Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Bren Y. Bruhn

Interview with Bren Y. Bruhn:

Hi Bren. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...

- Please tell us about your latest book.

“Far from Paradise” is my latest book, released this month from Publish America. While it is a sequel to my first book, “The Price of Eden,” it stands on its own. It continues the story with Grayson, another member of the Prophitt family, and his unique situation in the midst of the third and final Seminole War. The heroine, Jordyn, regains consciousness in the aftermath of an Indian attack, only to discover that she has no memory of her past, or even her own name. Though the Indians have different plans for her, she is rescued by Grayson, a half-Seminole Indian. Strangely attracted to him, Jordyn soon discovers that the only thing worse than not knowing her name… is discovering her true identity.

- What can we expect from you in the future?

I’m currently working on the third book in this series, which will take place during the early years of the Civil War. I’m also working on another project that’s proven to be such fun. It’s a book about an 18th Century pirate that suddenly finds himself in 20th Century Key West.

- How do we find out about you and your books?

I encourage anyone interested in my books (and me), to visit my website, Bren’s Romances. I try to keep it updated with the latest news on both myself and my books and am usually running a contest. I send out a newsletter periodically to inform my readers of anything I think might be of interest to them, and am considering doing a blog of some sort in the future if there seems to be enough interest.

- How may readers contact you?

I can be reached via email at admin@brensromances.com

- How many readers/fans contact you?

Since I’m a relatively new writer, there aren’t a lot of people who are even aware I’m a writer, other than my friends and family. I welcome comments and suggestions from readers, as well as the occasional “atta boy.” That never hurts!

- Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?

Amazingly enough, it was the comments of the fans of my repainted fashion that got me started writing again. You see, in addition to writing, I also create one of a kind repainted fashion dolls. I have been selling my dolls on ebay for over 5 years now. Most of the dolls come complete with a costume and a short romantic story—actually more of a teaser than a complete story—though I have finished some of them. I began to get so much feedback from the doll stories that I was encouraged to dig out the two manuscripts I’d written so long ago, dust them off, and really concentrate on writing again. The results are, “The Price of Eden,” and “Far From Paradise,” both of which were actually written about 7 years ago.

- Do you have a favorite comment or question from a reader?

As a matter of fact, I do. It’s from a lady who did a review of my first book, “The Price of Eden.” In her review, she wrote, “I would definitely recommend THE PRICE OF EDEN to anyone who likes a touching love story that will stay in your hearts for a long time to come.” That’s what it’s all about! It’s gratifying to know you’ve managed to accomplish exactly what you set out to do, especially for a “beginner.”

- Why did you decide to write romance novels?

I think the best explanation I can come up with is because I have to. I’ve always had a very vivid imagination. Entire stories play out in my in mind like scenes from a movie. They are so real and compelling that I have no choice but to try to bring them to life—to try to make other people see them as I do.

- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

Not much of my true personality is revealed in my writing, though I have to confess that I drew upon my own temper while developing the character of Cait McCandless in “The Price of Eden,” from my own life. As for experiences, are we talking my fantasy life? If so, heck yeah!

- When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?

I’ve been writing most of my life. As a teenager, I used to toy with the idea of submitting one of my stories to a magazine. There were several popular ones at the time. I think one was called, “True Romance,” or something like that. They were supposed to be true stories of love and romance and the target audience was starry-eyed teens and young married women. I never did, but I sure thought about it a lot. As for submitting my first manuscript, I submitted it years ago when I finished writing the first draft of “The Price of Eden.” It was by no means ready for publication at the time, and I was far too inexperienced to know what changes needed to be made. After a few rejections, I simply gave up.

- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?

A historical romance (which is mostly what I do), usually averages about 1 year, due to research. I try to not only make my story interesting, but to provide just enough historical background so the reader has a sense of the time period I’m writing about. And I don’t do just straight history. I try to weave it into the story so well that the reader has a hard time separating fact from fiction.

Sometimes, that’s not easy.

- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?

Heavens no! I tried that once, and it doesn’t work at all for me. I’m the most unregimented person you’d ever want to meet. I keep very odd hours and sometimes take naps in the afternoon. I despise schedules and appointments, so I try to stay as spontaneous as possible. I discovered that trying to schedule a time for writing, or even for working on my dolls, usually only results in writer’s block or frustration. I simply have to be in the mood or it doesn’t work.

- What is your writing routine once you start a book?

I begin with the bare bones of the story. I usually already have my characters developed and a basic idea of where I’m going. When I’m not writing, I read history books on the time period and take notes so that I have them handy when I get to a place they’re needed. Quite often, though, I’ll discover that the story is telling me where we’re going—and not the other way around. That’s when I have the most fun!

- What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?

My husband and I are “empty nesters,” so usually it’s just us and the dog. Both of them pretty much know when to stay clear, but it’s normally not a problem. I prefer writing in either the late night or early morning hours, when they’re both asleep.

- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?

I know it might sound silly… but my favorite thing to do to recharge is to read (someone else’s book).

- What truly motivates you in general?

I’m motivated by having a purpose in life. I think we were all placed on this earth for a specific reason, and once you find out what that is you should do it, and keep doing it until you drop from exhaustion! I wasted a lot of years doing things I hated because I was certain that I wasn’t good enough at what I really wanted to do. Of course, the need to eat regularly and pay bills was a big factor in my choice of careers, but who knows… if I’d only tried a little harder all those years ago, I might have been a best-selling author by now. In your writing? In my writing, I’m motivated by telling a compelling story and developing complex characters. If either of those factors aren’t working, then I’m not working either.

- Where do your ideas come from?

I think most writers have the same answer for that question and that answer is... everywhere. As insular as my life is as an artist and a writer, my imagination can be sparked by a conversation with a friend, a dream, a memory, a fantasy. Ideas are everywhere! You just have to be open minded and creative.

- Do you feel humour is important in women's fiction and why?

Absolutely! I try to use a good deal of humor in my stories, though they often deal with serious subject matter. Humor breaks the tension and makes the characters more human and multi-dimensional. After all, even the most pessimistic person in the world has at least one thing that makes them laugh, (even if they won’t admit it!).

- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?

I find love scenes difficult to write sometimes because in the first draft, I tend to make them either too clinical and mechanical, or too raunchy. But let’s face it. It’s all been done before, and by much better writers than me. And unless your characters are performing some odd mating ritual, there’s not many new ways to describe it. I try to express genuine love between my characters, with just enough sensuality to let the reader know they’re swept away by something they can’t control. Isn’t that what happens when you fall in love? These are the scenes I write, and rewrite, and rewrite again. Hmmm…. Gee, maybe I enjoy writing them more than I thought!

- Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?

I’ve been toying with another genre, (which I won’t reveal), but don’t know if I’ll ever be brave enough to put it out there for everyone to see.

- What does your husband think of your writing?

My husband says he’s proud of me, but sometimes I wonder. I think he’d be much prouder of me if I could make enough money so that he could retire. J He’s very supportive, and often takes up the slack around here when I’m wrapped up in one project or another. He’s quite a good cook, and he’s gotten much better at fending for himself the past couple of years.

- Do you ever ask him for advice?

No. I try not to. My husband served as my proofreader for my first book, and since he writes technical material, he doesn’t understand or appreciate my style of writing. Occasionally, I might give him a multiple choice question about plotting, but I usually end up going with my own instincts. He does, however, inspire me. He does some of the most totally romantic things!

- Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)

I am the oldest child in my family, and the only girl. Growing up with four younger brothers was tough. I suffered through endless traumas brought about by the mysterious disappearance of my favorite dolls that were often just as mysteriously returned, but with missing body parts. Shy and quiet by nature, writing became my refuge, and I diligently reported to my diary on a daily basis. Of course, my diary was subject theft as well, so I became immune to critics at a very early age. I have been married almost half of my life (24 years), to my husband, Gary, who works for a well-known defense contractor and who is also serving his second term as Mayor of our small town.

- Fill in the blank favorites -

Favorite dessert – Cherry Cheesecake.
Favorite season – Spring or Fall (brief though they may be in Florida).
Type of hero – Strong and Protective.
Type of heroine – Strong, stubborn, and completely unaware that she needs protecting.

- What are some of your favorite things to do?

Reading, listening to music, spending time with my family and friends, watching classic movies, and Anything creative.

- Do you have a favorite author?

I would be hard pressed to name a favorite author or book. I have very diverse tastes and don’t limit myself to any genre. My first love was horror and suspense, so if you’d asked that question 20 years ago, I’d have said Stephen King. Now, I read a variety of authors and books on many subjects. I have an extensive home library that contains everything from classis literature to reference books. Favorite book? My favorite book changes from day to day. It’s usually whatever I’m reading at the moment.

- Who are some of your favorite authors to read?

Stephen King is definitely still on my list, as is Dean Koontz, and Anne Rice. Other favorites include John Steinbeck, Dan Brown, Nicholas Sparks, John Irving, Billie Letts, Sue Monk Kidd, and William Blake. My all time favorite romance author is Karen Marie Moning. I adore her books!

- Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?

Without a doubt, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Emily Bronte, Colleen McCullough, LaVryle Spencer and Margaret Mitchell have had a great influence on my style of writing. I consider them classic authors—to be read and re-read—and I always learn something new about writing from reading their work.

- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?

No. I’d love to join RWA, but I’ve got to save some money for the membership fee.

- What do you think of critique groups in general?

I think they are a valuable tool for both readers and authors. For readers, they provide an unbiased opinion of a book and influence the decision to buy, or read a book. For an author, good or bad, a critique can point out your strengths or weaknesses and allow you to affect change, if necessary.

- Where do you see yourself in five years?

Let’s see… I have a few fantasies about this, but my favorite goes something like this… I’m sitting under an umbrella on a tropical island with a guy who looks like Fabio waiting on me hand and foot while my husband is busy with our lawyer setting up foundations for abused women and children with part of the millions I’ve made off my books.

- How many books have you written, how many have been published?

I’ve actually written 4 books, but only two of them are published. Maybe some day I’ll go back and dust off the other two and see if they’re worth the effort of re-writing for publication.

- After you've written your book and it's been published, do you ever buy it and/or read it?

I honestly can’t bear to read my books after they’re published. When I read them, I am no longer the writer, but the writer’s harshest critic. Regardless how many times I’ve edited a book, once it’s published, I pick apart every word, sentence, paragraph, etc., and berate myself for every mistake I find. It’s totally demoralizing, so I try to avoid doing it.

- Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?

Of my own books, (even those I haven’t finished), my favorite book will always be, “The Price Of Eden,” not only because it was my first, but because I truly love the story and characters. And of course, my favorite hero and heroine would be Cait and Hunter (Wolf).

- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?

Usually it’s the story, then the rest seems to fall into place.

- What are the elements of a great romance for you?

Strong physical attraction, a deep sense of devotion, and the willingness to sacrifice everything for the one you love.

- What is the hardest part of writing/the easiest for you?

I think the hardest part for me is editing. I hate doing that every bit as much as I love writing the story.

- Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?

Most of the time, I’m in control, but every once in a while my characters turn mutinous and refuse to do what I want them to. I always try to give them the benefit of the doubt and am open-minded enough to listen to their point of view.

- Have you experienced writer's block---> If so, how did you work through it?

What writer hasn’t? I don’t think anyone has come up with an ideal way to work through it, but I’ve learned that for me it’s just a sign that I need to step away for a while. That could mean minutes, hours, or days, but when I’m finally able to return to work, I attack it with a vengeance.

- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?

The most rewarding thing for me is having someone tell me they enjoyed reading my book and ask for more. That was what compelled me to try writing again in the first place.

- If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?

If I wasn’t writing, I would be involved in something else creative, like working on my dolls. It’s more than a need for me to do something like that. It’s a downright compulsion.

- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

Never give up. Never quit. Even if a million people say you stink at writing, if it’s what you feel compelled to do, ask them all why they think you stink and work on improving your craft. You’ll never please everyone. It’s impossible. But if you can go to sleep each night with the conviction that you have put forth your very best effort, then that’s what matters at the end of the day.

- What question would you love to answer that I didn't ask?

This one is easy. My question would be, is there anything about you that your readers would be surprised to know? And the answer is… (drumroll) I’ve struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia most of my life. Who the heck knew? And my mother thought I had trouble with math and spelling because I was left-handed.

Thank you very much Bren for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to your busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!

Yours in good reading,
Rose!

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