Ask Eloisa James - September 10, 2012 discussion
Ask Eloisa!
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My favorite genre of romance, right now (it changes all the time) is urban fantasy. I'm a huge fan of Ilona Andrewes -- I've read everything she has written (I believe they are actually a husband-and-wife team). If you haven't read her books, try them!
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So what do I have in the future? Well -- LOTS! Here's my pub schedule:
October 30 Griffin's story is out in eNovella form, SEDUCED BY A PIRATE. This is great fun! It links to The Ugly Duchess, as Griffin is James's cousin and pirate-comrade.
December 26: LADY MOST WILLING. The next book from me, Julia Quinn and Connie Brockway! It's adorable and set in Scotland.
April 16 (or thereabouts): the trade paperback of PARIS IN LOVE is out. And also, hopefully, a print collection of all my eNovellas, including "Seduced by a Pirate."
July 26: Finally, my next novel! ONCE UPON A TOWER.... it's great and I hope you love all love it!
Eloisa wrote: "Dear Amanda,So what do I have in the future? Well -- LOTS! Here's my pub schedule:
October 30 Griffin's story is out in eNovella form, SEDUCED BY A PIRATE. This is great fun! It links to The ..."
I know I will love it
ONCE UPON A TOWER-- so is the inspiration Rapunzel?
I loved the serie with the Essex Sisters ! The second book with Annabel is my favorite of the serie. Scottish men are exciting !!
"Paris in Love" is just released, and I was wondering why Romance Writer often stay in North America for their tour and never come abroad ?!
Hi Eloisa, I've just started writing my first romance short story and have been reading about the 'rules' of the genre. Are you aware of these kind of things when you're writing or do you just concentrate on the story?
I loved Griffin in The Ugly Duchess, and I'm happy that his story will be available so soon. I'm assuming--always a dangerous thing to do--that this will be another of the marriage-in-trouble stories that you write so wonderfully. Am I right? What is the greatest appeal of this theme for you?
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Well, I got the idea to rewrite fairy tales from my father. He's a poet, but when I was growing up, he was also rewriting a fairy story in narrative form (the book was called Iron John).
At the moment I'm working on my own version of Rapunzel. Then I think I might take a break and work on a pair of really fun stories that will be different -- and then I am possibly considering Sleeping Beauty. I suppose it will be Regency narcolepsy!
Angie wrote: "Thanks for the invite. First I love your Fairy Tales series and have made a note to check more books from you.
My questions are:
Where did you get the idea to write about fairy tales? and What boo..."Where did you get the idea to write about fairy tales? and What books you have planned for the future, particularly in the Fairy Tales series?
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I know it seems really hard to start a book if you haven't done it before. All I can tell you is that I never took a creative writing class of any sort. I just thought up some characters and then sat down to write. I did work out the plot that I wanted beforehand with that first book (mine was Potent Pleasures). I figured out what the big turning point was.
My best advice for new authors is to just sit down and write! Nora Roberts says that you can edit a page with text on it, but you can't edit a blank page. And writing well is all about editing!
Good Luck!!
Evelyn wrote: "Wow, thanks for the invite I have read several of her books, I wish I could joint the discussion but I will be working. However I would like to ask about where does one start writing a book? what p..."
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I like both of them--I can't really say I have a preference. When you create a series, you get to put more people into one world, and that's nice. If you do a stand-alone, you create so many people, and then you never see them again, if you see what I mean.
But on the other hand, I do not always know what's going to happen in the other books in a series. So it can get stressful to remember backwards and forwards, and try to work out all the details.
Basically, there are pluses and minuses with either side!
Tonya wrote: "Thanks for the invite I am a big fan love all your books. My question is do you prefer writing series over stand alone's and when you do come up with an idea for a series do you have all the books..."
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Honestly, I don't think that I will write in medieval or Roman times. There's a tremendous amount of research and knowledge behind these books. I'm a Renaissance scholar, which is close enough to the Georgian and Regency times that I have a feeling for it. Medieval--let alone Roman--is before my period, and I really don't understand either very well (say, I don't know all that much about the social/political status of women, for example). If I wrote in another period, I think it would be Victorian. I love the first bicycles and details like that!
Kit★ wrote: "Thanks so much for the invite! :)
My question is -
Do you think you'll ever write a story set in a different time-period, like medieval or Roman times, etc?
Thanks again for your time!"
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I do not feel those constraints, which isn't to say I will always feel this way. But I kind of judge it on what I love to read. I love romance and thankfully, it's still what I mostly want to read (though I do read other genres). If I start wanting to read suspense non-romantic novels someday, I guess that would be a sign. I hope not!
Jacqui wrote: "I am looking forward to her answers. My question is ....
Do you ever feel constrained by writing solely within the romance genre (your recent memoir notwithstanding)? For instance, Patricia Gaff..."
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Nope. I have a great editor, and she goes along with whatever I say I want to write. The only genre that gets suggested to me, both by my publisher and agent, is historical novel. But I feel that since I love reading romance, that's what I should be writing.
ReadingWench wrote: "Has your publisher ever wanted you to write a different genre? The library ladies are awaiting your answer."
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The third one should be out very soon! I already have a copy (and wow, those are the most beautiful covers). So it's coming! And my publisher there just bought another one, so there are more to come.
As for Portugal, I'd love to come someday, but I don't have plans at the moment.
And as for a recommendation from my library, have you read Loretta Chase's Lord of Scoundrels? I consider it a historical romance classic!
Asousa wrote: "Hi! Thank you for invite me for this group! I really like the books of Eloisa! So I have 3 questions that i really like to post:
1) I'm from Portugal, and here we only have 2 novels from Fairy Tal..."
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I answered your question about other fairy tales above -- thank you for stopping by! (if you can't find it -- Rapunzel is up next, and possibly Sleeping Beauty)
Hi Eloisa, I looked over your tour schedule on your website. Are you planning on adding any West Coast stops?
Hello Eloisa. First off, I read your MemoirsParis in Love: A Memoir, so I thought I'd inquire as to how you're doing? Was it rough getting back into the swing of things after living abroad for a year? I still can't believe what your former classmates gave you. *shaking my head and giggling*Secondly, I absolutely adored the Ugly Duchess and am glad you created a handsome aristocratic pirate for the main male character. You delved into some controversial territory with this book, having a couple marry, become separated, and one not hold true to their vows. Do you ever worry about how a book will be received especially one like this one?
Thirdly, what made you decide to keep the couple apart for so long? Was it for the dramatic scene you incorporated (trying not to give anything away if someone hasn't read it) which hinged on the seven year stretch? I looked up to see if that was the actual time period for declaring someone dead and I must say thank you for not setting the book in Italy where they have a 20 year wait.
Oh, Lisarenee, you took the words right out of my mouth (as Meatloaf would say). I was about to ask a question as well about the seven year gap, which seems, along with the infidelity, to be one of the things that disturbed some readers in this book. Eloisa, please could you tell us why you chose to keep them apart for so long?
Quick update here: Some people (including Eloisa) might be having issues connecting to the site. This is unfortunately do to some DNS issues that GoDaddy is having, and it is out of our control. Hopefully they will get their issues resolved shortly. Until then, feel free to post more questions. Thanks for your patience!
Congratulations, Eloisa, on the success of "The Ugly Duchess!" We are so happy for you! Here are my questions.1.
I made the comment early on that "The Ugly Duchess" has a different feel (in a very good way) than your previous novels. Since it's publication I see that I am not the only one who senses this as well. What do you think it is about TUD that is leading readers to sense a difference in this book?
2.
In "The Duchess Quartet" as well as in "Desparate Duchesses" and "When the Duke Returns" you use the themes of prearragned marriage with very young and inexperienced protagonists. They decide to separate very soon after their marriage due to some type of conflict or incompatability. This is also a central theme in "The Ugly Duchess." What are you trying to tell your readers with the use of these themes?
Thank you for responding !Eloisa wrote: "Hi Reading Wench (and library ladies)!
Nope. I have a great editor, and she goes along with whatever I say I want to write. The only genre that gets suggested to me, both by my publisher and agen..."
Hi, Eloisa! I don't actually have any questions. I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to answer questions here and to congratulate you on the fabulous success of The Ugly Duchess. When my husband read the title he said, "Is that allowed?" I told him to read the book and find out!
If our question hasn't been answered yet, do we need to respost it?
I don't think so, Keri. Apparently Eloisa can't get on the site. I imagine it would be easier for her to read through the questions in order when the server problem is resolved.
That's what I was wondering,as well, Keri. It's why I decided to repost mine, because some comments that came way after mine seemed to be getting responses. However, it also seems that there is problem in the overall discussion feed, so what do we do moderators?
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What interesting questions! And I truly wish I had better answers for you. I have no idea why this novel feels so different. I guess I'm just too close to it. I knew it wasn't as funny as others, but I was swept up by the intensity of emotion. I've really been surprised by the fact that it's garnered the most starred reviews I've ever had (and is on Booklist's 10 Best Romances of 2012) and yet some people just can't stand it. But after all these books, I've also learned that I can't explain why a book works for one reader and not for another. I'm glad people feel so intensely about my characters that they want to argue about them!
As for question #2, I don't know that I'm exactly trying to teach a lesson. I do think it's true, though, that very young marriages are often not successful. All that means is that they're a great plot device for me!
Flora wrote: "Congratulations, Eloisa, on the success of "The Ugly Duchess!" We are so happy for you! Here are my questions.
1.
I made the comment early on that "The Ugly Duchess" has a different feel (in a v..."
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I loved "Paris in Love", and had I not read that, I probably wouldn't have started reading romance again. I enjoyed it so much, I looked up your fairy tale series and read those and that lead me to other Regency Romance. My question is, does your husband read your books? What does he think of them, and does he ever see himself reflected in your characters? Does this bother him?
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I don't have very much control over my cover art. The Taming the Duke cover is a particularly vexed one for me. He was originally stark naked and I nixed that. But generally speaking, I try to think of the cover as portraying more of a mood that the actual students.
And I actually like social media. I'm happy to find out what my fans think. I try to stay away from reviews that are angry or rude, but I have a lot of respect for readers who say why a book didn't work for them. I definitely learn from smart comments! If I stopped learning and changing my writing, I think I should quit.
Gotobedmouse wrote: My question is in regard to the cover art of your books. I am currently reading "Taming of the Duke" and the people on the cover do not look anything like the people described in the book. How much influence do you have with the cover art.
Also, how has the hisoric romance industry changed over the years with the influence of ebooks and internet media. Do you feel closer to your fans now? Do you read your reviews on goodread? Is it more work on an author's part to self promote through facebook, twitter and such.
Thank you for responding Eloisa. Maybe that intensity of emotion is what is making me feel that it is different and also making it so very successful, yay!You are completely right about very young marriages that are not often successful. I met my husband when I was 21, and a very young 21 at that! If we had married six months later when he wanted to, I'm not sure that it would have been the successful marriage that it is. I made him wait for 4 1/2 more years; now we've been married for 34!
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Gotobedmouse wrote: "One last question: I started reading your books back in July when Desperate Duchesses was a Vaginal Fantasy pick. Have you ever watched Vaginal Fantasy on you tube?"
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What a lovely question -- and thank you so much for reading all my books. Here's a printable book list -- though it does not include "Seduced by a Pirate," the eNovella that pubs in october! (it will be in print in the spring). http://eloisajames.com/printable-list...
Janice wrote: "This is wonderful! I have followed Eloisa from the first book I happened upon and now have everybook I can find of hers. My question is how many books do you have published? I have searched your si..."
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I have someone who helps me do research, so I'm lucky that way. But I also find a lot of sources on my own. I tend to use Google Books a lot -- you can find books from the 1800s on there. I think that original sources, printed at the time, are the best. Wikipedia is also super useful.
As for writer's block, I just keep writing. I know I'm writing utter drivel, so bad it can never see the light of day, but I keep writing anyway. Sooner or later, your imagination will take over, and you'll find yourself writing something good!
Elizabeth wrote: "Thanks for the invite!
My question would be: for a person that wants to be an author, where do you find sources and how much research do you do to stay historically accurate? I also want to know how you get through "writer's block".
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I think that the inspiration for a novel has got to come from the novelist's own life. There are parts in all my novels that are drawn from my life--and that's what gives a novel realism and life, I think.
As for writing, I find that I move parts around quite a bit. Some writers use Scribbler, a software program, because that makes it easier to move chapters around, apparently. I just copy and paste.
I hesitate to recommend any of my friends, because we all get so much email. I don't want to burden anyone. i'd say, just try writing an author whom you admire and see if she has time to respond!
Alysson wrote: "Thanks for the invite
My question is where do you find the inspiration to write you books ? What are some of the things that you do when you can find inspiration around you ?
also I have been writing stories since I was seven years old but I was wondering if you could give me any tips on how to make everything fit to what you want it to be .
I also have been a writing and emailing authors all around the world , do you know any author friends of yours who won't might if I ask them a couple of questions.
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An interesting question! I've known it for a long time, but I never thought about the origin of "French letter." So I looked it up. Here's the entry from the Oxford English Dictionary, which is a dictionary that gives a definition plus a date:
French letter n. colloq. = condom n.
?1844 Exquisite in P. Fryer Man of Pleasure's Compan. 131 Gentlemen who live in London will be at no loss in easily obtaining these ‘French Letters’.
c1856 Paul Pry in C. Pearl Girl with Swansdown Seat (1955) vi. 256 French letters..prevent the spread of venereal contagion in casual intercourse between the sexes, and in the marriage state, the increase of the family.
1960 B. Askwith Tangled Web 162, I daresay he would have liked to give me a baby—but he always used a French letter.
2005 L. Harris Angelica, Melonie & Jetsum 101 Hell I didn't have these bloody thoughts when my mother found a bloody french-letter in my pocket.
Diki79 wrote: "Thank you for invitation in this group , I'v loved the book,and characters. I was very intriguied with French letter! Did they really used et that time, and from what was it made? I couldn't find m..."
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These are hard questions. I didn't really have a mentor-- I just sat down and started to write. But many, many authors have inspired and helped me along the way.
I'm inspired to write, I think, by a wish to tell stories. I read a lot, and I want to get my stories out there along with the novels I love.
How do I make the audience come back for more? I'm not sure! I just keep telling stories that I would love to read, and hope that other people agree with me.
Nada wrote: "Even if I've only read one of your books, I'm looking forward to reading all your books.
What inspires you to write?
If you have one, who are your mentors?
How do you make your audience come ba..."
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It's still top secret, but I am thinking of writing not a reunion book, but a pair of novels in which you would definitely see some DD characters...perhaps some of them grown up!
Keri wrote: "I am huge a fan! My question is do you see yourself doing a reunion ebook for the Desperate Duchesses? We got to know all the ladies that they felt like friends and I would love to catch up with th..."
Eloisa wrote: "Hi Elizabeth!I have someone who helps me do research, so I'm lucky that way. But I also find a lot of sources on my own. I tend to use Google Books a lot -- you can find books from the 1800s on..."
Thanks for the tips and for taking the time to answer these questions! I'm in the process of reading your fairy tales series and love it! I can't wait to get to your other series too!
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I end up spending most summers in Florence, Italy, with my husband and his family, so I do get away. I'd love to live in London for a long time...I adore Greece. Oh, so many places! I'm so glad you enjoyed Paris in Love!
Lisa wrote: "Hi! I really liked your Paris in Love book and it made me start looking up your romance books. To spend time in another country and write about that experience is a dream of mine. Would you ever do..."
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I'm not planning any extra chapters at the moment -- I'm so swamped by people asking for eNovellas that I haven't time to write chapters.
And yes -- I definitely want to write a novel for Tobias, Villiers's eldest son, for example. I love those kids!
Aly (Lothaire) Daciano wrote: "I love Eloisa James' books, I have all of them in print and the 2 translated in Romanian.
Q1: Will there be any extra chapters on her "Exclusive page for Registered Readers" on her website?
Q2: D..."
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To be quite honest, I always wanted to write, and I wrote a romance right out of college that didn't sell (it was pretty terrible). But the reason I came back to it, determined to make it work, was because I needed to pay off my student loans. For me, that was an incentive to actually make it happen. I didn't ever take a creative writing class--so if you haven't, you can definitely make it on your own!
Rachel wrote: "Thank you for an invitation to this group!
My question for you is what helped you get started? Was there a book you read that was an inspiration or a class you took or an encouraging person? What gave you the courage and determination to write before you were a published author? ."
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Wow, I can't really answer your question, interesting though it is. Every heroine has a bit of me in her--a bit of my life and personality. I try to write about people who aren't like me (or like people I know), and I have more trouble getting them to sound real in my mind. That's one reason why I couldn't write mystery - - I don't now any murderers and I find it really hard to get into the head of someone like that.
Michele wrote: "Out of all of the heroines that you've written, which one is the most like you and why? And which one is the least like you and why? Is it more fun and more freeing to write about someone that isn't like you? "
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Sara wrote: "ONCE UPON A TOWER-- so is the inspiration Rapunzel?"
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Publishers pay for tours. So I did come to London for the publication of Paris in Love there. But it really depends on the foreign publisher whether they want me to come to their country or not.
I'm glad you loved my Essex sisters!
Gwen wrote: "I loved the serie with the Essex Sisters !
"Paris in Love" is just released, and I was wondering why Romance Writer often stay in North America for their tour and never come abroad ?! ."
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond! I admire you and your books so much that is going to make my month that I got a response back from you! Thank you!Eloisa wrote: "Dear Rachel,
To be quite honest, I always wanted to write, and I wrote a romance right out of college that didn't sell (it was pretty terrible). But the reason I came back to it, determined to mak..."
Thank you for that awesome answer and I can't wait for the big reveal! Keep up the fantastic writing!
Some great questions, and answers! Thanks for sharing your upcoming schedule! Exciting =)I tried to find it, may have missed it. If so please ignore. But I am wondering if you have more plans to continue the fairy tale series?
I'm trying to think what would surprise my readers and I can't think of a thing (life as a mother of teenagers is pretty out in the open!). So is there a trope that I stay away from?
Yes. Prostitution. I know some writers (Anna Campbell for one) have created brilliant novels with a sex worker as heroine. That just would never work for me: it feels too tragic. I'd have to do one of those "She's in the brothel but--wow!--she's a virgin." I rather like those -- Teresa Medeiros had a virgin in a harem last year that I really enjoyed. But I haven't done it myself.