I wrote my first manuscript as part of the National Novel Writing Contest in 2011. Having won that year, I was lucky to receive winner goodies and discounts on revision classes and story writing software. Two years later I was still competing in nanowrimo.org. What started out as a venture for fun has morphed into a business as my love for romance story telling was born.
It takes me a little over a year to write, revise and perfect my stories.
I usually begin writing and let the title come to me organically. The title of my debut novel was the name of the character’s business, as has been the case for the follow-on novels as well.
I’ve learned the best way to effectively write romance is to read romance. I love romance stories. I try to read as many of them as time will permit in my busy schedule.
I’m a romantic at heart. I love a good happily ever after.
I love all my characters but right now my favorite is Nicholas. He started off as a secondary character but later came to have his own story, morphing into a formidable protagonist. He makes cameo appearances in two of my other stories, Milk Money and Sugar Mommy On Top.
I’m a panster at heart. I start with a visual of my characters and before I know it they are taking flight with my alter ego Jude on a path all their own.
I love so many romance authors its too many to count. Right now I’ve been enjoying romance author J.J. McAvoy’s stories. I really loved her Ruthless People series.
To date, my novels were born out of my participation in the National Novel Writing Month Contest. That structure forces you to write about 1500 words a day so there’s not much time for writers block. I have my moments even then, but if the characters don’t talk to Jude, she talks to the ones that do.
Indeed. I write all my novels to playlists that I create with each story. Jude loves shaking her booty while writing. Look for the playlists here on the website.