I'm very happy and excited to open up a bottle of my best champagne for my friend and writer Vicky Dreiling. She is an inspiration to me as a writer, and friend. We're celebrating her debut novel, HOW TO MARRY A DUKE which releases today!
How did you end up becoming a writer?
I’ll skip the girlhood diaries and the journalism major in college. J I actually bought my first romance by accident; in other words, I didn’t know it was a romance until I got it home. The book that hooked me on romance was Judith McNaught’s ALMOST HEAVEN. One day I decided to write one for grins. I might never have gotten serious if not for another chance occurrence. I confessed my secret hobby to a friend who just happened to have seen a notice for a romance writing class. On a whim, I signed up.
I love Judith McNaught. Her stories always made me cry. No wonder you enjoy writing regencies! Are you a plotter or do you follow the muse?
It depends on where I’m at in the process of creating the book. The muse suggests a subconscious process to me. Plot is a conscious process. Premise is essentially a concise description of the overall plot of a novel. I knew the premise for HOW TO MARRY A DUKE before I wrote a single word. The idea came to me as I watched The Bachelor TV show.
Once I know the premise, I focus on character, and this is the stage in which I rely on the subconscious or the muse. I have some top-of-mind ideas, but I do not trust them. Those initial ideas are too surface. They lack the emotional complexity necessary to create flawed, lovable, and unforgettable characters. It’s not a process I can control well, but I can bring it forth by thinking about the characters right before going to bed. Then I’ll wake up the next morning with a key scene playing DVD-style in my head. These key scenes contain revelations about the characters’ pasts. During the actual writing, the emotional complexity continues to develop primarily on a subconscious level for me as well. As a result, I’m often surprised by what I discover about the characters while writing.
However, I am a big fan of Vogler’s THE WRITER’S JOURNEY and keep those stages in the back of my mind while writing the book. I definitely believe learning craft is essential.
I just bought Vogler’s book and can’t wait to read it. He’s a master. How do you relax after a writing day?
I have two fulltime careers. I don’t relax; I collapse in bed. J Seriously, I take little breaks and catch up with friends on Twitter, Facebook, and email. One of the hardest things for me is that I’m an extravert and lose energy if I don’t get people contact.
What do you read? What are your favorite genres? Who are your favorite authors?
I primarily read historical romances, although I enjoy Young Adult as well. My favorite authors are Loretta Chase, Sophie Jordan, Sarah MacLean, Mary Balogh, and Janet Mullany – among many, many others. J
What is your current project? And any new releases?
I just sent book two in my three-book contract to my editor. Revisions are next on the agenda. Once those are completed and accepted, I’ll start the partial for book three. HOW TO SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL will be out in July 2011 and features two characters from HOW TO MARRY A DUKE: Hawk and Julianne.
I just sent book two in my three-book contract to my editor. Revisions are next on the agenda. Once those are completed and accepted, I’ll start the partial for book three. HOW TO SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL will be out in July 2011 and features two characters from HOW TO MARRY A DUKE: Hawk and Julianne.
Where do you get your ideas for your stories?
The story ideas for all three books in my current contract involve spoofs on modern day dating/reality shows.
Oh, now that sounds interesting. I can’t wait to read your debut novel. How long were you trying to get published before you got the “call?”
I wrote my first Regency historical over a decade ago. Surprisingly, that first book did extremely well in major contests and was a Golden Heart finalist. I got a lot of agent and editor requests. I did massive revisions without promise of contract for an editor, but it all happened too fast. I was trying to learn the business and craft at the same time. It was overwhelming. The rejection broke my heart, but things happen for a reason. My personal life underwent big changes, and I ended up returning to university to finish my degree. I spent several years ramping up a marketing career. Once my kids got older, I returned to writing and sold the second book I wrote, HOW TO MARRY A DUKE.
I’m glad you didn’t give up your dream, Vicky. How did you celebrate the new book contract?
I met my friend Karen for lunch and margaritas. That night I attended a friend’s book signing, and afterward, we went back to the same Mexican restaurant (I wasn’t driving I promise!). I’ll always associate Chambord swirl margaritas with my first sale. J
Was the “call” an actual phone conversation or an email or a snail mail?
My agent notified me on a Thursday afternoon that two publishers had made offers on my book. I went to bed knowing I would sell a book the next day. Imagine trying to sleep after getting that news. J The next day, my phone rang every thirty minutes or so as my agent reported the latest offer. By noon CDT, I’d sold my first book in a three-book deal to Grand Central.
My agent notified me on a Thursday afternoon that two publishers had made offers on my book. I went to bed knowing I would sell a book the next day. Imagine trying to sleep after getting that news. J The next day, my phone rang every thirty minutes or so as my agent reported the latest offer. By noon CDT, I’d sold my first book in a three-book deal to Grand Central.
I know I wouldn't have slept a wink. Wow! What an exciting night. Now that you're published, what advice would you give aspiring writers?
There is a magnet on my refrigerator with a quote from Winston Churchill: Never, Never, Never Give Up.
In the face of rejection, and not giving up, what encouragement can you give writers who must face rejection and keep writing?
Fear is your worst enemy. Kick it to the curb, and do what you think you cannot do.
Do what you think you cannot do! Wow, I’m going to put that on my inspiration wall. Great advice. You obviously know how to battle back fear so what is the most difficult part about writing for you?
The first sentence. J
Giggle. What is the most surprising thing you discovered after you received the call?
I was a bit intimidated before getting my revision letter, but I got really excited as I read the changes. Love my editor. She's brilliant! xoxoxo
Vicky, your new book sounds delicious. And check out the gorgeous book cover! Amazing. I know I want to order HOW TO MARRY A DUKE today at Amazon. And one of our lucky commentators will win a free copy of this fabulous book. Yay!! Popping more champagne to celebrate!
