Q&A with Emma Chase *CLOSED*

[Jennifer]

Emma,
Did you always want to be a writer? If so, what was your defining moment that made it the right decision for you?

[Jami]

Who are some of yoir favorite go to authors and favorite reads?

[Emma]

Caroline wrote: "Hi, Emma! I'm a huge fan. I love that you write love and laughs <3

My question is: Do you have a special food or drink that you cannot live without while you're writing a book?"

Hi Caroline!
Black coffee. I drink way too much of it when I'm writing, especially when the deadline is close at hand and sleep is my enemy, lol. When I'm not in the middle of writing a story, I make myself cut back to one cup a day only :)

[Emma]

Pearl wrote: "Hi, Emma! Love love love your books, especially The Legal Briefs series. Thanks for always bringing smiles on our faces. Here's my question: For you, who's the actor that is going to look like how ..."

Hi Pearl,
Thank you so much! I'm thrilled that you've enjoyed my stories! The actor to play Drew is always a tough one for me to answer b/c the character is 28 years old but I tend to envision older actors in the role. That being said, I think Chris Evans has a boyish charm and devilishness to him that would be great for Drew Evans (and they have the same last name, haha).

[Emma]

Blair wrote: "Hi Emma, as an absolute New Adult Junkie, I'd love to know if you'd ever base a series in college? I know you write about slightly older character and I'm obsessed with your work. But I think you'd..."

Hi Blair,
Thank you! Yes, I would love to try my hand at a college story! Funnily enough, when I've outlined the Tangled kids' stories, Mackenzie and Rain's both take place when they're younger than my typical characters - about 20-21 years old. But I'd also like to write a new, standalone set on a college campus - it's a great setting for lots of fun times and intense feelings.

[Emma]

Diana wrote: "Hi! Hope you're having a fabulous day! Have you ever thought of writing more about the legal briefs crew? Maybe on Brent's daughter and jakes son or Stanton's and Sophia's? I loved that series so I..."

Hi Diana,
I'm doing great these days, thank you! As a matter of fact, just the other day I was thinking of a story for Robert and Vivian (Jake's son and Brent's daughter) and for Samuel (Stanton and Sofia's son)! I had a lot of fun planning it in my head and hope to share it with you all at some point. Not sure if it would be full length or a novella - and it might actually combine the stories - focus on Robert & Viv's journey and Samuel's with chapters from various POV. They are a hilarious group and I don't think they're quite done with me yet. <3

[Emma]

Lina wrote: "Hi, Emma,
Does your husband always give input to all your male characters?"

Hi Lina,
Ha - nope! Once in a while I'll ask him for confirmation, 'would a guy feel this way? would a man say this like this?' and he'll give me his perspective, but otherwise he's happy to let me slip into my guys' heads and just let the words flow without comment.

[Emma]

Nikki Andrea wrote: "hi! I'm just wondering when you decided to become an author and what made you decide in this kind of genre?

Thanks :) much love <3"

Hi! thanks for your question :) I've always been a writer - creating stories in my head and writing them down when I had the time. I ventured into becoming a published author when my children started school full time and I took a creative writing course at a local college. The professor of the class ended up being a guy I went to high school with - who had published several science fiction books! Reconnecting with someone I knew who had been published made the idea seem less daunting and more possible - so I started sending out query letters to publishers soon after. I write romance/romantic comedy because those have always been the books I've loved to read.

[Emma]

Nicole wrote: "Hi Emma! I was wondering if you listen to music when you write and if you have a playlist for your books?"

Hi! I listen to a ton of music before I write - it really helps inspire me and get me in the right mindset emotion-wise to write a scene. And I usually have one song that really represents a couple or a book to me.
There was a posted playlist for Tangled, but I think that was lost when I moved websites and my computer crashed without me backing up all the files :( But I'm thinking about posting a playlist for Royally Screwed either on my website or possibly in the books itself, because there are some great songs that helps inspire so many moments in that story.

[Emma]

Nishi wrote: "Hey Emma! So my question how do you understand the mindset of men. All your books are from male POV. Is it tough? Easy?"

Hi Nishi,
Thank you! Growing up, I was very close friends with a group of terrific guys that's allowed me to slip into that mind-set pretty easily. I actually find it easier to write from the male POV - the writing tends to me funnier, more free and uninhibited. I think because it's a character's words - it's them speaking, not me - so really anything goes! Although - Royally Screwed is from Nicholas and Olivia's POV and I have to say - I loved being in Olivia's head! She's awesome :)

[Emma]

Jessica wrote: "what's your biggest with/dream/goal? Or you already have it?"

Hi Jessica!
My goal is always to write entertaining, satisfying stories for my readers that will leave them feeling happy in the end. When I first started as a published author, my dream was just to hold my own book in my hands - even if no other copies were sold. Everything that has come after - the NY Times list, traveling, book signings, bonding with other wonderful, talented authors and meeting the most amazing readers online and in person has been beyond anything I ever dreamed. And I'm so grateful <3

[Emma]

Melissa wrote: "Hi Emma, just want to say i love all your books and cant wait for Royaly Screwed. I wanted to ask if you think you will write any more stories with Drew? He is one of my favorite male characters an..."

Hi Melissa,
Thank you! I am crazy excited for Royally Screwed too - can't wait for you to meet these characters!! And yes, I have plans and outlines for the Tangled kids' stories (Mackenzie, Rain and James) and some of the chapters in those books will absolutely be in Drew's POV (because he's hilarious and awesome). Not 100% sure of the timing for those stories as I'm focusing on the Royally series now, but they will be written! xo

[Emma]

Lulú wrote: "Hi Emma ! I'm Lucía from Uruguay "

Hi Lucia!! Thanks for stopping in to say hi :)

[Emma]

Quinn wrote: "Emma!! I loved your Tangled series! My question is, was your inspiration for the Las Vegas trip in Tied come from personal experience!?! I know, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Thought that ..."
Hi Quinn,
Ha! Well, I've been to Vegas and I've been to a few bachelorette parties (not in Vegas). But the inspiration for some of the Vegas scenes in Tied actually came from stories I was told (and sworn to secrecy) about my guy-friends bachelor parties! They were wild and crazy - though many details have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent, the inspiration for the Tied Vegas trip came from the spirit of those stories.

[Emma]

Sara wrote: "Emma,
I absolutely love your writing! I have read them all multiple times. I want to know if you have entertained writing a spin-off from Legal Briefs with the children grown up or in college? I re..."

Hi Sara,
Thank you so much - it's a joy to know you love these stories and characters as much as I do. And I have thought of writing a few more stories for some of the Legal Briefs kids! Specifically for Robert and Vivian and Samuel, and of course the whole cast will have cameos :)
Since I'm focusing on the Royally Series I'm not sure of the timing of these stories, but my dream would be to write them and publish them in between the royally books :)

[Emma]

Heather wrote: "Hey Emma!

I completely adored both the Tangled and Legal Briefs series. I find your writing something I want immediately go back to, when I've read something really hard, heavy and gritty, or not..."
Hi Heather,
Thank you so much - it's amazing and wonderful to know my stories give you that pick-me-up after an emotional read.

As for writing funks - yes these definitely happen and they're frustrating and a little scary when they do. Listening to music helps me at times, going for a drive in the car really helps a lot - there's something about my focus being on the driving that almost relieves the mental pressure of trying to force myself to get inspired and then the inspiration just comes. There have been a few times when I needed to set a project aside for a few days and not look at it, not think about it - but instead spend time with my family and friends, go out into the sunlight and do something fun. I tend to be recharged after that and excited about getting back to the writing.

And yes, stubborn characters have also happened to me, lol. What I find helpful is to step back and think about why I want them to go that way - have I set up their personality and backstory that it'd be natural for them to make that decision? Also, looking at a scene from another character's POV or from a different starting point can be really helpful in these situations.

Wishing you all the best with your writing! xo

[Emma]

Michelle wrote: "Hi Emma,

My question is, Do you ever get stuck writing a certain scene, like the characters just aren't cooperating, if so, how do you handle that?

Also, do you listen to music when you write? ..."

Hi Michelle,
Yes!! Sometimes the scenes that I'm most excited to write give me the hardest time. There have been times when I've had three or four versions of the same scene actually - with different dialogue and internal thoughts, trying to figure out the best way to make it work. Sometimes it can be helpful to start a scene from a different point in time - I love just jumping right into the middle of the action (like how Appealed begins) and filling readers in on what's happening as it progresses. You could also consider writing a scene from a different character's POV (that's how Tangled ended up in Drew's POV). Finally, sometimes you have to take a step back, work on a different scene (or many different ones) and come back to the one giving you a hard time later.

I listen to music before and after I'm writing. It helps get me in the right frame of mind. But I need total quiet when I'm actually writing too! xo

[Heather]

Emma wrote: "Heather wrote: "Hey Emma!

I completely adored both the Tangled and Legal Briefs series. I find your writing something I want immediately go back to, when I've read something really hard, heavy an..."

Thanks, Emma! I'll most definitely give those suggestions a go. Anything will help right now. This girl...is hella stubborn. Kinda like her creator. Lol

[Emma]

Alice (marriedtobooks) wrote: "Hello Emma!

My question is: What time of the day do you work on writing? :)"

Hi Alice,
Funny - but it's changed from series to series. I wrote the entire Tanged series in the middle of the night. The peace and quiet of the house just really worked for me, and I found that I wasn't so tired, even on only 3-4 hours of sleep. The Legal Briefs series was written mostly in the early morning hours - like starting at 4am. I'd take a break to get the kids up and off to school, then write until the afternoon and call it a day. But Sidebarred and the Royally Series I've been writing in normal "work day" hours. Mostly 9-5, sequestered in my office. Not sure what my hours will be for the books after the royally series, but I'll let you know, lol!

[Emma]

LittleMissReadAlot wrote: "Hey Emma,

I was just wondering if you are going to come down to Australia for a book signing? I love all your books and would love to meet you in person. I love Drew, Tangled still one of my all t..."

Thank you so much! I would love, love, love to come to Australia for a book signing!! I won't be making it there next year (I'm sticking close to home to get ahead on my writing schedule) but I'm hoping to visit in 2018 :)

[Emma]

Liv wrote: "Hi Emma, I am new to your books and would like to know what your dreamjob is (if you couldn't write books).
I would love to write books myself but I'm just horrible with writing down my own though..."

Hi Liv,
My dream job would be an artistic photographer. Being able to capture interesting and beautiful moments is a talent I've always admired.
Oooh - tough question! I think my favorite are series that focus on a different couple in each book - kind of the best of both worlds. And interconnecting series rather than sequential. This way, you still spend time with characters you love and the other characters check in, but there generally aren't cliffhangers or too-torturous waits between books. That being said, some of my favorite books are standalones - and I reread them over and over again :)

[Emma]

Michaela wrote: "Hi Emma! I was wondering how you can write male povs so good? What helps you write male thoughts and all that. Anyways thank you for everything! God Bless!!!"

Hi Michaela!
I have to find the character's voice. Like, I have to pretty much hear him in my head. This can take time and require revising some early-writing chapters over and over b/c they don't "sound" like him, but once I have a feel for who the guy is and what he sounds like - it's like a second language. I just know how he'll feel about things, how he would word things. And being in a guy's head is so much fun for me - b/c they're not me, lol! Most often they say and do things I wouldn't ever, so it's a great uninhibited experience. They always surprise me ;)

[Emma]

Samantha wrote: "Hi there Emma, your books are awesome. My question is: which character from all of the books you've written was the easiest and hardest to write? Oh, and who is your favorite character you've writt..."

Hi Samantha,
Thank you!! The easiest was Drew - b/c he has no boundaries, he will literally say anything, he's funny but goodhearted, spoiled but loving, and because he was the first. The hardest to write was Matthew, because he was the first male POV I wrote who wasn't Drew Evans and I wasn't sure if I could be funny without being in Drew's head. Also - I wanted Matthew to be entertaining, but distinct from Drew, so there were times when I overthought his inner dialogue too much.
My favorite character was Jake Becker because he's so intense and protective, funny but deep. He's layered and sometimes almost at war with himself, which is great to write.
But NOW, my favorite character is Nicholas from Royally Screwed. I love him - luuuuuv him. He's funny and arrogant but sexy and kind. And he has so much going on in his life and he works hard to do the right thing, but all this stuff happens... and he's so, so swoony!! Gah!! Can't wait for you to meet him.
(ha! I like all the questions :) )

[Chris]

Will the Legal Briefs series still be going on?

[Nish-The Booknerd]

Emma wrote: "Nishi wrote: "Hey Emma! So my question how do you understand the mindset of men. All your books are from male POV. Is it tough? Easy?"

Hi Nishi,
Thank you! Growing up, I was very close friends wi..."
Thank you for answering. Looking forward to your next books.

[Jennifer]

Hi Emma! Your books are consistently entertaining. Thank you for the levity! Which of your couples do you think warrant an extended epilogue on their HEA?

Jenn McElroy

[JI-A]

Hi Emma,

First off, huge fan here! Absolutely adore all your books and always looking forward to your next new book! :D

Question though, when are you coming to Singapore! I am pretty sure you have many SEA fans around and we would definitely love to see you in the region!
(Come Singapore though, really. :P)

[Diana]

Hi! Will there be any arc given for Royally screwed? Love you!

[Molly]

Just wondering who your favorite male and female characters were to write?

[Barbara]

Hi Emma,
Firstly, thank you for your wonderful books. Tangled is still one of my favourite comfort reads and I love Drew so much (although, if I met him in real life, I would probably slap him).
I hope I don't repeat another question, but what is most difficult for you when you write romance. Also, do you think that it is possible to write a book in this genre without overused cliches and stereotypes?

[Markella]

Hello Emma! I love your work and I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed Tangled. What made it that extra special, was experiencing the story through Drew's POV. It was so cleverly written that after reading the book I one-clicked the audio version! My question to you is, how easy or difficult is it to write a man's POV.

[Dana L]

Where do you come up with the names for your characters?

[Nicole]

Have you ever wanted to write about other genres?

[Veronica]

Not sure if this has been asked yet, but I love asking this of authors. When you read other authors' works do you enjoy and perfectly imagine the author's description of the character, or does your mind just make up its own?

[Cassie]

Hi Emma - What is your "must have" when you are in the writing process?

[Emma]

Luchy wrote: "Who are your favorite authors?"
Hi Luchy,
I have many! My most often reread authors are Johanna Lindsey, Julie Garwood, Katy Evans, Christina Lauren, Tessa Dare, Joanna Wylde and Tiffany Reisz :)

[Emma]

J. wrote: "Hi!
If you could be any book character for a day, who would you choose and why? :)"
I would be Charlie from Charlie & the Chocolate Factory because I've always wanted to hang out inside Willie Wonka's factory :)

[Emma]

Verna wrote: "Hey Emma. I loved Sustained :) What can you tell us about your current writing in progress?"
Hi Verna,
Thank you!! Sustained will always a special story to me. I'm currently working on Royally Matched, the second book in the Royally series and I love it!! I'm having so much fun with these characters. One of my favorite aspects of the series is, like the Legal Briefs series, each book focuses on a different couple so each one is really a stand alone, but characters from previous books always pop in which is awesome. The cover and blurb reveal for Royally Matched will happen in September!

[Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice)]

Emma wrote: "Alice (marriedtobooks) wrote: "Hello Emma!

My question is: What time of the day do you work on writing? :)"

Hi Alice,
Funny - but it's changed from series to series. I wrote the entire Tanged ser..."

Thanks :)

[Emma]

M. Bianca wrote: "Hello!
Greetings from Romania :)
I'm a huge fan. I love all your books!
My question for you is: would you come to Romania to meet your fans? Thank you for this giveaway! Wish I could win them all!"
Hi,
Thank you so much!! I love to travel - one of the most exciting parts of book signings for me, is traveling to new places and meeting readers from all over the world. Though it's not on the schedule at this time, I'd be thrilled to visit Romania! xoxo

[Emma]

J Elise wrote: "Hi Emma! Ellie here from Roswell Fanatics *waves*

I loved both series! Drew will always be my personal favorite due how I was introduced him first as *winks*

My question is this - Where you a law..."

Ellie!!! Happy to hear from you - hope you're doing great!!

I wasn't a lawyer before becoming a writer, but I did minor in Criminal Justice in college and have always had an interest in the legal profession. When I was young, I wanted to be a lawyer AND an author as my "side job", lol - so writing about lawyers is kind of the best of all worlds for me. The details in the LB series came from research - and I was very lucky to have a helpful resource in a lawyer who practiced in DC and answered any specific questions I had.
As a matter of fact in 2017 - I AM attending a signing in NYC!! It's the only event I'm doing in 2017 so I'm really excited for it. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-appl...
Really hoping to see you there!! Hugs, xo

[Emma]

H wrote: "If you could co-author a book with anyone, who would you choose and why? LOVE your books!

Thanks!"
There are so many amazing authors, it's hard to choose just one!! But it'd have to be someone who could put up with my crazy, often unpredictable writing schedule and a writer, like me, who really enjoys the revision process and has a laid-back, easy going personality :)

[Emma]

Fatimah wrote: "Hi Emma, Of All the books that you've written which would you say is your favorite & why?"
They're all my favorite in their own way, lol! But if someone could only read one of my books - I would recommend Tangled, because it's funny and the most unique, imo, or Sustained b/c it's funny but really emotional and heartwarming.
And now...Royally Screwed is added to that list!! Because Royally Screwed, imo, is the best love story I've ever written :)

[Emma]

Carol wrote: "Hi Emma,

Brent and Kennedy are my favorite couple from your Legal Brief Series! I can't wait to read your next series. Is there any chance you will write the stories of the kids from your Tangled ..."
Hi Carol!
Thank you so much! If you love Brent & Kennedy, you're definitely going to want to read Royally Screwed ;)
And yes - there's a very good chance I'll write the Tangled & Legal Briefs kids' stories! I actually have titles and outlines for the Tangled kids' (Mackenzie, James & Rain) books already! I'm focused on the royally series right now, so I can't say when those books will get written - but they'll def. be written at some point :)

[Emma]

♥ Jx PinkLady Reviews ♥ wrote: "Hi Emma, firstly, I love your writing!

My question:
You write really great characters with believable motivation, perfect dialogue and credible backstories. Where do you get your inspiration for ..."

Thank you so much - I'm thrilled that you've enjoyed them! I love dialogue, both as a writer and a reader. I love dialogue that makes me laugh and sometimes gives me that gut-punch kind of emotional feeling. Usually my character's dialogue is the first thing that comes to me when outlining, and typically scenes are constructed around that dialogue. I'm always thinking about my character's and their stories - and I find (funnily) that I get my best ideas when I'm driving. I think it's the idea of focusing on something else that lets my mind kind of relax, and these great, funny ideas really flow. Whenever I'm stuck on a scene (which happens occasionally), if I go for a drive, I usually almost always come back with an idea on how to get "unstuck."
As for the character's backstories - they're very important to me. I think it's important, even on a subconscious level, to lay out for readers how these characters became who they are. That part comes easily - the histories of these characters just unfolds for me almost immediately after they're conceived. Thanks so much for reading - can't wait to share Royally Screwed with you! xo

[Marilyn]

I loved the tangled series. I want to know where you got the inspiration for Drew? I absolutely loved him!!!!!!! Alpha male taken down by lil ole Kate.

[Jennifer]

Hi Emma, here's a completely non book related question: what is your favorite dessert?

[Karla]

Hi Emma!

The Legal Briefs Series also have in the Spanish? Tell me yes!!!

[perksofabookblogger]

Hey Emma!
Why do you have to be soo awesome? (this was the question)
I just asked my parents if they could let me sleep until 19th Okt., because when I wake up I can be sure, that I can just start reading your book.. .. Your excerpts don't help me .. they make me go apeshit! But still love your books.. They make me crave love :)

[Isa]

Hi Emma

I'm a French/Spanish fan, you're one of the reasons I began reading books in English (because translation process take too long for us, non-English fans!!!)
I wanted to ask you how you manage to bring us every time a new story as great and as addictive as the previous one.
You imagination has no end.... and we love it!
xoxo