Ask the Author: S.M. LaViolette
Answered Questions (20)
S.M. LaViolette
Hi Desdemona,
Believe it or not, Venetia's book is about 2/3 finished! When it will be 100% finished... well, I'm not sure. But I'll get to it some day! Thanks so much for being a supportive reader!
Believe it or not, Venetia's book is about 2/3 finished! When it will be 100% finished... well, I'm not sure. But I'll get to it some day! Thanks so much for being a supportive reader!
S.M. LaViolette
Hey Greg! Great to hear from you! Send me an email and I will write back. minerva@minervaspencer.com
S.M. LaViolette
Hi Candace,
I had to pull that series as I was too swamped to do it justice. I'm not sure when that project will get off the ground as I've "overbooked" myself for the coming year.
Anyhow, glad you enjoyed the Vic Dec series. I have several more of those planned.
SM/Minerva
I had to pull that series as I was too swamped to do it justice. I'm not sure when that project will get off the ground as I've "overbooked" myself for the coming year.
Anyhow, glad you enjoyed the Vic Dec series. I have several more of those planned.
SM/Minerva
S.M. LaViolette
Hi MBR,
I don't have a story for them in the works, but whenever I get questions about any of my secondary characters it does get me to thinking...lol.
Cheers,
S.M./Minerva
I don't have a story for them in the works, but whenever I get questions about any of my secondary characters it does get me to thinking...lol.
Cheers,
S.M./Minerva
S.M. LaViolette
Hi Aly,
You are welcome!
Right now I'm working on 3 books, just to keep things confusing, LOL. BALTHAZAR, SELINA, and A STORY OF LOVE. I'm also editing another 3 books, one for my publisher, THE CUTTHROAT COUNTESS, and my 2 science fiction books, AMIRA'S GAMBIT and THE IRON DUKE.
So, yep, I'm keeping busy!
You are welcome!
Right now I'm working on 3 books, just to keep things confusing, LOL. BALTHAZAR, SELINA, and A STORY OF LOVE. I'm also editing another 3 books, one for my publisher, THE CUTTHROAT COUNTESS, and my 2 science fiction books, AMIRA'S GAMBIT and THE IRON DUKE.
So, yep, I'm keeping busy!
S.M. LaViolette
Hi Candace:
Thank you for your question. I'm delighted that you are enjoying the series, which is definitely very close to my heart.
I'm not sure when book 6 will be ready. Not the answer you want, I'm sure, but as I had 2 of them last year I need to do some work on my other series. And then there are all my new ideas...
I DO have some short stories in the works for the various characters who've already had books. For example I'm working on a birthday "present" from Edward to Nora (the couple from HIS HARLOT). These aren't outtakes, but original mini stories. Because I write long, I find short stories a good challenge. Anyhow, look out for the first one within a month or so.
Thanks!
S.M.
Thank you for your question. I'm delighted that you are enjoying the series, which is definitely very close to my heart.
I'm not sure when book 6 will be ready. Not the answer you want, I'm sure, but as I had 2 of them last year I need to do some work on my other series. And then there are all my new ideas...
I DO have some short stories in the works for the various characters who've already had books. For example I'm working on a birthday "present" from Edward to Nora (the couple from HIS HARLOT). These aren't outtakes, but original mini stories. Because I write long, I find short stories a good challenge. Anyhow, look out for the first one within a month or so.
Thanks!
S.M.
S.M. LaViolette
Hi Bonnie:
Thanks for your lovely message, it gives me warm fuzzies to know you are doing some re-reading of my books! Especially HIS COUNTESS, which is one of my personal favorites.
I have stories started for both those characters and I am especially interested in learning more about Jackson (I'm a "discovery" writer so I never know what will happen until the words are down on the page, which means I am very curious about some of my own characters).
To make a long story short (pun intended8>) I'd hoped to write novellas for both Jackson and Kitty/Robert, but when I started writing the story quickly got out of control (a frequent issue for me...) so I had to put them on the back burner. Right now I have about 40 stories on my "back burner" (yes, a very large stove!!)
With 7 books to write this has been my busiest year, yet. Ironically, it is the ONE novella that I've committed to that is taking me the longest...
All that is to say I'm not sure when Jackson & Kitty's stories will be told.
There just isn't enough time in the day for all of them, unfortunately.
Thanks for your lovely message, it gives me warm fuzzies to know you are doing some re-reading of my books! Especially HIS COUNTESS, which is one of my personal favorites.
I have stories started for both those characters and I am especially interested in learning more about Jackson (I'm a "discovery" writer so I never know what will happen until the words are down on the page, which means I am very curious about some of my own characters).
To make a long story short (pun intended8>) I'd hoped to write novellas for both Jackson and Kitty/Robert, but when I started writing the story quickly got out of control (a frequent issue for me...) so I had to put them on the back burner. Right now I have about 40 stories on my "back burner" (yes, a very large stove!!)
With 7 books to write this has been my busiest year, yet. Ironically, it is the ONE novella that I've committed to that is taking me the longest...
All that is to say I'm not sure when Jackson & Kitty's stories will be told.
There just isn't enough time in the day for all of them, unfortunately.
S.M. LaViolette
Thank you! Malcolm actually "popped up" while I was writing Smith's book and his story demanded to be told first. So I think it is SMITH who keeps teasing me;>)
S.M. LaViolette
Hi Cosmic Blue:
Thank you for your beautiful words! It's so nice to hear that you're enjoying the series. I love that the characters have wormed their way into your mind/heart, they are definitely some of my favorite, too.
I have started Jackson's story, but I honestly don't know when that will be out. I had planned to write it before HER BEAST, but my hero in that one--Malcolm Barton--just muscled his way into my imagination.
I have 7 books and 1 novella to write next year, so I'm guessing the earliest you'll see Jackson's story is going to be 2023.
I hope you have a great rest of 2021 filled with lots of awesome books, and thanks again for reaching out.
SM/Minerva
Thank you for your beautiful words! It's so nice to hear that you're enjoying the series. I love that the characters have wormed their way into your mind/heart, they are definitely some of my favorite, too.
I have started Jackson's story, but I honestly don't know when that will be out. I had planned to write it before HER BEAST, but my hero in that one--Malcolm Barton--just muscled his way into my imagination.
I have 7 books and 1 novella to write next year, so I'm guessing the earliest you'll see Jackson's story is going to be 2023.
I hope you have a great rest of 2021 filled with lots of awesome books, and thanks again for reaching out.
SM/Minerva
S.M. LaViolette
Hi Anjali! I found this comment when I came to answer a different comment.
Well, I hope my eyes aren't bigger than my stomach, as the saying goes, when it comes to getting all these books out in 2021.
Right now I feel pretty good about getting it all done and I've handed in more than a book a month to various publishers, so I've been cranking away.
The problem has been a ton of new stories crowding my brain. I like to get at least 50 pages down on a story so I can pick it up later and have something to go on. That tends to cut into my schedule.
Knowing I have readers wanting certain stories really inspires me, so thanks for being so supportive.
Take care and stay safe!
SM/Minerva
Well, I hope my eyes aren't bigger than my stomach, as the saying goes, when it comes to getting all these books out in 2021.
Right now I feel pretty good about getting it all done and I've handed in more than a book a month to various publishers, so I've been cranking away.
The problem has been a ton of new stories crowding my brain. I like to get at least 50 pages down on a story so I can pick it up later and have something to go on. That tends to cut into my schedule.
Knowing I have readers wanting certain stories really inspires me, so thanks for being so supportive.
Take care and stay safe!
SM/Minerva
S.M. LaViolette
I was so thrilled to get this message in my email! Thank you for loving my books. I LOVE hearing that. Victorian Decadence is a big favorite with me, too. I have a hard time deciding which one I like best. Luckily I don't HAVE to decide...hahaha!
I just finished a second draft of an upcoming book, A PORTRAIT OF LOVE, and that went off to my initial beta readers before it goes to editing. Anyhow, I rewarded myself by starting a brand new story! Yes, because I don't have enough of them lying around.
My initial hope was that I could write a short story or novella, but I wrote about 16 pages today and I've already got grand ideas for a duology. Why can't I write novellas??
I hope to have Smith's story out sometime early-ish next year. I have it almost completely written, but I am unhappy with it. Usually, if I just let things sit for a while, it will occur to me what is "wrong".
I share excerpts on my website and usually announce them in my newsletters (which I'm pretty bad about putting out as much as I want), so as soon as I feel like the story is going the way I want, I'll put three or four chapters up to read. Right now I could easily change the story and the first few chapters might go to the scrap heap!
What I'd really like to try is releasing a serialized novel somewhere (on some platform), but I just don't have enough knowledge of the serial scene to know what works best. (any and all suggestions for how to do such a thing are welcome!)
I will start working on THE POSTILION tomorrow, which is book 2 in THE MASQUERADERS series. It will be fun re-visiting that world, as it has been quite a while since I wrote THE FOOTMAN.
Thank you for reaching out. I just love hearing from people who've read my books and enjoy them.
A safe and joyous holiday to you!
SM/Minerva
I just finished a second draft of an upcoming book, A PORTRAIT OF LOVE, and that went off to my initial beta readers before it goes to editing. Anyhow, I rewarded myself by starting a brand new story! Yes, because I don't have enough of them lying around.
My initial hope was that I could write a short story or novella, but I wrote about 16 pages today and I've already got grand ideas for a duology. Why can't I write novellas??
I hope to have Smith's story out sometime early-ish next year. I have it almost completely written, but I am unhappy with it. Usually, if I just let things sit for a while, it will occur to me what is "wrong".
I share excerpts on my website and usually announce them in my newsletters (which I'm pretty bad about putting out as much as I want), so as soon as I feel like the story is going the way I want, I'll put three or four chapters up to read. Right now I could easily change the story and the first few chapters might go to the scrap heap!
What I'd really like to try is releasing a serialized novel somewhere (on some platform), but I just don't have enough knowledge of the serial scene to know what works best. (any and all suggestions for how to do such a thing are welcome!)
I will start working on THE POSTILION tomorrow, which is book 2 in THE MASQUERADERS series. It will be fun re-visiting that world, as it has been quite a while since I wrote THE FOOTMAN.
Thank you for reaching out. I just love hearing from people who've read my books and enjoy them.
A safe and joyous holiday to you!
SM/Minerva
S.M. LaViolette
People often ask this. The answer is not easy ...
I work on several books at one time. I also am usually writing various articles (or promo pieces) for one of my two publishers.
Here are Word docx files that are open and I'm currently working on (either 1st or 2nd draft):
Book 3 in THE REBELS OF THE TON, which is titled INFAMOUS.
Book 3 in THE ACADEMY OF LOVE, which is titled A PORTRAIT OF LOVE
Book 3 in THE LIGHTNER & LAW series, which is untitled
Book 4 in VICTORIAN DECADENCE series, which is untitled
Book 5 in VICTORIAN DECADENCE series, which is titled HER BEAST Two untitled sci fi books, which are alien erotic romances (written in 1st person POV, which is a first time ever for me)
These are all WIPs (works in progress)
This past week I also received edits from both my editors, so those need to get done by the second week of November. Those are for:
OUTRAGEOUS book 2 in THE REBELS OF THE TON
CROOKED IN HIS WAYS which is book 2 of LIGHTNER & LAW
I currently have 2 files open for articles that I've not made much progress on.
I don't have trouble switching between books and usually write a few pages on all of them on any given day. I was worried that writing a book in 1st person POV would mess up my head, but it turns out that isn't a problem. I could really gush about how much fun I'm having with 1st person POV ...
I work on several books at one time. I also am usually writing various articles (or promo pieces) for one of my two publishers.
Here are Word docx files that are open and I'm currently working on (either 1st or 2nd draft):
Book 3 in THE REBELS OF THE TON, which is titled INFAMOUS.
Book 3 in THE ACADEMY OF LOVE, which is titled A PORTRAIT OF LOVE
Book 3 in THE LIGHTNER & LAW series, which is untitled
Book 4 in VICTORIAN DECADENCE series, which is untitled
Book 5 in VICTORIAN DECADENCE series, which is titled HER BEAST Two untitled sci fi books, which are alien erotic romances (written in 1st person POV, which is a first time ever for me)
These are all WIPs (works in progress)
This past week I also received edits from both my editors, so those need to get done by the second week of November. Those are for:
OUTRAGEOUS book 2 in THE REBELS OF THE TON
CROOKED IN HIS WAYS which is book 2 of LIGHTNER & LAW
I currently have 2 files open for articles that I've not made much progress on.
I don't have trouble switching between books and usually write a few pages on all of them on any given day. I was worried that writing a book in 1st person POV would mess up my head, but it turns out that isn't a problem. I could really gush about how much fun I'm having with 1st person POV ...
S.M. LaViolette
You're welcome! Yes, his story will definitely be out in 2021. Nora and Edward are a very happy couple ...
S.M. LaViolette
Hi Anjali! It's always lovely to hear from you! I hope you are doing well.
First, your question about FETTERED. That's actually a story I'm writing for Corinne Michaels' Salvation Society world. It was scheduled for October but got pushed to next year. It's a dual timeline story told in the present and in 1817. The story ties into both the Salvation Society and one of my series.
Second, Smith. Well, I've had a few Smith-related questions lately--both on GR and via email-- and they've made me think more about the book, which I had put aside. I was really resisting the direction the story was going because it is a very new direction for me and was making me uncomfortable. There, doesn't THAT sound scary?? Hahaha!
Anyhow, I pulled out what I'd written (@350 pp) and re-read it over the past few evenings. Yep, I know where things are headed, now. And, yep, it's a new direction. Will that direction make people happy? Hahaha.
First, your question about FETTERED. That's actually a story I'm writing for Corinne Michaels' Salvation Society world. It was scheduled for October but got pushed to next year. It's a dual timeline story told in the present and in 1817. The story ties into both the Salvation Society and one of my series.
Second, Smith. Well, I've had a few Smith-related questions lately--both on GR and via email-- and they've made me think more about the book, which I had put aside. I was really resisting the direction the story was going because it is a very new direction for me and was making me uncomfortable. There, doesn't THAT sound scary?? Hahaha!
Anyhow, I pulled out what I'd written (@350 pp) and re-read it over the past few evenings. Yep, I know where things are headed, now. And, yep, it's a new direction. Will that direction make people happy? Hahaha.
S.M. LaViolette
And I LOVE getting thoughtful and lovely messages from readers, so thank YOU! (Sorry about the sleep schedule. Well, not really. HAHAHAHA!)
Victorian Decadence (VD for short;>) is a very special series for me. It is the only series I've written just to please myself--rather than publishers, the market, or reader expectations. That means that anything and everything can happen in these stories (and pretty much has in the first 3).
I really expected that most readers would hate the books. I was personally shocked by some of the shit the characters got up to and the temptation to cut out--or at least temper--their more obnoxious behavior was STRONG. But I decided to let the characters remain true, no matter how unappealing that could be, sometimes.
As a romance writer, it's all too easy to fall into what I call the "Danielle Steele trap", which means writing the same book and character types, with minor changes, over and over and over again because it sells well.
Victorian Decadence was a big middle finger to that trap.
I'm not sure when Smith's book will be out. I described my issues with Smith in the answer to Susan's question. (either above or below, not sure)
As for Jackson, he's one of those secondary characters who just started to be a scene stealer. By the time I was done with HIS COUNTESS I just had to know more about Jackson.
I've barely started Jackson's book and still have 3 books to finish this year, so I'm not sure when that will come out. Because these books are my hobby (rather than ones I've contracted for), I don't always get to spend as much time on them as I'd like.
I keep thinking I'll tidy up the first 3 chapters or so of Smith's book and put it on my website as a preview. I'll post that on my GR blog when I finally get my ass in gear.
Thanks again for your kind words and I hope you have a safe and book-filled fall!
Victorian Decadence (VD for short;>) is a very special series for me. It is the only series I've written just to please myself--rather than publishers, the market, or reader expectations. That means that anything and everything can happen in these stories (and pretty much has in the first 3).
I really expected that most readers would hate the books. I was personally shocked by some of the shit the characters got up to and the temptation to cut out--or at least temper--their more obnoxious behavior was STRONG. But I decided to let the characters remain true, no matter how unappealing that could be, sometimes.
As a romance writer, it's all too easy to fall into what I call the "Danielle Steele trap", which means writing the same book and character types, with minor changes, over and over and over again because it sells well.
Victorian Decadence was a big middle finger to that trap.
I'm not sure when Smith's book will be out. I described my issues with Smith in the answer to Susan's question. (either above or below, not sure)
As for Jackson, he's one of those secondary characters who just started to be a scene stealer. By the time I was done with HIS COUNTESS I just had to know more about Jackson.
I've barely started Jackson's book and still have 3 books to finish this year, so I'm not sure when that will come out. Because these books are my hobby (rather than ones I've contracted for), I don't always get to spend as much time on them as I'd like.
I keep thinking I'll tidy up the first 3 chapters or so of Smith's book and put it on my website as a preview. I'll post that on my GR blog when I finally get my ass in gear.
Thanks again for your kind words and I hope you have a safe and book-filled fall!
S.M. LaViolette
Hi Susan, thanks for your kind words!
I'm about 3/4 through with Smith's story and I had to stop.
Here is probably more information than you wanted ....
I am, apparently, what's called a "discovery" writer. That means I learn what is going on as I write.
To me, it feels like I get to know an already fully formed character--they let me know what they want me to know. Just like people.
Smith, I'm learning, is a difficult character because he views sex and love as completely separate. To most people (well, at least Westerners, who are really the only group I can speak for) sexual fidelity is HUGE. To Smith, love is huge--and very, very rare. Sex is just sex. He will have sex whenever he wants, with whomever he wants, but he will only give his love to one person.
He is not an easy person to love. He is also not a nice person--unless he cares for you--and has done many bad things in his life. Smith's past, I've learned, is unspeakably brutal and dark. I was actually shocked to learn what he'd lived through.
I'm also shocked by what he apparently wants in his life. So shocked I had to stop writing his story for a while. Why? Because the temptation to force a character to "behave" or conform to societal norms is often strong. I want Smith to be who he is, whether I like it, or not.
Aren't writers nuts??;>)
The good news, IMO, is that I met another character in Smith's book who will get his own book: Malcolm Barton. Malcolm gives Smith a run for his money in the "fucked up in the head" department, so that is fun for me.
Thanks for reaching out. I love talking about this series because it is so "below the radar" for me and doesn't get the attention my traditionally published books do.
I'm about 3/4 through with Smith's story and I had to stop.
Here is probably more information than you wanted ....
I am, apparently, what's called a "discovery" writer. That means I learn what is going on as I write.
To me, it feels like I get to know an already fully formed character--they let me know what they want me to know. Just like people.
Smith, I'm learning, is a difficult character because he views sex and love as completely separate. To most people (well, at least Westerners, who are really the only group I can speak for) sexual fidelity is HUGE. To Smith, love is huge--and very, very rare. Sex is just sex. He will have sex whenever he wants, with whomever he wants, but he will only give his love to one person.
He is not an easy person to love. He is also not a nice person--unless he cares for you--and has done many bad things in his life. Smith's past, I've learned, is unspeakably brutal and dark. I was actually shocked to learn what he'd lived through.
I'm also shocked by what he apparently wants in his life. So shocked I had to stop writing his story for a while. Why? Because the temptation to force a character to "behave" or conform to societal norms is often strong. I want Smith to be who he is, whether I like it, or not.
Aren't writers nuts??;>)
The good news, IMO, is that I met another character in Smith's book who will get his own book: Malcolm Barton. Malcolm gives Smith a run for his money in the "fucked up in the head" department, so that is fun for me.
Thanks for reaching out. I love talking about this series because it is so "below the radar" for me and doesn't get the attention my traditionally published books do.
S.M. LaViolette
Hi Frouke:
You've made an excellent catch that got through 2 editors and several proofers! It should be le petit mort, meaning little death, an artistic euphemism for an orgasm.
You've made an excellent catch that got through 2 editors and several proofers! It should be le petit mort, meaning little death, an artistic euphemism for an orgasm.
S.M. LaViolette
Hi Kendra. Thanks so much for reaching out! Yes, I'm working on 2 new books for the series, one about Smith and one about Jackson, who you met in His Countess.
Thanks for your support!
Thanks for your support!
S.M. LaViolette
Hi Keri:
Hahahaha! I'm trying!
Yes, John's book is already about 3/4 finished. It is called THE BASTARD and should be out early next year. The 2nd book, THE POSTILION, (featuring Doctor Venable from THE FOOTMAN) will also be out next year.
John Fielding is one of my favorite characters. He is so damaged--both physically and emotionally--and just BEGGING for a good woman ...
Thanks for your comment, happy reading!
Minerva/SM
Hahahaha! I'm trying!
Yes, John's book is already about 3/4 finished. It is called THE BASTARD and should be out early next year. The 2nd book, THE POSTILION, (featuring Doctor Venable from THE FOOTMAN) will also be out next year.
John Fielding is one of my favorite characters. He is so damaged--both physically and emotionally--and just BEGGING for a good woman ...
Thanks for your comment, happy reading!
Minerva/SM
S.M. LaViolette
Hi Keri:
Your words are music to my ears!
I DO have Robert and Kitty's book in the works. This series has generated a lot of "spin off" stories as some of the secondary characters are very popular.
I wish I could say when I'll have the book out, but I don't yet have a release date.
The good news is that I have several books coming out in the next few months. They aren't in this series, but they are some of my favorite books and I hope you'll enjoy meeting new characters.
Thanks for your support!
SM/Minerva
Your words are music to my ears!
I DO have Robert and Kitty's book in the works. This series has generated a lot of "spin off" stories as some of the secondary characters are very popular.
I wish I could say when I'll have the book out, but I don't yet have a release date.
The good news is that I have several books coming out in the next few months. They aren't in this series, but they are some of my favorite books and I hope you'll enjoy meeting new characters.
Thanks for your support!
SM/Minerva
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