 I've been making up stories most of my life. Growing up in a neighborhood with only boys and a big brother who was usually trying to ditch me, I spent a lot of time reading. When I wasn't reading, I was imagining my own books. After college and several years in the P.R. field, I decided to try my hand at a novel. I was pregnant at the time, and I think there must have been something in those pregnancy hormones. Two years after that decision, I had a finished book and a contract with Silhouette Romance. (Okay, I've glossed over the hair-pulling struggle of actually writing that first book, but all the pain vanished when I got the "call".)
I wrote several books for Silhouette under a pen name, Kristina Logan, and then moved on to single title romance, writing books for Avon and NAL and most recently for Pocket Books where I've launched my Angel's Bay Series. It's the first time I've written a series of connected books, and while it's quite a challenge, I love being able to develop continuing characters and storylines and create an entire town complete with a rich and fascinating history. Book one, SUDDENLY ONE SUMMER came out last summer and this spring, ON SHADOW BEACH (April) and IN SHELTER COVE (May) will be released. A fourth book will be out in early 2011. IN SHELTER COVE will bring my total of published books to 27.
As you can imagine, it's taken me a few years to write that many books. I no longer have babies or little kids running around, but I continue to have the support of my family as I live the crazy life of a writer, one foot in the real world, the other in the world of my imagination.
I first got my love of reading from my mother, who was an avid reader and filled our home with overflowing shelves of books. She was also the one who first came up with the idea of writing a romance and completed her first novel a few years before me. When I first started writing, we traveled to writers' conferences together and learned the craft, but mostly we just had a lot of fun. It was wonderful to have her support and encouragement. She was in the audience when I won the RITA for Daniel's Gift, and I don't think I'll ever forget the expression on her face. While, she never fulfilled her own publishing dreams, she kept on writing, as much for the joy of it as anything. And some days when the writing seems "hard" or when the ever changing publishing business takes another spin, I think of her and remember that it's always about the story. And the next best thing to reading is writing.
I hope to continue on for many more books, because the ideas just keep coming. When I'm not writing, I'm enjoying my family and the usually good California weather. A native Californian, I've lived at both ends of the state, and while I sometimes miss the hot summer nights of Southern California, I love the beautiful bays and hillsides of Northern California and the intriguing city of San Francisco, one of my favorite settings.
For more info on me, check out my FAQ's page.
Publisher:
Pocket Books
Simon and Schuster, Inc.
11320 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
212-698-4382
Attn: Micki Nuding, Senior Editor
Agent:
Karen Solem
SpencerHill Associates
P.O. Box 374
Chatham, NY 12037
518-392-9293
Which one of your books is your favorite?
This is an easy answer -- it's always the one I've just finished writing. Aside from my Angel's Bay series which is my current favorite, there are some older books that stand out for me.
DANIEL'S GIFT was my first breakout book after leaving category romance. The story of a young boy who wants to meet his biological father but gets in an accident along the way, touched many readers. I wrote the story after my 13-year-old niece died from a sudden illness and I had done some reading about near-death experiences in children. I think I had an angel on my shoulder when I wrote that book. It went on to win the RITA for Best Contemporary Romance and was optioned for a TV movie. (It didn't get made but maybe someday).
Another favorite book is SUMMER SECRETS, which is the story of three sisters who grew up with their father, an avid sailor, who took them on a race around the world when they were teens, a race that resulted in a life-changing secret that's about to be unveiled. And if I had to pick one more book, I'd have to say GOLDEN LIES. The story begins when the hero takes his grandmother to an antiques roadshow and discovers that the ugliest dragon statue he's ever seen might just be a priceless artifact from an ancient Chinese dynasty. I could go on and on, because the truth is every book I write I love. Did I mention DON'T SAY A WORD where a woman visits a museum and discovers that she bares an uncanny resemblance to the painting of a famous Russian orphan?
Where do you get your ideas?
As soon as I start talking about my books, I often get an incredulous look and the above question. The truth is -- the ideas are everywhere. I'll be having an ordinary conversation with friends and an idea will spark. Case in point -- I was talking to a sorority sister about how we used to climb out on the second story roof of the sorority house to sunbathe. ALL SHE EVER WANTED was the story of a girl who died in college after falling off the roof of her sorority house and her friends who know more about her death than they're willing to say.
SILENT RUN was borne of an idea that simmered in my head for a long time. I had this vision of a car accident and a woman who woke up not remembering one thing about herself. Then a police officer comes into her hospital room and asks her where her baby is. She's the only one who knows, and she can't remember. As she realizes that her baby's life might be in jeopardy, she has to figure out who she is so she can save herself and her child.
Do you ever quit writing a book in the middle? And go on to something else?
I've been tempted, because the next story always seems easier and more exciting. But I'm usually pretty disciplined, and once I get into a story, I find a way to write through the tough times. Every novel has ups and downs, and every writer has to climb over obstacles whether it's in the outlining or the actual writing. So if you have a story to tell, don't give up.
How do you write? Do you start with an extensive outline?
I have a fluid writing process. I start with knowing the key turning points and the main characters and what I envision as their arc. That's about it. Even when I force myself to write a longer outline, I almost always veer from the path as I write. I find my best ideas come out of the writing and as I get to know the characters. When I'm in their head, writing their words, things change. I'm not averse to rewriting and most of my books go through many drafts, but I usually revise as I go along and then again at the end.
What advice do you have for beginning writers?
Read in the genre in which you want to write. Join writers groups which offer opportunities to network, participate in workshops, and learn everything about that particular genre. If you're writing romance, definitely join both the national Romance Writers of America and find a local chapter.
How does a new writer find an agent and/or an editor?
Join a writers group and network. Most groups offer opportunities to hear from agents and editors in the field whether it be through articles, conferences or online chats. Talk to other writers and do your research so that you're sending material to someone who represents that kind of book.
Where can I find your books?
The Angel's Bay Series is currently selling from all bookstores and book outlets. If not on the shelves at your local bookseller, the titles can definitely be ordered. In fact, most of my titles published in the last five years are still in print and available for purchase. Borders is particularly good about keeping my backlist on their shelves.
Some of my older books that have gone out of print can be purchased through used booksellers on Amazon and EBay, however, I hope to be bringing out additional titles in digital format in the near future. Stay tuned!
Are you available to talk to my Book Club?
I'm happy to do online chats with your book club. I can also provide a Readers Guide with provocative questions for your discussion as well as promo materials. Please email me with your request.
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