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:

Interview w/Song of the Muses author, Sky Purington ...

Today I want to WELCOME, author of Highland Muse, second story in the first book of the anthology, Song of the Muses, Sky Purington.

Welcome Sky!

First things first, Wow, another FABULOUS cover! Who can resist a man in a kilt, and a fabulous castle? I know I can't!
Ok, having said that, Thanks so much for being here, and if you don't mind I'll post Highland Muse's blurb, and jump right to the interview!

Blurb for Highland Muse:
Melpomene, Muse of Tragedy, risks everything to save Rowan Stewart’s life. Devoted to Scotland in life and the God of War in death, Rowan struggles to understand her undying devotion to him. Can a melodramatic Grecian Goddess and a resolute Scotsman truly love one another? Find out in HIGHLAND MUSE.

C of C- How long have you been writing?
SP- Since I was around seven years old.
C of C- Wow, that's a really long time.

C of C- Are you a plotter or a pantser?
SP- Little bit of both! Some stories need to be plotted, others just take over.

C of C- How would you describe your voice?
SP- Well, as time has gone on and my writing has advanced my voice had definitely taken on an edge of humor.
C of C- Do you think you will ever write a romantic comedy? Since I see you write mainly historicals?

C of C-. What is your favorite part of the writing process?
SP- Hmm, good question! I’d say I’m torn between the research aspect in that I write a lot of historicals and by the way characters tend to develop within my mind, I’m always surprised by what they’re thinking and where they would like to go within the story.

C of C- Where do you find your inspiration?
SP-Usually from nature and history. What greater things are there? Nature always captivates me. The clouds, wind and the smell in the air after a storm. History because it’s so educational and interesting.
C of C- I agree with you there, there is nothing better than nature and history. Nothing.

C of C-. How do you come up with your ideas/plots?
SP- Typically, it’s where I am, my surroundings always ignite my imagination. If I walk into an old house I wonder who lived here, what were they like? Did they love?

C of C- Do you write in short stretches or for long periods of time?
SP- Grin, tough question, I have a toddler! I spend my time at night writing when I can and my days with my son. Do I devote myself to writing as much as I can? Yes.

C of C- Do you write in silence or listen to music?
SP- Always to music! When I wrote my trilogy it was to the bagpipes and Celtic music. Now I’m writing a contemporary and listening to my local station.

C of C-Do you have any new releases you’d like to talk about?
SP- Yes! The second novel in my trilogy, Destiny’s Denial, was just released. It’s about contemporary New Hampshire and Medieval Scotland, Time-travel and magic. My favorite novel in the trilogy! Swing by my website to learn more!
C of C- Congratulations Sky! www.skypurington.com - go there to check it out!

C of C- Do you research your story before you write it, or as you go?
SP- Wide smile, I wouldn’t know how to write without researching! It’s my platform.

C of C- What have you learned through research that you’ll remember for the rest of your life? SP- Good question! I’ve learned that it’s best to explore many sources because so many can be wrong. Prudence is the key.
C of C- Very true.

C of C- How do you decorate your writing space?
SP- With anything international and historical. An old fashioned globe held up by Atlas, a stack of 18th century Piano music, a big tapestry depicting the oriental astrological chart, some old carved boxes from the Middle East. I suppose my tastes are pretty eclectic!

C of C- Are you a neat/organized writer or is your office and/or space a complete mess with sticky notes everywhere?
SP- I go from disorganized to organized. Everything’s a mass of sticky notes, then when I’m ready to write I sit down and file everything. The, “research stage” is not a pretty place in my house!
C of C- lol, I hear ya! In mine either!

C of C- Does all your writing take place on a computer or do you ever write on pen and paper? SP- Both. Always. I actually still go to the Library, I email clans (when I wrote of them) but I have a file folder full of labeled, hand written notes. I learn better when I write things down so everything’s on the computer and in hands-on folders!

C of C- What is your favorite time period? And why?
SP- As of yet….the Medieval Period. I felt as though I lived there for three years when I wrote my trilogy and learned so much.

C of C- Do you feel a draw to the people and time period you write about?
SP-Yes, very much so. I went from 6’th century Ireland to 12’th century Scotland to 13’th century England with modern day mixed in. Honestly, one way or another, all my stories will pull my reader into the past and will hopefully teach them something they didn’t know.
C of C- That's the great thing about a historical, educating those who otherwise wouldn't know!

C of C- What character did you most enjoy writing?
SP-Easy! Ferchar, who was not only a character in Fate’s Monolith but the Hero in Destiny’s Denial. He was the dark, depressed type that grew, changed and fell in love. Meanwhile, I fell in love with him!

C of C- Readers are always curious to know about authors lives. What is the worst job (non-writing related) you’ve ever held?
SP- Ugh, that would have to have been working in a perfume store. Constant headache….literally!
C of C- definitely migraine city!

C of C- What is one thing you think your readers would be interested to know about you?
SP- Hmm, well, I gave my American Akita credit as a writing companion, in my author bio but there is another. My twelve year old Calico cat is always about when I’m writing to give advice, more so than not lately so she definitely deserves some credit!

C of C- Are you reclusive or do you like being with other writers?
SP- Honestly, I’d love to be around other writers but being a mom primarily keeps me around moms with kids my son’s age. Regrettably, none of them are writers. Therefore email and IM keep me close with fellow authors around the world and I have to say I’ve made some fantastic friends in this field.

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

C of C- Do you ever act out your scenes?
SP- Grin, well I would hope so!
C of C- lol! :O)

C of C- How long do you wait once a story is finished to revise it?
SP- I always let a story breathe 2 or 3 days.

C of C- Do you ever second guess yourself and your writing?
SP-Always! Who doesn’t?

C of C- Do you ever stray from your genre? Your comfort zone?
SP- I am now. I’m writing a vampire tale with an Englishman as the main character, certainly out of my comfort zone in that I’ve been in Scotland and Ireland for so long.
C of C- hmmm, interesting!

C of C- Is it necessary to have a Critique/Writing partner?
SP- Yes! It can’t hurt to get feedback.
C of C- That is so true, I believe a CP is invaluable, not only for feedback but or support!

C of C- Do you allow family and friends to read your stories?
SP- Yes, always.

C of C- Is there a subject you would like to write about, but don’t because you believe it isn’t marketable?
SP- Yes, Regency, I hear it’s a hard market.
C of C- You should try it, I believe anything well written is marketable!

C of C- Authors make writing look so easy. Is it harder than most people imagine it to be?
SP-Very much so. I had no idea what writers went through until I became published.

C of C- How long does it take you to finish a story?
SP-Depends, a novel 6 months, a short 1 month.

C of C- When you write a new story are you apprehensive about allowing others to critique it? SP- Of course, but I know it’s necessary.
C of C- Very true.

C of C- Which author/(s) are on your must-read list?
SP-Lisa Kleypas, just love her.

C of C- What is your favorite writing memory?
SP- The night I won a writing award when I was in second grade and saw how proud my mom was.
C of C- Awh! How sweet!

C of C- Do you have more than one book out now?
SP- Yes, two books, two short stories and another novel due to be released next year .
C of C- Wow, you're a busy girl! Congratulations!

C of C- Has your writing Journey been a smooth or bumpy ride?
SP- Bumpy, and honestly I’m grateful for that!
C of C- Ok, I'll take your word for it!

C of C- What advice would you give to a new aspiring writer?
SP- NEVER give up, dreams can come true.
C of C- Excellent advice, Sky! I'm repeating it over and over in my head- "never give up, never give up!! Maybe it will sink in! lol :O)


Thanks so much for being here with me today Sky, its been a pleasure! Best of luck with all your future endeavours!!

To read my review of Highland Muse, go to- http://www.highlandlassiesreviews.blogspot.com/


To learn more about Sky Purington please visit her website- www.skypurington.com/contest.html

Where you will have a chance to win prizes in her muse contest!



Other books by Sky Purington:

Interview w/Songs of the Muses author, Skhye Moncrief

Its my pleasure to interview the author of "Ancient Musings," the debut story from the new Wild Rose Press Anthology, "Songs of the Muses," Skhye Moncrief.

Welcome Skhye! First off, I want to congratulate you on the release of your story, "Ancient Musings," which is available from the Wild Rose press today!!!!! But, before we get started I want to tell you that I love your cover!! Its beautiful!!And since we're not just here to get to know you all little better, but to promote the Anthology and your story, is there something you'd like to say about it?

ANCIENT MUSINGS is the first story in an anthology of nine where love and romance find the Greek muses. Each muse has her own tale. My story, ANCIENT MUSINGS, is where Calliope joins forces with an archaeologist's soul while searching for Gaia's pool in the kingdom of Hades. Both soon realize they are nothing more than pawns for ANCIENT MUSINGS. ~Skhye

When the muse of writing Calliope, challenges Zeus to end her immortal existence, she faces the reality of death in Hades. Only Jake Genoese, an archaeologist's soul, can outwit Zeus's Harpies and help her find new purpose. Far more is at stake when both realize they are no more than pawns for ANCIENT MUSINGS.

And now- THE INTERVIEW

C of C- How long have you been writing?

SM- Ugh. I can’t even remember when I started. Sad but true.

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

SM- Mostly a pantser. I do plot some in the beginning to set up a proposal after working on one for a submission. I found it helped me sketch out enough story information and character goals, motivation, and conflict to write a stronger first draft before writing the first line of a tale. As they say, the story tends to flesh out and the proposal changes. That’s just the way the cookie crumbles.

C of C- How would you describe your voice?

SM-I am a horrible judge of anything I do. I call myself the world’s biggest pessimist. So, I couldn't even begin to label my work. People tell me I never give myself credit for anything.

C of C- ah, I know that well, I being a pessimist myself.

C of C- Where do you find your inspiration?

SM- My inspiration comes from documentaries and extensive research to hard and soft science publications.

C of C- Hmm, interesting. I can definitely say you are the only author to say that!

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

SM- I just twist everything I’ve ever studied on a top into something that sounds new to me.

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

SM- I prefer writing over long periods of time.

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

SM- I can’t handle noise while reading or writing. I hear that’s a learning style. LOL. My critique partners would laugh at me when we met at a Barnes & Noble Starbucks. I could never read anything there because of the music!

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

SM- Doesn’t everyone? Oh, wait! I’m supposed to be on a diet.

C of C- lol, shame on you!!

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

SM- I research everything I need too before starting then what pops up along the trail.

C of C- What have you learned through research that you’ll remember for the rest of your life? SM- That numerology pegs my personality to the freakiest “t,” yikes!

C of C- Same here Skhye, very freaky isn't it?

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

SM- It’s usually fairly neat but covered in dust because I hate dusting. But after the baby learned to walk, I find my office floor covered in piles of stuff dangerous to said child…

C of C- uh, oh ...

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

SM- I tend to have everything where it goes, but I do like the look of a messy bulletin board.

C of C- Bulletin boards are meant to be messy!

C of C- Does all your writing take place on a computer or do you ever write on pen and paper? SM- Computer

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

SM- Yes. I don’t know how anyone could spend any time writing about something they weren’t attracted to. Writing takes an incredible amount of time and effort.

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

SM- My hero, Cochise.

C of C- hmm, interesting name. Will we be seeing his story?

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

SM- Selling frozen yogurt

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

SM- I have sifted chocolate chips out of cookie mix when I couldn’t find any chocolate snacks.

C of C- lol, oops forgot about that diet, again?? :O)

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

SM- I tend to be reclusive.

C of C- Its a good thing us reclusive writers have each other, eh? :O)

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

SM- Is answering easy here going to get me into trouble?

C of C- Uh? :O) lol

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

SM- I’m too busy eating and drinking to get out of the chair and walk in my character’s shoes.
C of C- ha ha, good answer!

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

SM- A few months

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

SM-No

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

SM- Not yet. That would mean me writing an inspirational…

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

SM-Yes

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

SM-Yes

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

SM- Historicals with grimy heroes and heroines who had bad breath, decayed teeth, and realistic descriptions like a man-at-arms’ sword arm being larger than his other arm…
C of C- I can see that, nothing sexy about a man with nasty teeth and stinky breath! lol :O)

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

SM- It was much harder in the beginning. But after jumping through about a million burning hoops, it’s kind of fun now. Wax on. Wax off. Wax on. Wax off.

C of C- I hear ya!!! :O)

C of C- When you write a new story are you apprehensive about allowing others to critique it? SM- No. I’ve always been the type of writer who wants to know what didn’t work for the reader. I need feedback.

C of C- That's great! wish I could say the same thing!

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

SM- Karen Moning, Sherrilyn Kenyon

C of C- What is your favorite writing memory?

SM- Selling my first book! That’s called validation.
C of C- There's nothing better than that! Though I can only imagine ... and dream. :O)

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

SM- Two. Two are in the works. I should here about a few more novels soon.

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

SM- Bumpy, but I’m a pessimist…

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

SM- That anyone can learn to write a story. I have been around people who stated they were born to write. Well, after taking 80 hours of anthropology I can say that humans have to be taught to speak, how to put that language in written form, and only then can humans begin to study the anatomy of a story. If you’re writing a story, don’t think that you have to have some special gene. I believe people who were “born to write” have an unusual knack for understanding story structure or reading body language to play on an audience’s response. So, I should modify my initial point: Anyone can learn to write a story so never give up!

C of C- And there lies the best advice- NEVER give up! That's the key.

Its been great getting to know more about you and your writing Skhye! I want to thank you for taking the time to be here with me today!!! Best of luck in all your future endeavours!!!

To purchase your copy of "Ancient Musings," go to: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

If you would like to learn more about Skhye you can locate her on the web at:

http://www.skhyemoncrief.com/

Skhye is also offering a contest!!

To be in the running for a Celtic CD of Skhye's choice... straight from her Time Guardians' treasure chest, find and state the name of Skhye Moncrief's, FREE READ, which can be found on her website, then leave your answer as a comment below the interview.

You must enter by midnight CST Friday, June 13th. The name of the winner will be announced on June 14th. Good luck. ~Skhye

Please do not forget to leave your contact information with your entry! If the winner does not acknowledge winning after 7 days, another winner will be picked.

Other books by Skhye Moncrief~