Interview w/Song of the Muses author, Robyn Wren

BLURB:

Hades, Zeus, Hestia and the chaos of a forgotten memory, Eutrepe hurries to fulfill her quest to unlock the buried words to complete Ceris' unfinished song. Their bond forged the night she's almost killed, Ceris must venture to the underworld to save her and bring them both into DESTINY'S LIGHT.

Today I have the honor to introduce you to Song of the Muses author, Robyn Wren.

Welcome Robyn!

Your story, 'Destiny's light', is the final story in book one of the Song of the Muses anthology, and I for one cannot wait to get to know you better. So if its okay with you I'd like to jump right to the interview.

C of C- How long have you been writing?

RW- If I think back, probably longer than I might imagine. But dedicated since about end of 2005.

C of C- Are you a plotter or a pantser?

RW- There have been times I’ve vaguely plotted a story but for the most part I’m a big time pantser. I love to let the story just flow and come to me. To let the characters drive the plot themselves.

C of C- How would you describe your voice?

RW- I’m very descriptive and pull the emotions into what I write. My voice draws on that to help weave the magical worlds I create.

C of C- What is your favorite part of the writing process?

RW- Letting the story unfold before my eyes.

C of C- Where do you find your inspiration?

RW- In anything and everything. Nothing is too simple or common that it can’t trigger some form of inspiration.

C of C- How do you come up with your ideas/plots?

RW- Wow… loaded question. My ideas can come to me in many ways. Either by something I’m watching, reading or even my dreams. I can see an image and it can spark a simple plot line that I can then develop.

C of C- Do you write in short stretches or for long periods of time?

RW- Just depends on what is going on at the time. Working full time and being a single mom tends to take a bulk of my time. So most times it can just vary.

C of C- I can relate to that, its hard to find time to write when you have children, and then to work full time too, that's got to be tough.

C of C- Do you write in silence or listen to music?

RW- Music is a must for me. Whether it is celtic or dance or R&B I have to have something to listen to or I will go insane.

C of C- Me too, Robyn. I seem to be able to drag more emotion out of myself when I am listening to music!

C of C- Do you eat or drink while writing?

RW- I generally will have a glass of something near, although most times I’ll get so into what I’m writing that I’ll forget about it.

C of C- What, no chocolate, the savior of writers!!! :O)

C of C- Do you research your story before you write it, or as you go?

RW- Depends on the story I’m writing. If there are locations that are specific or time periods then yes, research is a must and is generally done before and during. If it is one of my fantasy novels research isn’t as huge of a thing.

C of C- What have you learned through research that you’ll remember for the rest of your life? RW- The true blessing the Muses were to the human race.

C of C- hmmm, interesting!

C of C- How do you decorate your writing space?

RW- With lots of inspirational pictures with vivid colors and sayings as well as my Zen Garden to help keep me at peace.

C of C- A Zen garden, eh? I'll have to try that.

C of C- Are you a neat/organized writer or is your office and/or space a complete mess with sticky notes everywhere?

RW- My area is a very organized mess! Hah! No, for the most part I’m very organized and in all reality most times I’ve got my laptop up with me on the couch so there is generally never a mess.

C of C- ha ha, I hear that!

C of C- Does all your writing take place on a computer or do you ever write on pen and paper? RW- Very rarely will I actually ‘write’ something down unless I’m not at home and an idea hits me. I hate using a pen and paper if I can avoid it.

C of C- What is your favorite time period? And why?

RW- In all reality there isn’t one. Because you can make any time period work with you it doesn’t matter, although I do love the medieval period. Magic was much more accepted in that time.

C of C- Medieval seems to be the consensus, I know its my favorite!

C of C- Do you feel a draw to the people and time period you write about?

RW- I always feel a draw to what I write. There will always be a small part of me in it.

C of C- What character did you most enjoy writing?

RW- Thus far my favorite character was Kara from Kiss of the Wolf. I loved her playful nature and the fact that she didn’t mind standing up to Zachius.

C of C- Sounds intriquing, who doesn't love a strong heroine?

C of C- Readers are always curious to know about authors lives. What is the worst job (non-writing related) you’ve ever held?

RW- Data entry. It was a horrible job as I find each place I’ve worked in the past allows me to draw on that experience but it was a very bad environment to try and work in. Thankfully where I am at now is great and allows me the freedom to do my writing when I am able.

C of C- that must really help, to be able to write at work as well as at home.

C of C- What is one thing you think your readers would be interested to know about you?

RW- That I love to hear back to those who’ve read my books. Also, I’m a huge fan of Ghost Hunters!

C of C- I love Ghost Hunters too!!!!

C of C- Are you reclusive or do you like being with other writers?

RW- I love to be with people. Everyone is so unique in their thoughts and actions that it is always an adventure to listen and get to know them.

C of C- Do you find love scenes easy or hard to write?

RW- If you allow it to flow naturally from the story it’s easy. If you force it in just for the sake of having it I find that very difficult.

C of C- I never thought of it that way, that's very true. It won't work if its forced. hmmm

C of C- Do you ever act out your scenes?

RW- In my mind yes. In real life. Now that would be interesting!

C of C- lol:O)

C of C- How long do you wait once a story is finished to revise it?

RW- This depends on the story. Many times I’ll give it a few days to allow my brain to rest so to speak. Then I’ll back through as well as send it off to beta readers as well.

C of C- Do you ever second guess yourself and your writing?

RW- Generally I try not to only because I write as the story comes to me. If I re-read through it and it ‘feels’ off then I may go back and change something.

C of C- Do you ever stray from your genre? Your comfort zone?

RW- At first I would have said no, but since I have 2 horror novel ideas as well as a young adult fantasy series jotted down for writing I guess yes, I will.

C of C- Wow Robyn, horror novels and a young adult series, you are a busy lady! Best of luck with that!!!

C of C- Is it necessary to have a Critique/Writing partner?

RW- Definitely. There are many things that you as a writer will not see because you are too close to your writing. Not to mention others point of views can lend invaluable insight into what could be either missing or needed to improve the story itself.

C of C- I couldn't agree more. CP's are invaluable!

C of C- Do you allow family and friends to read your stories?

RW- Yes I do. They are always interested in what I write and more often than not provide great tips. One of my best critique and editing comes from my best friend.

C of C- Is there a subject you would like to write about, but don’t because you believe it isn’t marketable?

RW- I think anything can be marketable if written well.

C of C- I couldn't agree more!

C of C- Authors make writing look so easy. Is it harder than most people imagine it to be?

RW- This I think depends on the individual. For me writing wasn’t as hard as trying to fine tune the work and getting it published. But even publishing has been easier than trying to find an agent.

C of C- yes, I've heard finding an agent is a hard task. Good luck with your search.

C of C- How long does it take you to finish a story?

RW- Again, this depends on what is going on in my life. Most often if I can dedicate at least an hour or so per day to my writing I can easily finish a 90k story in about a month and a half to two months.

C of C- When you write a new story are you apprehensive about allowing others to critique it? RW- Not so much apprehensive but always worried they will hate it. This makes it tough because when you write the story it is part of who you are. Still, the only way to improve is to listen to others thoughts/comments.

C of C- Exactly, that's where the thick skin has to come in!!! :O)

C of C- Which author/(s) are on your must-read list?

RW- Christine Feehan, Karen Marie Moning and Diedre Knight are always in my must reads.

C of C- What is your favorite writing memory?

RW- The moment I first sat down and began to really write Shadow of the Wolf. It was like the flood gates to my imagination broke free. I’ve never looked back since.

C of C- Do you have more than one book out now?

RW- I have 3 novels currently out. Shadow of the Wolf is the first book out in a series with Kiss of the Wolf out as well. Scottish Whispers is also available and there will be a follow up to that one in the near future.

C of C- Has your writing Journey been a smooth or bumpy ride?

RW- A little of both which has made it worthwhile. I wouldn’t want it to be too easy. It makes you appreciate what you have when things don’t always go smoothly.

C of C- What advice would you give to a new aspiring writer?

RW- Research, read and hone your skill. Find author/writer groups and join in. They can be a wealth of knowledge and can steer you in the right direction. I always tell those who ask they can always email me and I’ll do what I can to steer them in the right direction. I know when I started I was given invaluable advice from my favorite author which helped me out immensely.

C of C- Great Advice Robyn, and its very generous to offer your help to aspiring writers, I know in my case trying to find out HOW to write has been a tough chore.

It was wonderful to have you here with us today, Robyn! Best of luck with your future endeavours!!!

To learn more about Robyn go to her website: http://www.robynwren.com/

Other books by Robyn Wren: