February 2005 Issue
The Internet Writing JournalISSN No. 1095-3973
Volume 9, Issue 1.
In This Issue:
A Conversation With Suzanne BrockmannNew York Times bestselling romance novelist Suzanne Brockmann has an overflowing awards shelf. She is the recipient of the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Series Romance, seven Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Awards, sixteen WISH Awards, and two RITA Awards from the Romance Writers of America. She has also garnered six Gold Medal reviews from Romantic Times magazine, and her books were voted RWA's #1 Favorite for three years running. Suz's latest book is Hot Target (Ballantine), a groundbreaking novel set in her popular Troubleshooters, Inc. world. Hot Target is an exciting romantic suspense tale, with -- in a first for a mainstream romance -- a gay romantic subplot featuring Jules Cassidy, a popular recurring character from previous books in the series. In this exclusive interview, Suz talks candidly to us about Hot Target, which she dedicates to her gay son Jason. Suz talks about the special challenges that this book posed for her and her family and how she made her decision to go public with Jason's story of coming out. She also shares her writing secrets regarding the use of Deep Point of View and the one thing that aspiring writers must keep in mind at all times if they want to get published.
A Conversation With Kelley Armstrong
Kelley Armstrong is a rising star in the publishing world. The Canadian author of the bestselling Women of the Otherworld Series has a worldwide readership which is growing by leaps and bounds. Her first book, Bitten, is set in urban America. But in Kelley Armstrong's America, the paranormal exists right beside the everyday world. Bitten introduced readers to Elena Michaels, the only female werewolf in existence. Bitten enthralled readers with its likeable protagonist, its sly sense of humor and crisp writing. The movie rights were snapped up by Warner Brothers and a script has been written for the film, with Angelia Jolie attached to the project to play werewolf Elena Michaels. Kelley's latest book is Industrial Magic (Bantam Spectra), which focuses on fledgling witch Paige Winterbourne. The next book in the series, Haunted, is due out in May, 2005. Kelley spoke with us about her move from computer programmer to bestselling author and how she created the Women of the Otherworld series. She also shares her secrets for juggling her parenting duties to three children with the demands of her writing career.
A Cool, Dark Guinness and Something About Adverbs
Would you rather drink a cold, dark pint of Guinness or a just a Guinness? There are times when adjectives or adverbs work, there are times when they just look bolted on the side of the story. The question is, how do you know when to modify, when to be bald and bold? In his latest article, "A Cool, Dark Guinness," British novelist addresses the all-important issue of adverbs and adjectives.
Danger and Opportunity: The Birth of Regina Cutter
For a creative writer, almost anything can spark an interesting story idea. For Cecelia Tishy, Vanderbilt University Professor of American Literature and author of the popular Regina Cutter mystery series, the spark for her new novel came from two television ads aimed at well-to-do, midforties U.S. women. Cecelia explains how Reggie (Regina) Cutter, the lead character and driving force of Now You See Her, was born—or hatched—from two ads targeting well-to-do, midforties U.S. women in her author essay, "Danger and Opportunity: The Birth of Regina Cutter."
Nine Tips For Aspiring Romance Writers
"Murphy’s Law must have come from publishing. In a business in which much can go wrong, something often does. Authors usually have very little control over the publishing process, though we are the most affected by its results." So says bestselling romance novelist Claire Delacroix, author of The Beauty Bride (Warner Books). So, given the difficulties inherent in becoming a published romance author, how does one get started? Ms. Delacroix shares her secrets in her author essay, "Nine Tips For Aspiring Romance Writers."
Book Reviews
Children's/Young Adult
Maya Running by Anjali Banerjee (Wendy Lamb Books)
Fantasy/SF
Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson (Tor)
Industrial Magic by Kelley Armstrong (Bantam Spectra)
Sliding Scales by Alan Dean Foster (Del Rey)
General Fiction
The Falls by Joyce Carol Oates (Ecco)
Mystery/Thriller
The Final Solution by Michael Chabon (4th Estate)
State of Fear by Michael Crichton (HarperCollins)
Nonfiction
America: The Book by Jon Stewart and the Writers of The Daily Show (Warner Books)
The Daily Drucker by Peter F. Drucker (HarperBusiness)
Radical Collaboration : Five Essential Skills to Overcome Defensiveness and Build Successful Relationships by James W. Tamm and Ronald J. Luyet (HarperBusiness)
The Success Principles by Jack Canfield with Janet Switzer (HarperCollins)
Romance and Women's Fiction
Divine Fire by Melanie Jackson (Dorchester)
Highlander in Disguise by Julia London (Pocket Star)
Hot Target by Suzanne Brockmann (Ballantine)
Time Rogues by Kay Austin (Love Spell)
Writing
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Creative Writing by Laurie E. Rozakis, Ph.D. (Alpha Books)
The Fantasy Writer's Companion edited by Tee Morris and Valerie Griswold-Ford (Dragon Moon)
The Screenwriter's Sourcebook by Michael Haddad (Chicago Review Press)
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