The Interrogation Room discussion

Sandra Brown (MEAN STREAK) and Marcia Clark (THE COMPETITION) will be here on 9/30 answering your questions about their new books!

I am so excited! thanks for the invite!! I love Sandra Brown since the moment my book placed Where There's Smoke in my hands!!

I'm a new author and have had several rejections. A few of the rejecting agents have told me that I have strong writing and story ideas, but it's not right for their list. I just don't feel like my query does the book itself justice and wish they could read the whole novel. How many no's did you receive before that long awaited yes and what would you suggest in composing a query?

I've read all of Marcia Clark's book and probably most of Sandra Brown's. I have not read her latest ... it's on my wish list. Terrific authors both of them ....

I think that Sandra Brown has a very eloquent style of writing. I have not had the pleasure of reading Marcia Clark's works but I would like to know how they came to develop their respective writing styles (what writers they thought to be particularly influential to them) and what challenges they faced when they were just starting out as writers.

For Marcia Clark: I've read all your books and the first question that comes to mind is: how close does your books follow your previous employment. Of course I'm very aware of your most famous case and wondered also if you did any of the things that you call out in the books. I really enjoyed every one of your books and was fascinated by the investigative work that the DA did! I can also see how the stress factor would lead to an early burn out.

Sandra Brown: I am a huge fan and LOVE your mystery/romance novels the best. It is the highlight of my year when you release a new book! My question for you is, when you come up with an idea for a book, how do you go about researching for it? The amount of detail you have on different subject matter is incredible! Is your research done all at the beginning? Or do you research as you write and develop your plotline?

I LOVE SANDRA BROWN!!! She's amazing, she´s WOW!! I love all her books!!! I love the romance and the mystery on yours novels!! They are fantastic!!! I love YOU Sandra Brown, i want all yor books!!! :DDD

I really enjoy all of Sandra Brown's books, I believe I have all of her titles.
My questions are does she ever come to Oklahoma for book tour/signings and does she put dates out for any of her tours?
Thank you for all your books, I've had many hours of enjoyment, relaxation and sometimes escape with them!
Ann

For both of you, what is most fulfilling about writing?

I love, love, love both author's and their works, and what I'd like to know, is what/who had inspired both of you to become what you are now?

Thanks for the invite! Love Sandra Brown's books. The mix between suspense and romance is what keeps me wanting to read more of her books. Looking forward to this :)

I recently finished Mean Streak and was curious if the author outlined the story before writing it and what type of system was used to make sure that the clues led the reader to the correct or red herring solution. It seemed like a lot of balls to keep in the air.

I'm a new member, and happy to be a part of this group! My question is for Marcia Clark, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to ask this question: I'm sure you would rather not go too far back in history, but I spent much of this past summer reading everything I could get my hands on re the OJ Simpson case. What is your opinion about Jason Simpson possibly being the murderer? I've loved all of your books, and look forward to reading more.

For Sandra Brown: I enjoyed your two historical books too and wonder what made you decide not to do any more?
I bought both recently to replace my copies that forgot where they lived. I also bought one of my favorites of yours: Fanta C.

Ms Clark, sadly, I have not read any of your books, but they'll be added to my want to read list.

Both ladies: Thank you for your time with this.

My question is this, how hard was it to be discovered? I know many people have that dream, as do I, and I wondered if it was an easy road or difficult. And is it much harder now? And, do you ever come to the midwest to do autograph signings? None of my favorites seem too. :(

I read Sandra Brown's book envy and I was hooked and have continued to read old and new since, however I have not read any of Marcia Clark sorry about that but now I know I will check out your books and I will let you know what I think.

Hello, Sandra. I enjoy your writing a great deal. Can you tell me what books on craft or classes helped you refine your writing skills the most? Thanks. Ann Brown

For Sandra Brown:

How long does it take for you to write a complete manuscript?P.S. I'm a fan and enjoy your books.

Kelly

List three books you've read more than three times

For both authors.....Who is your favorite author and why?
......Do you read each other's books?
I enjoy both of your books. Thank you for good stories!!

For both authors:

I work at a bookstore and frequently have customers ask which book they should get first when they're wanting to read a new (to them) author who has multiple series and stand alone titles. Which of your books would you recommend to a reader who has never read your writing before?

Hi Sandra and Marcia, thanks for taking the time to answer some of our questions.

Marcia,

I have not read any of your books but I would like to give your Rachel Knight books a go. Could you give me a brief description of about your Rachel Knight series?

Sandra,

You are one of my favourite authors, my go to author and I am from the UK.

My favourite novels of yours are:

-Fanta C
-Unspeakable
-Play Dirty
-Ricochet - not sure I would go as far as the heroine did for my brothers. I loved the fact that it was made into a movie and I really enjoyed (did seem to take ages for the movie to reach the UK).
-Two Alone
-Adams Fall
-Tough Customer
I really enjoyed your latest novel 'Mean Streak' this is one I would read again or dip into my most favourite parts. I collected quite a few of your novels already, ready to read e.g. Hello Darkness, White Hot, Exclusive, Envy, Lethal, Witness, Chill Factor, Smokescreen, Smash Cut, Mirror Image, Breath Of Scandal, Devils Own, Tomorrows Promise, Shadows Of Yesterday and your non fiction novel etc..

1. Which of your novels are you most proud of and why?
2. Who is your go to author?

I really enjoyed 'Mean Streak'. I loved the twist and turns of this novel as well as the suspense and the romance and the underlying message about bullying and gun sprees.

3.How do you write, on pen and paper, typewriter or computer?
4. Do you plan and plot your novel in advance or do you start writing and see where your novel takes you?

5. The twist and turns of the novel most made me gasp and one made me laugh. At what point in writing the novel did you think I will put a twist here or there?

What I particularly enjoy about your books apart from the storyline is the flawed and damaged hero.

6. What, whom or who gives you inspiration for these flawed characters?

Thanks in advance for answering my questions.

Ps Could you write a novel about a Black Englishwoman with one of your flawed heroes? (lol)

Thank you so much for this opportunity, I'm so exited!
Sandra Brown, I have 62 of your books in print. I have loved your stories from the the first book I read, Unspeakable, and I've read all the titles I have from you several times.
I enjoy your always fresh storytelling, alpha males, and strong, independent women.
How do you manage to keep the story lines so fresh, without repeating a formula?
Where do you draw your inspiration for new stories, and characters, and how much of yourself do you write into the lead female characters?
In your writing process, do you have an outline, storyboard, sticky notes, or just let the characters run with it?
Thank you so much for your time.

This question is for Sandra Brown. What is the best advice you would give to a writer waiting to hear about representation? My manuscript is in several agents hands and the waiting is killing me! I've started writing a new book to occupy the time. Is there anything else I should be doing to help myself to appear like an author a agent would want to represent?

Last question, promise. How long did it take you to get your agent?

My question to both authors .... if you were to write a book with another author, who would that author be and why? :-)

Kelly wrote: "I'm a new author and have had several rejections. A few of the rejecting agents have told me that I have strong writing and story ideas, but it's not right for their list. I just don't feel like my..."

Kelly -- It's so nerve-wracking, but follow your heart and your gut and try not to become discouraged. Focus on the book you're writing. Then when that call DOES come, you'll have more to sell. As for queries, be as concise as possible. Let the ms. speak for itself.

Linda wrote: "My question to both authors .... if you were to write a book with another author, who would that author be and why? :-)"

LOL. Somebody I really disliked. Because I would be a terrible collaborator. I'm far too picky and independent and would want things the way I want them. I've never considered a collaboration! I would hate to inflict myself on someone I liked!

Becki wrote: "Sandra Brown: I am a huge fan and LOVE your mystery/romance novels the best. It is the highlight of my year when you release a new book! My question for you is, when you come up with an idea for a ..."

Thanks for the question, Becky. I focus mainly on my STORY. It's all about STORY. I worry about the research later. After I've written the first draft and have the storyline cemented, I go through the ms. and write down everything I need to know. Then I research it and incorporate what I've learned into the subsequent drafts. I've talked to experts, saying, "Here's what happens. Tell me how to make it possible."

Sam wrote: "I think that Sandra Brown has a very eloquent style of writing. I have not had the pleasure of reading Marcia Clark's works but I would like to know how they came to develop their respective writin..."

Hi, Sam. Speaking for myself, but I think Marcia will agree, I like to think that I've developed a "voice" in the marketplace. That's important for a writer. When cultivating a following, I wanted readers to recognize my style and the way I develop characters and use the language. Most successful writers have a personal stamp. They tell a story in a distinctive way. Give 100 writers the same plot, and you'd get 100 completely different books.

Monique wrote: "I LOVE SANDRA BROWN!!! She's amazing, she´s WOW!! I love all her books!!! I love the romance and the mystery on yours novels!! They are fantastic!!! I love YOU Sandra Brown, i want all yor books!!!..."

Monique, Thank you!

Hi Shaina!
Although my Rachel Knight series has recurring characters - Rachel is a prosecutor in the Special Trials Unit in LA, Bailey Keller (her best friend) is a detective in the Robbery Homicide Division of LAPD and Toni LaCollette (Rachel's other best friend) is Special Trials prosecutor, and of course, their boyfriends (who are of course searingly hot, LOL) - the books really work as stand alones. Each story is self contained and I catch the readers up with what's going on with Rachel and company in every book. So people can start anywhere.

Nicole wrote: "Hello Marcia and Sandra. My question is for Sandra Brown. I just finished reading Fat Tuesday and I was wondering if you are planning a spin off with the two main characters, Burke and Remy?"

Nicole, I don't have plans to write a sequel to FAT TUESDAY, but I so appreciate that you liked it well enough to request one!

Sue wrote: "This question is for Sandra Brown. What is the best advice you would give to a writer waiting to hear about representation? My manuscript is in several agents hands and the waiting is killing me! I..."

Sue, waiting on responses can be agonizing. During the wait, my advice would be to do exactly as you're doing -- WRITE.

Donna wrote: "For Marcia Clark: I've read all your books and the first question that comes to mind is: how close does your books follow your previous employment. Of course I'm very aware of your most famous cas..."

Hi Donna!
I try to keep the procedural aspects of the book, i.e. the investigative steps they take, as real as possible. So how the characters go about the investigation of the case is pretty true to life - I just compress time. And the Special Trials Unit in the DA's office had a unique way of working because prosecutors in that unit really do go out in the field with the detectives and work up the case from the ground up. Most prosecutors don't do that. I've had people write to me saying they thought it was cool that Rachel was out with Bailey (the detective) a lot, but they didn't think that was real. Well, it is!

Sue wrote: "Hi Sandra and Marcia, thanks for taking the time to answer some of our questions.

Marcia,

I have not read any of your books but I would like to give your Rachel Knight books a go. Could you give ..."

Sue, this is in reply to your question about twists in the storyline. When I'm plotting a book, I build in a few. But, in all honesty, some of the best plot twists have come as a total surprise to me! Even I didn't see it coming. Which addresses another of your questions about the characters taking over. I put them into "terrible trouble," and I have certain actions for them to take, but often they come up with a solution all their own. It sounds crazy, I know! But the characters are often much smarter than I am!

Sue wrote: "Hi Sandra and Marcia, thanks for taking the time to answer some of our questions.

Marcia,

I have not read any of your books but I would like to give your Rachel Knight books a go. Could you give ..."

Hi Sue,
My series features three best friends who work together: Rachel Knight, a prosecutor in the elite Special Trials Unit in the DA's office of Los Angeles, Detective Bailey Keller in the Robbery Homicide Division of LAPD and Toni LaCollette, another Special Trials prosecutor. I personally was a prosecutor in the Special Trials Unit for 10 years. Prosecutors in that unit investigate the case along with the detectives, so they're out in the field a lot. The Rachel Knight series incorporates my experience in terms of how the job is done, but the stories are fictional. Rachel is out in the field as well as in the courtroom.
Oh, and of course, they all have gorgeous boyfriends!

Shaina wrote: "For both authors:

I work at a bookstore and frequently have customers ask which book they should get first when they're wanting to read a new (to them) author who has multiple series and stand alo..."

Hi, Shaina, I see that Marcia replied to your question, so I'll chime in. When a new (or prospective) reader asks which book they should read, I ask them what they like? More mystery and suspense? More romance? A male lead character or a female. This helps me determine which book they would find the most appealing. Of course I tell them they're ALL excellent! LOL

Sandra wrote: "Sam wrote: "I think that Sandra Brown has a very eloquent style of writing. I have not had the pleasure of reading Marcia Clark's works but I would like to know how they came to develop their respe..."

Totally agree with you Sandra! A unique voice is critical. One of the reasons we all love Sandra's books is because her voice is specifically hers. But I think that has to happen naturally. A writer either has a distinct way of telling a story and voicing the characters...or not. The voice can and should be developed and polished over time but I don't think it's something that can be taught in a class.

Ev wrote: "For Sandra Brown: I enjoyed your two historical books too and wonder what made you decide not to do any more?
I bought both recently to replace my copies that forgot where they lived. I also boug..."

Hi, Ev. Actually I've written 4 historicals: SUNSET EMBRACE and ANOTHER DAWN

Sandra wrote: "Ev wrote: "For Sandra Brown: I enjoyed your two historical books too and wonder what made you decide not to do any more?
I bought both recently to replace my copies that forgot where they lived. ..."

Oops! I hit the wrong key above! As I was saying, I've written the two historical romances cited above, along with HIDDEN FIRES, also a western. Several years ago I wrote RAINWATER, which was set during the Great Depression. I loved writing them, and don't rule out doing more.

Sandra wrote: "Linda wrote: "My question to both authors .... if you were to write a book with another author, who would that author be and why? :-)"

LOL. Somebody I really disliked. Because I would be a ter..."

I honestly can't imagine how that would work and not lead to bloodshed! LOL. I have on occasion seen writing teams for novels and I always marvel that both of them appear to have all teeth and most of their hair. This might be due to a great photographer. :-)
I have written scripts with a partner but that's a much shorter endeavor. Scripts are only 60 pages with lots of big margins. And even so, there were some VERY tense times!

Marcia wrote: "Sandra wrote: "Sam wrote: "I think that Sandra Brown has a very eloquent style of writing. I have not had the pleasure of reading Marcia Clark's works but I would like to know how they came to deve..."

Marcia, thank you. And your point was spot on! A writer's "voice" comes from the heart, not the head. It's not something that can be acquired. It just IS.

Amelia wrote: "List three books you've read more than three times"

The Flame and the Flower -- Kathleen Woodiwiss
Mila 18 -- Leon Uris
Lady Chatterley's Lover -- DH Lawrence

Carol wrote: "For both authors.....Who is your favorite author and why?
......Do you read each other's books?
I enjoy both of your books. Thank you for good stories!!"

I've read a whole bunch of Sandra's books. I've been fan of hers for a long time. So it's been a great pleasure to get to meet her and find out she's a delightful person as well as a great writer.
I also try to read a variety of different authors because reading is how you learn to write and improve as a writer. So the more variation I can find among authors, the more I learn about different ways of delivering stories and characters.

Heather wrote: "For both of you, what is most fulfilling about writing?"

Hi, Heather. To me the most fulfilling thing about writing is telling the story. I don't enjoy the publishing/business aspects of my career nearly as much as I enjoy make-believing with my characters. As I stated in an previous answer, it's all about the story.

For Sandra Brown:

How did you go from writing romance novels to crime/thriller? Will you ever go back to writing romance again?

Marcia wrote: "Carol wrote: "For both authors.....Who is your favorite author and why?
......Do you read each other's books?
I enjoy both of your books. Thank you for good stories!!"

I'..."
Oh, and I can't tell you a "favorite" author because I have too many! Sandra would certainly be one. Sarah Waters is another. Gillian Flynn is great. James Elroy, Jim Thompson, Patricia Highsmith...see what I mean? The list just goes on and on.

Maribel wrote: "I was introduced to Sandra Brown's books by a friend. I think I have read almost all her books but my favorite is still A Kiss Remembered. After writing so many books how do you manage to continu..."

Hi, Maribel. Having written over 70, coming up with something new and fresh is a challenge! But that's key -- I challenge myself to try something new with each book. In DEADLINE is was using Flora's diary entries to tell the back story and impart imformation that otherwise would have slowed the story down. These diary pages were short, but they revealed a lot. And before them, I'd never written anything in first person. In MEAN STREAK the unique factor was withholding the hero's name until 3/4 of the way through the book! It was difficult. But doing something like that with each book helps keep me on my toes!