Q&A with Emma Chase *CLOSED*

[Emma]

Mariola Izydor wrote: "Hi Emma,
I wanted to know how you come up with character names for your books?
As well as what inspires you to write a book?

Thanks :-)"
Hi! Great question!! Sometimes the names just come to me (this happened with Stanton Shaw) and sometimes I have to work at it (this happened with Kennedy Randolph). When I have to work at it, I brainstorm and write down a bunch of names - but most important is that the name, for me, reflect the character's personality as much as it can. For example, Drew sounds like a super-fun, carefree hot playboy kind of guy (to me) which is why Drew Evans ended up being Drew. Jake Becker immediately gives me the impression of a tough, direct, no-BS kind of guy. I like picking out names for my characters, even if it's a bit of a struggle at times :)
All kinds of things inspire me to write a book. Sometimes it's an article I've read, the lyric to a song, a TV show or movie I've seen or even a conversation I've had. Whatever inspires it, it's a very striking moment and I think, "ooh - I could write a book about that!'

[Emma]

Eleanne wrote: "Hi, Emma! :) I'm a big fan from Peru. I really love your books. I'm so excited to read Royally Screwed! I wanted to know how you got the inspiration to write this book *-*"
Hi Eleanne,
Thanks so much for reading! I'm very excited about RS too!! The idea for the series was a few months in the making - I was looking for a new idea for a story. Although I had a few potentials, none of them really grabbed me. Then, while talking with my agent one day, we were discussing pop-culture and different things in the news that day - and one of the stories happened to be about the British royal family! And just like that, I started to get some very exciting ideas - not about the british family specifically, but just the idea of a royal romance. I started writing Royally Screwed that day :)

[Emma]

Elena wrote: "Hi Emma! I love your books and I wish someday they are going to be translated to Greek too! what your reaction and your feelings on your first signing? thank you!"
Hi Elena,
I wish that so much too!! Fingers crossed that it happens soon (and toes ;) )
My first signing - before it started I was terrified no one was going to come to my table. Then, when it started and a LOT of people came to my table I was completely humbled and so grateful - it was amazing to me that all these people had read my book! I also felt bad that my handwriting was so bad when I signed their books - I've never had pretty penmanship. But the best part was talking with readers about my characters - it was so awesome to laugh and hug people who really "got" it - who understood my characters and me, as a reader and a writer. Whenever I go to signings I still always feel like, "here - here are my people" <3

[Cali]

I adore all of your books and I can't wait for royally screwed!

You've probably already answered this but how much research did you do into the everyday lives of lawyers for the legal briefs series? Was it something you spent a lot of time on or did you take some artistic license with it?

[Emma]

Karen wrote: "Royally Screwed sounds like it will be so much fun! I am just as fascinated as anyone else with Will, Kate and the rest of the royals. Since you said you don't base your characters on any real peop..."
Hi Karen,
Thank you - I'm so excited to share Royally Screwed with you!! I've always loved historical romances and history in general, and feel those interests went in, in part, to my writing the Royally series. But as far as research goes, I looked into the monarchies of the UK, Jordan, Monaco and a few others - both to see what political / governmental role the royals take in their country (if any) as well as to have some knowledge of their lives in general (schooling, interests, occupations, duties). With all that in my head, I was able to create histories for my royals that are fictional, but, while not based on any one person are also realistic. :)

[Emma]

Hanne wrote: "Hi Emma! I was wondering if you have a lot of time to read these days? If so, what is your favorite genre to read?
Last question, what can I expect from your new series?"

Hi Hanne! I read in between writing books. I give myself about 2-3 weeks in between each manuscript and during that time I read like crazy! Lately I've been enjoying some historical romances and motorcycle club contemporary romances (really strange to write those together, lol, but that's how it's been). In the new series you can expect a bunch of really likeable, fun characters, a couple you'll root for, a love story that will have you swooning, lots of laughs, maybe one or two tears and an ending that will make you want to stand up and cheer! xoxo

[Emma]

Mercedes wrote: "Hi Emma! Thanks for joining us here for a bit, I was wondering if you have any writing hard limits? (Maybe HEA only, or you steer clear of a certain genre or certain types of scenes etc.?) If so, w..."

Hi Mercedes,
A happily ever after is a must for me - it's the only thing that makes the ups and downs that happen to the characters I love, worth it! I don't want to say never, but I can't see myself writing a book that ends in a cliffhanger. I'm very impatient and have a hard time reading cliffhangers so I don't think I'd be able to write one. I'd love to give writing a romantic thriller or horror novel a try - because they're so different from anything I've written so far and I think would be a fun change of base and a challenge.
Hope you love Stanton & Jake! Happy reading!

[Emma]

Melina wrote: "Hey Emma,
I haven't read any of your books yet, but I'm planning on it. I'm especially waiting for Royally Screwed to come out, cause I can't seem to forget about it, since I read the synopsis!! I..."
Hi Melina!
Thanks so much - I can't wait for you to read Royally Screwed! I'm thrilled with how it turned out and hope you love it as much as I do! xoxo

[Emma]

Cheryl wrote: "Derna wrote: "

Welcome to another NABC Q&A! For the next two weeks, we have the lovely, New York Times bestselling author, Emma Chase joining us and answering your questions!

Emm..."

Hi Cheryl,
Sometimes if I'm just a little stuck, going for a drive in the car can help a lot ( I don't know why this is, lol). Other times, I'll try jumping ahead to another part of the story to try and break through a block, or try writing a scene from a different starting point (I like jumping into the middle of the action sometimes) or from a different character's POV. Finally, if it's really bad, I'll take a break for 2-3 days - I'll catch up with friends and family, do something fun, get out of the house, then, feeling recharged I jump back in head first :)
I listen to music before I write - all kinds of music - it helps me get in the right emotional mindset to write. But during the actual writing, I need it to be super quiet.

[Emma]

Caty wrote: "Hi, Emma. I love both of your series, they are so funny and always manage to put a smile on my face. Thank you for creating both worlds and two amazing characters (Drew and Jake ). What would you s..."
Hi Caty,
Thank you so much!! It's truly a joy to know I've made you smile!! Tamed was difficult in the beginning, because it was the first male POV I'd ever written that wasn't Drew Evans. I was worried that I couldn't be funny if I wasn't in his head, lol. Also - I wanted matthew to be entertaining and charming and sexy - but I wanted him to be distinct from Drew, so there was a lot of pressure I put on myself.

I used to struggle with love scenes told from my guy's POV. Though I really liked those scenes, it was a challenge at times to make them sensual and romantic, but still be sure to keep it in the voice of the character (not too pretty or flowery). These days I struggle with scenes that have a lot of internal thoughts - because I love dialogue and because that type of musing tends to feel dry to me.
Thanks for the question - can't wait for you to meet Nicholas and Olivia in Royally Screwed!! xo

[Emma]

Aleksandra wrote: "Hi, Emma! If you could spend one day with one of your characters who would you pick and why? :)"

I would hang out with Drew Evans!! Because he's hilarious and fun and he would give the best tour of NYC!!

[Emma]

Jenny wrote: "I absolutely love every single one of your books. Where do you come up with your material and your hilarious and witty humor? Also, how do your write the males POV so perfectly?"

Hi Jenny,
Thanks so much! Some of my best lines just sort of pop into my head. I think that's one of the reasons I enjoy writing from the male POV so much - because it genuinely feels like it's not me telling the story, but them. That really lets me slip into the character's mind and kind of let go of any boundaries or self-doubt. No matter how outrageous a line may be, if it's realistic to the character, it stays! Other times, some of my material comes from inspiration based on stories I've been told, good times I've had and conversations with the guy-friends I grew up with :)

[Emma]

Hanna Gale wrote: "Hi Miss Emma :)
Okay, question, if you would be isolated in a cabin on the woods, which of your heroes would you be glad to be with and why :)"

Hi Hanna!
Good question!! Drew or Brent - because they both are really funny and entertaining and would have some great stories!!

[Emma]

Hanna Gale wrote: "Miss Emma, what's your favorite color? :)"

Yellow :)

[Emma]

Hayley wrote: "Hi Emma, Love your books Can't wait for the next one.
Do you watch TV if so what type of shows do you like to watch?"

Game of Thrones, Outlander, American Horror story, Archer (I loved Sons of Anarchy and Justified too, but they ended). I enjoy The Big Bang Theory and Modern Family because they always make me smile if not laugh out loud :)

[Emma]

Emely wrote: "Hi Emma! I love your Legal Briefs Series especially Sustained. I was wondering if you have a background in Law Practice to be able to write a book, a series that goes in and around that profession?..."

Hi Emely,
Thank you so much! I've always had an interest in the legal profession. I minored in Criminal Justice in college, but have never worked in the field. For the LB series, I did a lot of general research into the Washing DC court system as well as how a criminal defense law firm would function. I also had available a practicing attorney who was kind enough to answer any specific questions I had or needed clarification on.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the humor! I had so much fun writing it!! Once in a while, I say or do something to get a few laughs, but generally I'm not the class clown at all (though my husband is the funniest guy I know). One of the reasons I enjoy writing from the male POV is because it allows me to really get into the character, who will say and do things I never would :)

[Emma]

Ana wrote: "Olá, Emma! Have you ever ready anything by a Brazilian author?
I LOVED the references to Brazil in The Legal Briefs Seies. Thank you! =*"

Hi Ana,
I haven't yet - do you have any recommendations?? Thank you - it was so much fun to write, I'm glad you enjoyed it too!! xo

[Emma]

Morgan wrote: "Hey Emma,

I was wondering... which novel did you enjoy writing the most?"

Hi Morgan,
Probably Tangled - because it was the first and because I was mostly writing it for myself, so there was no pressure about disappointing or pleasing or upsetting anyone but myself. And Drew was such a fun, unique character! Even I didn't know what he would say next, lol.

[Emma]

bookislife wrote: "Hi Emma, love love love your books. It's one of my go to books when i'm feeling down or during rainy season. Just want to ask and I know it could be a long shot, but have you considered giving Bren..."

Hi!
I have!! And you're not alone - though she only briefly appeared in Appealed, I feel like Katherine really jumped from the page. I felt very strongly how much Brent adored her and just from his little backstory about her, I think you could sense what a good person she is. If/when I'm able to continue the series, even in a novella, I'd love to give Katherine the happy ending she deserves.

[Emma]

Irma wrote: "What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?"

The chapter when Jake is babysitting the kids and Chelsea comes home and they have "heated" words is one of my favorite - because there's so many great emotions! there's the really funny/heartwarming kids' lines, the argument between Jake and Chelsea, the sexual tension...and then the longing, remorse and even a little heartbreak. I ate every part of that up with a spoon!

[Emma]

Christina wrote: "Hi Emma

Thank you for your time!

I was wondering whether you read books outside your 'genre' and, if so, what those genres are?

Thanks again"

Hi!
Outside of Contemporary romance, I read historical romance a lot! Johanna Lindsey, Julie Garwood, Tessa Dare, Lisa Kleypas are some of my favorites. I also enjoy motorcycle club romances - Kristen Ashley and Joanna Wylde are two of my favorites. When I'm in the right frame of mind I also enjoy a good horror story and for that I always go with Stephen King. :)

[Emma]

Ruth wrote: "Loved The Legal Briefs series! Will there be any more novellas stemming from these books?"

Hi Ruth!
I think there might be!! Just the other day, I jotted down some notes for a possible Robert and Vivian, Samuel and ??? story, where the whole gang would make an appearance. Not sure if this series is done-done with me yet!

[Emma]

Lara Danielle wrote: "Hi, Ms. Chase! :) As someone who also writes stories in my free time, I am curious about your writing process. How do you develop your story or plot? Do you write outlines or have diagrams for the ..."
Hi Lara,
Usually, when a story idea hits me, the whole story is just sort of there with the clearest scenes being the ending, and then the beginning. The character's personality is usually very defined and then I spend some time figuring out how he/she got from the beginning to where they end up in the end. Most of this, as well as the character development happens in my head.
I jot down some notes - little snippets of funny dialogue and scene summaries, but not traditional formal outlines.
Although, recently, I've started writing chapter lists - which scenes will be told in which chapters. I did this, because in my head the scenes seem much quicker than they end up being on paper and my chapters were getting way too long, lol!

[Emma]

Shannon wrote: "Hi Emma, thanks for taking the time to answer all these questions!
I tried to go back through and read them all, so I hope I'm not duplicating a quesiton here, but is there a genre that you really..."
Hi Shannon,
Nope, haven't gotten this one yet! Fantasy or Sci-fi would be very challenging for me because I think good world building requires patient storytelling, vivid and detailed descriptions. And I just don't think I have that kind of patience, lol.

[Emma]

Run wrote: "Hi, my question is what inspired you to become an author? Had you always wanted to become an author?"

Yes, I always wanted to be an author. Even when I wanted to be other things, I always imagined my "side job" would be being a writer. I just always liked making up and telling stories - and people around me seemed to enjoy them :)

[Emma]

Amber wrote: "Your books sound amazing!! How do you come up with the ideas for your books?"
Hi Amber,
Thank you! Sometimes an idea will come from a lyric in a song, or something I saw on TV. Sometimes it's a conversation I've had or a story I heard. And sometimes...I have no clue where an idea comes from - it's just there in my head, lol!

[Emma]

Leslie wrote: "Hi Emma! To start with, I'm a huge fan of your Legal Briefs series. When writing these wonderful characters, did you feel like something from their story was left untold in the end?"

Hi Leslie,
At the end of each book I didn't - it felt like each story was left at that perfect place where the reader has enough to pick up their story and imagine what happens next or be just as content imagining the characters right where I left them. But...at the end of Sidebarred, I do feel like there were details about Robert and Vivian and Samuel I could have given more of. I didn't because those characters may get their own books at some point :)

[Emma]

Andie wrote: "Hi, Emma :)

Thank you for hanging out with us :)

Out of all your male characters, who would you marry and why? :)"

Hey Andie - Oh god that's so hard!! I'd marry all of them, lol. But if I had to pick one...probably Jake Becker. Because he's funny and sexy, but so protective and devoted - sooo solidly, completely into his Chelsea and the kids. That kind of commitment is just beautiful.

[Emma]

Amber wrote: "Hi Emma! I love all your books and am a big fan! I wanted to ask you how you pick a premise for a book. Do you just go with anything that you really want to write about or do you try to do somethin..."
Hi Amber,
I do always try to come with something fresh/different in some way, whether it's the occupation of the characters or the way the story is told. Buuut...when a story wants you to write it - you write it - even if it's been done a million times before. I do have some pet projects - that are different from my usual writing that I work on a little bit at a time. Because I feel like I have to make sure I can write something like that before I set it loose in the world, lol.

[Emma]

Mandy wrote: "Hi Emma!!
Your books are amazing ❤

My question is:
Is there a certain type book you want to write, besides the type you currently have published, but are afraid or nervous to approach the subject?"
Hi Mandy,
Funny - this kind of connects to the question before yours! Yes, I have one idea for a story that I love!! I tried turning it into a rom-com but that completely ruined my favorite parts about it! (it's dark - with some romance and comedic moments, but they are dark comedic moments). I work on that story ever now and then, a little bit at a time - because before I would think about publishing, I want to make sure I can pull off a story like that and do it justice.

[Emma]

Magdalena wrote: "Hi Emma!

You are one of my favorite authors. Thank you for all this fantastic books. Now the question:

If you could colaborate with aby other author who would you choose and why?"

Hi! Thank you so much!! There are many authors I really admire and would be honored to collaborate on anything! It's hard to pick just one :)

[Emma]

Nikki wrote: "Hi Emma!!

I love love your books!

My question is: Will you be doing a virtual signing this 2016 or even next year?

I'm planning to save up to order signed books of yours but a book signing would..."

Hi Nikki!
thanks so much for your question!! Sending you virtual hugs - hope to give you real ones some day <3
yes, I'm actually trying to set up a shop feature on my website - where merchandise and signed, personalized books can be ordered. But even if that's not up and running yet, I'll have a virtual signing nearer to the holidays in 2016. xoxo

[Emma]

Sandy wrote: "Hi Emma

How much research goes into writing your books and series?"
It's important to me that the characters I write - and since the careers tend to be a big part of their lives - their occupations as well, feel authentic. Most of my research occurs before I start writing - so I have a good background knowledge of he world my character occupies. then, while I write, if I run into a point I'm not sure about, I'll leave myself a note to check up on it before publishing. While writing the Legal Briefs series I was lucky enough to be able to email with a practicing attorney in Washington DC who could help me out with some questions Google just didn't have the answer to :)

[Emma]

Latifa wrote: "Hi, Emma! I'm definitely new to your book. I wanted to know what inspired you to start writing?"
Hi!
I've always loved telling stories and the people around me seemed to enjoy them. So, for as long as I can remember I've wanted to be an author.

[Emma]

Jaime wrote: "I actually have two questions...
1. Out of all of your male characters, who is your favorite?
2. What is your favorite book of all time?"

1. Drew Evans and Jake Becker (it's a tie - although Nicholas, my new character just might top them both!!).
2. Another tie. I reread Wuthering Heights often, because I love the drama and passion, but if I was stuck on a desert island and could only have one book, it would be Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey because it never fails to make me smile :)

[Emma]

Anna wrote: "Hi Emma!

I REALLY loved the Tangled series and wanted to know if you plan to write a novella in the future so we can catch up with the Tangled crew or maybe do a spin off with the kids. I fell in ..."
Hi Anna,
Thank you so much! Yes!! Actually I have plans to write Mackenzie and Rain and James' stories - I have outlines and everything, lol! I'm focused on the royally series now, which I'm loving, but the Tangled kids' books will definitely at some point get written. xoxo

[Emma]

Barbara wrote: "Hi Emma,
Typically how long does it take for you to write a book?"

About three months. One or two have taken me up to five months, because they were being difficult ;)

[Emma]

LaGina wrote: "HI!!! When you are writing do you go with the "dont bother me I'm in my groove" silent mode or do you like to have music playing in the back ground? And if you do listen to music what kind do you l..."
Hi LaGina,
I am DEFINITELY the silent type! If I'm not writing in my office with the door closed, then I'm writing in the middle of the night when even the dogs are sound asleep. But, I do listen to music before I write - it helps get me in the mindset for the scene. I listen to all kinds of music - whatever I find inspiring for the story (some songs in the past have been Walls by Tom Petty, Photograph by Ed Sheeran, Avicci, Roxette, Air Supply, One Direction, White Buffalo...)
LOL - I have never thought of that - but it's actually a really interesting idea!!

[Emma]

Nickie wrote: "Hey Emma, I have to say that you are the queen of male POV! Please don't ever change this! How did you come to this decision when you started writing, because it is genius!

I just have to say that..."
Hi Nickie,
Thank you so much!! xoxo
I started writing in the male POV, first in Tangled, b/c the story felt slow to me. Not as snappy or interesting as I wanted it to be. I didn't know at the time that writing from the male POV was a unique thing - but when I started telling the story through Drew's eyes, it was a whole new world! His personality was so strong and I realized his voice gave my writing a freedom - a boldness that was free from self doubt or hesitation - that was super entertaining, even for me!
I've enjoyed every male POV I've written since then :)

[Emma]

Stephanie wrote: "Hi Emma!

Here's a relatively easy question you don't have to think too hard about... What's your favorite ice cream?"

Vanilla.
I'm so boring, I know!!! But I love it. Especially milkshakes - yum!
If I feel the need to mix it up, I'll get chocolate chip cookie dough.

[Emma]

Lindsay wrote: "Hello Emma!

I could easily think of several questions but I would love to know what is one thing most people don't know about you?"

My first book, Tangled was published on my birthday.
And I went to the same high school as Bon Jovi (not while he was there, but he was a hometown legend) :)

[Emma]

FMABookReviews wrote: "Hello, Ms. Chase!

I love listening to music, especially when I read. If you could describe your new book in a song, what would it be?

Thanks!! Angela"

I'm SO HAPPY you asked this question!!!
Everything I Do by Brian Adams. It's like it was written for this book. I've probably listened to it 1000 times. :)

[Emma]

Sofia wrote: "Hi. Aside from Royally Screwed, what do you plan on giving us next?"

Royally Matched, coming in January!

[bookbroken17]

Hi Emma,

Royally Screwed sounds great, can't wait to read it. You've probably been asked this a thousand times before but if you could write a book with any author, alive or dead, who would it be and what would you's write? Thank you for your time

[Laura]

Hello Emma, Very big fan of yours. I have obsessed, loved and devoured all your books. My question is which is your favorite genre and books.?

[Emma]

Ana Sofia wrote: "Hi! First of all, I love all your books and I think you're an amazing author <3. Now for the questioning part: Have you considered writing from a female point of view as a first option? The whole b..."

Hi Ana Sofia!
Thank you - so happy you enjoy my stories!! Starting with the female POV has never occurred to me, lol, but it certainly has now! It would be an interesting change for me. I write most of my books from the male POV, because the writing feels more free to me when I'm writing from a character viewpoint removed from myself. I'm less aware and self conscious about what's said or thought and it feels easier to be entertaining and funny. Not that I don't love my female POV's and characters - but to me, those don't feel as natural (which is strange, I admit). Also -writing from the guy's POV keeps me on my toes, I really never know what they're going to say next, lol! xoxo

[Emma]

Melissa wrote: "Emma, I'm curious if you get to sit in on the yummy photo shoots for your book covers? Do you get to choose the models?... I can only imagine the hardship you go through if you do. ;)"

If I'd had any photo shoots, yes, I would be able to sit front and center, lol. So far my covers have come from photographer's photographs or have been designed by my publisher - but I have had to look through all kinds of possible variations! It's a tough job, but someone has to do it ;)

[Emma]

Kristian wrote: "Out of all the characters you have wrote about, which do you feel the closest connection to?"

I identify most with Kate Brooks. I'm not nearly as clever or bold as she is (I usually come up with my comebacks two hours after an arguments has ended, lol) but she's the one I feel closest too. There are aspects of Chelsea McQuaid that hit close to home for me too. The love she has for her nieces and nephews. So much of my own children's personalities and energy went into the McQuaid kids, so I feel very close to her as well :)

[Emma]

Stacy wrote: "You've written plenty of books by now. When you're not writing, do you have a go to author or genre you look into reading?"

Yes - I go back to historical romance! It was the genre that first made me fall in love with romance! Johanna Lindsey and Julie Garwood are my go-to girls, but more recently I've discovered Tessa Dare, Lisa Kleypas and Sarah Maclean whose work I really enjoy!

[Emma]

Elena wrote: "wow so awesome to be able to ask you the question I've dying to ask you since I read Tangled. I'm sure you've been asked this before but the thing I LOVE most about your books is the male POV you p..."

Hi Elena!
Thanks for your question (and saying my characters sound guyish is the BEST compliment ever!). Growing up, my closest friends were a group of guys who were fantastic friends (loyal, funny, smart), but not such great boyfriends (as teenage boys typically aren't). They didn't treat me like a sister, but more like one of the guys - but we did talk a lot about dating, sometimes head-games and how to have the upper hand in a relationship, thoughts and views on just about every topic you can imagine! And those boys had an effect on how I see things - I think knowing them makes it easier for me to slip into that male charater's POV. None of my characters are based specifically on any one of those guys, but little pieces of each of them sort of work their way into my character's personalities. It's very fun for me to write.
And FYI - on our second date, my husband told me 'you don't really think like a normal girl' - so I guess that explains a lot ;)