Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

Anya Wylde,a Romance, Mystery & Thrillers, Science Fiction & Fantasy author, will be joining us for a Q&A and book giveaway, October 9 - October 10, 2013.

Meet Anya:

Anya Wylde lives in Ireland along with her husband and a fat French poodle (now on a diet). She can cook a mean curry, and her idea of exercise is occasionally stretching her toes. She holds a degree in English literature and adores reading and writing.



Seeking Philbert Woodbead -
Miss Celine Fairweather’s life was bobbing along like a boat on a tranquil stream when all of a sudden a summons from her beloved sister Penelope Radclyff, the Duchess of Blackthorne, changed it all.

Celine hurtles off to the London to help the duchess run the Blackthorne Mansion and to discover the whereabouts of her lost love Philbert Woodbead.

Celine manages to keep things deathly dull and under control for a whole week until she enlists the help of the handsome Lord Elmer—a mischievous rogue, an ex-pirate, and an incorrigible flirt who is wanted dead by all of England’s husbands with attractive wives.

They scurry from one giddy escapade to another seeking Philbert in musty inns and dusty streets, and through it all Celine tries to keep her bonnet straight, her gloves spotless and her heart in tune with her head.

Life has suddenly turned exciting, and love has well and truly bitten her rosy buttocks. Now the only question is … who has done the biting?



Twitter: https://twitter.com/Anyawylde



Books: , ,


Giveaway: Anya will be giving away two ebook copies of Seeking Philbert Woodbead. This giveaway is open to everyone.

Welcome Anya, it's a pleasure having you with us!

I hope you enjoy your time with our members; and good luck to you all!


GUIDELINES FOR AUTHOR AND PARTICIPANTS:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Members, if you can please write the questions in bold; it would be easier for Anya to know that you have asked a question and less chance that it will be missed. Thanks!



In order to bold-

Place < b > before the question you have for Sylvia and < /b > after the question. Make sure there are no spaces.

*

Welcome Anya:) Your books seem like a lot of fun! And I noticed one of my GR friends who has read one of your books recommended it for stand up comics ;)

Clearly you enjoy the your writing - do you find yourself laughing and giggling as you write the book? And have you ever done any stand up comedy?

Jane (PS) wrote: "Welcome Anya:) Your books seem like a lot of fun! And I noticed one of my GR friends who has read one of your books recommended it for stand up comics ;)

Clearly you enjoy the your writing - do yo..."

Thank you for the question, Jane. I dream up most of my characters and plots and I often burst into laughter in the middle of the night frightening the life out of my poor husband. As for stand up comedy ... I would rather dine on roaches and sup on earthworms than face more than six people at a time. Apart from that I am one of those people who thinks of great comebacks two days after the incident has already occurred (not very helpful on stage).

Fran wrote: "Welcome Anya, it's a pleasure having you with us!

I hope you enjoy your time with our members; and good luck to you all!


GUIDELINES FOR AUTHOR AND PARTICIPANTS:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/..."

Thank you so much Fran. It is a pleasure to be here.

Anya wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "Welcome Anya:) Your books seem like a lot of fun! And I noticed one of my GR friends who has read one of your books recommended it for stand up comics ;)

Clearly you enjoy the yo..."

I think we are a bit early for everyone here!

Are you planning on writing humourous books in other romance sub-genres?

Hello, Anya! I've heard comedic writing for an international audience in difficult because various nations have very different ideas about what is or isn't acceptable humor. Do you find that to be true and, if so, how do you overcome it? Thanks!

Jane (PS) wrote: "Anya wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "Welcome Anya:) Your books seem like a lot of fun! And I noticed one of my GR friends who has read one of your books recommended it for stand up comics ;)

Clearly you..."

I want to write some paranormal romance books, as well as young adult dystopian novels. Maybe even contemporary romance. I think I will take a stab at something new once I finish my Fairweather sister series as well as the Lord Adair detective series. I have a lot of plans running around in my head. Though, I don't think I can write anything but comedy. I tried writing a sad, Gothic story once and I think it turned out to be one of my funniest work.

How many more books are in the Fairweather Sisters series?

Is the Lord Adair book yet to be released? I didn't see it on your GR page...

Jay wrote: " Hello, Anya! I've heard comedic writing for an international audience in difficult because various nations have very different ideas about what is or isn't acceptable humor. Do you find that to be..."

Hello Jay, excellent question! I think a book is like a painting. And just like some people prefer surreal paintings while others cannot make head or tail of abstract art, a book's content appeals to some while others may hate it. Similarly, some people enjoy dry humor while others prefer slapstick. I don't think a particular country prefers a certain sort of humor. It is more individualistic. For example popular comedy t.v. shows like Friends, Frasier etc are translated into various languages and loved by millions across the globe.I hope I made sense.

Jane (PS) wrote: "How many more books are in the Fairweather Sisters series?

Is the Lord Adair book yet to be released? I didn't see it on your GR page..."

Two more books in the Fairweather series. I am currently working on the first of the Lord Adair detective books.

Anya wrote: "Jay wrote: " Hello, Anya! I've heard comedic writing for an international audience in difficult because various nations have very different ideas about what is or isn't acceptable humor. Do you fin..."

Yes, you did! And thank you! May I follow up by asking about humor in historicals? Are there any suggestions you can give for balancing a modern sense of humor with a historical or paranormal/otherworldly setting?

Jay wrote: "Anya wrote: "Jay wrote: " Hello, Anya! I've heard comedic writing for an international audience in difficult because various nations have very different ideas about what is or isn't acceptable humo..."

Slapstick comedy is universal. A mouse terrifying a dashing duke or a powerful business man is funny no matter the time period. But I think what words you use are key to creating a fun atmosphere and lifting the writing to a different level. A word like mopsqueezer, or an expression like 'go boil your head' can help place the book firmly in a certain time period and also enhance the humor. In the modern context stuff like ' you can pick your friends, you can pick your nose, but you cannot pick your friend's nose' works. Key is to keep it simple and relate-able.

Hi Anya, thanks for taking time to join us and answer our questions!

Another follow-up to Jay's questions...how would you handle humor in a dystopian novel, since the whole premise of the genre tends to have a sad/negative/depressing feel to it?

Also, who are your auto-buy authors, and do you have any that are definite comfort reads for you?

~KarenH~ wrote: "Hi Anya, thanks for taking time to join us and answer our questions!

Another follow-up to Jay's questions...how would you handle humor in a dystopian novel, since the whole premise of the genre t..."

Hey Karen, I have not yet tried my hand at writing dystopian fiction so this is just how I would approach it when I do. Dystopian novels are depressing but you can have moments of lightness, or give one of the characters dark humor laced with irony. A cynical man mocking society with some well chosen comic words can sometimes be more effective than a moaning, groaning character.
I am lurker, I lurk in bookshops or online and read the back of tons of books and I finally end up buying a book purely based on my mood. I love Julia Quinn, Amanda Quick, Douglas Adams, Richard Bach, Margaret Atwood and the list is endless. Too many authors that I admire and honestly I would be broke if I bought all the books they come come out with. For comfort I turn to children's books or old classics.

Hi Anya!

Thanks for joining us :)

I love your covers! They are whimsical and sweet. And eye catching.

Do you have a say in the covers of your books? Will all of your titles have that same style?

Fran wrote: "Hi Anya!

Thanks for joining us :)

I love your covers! They are whimsical and sweet. And eye catching.

Do you have a say in the covers of your books? Will all of your titles have that same style?"

Hey Fran, thank you. I normally come up with the concept and the colours and send it off to a professional book cover creator or illustrator. They work on my idea, improve on it and create the final cover. I like being involved throughout the process. I deliberately requested bright colours and comic illustrations because I tried to reflect the mood of the stories. I think I am going to stick by this style for the moment.

I'm glad you will be continuing with the style, I really like it :)

Fran wrote: "I'm glad you will be continuing with the style, I really like it :)"

Thanks Fran :)

Hi Anya - if you had one piece of advice for aspiring authors, what would it be?

Dee wrote: "Hi Anya - if you had one piece of advice for aspiring authors, what would it be?"

Hello Dee, I think my advice to all aspiring authors would be to finish what they write. Firstly, finish the first draft no matter how frustrated you are and then rewrite it. Give every idea a fair chance and abandon only on the third attempt. I often felt an idea was great one day and rubbish the next day but that didn't mean I left things incomplete. Give every story a few tries and always have a time limit within which to finish that story.

Hi Anya How many drafts does it usually take for you to get your book to the stage where you are ready to edit? And do you ever get to the stage where you think 'I hate this bloody thing now?' The second question I ask because it's a feeling I'm familiar with when it comes to my own work.

Sandie wrote: "Hi Anya How many drafts does it usually take for you to get your book to the stage where you are ready to edit? And do you ever get to the stage where you think 'I hate this bloody thing now?' The..."

Hey Sandie, I am familiar with the 'I hate this bloody thing' phase. I normally rewrite my first draft but after that I go through the entire book at least four times before I am satisfied. I get someone who is honest to review my work and mark bits that are not working and rewrite again. I normally start despising the book by the third draft. I refuse to even look at it which is when my husband steps in and encourages me to push on until it is completed. I reward myself after trudging through each chapter with a small bit of chocolate, or buy a book from a favorite author etc. Bribe yourself or get someone to bribe you when things look bleak. Best way to get anything done in my opinion.

Anya wrote: "Sandie wrote: "Hi Anya How many drafts does it usually take for you to get your book to the stage where you are ready to edit? And do you ever get to the stage where you think 'I hate this bloody ..."

Thank you for your reply you have given me hope! I shall try and pick the blasted thing back up again and then have some cake. And to think once long, long ago (about three or four months and several read throughs ago that is) I actuall thought it was good!

Sandie wrote: "Anya wrote: "Sandie wrote: "Hi Anya How many drafts does it usually take for you to get your book to the stage where you are ready to edit? And do you ever get to the stage where you think 'I hate..."

LOL Sandie!!

Ok Anya - I have one more question :)

Where did you pull the name Philbert Woodbead from??

Sandie wrote: "Anya wrote: "Sandie wrote: "Hi Anya How many drafts does it usually take for you to get your book to the stage where you are ready to edit? And do you ever get to the stage where you think 'I hate..."

Goodluck Sandie. I hope you finish your book :)

Jane (PS) wrote: "Sandie wrote: "Anya wrote: "Sandie wrote: "Hi Anya How many drafts does it usually take for you to get your book to the stage where you are ready to edit? And do you ever get to the stage where yo..."

I made the name up! I thought it suited the character. It has an annoying ring to it. And Philbert Woodbead is extremely persistent and annoying.

Anya wrote: "Sandie wrote: "Anya wrote: "Sandie wrote: "Hi Anya How many drafts does it usually take for you to get your book to the stage where you are ready to edit? And do you ever get to the stage where yo..."

Thank you Anya I'm determined too even if it kills me...which it may very well do!

Anya wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "Sandie wrote: "Anya wrote: "Sandie wrote: "Hi Anya How many drafts does it usually take for you to get your book to the stage where you are ready to edit? And do you ever get to ..."

LOL - how enticing! That actually really makes me want to read the book :)

I have to be honest....you are totally new to me. That being said, I love humour with my romance..and especially British humour. What drew you to this genre? I see you like historical romance as well....how do you find the differences....and have you ever written a time-slip novel?

Catherine wrote: "I have to be honest....you are totally new to me. That being said, I love humour with my romance..and especially British humour. What drew you to this genre? I see you like historical romance as..."

Hey Catherine, I love time slip novels but I have not written any. I think the reason I wrote a romance novel set in the Regency era is because the first romance novel I ever read was Pride and Prejudice. The books by Bronte sisters follow right after that as did my fascination with Byron, Keats and Shelley. I simply wrote in the genre I love best.

So you enjoy poetry as well?! It takes quite a bit to understand poetry, and while I love how lyrical it is, I don't always understand it myself. I love history, and when an author is able to bring it to life, it makes it that much more real for me. Sometimes, I feel as though I've been born in the wrong time! Do you ever find that as well?

Catherine wrote: "So you enjoy poetry as well?! It takes quite a bit to understand poetry, and while I love how lyrical it is, I don't always understand it myself. I love history, and when an author is able to bri..."

I do enjoy poetry but I also find certain poems hard to understand. I think I learned a lot about poetry while studying literature in college and that helps me a bit in unraveling some poems. And yes! I do wish I was born a hundred or more years ago though the idea of tight corsets, lack of pain killers, and leeches does frighten me a tad.

How did you choose this particular era? I mean there's Edwardian, Elizabethan, Victorian, Georgian......you get the idea..lol...and then there are also French, Russian, German, etc histories.

Hello,

Does living in Ireland play a part in the time era that you write in?

Catherine wrote: "How did you choose this particular era? I mean there's Edwardian, Elizabethan, Victorian, Georgian......you get the idea..lol...and then there are also French, Russian, German, etc histories."

Hey Catherine like I said previously I adore Jane Austen, Bronte sisters and poets from the Regency era which is why I chose to write in a genre I love. Honestly, the book is roughly based in this period. I tried to be accurate initially but I received feedback in which people told me that I had made spelling mistakes like writing 'ton' instead of 'town'. I am trying to write popular fiction rather than be canonized. I leave historical teaching to dry old text books. Oh, and the Regency era is a sort of sub-period of the Georgian era.

Keisha wrote: "Hello,

Does living in Ireland play a part in the time era that you write in?"

Hey Keisha, that is an interesting question. I don't think it does actually because then I should have based my stories according to Irish history and not English. I live in the Republic of Ireland which is not part of Britain. And historically the British colonized Ireland and the Irish fought for independence and won it (not much love between the two countries in history books).

Thank you so much everyone for having me and putting up with my ramblings. It was a pleasure answering all your questions. Now for the winner ...

... every one who asked a question receives both ebooks in the Fairweather series! (I hope that is all right Fran. I got a little over excited here and decided everyone is a winner because honestly I didn't think anyone would ask me a question)

Please give me your email addresses so that I can email you a copy of 'Penelope' as well as 'Seeking Philbert Woodbead'

Thank you once again.

Thank you so much Anya that is really nice of you!

my email is: sandlieleehutchins@hotmail.co.uk

Wow! The is really kind of you Anya. Thank you.

Thanks so much for joining us Anya!


And thanks so much for your very generous gifts!


Everyone who has posted a question to Anya here on this thread, please send Anya a PM here at Goodreads with your email address so she can get your ebooks right out to you :)

Thank you so much for joining us!

How do you keep the story going? I've tried writing our the stories in my head & they seem to get to a point where I have nothing more to add, but haven't wrapped it up.

Susie wrote: "Thank you so much for joining us!

How do you keep the story going? I've tried writing our the stories in my head & they seem to get to a point where I have nothing more to add, but haven't wrap..."

Hi Susie,

Thanks for your question, but Anya's Q&A session is over :)

Thank you too excited, my email is ktalley28@gmail.com

Keisha wrote: "Thank you too excited, my email is ktalley28@gmail.com"

Sent:)