It’s always fun having author Jennifer Haymore drop
by to talk about her writing and her latest release.
She joins us today on a stop of her Historical Romance Blog Tour promoting her current release, SECRETS OF AN ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS. Here’s a brief synopsis of the book: With her pale hair and slim figure, Olivia Donovan looks as fragile as fine china, and has been treated as such by her sisters ever since a childhood bout with malaria. But beneath her delicate facade, Olivia guards a bold, independent spirit and the kind of passionate desires proper young ladies must never confess...
It was a reckless wager, and one Max couldn't resist: seduce the alluring Olivia or forfeit part of his fortune. Yet the wild, soon-to-be Duke never imagined he'd fall in love with this innocent beauty. Nor could he have guessed that a dangerously unpredictable rival would set out to destroy them both. Now, Max must beat a Madman at his own twisted game-or forever lose the only woman to have ever won his heart.
Thanks to Jennifer and the good folks at Grand Central Publishing, I have 3 copies of SECRETS OF AN ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for the giveaway guidelines.
Always wanting to know more about authors and how they create their wonderful stories, I ask Jennifer some questions.
Mason - What is a typical writing day like for you?
Jennifer - I’d divide this into two separate kinds of days. A typical “good” writing day and a typical writing day.
In a typical writing day, I procrastinate throughout the day with busy work--not writing! Then, when the sun goes down and I have to make dinner and do homework with the kids and work on nighttime family stuff, I start to panic. My thoughts run along the lines of “What on EARTH did I do today? How is it possible I got no words down? I was so busy, but what’s more important than getting my word count in!? Jennifer, you’re a moron.”
Then, hours later, when the kids are asleep, I get some tea, put on my headphones with background noise (i.e. music I don’t really listen to) and get to typing. On a “good” writing day, I’ve been focused and in the worlds of my characters so much that hardly any time has passed before I’ve written my daily word count. On those days I spend the evenings with my family relaxed and knowing I’ve made progress.
Obviously, my constant goal is to get more typical “good” writing days in!
Mason - What one piece of advice do you always pass along to new writers?
Jennifer - Keep reading and keep writing. The two most important things in becoming a writer.
Mason - What led you to become a writer?
Jennifer - I’m one who was “writing since I could pick up a pen.” Truthfully, I was very isolated from other children and their activities as a kid, so I ended up living in my head a lot. When you do that, stories begin to form in there…
Jennifer, thanks so much for guest blogging. I enjoyed learning about your ‘good’ writing day versus the typical.
Now for a bit more about Jennifer. Just before her eighth birthday she went sailing with her family in a 42-foot sailboat across the Pacific. Since there were no local schools (except those pertaining to fish) nearby, her mother home schooled her. Jennifer says she demanded a new story every day so she write, doodle and write some more. By the time they arrived in Hawaii the following year, Jennifer had a portfolio of stories, and she was hooked.
For more on Jennifer and her writing, visit her website at http://www.jenniferhaymore.com/, drop by her blog, and find her on Twitter.
On to the giveaway guidelines. To enter this giveaway, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. This contest is open to residents of the U.S. only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. And, just so you know, I don’t share the mailing information or use it for any other purpose. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance at 1 of 3 copies of SECRETS OF AN ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS (ISBN: 9780446573153), a 432-page paperback, will be 8 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, Feb. 16.
If you’re a writer, do you have typical writing days versus good? If you’re a reader, do you have good reading days versus typical? Thanks so much for stopping by.
Mason - Thanks for hosting Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteJennifer - I know just what you mean about busy writing days. Sometimes I feel fortunate when I get anything decent written. But then there those days when it all "clicks." I wish you much success!
Jennifer, thanks again for answering my questions and giving us a look at your writing day. Wishing you much success.
ReplyDeleteMargot, thanks so much for stopping by.
A reader here, some days I can read a book from start to finish and the time just zips by, but there are days I can't even get through a chapter, I go through stretches like that, usually winter is a good reading time for me. When it is cold, dark and dreary, but this winter is so messed up there hasn't been much reading this winter.
ReplyDeleteI go through long periods of time where I can't concentrate. So reading a book is a challenge. I'll read magazines until I get over it. When I can concentrate I read like crazy! I'm doing that now. I'd love to be reading Jennifer's book. She and I are breast cancer survivor buddies!
ReplyDeleteI totally relate to Jennifer's good writing days and typical writing days. My goal is to have more good than typical by the end of the year.
ReplyDeleteOH what a wonderful post!! I love learning more about the authors we love to read from!!!! And to see a side that we often don't get to see is very nice! Cherish it!
ReplyDeleteHi everyone! I'm so glad I'm not the only one who has good and 'average' days. I'm that way as a reader, too, so I totally get picking up a magazine to get through it! Thanks for having me, Mason, and thanks to everyone who stopped by!
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteYes, I am so glad I get mags. in the mail. They help me through those 'tough to read' times. I also got two sets of Tarot cards for Xmas. Learning about them helps too. Have a fantastic weekend!