I've Been Ambushed!

So, the guys got together and decided they were going to interview me. I told them to do their worst. In hindsight, that may have been a really bad idea.

Lark: A lot of readers have asked about Hades and my mate’s brother, Miles. Do you have any plans to write their story?

Gabrielle: To be honest, I hadn’t really planned on it when I first wrote Howl and Harmony. I mean, they were already together, just some secondary characters to liven things up a bit and help your ass out of a sling. They also don’t fit into the realms of the Midnight Matings series. However, with that being said, I probably will write their story at some point. I’m just not sure when.

Craze: What about me? Don’t I deserve my story told?

Gabrielle: *sigh* Yes, darlin’, you deserve a story. And I promise I’ll get to it, along with Gage, Ares, Lorcan, and the rest of the coyote pack—and maybe a couple of more Fatefully Yours books. I have a lot going on right now, so you’re going to have to sit down, play nice, and color until I can get to you.

Braxton: I'm sure you're asked this a lot, but do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Gabrielle: I don't know all the ins and outs of being published or writing a good story. It's a learning curve, and I'm still working on it, but there are a few things I've figured out in the past year.

Don't revolve your writing style around a certain publisher. I'm not saying don't follow the rules. Every publisher has rules. Write what is in your heart, what you feel, and let your characters show you the way. If one publisher doesn't like, there are countless others who will. So, write your story first, and then find it a home. Not the other way around. You'll be much happier in the end.

However, with that being said, if you have your heart set on a certain publishing house, read their submission guidelines, familiarize yourself with what sales at this house, and know what they're looking for.

Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but it's not going to get you anywhere. We all have our favorite authors in our favorite genres. There is a reason they're favorites. We love their stories, their characters, their ability to draw us into this world of fantasy and hold us until the very end. So, yes, read these authors, study the way they construct their stories, and aim to be great.

But with that, find your own voice and style. Readers will appreciate it and so will you when the day is done.

Read, read, read!

Ask yourself these basic questions when writing. Who, what, where, when, why, and how? Who is the character (and not just his/her name)? What are they doing? Why are they doing it? Where is this happening? When did this happen? How did they get to this point?

If you don't have an answer to any one of these questions--find one.

Write what you like. It's tempting to write what's "hot", but if you're not into it, that comes across in your writing. Be passionate about the story you tell, and readers will be as well.

Rayne: What do you have in store for the rest of the Gods of Chaos series? How far ahead have you plotted?

Gabrielle: I don’t really plot my series. I kind of just have a whiteboard full of ideas. Sheriff Luke Rivera is up next, however, and so far I have a tentative 18 books planned. I figure after the Gods of Chaos are finished wreaking havoc, they should get what’s coming to them. *wink*

Asher: Are you going to write any more Midnight Matings books?

Gabrielle: I just don’t know. I don’t have any ideas for a book in that series right now. Maybe down the road.

Lawton: So, you started the Howl at the Moon series, but I also hear that you’ve started a few others as well. Can you tell us a little bit about them?

Gabrielle: A little, I suppose. I’ve really learned not to talk too much about series until at least the first book has been released. However, I can tell you that I just submitted the first three books in the new Sexually Awkward series. Custom Toys Made to Order releases on March 10^th, with Atticus and Prince Salem Constantine up first.

I have also started a new series titled A Hero Within. It’s a really fun series with some ancient warriors who are sure to make you drool. And then there’s the Guide to the Apocalypse series. This one is different from anything I’ve ever written. It’s still paranormal and filled with lots of sexy supes, but the rules have changed. Both series are more side projects right now with no real timeline of when I'd like to have the first books finished.

Sly: What are some of the strangest questions you’ve ever been asked? How did you respond?

Gabrielle: I don’t know if there have ever been any strange questions. Maybe about how to get books onto a Kindle. I’m not really tech support. I have been asked some rather rude questions, though, but I always try to respond politely.

Sly: What kind of questions? And how do you wish you could respond?

Gabrielle: Hmm, there are three that come to mind.

Q: I didn’t like “x” book. Why did you write that?

A: I’m sorry that you didn’t enjoy the story, but that is simply the way it came to me.

How I’d really like to respond: I wrote that book just for you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

Q: I can’t tell who the alpha in this relationship is. I hate that! Why did you write that?

A: Sometimes the characters are stronger than I originally imaged them. They take on a life of their own, and whether they are both alphas or both “betas” I just have to let them be who they are. I’m sorry you were unhappy with the book.

How I’d really like to respond: I apologize for inserting any kind of equality into the relationship between my characters. Because, you know, equality is bad.

Q: Why is one of your characters always more dominant? I hate that! Why did you write that? (you see the contradiction here, right?)

A: I have a lot of smaller, fragile characters chattering away inside my head. These guys need heroes and champions, someone to slay their dragons while at the same time, giving them room to grow. I’m sorry you didn’t like the story.

How I’d really like to respond: Apparently, I just enjoy pissing people off. It’s a gift. You’re welcome.

Raven: So, you believe manners are important? Can you give us some examples of bad manners? Things that have happened to you in the past year?

Gabrielle: You guys are really trying to get me into trouble, but sure. Let’s see…

Asking me if there will be more Midnight Matings books after going out of your way to inform me that you have never read a single one of my books is just in poor taste. I’m not a secretary.

Posting on my Facebook wall about how much you love another author’s work and wished I wrote more like them is rude.

Winning a book I’m giving away and then informing me that you want a different one because you don’t like that series is not cool. Why enter the contest if you didn’t want the book?

Just because you type a smiley face or "lol" after saying something particularly negative or hateful does not make it okay. Frankly, it just makes you look like an asshole.  J

Oscar: So, what are you working on now, Ms Evans?

Gabrielle: Your story, sweetie. Just the way you told me to write it.

Oscar: What if people don’t like the next Moonlight Breed?

Gabrielle: Well, then they don’t. We’ll dust ourselves off and move on.

Xander: Is there anything else you’d like to say before we announce the prize?

Gabrielle: I’d like to thank everyone for coming out to celebrate with me this month! It’s been crazy, but I hope everyone had fun!

Also, I'll be chatting at TwoLips Yahoo Group tonight (January 31st) with Jana Downs from 8:00-10:00 pm EST. I'm offering up some never before seen excerpts, and we're giving away even more prizes, including a chance to win another Kindle Fire, ebooks, and print books. So come hang out with us later!!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TalkingTwoLips/

And finally, the next character interview, hosted the by one and only, Braxton Carmichael, will be posted on February 11th for the With Love Blog Hop. :)

Kendall: I get to say the prize, right?

Gabrielle: Yes, sir. You certainly do.

Kendall: One lucky winner will receive a $50 gift card for BookStrand.

Like that, Ms Evans?

Gabrielle: Yes, Kendall. Just like that.

Comment below to win $50 in Strandbucks (and don’t forget your contact info!)

Contest ends February 2^nd at midnight EST.

***All comments posted today will count as 2 bonus entries into the drawing for the Kindle Fire.  Contest ends February 2nd at midnight EST and the winner will be announced the following morning.***