Maya Rodale's Blog: Maya Rodale's Blog, page 23

A sneak peek at upcoming books

Like my heroines, I love knowing stuff, especially before anyone else does. So I thought y’all might enjoy a sneak peek at what is coming up,  because there is a lot of good stuff!

• Charlotte’s story. We made her acquaintance in A Groom Of One’s Own in one of my favorite scenes I’ve ever written. She caused serious trouble in The Tattooed Duke. As you might imagine, more trouble ensues in her upcoming novella. Fun little detail: She has a pet fox named Penelope who–surprise–is inspired by my pet dog, Penelope, who looks like a fox. Tentatively scheduled for a September release. Stay tuned for more news!

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New book! Coming Soon!

• Seducing Mr. Knightly. Look, there was no way the Writing Girls series was ending (SOB) without Annabelle getting her guy. However, our advice-columnist heroine has no idea how to seduce a man. So, naturally, she asks her readers for suggestions and then puts their advice to the test. Meanwhile, Knightly…actually, I’m going to save that bit for later.

• While Penelope is lounging on the bed directly in front of the fan, I am working on a NEW SERIES. I’m going to wager that you’ve never read anything like it. In a good way.

• While procrastinating writing my NEW SERIES (as one does) I have revamped this website a touch. For example, I indulged my vanity by writing about my whole entire life (check out the about page) and I also posted some videos and excerpts on the extras page. And if you want to see about hanging out in person or on other far flung corners of the internet, check out my new connect page.

• Oh yeah, SUMMER! For us that means long walks early in the morning before it gets too hot, reading in the park, stalking my favorite gourmet ice cream truck which must be followed by long bike rides. And, of course, hitting up rooftop bars and sidewalk cafes.

What are y’all up to this summer? 

So you want to write a novel…

Through an informal and totally unscientific survey I conduct at cocktail parties, I have discovered that many people consider writing a novel. Some even place “write a novel” on their Life To Do list. Most want to know how one goes about doing this sort of thing.

I keep it short and pithy at parties (“Oh, just make stuff up ahahahaha!”).  If you’re really serious or deeply curious, here’s the longer, slightly more serious version. Oh, and these aren’t really in any order.

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This is a novel. I wrote it.

Get an idea. I don’t know how to do this—other than keep your eyes and mind open. Turn off Things That Think For You like TV’s and other “screens” from time to time and let your mind just wander. And you know those over-dramatic worst case scenario people? Emulate them, when it comes to thinking about your novel. My mother regularly laments the outrageous motivations, backstories and whatnot I assign to people and everyday interactions (Omg what do you think she meant by that email?!?). But then I remind her I am paid to do exactly that.

Start writing anything. Let go of writing anything good on the first draft. In fact, don’t even bother with a draft. Just jot down ideas—but for like, a month or so, after that you have to pony up and attempt a NARRATIVE. Otherwise, you’re just making notes. No one wants to read your notes. But I kind of want to see if I can pitch that as a book…

Figure out WTF a narrative is. Here is what it is not: rambling, random musings. Invent characters, too. And a setting. And a plot. Watch them ping pong off each other. That’s the start of your story.

Read critically in the genre you wish to write. What “worked” about that novel you loved? Why couldn’t you get past chapter two? Where did that author place the sex scene and why do you think it was on page 273 and not page 14? Authors may make this stuff up, but it’s in a very deliberate way.

 Read critically about the genre you wish to write. There are certain conventions to genre fiction. You must learn them. Even if you are going to break them later.

Educate Yourself. Learn about POV, plot, the heroes journey, flashback, backstory, characterization…all that stuff. They are the tools in your tool belt. Weild them carefully and deliberately.

Stop researching. Stop learning your craft. Write the damn thing! That’s the ONLY different between aspiring writers and actual writers. At a certain point, you just have to figure it out as you go.

Any writers here? Or devoted readers? 

The real allure of Historical Heroes?

It's the outfit, isn't it?

 My editor and I, deep in discussion about modern rogues, came to the following observation: Regency heroes never look at their cell phones. Yes, how obvious. But think about it: No cell phones, television, computers, video games. In short, a heroine need not compete with screens for her man’s attention. Is that part of the appeal of a historical hero?

While there was the equivalent of a sports car–super light, fast and dangerous carriages–I cannot imagine the historical equivalent of an iphone. There was still sports for entertainment. And erotic literature and images for one’s…amusement. And correspondence. But our historical heroes did not declare their every thought on twitter or check in to Almack’s to compete to be mayor. Can you just imagine it? (Tip: spike the lemonade!). Or, goodness, Facebook status updates from Regency heroes?! (Lost country house in drunken wager with Lord Alvanely).

But I digress. What is it about historical heroes that set them apart from contemporary ones? (Or paranormal ones). Is the refined attire? The fleet of servants that guarantees the heroine will never have to cook and clean? The dueling and other dangerous pursuits?

What do you love about historial heroes? 

The surprising link between The 50 Shades Trilogy and The Hunger Games*

*And it’s not the bestseller lists

Previously on the blog I declared my intentions to read the three bestselling trilogies of the moment: The Hunger Games, Twilight, and 50 Shades Of Grey. Though these books are set in different times and places and appeal to slightly different audiences, but they have one surprising thing in common:  A female point of view.

What a girl wants?!

Think about that for a second: the nation has been riveted by the inner workings of a girl’s heart and mind. The character we—men and women, boys and girls—have been identifying with, championing, experiencing with is a girl.

What’s so compelling about a female POV? Is it because women don’t speak up as much, and we’re eager for her version of the story? (Think about it: how many news pundits are women?). Does the female POV allow for emotions, making the story more engaging?

I know, this is the part where I declare What I Think, but I’ve been pondering over this one for a while now and I don’t have any conclusions other than I like it. I like that the nation is riveted by books by girls, for girls. Apparently, the world wants to know what a girl thinks!

What do you love about the heroine’s POV?

Heroine Questionnaire: Erin Knightly

I made the acquaintance of the lovely Erin Knightly at Lady Jane’s Salon in Raleigh/Durham North Carolina (If you can, I implore you to go! It’s a delightful experience!). She has a DEBUT novel hot off the presses–More Than a Stranger–and I for one am super excited for it. But first, her plucky answers to the Heroine Questionnaire:

What’s an essential quality in a heroine?

I think I’d have to say pluck. I want her to be able to get hit by everything life (or an evil author) can throw at her, and still get back up and come back for more. She can shed a tear or two, have moments of self-doubt, or even have her heart broken, but in the end she’ll prevail and always find her own happiness—not to mention a happily ever after with her swoon-worthy hero!

What’s a heroine-eque quality you wish you possessed?

Well, let’s see: I’m headstrong, have the innate ability to find trouble without trying, and somehow managed to land my perfect hero. All in all, I’d say I’m doing pretty well!

LOL, okay, so that aside, I’d love to be able to find the words to stand up to someone who has caused me problems. I have the tendency to not want to rock the boat, and the idea of putting someone in their place is almost unthinkable. Every time I read a book where the heroine finally gathers the courage to stand up to someone who has disrespected her, I’m always cheering her on from the sidelines, so to speak. If you ever pass by me when my nose is in a book and I’m murmuring, “You go girl!”—you’ll know why

Who’s a heroine you admire (either real or fictional)?

Through the magic of Ancestry.com, I recently learned about my maternal grandmother’s paternal grandmother (got that. lol?). Her name was Cecelia McCrea Kelly, and together with her husband, she founded an entire town. What’s more, her obituary said that she was known as Mother Kelly, and she was universally loved and respected by the whole town. She was “sought for advice in practically all births and illness. These services was (sic) from her kindness and benevolence to her fellowmen, and not for any material gain, which she never accepted.”

How lovely is that? In honor of her, I am naming my heroine in the novella I’m working on after her. Its my way of making sure that this remarkable woman will live on

What’s an important life lesson you’ve learned from romance novels?

Love conquers all! But that’s not all. They have taught me that love has to be fought for, and that it’s worth it! More than anything, a woman should love fully, fiercely, and honestly, and she should expect the same in return.

Tell us about the heroine of your new book!

Oh my goodness, did Evie make me laugh. Even though I’m the one who was supposedly writing the story, I can remember several times being surprised by something she did or said, which made the writing process very interesting! She’s not afraid to say what’s on her mind—or put a man in his place. She’s smart, capable, and hardworking, but with a vulnerable side to her, too. Here’s a bit about her and Benedict’s story:

When Lady Evie Moore’s older brother went off to Eton, she was less than thrilled when he wrote back about his new best friend, Benedict Hastings. She immediately sends off a letter to the interloper, demanding that he leave her brother alone—after all, she had always been her brother’s best friend. That single letter starts an unlikely correspondence, which over the course of five years turns to love, despite the fact they have never met. When she turns sixteen, her heart is broken when Benedict unexpectedly and cruelly ends their friendship. Eight years later, Evie is thrilled when she’s given the opportunity to quit the marriage mart and pursue her dreams instead. When a strange man shows up at her family’s estate, she’s shocked by the attraction between them. Yet as they begin to discover one another, the dangers of his world find them, threatening their lives, their love, and everything they thought they could never have as she learns he’s More Than a Stranger.

Want to read more? Click Here for an excerpt! Also, for a free music download of the piano piece inspired by a scene from MORE THAN A STRANGER, click here!

The most scandalous heroine trait of all?

I was utterly shocked and quite delighted to discover that the heroine of Miranda Neville’s latest romance novel, Confessions from an Arranged Marriage ,  is politically-minded.

It seems there is an unwritten rule that mixing politics with romance is scandalous. Apparently, Ladies do not discuss such fraught and conflicting subjects. This is not at all to promote a particular political agenda. At heart, it’s really about making sure women fully participate in creating a world we want to live in.

After all, you’re going to be the author of your own life story, don’t you want a hand in creating the setting in which that story unfolds?

Now more than ever women the world over need heroines like Minerva. We need heroines that read the newspaper—and not just the gossip columns (No judgement—I read a ton of gossip mags  myself). We need heroines that understand parliamentary issues and implications (I’ll be honest–I don’t always). Most of all, the world needs women that will advocate for themselves and for those less fortunate. Above all, we need heroines that are interested  in the forces that shape our lives.

Also,  the world needs heroes that find that sexy.

In America, we can be tempted to rest on our laurels and say “oh, but look how far we’ve come.” But this amazing blog post (written by a man!) shows otherwise.

This infuriating and heartbreaking article shows how far we have yet to come.

 In Miranda’s book, the heroine is able to find an outlet for her interest and passions through an open-minded hero who will use his position to be a platform for her ideas and passions. Since the novel is set in the 19th century, that was the best option available. Since we live in the 21st century, we can do better.

For more about Miranda Neville and Minerva, check out: Miranda Answers The Heroine Questionnaire

Discuss: How much of a news junkie are you? Headline scanner? Colbert-watcher? Do you love nothing more than curling up with The Economist? 

FAQ: Does a romance novel always end happily?

Spoiler Alert! This book has a happy ending.

Yes. If the hero, heroine, a child or a pet dies, it’s not a romance novel. Also, if the hero and heroine don’t end up married (or that it’s pretty clear they will be in the foreseeable future) it’s not a romance novel. Thems the rules.

 What are some Frequently Asked Questions you get about romance novels? 

More heroines should be awesome at this…

I came across this infographic which caught my attention because it begins with the statement Girls Are Smarter Than Boys. But of course! As you’ll see, it’s about girls and math–no don’t go!–and how a little more confidence in our abilities would mean more girls majoring in math and sciences, and thus more women building the world to suit our needs (why are kitchen cabinets always so high?!).

But this really resonated because I always thought of myself as a Word Person, and because of that I never thought of myself as a math/science person which meant there were entire careers I never imagined possible. Combined with the excuse of “oh, all the women in my family are bad at math/we’re Word People,” I started out assuming I was at a disadvantage. Which is stupid–imagine if I had looked at a math problem and just assumed I was completely capable of figuring it out!  But the thing was, I was also a Good Student and I brought home A’s and B’s in math, physics, chemistry, biology…Oh, I had to work for those good grades because it didn’t just come as intuitively to me as history or literature. But the fact remains that I was actually ok at math and science, especially with a little effort.

Anyway, all of this got me thinking about romance heroines who are really keen on math or science. I can think of one: Lydia Craven in Where’s My Hero? by Lisa Kleypas. Can you name other scientifically inclined or math minded heroines? 

Created by: EngineeringDegree.net

Anyway, all of this got me thinking about romance heroines who are really keen on math or science. I can think of one: Lydia Craven in Where’s My Hero? by Lisa Kleypas. Can you name other scientifically inclined or math minded heroines? 

QUIZ! How fast do you read?

The Husband once said he knew we would suit when I casually mentioned I had read the two books he bought me over the weekend. Ever since, we’ve had a fierce competition over who is the faster reader. Thus, I was delighted/terrified to discover this quiz that determines how many words per minute you read. If you dare…take the test! If you are even more bold, post your number below! 

Source: Staples eReader Department

Behind the scenes of a book

I’m writing Charlotte’s story…[I, as Charlotte, am pausing while there is rejoicing across the land]…Given that I am deep, deep, deep into the writing process I also took a moment to procrastinate/blog/read The Huffington Post, where I discovered this funny info graphic on how a book is born.

Currently, I am at the point where “Idea Person Writes Book.” To be really specific, I am at the point where “Idea Person Decides To Write Regency Romance Incorporating Funny Animal Videos From YouTube.” Soon, I will be praying that my editor does not quit and start a goat farm. But if she did, I hope she makes funny animal videos and posts them on YouTube.

Chatty Question:  So, is this how you imagined the publishing process?

Serious Question: Any ideas for Charlotte’s story?