Q&A with Emma Chase *CLOSED*

[Emma]

Nancy wrote: "Hi Emma! I have loved every single character you bring to life with your writting. If you had to choose just one as your favorite who would it be?"

Oh jeez, Nancy, that's a tough one!!! My first thought would be Drew - because he's just so damn fun and sweet and unfiltered. Soooo entertaining, always. But Jake Becker is a very close second - if not tied with Drew. Because Jake is also very funny, and there's this great intensity about him - a protectiveness and depth - that make him always interesting to write. xoxo

[Emma]

Stephanie wrote: "Sustained is my all-time favorite of yours! #JakeBeckerIsMine Do you envision creating any future books about his and Chelsea's children? Their personalities are intriguing and each child has a uni..."

Hi Stephanie,
Thank you so much! Just recently I've had some story ideas for possible books about Robert & Vivian as well as for Samuel, Stanton and Sofia's son - all when they're older of course. That happens sometimes - just when you think you're done with a series, they pull you back in, lol. I'm working on it and finding the ideas really enjoyable so I hope to be able to step back into this fun gang's world and share them with you soon! xoxo

[Emma]

Marsha wrote: "Writing from a male POV and being female yourself... do you ever have to ask a man's advice about certain things, to see if the character's thoughts are what a man may actually think? I think it's ..."
Hi Marsha,
Most often I go with my instincts or actually use similar lines/thoughts that have literally been told to me from a guy over the years. But yes, every once in a while - particularly when it comes to emotions and how a man would express those feelings, I'll ask my husband - 'would a guy say/do this?' :)

[Emma]

Patricia wrote: "Hi, Emma! I adore your books!! Can't wait for Royally Screwed! (sorry, I've just had a fan moment...) I would like to know if it is - or ever was - difficult to write male characters, to be inside ..."

Hi Patricia,
Thank you so much!! It's always easier for me to write from the guy's POV - to be less self conscious and more "anything goes" with the character's thoughts and words. I think this is because, most time, readers will forgive a male character their screw-ups faster and easer than a female character's. So, as Drew would say - they can do anything they want b/c readers will love them anyway - lol.
Buuut - a few times the male POV has been more difficult that others. This was when I was writing Tamed, b/c Matthew was the first male POV I'd written who wasn't Drew Evans. I wanted to be sure he was funny and entertaining but distinct from Drew so there was a lot of second-guessing that went into his book. Also, when I wrote Stanton's perspective in Overruled - because he was the first southern character I'd ever written and I was not southern, lol. I did a lot of research - chatted with some authors who had lived in the south their whole lives b/c I wanted to be sure he sounded authentic and not stereotypical.
Although these two were more of a challenge than Brent or Jake or Drew, they were still lots of fun to write! xo

[Emma]

Kissa wrote: "what was the worst job you've had, did it influence any experiences in your books?"

Pizza parlor. In college. Some drunk underclassman always ended up vomiting b/c they'd stop in to grab pizza at two in the morning heading home from the bars - and since I was the new hire, I had to clean it up. Bleh!! I don't think it's made it into my books yet, but I have no doubt it will.

[Emma]

Sheila wrote: "I love your male POV. What got you interested in writing from that perspective?"

hi Sheila,
It's funny - when I first started writing Tangled from Drew's POV, I didn't realize it was a unique thing in romance. I'd begun writing Tangled in third person POV, but it felt too slow and draggy to me. Almost as a character study, I tried writing an early scene from Drew' POV and it was so much fun - all his little asides and his strong personality came so naturally - I just kept going with it. :)

[Emma]

Margaret wrote: "I have not had the pleasure to read any of your books yet. I was wondering where your ideas come from for your books? Margaret Herman"

Hi Margaret,
All different places. Tangled was inspired from the lyric in a song, the idea for Overruled came when I visited Washington DC. I get ideas from conversations with people, things I'll see on tv, articles I'll read and all kinds of music. Thanks for taking the time to ask a question :)

[Emma]

Karlha wrote: "Hi Emma! What inspired you to make perfect men characters?"

Hi Karlha!
I write about the kinds of male characters I would most want to read about. I luuuv a good grovel from inside a guy's head after he screws up - I just love it, lol!

[Emma]

Jennifer wrote: "Emma,
Did you always want to be a writer? If so, what was your defining moment that made it the right decision for you?"
Hi Jennifer,
Yes always. Even when I imagined doing something else, being a writer was always my "side job" lol. The defining moment for me was when I was offered a publishing contract for Tangled - I was so excited to have the chance to hold my own book in my hands. Everything that's happened after has been a dream come true! xo

[Emma]

Crystal wrote: "Hi Emma,

Do you have a favorite go to author?"

Johanna Lindsey - I reread her all the time :)

[Emma]

Jami wrote: "Who are some of yoir favorite go to authors and favorite reads?"

Johanna Lindsey, Julie Garwood - I love the Malory Series and the Laird's series. Emily Bronte - Wuthering Heights is one of my favorites. If I'm in the mood for an MC book - Kristen Ashley and Joanna Wylde are my go-to's. And I really like Tiffany Reisz if I'm in the mood for something a little darker, but still entertaining. Oh and Stephen King when I'm in the mood for something *really* dark.

[Emma]

Chris wrote: "Will the Legal Briefs series still be going on?"

Hi Chris,
I recently had a few ideas for a Robert/Vivian and Samuel/??? story. I'm enjoying thinking about them so I'd really like to share them with my readers one day :)

[Emma]

Jennifer wrote: "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"

Hi Jenn!
Well, definitely Jake & Chelsea - as their extended HEA came in Sidebarred. But I'd also love to write the Tangled kids' stories - not just because they're as funny and entertaining as their parents - but so I can check back in with Drew & Kate!! Their HEA is never boring!

[Emma]

jling wrote: "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 hav..."

Hi jling,
Thank you so much!! I love traveling and would absolutely adore heading to Singapore one day soon!! I'm staying close to home in 2017 to really focus on the writing and get some great new stories out for you - but after that it's possible! Fingers crossed xoxo

[Emma]

Diana wrote: "Hi! Will there be any arc given for Royally screwed? Love you!"
Hi Diana,
My publicist has set up a limited review tour but it won't be on Netgalley. :) Thanks!!

[Emma]

Molly wrote: "Just wondering who your favorite male and female characters were to write?"

Drew & Kate because their banter was hilarious and hot!

[Emma]

Barbara wrote: "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 ..."
Hi Barbara,
Great questions! I used to struggle with writing love scene from the male POV - because I wanted them to be true to the characters' voice (which is often direct and vulgar) but still feel sensual and romantic.
I think it's possible to write romance without clichés/tropes - but I don't know if most romance readers would want to. What I mean is, so many of us love the 'playboy tamed by inexperienced girl' trope, the office romance, the vampire story - those are some of my favorites and I could read them over and over! I think what's important is that the tropes be told in a unique way - that it feels refreshing. I mean, in romance we know a happy ending is almost assured - but it's how we get to that ending that's the best part. <3

[Emma]

Markella wrote: "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 tha..."

Hi Markella,
It's surprisingly easy for me. It's so much fun slipping into a character's head who is so different from me. Almost like an actor - there's a freedom to it - and I just go with their thought-process, no matter how outrageous it can be at times, because it's not "me" telling the story, it's "him". It makes the writing very fresh and spontaneous even for me and I think that translates to the page. xoxo

[Emma]

Dana L wrote: "Where do you come up with the names for your characters?"
Hi Dana,
I brainstorm a lot - write down any and all possibilities and then narrow it down. What's most important is that the names reflect the character's personalities for me. "Drew" - to me - sounds like a fun-loving, devil-may-care kind of guy, while Jake reminds me of a direct, tough, serious man. Also, sometimes I'll look up baby name books for ideas :)

[Emma]

Nicole wrote: "Have you ever wanted to write about other genres?"

Sometimes! I have an idea for a dark romantic thriller and even a horror novel. I like these because they're a little bit of a break from the rom-com - different than what I usually write and a little bit of dark to go with my typical light. I'm not sure if they'll ever be published, but I enjoy working on them :)

[Emma]

Veronica wrote: "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..."

Hey Veronica,
I always, always make up my own - even if it's totally opposite of what's described on the page! Like, Edward Cullen, to me is tall and blond - almost white blond. I realize that's not how he's supposed to look, but that's what my brain has always conjured up. Funny.

[Emma]

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

Coffee, water, quiet and my computer :)

[Emma]

Marilyn wrote: "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."

Hi Marilyn,
Thank you - so happy you enjoyed him!! The inspiration for Drew came from the group of guy-friends I had growing up. They were very funny and loyal, smart and smartassy, handsome and kind of selfish/spoiled (as many teenage boys tend to be). Drew's sarcastic sense of humor came from my husband - he's the funniest guy I know, though sometimes I want to smack him ;)
Drew wasn't inspired by any one of them specifically, but more little bits and shadows went into his personality from the guys I've known through the years :)

[Emma]

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

White cake with buttercream icing. I just luuuuv it!! xo

[Emma]

Karla wrote: "Hi Emma!

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

I really, really hope so!! I don't have any exact details yet, but the moment I do, I'll announce. xoxo

[Emma]

Lovebooks wrote: "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..."

Because I have amazing readers like you!! Seriously - you guys make this whole business such a joy, I couldn't do it without your excitement!! Speaking of which...I can't wait too!! Seriously, if I could air-drop this book to each of you tomorrow, I would - I'm just that excited for you to meet these characters!!
PS - teasers don't help me either, lol

[Emma]

Isa wrote: "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 man..."

Hi Isa,
Thank you so much - it's such a joy to know you've enjoyed my stories as characters as much as I have!! Most of the time, I write stories that I want to read. I get lots of ideas and I write them all down, but there are a few ideas that stand out - that won't leave me alone - that play out in my head and that I love thinking about and imagining, I just have to write them down and share them with you! Thank you again for reading and your lovely support! xoxo

[Emma]

Cali wrote: "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 serie..."

hi Cali,
I spent a lot of time researching the court system in DC, the education for lawyers before I started writing. This is how research usually works for me because I like having that background info in my head when I start writing. As the story went on, if a point came up that I was unsure about, I'd make a note to research it later. For the Legal Briefs series I was very lucky to be able to email with an actual attorney in DC who was kind enough to answer specific questions that I couldn't find answers to online. As for artistic license, yes, I took some here and there - but I always wanted to make sure it was something that was possible, if not always probable.
I also did research about people who have a prosthetic limb, for Brent's character. There were many helpful video's on youtube and online info, about wearing and caring for a prosthesis.
Thanks for your questions and for reading! xo

[Emma]

Kym wrote: "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..."

Hi Kym,
Thank you! Can't wait to share it with you!! I would write a book with Jane Austen (though that's probably a common answer) because I just love her characters. There's a lovely independence about her female leads that I think, was before her time. Her male and females are all charmingly flawed in a way I like to read and write about :)

[Emma]

Priyanshi wrote: "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.?"

Hi Priyanshi!
Thank you so much! My favorite genre is romance - historical and contemporary. Some of my favorites are Gentle Rogue (and the whole Malory series) by Johanna Lindsey and The Bride (and the whole Laird series) by Julie Garwood. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is one of my favorite all time books. In contemporary romance, I reread a lot of the beautiful series by Christina Lauren, the Real series by katy evans, the Driven series by K Bromberg, the Chaos series by Kristen Ashley and the Reaper series by Joanna Wylde.
Once in a while I'm in the mood for a horror novel (I used to love scary books and movies as a child) and for that I always pick Stephen King.
Thanks for taking the time to ask a question!! xoxo

[Isa]

Emma wrote: "Isa wrote: "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..."

thanks so much for your time Emma :)

[Sanne]

Emma wrote: "Sanne wrote: "Hi Emma :),

My Question is: are there any rituals that you have while you write, that you don't have when you are not writing? And so in what way do they help you? Do they inspire yo..."

Thank you :)

[Bianca]

Emma wrote: "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 co..."