Ask the Author: Annette Mardis
Answered Questions (9)
Annette Mardis
I don't really have any mysteries in my life because I'm a pretty open person. Basically, what you see is what you get. But I put a lot of myself into my first book, the woman's fiction novella "Getting Her Money's Worth." And my experiences as a volunteer at a marine animal rescue in Clearwater have inspired some of the scenes and story lines in my Gulf Shore novels.
Annette Mardis
Hi. Thanks for your question. There are so many to choose from but I'd have to say Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler. Scarlett grows from a spoiled daughter of the Deep South to a world-weary woman who realizes too late that Rhett is the love of her life. And there is much more to Rhett than meets the eye. While Scarlett isn't admirable on the surface, mainly because of her self-absorption, she has an inner strength that pulls her through the worst of times. Rhett isn't bound by societal convention and tries to protect his heart against Scarlett's indifference. His sarcastic charm and vulnerability makes him very appealing. "Gone With the Wind" is not a perfect book by any means, but the story has stayed with me throughout much of my adulthood. That, to me, is a true measure of the success of a book.
Annette Mardis
Hi. Thanks for your question. There are several things you can do to get unblocked. All involve setting it aside for a bit. First thing you can do is walk away from the computer, even if it's just to go to the kitchen for a snack or a beverage. Getting away from it even for just a few minutes can refresh your mind. If you're really brain weary, stop for the day and sleep on it. Sometimes I can work through a scene in my head when I'm lying in bed. Keep a pen and paper by the bed in case this happens. Another suggestion: Write something even if you hate it. You can come back and rewrite it or tweak it later. Or, skip the scene entirely and go on to the next one. Go back later and add it the part that stumped you. You don't always have to write a book in order. If you've got a great idea for an ending, for example, write that first. With the book I'm writing now, I started with a section toward the middle and then wrote the beginning later. Hope this helps. If you have further questions. I'm always happy to answer them. Best of luck.
Annette Mardis
I think back to an effective Nike ad campaign and I just do it. I put something down on my computer screen, even if I don't like it, because I can always go back later and rewrite it. A lot of writers worry too much about writer's block. The best way to combat writer's block is to sit down and write.
Annette Mardis
Having someone tell me that he/she enjoyed one of my books is the ultimate payoff. I also get a thrill seeing my name on a book cover. And it's not a bad deal to be able to sit on the couch and work in my pajamas if I want to.
Annette Mardis
Read. A lot. Read different styles of writing and identify what you like and dislike. Pay attention to how the author handles pacing, character development, dialogue, scene setting, and other aspects of storytelling. Use those lessons learned to develop your own style. But don't ever try to copy someone else's style. Another important skill to acquire is the ability to self-edit. Not every word you write will be golden. Learn to tell the difference between the diamonds and the duds. Accept criticism gracefully and don't take it personally. And write. A lot.
Annette Mardis
I'm working on Book 3 of my Gulf Shore contemporary romance series. It's tentatively titled "Shore to Please," and it could be subtitled "Flipper's book." Sparks will fly in this love story starring Gulf Shore Aquarium head dolphin trainer Paul "Flipper" O'Riley and animal rights activist Tara Langley. Readers also will be able to catch up with all their other favorite characters.
Annette Mardis
Years ago, when I was in high school, a features writer at the local newspaper gave me and other aspiring journalists some very valuable advice that I've never forgotten. Deadlines don't care if you're sick, tired, disinterested, bored or preoccupied with other things. In other words, quit whining and get to work. Sticking to that directive wasn't always easy during a thirty-plus career as a newspaper journalist, but it taught me discipline that has carried over into my new career as a fiction author. I can procrastinate with the best of them, but when it's time to get to work, that's what I do. Often, I lie in bed at night and fantasize about my characters. It helps me decide where the story should go next.
Annette Mardis
I'm a lifelong Floridian, so setting my Gulf Shore contemporary romance series in the Sunshine State was a no brainer. I've loved dolphins and other marine animals all my life, and I volunteer at a nonprofit aquarium. Put all that together and you get the setting for "The Shore Thing," Book 1 in the Gulf Shore series. The plot line just kind of evolved from there.
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