When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
Most of my stories are inspired by a plot premise or external concept. Because of my years working as a journalist, I am accustomed to being given a topic and then finding a story hook or angle from which to share that topic with readers. My plot premises can be inspired by a photo, a song, a TV show, an overheard conversation or even a call for submissions. My debut release from Ellora’s Cave, WHAT LIES BENEATH, was written in response for a call they put out for tattoo-themed stories.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I incorporate elements of both techniques in my writing, with a lean toward plotter. I typically know where my story is going to begin and end—it’s usually the middle that’s a little vague. I am a linear writing, meaning I write from beginning to end. While I may have visions of key scenes within the story, I prefer to write each scene in chronological order. I have found it helpful to first write the synopsis and use this as an outline for the story or a spreadsheet in which I track data elements such as timeline, POV, etc. I am in awe of pantsers—I don’t know how they create an intact story without pre-planning or plotting!
What is the most difficult thing about writing?
For me, the most difficult thing about writing is getting started. If they handed out medals for procrastinators, I’d get the gold. Sometimes it’s a matter of laziness, but other times the story is still developing in my head. However, as a professional writer, you don’t have the luxury of waiting for inspiration to strike. Meeting daily and weekly deadlines as a journalist was helpful in learning how to write even when I don’t “feel” like it.
Can you write sex scenes at any time or do you have to be “in the mood?”
Writing sex scenes isn’t any more or less challenging than writing any other type of scene, except that I find it requires greater concentration. I love to write in coffee shops with the ambient noise surrounding me, but when I write sex scenes, I need to really focus. It is helpful to put in my earbuds and turn on my writing music—tropical instrumentals, believe it or not! Because of the intimate nature of sex scenes, I try to get as deep as possible into my character’s point of view so as to imagine everything they are feeling, seeing, thinking, experiencing and then layer those nuances into the scene.
What do you feel are some of the pros and cons of epublishing?
I think the biggest advantage of epublishing is also its biggest challenge, and that is accessibility. In today’s digital marketplace, anyone can write, publish and sell a book. The benefit of this is that authors who had trouble selling under the traditional publishing model because their books weren’t marketable or catered to too narrow a niche can now get their stories in the hands of readers. The traditional barriers to publication (technology, cost, distribution, conformity) no longer stand between writers and readers.
The disadvantage is that the market is glutted with books, many penned by hobbyist writers or writers with little industry knowledge, which results in poorly written and poorly published books. This fierce competition is driving all authors to desperate measures, such as underpricing books, cranking out books as fast as they can, chasing the lastest-greatest marketing trend, and reacting to market changes instead of proactively building their careers.
As someone who has worked in publishing for many years and who considers herself a “professional writer,” it is disheartening to see this title claimed by individuals who are clueless about publishing standards, etiquette and principles.
Would you tell us about your latest release?
I recently released my first erotic romance with Ellora’s Cave. WHAT LIES BENEATH is the story of Amanda Fine, a literature professor who specializes in Medieval “smut,” and Jericho Creegan, a high-end tattoo artist, photographer and author. Both my hero and heroine are guilty of passing judgement passed on appearances and assumptions made about people’s roles and public identities. It was a lot of fun to write the story and challenge these two stereotypes.
Would you share one of the sexiest or most romantic lines from one of your books?
In WHAT LIES BENEATH, Amanda goes to Jericho’s tattoo studio with the intention of getting a tattoo and then seducing him. She confronts him with this line:
“You asked why I came here, if it was my next adventure.” She ran her palms over his shoulders. Excitement glittered in her eyes. “I guess that’s up to you.”
Do you prefer writing your heroes, your heroines or do you like writing both equally?
That’s like asking me to tell you which of my children I love best. Each character offers me the opportunity to explore a different personality, different back story, different internal and external conflicts, and a different emotional arc. I have found myself connecting stronger with one character over the other, but it varies by book. In WHAT LIES BENEATH, I was much more drawn to Jericho than Amanda, although I try to give equal attention and equal care to both characters.
How long have you been writing?
I have been a professional writer for more than 15 years. I got my start in community journalism, which gave me the skills to finally finish the damn book. For many years, I struggled with perfectionism, which actually kept me from writing a single word. I expected my first draft to come out perfectly polished. I’m fortunate that these skills actually enable me to do exactly that. I sold my first manuscript (which was a first draft), and this same story was also nominated for a Golden Heart award from RWA. The manuscripts I submit to my editors are always first drafts that require very few edits.
When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
I spend a lot of time working so downtime is spent with family, watching The Walking Dead or reading Robert Crais and Stuart Woods novels.
Where would you go on your dream vacation?
Two of my favorite places in the world are Bar Harbor, Maine and Southern California. I’d be happy to spend time in either location.
Do you have any pets?
Gosh, everyone loves to gush about their pets, don’t they? I’m no exception. I have a red beta fish—Ruby—on my desk who keeps me company and a pit-terrier mix who keeps me on my toes.
Where can we visit you online?
You can find me online at www.MargoDiamondRomance.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MargoDiamondRomanceAuthor) and on Twitter @HotMargoDiamond.
WHAT LIES BENEATH is available from most online retailers.
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/What-Lies-Beneath-Margo-Diamond-ebook/dp/B00VGN145U/myautcon-20
Barnes&Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-lies-beneath-margo-diamond/1121670020?ean=9781419942952
Kobo
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/what-lies-beneath-16
GooglePlay
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Margo_Diamond_What_Lies_Beneath?id=4fm6BwAAQBAJ
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Kate, thanks for the opportunity to introduce myself to your readers. It was fun doing this interview!
Thank you for being a guest, Margo!