Well, by now you all know that Rocki might as well be an honorary Plotmonkey. We love her so much, we try to have her stop by whenever she has a new book out…which she does! The third book in her latest Bulletcatchers trilogy! This time, though, we decided to do something a little different and instead of making Roxanne write a blog, we did an interview! Lots of good info in here! Please take a moment to say hi to Rocki!
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Rocki, baby, we’re so excited to have you here at Plotmonkeys again!
Thank you, Julie, for the invitation to bungle in the jungle once again! I love this blog, and am excited about doing an interview this week. You know me, I’ll answer anything – and honestly.
I’m curious about exactly what made you want to be a writer. I know you did a lot of writing in your previous career as a marketing executive, but what made you turn to fiction?
Oh, there are a lot of factors at work when we make a decision to follow a dream, take a massive risk, quit a lucrative career for a negative income flow, and attempt to do what millions of people only fantasize about. Could I have been drinking? Sure. Crazy? Yes. In a wild hormonal rage? Quite possibly. And, I think I’d been…reading. Definitely reading too much.
In truth, I didn’t give the career serious consideration until my older brother sold a thriller novel to Bantam. For two years, I watched his project go from a germ of an idea to a manuscript to a hardcover novel – making me realize that (HUGE REVELATION HERE) — mere mortals write books. Around the time he published, I’d read a particularly wonderful romance novel, closed it, and decided that I wanted to make someone feel as moved and changed and thrilled and happy as I did that very moment. And, so, I sat down and wrote a book. Like the Nike ads say, Just Do It – and I did. Once that bug bit, I scratched until I bled. I couldn’t stop until I’d finished a manuscript, sold it to a major publisher, and made writing books my career.
If there was one thing you know now that you wish you’d known when you were first starting your writing career, what would it be?
It took me quite a few books to learn to listen to that inner voice when it whispers, “Stop! Back away from the keyboard! Something has gone wrong in your story!”
In the early days, I didn’t trust my instinct, certain my head (and my plot board) was smarter than my heart. I know now that when a plot point or a character trait or any element of my story is making me squirm in my chair because it just doesn’t feel right, I need to listen to my gut and figure out what is wrong, then fix it. I don’t use a critique partner, who often plays this role for writers, but I do have a really insightful muse living in my gut and I’ve learned to listen to her. When I start to get a sense that something isn’t right in the story, I try to pinpoint it and fix it as quickly as I can. Otherwise, I’ll end up rewriting massive amounts of the book anyway.
A lot of new writers are spending a lot of time developing websites, blogs & even doing promotion with goodies at RWA conferences…what do you think of this pre-published promotion push?
You know, I spent a looooooong time in marketing – including several years as the Senior Vice President for the world’s largest public relations firm. I truly and firmly believe in the power of promotion, publicity, and public relations. But I really think writing great books is a better career booster than talking about writing great books online. That said, there are people who are just amazingly good at multi-tasking and blogging daily and getting their face in front of potential readers, and they should just keep on doing what they are doing. Unless they make a major faux pas, it can’t hurt. But if the idea of a blog or even a web site PRIOR to publishing makes your stomach knot up like a magician’s hanky in a hat, then, honey, don’t do it.
Other than writing manuscripts, the very best way for an unpublished writer to spend “marketing” dollars and hours is, in my opinion: 1) go to conferences and meet editors, agents, and other writers; 2) enter contests to get feedback and place your manuscript in front of acquiring editors and agents; and 3) listen to workshops (on tape or in person) to improve your craft and learn the business. Those three are time consuming and expensive, but I think they are more likely to lead to the call than traditional promotional strategies (like a web site) and the call, in marketing terms, the objective of your “campaign.”
And for the newly published authors, especially prolific ones, I offer this advice: If you can add a second sub-genre for a different publisher, you will do more for your career growth, stability, and profitability than a hundred ads, articles, blogs, and bookmarks. Save your promo dollars and write books, using the time you’d spent writing a blog to draft a full manuscript in a second subgenre. You’ll thank me later.
What would you consider your strength in your books? How do you play to your strength when you’re plotting or conceiving a story idea?
Oh, good question. And I don’t know the answer. I don’t really know what the strength of my books is – I think I would leave that up to readers. I can tell you what I *want* my books to be, and how I incorporate that into the development of a story. I want them to be rollercoaster rides of action, sexual tension, drama, emotion, conflict, danger, and fun. So when I’m sketching out the bones of my story, I want the plot and characters to have *potential* for all of those things. I give a lot of thought to what will keep the hero and heroine at odds on an external an internal basis, and an equal amount of thought to how to give them the most exciting risks and challenges in their journey. I always try to have my characters going after something tangible, just because I like that kind of urgency in my story, and I like to have multiple “layers” of villains so I tend to devise stories where more than one person is up to no good. If I can lay out all of those concepts in the process of coming up with a story idea, then I think the book is easier to write, and I hope that translates into a strong book.
What do you struggle with in writing? What is your biggest challenge?
Everything. I struggle with characters and plots and timelines and tension and suspense. I hate writing fresh pages (although I love to rewrite) and I hate starting new books and I hate opening new chapters and I just loathe and despise writing a synopsis. One wonders why I’m in this business, huh? I think each book is different. Sometimes the challenge is the romance, sometimes the problems are plotting, sometimes they involve pacing. As a queen of commercial fiction, Judith Krantz, once said: It isn’t easy to write a book that’s easy to read.
What comes the easiest to you?
Did you not just read that answer? NOTHING. The job is freaking hard. All right, there is something that’s easy for me. I happen to be a people person, so the whole networking thing is quite fun for me. I’m one of the rare writers who is not and never will be introverted, but I have a shy daughter, so I’ve learned to respect that mindset.
What book or workshop do you credit with influencing your process?
This one’s easy. Robin Perrini and Laura Baker give a class called “Storytelling Magic” and I cannot recommend it enough. This was the one that set off a trillion lightbulbs in my head, and gave me the tools to layout, plot, and finally write a publishable story. Run, do not walk, to take this workshop. Bring them into your RWA chapter for a full day and suck up the awesomeness. (I get nothing for that endorsement except the joy of crediting their process with a major storytelling breakthrough for me.)
Has your process changed over the years?
It changes with every book. For example, I no longer use the plot board technique I learned in the Storytelling Magic workshop, but only because that process has become organic for me. I’ve evolved from a plotter to a pantzer over the years, mostly because I know the “rhythm” of my stories now. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to write my first publishable manuscript that way. One thing that hasn’t changed: I write a scene a day. That’s what I have in me. Sometimes that is the *right* scene, and all it takes is a little polish to make it shine. Sometimes, it is NOT the right scene, and I have to try another way to get that plot point across. That can take many tries over many days. Weeks, even. So, elements of my process have changed, while others remain constant.
Since “becoming published” is not a good, recommended goal for an aspiring writer because, honestly, “getting published” isn’t something a writer can control unless they go the vanity press route, what do you think is a good primary goal for a new writer?
In one year, have a plan for how to accomplish these primary goals: Complete one manuscript, enter five contests, rewrite and polish using contest feedback, and launch the the submission process by querying no less than five editors or agents. Do that in ONE year, and you have made GREAT progress. In year two, do the same thing all over again with a new manuscript while you continue to try and market the first book. In year three, one more time. When you sell, you’ll have *backlist* and time to write more (or something for a second publisher). Go forth and set goals – I live for them!
Anything else you’d like to add?
Only that I love to be here, so I’ll pop in all day, I’ll answer anything, and, for a good time, click www.roxannestclaire.com. Oh, did I forget??? I have a book out this week called NOW YOU DIE. It features the “boss” of the Bullet Catchers (my romantic suspense series about hot, hunky, to die for bodyguards) and this heroine, Lucy Sharpe, is all things fun and fabulous. Thanks for having me!!!!
Xoxo
Rocki
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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Rocki,
Love your books ,just got the new one yesterday and plan on starting it today can’t wait. Thanks for some wonderful reads !
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I :heart1: Lucy’s book! I wasn’t sure about her and Jack, but you pulled it off brilliantly. Now I can’t imagine her with anybody else. Of course, now that I’ve devoured her book, I can’t wait to see what you have in store for our boy Dan.
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Hi Rocki.. what awesome advice for us that are aspiring to finish our first manuscript..mine is on hold for a few months… hubby goes on duty sept 22nd for his trip this fall to Iraq.. my mind is just not in the game.. but i plan on stepping it up once hes gone..
Always great to read advice on writing, and i cannot wait to find the new book it hadnt hit the area here yet when i ventured to town.. i am on the hunt though..
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Hi Roxanne :wave: Welcome back!
I am so excited about your new book, and can’t wait to read it!
Jolene, I’ll keep you and hubby in my prayers. :hug2:
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Welcome Rocki! I plan on getting Lucy’s book as soon as I can get to a bookstore. I looked for it at Target this morning, but mine has a really bad selection of books right now. Just the excuse I needed to head to Borders.
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Rocki, whenever you talk (or write), I listen (or read), because I never cease to be inspired or motivated by you. :heart1:
And I love your new photo!
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Hey everybody – so great to be back here. WHY am I not giving away a book?! I totally forgot to tell Julie, that’s why! Is it too late? Can we award a copy of ANY of the Bullet Catcher books (winner picks the one she wants!) to one lucky commenter????
Why, yes we can. And since I FORGOT, there will be less competition for the win!
Hope everyone is having a groovy long weekend. My fun started last night when I picked my daughter up at her dance class and she’d been DROPPED ON HER HEAD during a lift
and I ended up having to get Xrays and CT scan and dealing with an alarmist doc who used words like “skull fracture” to freak us out. But ALL IS FINE and now I’m ready to relax all weekend. Except “relax” means “write” because I’m on deadline. 
But not so much that I can’t stop by this blog a lot today!
xoxo
Rocki
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Hi Ms. St. Claire! Welcome back to the jungle! Thank you for the great advice. I’m printing it out and saving it so I can re-read it when I need to.
Interesting that you don’t have a critique partner. I don’t have one either Sometimes I begin to question my ability even though I’ve been writing for a long time. Is this the right scene? Is this the right turning point? What is it about this character that’s bothering me? I also listen to my gut. I can always, always tell if something is wrong because I get that feeling that makes me frown at the screen. So I know it’s time to take a second, third or fourth look and come up with something better.
I too have taken Robin and Laura’s class. It was several years ago but it was great and the knowledge they gave me really stuck. I don’t use the storyboard anymore because it just no longer works for me. But still, any new writer should definitely take it.
Also, if you get a chance to take Blake Snyder’s workshop–Save the Cat–DON’T MISS IT!! It’s awesome. He is a Hollywood screenwriter. He has a web site as well.
Thanks again for being here today. How long did it take you to get published and how many manuscripts did you complete before you did? What is the best process to take when seeking an agent?
Cher
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Oh, I’m so sorry about your daughter’s accident! :sicksick: I can relate because as a parent I know how awful it is when something happens to our kids. And the doc’s alarming you didn’t help. That’s usually what nurses do. At least that’s been my experience. They know just enough to scare you. Anyway, glad she is okay, on the mend and things are back to normal.
Have a great day,
Cher
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Oh, I would LOVE a copy of your book!! :wub: Do you accept bribes?
Just kidding!
Cher
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Hi Rocki! Here’s what I think about your work…
Seriously, if anyone here isn’t on naming title basis with her work, shame on you!
She’s the hottest thing going.
Interesting to see your comments about Story Magic. I took a beginner course this summer and I have to agree. Trying to decide now if I want to take a master class. You’ve definitely given me something to think about. :scratch3:
Good to “see” you!
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Jolene, I will totally have your husband in my thoughts. I hope his tour of duty flies by, and he’s home and back in your arms soon. And, Liza, I don’t know what to tell you about Target – it’s hit or miss and we have no control about where the books are stocked. They are definitely at every B&N and Borders, and I’ve seen them at two drug stores, and have been told by many readers they are in their supermarket. I know for sure they are at every Krogers and Publix and Safeway.
Thanks for the compliments, Karen and Cyndi and my darling Marilyn. You guys rock.
And Cher, all of your notes made me smile. Thank you. I wrote one full manuscript that never sold (but I used the hero in a later story as a Bullet Catcher!), and worked tirelessly for a year trying to get an agent. Once I did, the first thing she told me to do was write another book. I did (that was TROPICAL GETAWAY) and Pocket bought it after about a year of trying to sell it. While that was going on, I wrote my first NASCAR book (hey Jolene!!!!) and so I had that ever-important “back list” to sell. When I sold, my editor wanted another “exotic locale” and told me to write a book set in France (not that it qualifies as exotic, but, hey, I’d do ANYTHING back then), so I wrote FRENCH TWIST. Since I wrote it rather quickly and Pocket would only put out one book per year then, I had to do something else, and that’s when I started writing category for Silhouette Desire. And I wrote a chick lit called HIT REPLY, in all emails. Whew. Looking at it like that, it does seem like I must be prolific but since I’ve been writing the same scene for about a week right now, I don’t FEEL that way!
And I did use a critique partner for the first three books, but after that, I decided I was better off just writing for my editor. That’s worked out okay, although I do get a lot of editorial input from my agent.
Oh, dear. Now my husband wants me to help him hang shelves in my daughter’s room. I feel an argument over the definition of “level” coming on….
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Hi Roxanne- and Happy Saturday!
When writing for all these BulletCatchers do you plan in advance whose story to tell? If so, do you ever write one story only to find that it changes the order you had planned?
I really love your series- your characters are the best. I find myself being really involved because each person has such depth. I’m always anxious to read the next one and I cannot wait to read Lucy’s story. The mystery of her relationships has continued to fascinate but I am so ready to finally find out! It’s not the who but more of the how. Anyways, I’m sending my husband out to get it for me because I’ve broken my toes (all but the big toe) and driving sucks! Then I have to convince him that the laundry cannot sit in the basket all weekend
I hope everybody has a great long weekend!!
:darth: My son has been wanting me to put this in, so I will end my post by saying- May the force be with you. Ah, the things we do for our kids.
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Thank you, Rocki for answering all my questions. And good luck getting that shelf hung!
Cher
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Hi Rocki,
I am so looking forward to this new book.
I love the bullet catchers and have been impatiently waiting for
Then You Die!
And a big thatnks to the plotmonkeys for recommending your books.
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The shelves are, as we say, well hung! And the marriage has remained in tact – whew. He can cook like Emeril Lagasse, but when my husband gets a tool box out, things can get ugly. :yikes:
Hello, Anna D! Thanks for the nice comments and the question. I USUALLY know exactly whose story it will be – because I’m forced to tell my editor SOMETHING before they will pay me! But, a funny thing happened with this trilogy. I’d planned for it to be three triplet sisters, separated at birth and given up for adoption on the black market – so each would have her own story. But the minute, and I mean the very minute, I wrote the character of Jack Culver on the page, I felt sparks flying with Lucy. The whole story is on my web site, just click on the “story behind the story” link in the news section or in the body of the greeting letter. I ended up having to change the whole trilogy so that Lucy and Jack could star in the third book.
And I’m so sorry to hear about your toes!!! Ouch! :sosad: I hope he finds the book and it takes you AWAY!
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Hey, Rocki! Welcome back to the jungle. We LOVE having you here!!! :wub:
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I went on over to your website to read about the Lucy backstory- wow, an entire story based on a song. That is so cool. I have never heard that song but I think I’ll download it. I have to say, I was never a huge fan of Dan and Lucy so I was thrilled when Jack came around. Dan and Lucy are just too great of friends and you were definitely right about conflict- I love when sparks fly!
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The Bulletcatcher books are great!
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Hi “Rocki”,
Welcome back to the Jungle. Your marketing experience must be why you were able to talk me into two books at RWA where I met you. That was such fun, meeting you & the RWA book signing. You did tell me then that you would be “guesting” here again. I haven’t as yet got to read the books as life has been real hectic since RWA! That resulted in moving this past week, still moving! Can’t wait to have everything out of the old, gone or into the new, much smaller apartment. My best friend these past few days has been Tylenol! My hands hurt, my fingers, ache, the knee isn’t happy about going up & down the steps, my age is showing!! :giggle:
I’m glad your daughter is okay. Nothing like starting the weekend off with a bang! I hope the rest will be peaceful and productive.
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Hey Rocki! Thanks for being here, the wonderful interview and all the great advice!!
Glad your daughter is okay….don’t you just love an alarmist doctor?
Hope the writing goes smoothly and its encouraging to hear that even you have to rewrite the same scene over and over. Sorry….encouraging for me!
Discouraging for you I’m sure. Thanks for taking the time to be here with us and share your expertise!
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I have my copy of NOW YOU DIE cradled lovingly in my arms as I write this.
Yes, it makes typing difficult, but I’ve waited soooo long and it’s worth it.
Absolutely can not wait to devour this latest Bullet Catcher book.
Which I will during this long weekend. :)
Sorry to hear about your daughter, but glad she’s all right.
Alarmist doctors should be dealt with severely, in my opinion!! Call me if we need to organize a smack-down.
Hugs,
Lara
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Hi Rocki, I love your books. Their the best. Keep up the good work!!!
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Hey Rocki, TARA West waving madly to you. :wave:
Thanks for the tip on Storytelling Magic. I’m going to look into it for myself and possibly TARA. I love the Bullet Catcher books series.
I’m so glad your daughter is alright. As far as the alarmist doctor…maybe you can put him in a book and scare the h*ll out of him.
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Hi Rock–thanks so much for being here. Sorry I haven’t been around much today. surgery a little tougher than I anticipated.
Wishing big thigs for you on your new release!
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So it’s Saturday night and I’m home writing.
But there are very few places I’d rather be. Thank you all for the kind words! Estella, I see your name a lot – I know you are a true fan! Thanks for popping in! And thank you, quilt lady (now *there’s* an art I admire) for the props on the Bullet Catcher boys. Lara, put that book down! Back away from the Bullet Catchers! Meet your deadline, woman!
I swear I could just make things up to go with the little dancing guy pictures. No wonder this blog is so popular!
All right, back to my Almost Love Scene. You know the one. A few items of clothing are displaced
(that’s the best I could do), some serious grappling occurs :hug2:, emotional banter is exchanged :argue2: and it all comes to a…hook ending. And you must :readdabook: READ ON. In my case, write on. I’ll pop in when I hit another blockage. :doh:
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Leslie – just saw your note! Hugs and healthy thoughts – we missed you today! :heart1: :heart1: :heart1: Hope you’re feeling better soon!
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Hello, I know this is late, but I wanted to welcome you back as a guest blogger in the jungle…I really enjoy your books…I am sorry I wasn’t able to take part in the discussion, but I did find the blog very interesting and informative…I see you popping around here every now and then, so I count you as one of the regulars…
I fly home today, or tomorrow for you, and then I will be back in full commission on the 1st of the 2nd…I hope that everyone is having a wonderful Labour Day weekend…
Les, take care…can’t wait to see you swinging around the vines again…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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glad to see u here again. congrats on all teh books
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VERY Belated Welcome, Rocki!!! Sorry! Always glad to have you in the jungle!
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Hi Rocki nice to see you here