Pages

January 30, 2012

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 10th, 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!!


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 2nd 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.***


41 comments:

  1. Stacey Jo1/31/2012

    BRAVO Gabrielle!!!!! Great interview :) I needed a smile and you just gave me plenty of them. I can't believe I've been missing all of this. Shame. On. Me! I can totally see you saying every word...it's nice knowing someone who is REAL :) Have a great night!!!

    xoxo
    stacey jo

    bakinstuff at
    yahoo

    ReplyDelete
  2. LOL! Great interview! Chuckled my way through the whole thing =D I can't imagine how much fun it must be to have that many characters rattling around in your head talking at the same time ;-)
    I am amazed at the amount of books series you have going and have planned! I am so impressed! To have that amount of creativity must be a wonderful blessing!
    I hope 2012 brings you every golden opportunity and fabulous thing you wish for!
    Gena Robertson
    robertsongena@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. LeeAnn Pratt1/31/2012

    I think the guys did a great job with the interview and I loved ALL of your books..:) see smiley face in the correct place. Some people can be so rude but I on the other hand only try to win books of ppl who I have read and love their work..not trying to suck up but hey if it works..even tho I am sincere...right guys?..:) What were we talking about? OH YEAH! I cannot wait for the next book to come out. I am terrible at waiting but waiting I must..(insert theme to Jeopardy here). Keep up the awesome work Gabrielle...") (Waving to the guys)

    xoxoxoxox...

    bigred_38@hotmail.com


    ok stop snickering at my email addy...it IS the name of a gum ya know...lol

    ReplyDelete
  4. LOL! That was great. The part I loved most was the "How you'd really like to respond", because I totally agreed with you on that.

    I love it when your boys, come and take over the blog. The interview was a lot of fun.

    Tiffany
    bubbliemom@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I loved the interview! Made my day. Your characters add spice to my life. I'm a bookaholic and always looking for more. Thank you for the great stories!

    Dee

    PS Does that sound like a dating add? :D

    danron1925 at
    yahoo

    ReplyDelete
  6. You are awesome. Loved the interview. You have to love all the characters in your head telling you what they want as well. :)
    I can't wait for anything else you write. It's all genius.

    sexybaby2882@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous1/31/2012

    Having manners can suck sometimes lol!!!! I lo e your books and the way the characters come alive! You may have been able to tell how much I like them from me posting on your fb thanking you for being awesome lol!! Cause you knw... You are ^_^

    jessi_wuzzle@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love the way you'd prefer to answer questions. I loved the interview, I was smiling the whole time. :)

    smurfettev AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I absolutely love when you get ambushed by your gang. I love each and every one of them. Just as I love each and every book. I'm always waiting for the next one to come out. And don't tell the guys, but Kendall and Braxton are my favorite guys!

    And my Mamma always told me if I couldn't say something nice don't say anything at all.

    ReplyDelete
  11. loved the interview i was grinning since the first question i love your series can't wait for more

    jessica canoto
    jcanoto@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great interview Gabrielle and Guys!

    I laughed at the "How I’d really like to respond" Best ever!!

    You already know how much I love your books, I always tell you.

    Happy Anniversary!

    Hugs, Tess
    snooky413@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. As I like to say, "Some people don't have the common sense, or brains God gave a gnat".
    I love reading your books. I also love the way you did that interview. I enjoyed it very much, having people from your books asking the questions. Yes, I said people. If the characters are real to you, then we can step inside their world, and they'll be real to us. If they aren't, how can we feel anything for them, or what their story is? That is the purpose of fiction.
    Thank you for many wonderful hours. I'm a voracious reader. I can never get enough!

    jm111@mymts.net

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks for sharing your guys with us again! Reading these interviews has gotten me interested in the Fatefully Yours series! Reading the description is one thing... getting to know the characters a bit is what's really gotten my attention more than anything. :D

    ReplyDelete
  15. Loved your interview Gabrielle. I don't understand how anyone can request another book, ALL your books are awesome. Oh & to tell you to write like someone else...seriously? Your writing is great, I don't think I've disliked anything you've written. Whoever said those things, obviously have no life. ;)

    GFC: Jewel
    jewel4jay AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Loved this character/author interview!! I had a blast!! lol..

    but damn... really? I can't believe the nerve of some people. D: shit! Why? just... why? *rolls eyes*

    Anyways, Haha!! wow!! That is a lot of series/books that you have planned! I hope they come to you without any big hiccups. :D
    Thanks again for letting us join you on your party! lol... and thank you for all of the wonderful prizes!

    Judi
    arella3173_loveless(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Absolutely loved the interviews and made my morning. I have been reading the posts at 4:15 when I get up for work and I do so with a smile!
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous1/31/2012

    What a fab read to start the day!!!!!
    I loved all your answers and had a big grin the whole time i was reading it.
    I'm always amazed at how individual all your characters are - no two are the same.
    I can't wait for what you bring out next.

    Helen
    hellenlou1@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Helén1/31/2012

    Loved the interview!
    Helén
    helenc234@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I just love when you interview yourself like this! Thank God I'm not the only Sybil out there! LOL!

    I adore your books. You, too, for that matter! One thing about you...you are STILL down to Earth and take time out to talk to your fans. Not a lot do that anymore. Thank you for that!

    Btw, today is my birthday. Will that give me an extra entry??? :p

    Stacy Wilson

    dragn_lady at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous1/31/2012

    Great interview! I can't wait for the Sexually Awkward series, it sounds delightful :)
    panalopy
    talia628@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great interview! You made me smile and laugh.
    I am seriously in awe of your imagination..so many series planned and so many characters..how do you keep them all straight in your head?
    Hugs xx
    foulkes.susan@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. WOW! I can't believe the month is over. I enjoyed all your guest authors and you interview with your stars. I'm looking forward to everything that's being planned by you. I really can't wait for the "Gods Of Chaos" Man 18 books plus everything else, your going to have a double bad case of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome going on before your even a 1/4 of the ways done. But know worries I'm sure me and all your other fans will get in line to massage those wrist so you can keep on keeping on. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  24. Andrea1/31/2012

    I can't believe people are so rude. Leaving comments and asking questions like that is just bad manners. It seems sometimes the world is getting meaner. Onward to the happy stuff. I love your interviews. They are funny. I am sure they never go quite as planned do they. I can't wait for more Moonlight Breed it is one of the series that I keep going back to. I want to thank you for doing this blog. You have introduced me to some great new authors and let me get to know some of my favorites. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and good luck on the coming year. I look forward to many more books from you.

    Andrea
    drealynn84@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous1/31/2012

    Love the interview. Looking forward of more books. Love them.

    theresatalavera@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Fab Job Gabrielle!! What a GREAT interview, I absolutely LOVED it. Its so obvious how much you adore your characters. I smiled throughout the entire thing.
    You have absolutely become one of my favorite authors!!
    Thank you so much for this months contests, its been fun, exciting and I loved getting to learn about some new authors.
    So again...THANK YOU!!

    Kitana
    Kitana_wolff@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Fun and informative interview, Gabrielle. Made me laugh all the way through. I can't believe the nerve of some people, especially entering a contest then wanting a different book. If you don't want that book, don't enter. Love the Midnight Matings series.

    e.balinski(at)att(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  28. That interview was so cool!! Love the guys, they just crack me up and make me smile.

    Paula
    paula.hadgraft@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous1/31/2012

    Great interview. This has been a fun month, meeting new authors and putting lots of books on my TBR pile.

    Linda A
    l.abbou@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. WONDERFUL interview Gabrielle--had a good laugh. i am so glad i found you and your work, i always look forward to what you have coming out!

    Laurie

    parisfan_ca@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love the information you provided in this interview and cannot wait for some of the books you teased us with. I might not always love everything an author has written, but I cannot imagine actually taking the time to write to an author to tell them that. Though of course I love all of your books and am anxiously waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book so I can get me my fix. Of course I have just re-read all of the moonlight and haven books so that helped calm the craving a little bit.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Great interview. Totally agree with some of your preferred answers. I love most of your books and have those that I loved and am looking forward to new books in old or new series whenever you get to them. Have a great week!!

    md4quarter@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Now that was just too fun, I love these guys. And you gave me a book or two that I can't wait to read.


    caity_mack at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Great interview with lots of intriguing questions. I can't believe what some people ask of you, particularly the change in prize when they didn't like it. I'm glad you can keep your humor about it all and I look forward to your next release.

    joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous1/31/2012

    God I loved the commentary. I think it is great how you included everyone in the chat.

    Niki
    Nrdriscoll@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Shanna1/31/2012

    Very cute interview! I have to say I love all your guys and I think it would be boring if they were all the same and fit in a nice little box. I like that they break rules and tell their own stories. :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Anonymous2/02/2012

    Really good interview. 18 tentative books planned for Gods of Chaos? Omg, I just finished reading the first 3 books of the series and it was great =) I'm already looking forward to reading more, lol =D

    I don't know how you do it with all these ideas but I wish you look and look forward to seeing more of your work =)

    -H.B.
    humhumbum@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Anonymous2/02/2012

    I always love your interviews, Ms Evans. Thank you for your suggestions and advice for new writers. I hope they help all those who are starting out. :) I can't wait to read what troubles Oscar and Nuri will give their mates. LOL :D

    SusanL
    lorgin[@]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Anonymous2/02/2012

    Oh man, 18 Gods of Chaos books? New ancient warriors? Geez, you're so spoiling us, Ms Gabrielle! Cannot wait to read any of the new and coming books. BTW, loved the interview!

    -Kae
    kaerizaki(@)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Anonymous2/06/2012

    does anyone know who won? there haven't been any updates since jan 30th

    ReplyDelete
  41. You had my giggles on Brie, just stopping by to say hello.

    normanielsen@bigpond.com

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.