Golden Heart winner Anne Barton

Tell My Your Story Tuesday

Welcome

Anne Barton

Anne is a historical romance writer represented by Helen Breitwieser at Cornerstone Literary Agency. Anne has had an excited summer. She won the RWA Golden Heart Award for her regency historical,  The Proper Miss's Guide to Bad Behavior. A short time later, she announced her first sale.

Let's get to know Anne!

   

  What made you decide to write?  What did you do before becoming a writer?

I think I’m driven to write because I’m a really bad singer.  Deplorable.  I used to envy people with beautiful voices (oh, who am I kidding, I still do!) because of the way they make people feel when they sing.  A moving song makes people laugh, cry, or gives them goosebumps.  An emotional scene in a story can do the same thing—that’s what I’m always trying for.

In school, if I had a choice between a five minute speech and a ten page research paper, I’d take the paper every time.  (By the way, it’s not easy to induce goosebumps with a physics paper.)  My friends thought I was crazy, but there’s something so satisfying about writing.  It gives you time to think and craft the perfect response.  If you’ve ever come up with a clever retort about five minutes too late, you know what I mean.

Tell us about winning the Golden Heart.

It was a moment I’d dreamed about, though I should point out that in my dreams my acceptance speech was wittier and I was more poised.  Also I was taller and looked a lot like Jennifer Aniston.  But it felt wonderful.  I mean, we’ve already established that I can’t sing, so American Idol wasn’t a viable dream for me.  I’ve never been much of an athlete (my brothers are rolling on the floor at this gross understatement), so it wasn’t like I had a shot at the Olympics.  Not even curling, for crying out loud.  The Golden Heart was my dream, and thanks to many hours at the computer—and a healthy dose of luck!—it came true.

 You also just announced your first sale. How exciting! Give us some details on that.

The deal started coming together while I was attending the Romance Writers of America’s national conference in New York City.  The whole week seemed magical . . . if we don’t count the rat that almost scampered over my toes and the guy on the train who tried to steal my luggage.  Honestly, Nationals is the most fun a writer can have: workshops, parties, sightseeing, and hanging out with fellow writers.  I met my editor at a retreat, and a few days after I returned home I received the official offer. Celebration ensued!  Here’s the blurb that ran in Publishers Marketplace:

2011 Golden Heart winner in the Regency Historical category Anne Barton's THE PROPER MISS'S GUIDE TO BAD BEHAVIOR, pitched as Project Runway meets Downton Abbey, to Selina McLemore of Forever, in a two-book deal, by Helen Breitwieser at Cornerstone Literary (World).

   Do you have any special time management tricks for working in writing time and living a normal life?

I make daily goals for myself.  When I’m drafting, I write 1,000 words each day.  My family knows I’m not allowed to play until my words are done.  If my day job is going to be especially hectic one week, I plan ahead and write more the weekend before.  Every Monday, I write my word count on my desk calendar.  It’s motivating to see the words add up in a few months.

Oh, and my best friend is my DVR.  I record my favorite TV shows (and there are so, so many!) to use as rewards after I meet my daily word count.

   What is the best advice you have received about this journey?

I can’t remember where I read this advice, but I’d just finished my first manuscript, and it was exactly what I needed.  I’m paraphrasing, but it goes something like: When you start a story, don’t hold anything back—don’t save the good bits for later.  Put all your best stuff into the opening chapter . . . and then make sure the rest of the story delivers on that promise.

 How can we find out more about you? Blogs? Facebook? Twitter?

I have a website: www.annebarton.com

and a blog. 

I’ve also finally gotten a grasp on Twitter (@_AnneBarton), which no doubt means it’s on the verge of becoming obsolete.  In the meantime I’d love to see you there!

Thank you so much for stopping by, Anne.

So, what do you want to know about Anne?  

 

Lindsay Cummings

Tell Me Your Story Tuesday

WELCOME

 Lindsay Cummings

Lindsay is a 20 year-old YA Science Fiction writer. I met her at DFWCon and can honestly tell you she is an amazing young woman. She is currently represented by Louise Fury.  

Lindsay is also hosting a huge giveaway for those who support the cause for Cancer research.  You can find out more information here.

Let's Get to Know Lindsay!

  What made you decide to write?  What did you do before becoming a writer? 

    Books! And of course, my dad has been a writer his whole life! He’s totally my hero, so ever since I was little, I’ve been writing like him. When I was diagnosed with Chronic FatigueSyndrome, writing became my escape from the world! I write because there are stories in my head that HAVE to be told! Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with all the novel ideas I have. It’s hard to pick just ONE story to write!

 Do you have a writing routine? What does it look like? Where do you usually write?

        I try to write every single day. Usually it involves me sprawled out on the couch with my laptop burning my thighs, while two wild German Shepherds sprint circles around me with their squeaky toys going “WHEEEE!” …yeah. It sounds soooo inspiring doesn’t it? =]

  Is the life of a writer what you thought it be? What is different?

             The life of a writer is about 50% solitary confinement in a place that has lots of peace and quiet, (when the dogs are outside) Starbucks peppermint hot chocolates, and lots of books spread out around me for inspiration. I LOVE the writing life. I do it full time and would never trade if for anything. It’s so fun to have a creative profession that will (hopefully someday) pay off. I always say it fulfills me to the utmost!

   Do you have any special time management tricks for working in writing time and living a normal life?

               I sort of got lucky. Having CFS meant leaving college and quitting my day job. Which, despite the exhaustion, totally rocks, I have to admit ;) because I get to write literally all day every day. My normal life has always been writing, so when I am sitting at home “hanging out with my characters” I’m actually focusing on my career! It’s a nice mental trick! (I do have real human friends and a sexy non-literary boyfriend. I swear.)

 What is the best advice you have received about this journey?

             My agent always says “Relax.” And she is so right. I SO need to work on that! If she’s reading this she is probably rolling her eyes thinking THANK YOU GOD SHE FINALLY UNDERSTANDS! Lol. Publishing is about patience. It is a lot of “hurry up and wait.” When you get stressed out, pick up a book, get some Dove chocolate, snuggle up on the couch, and breathe. Or you could always rent I Am Number Four and stare at the hotness of demi-god Alex Pettyfer. Yes. That is exactly what you should do. 

Just in case you needed visual aid

  What advice do you wish someone would have given you when you were starting out?

             Honestly…none! I have been so blessed with a wonderful community of writers and beta-readers who have helped me every step of the way! I have to credit writer’s conferences for being such a god-send. You guys…GO to writer’s conferences! You will meet amazing people who will be critical support for you in your writing journey!

  

     What do you do to fight burnout? Do you ever worry about "running out of stories"? How do combat that?

               Hmm…I honestly don’t believe in burnout! I believe if you are a writer, you should ALWAYS have stories to tell! Even if they suck. So far, I haven’t run out of ideas. I have a notebook full of little plot hooks that I am itching to work on. But I do have one suggestion: TAKE NAPS. Dream. You will be surprised what wild ideas will come to you when you are asleep. Also, sit in the shower and close your eyes. The stories will come.

    What kind of scenes do you have a hard time writing?

               Sappy, happy scenes. I am so not good at those! My books are about murders and blood and smoking guns! Not smiles and feather hair extensions and trips to Paris! =0

      Do you ever write material based on your close relationships, such as a best friend?How do you balance that material with the need to tell an interesting story?

               Haha. I love this question. I have a lot of characters that get completely messed up physically. I channel my ex-boyfriends, and inflict injuries on them in my novels. It sounds creepy because it is. But mean boys deserve things like that. ;)

     What sources do you use for inspiration? ( Music, movies, people watching)

               Rain! Snow! Cold weather! Also, Starbucks has the BEST writing music, and the coffee smell gets my writing brain going, so I love to go there a lot to write.

   What do you do when you aren’t writing?

Read. Blog. Take the wild Germans to the doggie park. Try to convince my boyfriend to man up and propose already. And dream about moving to Portland.

     Tell us a bit about your work in progress.

               Oooh. I don’t think I can. ;0 It’s too good to share, someone might steal it! I’ll give you a hint though: science fiction. Dark. Death. (are you scared yet? You should be!)

 

    What is next for you?

               Hopefully going on submission soon and, God willing, getting a book deal! He’s gotten me this far already, so I have faith that the deal will come!

 How can we find out more about you? Blogs? Facebook? Twitter?

                     Please stalk me! 

My twitter is

@lindsaycwrites 

and I am constantly on there. 

It’s sort of a crutch. An awesome crutch.

                     Facebook Author Page

                     Blog: http://lindsaycummingsblog.blogspot.com/

                             

Thank you for stopping by, Lindsay!

So, what else do you want to know about her? 

spring break

Thinking about Thursday





I feel like I have been surrounded by bad news lately.

I've lived in three of the places effected by the recent tornadoes.

I have several people close to me whose lives are in turmoil and I can do nothing to help.

Summer is two weeks away. I should be ecstatic, but last summer began with two funerals, a near-fatal motorcycle accident and my dog passing away. I am little leery of what this one will bring!

So, tell me something good. What's up in your life that you are smiling about?

*This slightly less than uplifting post has been brought to you by exhaustion and a short trip into self-pity. Please return tomorrow for the Friday Plot Swap. I promise to be back to my normal, sunshine spreading self*