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A Ramble with
Robin Alexander.......
Many months ago some of us got together and compiled a list of
questions to ask our favorite writers..... then one thing lead to
another, we got to talking about publishing and this will be the
first of a few rambles about publishing as well as a few “FUN”
questions we put together to ask our writers.....I asked Robin if
she would tell us about her experience of publishing and answer a
few questions. I gave her the option of answering them in an email
or rather meet me online on yahoo instant messenger.... So you will
have to read on and see for your self why she chose the email
version... and I am still protesting it, just for you Robin.
So with out any further explanation read on an see what Robin has to
say....
Take it away Robin.....
I’d like to thank Nancy and Wizzy for inviting me to do this ramble.
I’ve said it many times, but it never seems enough. Nancy, Wizzy and
the Sandbox group as a whole have been extremely supportive of me,
and it is sincerely appreciated. I’ve been a little quiet lately on
the group, and I apologize for that. I’ve been busy rewriting “Murky
Waters” to be released with Intaglio Publications. I’ve gotten a lot
of feedback on that story and continued requests to expand on the
characters, so that is what I am currently up to. I will be
attending the GCLS Convention in New Orleans in June 2005, and I
hope you will join me there. I’d love to meet each one of you and
give you a hug for making me feel so at home here at the Sandbox.
Wizzy requested that I relate my publishing experience, so here
goes.
I cleaned up "Gloria’s Inn" and sent it to Kathy Smith with Intaglio
to review. I had the opportunity to sit down with Kathy in Orlando
and chat with her about the manuscript and the contract. I bit her
twice on the leg, and she agreed to send me the contract as soon as
she got home. I wouldn’t suggest taking this approach; she has some
strong legs and kicks really hard. As promised, the contract
arrived, and I took my time reading it over. Fortunately for me, the
contract is in plain English, and there were no surprises.
Then, the editing process began. I thought that when you turned over
the manuscript, the editor would clean it up, fix the errors and
that would be it. I was SO wrong. The editor goes through and
corrects the grammar and looks for inconsistencies in the story.
What I got back from her was pages filled with red marks where she
corrected stuff that I have not even thought about. I had the option
to accept or reject the changes she made. In other words, the author
is expected to be in the process until the very end.
Needless to say, it was a big-time learning process for me. I had
heard from other writers that sometimes they were made to change
their stories. I was concerned that I would be made to do the same.
That never came up. The editor was concerned with the grammar and
the flow of the story and did not force me to change anything that I
felt would detract from the theme.
My cover was designed by a very lovely lady named Sheri. She sent me
the cover after reviewing the manuscript, and I loved it the minute
I saw it. She gave me several options with coloring, but I trusted
her judgment and went with her suggestions. Her talent can be seen
on most of the Intaglio releases and Radclyffe's books, as well.
When the book debuted at the convention in D.C., Kathy and Denise
with Intaglio took me under their wing and promoted it. Anytime I
was near the tables where the book was sold, Denise would tell
whoever was shopping that my book was a must read and would
introduce me as the author. LOL I got to sign a lot of books that
way and get over my nervousness. The rest of the Intaglio authors
welcomed me into the flock and made me feel supported. I was
surprised by the familylike atmosphere.
Starcrossed Productions, which is also owned by Kathy Smith, has
been a wonderful vehicle in promoting my book. I’ve had several
emails outside of the U.S. from people who have received my books,
so my sales are worldwide.
This past week, my first royalty check came in the mail nearly
fifteen days before the deadline in the contract. Everything that
was written in my contract has been fulfilled thus far. I’ve been
treated well and have made Intaglio my home.
How long have you been writing creative fiction?
I tried my hand at it years ago, but I couldn’t make the story come
out the way I saw it in my mind, so I gave up. Last December, I took
a crack at it again, and this time, I just saw it through to the
end. So I guess the answer is about a year now.
What color's ur toothbrush?
It’s purple, Wizzy, you crazy-assed thing. lol
What’s ur bra size?
Ah, here you are again, Wizzy. I’ll let you guess when you meet me
at the GCLS Con in June. <eg>
How do you have time to WRITE so many stories at once?
I have a laptop that goes everywhere with me. Mostly, I have to make
time between work and all the other rigors of life. I’m sure
everyone here can relate.
How do you get your inspiration?
I have an overactive imagination. <g> It really depends on my mood,
too. When I’m kind of down, I write darker stuff. Most of the time,
I’m in a silly mood, and it just comes out when I’m at the keyboard.
What I see going on around me daily is an inspiration. As you can
tell, I am surrounded by some colorful characters.
What story/series are you most proud of?
I’m very proud of "Gloria’s Inn." I thoroughly enjoyed writing it. I
am also fond of the Klutz series, which I plan on adding to in the
near future.
Do you get hate mail and how do you handle those?
Thank God, I have never gotten hate mail, so don’t start now, Wizzy.
lol I did get a few emails after I wrote "Gloria’s Inn," saying that
they did not like the way I treated snakes in that story. I can
sympathize with that. No one wants to hear about their favorite pet
getting roughed up. I will try to make amends in the sequel.
How do you lay out your stories?
I have no specific formula or outline when I write. It’s easier for
me to just go off the cuff, so to speak.
Do you have an ending before you start writing, or does it reveal
itself to you as you write?
I have never had an ending in mind when I sit down to write. Most of
the time, it hits me when I’m in the middle of the story.
How does an idea become a story?
When I get an idea, I store it in my idea file. Things are rolling
through my head all the time, so I’ve created a file, and I come
back to them when I’m ready to expand on them. Usually, by the time
I have the characters figured out; the rest of the story seems to
follow.
Which story/series has gotten the most response from fans?
"Murky Waters" and "Gloria’s Inn" have gotten a lot of responses,
but the one that seems to get the most attention is the Klutz
series. I get a lot of emails from people who can relate to those
characters. <g>
Do you like to write X&G stories or uber/original stories better?
I have never tried to write X&G, but I enjoy reading them.
When you've finished with the story/book, do you miss those
characters that you've written about?
I missed a lot of the characters in "Gloria’s Inn"; I guess that’s
why I am looking forward to doing the sequel.
Do you or do you not wear underwear? If so, what kind?
*Glares at Wizzy* LOL
What advice can you give to future writers?
Don’t give up if the story isn’t working out. Leave it and come back
later. You’ll be surprised after a little time how much you can
expand on the idea.
What's your favorite quote? Why and how does it affect you?
From the TV show Cheers. “Life is a dog-eat-dog world, and I’m
wearing Milk Bone underwear.” It’s just funny to me.
When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
It’s something I’ve wanted to do since grade school. I was just
never satisfied with what I had written and gave up too easily.
Can you see the book as a feature film?
I think "Gloria’s Inn" would make a funny movie.
Have you ever had a serious case of writer's block, and how do you
get over it? What’s your bra size???(BT....aka Strongsouljah)
I have gotten stumped on a story before, but never what you would
call writer's block. I suppose I’m too new at all of this right now.
When I get to a point where I can't get it to work, I leave it alone
for a few days and come back to it. Bra size is a popular question.
LoL.
What is essential to you in your surroundings when you are writing?
i.e.: music playing, incense, candles lit, food/drink, smoke pot???
LOL Nope, no pot for me. I listen to music a lot. And I enjoy
writing late at night.
Are you easily distracted when writing?
Surprisingly, no. I don’t have a problem with what’s going on around
me. The bulk of "Gloria’s Inn" was written during my slack time at
work. I get so engrossed in the story that I zone out everything
else.
Do you wear that special bra (the one Wizzy sent you) with the
leopard stripes when you write those erotic sex scenes? (SIDE NOTE
from Wizz....the bra was to be autographed and sent back...I’m still
waiting....LMAO)
Actually, I’m afraid of that bra. It bit me twice. <g>
Where do you get your ideas? Do they just pop up or do you hear
something or see something and think.... hey that would work?
I get them from all kinds of things. I thought of "Gloria’s Inn"
when I was looking at vacation spots on the Net. The ideas for the
Klutz series came from my own goofiness and experiences when I
worked as an EMT.
"If you could be any kind of vegetable, what would you be?"( Tap The
Wizzard....)
I think I’m more of a fruit. <g>
"Would you like to have dinner with me?"( Tap The Wizzard....)
Sure, Tap! <winks>
How do you write so many stories at once?
I’ve always told stories, and my sister Robin, whose name I use as
my pen name, used to tell me to write them down. What keeps me going
is the enjoyment of creating something from my imagination and
watching it unfold. I guess I have written so many stories in such a
short time because I’ve had them stored in my head for a while now.
How do you (the writer) deal with the feedback you receive?
When a person takes the time to write me on something I’ve written,
I take it very seriously. Eileen, who has the Ultimate Uber List,
wrote me about "Murky Waters," which I am rewriting for publication.
She gave me some outstanding advice about that story, and I am
putting it to good use now.
Have you ever written outside your comfort zone? Were you happy with
the result?
I have always loved scary stories. I tried my hand at one once, and
it really stunk. I’ve never had the guts to post it.
Do you prefer standard nipple clamps to those new ones that vibrate?
See, Wizzy, this is exactly why I wouldn’t let you ask me questions
live. LMAO!
Here is a tame one...WHAT is your favorite ice cream flavor? (There
are more than 31 you know).
Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia.
Did you ever think there were people out in the world just as
twisted as you?
No, but then I met Wizzy.
Who is YOUR favorite author?
I have a bunch. AK Naten, S. Anne Gardner, Katlyn, LJ Maas, and I
really enjoy reading stories posted on the Web by some deranged
people on a site called the Sandbox. LOL
How much of the bard's own personal life experiences and world view
enter their characters and story?
A lot of myself and experiences go into my stories. I think I
identify with Hayden from "Gloria’s Inn" the most. My goofiness
seems to be the most prevalent in all of them, though.
Is there a particular time of day or environment in which they feel
most creative?
Late at night seems to be the best for me.
This one is for Wizzy's imagination, what do you wear when you’re
working on your writing (VBG) (RI the Bard)
I love to wear sweats in the winter, and my Spongebob baseball cap
always accompanies me. <g> Wizzy, if that turns you on, then we need
to get you into therapy. lol
Questions from....PHAIR.... M. Mullaney
1. Pen or keyboard?
Keyboard
2. Favorite ice cream flavor?
Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia
3. Favorite reading format: hardcover, paperback, book on tape or
online?
Paperback and online
4. When you're not writing, what do you do with yourself?
I love to work in my yard. Camping and the beach are two of my other
faves.
5. Favorite comfort food?
Steak
What does being published mean to you?
Just the thrill of holding my finished project in my hands.
Now as you can see I always get blamed, which is fine by me ifin it
gets the answers to the questions....LMAO....as I stated most of
these questions were made up from a few Sandbox Brats, yes me
included.
As you can also see publishing a book is a hard long commitment and
well worth the time and energy you put into it. I want to thank
Robin for being such a sport and answering some of the questions I
sent to her, as well as telling us a little about herself and
publishing her book. She is just as twisted as the rest of this
Sandbox Brat’s crew.
I hope to have a ramble with Kathy Smith of Starcrossed Productions
next week...
Then after that I have a ramble of questions that I asked of
Shadylady the master behind the scenes.... what will she have to
say?? Stay tuned and find out. |
Wizzy