It’s Friday and time to celebrate
another week. The summer is zipping by and there is still so much I want to do,
although sitting by a pool and reading seems to be the perfect activity for
this weekend. Each person has their preferences for spending their down time
just like they have preferences for how they work. Today, my guest, Victoria
Pinder tells us how she writes.
another week. The summer is zipping by and there is still so much I want to do,
although sitting by a pool and reading seems to be the perfect activity for
this weekend. Each person has their preferences for spending their down time
just like they have preferences for how they work. Today, my guest, Victoria
Pinder tells us how she writes.
1.
What
is your process for writing a book? For example, are you a plotter or a
pantser? Do you start at page 1 and write your book sequentially or do you skip
around? Do you start with your characters or the plot?
What
is your process for writing a book? For example, are you a plotter or a
pantser? Do you start at page 1 and write your book sequentially or do you skip
around? Do you start with your characters or the plot?
The first ten thousand words are easy.
I’m getting to know my characters. I’m getting what happened to them. Then
around that word count I have to stop and ask myself, ‘what’s the plot?’ I have
to spend a day thinking about what might happen to these characters, but
honestly, if I believed that the plot was set in stone, I’d never write another
word. I have to think about it and let the characters rule the story. Most of
the time it is sequentially, but it’s not exactly a fully formed plot either. I
consider myself a hybrid in writing style.
I’m getting to know my characters. I’m getting what happened to them. Then
around that word count I have to stop and ask myself, ‘what’s the plot?’ I have
to spend a day thinking about what might happen to these characters, but
honestly, if I believed that the plot was set in stone, I’d never write another
word. I have to think about it and let the characters rule the story. Most of
the time it is sequentially, but it’s not exactly a fully formed plot either. I
consider myself a hybrid in writing style.
2.
Do
you write multiple drafts or barely need revisions when typing, The End?
Do
you write multiple drafts or barely need revisions when typing, The End?
I wish I didn’t need revisions! I
generally complete the manuscript (but not always if I feel something is
absolutely horrible about the story. Then I have to think about it until the
fix hits me.) This doesn’t mean it’s done though. Revisions are my friend.
generally complete the manuscript (but not always if I feel something is
absolutely horrible about the story. Then I have to think about it until the
fix hits me.) This doesn’t mean it’s done though. Revisions are my friend.
3.
When
you are writing, who is in control? You or your characters?
When
you are writing, who is in control? You or your characters?
If I’m in charge the story is awful! If
I’m in the character’s head then I’m in the zone and the story flows easier.
I’m in the character’s head then I’m in the zone and the story flows easier.
4.
What
advice do you have for other writers?
What
advice do you have for other writers?
Never listen to negativity that is not
meant to be helpful. People will always try to steal your shine. On the other
side, there are great experts who will be critical in order to help you. If you
can distinguish the difference, then you’re in the best position.
meant to be helpful. People will always try to steal your shine. On the other
side, there are great experts who will be critical in order to help you. If you
can distinguish the difference, then you’re in the best position.
5.
Why
did you decide to become a romance author?
Why
did you decide to become a romance author?
Write what you love to read and think
about. I loved reading romance novels. I read thousands of them. So when my
imagination soars the story usually ends in a happy-ever-after. Once I realized
I wanted to try my hand at writing then the genre was the easy choice.
about. I loved reading romance novels. I read thousands of them. So when my
imagination soars the story usually ends in a happy-ever-after. Once I realized
I wanted to try my hand at writing then the genre was the easy choice.
6.
What
books can we expect to see in the near future?
What
books can we expect to see in the near future?
I have my Secret series that will be out
by the end of the year. It’s my ode to prime time dramas where it meets a
romance novel, so expect surprises and lots of dramatic turns.
by the end of the year. It’s my ode to prime time dramas where it meets a
romance novel, so expect surprises and lots of dramatic turns.
7.
What
makes a man attractive to you?
What
makes a man attractive to you?
This was my favorite question! It made
me think about lots of options that are attractive. Nice hair, sexy eyes, five
o’clock shadows, some body hair, muscular body. Oh so much to think about, but
the truth is I’m far more attracted to man with brains. Intellect and the
ability surprise me in conversation… this is the most attractive part of a man.
I’d pick brains over brawn every time.
me think about lots of options that are attractive. Nice hair, sexy eyes, five
o’clock shadows, some body hair, muscular body. Oh so much to think about, but
the truth is I’m far more attracted to man with brains. Intellect and the
ability surprise me in conversation… this is the most attractive part of a man.
I’d pick brains over brawn every time.
8.
Tell
us a little about the state/country you live in.
Tell
us a little about the state/country you live in.
I live in Miami, FL. I moved from cold Boston to the warmth of the
subtropic weather. In the winters I don’t regret it at all. In the summer, the
humidity is swampy and sticky and makes you not want to move. I live in a
multicultural climate that is unlike anywhere else. It makes you appreciate
different foods, different cultures and so much. I highly recommend it.
subtropic weather. In the winters I don’t regret it at all. In the summer, the
humidity is swampy and sticky and makes you not want to move. I live in a
multicultural climate that is unlike anywhere else. It makes you appreciate
different foods, different cultures and so much. I highly recommend it.
9.
If
you were a millionaire would you still write?
If
you were a millionaire would you still write?
ABSOLUTELY! I could write even more! If
I didn’t have to go to the day job, then I could devote myself to my family and
my writing. If I had a billion dollars, I’d write, travel and spend time with
my family.
I didn’t have to go to the day job, then I could devote myself to my family and
my writing. If I had a billion dollars, I’d write, travel and spend time with
my family.
10. Cat or dog
person?
person?
I grew up with cats. They are interesting, fun, and
unique individuals. Other people’s dogs are fun, but if I have to choose, I’m
going with a cat.
unique individuals. Other people’s dogs are fun, but if I have to choose, I’m
going with a cat.
Back
Cover Copy for Favorite Coffee, Favorite
Crush:
Cover Copy for Favorite Coffee, Favorite
Crush:
Penny moves back to Miami to start her new job. She must
start on Monday, so she has a list of things to accomplish.
start on Monday, so she has a list of things to accomplish.
- Find a place to live.
- Avoid her mother.
- Reconnect with old high school friends. There was her
best friend, Sandra, the dramatic Eva, the dark Michael, her half-brother
Wyatt, and her old high school crush Jay.
Jay may have kept her firmly in the “friend zone”, but that
didn’t stop her from wanting more. Her five friends have stood by her through
some difficult times and she’ll need their help now to accomplish her first two
goals. As soon as Jay sees Penny, he puts his plan into motion. His investors
need to see him with a stable woman, one who isn’t all flash and no brains;
Penny fits the bill perfectly. There’s just one hitch—he wants more.
didn’t stop her from wanting more. Her five friends have stood by her through
some difficult times and she’ll need their help now to accomplish her first two
goals. As soon as Jay sees Penny, he puts his plan into motion. His investors
need to see him with a stable woman, one who isn’t all flash and no brains;
Penny fits the bill perfectly. There’s just one hitch—he wants more.
Their
pretend date sets off a whirlwind of plots. From mothers who want to control
their children’s lives to the loss of her exciting new job, Penny’s world turns
upside down. She knows she can overcome all obstacles except one—she’s falling
for Jay all over again.
Excerpt
from Favorite Coffee, Favorite Crush:
from Favorite Coffee, Favorite Crush:
“Home, sweet, err…coffee.”
Getting out of her car, Penelope
brushed her worn jeans to get out a small wrinkle. Not that it mattered. She
smelled the coffee drawing her to the door. The delicious aroma of freshly
brewed java that could wake her up waited inside. Gainesville had coffee shops,
but nothing that held her heart like this place. In high school, this place was
her mecca. Her stomach grumbled for the familiar drink.
brushed her worn jeans to get out a small wrinkle. Not that it mattered. She
smelled the coffee drawing her to the door. The delicious aroma of freshly
brewed java that could wake her up waited inside. Gainesville had coffee shops,
but nothing that held her heart like this place. In high school, this place was
her mecca. Her stomach grumbled for the familiar drink.
The coffee shop looked almost the
same as it had years ago, except for the aluminum tables and wooden chairs with
red cushions. She remembered the plaid chairs and brown tables, but the place
still calmed her, like she was coming home.
same as it had years ago, except for the aluminum tables and wooden chairs with
red cushions. She remembered the plaid chairs and brown tables, but the place
still calmed her, like she was coming home.
She stepped up to the counter. “I’ll
have a cinnamon dulce nonfat latte, please.”
have a cinnamon dulce nonfat latte, please.”
Leaving Gainesville after college
had always been the plan. Just never back to Miami, but she’d changed. She
could live here now.
had always been the plan. Just never back to Miami, but she’d changed. She
could live here now.
She checked her lip gloss while she
waited for the latte at the counter.
waited for the latte at the counter.
When she accepted the promotion from
part-time to full-time, she knew she would have to face her mother and the
catch of the month, Lars, her mother’s plastic surgeon. What that woman would
do for a free tummy tuck.
part-time to full-time, she knew she would have to face her mother and the
catch of the month, Lars, her mother’s plastic surgeon. What that woman would
do for a free tummy tuck.
The job she’d accepted had offered
to triple her salary, provided she moved to the Coral Gables office. Somehow,
she’d avoid her mother until necessary. What was the man’s name with money this
week? Penny ignored that last call, knowing the man with the largest wallet
always took precedence over whatever Penelope needed. She watched the barista
get the nonfat milk and finish her latte. She’d succeed here, now. She had to.
to triple her salary, provided she moved to the Coral Gables office. Somehow,
she’d avoid her mother until necessary. What was the man’s name with money this
week? Penny ignored that last call, knowing the man with the largest wallet
always took precedence over whatever Penelope needed. She watched the barista
get the nonfat milk and finish her latte. She’d succeed here, now. She had to.
She’d call Sandra, Eva, John, and
Michael later. Wyatt, her half-brother, was stationed overseas, so she’d wait
for his weekly call. These people were her real family.
Michael later. Wyatt, her half-brother, was stationed overseas, so she’d wait
for his weekly call. These people were her real family.
The man handed her the latte. The
first sip gave her the strength to do this. The tightness of the ride
dissipated while she tasted her liquid savior. Sighing, she tasted heaven, the
wake-up to her day.
first sip gave her the strength to do this. The tightness of the ride
dissipated while she tasted her liquid savior. Sighing, she tasted heaven, the
wake-up to her day.
“Penelope.”
Though the unmistakable voice was
deeper, she knew who it was without even turning. Her high school crush, who
never noticed her beyond her brain. Pulling at her pink tank top, she wished
she’d worn better clothes. “John Jay.”
deeper, she knew who it was without even turning. Her high school crush, who
never noticed her beyond her brain. Pulling at her pink tank top, she wished
she’d worn better clothes. “John Jay.”
His steely blue eyes and sandy blond
hair were the same color, but his build had grown more muscular. The leanness
of his youth had given way to broad shoulders and hard, muscular arms. He had a
straight, faded scar on his left cheek that was new—probably a bar fight. Rich
boy wore his fancy, perfectly fitted polo and jeans, and was definitely hotter
with age. His million-dollar smile and devastating dimples sparked a warm flush
that sped through her all the way to the tips of her toes.
hair were the same color, but his build had grown more muscular. The leanness
of his youth had given way to broad shoulders and hard, muscular arms. He had a
straight, faded scar on his left cheek that was new—probably a bar fight. Rich
boy wore his fancy, perfectly fitted polo and jeans, and was definitely hotter
with age. His million-dollar smile and devastating dimples sparked a warm flush
that sped through her all the way to the tips of her toes.
“I’m going by Jay these days. It’s
less formal.” He winked at her, turning off his tablet and pointing her to his
table.
less formal.” He winked at her, turning off his tablet and pointing her to his
table.
“It’s a good name, but I still
prefer Dimples,” she teased. “It’s what I called you on online whenever I
needed you.”
prefer Dimples,” she teased. “It’s what I called you on online whenever I
needed you.”
His rich, deep laugh sent that
familiar spark through her.
familiar spark through her.
Damn. Rich boy knew his effect on
women, including her. He could manipulate her when she went quiet, but she’d
learned a lot in college. She’d not let him weaken her.
women, including her. He could manipulate her when she went quiet, but she’d
learned a lot in college. She’d not let him weaken her.
Purchase
Link: Amazon: http://amzn.to/1SrKB7I
Link: Amazon: http://amzn.to/1SrKB7I
About the
Author:
Author:
Victoria
Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston
before moving to the Miami sun. She’s worked in engineering, after passing many
tests proving how easy Math came to her. Then hating her life at the age of
twenty four, she decided to go to law school. Four years later, after passing
the bar and practicing very little, she realized that she hates the practice of
law. She refused to one day turn 50 and realize she had nothing but her career
and hours at a desk. After realizing she needed change, she became a high
school teacher. Teaching is rewarding, but writing is a passion.
Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston
before moving to the Miami sun. She’s worked in engineering, after passing many
tests proving how easy Math came to her. Then hating her life at the age of
twenty four, she decided to go to law school. Four years later, after passing
the bar and practicing very little, she realized that she hates the practice of
law. She refused to one day turn 50 and realize she had nothing but her career
and hours at a desk. After realizing she needed change, she became a high
school teacher. Teaching is rewarding, but writing is a passion.
During all this time, she always
wrote stories to entertain herself or calm down. Her parents are practical
minded people demanding a job, and Victoria spent too many years living other
people’s dreams, but when she sat down to see what skill she had that matched
what she enjoyed doing, writing became so obvious. The middle school year book
when someone wrote in it that one day she’d be a writer made sense when she
turned thirty.
wrote stories to entertain herself or calm down. Her parents are practical
minded people demanding a job, and Victoria spent too many years living other
people’s dreams, but when she sat down to see what skill she had that matched
what she enjoyed doing, writing became so obvious. The middle school year book
when someone wrote in it that one day she’d be a writer made sense when she
turned thirty.
She’s always been determined. She is
amazing, adventurous and assured on a regular basis. Her website is www.victoriapinder.com.
amazing, adventurous and assured on a regular basis. Her website is www.victoriapinder.com.
Member of Florida Romance Writers,
Contemporary Romance, Celtic Hearts and Savvy Authors.
Contemporary Romance, Celtic Hearts and Savvy Authors.
For
a free novella of Returning for Valentine’s Please Click here: http://victoriapinder.com/returningforvalentineshorttimeoffer
a free novella of Returning for Valentine’s Please Click here: http://victoriapinder.com/returningforvalentineshorttimeoffer
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