Dangerous Hero Addict Support Group discussion
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Sarah MacLean
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The Author's Nook
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Getting to Know Sarah MacLean
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Danielle The Book Huntress , Loves 'Em Lethal
(last edited Feb 01, 2013 06:12PM)
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Thanks for joining us!
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Standalone
The Season
Love by Numbers
Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake
Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord
Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart
The Rules of Scoundrels
A Rogue by Any Other Name
One Good Earl Deserves a Lover *new release*
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I'm interested in who influenced you in writing? What authors "spoke" to you? What are some of your favorites books?
message 6:
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Danielle The Book Huntress , Loves 'Em Lethal
(last edited Feb 03, 2013 12:21PM)
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What are five things that you would like the Dangerous Hero Addict Support Group to know about you?
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Hi Sarah :)I hear about your historical romance books and how my friends always raving about your books, so I'm intrigued. Thanks for DHASG to hold this Q&A session.
How you decide the title of your book? Is it your idea, or the editor and publisher have input too?
Thanks so much for your wonderful work Sarah!Your female main characters are often intelligent women, who often over come many limitations of the historical context of your stories. What is the greatest challenge in creating such strong yet endearing female leads?
Pamela(AllHoney) wrote: "Woohoo! I have really enjoyed the books I've read by Sarah MacLean so far!I'm interested in who influenced you in writing? What authors "spoke" to you? What are some of your favorites books?"
Hi Pamela...thanks for joining and for your question!
I cut my romance teeth (like so many of us) on the classics -- Judith McNaught, Jude Deveraux, Julie Garwood & Johanna Lindsey. When I’m in the thick of writing, I’m always thinking back to those books that really drew me to the genre: Almost Heaven, The Black Lyon, The Gift, Gentle Rogue. And while those books definitely represent a place and time in romance (heroes all gruff and impenetrable, heroines with perfect faces and perfect pitch), I’m always thinking about what it was about those particular stories that made me love romance . . . and trying to keep that alive in my own writing.
Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress wrote: "What are five things that you would like the Dangerous Hero Addict Support Group to know about you? "Thanks so much for having me, Danielle! I'm so excited to be here! Or, rather, I *was* excited, until I had to come up with five things that are interesting about me!
Here we go:
1) I'm a romance reader first, and a writer second. If given the choice between never writing another word and never reading one -- it's not even a question. I couldn't live without romance novels.
2) I have a dog named Baxter who is quite desperate to be in one of my books. The closest we've gotten is a female spaniel named Trotula.
3) I'm obsessed with Reality Television. Much to my husband's dismay.
4) I hate cinema, but love the movies. The more explosions there are in a movie, the more I'm going to love love love it.
5) My favorite book (and the book I think is the best romance novel ever written) is The Great Gatsby.
Virginia wrote: "Love Sarah MacLean! Her guys are those not so perfect heroes, her gals are fiesty and humorous. Nine Rules is in my top 3 of historical m/f romance. Absolutely loved Callie and Gabriel. Callie wa..."
Thanks so much, Virginia! I'm so happy you enjoy the books...and that you still think of Callie & Ralston!
Pamela (AllHoney) wrote: "Do you consult with other writer friends when a scene doesn't feel right? Do you have a group of writer friends that you talk to or email regularly?"I couldn't live without my critique partners and my writer friends. When I'm stuck, I turn to them...Sophie Jordan, Carrie Ryan, Sabrina Darby & Melissa Walker. What I've come to understand is that they are ALWAYS right when there is something wrong with the book, and they are fabulous sounding boards who listen well and are always willing to work through a problem. My books wouldn't be what they are without them.
Ren wrote: "How you decide the title of your book? Is it your idea, or the editor and publisher have input too?"I've titled every one of my books -- I honestly never thought Nine Rules would end up titled the way it was...my agent and I put the title in the subject line of pitch emails hoping that editors would at least open them when they saw that. I was never more surprised than when I heard we were keeping the numbered rhyming titles!
As for the new series -- the Rules of Scoundrels -- those titles came first...each one has a very specific meaning in the context of the book!
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Thanks for gracing us with your valuable time! We really do appreciate it!!!!!
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I don't think I could give up romance novels. I tried in high school (a long time ago), and lasted about two days!
Steamywindows♥♫ wrote: "Your female main characters are often intelligent women, who often over come many limitations of the historical context of your stories. What is the greatest challenge in creating such strong yet endearing female leads?"Thanks for this great question, Steamywindows!
Writing these heroines is the easy part for me; all I have to do is look around me at the remarkable women alive today.
The greatest challenge is fitting these strong heroines into what some readers perceive as "true" in the 1800s. There have been remarkable, intelligent, powerful women in every period in history. Too often, we think they didn't exist, or they couldn't have possibly been *that* strong because of what history tells us. But I know that Jane Austen put pen to paper in 1812 and wrote one of the strongest, most powerful, most *modern* heroines ever in Lizzy Bennet. She stands up for what she believes in and is smart and loyal and wonderful. And I refuse to believe that my characters couldn't have existed there.
But even if they didn't exist in the 1800s, I may write about the 19th C, but I write *in* the 21st C. And so I owe it to my readers to give them characters in whom they can see themselves. For me, that means strong, proactive, powerful women. And I'll keep doing it as long as you all keep reading!
In your books you have more "heroines I'd like to be" than any other author. Are they modeled after people you know, or do you create them as you go?
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When you write angsty situations for your characters, do you ever find yourself crying or angry on their behalf? Is it hard to put them through difficulties in service of the story?
Pamela(AllHoney) wrote: "Do you have problems coming up with names that fit with the period you are writing? Have you ever been asked to change a name for whatever reason?I'm so happy to chat about books & writing anytime, Pamela!
I am TERRIBLE at naming things. I've written whole first-drafts of novels with the hero's name placeheld as "Hero." So, names and titles come from three places for me: 1) a large map of London that hangs on my office wall -- almost all secondary characters' are actually London street names; 2) My parents' friends' last names; and 3) Buildings on the campus of my alma mater, Smith College.
Most first names are pulled from The Big Book of 60,000 Baby Names.
I'm sorry that answer wasn't more interesting!
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Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress wrote: "When you write angsty situations for your characters, do you ever find yourself crying or angry on their behalf? Is it hard to put them through difficulties in service of the story?"I'm so thrilled Callie's story spoke to you, Danielle.
Here's the part where I confess to being a terrible terrible sadist. I *love* putting my characters through the wringer. I revel in it. I usually know precisely what the awful, horrible black moment is going to be for both characters before I begin writing a book, and I cannot *wait* to torture them. That's the fun part for me. So, no. I don't cry. I love every second of it.
I know. I'm a horrible person.
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message 24:
by
Danielle The Book Huntress , Loves 'Em Lethal
(last edited Feb 03, 2013 07:28PM)
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Do you ever find yourself planning a story one way and totally scrapping it because the characters write their own stories instead, and you have to go with their evolution as the story develops?
UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish wrote: "In your books you have more "heroines I'd like to be" than any other author. Are they modeled after people you know, or do you create them as you go?"First, Thank you! That is the greatest compliment you could give me. I'm thrilled they speak to you.
My heroines are not modeled after any one specific person...but rather after a dozen people. They're my friends and my family and people about whom I've heard wild stories; they're women I've read about in magazines, and in books, and seen in movies; and mostly (I hope), they're already a part of you before you pick up the book. I try to make them interesting and flawed (sometimes deeply so), because I want readers not only to want to be them, but also to see themselves in them.
They're so ordinary in my head. Quirky and relatable is what I'm going for whenever I create a heroine.
Thank you for your answer, Sarah! I truly, truly love your heroines. And the heroes, of course :)
Thanks for the answer, Sarah! :)Do you will always write historical romance or plan to venture into another genre? I see you once write YA novel, any plan to do it again in the future?
Thank you for taking time out of your day to answer our questions. My questions have been answered, so that gives me tome to fo fan gurl squee that you are here. I recently finished One Good Earl and gave it 25 stars on my review. I loved it that much. Now that being said Temple is the man that has my heart, and can't can't wait for his book. Keep up the phenomenal work!
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Also, I'm interested in what made you decide what time period to write about? Do you have a particular interest in that era?
Love the answers so far!
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Sarah wrote: "But even if they didn't exist in the 1800s, I may write about the 19th C, but I write *in* the 21st C. And so I owe it to my readers to give them characters in whom they can see themselves. For me, that means strong, proactive, powerful women. And I'll keep doing it as long as you all keep reading! ..."
You definitely give us women who one can relate to, admire even, and I think you do a amazing job at the context (feels pretty believable to me as a reader). I'm glad you are willing to keep writing them because as far as I'm concerned, you just get one published, and I am waiting for the next...
Soooo, can I ask about that? who is next? have we met them both.....?
When you are creating your male leads (oh yum), how do you go about ensuring they have such "male" sensibilities? Do you talk to husband, brothers, research subjects (LOL)? They all seem to be such "men's men". (I mean that in a complimentary way)
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Thanks to all the members who came and posted questions and to say hello to Sarah!
One Good Earl Deserves a Lover was just released last week, so definitely give it a read!
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Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress wrote: "I saw on your blog post where you talked about One Good Earl Deserves a Lover, and that you hadn't envisioned putting the two leads together, but it worked out that way.Do you ever find yourself planning a story one way and totally scrapping it because the characters write their own stories instead, and you have to go with their evolution as the story develops?"
Well, that sure happened with Cross & Pippa's story, Danielle! Cross was supposed to be an opium addict and Pippa was supposed to be a lady doctor. And things just...turned out differently at the end of A Rogue By Any Other Name!
I usually outline a book from beginning to end right at the start, and it almost never turns out the way I expected. But it's nice to at least feel like I have a roadmap (even if I get lost 20 minutes into the drive)!
I'm so sorry I am late replying to questions, ladies...I ended up having to make an unexpected visit to my parents' house, and got distracted! I'm now answering questions from the train back to NYC!
Ren wrote: "Thanks for the answer, Sarah! :)Do you will always write historical romance or plan to venture into another genre? I see you once write YA novel, any plan to do it again in the future?"
Ren -- never say never, right? While right now I'm pretty committed to historicals (at least two more, as there are two more owners of the Fallen Angel who need their story told), I'm not opposed to writing in different genres. I'm definitely planning to go back to YA at some point...I've got a big idea that I'd love to get to...just as soon as I have conquered my existing deadlines!
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Keri wrote: "I recently finished One Good Earl and gave it 25 stars on my review. I loved it that much."You're so sweet, Keri! I'm so happy you enjoyed...it was a really fun book to write -- Pippa and Cross loved to love each other. And that was a remarkable thing to witness!
Pamela(AllHoney) wrote: "What do you do when you have writer's block? And has it happened to you often or at all?Also, I'm interested in what made you decide what time period to write about? Do you have a particular interest in that era?"
I feel like writer's block happens to me every day. Every time I sit down at the computer and open up my manuscript and think, OH GOD I STILL HAVE SO MUCH TO WRITE. (Note: I think this right up until I write the last word of the book)
The only cure for that feeling is to write. You write one word at a time, and appreciate that it's never going to be utterly, awesomely easy. You take 10 words or 100 or 1000 as a win and move forward. And at some point, all those words add up. Sure, they're glitchy and weird and require unbelievable amounts of revision...but they're on the page. And that's what's important.
As for time period, I'm a victim of McNaught, Deveraux, Garwood & Lindsey. They wrote Regencies...so I started there!
Pamela(AllHoney) wrote: "On average, how long does it take you to write a book? Do you listen to music to inspire you? If so, what kind? Do you have a designated writing spot? Or do you write wherever you're at?"It takes me about 7 months to write a book, including a revision. I wish I could write faster, but I can't. And I usually take a month or so in there to just sit quietly and fill the creative well.
I listen to classical music a lot when I write...I can't listen to lyrics...they are too distracting.
I write all over. I wrote my first four books with a full-time job, so I couldn't establish a ritual of any kind. I needed to be able to write on subways and in lines and right when I got up in the morning and right before I went to bed in the evening. Ritual is the enemy of efficiency, and when you're working two jobs, efficiency is key!
Pamela(AllHoney) wrote: "Do you ever see yourself writing in a different era in history (i.e. medieval or renaissance)? Or perhaps something contemporary?"I'd love to try my hand at a contemporary eventually, and I have a YA idea that is in a different time period, so, yes! Never say never!
Steamywindows♥♫ wrote: "Soooo, can I ask about that? who is next? have we met them both.....?When you are creating your male leads (oh yum), how do you go about ensuring they have such "male" sensibilities? Do you talk to husband, brothers, research subjects (LOL)? They all seem to be such "men's men". (I mean that in a complimentary way) "
Temple is next, the killer bareknuckle boxer. And you haven't met his heroine, as all of London thinks she's been dead for 12 years. Murdered by Temple himself. (You guys are in a special club now that you know that!)
As for how I write men...that's a tough one. I've always been a guys' girl. Always had more male friends than female friends. And I've always liked how forthright and honest men are with each other and with themselves. I really like writing men because they can say and do things that women might not say and do. So I don't have a great answer except to say that my husband still thinks that my heroes think about feelings too much. Which is probably true. But I'm so happy you enjoy reading about them!
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We're glad you could make it back. Thank you for taking the time!
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Thank you Sarah! Feels great to belong to the "club", and thanks for the "inside scoop"...I'm glad your a guy's girl, because even if your hubbie is correct, I love how you write men....no sense in too much reality...Steamy
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Dangerous Hero Addict Support Group
Books mentioned in this topic
One Good Earl Deserves a Lover (other topics)One Good Earl Deserves a Lover (other topics)
The Big Book of 60,000 Baby Names (other topics)
The Season (other topics)
Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (other topics)
More...
We are so thrilled to have her on the group to chat with us today!
Introduction:
Sarah MacLean is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of YA and adult romance.
She grew up in Rhode Island, where she spent much of her free time bemoaning the fact that she was more than a century too late for own Season. Her unabashed addiction to historical fiction helped to earn her a degree in European History from Smith College before she moved to New York City to pursue a career in publishing. After receiving a Masters in Education from Harvard University, Sarah returned to New York, where she lives with her husband, their dog, and a ridiculously large collection of romance novels.
Sarah MacLean's website:
http://macleanspace.com/
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