Not at all. I was the student who groaned the loudest when a teacher assigned an essay. But I did like to write long letters filled with stories to all my friends in far flung places (my family moved twelve times in about 17 years)! And I discovered that I loved the creative process of putting together a story for television when I worked for PM Magazine and the news division at WTVJ-Miami. I really do think it’s all about the love of creating.
What do you write (genre)?
I write Historical romance set during the Regency period (Jane Austen’s era) in England. My sixth book,
Love With the Perfect Scoundrel, was released by
Avon/Harper Collins in March 2009.
How long were you writing before you sold?
I began writing my first story
A Secret Passion in January 2000 and signed the contract for it to be published by
Signet/NAL in January 2003.
Tell us about your first sale, “the call” and the first book you sold?
I entered
A Secret Passion in several minor contests and the RWA
Golden Heart contest in 2001. Finalists were announced in March 2002 and I was lucky enough to have the story chosen. The final judge, Hilary Ross from
Signet, asked for revisions, which I completed several months later. She offered me a 2 book contract and that first story was published February 2004. The funny thing about the “call” was that I almost didn’t return Hilary Ross’s call that Friday afternoon because I was sure she would reject the revisions and I didn’t want it to ruin my weekend. One of my writer friends told me I was insane because editors only call when they are ready to offer you a contract. She was right.
Do you have a favorite book you’ve written, or a favorite hero/heroine?
While every story has a reason it should be my “favorite,” (i.e. the first book, the
RITA winner, etc.) I will admit that I have a special place in my heart for
A Dangerous Beauty. Luc St. Aubyn is the type of hero to whom I’m most drawn: alpha, diabolically wicked sense of humor, and a reluctant hero. When he falls, he falls hard. My favorite heroine is Grace Sheffey, the Countess of Sheffield from
Love With the Perfect Scoundrel. She has such backbone under all those layers of elegant gowns~and one of the very best characters out of all the ladies in the club.
What’s your writing schedule like?
I write 6 days a week about 5 hours a day. During that time I’m writing new pages, revising those pages, drafting new story ideas, copy editing, etc. But I do not stop-except for 1 month each summer!
Where do you get your ideas?
The real question is where I do not find ideas! The more I write, the more ideas the process inspires.
Do you plan out your books? Do you plot ahead of time?
Yes and no. I usually write a ten page synopsis prior to writing any story. I spend hours thinking about the characters and the basic plot idea. Once the synopsis is done, I dive into the story and never look back. When I get stuck, I frequently reread the synopsis to see if it inspires me to move forward. If not, I reread character notes. Frequently I veer completely off the story road map. It’s a sloppy process! Generally, the end product is about 75% of the original synopsis plot.
Who are you favorite authors/favorite books?
Before I began writing romance I read a lot of Mary Jo Putney and Mary Balogh’s traditional regencies. Now that I write historical romance I rarely read it because I want to preserve my own style of writing. So I read a lot of historical biographies, really boring non fiction from the period, as well as contemporary and literary fiction. I’ve even been known to read about a vampire or two!
What do you do when you’re not writing?
I’m in the fortunate position of being the mother of two wonderful children and the wife of an extraordinary man. I hang with them when I’m not writing. OK, I also do the laundry and cook—sometimes it’s even edible. We love to go on long walks or bicycle rides—and water-skiing during the summer months.
What advice can you give aspiring writers?
Write. Don’t talk about it. Don’t plan it. Don’t push it off for another day. If you want to be a writer, the only requirement is that you write. A lot. Reading is important, but not to the detriment of writing.
Give us your first line (or a favorite line) from your current work in progress and/or a blurb?
This is a first draft of the first page in the fourth (as of yet untitled) book in the Widows Club series, which will be released by Avon in early 2010:
Chapter One
Bejeweled ladies and bespectacled lords squashed tooth and jowl in St. Georges, all strained in readiness for the much anticipated wedding of the long lost Earl of Wallace and his beloved.
The bride entered on pearl encrusted slippers and took one step forward.
Chests puffed in outrage. Curses bloomed. Even the archbishop raised a brow. All eyes bypassed the lovely Countess of Sheffield carrying the orange blossoms of every fashionable bride, and they came to a rest on the man who escorted her.
The audacity. The unmitigated gall.
How dared Rowland Manning, the most unscrupulous man in all of England, tread these holy pavers of righteousness? Why, he was the bastard about whom gentlemen shielded their daughters, warned their sons, and prayed their wives never met. Yet here, amid the best and brightest luminaries of English aristocracy the big bad wolf escorted the innocent lamb—with the merest glint of large white teeth showing.
There was but one person not focused on the outrageous spectacle. She was far too busy praying.
Where can we find you on the web (website, blog, facebook)?
Thanks to Sophia for stopping by! Leave a comment and email addy. Two lucky readers will win one of Sophia’s books. Check back Saturday for the winners!
Not at all. I was the student who groaned the loudest when a teacher assigned an essay. But I did like to write long letters filled with stories to all my friends in far flung places (my family moved twelve times in about 17 years)! And I discovered that I loved the creative process of putting together a story for television when I worked for PM Magazine and the news division at WTVJ-Miami. I really do think it’s all about the love of creating.
Oooh, I love that first paragraph and will definitely buy your newest book. I don’t want to wait for 2010!
Great interview–I loved reading the sneak peek. Sounds great!
I just bought your latest book…now I just find time to read it.
Terrific interview. I wish I had your discipline! Five hours a day, six days a week!
Can’t wait to read you book.
Thanks for this interview, Sophia and Lori. I love the Widows Club series. That first page from the next book sounds fantastic. I cannot wait to read it.
Hi Sophia,
I have to say that I am going to have to try out your books after that delicious paragraph. I still have drool going down my chin because there is nothing like the bad boy getting the good girl. YUMM! Talk about friction.
You are new to me but not for long. And I agree with Lori, you really should pose for your covers dear.
huggs,
Terra
terraontop57@yahoo.com
That’s really funny how you almost didn’t return your editor’s call. I’m sure it made your weekend when you did!
Hi, everyone.
Thanks for the lovely welcome! And Edie: you don’t have to wait until next year for another widows club story. On June 30th “Fours Dukes and a Devil” will be released. It’s an anthology with Cathy Maxwell, Tracy Anne Warren, Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost and me. My story features Victora Givan, introduced in “Love With the Perfect Scoundrel.” I had so much fun writing that novella (“Catch of the Century”)!
At the end of LOVE WITH THE PERFECT SCOUNDREL Rowland Manning was not held in high regard by Grace. It should be an interesting tale to see how he then walks her down the aisle. I assume the woman praying may be another member of the Widow’s Club? It sounds like a great story.
Loved the Widows club. Can’t wait for the anthology!
Nancy
I love those bookcovers. I haven’t tried your books yet, but i will now!
alison
aliburge@yahoo.com
I’m reading Love With the Perfect Scoundrel right now, love it! And that sneak peak is great. Can’t wait to read it.
Sophia, I haven’t read any of your books yet, but I do have A Dangerous Beauty in my TBR pile. I’m with Harris, I wish I wrote with your discipline.
I received a postcard from Turn the Page Bookstore and I see that you’ll be one of the guest authors there on the 17th. I don’t live too far from there and although it’s fun to meet the authors, I’m suppose to work that day. I’d love to go. Hope you have an enjoyable day there and sell lots of books! 😀
Marie– So glad you’re enjoying the story.
Lara Lee–Signing at Turn the Page is always fun. I’ve never seen so many people come to a booksigning!
–And someone asked about the heroine in the next book. It’s Elizabeth Ashburton and man does she have her hands full with Rowland Manning, the most reluctant hero I’ve yet to encounter!
Thanks for inviting me, Lori. Can’t wait to see your book on the shelves!
Best,
Sophia
The winners of the Sophia Nash book are…
Marie
and
Anonymous (Kim)
A special thanks to Sophia Nash for stopping by, and a thanks to all of you for leaving comments.