Ask the Author: Susan Laine
Answered Questions (7)
Susan Laine
Yes. Train To Somewhere should come out this October, and Dreams and Expectations this December. Plus, I'm writing the fifth as we speak :) Thank you kindly for the question, Blackmermaid.
Susan Laine
The favorite couple of my own stories? I'd have to say it's a tie between Bro & Lacey from The Sweetest Scent and Matt & Rain from Falling for Rain. The first involves young adults, going through high school and college, two young men where one likes to wear women's clothes. The second story is, coincidentally, also about a man who likes to dress up as a woman, this time for his job. Rain is one of my absolute favorite characters of all time.
Favorite couples by other authors? Hmm, that's a lot harder. There are a few I keep going back to. One is Simon and Michael in Heart to Hart by Erin O'Quinn. They're so sexy together, the happenstance detectives in a fictional historical town, where one is a reluctant man who is seduced by the other, one careful step at a time. I adore them. The other pair is Sam & Mitch from Special Delivery by Heidi Cullinan. They're so kinky and realistic and loving, the story just breaks my heart. Love 'em.
Favorite couples by other authors? Hmm, that's a lot harder. There are a few I keep going back to. One is Simon and Michael in Heart to Hart by Erin O'Quinn. They're so sexy together, the happenstance detectives in a fictional historical town, where one is a reluctant man who is seduced by the other, one careful step at a time. I adore them. The other pair is Sam & Mitch from Special Delivery by Heidi Cullinan. They're so kinky and realistic and loving, the story just breaks my heart. Love 'em.
Susan Laine
Thank you kindly, Lauren. I'm happy you liked Jordan and Sebastian :)
I'll have to ask my publisher if an audio version is in the works. The option is in the contract, so it's definitely possible. I'll get back to you once I know myself.
I'll have to ask my publisher if an audio version is in the works. The option is in the contract, so it's definitely possible. I'll get back to you once I know myself.
Susan Laine
One, improving my craft, like anyone does with their job and career. I believe I'm better these days than when I began. But I guess that's ultimately the decision of those who read my work. Nonetheless, I try to learn from past mistakes and hone my craft. In the beginning I wrote very flowery erotica but I've toned that down since then, I think.
Two, having people read my stories. Every time someone tells me they like or love what I've written, I smile like a loon. Every. Single. Time. Even if they don't like it, there's a nerve-wracking excitement to be had from exposing others to what is rattling around in my brain. It's a risk to expose my inner workings to the world, but that's a risk that everyone with a creative job has to accept.
Three, the possibility of making writing into a career, even though that wonderful future so far has eluded me. I hope one day I will be able to go into this with my eyes wide open, with experience under my belt, and the royalties providing a stable subsistence. Not yet though, but hope lives.
Two, having people read my stories. Every time someone tells me they like or love what I've written, I smile like a loon. Every. Single. Time. Even if they don't like it, there's a nerve-wracking excitement to be had from exposing others to what is rattling around in my brain. It's a risk to expose my inner workings to the world, but that's a risk that everyone with a creative job has to accept.
Three, the possibility of making writing into a career, even though that wonderful future so far has eluded me. I hope one day I will be able to go into this with my eyes wide open, with experience under my belt, and the royalties providing a stable subsistence. Not yet though, but hope lives.
Susan Laine
My only superstition is that I won't jinx my current WIP by telling anyone about it. Sorry :)
Susan Laine
If you know what publisher you dream of working with, you usually have an idea about the genres they accept. If that's the case, read the submission guidelines carefully and work within them. That shows you're taking the job seriously and professionally.
Practice, practice, practice. In writing, that means read, read, read. Learn how to write: The technique, the grammar, and saying much with a few choice words.
Once you've done that--started to master your craft--all you need are stories. Don't be afraid to think outside the box, as genre mixes are getting more popular. Let your imagination run wild.
And last, but not least, write. Just. Write. Every day. Even if it's merely a word here and word there. Write every single day.
60-100 words per day, and you have a novella on your hands in a year. 160-200 words per day, and you have a novel on your hand in a year. Try it and find your rhythm and pace. That comes with practice and experience.
Practice, practice, practice. In writing, that means read, read, read. Learn how to write: The technique, the grammar, and saying much with a few choice words.
Once you've done that--started to master your craft--all you need are stories. Don't be afraid to think outside the box, as genre mixes are getting more popular. Let your imagination run wild.
And last, but not least, write. Just. Write. Every day. Even if it's merely a word here and word there. Write every single day.
60-100 words per day, and you have a novella on your hands in a year. 160-200 words per day, and you have a novel on your hand in a year. Try it and find your rhythm and pace. That comes with practice and experience.
Susan Laine
Writer's block can be the result of many different reasons. If I'm too exhausted to write, I listen to music or read a book, watch a movie or go for a walk in the woods to rejuvenate and to find my inspiration again. If my head refuses to work and give me usable text, I do something physically relaxing, like go for a swim or a walk, something physical to get my mind to unwind and clear the blockage. I've found that if you figure out why you can't write, you can also think up a way to get past it.
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Aug 03, 2017 04:31AM · flag