BACKSTORY: The story behind ETERNAL HUNGER, by Laura Wright

Like many novelists, multi-published author Laura Wright's love for writing grew out of her love of reading. Unlike many authors, however, she can trace her inspiration to a single book: Jude Deveraux's KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR.
"I couldn't put it down until the very last word," the OCC/RWA member writes on her website.
That novel led Wright to more Deveraux novels and then on to more romance authors.
"I instantly loved those emotional, sexy reads," she adds, "so much so that I began to carve out ideas for my own stories, themes that were unique to me and moved me." In 2002, Wright—who in addition to writing has worked as an actor, singer and dancer—published her debut novel, CINDERELLA AND THE PLAYBOY, in the Silhouette Desire line. Another fifteen Silhouette Desire novels followed, as well as an anthology, TAKEN BY STORM.
And today, Wright enters the paranormal romance realm with ETERNAL HUNGER, the first in her Mark of the Vampire series. Publishers Weekly, in a starred review, praises its "rich mythology, page-turning tension, and blistering sensuality."
The series continues in April with ETERNAL KISS.
Wright, a native of Minnesota, lives in Los Angeles with her family.
What was the inspiration for your novel?

To be honest and blunt, it came from my very vibrant fantasy life. With ETERNAL HUNGER, I wrote the vampire, the hero, that I would love to heal, banter with, and be taken by.

What was your writing process?

Oh man, I so wish I could be a "panster." That sounds like so much fun! Writing for Silhouette Desire, synopsis was the only way to go, only way to sell. It's the same way with NAL, and frankly, I need it now. I need to know the beginning, middle and resolution of the book to get going. Once I do, I write the entire book in dialogue.

How much time do you spend writing each week?

BC (Before kids), I wrote at least 10 hours a day. Now with two little ones, I try for fourt to five. It depends if I'm closing in on a deadline. Then I have to work full weekends and nights, too.

How do you get yourself in a writing frame of mind?

Well, that is the question isn't it? Lol. I do coffee and set myself in my office with music and headphones. But honestly, there is no other way to get it done – for me anyway – but doing it. Some days it flows like honey, but most days it takes a good half hour for me to get into it.

What was the best advice you've received about writing?

Wow. Good question.
A. (from my mentor/teacher, Barbara Ankrum) "If the external conflict is the wheels, the Internal Conflict is the engine that will drive your story." and "Never start with the plot, start with the internal conflict."
B. (from Jayne Ann Krentz) "There will never be a perfect time to write" and "writing has to be a compulsion; a drive – an addiction."

What is something you know now about writing or publishing in general that you wish you had known when you started?

A. Writing is a job, not a hobby.
B. The author/agent relationship is tricky if you don't go into it with a clear understanding of what both of you expects from the other.
C. Support is huge and key! Family, husband/wife, friends, RWA chapter. Writing is a lonely job, you'll need people along the way.

How do you overcome writer's block, or any rough patch as you're working on a story?

I honestly don't believe in writer's block. I believe in fatigue and/or not knowing your conflict enough. Taking a break, a walk, making a new pot of coffee can help clear your head. But the only way to get past a difficult scene is to run head first into it. Hell, you can always delete it later or the next day, but just pushing through will (most times) spark creativity. Also, write a scene that isn't working from another characters prospective – that can be very helpful.

Do you work with a critique group?

I have two or three people that read my work, sometimes in scenes, sometimes large chunks. I think feedback is so valuable – with someone you trust. It's hard to see everything, especially when you're focusing on internal conflict or dialogue. Another set of eyes can find all those places you've neglected.

When your creative batteries run low, do you have any tricks or techniques for jump-starting them and staying motivated?

Just recently, I had a deadline moved up and I had to finish my book in weeks instead of months. Most of the time I turned to coffee, music, sheer force of will, but at the end I went to this special motel by the beach that really recharged my batteries. Sometimes just changing locations can light a fire!

What are five of your favorite novels?
Only five? Yikes. Let's see…

KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR, THE DEMON LOVER, Harry Potter (any and every), Gemma Doyle Trilogy, PASSION

What is your favorite book on the craft of writing?
BIRD BY BIRD, by Anne Lamott – all the way. That book saved me from many a meltdown!

What books are currently on your to-be-read list?
Ooooo, love this! Jennifer Lyon's newest Wing Slayer Hunter, NIGHT MAGIC; LITTLE TOWN ON THE PRARIE (with my daughter); WHEN YOU ARE ENGULFED IN FLAMES; THE HUNGER GAMES

For more about Laura Wright and her books, visit http://www.laurawright.com/.