A.C. Arthur is an award winning author of steamy romance. What makes her tick?
Where do we find you on the web?
http://www.acarthur.net
What’s your current release?
Indecent Exposure, Urban Books
What’s your next project?
Full House Seduction will be released in August 2009
How did you choose your genre or did it choose you?
I’d say romance chose me, from the first Nora Roberts book I read.
In what way have writing friends or mentors helped you?
In so many ways. The unity shared between writers is a special connection to start with, but when you find a few that are truly in your corner, offering advice and support and just a genuine friendship, their value is immeasurable.
Describe what you think a reader will learn about you after reading your book?
I think they’ll learn that I have a strange sense of humor, a love for great characters and just a dash of drama. I’m honest and straight forward in real life so most of my characters are the same way.
If you decided to no longer write, what would you do instead?
Never thought about not writing. But I also do event planning so I assume that would be my next career.
What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
I wish non-writers would understand that this is a job, not a hobby. It’s real work and sometimes it’s extremely hard work, luckily for me it is also very gratifying.
Tell us about your writing process. Are you a plotter or pantzer?
This is funny because in the beginning I just sat down and wrote a story, then after it was done I’d go back, read it and see if it made any sense. Now, with contracts and deadlines, I tend to do a lot of plotting and outlining before I start writing. I like to be organized so I try to get all my thoughts in order after the idea first surfaces. I do a lot of research on my characters and any special themes in the story then I hammer out a synopsis. That doesn’t mean I follow the synopsis perfectly, but it gives me an idea of where I want the story to end up. Then I start writing.
What’s the toughest thing about writing for you?
Choosing a title. I don’t know why that is so hard for me. But sometimes I spend days coming up with a title only to have it changed later in the publication process. lol
If you could be one of your characters who would you choose and why?
Hmmm, I don’t know. I liked so many of them. The question should probably be, if I had my choice of which hero I’d like for myself, who would I choose—Keith Page from Office Policy, no doubt about it.
Describe the “perfect” hero? What about the “perfect” hero for you?
The “perfect” hero is my husband, because he is such a good man, a good father, a good husband and one of my biggest supporters.
What are you currently reading? What author do you admire?
I’m currently reading The Summoning by Kelly Armstrong. I think I admire her ability to capture the teenage angst with such ease and still give a thoroughly entertaining book.
If money were no object, what would you do?
Go to Italy.
What kind of writer’s gatherings do you recommend?
Conferences, they’re great for networking and meeting readers.
What makes you throw a book you’re reading against the wall in disgust?
Pacing. I am very impatient, so waiting until I’m on page 35 or chapter 5 is too long for the action to get going.
Tell us about your writing place. What would you change about it if you could? Do you always write in the same spot, or do you roam from room to room, area to area as the mood strikes?
I can write anywhere. On the plane, in the car on a road trip, in the hotel, at home, on the laptop, by hand, it really doesn’t matter to me.
Name the three qualities you think a good writer must possess. Which do you think you have?
Tenacity. Patience. Organization. I’ve gotten the organization down to a science and I was born tenacious. As for the other, I’m still praying for it. lol
Pray for me too! Thanks so much, AC, for being with us today. Readers, please leave comments or questions for AC below. And don’t forget to visit her website at www.acarthur.net
This site is for Paperback Divas of all persuasions. But mostly its aimed at romance readers. Although romance novels are still the subject of jokes among a vocal group of people, the fact is that many many people, both men and women, read and enjoy them. Why? I can’t presume to speak for everyone but I believe it’s because sometimes we just want to kick back, get lost in another world, get to know other people. It’s like when you ask someone you know ‘So how did you to get together?’ You know what the end of the story will be–obviously they’re together. But how did they meet? What did they think of one another? What obstacles did they face? What made them know ‘this is the one’? It’s just a little slice of life in an undemanding, safe way.
And obviously a lot of people feel that way. I came across some statistics on the Romance Writers of America website about the genre’s readership.
- 74.8 million people read at least one romance novel in 2008.
- The core of the romance fiction market is 29 million regular readers.
- 24.6 percent of all American read a romance novel in 2008, versus 21.8 percent in 2005.
- 29 percent of Americans over the age of 13 read a romance novel in 2008.
- Women make up 90.5 percent of the romance readership, and men make up 9.5 percent.
- The heart of the U.S. romance novel readership is women aged 31–49 who are currently in a romantic relationship.
- Romance readers are more likely than the general population to be currently married or living with a partner.
- Those aged 31 to 49 are more likely to read romance and comprise 44 percent of the readership.
- Geographic Location of Romance Readers -
- Midwest: 28.8 percent
- Northeast: 21.5 percent
- South: 25.1 percent
- West: 23.6 percent
From: Lady Serenity (Sarah “Rachel Berry”)
Nancy Mills of “Spirited Woman Magazine” joins BlogTalkRadio host Lady Serenity on “From The Heart & Soul Show” July 10, 2009, at 2 p.m. Eastern
This noted Entrepreneur will discuss her vision and mission for her organization and the clients she motivates. This exclusive interview will also highlight Nancy’s successful career and unique way of approaching life and business.
Callers are welcome to join the conversation during the show by calling (347) 838-9657. The live, Internet talk-radio show will stream from the host page at http://blogtalkradio.com/Lady-Serenity.
This interview with Nancy Mills is a must-listen for any woman who wants to jumpstart her career or who might be thinking about starting a business. Mills successful organization and magazine has empowered many women worldwide. We hope to answer some of your questions.” An archive will be available at the same link immediately following the show.
“From The Heart & Soul” is an interactive, live Internet talk-radio show that focuses on women and their empowerment. Everyone is invited to tune in and participate in the chat room or call in with questions and comments. The show is live every other Friday at 12 p.m. Eastern unless otherwise noted on the show’s page.
BlogTalkRadio is a free, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive Internet broadcast. Hosts call into the service by phone, managing callers on the web-based host dashboard. Shows stream live directly from the host’s BlogTalkRadio web page with archives available for all past shows. BlogTalkRadio has been featured on ABC News, The Washington Post, Portfolio, Talkers Magazine, and TheStreet.com.
I’m once again cleaning out my bookmark stash. You know, all those sites you want to save because you mean to check them out more closely later on. These are all related to authors and writing. Next week it will be on self-enhancement and lifestyle.
- The Romancechick Speaks
- NovelTalk www.noveltalk.com/
- KOKO BROWN’S WEBLOG cocobuttr72.blogspot.com/
- Midnight Moon Cafe midnightmooncafe.blogspot.com/
- A novelist speaks on books, the universe and everything… yewalus.blogspot.com/
- Riding with the Top Down – cruise the cyber highway with 10 chicks who rock and write.
- TheGRITS.com, Literary Services, The GRITS Online Reading Club, Virtual Book Tour, GRITS Kidz Book Club, On The Air With TheGRITS.com thegrits.com/
- Welcome to Satin Notes www.satinnotes.com/
- Tote Bags ‘n’ Blogs www.authorsoundrelations.blogspot.com/
- Red Room. Where the Writers Are http://www.redroom.com/
- Crash and Burn
- Dear Author: Romance Book Reviews, Author Interviews, and Commentary
- Smart Bitches, Trashy Books | Romance Novel Reviews Come for the Dominican Bitches, Stay for the Man Titty
Check out as many as you can. Maybe you’ll add them to YOUR bookmarks! Let me know what you think or leave sites of your recommendation in the comments section.
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun!
Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
Today’s author is talented and multi-faceted. I’ve been proud to call her a friend and mentor for many years.
Rachel Berry is a word-fairy in love with the power of expression and feels blessed to be a creation of God, crowned with many royalties such as mother, wife, grandmother, daughter, best friend, aunt and so much more. Berry feels her work as an author, poet, radio talk show host, motivational speaker, community leader and book publisher are all a part of her life’s journey. Rachel says she’s excited to see where her feet are guided to next.
Where do we find you on the web?
http://www.rachelberry.webs.com/
What’s your current release? Other books available? 
My current release is Family Pictures. I am also the author of From the Heart and Heat of Me, a chapbook of poetry & prose. It’s also an interactive journal.
What’s your next project?
I’m working on a few things1. another collection of poetry 2.wo,a collection of short stories and 3. Another mainstream novel entitled Between the Tears and the Laughter.
Was there a moment that told you “I’m a writer”?
Not really, I’ve been writing stories, songs, plays and biblical speeches since elementary school so I guess I just grew into it.
How did you get starting in writing?
My mother – I was trained to be a bible student at an early age, this included doing what the religion called “ministry school assignments” where you’d be on stage and conducted a prepared speech with another person. I liked to make up my own.
Name the three qualities you think a good writer must possess. Which do you think you have?
I think there is a multitude of qualities needed but if I must pick three they’d be imagination, dedication, and the love for words. I feel I have all three, especially imagination. My mind takes me on some unexpected journeys sometimes.
What kind of activities do you do to clear your head?
I write poetry, work on a web page or create something either with my hands or on the computer. Or I’ll read a great book, go out to dinner, the movies or pick up my granddaughters and spend some time with them.
What are some of the other ways you express your creativity?
I like to make up gift baskets, frame & wrap poetry in material as gifts, decorate a room, create memory books for other people, and participate in poetry slams, event planning or hosting an event for someone.
That will certainly keep you busy!
In what way have writing friends or mentors helped you?
It’s always great to watch and learn what others are doing. Seeing or listening to other artists helps me better my craft and gives me inspiration and ideas. Also I always ask for criticism because someone always telling you that you’re good isn’t going help you correct your shortcomings.
Describe what you think a reader will learn about you after reading your book?
Probably that I’m a little crazy. But definitely that I like to tell a story that shows the challenges and celebrations, shortcomings and growth of my characters. I do this especially highlighting ordinary women doing extraordinary things.
What are you currently reading? What author(s) do you admire?
Right now I’m reading Eric Jerome Dickey’s “The Other Woman,” “Shame on It All” by Zane, and “Ms Understanding” by RL Taylor. I admire Alice Walker, Maya Angelou, Mary Higgins Clark, Eric Jerome Dickey…gosh there are so many.
Just for fun: If money were no object, what would you do?
Write, travel, dine out and then write about my travels and dining adventures.
Sounds like something I’d enjoy too! Thank you for sharing some time with readers of my blog. If anyone has questions or comments for Rachel about her work, please leave them in the comment section.
