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Questions and Answers from the Writerspace live chat with LynnK on 05.02.07:
BadBarb — Welcome to our chat with author Lynn Kurland. Tonight we will be chatting about Lynn's newest release WHEN I FALL IN LOVE. If you have a question for Lynn please type in a ? and I will call on you. Thanks for coming!!
BadBarb — Lynn, before we get started with the questions, please tell us about WHEN I FALL IN LOVE?
Lynn Kurland — WIFIL is the story of Nicholas de Piaget, a medieval knight, and Jennifer McKinnon, the modern gal who finds herself loving him. No spoilers, though . :)
Lynn Kurland — Okay, gals, ask away . . .
OL — Tell us about the sexy hero.
Lynn Kurland — OL, he's been in a few books before (Dreams of Stardust, If I had You). Just your average, grumpy, goregous medieval knight with a broken heart. :)
Katie P — I'm curious to know if you like writing books like this one, with lots of old characters that you have to stay consistent with... or if you prefer to write like Victoria's story, with lots of new people and more free rein.
Lynn Kurland — Katie--I like both. I love getting to see what's happened with previous characters, but it's fun to bring others into these crazy families. In the end, she just seemed like the right guy for him. Especially given his propensity to not believe anything about time travel, ya know?
CathrynL — When did you decide to put Jennifer w/ Nick? Back when you were writing Much Ado, or later?
Lynn Kurland — Cathryn--Trying to come up with the right gal for him was tough. I don't want to do spoilers, but there's a scene in a tower where she plays the violin for him. That was one of the first scenes that really stuck out when I was giving imagination free rein. I knew then that she was the gal for him.
AmandaNot OfArtane — But Nicky isn't as grumpy as the others. Was it fun writing his personality?
Lynn Kurland — Amanda--(not of artane!), yes, it was a blast. I always think of him as really the perfect knight in shining armor. I probably had to restrain myself a little from making him TOO grumpy. Leaving me, of course, with more ammunition for another hero!
EdwardGirl — Lynn: can you tell us how long it takes to come up with a idea for a book? How do you come up with so many great ideas for books? Have you ever asked friends or family for help?
Lynn Kurland — EG--I never take plot suggestions so it's always just me. I just come up with the characters (or delve back into previous stories) and the characters seem to come up with their plots on their own. I usually take about 4 months to finish a book.
Katie P — Speaking of next heroes ... Are we right in thinking that we might have to wait until next spring for Sunny's story?
Lynn Kurland — Katie--Yes, Sunny's book will be May 2008 (yikes, when did it get to be 2008???).
Katie P — Four months? Wow that's fast. Does that include the editing, too?
Lynn Kurland — Katie--4 months to write, then a couple to dance with my wonderful editor about it. I do probably 15-20 rewrites myself before she even sees it. I type really fast. I blow through a rought draft in about 3 weeks, pitch it, then really get into the real story. Everyone has to find their own way of doing it, though, so stick with what works for you.
OL — What are you working on next?
Lynn Kurland — OL, working on a story for Sunshine Phillips, the sister of Madelyn from A Garden in the Rain. No hints on the hero, though. I don't want you guys driving yourselves crazy thinking about him for the next year. :)
CathrynL — Do you think Montgomery or Zach might be percolating a story in there someday?
Lynn Kurland — Montgomery, maybe . . . Zach, ideas in the works, definitely!
Lynn Kurland — Cathryn/Amanda--I think Zach is actually going to be turning to green things in the future. Very mature. :)
AmandaNot OfArtane — What made you decide to write Sunny's book next?
Lynn Kurland — Amanda--Well, I really wanted to get back to the MacLeods. I know the next de Piaget story I'm going to do, but I didn't want to do it next. It seemed like the right thing to do--especially since it's really past time to see what Patrick and Madelyn are up to.
OL — Are you going to do more fantasy books like the one you did?
Lynn Kurland — OL--Yes more fantasy stuff will becoming. I'm working on that trilogy now and I hope that I'll be able to do more in the future. I know it's not for everyone, but it's a terrific change of pace for me. It really is keeping the romance fresh for me.
EdwardGirl — Lynn: what do you love about being an author and the bad things?
Lynn Kurland — EG--I love the writing. I hate the rewriting (that's definitely work). I love chatting with readers. I love that I can work at home in my pajamas!
Katie P — I really like Morgan ... and Miach even more. Do we have to wait until Christmas for #2, or will it be out sooner? Do you know? (And can you tell?)
Lynn Kurland — Katie--I'm so glad you've liked Morgan. The next book (and I'm not sure if I can announce the title, but it's on the final cover so here goes), The Mage's Daughter I understand is a Jan 2008 release. Moved back from December for reasons that I don't know, but Jan's always a better month than Dec for a release for reasons that probably don't matter either. :)
AmandaNot OfArtane — What would you suggest for someone with writer's block? Lots of chocolate?
Lynn Kurland — Amanda--pretend you have a deadline. Stock up on chocolate, definitely, but don't allow yourself to have the luxury of writer's block. If I did, I'd be out of a job. Sit down, type, even if it's complete drivel. Just keep going and the drivel will eventually turn into good stuff! When I get a little anxious about a book, I do just that. I sit and type, even if it is complete and total crap. I'm always amazed to find that there are things salvagable in that reeking pile. :) Was that useful? I'm trying not to be flip, but trust me, when you sell that first book of yours, you'll find that writer's block simply has to be a thing of the past. When you have a deadline, you just have to write, whether you feel like it or not. The good stuff will show up. I promise.
OL — Who do you like to read?
Lynn Kurland — OL--Read? That would be great!! Actually, I'm being facetious. I wish I had time to read. I read lots of non-fiction research stuff, read kids books to my kids, and spend most of my time just writing.
EdwardGirl — Lynn: what author do you like to read?
Lynn Kurland — EG, I hesitate to name any names, but I love the usual suspects (Tolkien, CS Lewis, Patricia McKillip, Robin McKinley, Dick Francis). I'd think of more, but I haven't read anything in so long, I can't remember. My older daughter is reading Nancy Drew right now. All I can think of are heroines with titian hair!
Katie P — Lynn... dare I ask how long you'd been writing before you got published? (I'm almost afraid to know.)
Lynn Kurland — Katie--I started writing in 1989. I submitted in 1991 and sold in 1994. But it was a ghost story (SOY) where the hero was a ghost and that wasn't what editors wanted at that time, so it took a while for my beloved editor Gail to make a place for me. Berkley has really taken lots of chances on my stuff and I'll be forever grateful for Gail and Leslie Gelbman for giving me a shot at this. So, I guess that's about 5 years from first seriously picking up a pen to selling. I think the tales of people selling their first books are few and far between. I had several other manuscripts ready by the time I sold. It's always best to have a backlog so when they say, "So do you have anything else," you can say "Why, I just might" instead of panicking so hard you throw up. :)
AmandaNot OfArtane — When did you decide Tolkein didn't have enough romance and start writing some yourself?
Lynn Kurland — Amanda--I think I was in 9th grade. All right, so I didn't want a whole lot more romance, but a decent kiss a la Barbara Cartland would have been nice!
OL — Who is your favorite hero, Lynn?
Lynn Kurland — OL--Probably Patrick MacLeod followed immediately by Nicholas de Piaget. It's a fuzzy list after that.
AmandaNot OfArtane — Will we be seeing anymore ghost stories soon?
Lynn Kurland — Amanda . . . what sorts? Where the hero is a ghost? Now, that would be giving it away, wouldn't it? :)
AmandaNot OfArtane — Yes, the hero a ghost. I'm waiting for someone in particular.
Lynn Kurland — Amanda, well, dear, spill the beans! I might have to rearrange my plans . . .
Lynn Kurland — Or are you talking about Robert the piper?
Lynn Kurland — Amanda--I'll see what I can do for you. :)
MBW — Lynn, will we be seeing Montgomery or Royce in any upcoming books? Will they each get their own book, I mean.
Lynn Kurland — MBW--Royce, hmmm, maybe. If I keep him keeping time with Kendrick, he's getting a little long in the tooth (but let's not talk about age. He's SEASONED!). Montgomery . . . I'm still thinking about him. I would say at this point, sure.
peachy — I would love to see Montgomery have his own story - he's hilarious. I'd love for him to get a trip to faery but iIm in the mood for a historical romance for him.
EdwardGirl — Lynn: what do you like to do to relax after a long day writting???
Lynn Kurland — EG--Relax? Actually after a long day of writing, I just pass out! I do like chocolate though . . .
Lynn Kurland — And I knit. Now and then.
OL — What comes first for you, plot or character?
Lynn Kurland — OL--Character, definitely. I never want to skimp on plot, but what's always fascinating to me is how characters change over the course of a book (hopefully).
MBW — This might have been answered already but is Sunny getting her book next, and who is she ending up with?
[Katie P — Sunny will be next May, but we have to wait to see who she gets.]
Lynn Kurland — MBW--Yes, Sunny is next. And no, you can't have a single, solitary, smidgen of info about the hero. Trust me, it's for your own good. :)
OL — What book is on your keeper shelf?
Lynn Kurland — OL, too many to mention in too many bookcases. It's the readers curse, isn't it!
EdwardGirl — Lynn: do you have a favorite character from your books and why?
Lynn Kurland — EG--You know, that's just too hard to answer. I'll read a book and think, oh, yeah, that's definitely my favorite hero or heroine, then my mind changes if I start working on something else. I can't answer that. I'm just glad to have the chance to try to decide!
AmandaNot OfArtane — do you plan on ever giving Stephen de Piaget a book, now that he is listed on the family tree?
Lynn Kurland — Amanda--Stephen . . . definitely.
Katie P — Yeah for Stephen! I have no idea why I'm so interested in him, but I am.
Lynn Kurland — Katie, there is an aura of mystery surrounding Stephen, isn't there? I going to let him season a little longer, but I will definitely let you know when I figure it out.
CathrynL — Will we ever find out about Phillip?
Lynn Kurland — Cathryn--I will get to Phillip eventually. So many great guys, so little time!
MBW — Am I the only one that gets confused about all the inter-twined characters? I love them all, don't get me wrong, but sometimes it makes my head spin. I can imagine it for you Lynn.
Lynn Kurland — MBW . . . Oh, let's not talk about intertwining characters and plots and dates. I'm just going to start asking Jocelin when I get confused.
OL — What did you do when you saw your book on the shelf?
Lynn Kurland — OL--The first time I saw my book in print was probably more amazing than seeing it in the grocery store. I think I might have cried.
EdwardGirl — Lynn: what would you tell someone who never read one of your books. Can you describe your writing style?
Lynn Kurland — EG--Equal parts medieval and mad magazine. Whaddaya think?
Mary f — Do you still have the same excitement with each book out?
Lynn Kurland — Mary f--Yes, it never, ever gets old.
MBW — Ever consider naming one of your heroines after someone you know, or have you already done that?
Lynn Kurland — MBW. I do that a lot with secondary characters, as well as pulling characteristics I like out of them. My cousin-in-law is why Patrick MacLeod drives the way he does. Seriously, my c-i-l's feats of traveling across the UK are the stuff of legend.
AmandaNot OfArtane — I was wondering, do you think you would ever go back just a bit so we could see where Granny MacLeod came from?
Lynn Kurland — Amanda--Granny MacLeod? That has possibilities!
CathrynL — Oh, Granny's backstory could be quite interesting! I still laugh at her stirring the witch's pot w/ her knitting needle.
Lynn Kurland — Cathryn--I'd love to do a saga someday where you get to see a character go from young to very old. Don't know how it would ever sell, but it would be fun to write.
OL — Who would you want to play this hero if this book went to become a movie?
Lynn Kurland — OL--I'm just SO not up on current movies (outside of Pirates and Batman). My daughter would love Christian Bale, but she loves him just on general purposes.
EdwardGirl — Lynn, I'm new to romance read mosty Harlequin books. Only started reading historial. What is Medieval like?
Lynn Kurland — EG . . . It's all about knights in shining armor, chivalry, rotten food and lack of chocolate. Give it a try!
AmandaNot OfArtane — Have you ever attempted to write a continuation story, like for Jamie and Elizabeth?
[Sorry missed answer, if there was one]
[sorry, missed Q]??
Lynn Kurland — MTM--They're getting older, so I have a little more freedom during the day. I get my best work done, though, from about 11 pm to 2 am when it's quiet.
Katie P — So when do you sleep, Lynn?
Lynn Kurland — Katie . . . Hmmm, sleep? No, I'll get some of that when my kids are grown! But then I probably won't need it, will I?
OL — Does your family read your books?
Lynn Kurland — OL--My sis-in-law proofs them for me, so she has to. My niece does, as well as my mother. Sometimes even my husband will break down and pick one up :) Probably just to see if there's any reference to him!!
Katie P — How much time usually goes by before a book makes the NYT list? (If it's a well-known author and not a late-bloomer, that is?)
Lynn Kurland — Katie--the NYT list? That's the question, isn't it? I've been on the NYT extended list (which is numbers 16 through I think 25?) several times. I have to make the printed list (1-15) before I can put NYT Bestselling Author on the cover. I think it's just a matter of patience, writing books that people want to read, and keeping fingers and toes crossed!
Katie P — I guess. Don't worry too much if you don't make it. There are plenty of us who don't care for most of the books that make it up there, and don't want you to write like them just to make the list!
Lynn Kurland — Katie P--I think it will happen eventually. Much Ado was #48 on the USAToday list, which made my publisher very happy. It's just all part of the game. I try not to think about it too much because there's nothing I can do besides write the best books I can and hope it will turn out well.
AmandaNot OfArtane — LOL, My friend wants to know why "first time in print" is always put on the cover.
Lynn Kurland — Amanda--Because a lot of books you'll find by established authors will be reprints of something that was issued earlier--either in a different type of book or by another house.
shellibean — Lynn...What inspired you to start writing paranormal/time travel books?
Lynn Kurland — Shelli--I think it started with Stardust of Yesterday. I always wondered what it would be like to inherit a castle, but it seemed a little dull not to inherit a hunky medieval ghost along with. The time travels? Well, basically the same reason. I'd love to go back in time and really see things first-hand.
BadBarb — Lynn, is there a type of genre that you would like to write but haven't yet?
Lynn Kurland — Barb . . . I wouldn't mind doing mysteries, but I'm always so surprised by them, I don't think I could manage it. Screenplays, yes, those are the ticket. Staring Christian Bale in all of them, just because my daughter says so.
Lynn Kurland — I think my natives have finally become restless. Anything else I can answer? Writing advice I can offer? List of books for Amanda?
Lynn Kurland — Well, I think I'd better go do something about a post-dinner snack. They're starting to circle now, like little sharks. Thanks so much everyone for such a great evening. It's been such a pleasure!
Lynn Kurland — It's been fabulous. Happy reading everyone!
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Nothing was changed except for a form/spellcheck. ;)
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