Today we're welcoming author and avid gardener, Dianne Venetta to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the romantic women's fiction novel, "Lust on the Rocks".Dianne is giving away a $25 Barnes and Noble GC to one randomly drawn commenter. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!
Time to ask Dianne some burning questions ...
If I'm not mistaken, I see you’re self-published. What are some of the pros and cons of doing so?
The pros are easy. When you realize your story may be a tough sell for agents because you mix genres, or venture outside traditional publishing guidelines, then self-publishing gives you the option to get your book out to readers. Ultimately it’s they who decide the winners and losers, not the major publishing houses.
On a personal note, it’s very rewarding for me to connect with readers who not only enjoy my stories and characters, but look forward to the next (a request I'm delighted to fulfill!) It’s truly one of those dream jobs for me.
The cons deal with workload. As an indie author I’m writer, publisher, book cover designer in addition to acting as the entire marketing and promotion department, PR spokesperson—the list goes on! I’m it. And as you can imagine, this takes time. But so long as I’m willing to commit the long hours, I’m good to go. I simply slap my "sales gal" positive attitude cap over my author cap, grab an energy bar and remind myself I’m on a marathon run. This path isn’t for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. *G*
Where did the idea for “Lust on the Rocks” come from?
Ideas for stories come to me and then the characters introduce themselves, sort of like channeling (in-SANE!). Once I get a handle on the theme, I begin to outline the story. I’m definitely a plotter, not a “pantster.”
However, as I write the story, things do change. Characters and motivation deepen while details and descriptions filter in to fill out the novel and give it substance. Lust on the Rocks is the result of my observations regarding my fellow career women.
It always floored me that women could be equal in every way as men—except how they conducted their sexual lives. I mean, a man is sexually active and he’s called a stud. A woman entertains a few partners and she’s called a slut. It’s ridiculous!
So I created Samantha Rawlings; my fun-loving, sex-having legal-ace heroine who lives by her own set of rules and thinks everyone should do the same.
Do you have a background in law? If not, what kind of research was required for this book?
I don’t have a background in law, but I do read a lot of legal thrillers! Just kidding. Romance is WAY more fulfilling to me than any legal thriller I know. My secret to legal research is the internet, and a close personal friend who’s earned her status as a legal eagle. She helps check my facts and give me the inside scoop when it comes to my courtroom scenes (thank you, Janet!).
Do you have any interesting writing habits or quirks?
I don’t think so. Unless you call keeping a full glass of water on my desk at all times to maintain brain cell hydration quirky. Or working with two open computer screens at all times—talk about multi-tasking! Then there’s the Spanish mood music I play in order to work myself into the right frame of mind for sex scenes…not to mention a great cue for my husband when he walks in the front door! Eh, it’s a living.
Give us some insight into normal day writing.
Each morning I begin my day as a referee/glorified taxi driver between my two children I affectionately refer to as Thing One and Thing Two (you wouldn’t believe the havoc they can wreak on a household!). Once I drop the them at school I return to my office and begin whacking away at the computer.
But it’s tough working at home. My husband shares the office with me and can be quite distracting. Between mood music talk and listening to the trials and tribulations of his day, it’s not my most productive writing time. Thank goodness I don't have any windows in my office! I'm already prone to over-imagination syndrome. Could you imagine if I had something other than my computer screen to gaze upon? To wistfully wonder and fantasize about…?
Sheesh. I'd never get anything done. But as it is, I do get things done. Surprisingly quite a bit. At night I tweet and facebook with my friends and fans and plan details for the following day which includes dinner—a real dent-maker in a gal’s schedule. Best to plan the menu ahead of time, otherwise the family gets a bit cranky. Wah. Don’t they understand I’m conducting a career over here?
Anything new coming up from you? Any WIPs or things getting ready for release?
The third in this series is set for release summer of 2012 and features an ambitious, competitive young woman trying to find her way in life. She knows what she wants (she thinks) and she’s hell bent on getting it (just not sure how!). As you can see, she’s somewhat of a bundle of indecision and insecurity, but aren’t many of us women when we’re young? Shoot, I didn’t know what I wanted to do for real until I was thirty!
Okay, that’s a lie. I changed course several times, just for fun. But there’s a particularly delightful hero waiting to help my girl wade through the murk of uncertainty and emerge strong and sure with a clear vision of not only what she wants from life, but what she needs. He has a surprising addition, as well.
After that, I have a straight WF planned, but it’s still in the framing stages so you’ll have to stay-tuned for details!
Anything you'd like to ask our readers?
How do you feel about my combining genres? Does romantic women’s fiction work for you or do you prefer romance and women’s fiction remain separate entities?
One case away from partnership, Samantha Rawlings is forced to share her high-profile case with a sexy younger man, whose eyes are on a different prize. In the best interests of her client, Sam opens the door to his strategy. Turns out, a little too far...Victor Marin has ulterior motives. The defendant in her case holds the key to his revenge, and his last chance for justice. But as he chases old demons, he uncovers a powerful woman with no inhibitions, one he wants to possess for himself. But decidedly single, Sam wants no part.
Until Vic walks away.
Dianne lives in Central Florida with her husband, two children and part-time Yellow Lab--Cody-body! When not whacking away at her keyboard crafting her next novel you'll find her in their organic garden chasing grasshoppers and plucking hornworms all while drawing wild analogies between kids and plants and men. Definitely men.A girl's gotta have fun, right?
When she's not knee-deep in dirt or romance, Dianne contributes garden advice for various websites and volunteers in her kids' school garden (a crazy existence to be sure). But at the end of the day, if she can inspire someone to stop and smell the roses--or rosemary!—kiss their child and spouse good-night, be kind to a neighbor and Mother Earth, then she's done all right.
http://www.diannevenetta.com
http://www.twitter.com/DianneVenetta
http://www.facebook.com/DianneVenetta
http://www.BloominThyme.com - the last being my garden blog
Thank you for hosting Dianne today.
ReplyDeleteI do hope for you that the pros to self-publishing will always outweigh the cons.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I can't imagine keeping my stories straight if I am working on two computers. Apparently you are an expert at multi-tasking.
ReplyDelete@marybelle You and me both! But if writing is your passion, then yes--they always will. :)
ReplyDelete@MomJane With two kids, a dog, husband, volunteer schedule, household chores and writing career--I'd better be! LOL But I'm a "visual" type person so for me, it works.
Loved your post today and you've touched on so many things...questions, questions, questions!
ReplyDeleteIn English, they say never mix your metaphors. But in this case, mixing, genres that is, is a good thing. Other authors have discussed this same problem...the big houses don't want to touch it because they can't pigeonhole the genre. That's where tagging comes in handy.
Other, well-established authors are now turning to self-publishing for a lot of reasons but most say they have more creative control, can publish books on their timetable, and income enhancement.
There's a lot to be said in favor of self-publishing but there are 2 things I don't like about it: some authors publish without having a critque partner read their work and don't have good editing. Like that dog-in-the-drawer manuscript most authors have...some authors like their dogs and in spite of the many rejections, will self-publish even though it should never see the light of day! Woo to the unsuspecting reader who purchases this book. Finally, most self-published books are ebooks. That's fine, but right now, I'm a die-hard print book reader. I don't have an ereader yet, but soon plan to buy a Kindle Fire.
I'll stop for now. Gotta save some of my thoughts for the remaining two weeks of your tour! LOL
Can't wait to read this book, especially after reading Jennifer's Garden!
ReplyDeleteI'm all for combining genres. Romantic women's fiction works for me. I like rom-com...Is it a comedy? Is it a romance? I like a blend...and throw in a little erotica makes it all the better!
ReplyDeleteDianne...What's growing in your garden right now?
@Karen Definitely true with self-pubbing and unworthy manuscripts. I use authors and editors before releasing mine. As to books in print, there are a lot of people who like the feel of a book in their hands. That's why mine are available in both print AND ebook! Enjoy :)
ReplyDelete@Thanks, Alyssa!
@Catherine Lee Lust on the Rocks does throw in the spice--as if you couldn't imagine as much by the title. :)
And in my garden we currently have sweet onions, scallions, shallots, garlic, cabbage, broccoli, peas, lettuce, spinach, Swiss Chard and now potatoes -- woo-hoo!
But in the coming weeks we'll be adding corn, beans, tomatoes, squash/zucchini, peppers, cucumbers and more! (Thanks for asking *squeal*)
Romantic women's fiction works for me.
ReplyDeleter.d1@myfairpoint.net
@Renald Perfect. Glad you stopped by! :)
ReplyDeleteThis cover is awesome! It looks like a really great read!
ReplyDelete@Kenya Thanks!
ReplyDelete@Aaricevans Hopefully it effectively alludes to the contents... :)