|
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Getting published took you eighteen years. After receiving countless rejections what kept you going?
-
During that time what kind if any encouragement did you receive from editors and agents? Did you belong to any writers groups or a critique group during that time?
-
Where does your creative spark come from?
-
You are very good at infusing your stories with solid, believable emotion. Did this come naturally to you or was it something you had to learn?
-
Do you recommend that beginning writers join a critique group?
-
Do you write everyday? Do you set page goals?
-
Do you think that setting goals is important for any writer?
-
What is the best thing about being published? What is the worst?
-
Why did you choose romance above all the other genres?
-
What about promotion? Is it easy or hard for you to talk about your work?
-
Getting published took you eighteen years. After receiving countless rejections what kept you going?
I kept going because I love to write and I have too many stories swirling around in my head not to. I also believed that if I kept throwing enough mud some of it was bound to start to stick. But I'll tell you a secret--right before Loose Id sent me the contract for Wolf Island, I had decided to stop submitting--not writing--but submitting my work. However, one of my critique partners insisted I give it one more try. And I'm so glad I did.
:: top ::
-
During that time what kind if any encouragement did you receive from editors and agents? Did you belong to any writers groups or a critique group during that time?
The first real encouragement I received was from Paula Eykelhof at Harlequin. She said I had a "unique and fresh voice." Melissa Senate , a former editor at Silhouette, now turned writer, said my voice was "warm, vivid and rich." Both of these comments went a long way toward keeping me going. I joined RWA and Colorado Romance Writers in 1995. I didn't know these organizations existed or that there were other writers out there who shared a common dream. Since that time, I have found a world of support and friendship with other writers in these groups and others that have enriched me in ways I can't begin to explain.
:: top ::
-
Where does your creative spark come from?
It comes from my heart, from the world around me and from my interaction with other writers who share my passion for writing. But I am mostly inspired by my fifteen year old daughter, Lilly, who has mild to moderate mental retardation. She is amazing and brave and has made tremendous strides especially over the last year. She is also an accomplished skater who competes several times a year and participates in the Ice Show each year at Denver University . I see her beautiful face and bright smile and know if she can put herself out there and try new things knowing she is different and be unafraid of failing, so can I. My husband, Mike also inspires me with his "Can Do" attitude and unfailing support. There is no mountain too high that the three of us can't climb.
:: top ::
-
You are very good at infusing your stories with solid, believable emotion. Did this come naturally to you or was it something you had to learn?
This was definitely something I had to learn. After countless rejections from editors and feedback from contests I made it my mission in life to learn how to build solid, leap-from-the-page characters. I spent 12 grueling months taking tons of workshops, reading countless how-to books, reading best selling authors and dissecting their books in an effort to navigate the learning curve. And that learning curve was like trying to push Jello up a vertical drop with my pinkie. But, it was definitely worth it because by the end of that year, I had learned how to build characters. That doesn't mean I have learned everything because I haven't. I learn something new about writing everyday when I sit down to my computer and of course when I receive revision requests from my editors.
:: top ::
-
Do you recommend that beginning writers join a critique group?
A critique group can be invaluable to a beginning writer. However, it's important that a beginning writer join a group with members who are more seasoned writers, who have more experience, perhaps those that have finaled in contests or won contests such as the Golden Heart. Otherwise it's like the blind leading the blind. If they can join a group with at least one published author that's even better. But if they join a group and don't receive the kind of feedback and help they need, it's vital they move on. There is no place for harsh criticism or jealousy within a critique group. Critique groups are like a marriage. When it works, it's wonderful but when it doesn't, it's a nightmare.
:: top ::
-
Do you write everyday? Do you set page goals?
Yes, I try to write every day even if it's only a page. Exercising your writing skills is just like exercising your body. You need to keep your writing muscles toned and in shape just like your body. I don't necessarily set page goals unless I'm participating in a BIAW or I need to meet a deadline.
:: top ::
-
Do you think that setting goals is important for any writer?
I think that goals are very important, not only writing goals but personal goals as well. I think it's equally important to reward yourself for meeting your goals. A reward can be a relaxing bath, watching a favorite television program, going to the movies, getting a manicure or simply placing a pretty sticker on your calendar. It's probably best not to always reward yourself with food--for the obvious reason.
:: top ::
-
What is the best thing about being published? What is the worst?
The best thing about being published is validation not only from a publishing house but from your peers as well. It's knowing that all of your blood, sweat and tears that you've put into your book has finally paid off.
The worst thing about being published is worrying that you won't live up to your publisher's or your reader's expectations OR even your personal expectations.
:: top ::
-
Why did you choose romance above all the other genres?
I chose romance primarily because I love to read it and wanted desperately to learn how to write it. And love is the most powerful emotion that a human being can experience. It is all consuming. Love makes us giddy and terrified all at the same time. Since the beginning of time love has motivated people not only to marry and have children but also to lie, cheat, steal and yes, even kill. For me, writing romance was the only choice.
:: top ::
-
What about promotion? Is it easy or hard for you to talk about your work?
I have no problem discussing the merits of someone else's work but when it comes to my own, I have found it difficult. After so many years of submitting and getting rejected, when I finally received my first publishing contract, it felt as though I had stepped into the Twilight Zone. My writing world changed dramatically overnight and at first I felt like a lamb lost in a beautiful but shadowy forest. I had to learn to hold my head up and speak with pride about my work in order to navigate my way among the towering trees. A year has past since Loose Id sent me my first contract for Wolf Island and during that time, talking about my work has become easier but I still have moments when I'm not so sure of myself.
:: top ::
|
Copyright©2006 Cher Gorman All Rights Reserved.
Powered by Innovative Intermedia
|
