Q&A with Emery Lee discussion

The following questions were asked in Kelly's post at ROMANTIC HISTORICAL FICTION LOVERS:

Question:
Series vs stand-alone - Do you write differently when there's that expectation? Do you have the entire series all planned out already, or does each book evolve on its own?

Answer:
Sadly, I really didn't plan anything when I began to write - I just sat down one day and wrote! When I began my first novel that would later become THE HIGHEST STAKES I originally had quite a different concept and setting in mind. It was supposed to have been set in the American Colinies immediately preceding the Revolution. HOWEVER, it all took a completely different turn when I began the very first chapter. What was meant to be a prologue explaining my characters history (both human and equine) took on a life of it's own and became my story and the setting jumped back to England 30 years prior!

As to my second book. Once more my characters ran away with me! There were moments in THE HIGHEST STAKES in which I thought Philip and Sukey nearly stole the show and when I finished I just couldn't stop thinking about them. I felt there was so much more to their story than what had been told so I just had to write it. Fortunately for me, my editor was just as in love with these two characters as I was. I only hope the readers will be as well!

Now my original story (set in the soutthern colonies prior to the revolution has become book #3 that should serve to bring the story full cirle and complete this as a series. The H/H are Philip's bastard son, Ian, and Robert and Charlotte's daughter, Madeleine. I have already posted the first chapter of THE BASTARD'S LEGACY under my profile page if anyone cares for a sneak preview. http://www.goodreads.com/story/show/2...

As to my other WIP's I have begun what is truly intended as a series (GEORGIANS and JACOBITES) that d will feature charaters and events from the Glorious Revolution of 1688 to the death of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1788. I am very excited to tackle this as there is so much of historical relevance (people and events)that have been largely overlooked in historical fiction.

QUESTION:- What are your secrets for maintaining a lively plot that doesn't veer off into parts unknown?

ANSWER: Because I ma very character driven, my plots always veer off into parts unknown! LOL.

QUESTION:- Writing process - Morning or night? Long sessions or short bursts? How often do you wake up in the middle of the night with new ideas? What does your writing space look like?

ANSWER: My own writing space is extremely important to me. I have a bedroom converted into an office with a large desk, book shelves and a loveseat where I can crash and nap or read as the mood takes me. (My best work is always at night and I often wake up with entire chapters in my head. While I try very hard to keep a strict schedule of writing every day and have a goal of 1,000 words per day, my muse is very fickle. Sometimes I can go days or even weeks without being able to write a word. When this happens I either edit what I've already written, or go into deep research mode and read everything I can get my hands on related to my subject and era. When my muse returns I write again - usually late into the night. My best night ever was 4,500 words but that kind of marathon has only happened once. Strangely it was on Christmas eve!


QUESTION:- Historical research process - How in the world do you anticipate all the details that might crop up while you're writing??? Do you get nit-pickers sniping at you, and how do you respond? How do you react when you spot inaccuracies or anachronisms in other people's work?

ANSWER: This one is actually because I absolutely love history and can never get enough of research. The downside is that I tend to frequently go off on rabbit trails and spend hours and hours on something that may not even be relevant to what I'm writing but just tweaks my fancy. Then again - you never know when that same fascinating tidbit might come into play in another story. Thus- I keep copious notes.
To be honest, I can be highly critical about historical accuracy at times but it also depends on the kind of book I'm reading. If it's historical fiction, I expect it to be spot on. (I hate when writers are lazy! There's no excuse with the plethora of resources available on the internet!)If it's more of a romance - I give much leaway. Romance is for escape not education!

QUESTION- And my favorite "fluff" question: Who would you cast in the movie version? :-)

ANSWER: For THE HIGEHST STAKES, I would love to see James McAvoy as Robert, Ioann Gruffudd as Philip (be still my heart) and Kiera Knightly or possibly Natalie Portman as Charlotte, and Scarlett Johansson as Beatrix. I have been unable to think of the perfect actress to play Sukey but am open to suggestions!

FOR FORTUNE'S SON: Ioann Gruffudd once more as Philip and I'm still uncertain for Sukey (Although I'd gladly stand in with Ioann Gruffudd!)

Thanks, Emery! And a big thumbs-up on the casting choices :-)