Ask the Author: Anne Rouen
Answered Questions (12)
Anne Rouen
Right now I would love to go back to the magical worlds of books in my childhood and revisit The Faraway Tree. An adventure with Silkie is just what I need!
Anne Rouen
Hi Cintia, Thank you for this question and I will try my best to answer it. The rejection rate of manuscripts certainly is daunting to those of us hoping to be picked up by a publisher. I find that it is best not to compare myself with other authors. Everyone is different and has their own unique point of view, bringing something fresh even when writing on the same topic. This can be stimulating rather than depressing.
As to the state of our industry, I try not to think about it, and there is always the fun of self-publishing since it has been made so easy and accessible.
I write because I love it and feel impelled to tell a story that is in my head and hassling me to get out! I seem to have to do it to find fulfillment. I never think about the industry when I am writing! Only about the creative flow that I am trying to get down on paper. Sometimes, I agree, it is hard going to press on with an idea when the flow suddenly dries up. And thinking about anything except what you're writing is guaranteed to make it happen, in my experience!
I would suggest you try the classic cure for writer's block: Empty your mind and sit with pen and paper. Write anything that comes into your head. This always works for me but sometimes takes up to an hour. Then the flow comes back.
Good luck with your writing, Cintia. I hope I have helped you a little.
As to the state of our industry, I try not to think about it, and there is always the fun of self-publishing since it has been made so easy and accessible.
I write because I love it and feel impelled to tell a story that is in my head and hassling me to get out! I seem to have to do it to find fulfillment. I never think about the industry when I am writing! Only about the creative flow that I am trying to get down on paper. Sometimes, I agree, it is hard going to press on with an idea when the flow suddenly dries up. And thinking about anything except what you're writing is guaranteed to make it happen, in my experience!
I would suggest you try the classic cure for writer's block: Empty your mind and sit with pen and paper. Write anything that comes into your head. This always works for me but sometimes takes up to an hour. Then the flow comes back.
Good luck with your writing, Cintia. I hope I have helped you a little.
Anne Rouen
Hi there, Sorry to be late with this question. I am planning to finish writing two novels this year but I do plan to fit in some recreational reading as well. A book I have been meaning to read for ages, Matthew Flinder's Cat by Bryce Courtenay is definitely on my list. As are Beneath Outback Skies by Alissa Callen and Floodtide by Judy Nunn. I recently read The Help by Kathryn Stockett which I enjoyed immensely.
Anne Rouen
I don't think I have any personal mysteries, except in the things and happenings around me. Delving into history, I find many mysteries that cannot be explained, and in thinking about them, I can find myself with a plot for a book, novella or short story.
For example, a few years ago I visited the historic Gore Hill cemetery in North Sydney when I noticed one particular headstone. It stood out because it was inscribed with only a name, an age and a date of death. She was a young woman of only 24. I wondered who she was and what had happened to her so much that it played on my mind and I had to find out.
With the help of my sister, a family historian, I researched what I could find of her life and death. She was married, yet there was no indication of this on her headstone.
This mystery, combined with the wording of her simple funeral notice and the brevity of her inscription, gave me the idea for my short story, The Anniversary.
For example, a few years ago I visited the historic Gore Hill cemetery in North Sydney when I noticed one particular headstone. It stood out because it was inscribed with only a name, an age and a date of death. She was a young woman of only 24. I wondered who she was and what had happened to her so much that it played on my mind and I had to find out.
With the help of my sister, a family historian, I researched what I could find of her life and death. She was married, yet there was no indication of this on her headstone.
This mystery, combined with the wording of her simple funeral notice and the brevity of her inscription, gave me the idea for my short story, The Anniversary.
Anne Rouen
This is a difficult question for me to answer because I have met and fallen in love with a host of fictional characters who, at the end of a book, become a most satisfying romantic couple.
Out of them all, two couples spring to mind: The Duke of Avon and Leonie in These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer -glorious, fairytale romance; and those irrepressible, lovable sleuths, Tommy and Tuppence, created by Agatha Christie in The Secret Adversary and continuing their exploits over a lifetime in books such as N or M?; By the Pricking of my Thumbs and Postern of Fate.
Amongst my own characters, my all-time, forever favourites are Angel and Elise.
Out of them all, two couples spring to mind: The Duke of Avon and Leonie in These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer -glorious, fairytale romance; and those irrepressible, lovable sleuths, Tommy and Tuppence, created by Agatha Christie in The Secret Adversary and continuing their exploits over a lifetime in books such as N or M?; By the Pricking of my Thumbs and Postern of Fate.
Amongst my own characters, my all-time, forever favourites are Angel and Elise.
Anne Rouen
Hi Janie,
Thank you for your question. With some characters, I do already know when I begin the book, that they will become romantically involved. But some make up their own minds as the story unfolds and surprise me as well as themselves. One such situation was the later development of Madame Dupont's romance. I hope this answers your question, Janie?
Happy reading,
Anne
Thank you for your question. With some characters, I do already know when I begin the book, that they will become romantically involved. But some make up their own minds as the story unfolds and surprise me as well as themselves. One such situation was the later development of Madame Dupont's romance. I hope this answers your question, Janie?
Happy reading,
Anne
Anne Rouen
The Master of Illusion series was inspired by my love of beautiful music, opera and ballet, the opulence and drama of the nineteenth century Parisian operatic world and the mystery and intrigue of the wonderful movie: The Phantom of the Opera
Anne Rouen
Cemeteries, family history, headlines in old newspapers; virtually any amazing life-event in history will do it. But I guess I am a sucker for the romance and drama of the 19th century Parisian operatic and ballet world. I totally adore the period known as the Belle Epoque, its fashions and customs, elegance and art.
Anne Rouen
I am currently writing the last few chapters of the final book in my Master of Illusion series, which I am a little sad about because I will find it very hard to say goodbye to my characters. But I am already excited about a new historical romance/mystery that I can't wait to start on.
Anne Rouen
Write what you love. Believe in yourself and your gift. Take time to learn and polish your craft. Join a writer's group for mutual support and feedback. Stay positive and don't be discouraged. Writing is a long journey: enjoy it!
Anne Rouen
Doing what I love and knowing that this is what I was meant to be. I find sharing with other like-minded people inspiring.
Anne Rouen
It is essential to have a quiet place without interruptions. Then I try to empty my mind and sit with a pen in my hand until something comes to me, even if it is not quite what I envisioned, and I start writing. I persevere until this happens, sometimes up to an hour, but it breaks the block and restores the creative flow. This method usually works for me.
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