By Dame Toni
I’m a huge Twitter geek, and on most Sundays I participate in a hashtag discussion called #writechat. Participants range from multi-published authors and industry professionals to publishing virgins, with questions so basic that I am reminded of my own astounding ignorance back when I had my toilet epiphany (see my website for more info). I try to give these questions thoughtful answers because others did the same for me.
I’m writing in my room at the Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C. where I’m attending the Romance Writers of America national convention (along with Dames Jenna, Jackie and Rachel) and, because RWA has members from Nora Roberts to that guy who’s just finishing the first chapter of his first novel, I’m again hearing those delightfully naïve questions.
Okay, and I totally forgot today was my day to post so have no topic.
So I reached out to my Twitter followers and said “ask me anything.” I’m about to start reviewing the questions. Checking the Twitter feed…
I’m putting in the Twitter handles so you can follow these people!
From @thebookmaven: Tell us what you’re up to at RWA ’09!
I registered very late (I was waiting for my advance, which was held up by 
contract changes) so I was too late to participate in a lot of semi-required published author events, like the literacy book signing. Other than missing the early registration discount, this has turned out to be a great thing—I have no responsibilities and might actually manage to attend some workshops this year. At the book signing I just wandered around saying hello to my writer buddies, who were conveniently arranged in alphabetical order. I may be signing at the Harlequin/Silhouette event (they own Mira) because my spam filter was eating emails—but I don’t think so. This is the most fun I’ve had since my very first conference.
From @RKCharron Is it easier to write a sequel than a stand-alone novel?
It’s easier to plot a sequel – you already have the characters and the setting and the “mythology.” But writing it’s a delicate balance. Each episode must stand alone, so the writer has to include enough backstory so that new readers can meet the characters, etc., but not get bogged down. As each episode inevitably introduces some new characters (I try to keep this at a minimum, but it still happens) you can eventually develop an enormous, confusing cast. Any Laurel K. Hamilton fans out there? Can you imagine jumping in for the first time at about book 10 and trying to sort out the various vampires and were-creatures?
Also, if you have a protagonist with “powers” you have to be careful not to keep making him or her stronger with each episode. Eventually he or she will be invincible, and you lose your external conflict.
From @reverielarke Fiction, Family & Friction.
I’ve never been married and have no children and live only with my cat. My family thinks it’s amazing that I’m a writer, buy everything, tell everyone and are my biggest fans. Those writers who insist on marrying and producing offspring (I shudder at the mere thought) have my kudos for managing to get ANYTHING done, never mind a novel.
From @drcdiva Do you find it hard to reread your own writing.
Nope. I must be a narcissist, because if I pick up one of my old novels, I am immediately engrossed and loving my characters and plot twists as much as I did when I first wrote them.
@QQwill Tell your most memorable “ah ha” moment when writing.
I have to be cryptic, because otherwise it would be a spoiler. The plot twist at the end of Chapter 3 (or was it 2? Don’t have a copy with me) of Cry Mercy, when Mercy goes to confront the parents that requested the dissolution of their adoption 18 years earlier was a total surprise to me. I was just typing along and it happened. I sat back and said Whoa! I knew it was something special.
@joechummer What is your revision/editing process? How long does it take you to edit a ms, on average?
I do a primary draft which is always in first person, even if the book is a third person narrative. I generally write a draft of a chapter, then go back and do a second run through before moving on to the next chapter. I then go over that chapter with my critique partners, then rewrite it a second time, taking their suggestions into account. Unless something happens to make me feel that I must change a plot point, I probably don’t touch it again until I finish the whole book, at which point I do one big run through before sending it off to my edit. This is generally pretty fast—my critique partners are much tougher than any editor. I have worked with three editors and they all say I turn in the cleanest copy they have ever seen.
I have been known to write a first draft in six weeks, but I don’t give my critique partners more than 25 -30 pages at a time, and sometimes as little as 12-15, so that slows the pace.
@Heidi2524 How close do you get to a deadline before deciding (if you ever have) to turn in what you’ve got vs. asking for an extension?
I’ve mostly dodged the bullet on this. On the few occasion that I had firm deadlines, I met them easily. For the Mercy books, there were deadlines in the contract, but my editor said that, since she wouldn’t be ready to take her turn, not to worry about hitting them. On the other hand, I don’t get my final payment until I turn in the manuscript, so I often have self-imposed deadlines!
Okay, folks, gotta go…I’m meeting Dame Agent for breakfast and I’m gonna be late.
One commenter will be selected to receive some RWA National Conference swag (we get tons of free books and promo goodies).
Related posts:
Tags: RWA
I love your tweets, and now am loving Cry Mercy. Glad you get to have some fun at conference, keeping it fresh!
I love your tweets and missed your Q&A session. I’ll be adding your link to my second blog and linking it. I can’t RT yet in Twitterfox though. Hopes Twitterfox can fix my right-click problem. Good questions and answers.
How exciting, Toni – for you to be at RWA09 and for us to get all those diverse bits of wisdom! RWA09 is in my backyard this year, but I’m unable to attend. I really look forward to meeting you at RWA10 (Nashville, right?). I also hope to work with you before long on your Book Rx program.
Hope you have a great time,
Jessica Rosen
I’m so sad that I’m missing conference this year! Thanks for answering some interesting questions. I appreciated the question re: series since I’m writing my first “book 2.”
I hope you’re having fun at the conference … very nice of you to share your swag all with your Twitterbuddies!
Just goes to show that the characters are telling their story through you. When I read that chapter in Cry Mercy, it made sense because it was true to Mercy’s character. Have fun in Washington!
Wow interesting all those Q&A’s. Was about to respond myself and you had already gotten enough posting material [g]. I’ll have to delve into your website more as I am getting ready to help a friend promote her upcoming books, yes bookS. It will be political and I’ve read part of the manuscript, it’s autobiographical but it reads like a script (at least, that’s what I would want to do with it). Written during the Bush years and ready to be published this Fall. I’ll have to scout the site and look for pointers. I happened to follow you (only writer too btw) and all of the sudden it dawned on me that you’re a great resource. enjoy your conference and continued publishing success!
Ingrid
Got to say I always terribly enjoy reading another writers view on the process of writing. And I’m glad to hear that you enjoy reading your own novels – something I hope I can say of myself once I’m done with the final draft.
Also, incredibly glad to hear that there’s more than one person out there who writes something they didn’t see coming. (It’s funny how every writer probably feels that they’re alone in how they do things, until they read something which tells them otherwise)
I’m following all the tweets at the conference. As a reader, I’m really enjoying getting an ‘inside’ look at what goes on
Wish I was there!
I’m a happy twitterer fan. I love the helpful links you post, esp for #writechat. I’ve managed to get my hands on a copy of beg for mercy and eagerly have it in my “to read” stack (it after finishing Prey by Dame Rachel and Yasmine Galenorn’s Demon Mistress.
Out of curiosity, does Book Rx do SS for contest entries? Or would that be cheating?
–Axi
Its really cool that the internet has shed light on so many new avenues in the publishing/book world. A decade ago my favorite authors were so far away, almost removed from my own reality. Like they were under glass in their own cool world.
But now I can read their blogs and follow their tweets… It makes you guys so much more real! I’m a big fan and following you on Twitter and your blog has introduced me to a lot of other new and awesome authors. Seems almost awkward to say, but the internet makes me read real books a LOT more. ^.^
Hi
Thank you for another excellent blog post.
The Q&A was very informative.
I’m glad you are having a terrific time at the RWA in DC.
Sending you love from Canada
Rob
xoxo
I’m sorry that I missed your question and answer session! I really love reading what authors thing, how they work, and really anything about making a living by writing what you believe in. I hope you get to have a lot of fun at RWA09 in a way that you mightn’t have if you were on panels and such. I’m a librarian, and am missing my own field’s annual conference, but hopefully I’ll get to ALA10 in Washington DC.
ANYWAY (how I do go on!), I’m crossing my fingers about this contest, because I dearly love to enter things, and I haven’t won yet.
thanks so much for sharing in So Whadya Wann Know? I’m en route to bookstore today to start my Toni Andrews collection. After, of course, I stop by docs to pick up new glasses so I can read in bed after contacts are out.
Hope you’re having a ball there at conference.
Hi Toni! Glad to hear that you’re enjoying the RWA so much. Please think about tweeting or blogging about all the fun you’re having! It’s almost like being there for all of us who couldn’t make it. Thanks for the great Q&A!
I missed your Q&A on twitter. Can’t wait to hear more about RWA
Blog posts and tweets–go you!
I read you on Twitter. Great blog. I especially enjoy reading what authors go through during their writing process and how they write.
I find it fascinating that you write in first person, even if the book isn’t in first person! Is that something you were taught or is it something you just did? Do you find it easier to write because it’s more descriptive?
Thanks for writing and blogging. I always learn something new when I read your blog.
I’m loving the RWA tweets, although I’m a pale shade of green all the time as well.
Have a wonderful time and keep the info flowing. It’s not as good as being there, but a whole lot better than not hearing until after when all people can say was ‘Damn, that was fun…”
I would love to attend the RWA conference some day. Sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks for the great giveaway.
The RWA sounds really exciting, damn me not being able to be there, but the tweets and blogs of you guys do make up for not being there. =D
I’m glad you’re getting a chance to just check things out at RWA. I think a lot of writers could benefit from some time being readers again.
I procrastinated too long and am missing RWA. It’s awesome that you did the literacy signing. I’m looking forward to your tweets and RWA’s updates. Enjoy!
It’s sounds fun. I’d love to be there meeting all of you.
I’ve been enjoying the RWA tweets. It’s going to be here in Nashville next year so be prepared for me to show up somewhere!
@acguest on Twitter
Loved reading your Q&A .. was wondering if you think of the ending then develop the beginning OR do your stories progress as you write?
Hi Toni,
)
One thing that amazes me, is how giving the writing community is. Twitter is just one small part of that huge picture and it’s just wonderful how published authors go out of their way to offer advice and tips from their own experiences. You guys rock, and I hope one day, that I’ll be in a position to pay it forward too
Thanks for this awesome blog! I’ve picked up a few ideas that may become useful in my process.
A chance to win RWA swag? Cool! I’m so envious of you guys out there. Seeing all the tweets has inspired me to join up. Who knows, maybe I’ll get to go next year.
virtual hugs
Glad to hear you’re enjoying the conference, Toni!
Too bad I missed asking a question, maybe next time I’ll be luckier!
Great post. Have fun at RWA. I am so glad that most of the authors I read are very giving when it comes to sharing insight on writing. I love reading their experiences in the publshing industry.
Hah! I did start LKH at book 10. Lol. It wasn’t the characters as much as OMG! where is this going?!
Interesting answers
For someone who didn’t have a topic prepared, you sure pulled one out of your, er…hat really fast!! One of these days I really would like to go to an RWA or Reader’s Appreciation conference – all those authors under one roof with tons of books ((shivers))- dream come true!!
Great blog! I’d love to be included in the drawing.
thanks a bunch.
sara
Thanks for the advice! Hope you’re having a great time at RWA:)
awesome answers! can’t wait for more on RWA. happy tweeting!
Hey Toni!
I love your tweets. Thanks for sharing your experiences at the conference. I’m sad to have missed it this year but it couldn’t be helped. It’s great that you’re excited about being able to see the conference as an attendee instead of all of the usual obligations if you’d been available earlier.
Have fun and I look forward to more great tweets!
I liked your blog post. I am just starting out on twitter. I am still trying to figure out how to work many of the twitter options. How can we follow you on twitter?
I love when author’s answer questions. As a beginner working on my first novel it is great to get some insight into the world of publishing. I hope to attend RWA next year. Have Fun!!!
I have inside scoop that one of your fellow RWA author attendees brought no fewer than *eight* pairs of shoes. Could you share an intimate, vulnerable moment with us too?
Enjoy your time there at RWA. Twitter is fun but I’m still learning the ropes about it.
I wish there was a reader/writer con close to where I live. But right now I’m living vicariously through Twitter. lol
Oops, the thing about not making your main character too much power and making them invincible caught my attention. I’ll be careful not to do that.
Thanks for the good advice and have fun at RWA!
I AM SOOO JEALOUS!! IT WOULD BE SO AWESOME TO “MEET AND GREET” ALL OF THE AUTHORS THAT I HAVE READ FOR SOOOO MANY YEARS!! I HOPE I GET TO GO TO RWA SOMEDAY TOO!! HAVE FUN!!
I so wish I was there! But I am so grateful for twitter and all the lovely ladies keeping us up to date on events at the conference! And I have to say, I wouldn’t mind picking up one of those way awesome swag bags!
yes, writing with kids and a husband is a bit difficult … looking forward to reading cry mercy !
Its always interests me to see someone who edits chapter by chapter. I may have to try that some time.
Yay Swag. *GRINS*
Love following the tweets from RWA. I’m in DC but it was a little expensive for me. It’s fascinating that you always write a draft in 1st person first!
Loved this post. I’m sort of a beginner in the world of writing and also a compulsive reader, so it’s good to hear about the way it works for authors.
I’m following along in the tweets and it’s a riot the random comments writers make.
love the first two mercy books. Need to pick up the the third one. sounds like your going to have a blast at the signing wish I was there too. Oh well hopefully next year and yeah swag is good.
Wow, what great questions! And I love your answers. Although, I have to say that, at times, writing with a cat is more obnoxious than with a child… at least the child doesn’t bite you when you reach for the mouse nor do they fall asleep across your keyboard… LOL
Enjoy RWA!
You know, Twitter is really beginning to grow on me. This is particularly because of the unique way it allows authors to interact with their audience.
I don’t want to know anything
But I think Twitter and Facebook are great ways to get to know an author personally.
Agree with Jess and am fascinated by your writing a first draft in the first person. Don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone doing that.
Always a pleasure reading what you have to say, regardless of the venue.
regards,
Brenda Cox Giguere
aka @reverielarke
RWA sounds like fun! Your answers were very enlightening. Found you on twitter (I’m @thienkim)
Ello!
Loved the post. I always enjoy reading about other writers and their methods etc.
Regards,
Adam
(Adzmodeus on Twitter)
Oops, wonkified my website address on that post. Apologies if I confused any curious clickers.
Thank you so much for answering my question! RWA is 2 blocks away from where I lived for over a decade. Wish I was there now.
RWA swag?! *swoon* Thanks for the post Dame Toni.
Wow. Swag! I have to say I’m not much of a twitter fan, but some of the questions were awesome. Thanks again for taking the time to teach us something invaluable Dame Toni!
Ohh, I wish I was at RWA.. sighhh.
Thanks for yet another highly informative post and well done for dealing with a last minute Q&A session. Hope you enjoy the rest of RWA and keep on tweeting about it, loving following your comments.
Thanks for answering all these questions! Knowing that there’s a chance in the future I may want to publish one of the ideas swimming in my head (assuming I actually write something down eventually) it’s always great to see these questions being answer.
Great post
Love the info… can’t wait to hear more about RWA.
Wow! Great advice. I’m struggling with writing again after a very long hiatus. I haven’t written a word in probably… 10 years. But I’ve gotten to the point now where I’d like to start again. I always like to hear how other writers approach their stories. Thanks.
My first novel was just released (Science-Fantasy with a bit of romance). What would you consider a story needing to include to make it a Romance novel with a bit of Sci-Fantasy?
RWA sounds like a lot of fun! I’m going to check it out, see if we have a chapter of it here.
I was so excited to win Black and White and Cry Mercy on your contest. Would you believe I was in a bookstore this last weekend, looking for Black and White? And I’ve been wanting to get my hands on a copy of Cry Mercy ever since I saw your trailer. Couldn’t find either at the bookstore – now I know why! Can’t wait until they arrive so I can read the books!
Have fun at the RWA!
just discovered this blog – its great! thanks for giving your time!
I’m following the #rwa09 hashtag as well as RWAenvy and #AGM09 and and and . . . I think it’s only making my jealousy worse! I’m glad y’all are having a great time and learning so much. Next year in Nashville, it will be cool to meet tweeple in person!
Good thinking with the twitter questions.
How long do your critique partners usually take to get back to you?
Are your critique partners mostly other writers, or just regular non-writer types?
This Q&A was a pretty neat not-topic!
I’m double jealous because not only did I miss the q&a but I’m also missing RWA! Oh, well. Maybe someday I’ll join up and get to go! In the meantime, *crossing fingers for some cool swag*.
thanks for the Q & A.
Have fun! I wish I could go to the RWA.
And I’m always up for some swag.
Woo swag! I really like that you posted your twitter Q&A here. Twitter is fun, but it can be really hard to go back and catch up on any sort of back and forth.
I loved the Q&A. Its always interesting hearing from a published Author. It gives us mere Mortals (LOL) some insight into the processes etc.
Thanks
I decided a month ago not to write an entire novel then go back and edit it. From now on, I’ll be editing each chapter before moving on to the next one. Doing the whole works is soooooo boring. I find myself resisting the urge to write something else (which doesn’t always work).
Loved the Q&A. I follow Deadline Dames on Twitter and love the posts.
I wish I could’ve come to RWA for the book signings alone. so many wonderful authors are there.
So jealous of everyone that got to go. So, how many famous people did you all meet?
Thanks for the info Toni. Enjoy the rest of RWA!