Interview with Author Fran Shaff:
I would like to welcome Fran Shaff to the RaH Interview process. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the good reading you have given us so far. Welcome to Rose's Corner of the RaH garden, and now, let’s commence with the grilling!!!
- Please tell us about your latest book.
MONTANA MAGIC is my latest contemporary romance. Wings ePress released it in e-book on March 1.
Here is a blurb:
Deanna Worthington from Peoria spends her respite in Montana working on her Master’s thesis until C.R. Whitmore convinces her that all work and no play makes her life a bit too dull.
- What can we expect from you in the future?
KELLY AND THE CANDIDATE and STOLEN SON are due to be released in May. FOR LOVE OF MAGGIE is scheduled to be released in July. All are contemporary romances.
- How do we find out about you and your books?
My website is located at: sites.google.com/site/fshaff I’m at Twitter too: www.twitter.com/franshaff, and MySpace (where I have a blog) www.myspace.com/franshaff, and I’m on Facebook www.facebook.com/people/Fran-Shaff/100000707158093.
- Why did you decide to write romance novels?
I enjoy reading many kinds of novels, but I love the sweetness of old fashioned romance stories. They are relaxing and warm, just right for settling in for an evening read. I wanted to give compelling stories to my fellow sweet romance enthusiasts which they would find uplifting, engaging and entertaining.
- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
Practically none. I have an active imagination…
- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
Writing time for a book varies greatly. Sometimes I can do a first draft within a few weeks. Sometimes it may take years to complete a book for one reason or another.
- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
Writing is like any other job. To get the job done, a writer must devote herself to production whether she is inspired or not. Generally, if a person “goes with the flow” she may accomplish far less than if she imposes self discipline whether we’re talking about writing or any other pursuit.
- What is your writing routine once you start a book?
Once I have an idea, I usually flesh out characters, sketch out the plot and then begin writing the first draft.
- Fill in the blank favorites -
Favorite Dessert: ice cream
Favorite season: autumn
Hero: strong, confident, empathetic, loving, giving and forgiving
Heroine: strong, confident, empathetic, loving, giving and forgiving
- How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?
I dabbled in writing until about eleven or twelve years ago. At that point, I got very serious. I studied all I could, read lots of books on the craft of writing, and I wrote everyday. Once I devoted myself to writing, it really wasn’t that long before I began to get my books published.
- How many books have you written, how many have been published?
Like most writers, I’ve got a pile of manuscripts which are in varying stages of completion. As of today, I’ve had more than a dozen manuscripts published, fourteen, I think, or maybe it’s fifteen.
- Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?
You know, this is a very good question, but it isn’t easy to answer. I love the hero in A PARTNER’S PROMISE, Axel O’Grady. He’s an eleven-year-old homeless boy who shows extraordinary courage when he must leave his best friend in New York (1880s) and take the orphan train to Iowa so he can avoid going to jail. Another character, the heroine in the contemporary romance STOLEN SON, Ella Mason, is worthy of great admiration. She bravely faces life after her baby is kidnapped from the hospital soon after he is born. MARI’S MIRACLE, an early 20th Century romance, is a favorite story because the naïve heroine is irresistible. Her reaction to being thrust into a life of meager living after being raised a spoiled, rich girl is priceless. I love watching her experience enthralling growth. Lacey Masterson, the heroine in THE TRADING GAME, a young peoples novel, shows astounding resolve and tremendous bravery as she struggles during the late 1890s to take care of herself and her little sister on the streets of the city. I am truly in awe of her. As I said, choosing favorites isn’t easy, but I guess there are a few characters and stories that touch me particularly deeply.
- What book for you has been the easiest to write? The hardest? The most fun?
I can’t think of one book that was easy to write, but some, of course are less difficult than others. The hardest to write was probably A PARTNER’S PROMISE because it took me a very long time to complete. I rewrote, rewrote, rewrote. It was worth it, though. Not only did it receive an EPPIE nomination and outstanding commentary from reviewers, but it received praise from readers as well. Young people and adults alike gave A PARTNER’S PROMISE very high accolades. That kind of “applause” and the fact that I was able to draw attention to the plight of homeless children during the 19th Century made the work very worthwhile.
As for the most fun book to write-- MONTANA MAGIC, my latest contemporary romance, is a read that I think is just plain fun. While the hero and heroine have had their share of hard times, in MONTANA MAGIC they learn what it’s like to truly enjoy the company of a real soul mate. They are both young and impetuous and looking for a warmth they eventually find in each other. And the ending…I totally love it! It is unbelievably romantic.
- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?
For me, usually the idea (the “what if” question) comes first, then characters which will make the idea as challenging as possible, then the story. The setting ties closely with the storyline and comes, most likely, with the characters and their goals and ambitions.
- What are the elements of a great romance for you?
A romance cannot possibly be great without larger than life protagonists. If the reader doesn’t love the hero and heroine, there is no point to reading the story. Naturally, these terrific characters need to be at odds in every possible way. There eventual coming together must follow the overcoming of titanic troubles, and their love must be genuine and believable as well as thoroughly heartfelt. If all of this happens, we’ve got a great romance, one we’ll read over and over.
- What is the hardest part of writing/the easiest for you?
Rewriting, editing, polishing. They are the hardest part of writing. The easiest part is getting ideas.
- Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?
How can characters possibly control a writer? They are not real. They only seem real to the reader, once the writer has done her job well. If Scarlet O’Hara had been in control of Margaret Mitchell, I’m sure Rhett never would have left her.
- Have you experienced writer's block---> If so, how did you work through it?
I’ve been really lucky here. I’ve never had writer’s block. I believe if a writer does a thorough job in her prewriting (research, outlining, character development) she probably won’t have to worry about “writer’s block” because she has a complete road map to follow while she is writing her story.
- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
Hands down, the most rewarding thing about being a writer is getting positive feedback from readers. Love it, love it, love it…and love them for taking the time to get in touch with me.
- If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
Quilting…
- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Absolutely! Never give up, not ever. I posted those words over my computer way back when. I read them throughout the day, and I followed them until I received my first book contract, a hardcover for Avalon Books titled MONTANA MATCH. Then, after that first book was under contract, I followed those words again.
- What question would you love to answer that I didn't ask?
You didn’t ask me if I have a pet…. J Finster the bulldog is our family pet. His picture is on the last page of my website.
Thank you very much, for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation, Montana Match in May 2010!
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
Author Links:
Fran Shaff'S Website Email Fran twitter MySpace Facebook
RaH Links:
Review Coming Review Coming
Purchase Links:
Buy Fran's Books At Amazon
Buy Montana Magic at Wings ePress
Buy Fran's Books at Smashwords
Buy Fran's Books at Barnes and Noble
Buy Fran's Books at Fictionwise
