were straight romances, as opposed to her mysteries or romantic adventures. Eventually, though, even I had to realize what was going on.
A-ha! I was a mystery writer!
As soon as I realized that and had the courage to step forward and write a mystery (with a romantic subplot, because how can you have a happy ending without a romance?) I found success. It’s almost like one of those addiction programs where you have to admit that “Yes, I’m a mystery writer” before you can be cured.
And this brings us back to my original point: “to thine own self be true.”
You can blithely ignore the markets and write what you want to write and not sell because your manuscript doesn’t fit into a marketable niche. Or you can try to squeeze yourself into a niche that doesn’t quite fit you and be miserable. And you might sell, depending upon how well you fit that genre. Ultimately though, you need to find the marketable niche that you can fit into and still be true to yourself.
You need to be happy writing, otherwise, what’s the point? So now I write mysteries, but there is always a romance involved. Somehow, it doesn’t seem like a happy ending unless a mystery is solved and love is discovered.
It sounds so easy, but the path is arduous and twisted at best. But for me, it’s all been worth it, because I still believe: Every good mystery has a touch of romance.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Why Amy Writes Historical Mysteries
Why did you choose to write mysteries, particularly historical mysteries?
When I’m asked why I write mysteries, sometimes I think the easiest answer is: I was born to write them. It’s programmed in my DNA. Part of me actually believes that, too. I’m fascinated by the nature versus nurture debate. In my experience, a lot more seems to be nature than is comfortable to admit.
For example, I got my first field guide for birds when I was six. That year, I also wrote my first story about a germ’s adventures as it passed through a little girl’s belly, presaging my interest in both writing and biology. After I got married and built my first chicken coop, I discovered one of my ancestors in the 17th century was an “egg man” and raised chickens. Was an interest in birds and biology in my blood? Certainly, as your standard suburban child, raising chickens and bird watching were not your standard pursuits or things my parents taught us to do (nurture).
Many of us discover our preferences at an amazingly early age. I was also in the first grade when I read my first mysteries: “The Ghost Rock Mystery” and “The Ghost of Dibble Hollow”. Then, I went on to Tom Swift books and other mysteries. Lucky for me, I grew up during the height of the gothic mystery. I still can’t resist a book that has a spooky castle and a woman in a diaphanous white dress on the cover. My favorites included the likes of Victoria Holt, Virginia Coffman, Mary Stewart and Barbara Michaels.
When I picked up the pen again ten years ago, I couldn’t conceive of a story that did not include a mystery of some kind. Sometimes it’s not a murder, but a secret or something lost, hidden. A missing jewel, an old secret, something half-forgotten. It is the mystery and process of discovering that answer that creates a story for me.
Why did the crime happen? How will the hero or heroine follow the clues to reveal the truth? What is the truth? One of the things that fascinates me is the idea of “The Truth.” Is there really a single truth or is it a composite of many truths—what an individual knows and experiences of reality? In “The Vital Principle” the hero, Knighton Gaunt believes there is one, discoverable truth. Prudence Barnard, however, believes it may be more nuanced with shades of gray. She is more sympathetic to the weaknesses and foibles of those around her, but despite their different approaches, they do discover the truth and reveal a murderer in their midst.
While resolving the core puzzle is interesting, I also write mysteries to explore how different characters respond to stress and make decisions. How do they react when confronted with a mystery? Do they attempt to collect facts and analyze them, or do they rely on a more intuitive process? Or do they simply ignore the entire thing and hope it will go away?
In “A Rose Before Dying” the hero is driven to collect the facts—in this case, roses—to try to save his uncle from the hangman’s noose. And while Ariadne just wants to be left alone to grow roses, she can’t bury her head in the sand. She helps him even though her actions place her in the murderer’s path.
In the end, there is nothing like a good mystery to reveal what a person—or character--is made of, and it’s the character this makes the story.
Amy's Bio
Amy Corwin is a charter member of the Romance Writers of America and recently joined Mystery Writers of America. She has been writing for the last ten years. She writes historical and cozy mysteries. To be truthful, most of her books include a bit of murder and mayhem since she discovered that killing off at least one character is a highly effective way to make the remaining ones toe the plot line.
Amy’s books include the three Regency romantic mysteries, I BID ONE AMERICAN, THE BRICKLAYER’S HELPER, and THE NECKLACE; Regency mysteries, THE VITAL PRINCIPLE, and A ROSE BEFORE DYING; and her first cozy mystery, WHACKED!, will come in in 2012 from Five Star.
Join her and discover that every good romance has a touch of mystery.
Website: http://www.amycorwin.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/amycorwin
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmyCorwinAuthor
Blog: http://amycorwin.blogspot.com
Book Links
The Vital Principe: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OR1GQ2/
A Rose Before Dying: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00557U2QU/
The Bricklayer’s Helper: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YCPLP0/
I Bid One American: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ASJTLC/
The Necklace: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I6D2PC/
When I’m asked why I write mysteries, sometimes I think the easiest answer is: I was born to write them. It’s programmed in my DNA. Part of me actually believes that, too. I’m fascinated by the nature versus nurture debate. In my experience, a lot more seems to be nature than is comfortable to admit.
For example, I got my first field guide for birds when I was six. That year, I also wrote my first story about a germ’s adventures as it passed through a little girl’s belly, presaging my interest in both writing and biology. After I got married and built my first chicken coop, I discovered one of my ancestors in the 17th century was an “egg man” and raised chickens. Was an interest in birds and biology in my blood? Certainly, as your standard suburban child, raising chickens and bird watching were not your standard pursuits or things my parents taught us to do (nurture).
Many of us discover our preferences at an amazingly early age. I was also in the first grade when I read my first mysteries: “The Ghost Rock Mystery” and “The Ghost of Dibble Hollow”. Then, I went on to Tom Swift books and other mysteries. Lucky for me, I grew up during the height of the gothic mystery. I still can’t resist a book that has a spooky castle and a woman in a diaphanous white dress on the cover. My favorites included the likes of Victoria Holt, Virginia Coffman, Mary Stewart and Barbara Michaels.
When I picked up the pen again ten years ago, I couldn’t conceive of a story that did not include a mystery of some kind. Sometimes it’s not a murder, but a secret or something lost, hidden. A missing jewel, an old secret, something half-forgotten. It is the mystery and process of discovering that answer that creates a story for me.
Why did the crime happen? How will the hero or heroine follow the clues to reveal the truth? What is the truth? One of the things that fascinates me is the idea of “The Truth.” Is there really a single truth or is it a composite of many truths—what an individual knows and experiences of reality? In “The Vital Principle” the hero, Knighton Gaunt believes there is one, discoverable truth. Prudence Barnard, however, believes it may be more nuanced with shades of gray. She is more sympathetic to the weaknesses and foibles of those around her, but despite their different approaches, they do discover the truth and reveal a murderer in their midst.
While resolving the core puzzle is interesting, I also write mysteries to explore how different characters respond to stress and make decisions. How do they react when confronted with a mystery? Do they attempt to collect facts and analyze them, or do they rely on a more intuitive process? Or do they simply ignore the entire thing and hope it will go away?
In “A Rose Before Dying” the hero is driven to collect the facts—in this case, roses—to try to save his uncle from the hangman’s noose. And while Ariadne just wants to be left alone to grow roses, she can’t bury her head in the sand. She helps him even though her actions place her in the murderer’s path.
In the end, there is nothing like a good mystery to reveal what a person—or character--is made of, and it’s the character this makes the story.
Amy's Bio
Amy Corwin is a charter member of the Romance Writers of America and recently joined Mystery Writers of America. She has been writing for the last ten years. She writes historical and cozy mysteries. To be truthful, most of her books include a bit of murder and mayhem since she discovered that killing off at least one character is a highly effective way to make the remaining ones toe the plot line.
Amy’s books include the three Regency romantic mysteries, I BID ONE AMERICAN, THE BRICKLAYER’S HELPER, and THE NECKLACE; Regency mysteries, THE VITAL PRINCIPLE, and A ROSE BEFORE DYING; and her first cozy mystery, WHACKED!, will come in in 2012 from Five Star.
Join her and discover that every good romance has a touch of mystery.
Website: http://www.amycorwin.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/amycorwin
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmyCorwinAuthor
Blog: http://amycorwin.blogspot.com
Book Links
The Vital Principe: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OR1GQ2/
A Rose Before Dying: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00557U2QU/
The Bricklayer’s Helper: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YCPLP0/
I Bid One American: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ASJTLC/
The Necklace: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I6D2PC/
Friday, October 7, 2011
The Vital Principle by Amy Corwin
Buy Links:
B&N: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Vital-Principle/Amy-Corwin/e/2940012291776?itm=1&USRI=the%20vital%20principle
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OR1GQ2/
The Vital Principle - Backcover
In 1815, an inquiry agent, Mr. Knighton Gaunt, is asked by Lord Crowley to attend a séance with the express purpose of revealing the spiritualist as a fraud. When the séance ends abruptly, Lord Crowley is poisoned during the turmoil by an unseen killer.
Gaunt is now left to investigate not only fraud, but murder. Suspicion turns first to the spiritualist, Miss Prudence Barnard, but as Gaunt digs deeper into the twisted history of the guests at Rosecrest, he discovers more deadly secrets. Inevitably, long-time friends turn against one another as the tension mounts, and Gaunt is challenged to separate fact from fiction before another death at Rosecrest.
The Vital Principle is the first mystery in the Second Sons Inquiry Agency series and features coolly intellectual Mr. Knighton Gaunt, the agency’s founder. This witty, historical whodunit in the tradition of Bruce Alexander’s Blind Justice, will keep you guessing until the unexpected end.
“Murder, mystery, and a dash of romance combined with witty dialogue and unforgettable characters make The Vital Principle a book that will definitely go on my keeper shelf!” —Lilly Gayle, author of Into the Darkness and Slightly Tarnished.
Excerpt
As if aware of her scrutiny, Mr. Gaunt edged closer. He spoke in low tones no one else could hear. “You’re very composed, Miss Barnard.”
“For a murderess? Would tears avail me? Or convince anyone of my innocence?”
“They might. A woman’s tears are often most efficacious.”
“Except when the decision has already been made. A trial seems almost superfluous, doesn’t it?” Her voice was low and biting with anger. A deep feeling of ill-use made it difficult for her to remain calm.
“No one has accused you,” Mr. Gaunt replied. “And if you had a hand in this, you’ll get a fair hearing.”
“Then you do think I murdered Lord Crowley? What possible motive could I have had?”
“For one thing, you didn’t seem pleased when he requested my attendance tonight.”
“I didn’t arrange this entertainment, the dowager did. And it appears to me, the mystery should be why I murdered Lord Crowley instead of simply doing away with you. If you believe I was so upset by your presence.” Frustration and fear compressed her stomach into a cold lump.
“You knew why he asked me here,” he stated flatly.
“Really? Why? Pray enlighten me. I’m all agog to hear.”
“To prove you’re a fraud taking advantage of an elderly widow.”
“Taking advantage? By reassuring the poor dear that whatever silly misdemeanor she believes she committed before her husband died is unimportant? How is that taking advantage of her?”
“You’re better qualified to answer that particular question than I. But I’m sure it’s profitable.”
“Profitable?” She laughed bitterly. When the other men glanced at her, she put her hand over her mouth and turned her inappropriate laughter into a cough. “If you call a frusty little room and a few meals profitable. I’m a guest here, nothing more.” Then she added with a coldly sweet smile, “Guests aren’t paid. Or weren’t you aware of that?”
“So kindness was your only motivation?” His black eyes bored into hers. “How can we trust what you say when you conduct these ridiculous entertainments and pretend to speak to the dead?”
She arched a mocking eyebrow. “What makes you think I can’t?”
“Come now. You can’t expect me to believe you’re capable of communicating with the spirit world. Or that you even believe such a thing is possible.”
“I believe there are many things we don’t understand. I refuse to close my mind to the possibility simply because it’s difficult to prove,” she temporized, knowing only too well the dangers of trying to argue about spirit communications.
If there wasn’t a spirit world, then she’d be forced to acknowledge that she was a complete fraud. And even though she hadn't, yet, reached that unseen world and had used a number of tricks to suggest that she had, she always hoped that one day some apparition might answer her call. There was always the possibility.
Mr. Gaunt smiled and his expression grew even more sardonic. “Then let’s be more specific and examine what we can prove. Did you speak to the dowager’s previous husband?”
“Perhaps not this evening. However, I’m sure the words I wrote were what he would have relayed, if he could have done so.”
“So you lied—”
“No, I merely—”
“It was not the truth!” His lips thinned and anger ignited a slow burning fire in his eyes. “Her husband did not speak through you. Admit it.”
She tilted her head to one side, examining him. “Do you believe her husband did not love her?”
“I have no idea. That’s not the point.”
“Then you don’t know if it was the truth or not.” She offered, instinctively knowing the men would tear her apart like a pack of hungry dogs if she reacted emotionally. Her mind raced ahead, abnormally clear, encased in the fragile ice of logic that could shatter at any moment and leave her raging at their accusations. “And it eased the dowager’s mind. So I fail to see I did anything wrong.”
Mr. Gaunt said, “You mislead—”
“No. I told a desperately lonely woman what she needed to hear. That’s the sum of it. There are many truths. You have yours. I have mine.”
“There is only one truth.”
“Nonsense.” She folded her hands at her waist and turned partially away, unable to bear the intense scrutiny of his hard eyes. Her fingers felt stiff and icy with fear. “I refuse to discuss this any further. It’s futile. You’ll believe what you wish. If you chose not to trust me, then so be it. But regardless of what you think, I did not kill Lord Crowley.”
* * * * *
Thank you--
Amy Corwin
http://www.amycorwin.com/
http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/
Friday, September 30, 2011
Author of the Month Amy Corwin
[Anne] Name one of your favorite books as a child.
[Amy] The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss. I remember it so well because I was in the first grade and my dad was reading it to me at bedtime. He got about half-way through and then he didn’t show up one night to read me another chapter. I got out of bed and asked him why he hadn’t tucked me in and read to me. He said, “If you want to know what happens, you’re going to have to read it, yourself.”
ARGH! Talk about tough love. Needless to say, I did read it, and it remains one of my favorite books.
[Anne] Do you have a favorite author?
[Amy] I have lots of favorites, depending upon my mood. At the moment, I’m indulging in a Barbara Michaels binge. But I also love: Shirley Jackson (I always read The Haunting of Hill House at Halloween); Georgette Heyer; P.G. Wodehouse; and H. H. Munro.
[Anne] Out of all the books you’ve read, which one comes immediately to your mind? If there is a favorite scene you remember, please share.
[Amy] The first paragraph, which is incidentally also the last paragraph, in The Haunting of Hill House. Hill house had stood for fifty years and might stand for fifty more…
I don’t think I’ve ever read a better, more evocative paragraph in my entire life.
And whatever walks there, walks alone.
[Anne] Your favorite vacation spot (whether you have been there or not)?
[Amy] The Antarctic. My husband and I are planning a trip there after we retire. I can’t wait.
[Anne] Which would you rather have: A custom closet or a custom kitchen?
[Amy] Kitchen. Both my husband and I love to cook. In fact, we’re trying to save money to put in a new kitchen right now!
[Anne] It’s Saturday afternoon and you’re home alone. What are you wearing? And yes, you must have clothes on.
[Amy] I sew and make a lot of cotton wide-legged slacks. I’m always wearing them because I can move around easily. Those and a T-shirt.
[Anne] What’s your favorite dish?
[Amy] Food. LOL, I’ll eat just about anything. I do love curried chicken, though.
[Anne] Other than writing, what do you enjoy doing?
[Amy] Birdwatching. My husband and I are both birders. Or twitchers, depending upon which side of “the pond” you’re on.
[Anne] You’ve just landed a multi-book contract with a major publisher! Which vehicle would we be more likely to see you driving after you’ve collected your huge advance: a Hummer, RV, truck, muscle car, or BMW?
[Amy] My current 10-year old car. Sorry, but cars don’t do anything for me except get me from point A to point B. But I’m torn between a real Hummer (not one of those pathetic urban ones) and something like a tank. Something that will get me to the back of beyond without getting stuck in the mud.
[Anne] What’s your favorite television show? Movie?
[Amy] The defunct “Gil Mayo Mysteries”. It was on for a very short time, but I loved every minute of it. I wish it would come on in reruns somewhere or be available as a DVD set.
[Anne] You’ve won a talent show! What act did you perform?
[Amy] Are you sure you’re feeling okay? You don’t have a fever, do you? How about…comedy. I could probably do that as long as someone wrote the material for me. And someone else was able to do the bit on stage.
[Anne] Would you rather have the power to be invisible or be able to fly, and why?
[Amy] I don’t see the point in being invisible. You’re far too likely to hear the truth about yourself and frankly, who wants that? Flying might be nice as it seems practical. No more strip searches at airports and all.
[Anne] What was one of the most surprising things you learned during your journey to publication?
[Amy] That you have to walk barefoot in the snow up a hill both freakin’ ways. It never gets easier. In fact, the more you know, the more you know you don’t know anything…so you’re constantly working harder to try to create that story ricocheting around in your head.
[Anne] What was the most interesting research you did for a book?
[Amy] The history of roses. No wait, the historical uses for cyanide. No wait, Captain Barclay…. There’s so much and it’s so much fun, but I really did get absorbed by the history of roses and the development of the Hybrid Tea that we know today.
[Anne] Where do you go when you need to get inspired to write?
[Amy] Outside. Birdwatching is terrific inspiration for some bizarre reason.
[Anne] Do you have any writing quirks?
[Amy] You have to be mega-quirky to write in the first place. I hope I’m not any weirder that most other writers, but I have the bad feeling that I’m just kidding myself. I actually just sit down and write. Nothing special, I’m afraid. Although I do have a blood-spattered decal on my laptop.
[Anne] What do you think makes a good story?
[Amy] Interesting characters and lots of unexpected twists.
[Anne] What are you working on now?
[Amy] I’m about to send a Christmas mystery novella to an editor. After that, I’m hoping to finish up another historical mystery (featuring Pru Barnard and Knighton Gaunt from The Vital Principle) which has been a lot of fun to plot. I’m learning all about mazes and the history of mazes…very interesting.
[Anne] What's one of the more interesting experiences you've had with one of your readers?
[Amy] I have readers? Oh, yeah, well…. This is a tough one. Most of my readers seem abnormally normal and behave impeccably, so other than a few really nice remarks, I’m afraid there’s no juicy gossip to be had.
[Anne] Complete this scene: It was raining. The man came out of nowhere, and before I knew it....
[Amy] he kissed me. It wasn’t until he disappeared down an alley that I realized he’d stolen my wallet and my bra. I’m still trying to figure out the bra thing.
But at least he left me my umbrella.
[Anne] What a fun interview! I love your sense of humor, Amy. Folks, be sure to visit often and post comments throughout the month for a chance to win one of Amy's books. She will give away winner's choice of either The Vital Principle or The Necklace. In either format (ebook or print). If the chosen winner lives outside the U.S. they will receive an ebook.
Amy's Bio:
Amy Corwin is a charter member of the Romance Writers of America and recently joined Mystery Writers of America. She has been writing for the last ten years. She writes historical and cozy mysteries. To be truthful, most of her books include a bit of murder and mayhem since she discovered that killing off at least one character is a highly effective way to make the remaining ones toe the plot line.
Amy’s books include the three Regency romantic mysteries, I BID ONE AMERICAN, THE BRICKLAYER’S HELPER, and THE NECKLACE; Regency mysteries, THE VITAL PRINCIPLE, and A ROSE BEFORE DYING; and her first cozy mystery, WHACKED!, will come out in 2012 from Five Star.
Join her and discover that every good romance has a touch of mystery.
Website: http://www.amycorwin.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/amycorwin
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmyCorwinAuthor
Blog: http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/
Book Links
The Vital Principle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OR1GQ2/
A Rose Before Dying: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00557U2QU/
The Bricklayer’s Helper: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YCPLP0/
I Bid One American: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ASJTLC/
The Necklace: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I6D2PC/
[Amy] The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss. I remember it so well because I was in the first grade and my dad was reading it to me at bedtime. He got about half-way through and then he didn’t show up one night to read me another chapter. I got out of bed and asked him why he hadn’t tucked me in and read to me. He said, “If you want to know what happens, you’re going to have to read it, yourself.”
ARGH! Talk about tough love. Needless to say, I did read it, and it remains one of my favorite books.
[Anne] Do you have a favorite author?
[Amy] I have lots of favorites, depending upon my mood. At the moment, I’m indulging in a Barbara Michaels binge. But I also love: Shirley Jackson (I always read The Haunting of Hill House at Halloween); Georgette Heyer; P.G. Wodehouse; and H. H. Munro.
[Anne] Out of all the books you’ve read, which one comes immediately to your mind? If there is a favorite scene you remember, please share.
[Amy] The first paragraph, which is incidentally also the last paragraph, in The Haunting of Hill House. Hill house had stood for fifty years and might stand for fifty more…
I don’t think I’ve ever read a better, more evocative paragraph in my entire life.
And whatever walks there, walks alone.
[Anne] Your favorite vacation spot (whether you have been there or not)?
[Amy] The Antarctic. My husband and I are planning a trip there after we retire. I can’t wait.
[Anne] Which would you rather have: A custom closet or a custom kitchen?
[Amy] Kitchen. Both my husband and I love to cook. In fact, we’re trying to save money to put in a new kitchen right now!
[Anne] It’s Saturday afternoon and you’re home alone. What are you wearing? And yes, you must have clothes on.
[Amy] I sew and make a lot of cotton wide-legged slacks. I’m always wearing them because I can move around easily. Those and a T-shirt.
[Anne] What’s your favorite dish?
[Amy] Food. LOL, I’ll eat just about anything. I do love curried chicken, though.
[Anne] Other than writing, what do you enjoy doing?
[Amy] Birdwatching. My husband and I are both birders. Or twitchers, depending upon which side of “the pond” you’re on.
[Anne] You’ve just landed a multi-book contract with a major publisher! Which vehicle would we be more likely to see you driving after you’ve collected your huge advance: a Hummer, RV, truck, muscle car, or BMW?
[Amy] My current 10-year old car. Sorry, but cars don’t do anything for me except get me from point A to point B. But I’m torn between a real Hummer (not one of those pathetic urban ones) and something like a tank. Something that will get me to the back of beyond without getting stuck in the mud.
[Anne] What’s your favorite television show? Movie?
[Amy] The defunct “Gil Mayo Mysteries”. It was on for a very short time, but I loved every minute of it. I wish it would come on in reruns somewhere or be available as a DVD set.
[Anne] You’ve won a talent show! What act did you perform?
[Amy] Are you sure you’re feeling okay? You don’t have a fever, do you? How about…comedy. I could probably do that as long as someone wrote the material for me. And someone else was able to do the bit on stage.
[Anne] Would you rather have the power to be invisible or be able to fly, and why?
[Amy] I don’t see the point in being invisible. You’re far too likely to hear the truth about yourself and frankly, who wants that? Flying might be nice as it seems practical. No more strip searches at airports and all.
[Anne] What was one of the most surprising things you learned during your journey to publication?
[Amy] That you have to walk barefoot in the snow up a hill both freakin’ ways. It never gets easier. In fact, the more you know, the more you know you don’t know anything…so you’re constantly working harder to try to create that story ricocheting around in your head.
[Anne] What was the most interesting research you did for a book?
[Amy] The history of roses. No wait, the historical uses for cyanide. No wait, Captain Barclay…. There’s so much and it’s so much fun, but I really did get absorbed by the history of roses and the development of the Hybrid Tea that we know today.
[Anne] Where do you go when you need to get inspired to write?
[Amy] Outside. Birdwatching is terrific inspiration for some bizarre reason.
[Anne] Do you have any writing quirks?
[Amy] You have to be mega-quirky to write in the first place. I hope I’m not any weirder that most other writers, but I have the bad feeling that I’m just kidding myself. I actually just sit down and write. Nothing special, I’m afraid. Although I do have a blood-spattered decal on my laptop.
[Anne] What do you think makes a good story?
[Amy] Interesting characters and lots of unexpected twists.
[Anne] What are you working on now?
[Amy] I’m about to send a Christmas mystery novella to an editor. After that, I’m hoping to finish up another historical mystery (featuring Pru Barnard and Knighton Gaunt from The Vital Principle) which has been a lot of fun to plot. I’m learning all about mazes and the history of mazes…very interesting.
[Anne] What's one of the more interesting experiences you've had with one of your readers?
[Amy] I have readers? Oh, yeah, well…. This is a tough one. Most of my readers seem abnormally normal and behave impeccably, so other than a few really nice remarks, I’m afraid there’s no juicy gossip to be had.
[Anne] Complete this scene: It was raining. The man came out of nowhere, and before I knew it....
[Amy] he kissed me. It wasn’t until he disappeared down an alley that I realized he’d stolen my wallet and my bra. I’m still trying to figure out the bra thing.
But at least he left me my umbrella.
[Anne] What a fun interview! I love your sense of humor, Amy. Folks, be sure to visit often and post comments throughout the month for a chance to win one of Amy's books. She will give away winner's choice of either The Vital Principle or The Necklace. In either format (ebook or print). If the chosen winner lives outside the U.S. they will receive an ebook.
Amy's Bio:
Amy Corwin is a charter member of the Romance Writers of America and recently joined Mystery Writers of America. She has been writing for the last ten years. She writes historical and cozy mysteries. To be truthful, most of her books include a bit of murder and mayhem since she discovered that killing off at least one character is a highly effective way to make the remaining ones toe the plot line.
Amy’s books include the three Regency romantic mysteries, I BID ONE AMERICAN, THE BRICKLAYER’S HELPER, and THE NECKLACE; Regency mysteries, THE VITAL PRINCIPLE, and A ROSE BEFORE DYING; and her first cozy mystery, WHACKED!, will come out in 2012 from Five Star.
Join her and discover that every good romance has a touch of mystery.
Website: http://www.amycorwin.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/amycorwin
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmyCorwinAuthor
Blog: http://amycorwin.blogspot.com/
Book Links
The Vital Principle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OR1GQ2/
A Rose Before Dying: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00557U2QU/
The Bricklayer’s Helper: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YCPLP0/
I Bid One American: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ASJTLC/
The Necklace: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I6D2PC/
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