Noble Romance Authors' Books

Keta Diablo's Interview with Phoebe Jordan

Keta Diablo's Interview With Phoebe Jordan from Talk About My Favorite Authors. Also published in Write-Right Newsletter, September 2009

RAVENOUS ROMANCE

Keta:
I’m a huge Civil War buff. I came across an article about cousins who lived in Georgia, were best friends, and yet fought against one another in the war. That sent me down a path of what ifs, what if two men loved the same woman, they were best friends and yet one fought for the North the other for the South? What if one killed the other accidentally in battle? The sub-plots conjured a bucket load of conflict and in romance, conflict is a must. The more the better.

Phoebe:
How did you come up with the concepts for your previous novels Dust and Moonlight and Decadent Deceptions?

BUY DUST AND MOONLIGHT HERE:
FIRST ROMANCE E-BOOKS

Keta:
Dust and Moonlight was my first fantasy. I had never written one before and some fellow authors asked me to write a short story for their anthology. Before it was released, the reviews were very positive. I pulled Dust and Moonlight from the anthology as soon as they found a replacement and lengthened it into a full length novel.

I wrote Decadent Deceptions for the 2008 Molly Contest and was thrilled to receive notification I made the finals in the erotica category. After that, the story was placed with
NOBLE ROMANCE.

Phoebe:
Do you have a process of how you start to write your novels?

Keta:
I admit I’m a “panster”, no outlines, no note cards. I plot the story in my head for months and when I’ve gone through every scene, every conversation between the characters, I sit down to write. The first scene I write might end up in the middle of the book, and often I work backwards. This seems to work for me and gives me free rein with the plot and the characters. It is rather unconventional, I think.

Phoebe:

Which do you like best, writing a series or writing stand alone novels? How is writing each different for you?

Keta:

Series are a huge undertaking and you must plan far ahead. Your secondary characters need to be strong enough to support a story of their own. And the plot has to be sustainable for long-term interest with your readers. Stand-alones are easier, yet must also be compelling. Competition out there is very stiff, so your writing and story, no matter whether they are stand-alones or series, must draw your reader in and hook them from the beginning.

Phoebe:
What process did you have to go through to get your first book published and did it take you long?

Keta:
I was blessed when the first book I wrote was accepted by a medium-sized e-publisher. I'm very grateful for the opportunity. I learned a lot along the way and am happy I started out on a low rung of the ladder. You can’t enjoy the peak of the mountain if there isn’t adversity and angst along the way.

Phoebe:
How did you feel when you finally saw your first published book came out and how do you feel about your other novels being published?

Keta:
Like every author I was thrilled. I write because I love it. It’s like breathing air. I can’t imagine not writing, not even if my books didn’t sell.

Phoebe:
How do you handle your writing schedule and your personal life without going insane?

Keta:
Personal life? Is this a trick question? I don’t have much of a personal life. I imagine you’d hear that from most authors. There are deadlines, commitments, promises to keep. So my motto is: “Keep on trucking.” Sleep is elusive, entertainment is rare, and movies and television are almost non-existent. Are you sure you want to be a writer? I bet most readers think we travel around in limos and eat Godiva chocolates whenever we want. That’s so far from the truth. Most days, you’ll find me plugging away at the computer in raggedy jeans with a cat sitting on my mouse and a dog curled up at my feet.

Phoebe:
What do you do to relax after having spent a long while writing?

Keta:
Sleep, read and...sleep.

Phoebe:
Do you have any hobbies?

Keta:

See above answer (lol). No, I love gardening and playing with my cat and dog. I’m an animal freak. My family tells me if I don’t stop rescuing them from the local animal shelter, I’ll have to get a “real” job. “What” I say, “I have a real job!”

Phoebe:
Is there any advice you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you?

Keta:
I did receive some wonderful advice from fellow authors = Persistence, patience and perseverance. Don’t listen to the naysayers and if anyone tells you to “get a real job” ditch them.

Phoebe:
Is there any writing tips, research tips, promotion and marketing tips that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you?

Keta:
Join every writing group you can, yahoo groups included that pertain to your genre. Immerse yourself with other social networks on writing, support your fellow authors and promote until your fingers shrivel up like dried potatoes. And remember this motto in your journey: Harm None.

Phoebe:
Now for a question that I have been meaning to ask an author. Do you have a favorite genre you like to read? Who is your favorite author(s)?

Keta:
I read mostly what I write, erotica, historical and fantasy. It’s imperative you know your market, know what publishers are buying and...try to be like Wayne Gretsky—don’t think about where you’re going, anticipate where that puck is going.

Thanks, Phoebe,
Keta Diablo
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1 comment:

  1. Very enjoyable and informative interview, Keta! Love the image of you in your raggedy jeans, with the cat sitting on your mouse and the dog curled up at your feet!

    ReplyDelete

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