Meet The Authors--Part Three

Today we will be talking to two up and coming authors writing two different sub-genres of romance.  Both have put their poor heroines in perilous situations.  But that's ok because these women aren't the weak, helpless sorts; and honey, they ain't lookin' for a knight on a white horse.  One packs a gun and the other a sword.  It's a good thing too, because while their heroes are hot and sexy, their motives are questionable and they both have an agenda.  One has commited murder and the other one is a real dog, um, wolf.  What's a girl to do?  In this case?  Kick some serious butt, with style and a smile.

May I introduce, Starr Toth, author of Trust Me.  Starr, would you tell us a little bit about youself?

I'm a Midwestern girl, more country than city.  My mother tried, but urban culture just wouldn't stick.  I got a degree in English with a writing emphasis, but haven't made it pay yet. (I'm a late bloomer.) I live near a teeny little town north of Detroit with one husband, two kids, and enough critters that I had to learn to type with a cat in one arm.

I believe you said you were a member of RWA? 

I've been a member of RWA for the past several years, serving as chapter Treasurer and contest coordinator, in addition to writing with a critique group.  I highly recommend RWA as a training ground for aspiring authors of any genre, especially romance.

When did you decide you wanted to write?

That had to be in 5th grade when I read "The Black Stallion".  I'd finally found something I could write about with passion.  Then as a teenager I was side-tracked by science fiction.  Blame Star Trek.  Then it was mysteries.  I'm so fickle.  The first time I read romance (I won't name the author) I thought it was horrible.  Same with the second try.  Then I discovered Jennifer Crusie and Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and knew I had to write single title romance.  By the way, I still hate that first author.

Why did you choose the style or sub-genre?

It had to be romantic suspense because it incorporates that fondness for mysteries.  And it had to have humor, because I just can't write serious story.  My characters keep smarting-off and wise cracking.

What's your favorite line of your own chapter?

I have to pick one? All my words are priceless!  Seriously, I really don't have a favorite. But many readers have said they liked this line: "She wondered how one dressed for an intimate dinner with two killers."

Speaking of your chapter, I had a question when I read it.  Janet and Eleanor are best friends.  So why doesn't Banner know Eleanor?

Our slimy bad guy, Banner, eloped to Paris with Ellie's best friend before Ellie ever had a chance to meet him.  Romantic impulse or premeditated murder plot?  Stay tuned!

When do you find time to write?

Late, late, late at night.  The same time I prowl Gather.  If I've left a comment on someone's article, chances are good it was later than one a.m.

How did you find the contest?

My wonderful sister-in-law is a Gather member and told me about it.  That was a good enough reason to join, and I'm glad I did.

What do you do when not writing?

I work part-time at a large retail store, mostly to pay for my habit of taking in every stray cat and dog that comes my way, plus a couple horses and a few chickens.

What are your goals?

To get published.  Isn't that what every writer wants?  I want to share my stories - there, that doesn't sound so selfish and mercenary.

Would you share something we may not know about you that we might find interesting?

One winter we bought a used racing sled, harnessed up our three Siberian huskies, and had a blast racing up and down our rural roads. Three dogs can pull you faster than you can run.  And the sleds can't be steered, only stopped.

Well, that would certainly make for an interesting ride, lol!  Much like your story.  Thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to speak with me.

 Next we will talk to an author whose story is out of this world.  Literally.  May I introduce Jamie Chapman, author of The Wolf Huntress.

Jamie Chapman was born in Missouri and raised all over the world.  Her father was a career, enlisted soldier in the US Army and she has moved more times in her life than she can remember.  Though she spent many of her formative years in Germany, Florida and Texas, she considers herself a Washingtonian as she graduated from high school there.  Jamie holds an advanced degree in Pathology and Molecular Medicine and teaches at the college level.  She currently lives in Nebraska with her 14 year old son, a cat with an attitude, and an obnoxious miniature Dachshund who abhors squirrels.  She has completed 8 novels to date, which remain unpublished due to her dislike of the standard query process.  Sales were never her "thing".

When did you decide you wanted to write?

I don't think I ever really decided to write.  It's just something I do and have done for as long as I can remember.  I remember writing things in my High School English class- essays, short stories, reports, poetry - and my teacher would always read my work to the rest of the class.  I found it embarassing at the time, but various teachers tried pushing me into a writing career.  I was more interested in science however, so I majored in Biology in college. My college professors tried to push me towards writing, too.  I rarely do what people tell me to do though.  Perhaps if they would have told me NOT to major in English, I would have done so. :-)  I completed my first novel at age 19.  It was a category romance. I'll have to look at it sometime.  I'm sure it was REALLY bad.

Why did you choose the style or sub-genre?

I write in a variety of genres.  Most of them have a fantasy or science fiction slant.  I like to allow my imagination to take me places and my characters fill those places.  Most of those places tend to not actually exist.  The characters arrive in my subconscience fully formed. So, that's why "The Wolf Huntress" is set in a fantasy world.  That's where my characters decided they lived. I'm just describing their world as it is shown to me.

What's your favorite line of your own chapter?

Wow, that's a tough one.  I don't know if I have one.  I guess "The floor was decorated with a discordant pattern of macabre, bloody paw prints." even though it is passive voice.  Hmm.  Back to the editing!

When do you find time to write?

I write on a chaotic schedule, usually in bursts.  I work crazy hours, so I can't really set up a specific time to write.  Let's just say when most people are watching TV or having social lives, I'm writing.  It takes up the majority of my free time.

How did you find the contest?

I've been a part of gather for around 8 months now.  I was in the original First Chapters contest with a science fiction entry SubZero.

SubZero? 

You never heard of it?  I'm not surprised. Well, I edited that novel after the contest and it is on query to agents now.  I heard about the First Chapter's Romance contest when it was announced on gather. I saw the post almost immediately.  If you look at the original announcement, I was one of the first to comment.  I was working on editing The Wolf Huntress at the time, so I was excited to have something almost ready.  I was preparing to send it out to agents, but the contest just sort of landed in my lap.  Perfect timing, you might say.

What are your plans after the contest?

If I don't win, I plan on editing a few things that commenters felt need some work (and I agree) and then I will be sending out queries.  Meanwhile, I'm working on a new project and editing another novel, so that will be taking up a lot of time.

What do you do in your free time?

When I'm not writing, I'm working.  I'm a college instructor - science, not english - and I teach quite a few hours, including night classes.  I love my career and am very dedicated to it.  I'm also a single mother, so that takes up most of the rest of my time. In my "extra" free time, I love to garden, take trips to the zoo, play video games, listen to music, and read.  Oh, and I spend a lot of time on Gather, even when I'm not in a contest. :-)

What are your goals as writer?

Get these characters and stories out of my head.  They will not let me rest until they are on paper.  And if someone else enjoys them in the process, that's great!  There just never seem to be enough hours in the day to write all that I want to write.  I had a great idea for a college textbook just this morning.  Maybe someday I'll worry about changing the world with my writing, but for now, I "Just Do It"!

Thank you Jamie for taking the time out of your chaotic schedule to answer my questions. 

Thank you for including me.

I hope you enjoyed seeing a bit more of these authors.  You can see why both have strong women leads.  You want some adventure and laughter, take some time to stop by and read their chapters. 

Starr's Trust Me, a Romantic suspense with fiesty heroine bent on revenge.

 http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977126667

Jamie's The Wolf Huntress, a Fantasy Romance  whose heroine is a master with a silver sword and looking for retribution.

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977126650 

If you missed seeing my other articles in this series:

Meet the Authors highlighting Tracy and Jerrica 
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977135025

Meet the Authors-Part Two highlighting Judi and Caren

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977135323