When you’re writing, who is more in control, you or your characters?
I’m more in control as I write a detailed outline before I jump into writing the book. I give the character development and story line a great deal of thought. However, my characters do try to wrestle control away from me at times. I’ll write something and think, “I can’t believe she just said that!” In those cases, I’ll just go with it and adjust my outline if needed so that I can get back into the driver’s seat!
What is one of your favorite ways to learn about your characters?
First I like to fill out a character chart before I start writing a book, when I am still in the planning stages. I have a questionnaire that lists all sorts of questions, focusing on everything from the character’s childhood, family and relationships, to hobbies, goals and weaknesses. Then I like to free write for a bit and have the character talk to me. I’ll do this for my main character, the love interest, and for any especially important supporting characters. Once I have a handle on what makes the characters tick, then I’ll move onto outlining the book.
Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
Ideas usually pop into my head and are inspired by places I’ve been or things I’ve done. My plots and characters are all fiction, however, something from my daily life might trigger the idea for a book. For example, my latest novel Fooling Around with Cinderella, which I am finishing up, was inspired by a family trip to a theme park. I stopped in my tracks and I must have had that dreamy look in my eyes as my husband said, “You’re getting the idea for a book, aren’t you?” My mystery novel Twenty-Five Years Ago Today was inspired by a newspaper editorial assistant job that I once had. I used to compile the 25 Years Ago Today column from the microfilm and I got the idea of having a fictional editorial assistant stumble onto an unsolved murder while researching her column. My mystery novel Sink or Swim was inspired by the reality show craze, and I made Cassidy a health club-based personal trainer because my college major was exercise science and I once worked in a health club. Basically some little snippet from real life will inspire a plot and characters and then my imagination takes over.
Do you find it harder to write novels or short stories?
Years ago, I used to find it harder to write short stories. In the past, writers would submit short stories to magazines as the main way to get them published. Short stories didn’t have chapters and I had trouble developing characters and a plot line in such a short space. When I write, I tend to think in terms of chapters and not just scenes. However with the growth of e-books, I am seeing lots of titles that are being marketed as short stories and many of these stories contain chapters. I plan to write some of those in the near future, using minor characters from my upcoming romantic comedy Fooling Around With Cinderella. I think as long as I can incorporate chapters, a short story of this nature will be easier for me to produce than a full-length novel as it will be quicker to write and I’ll still have room to develop the story and characters.
Would you tell us about your latest release?
My latest release was the Audible edition of Sink or Swim, which is about Cassidy Novak, a personal trainer who attracts a stalker after appearing on a reality TV show. The book is a blend of cozy mystery, set in a small New England town, and romantic suspense. It is also available in e-book formats. Funda Duval does a great job narrating the audio version as her ability to give each character a distinctive voice is amazing.
What three words would the hero of your story use to describe his love interest?
Zach Gallagher, the photographer assigned to follow around Cassidy for a newspaper series in Sink or Swim, would describe Cassidy as hotheaded, impulsive, and commitment-shy.
What three words would the heroine of your story use to describe her love interest?
Cassidy would describe Zach as laid back, easy going, and insightful.
When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
I enjoy doing Zumba, yoga, playing Just Dance on Wii, taking walks, and reading mystery, romance, and motivational books.
What is the last movie you watched?
Grown Ups 2
How long have you been writing?
I wrote my first story in third grade, The Curse of the White Witch, and never stopped writing!
Where can we visit you online?
Website: http://stacyjuba.com/blog/ (be sure to stop by my Free Reads page http://stacyjuba.com/blog/short-stories/ for a free mystery short story audiobook and more)
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stacy-Juba/100155471301
Twitter https://twitter.com/stacyjuba
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2988212.Stacy_Juba
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/stacyjuba/
Sink or Swim blurb: A fun beach read endorsed by contestants from Survivor, Big Brother, and The Amazing Race. Ambitious personal trainer Cassidy Novak has gained fame for starring on Sink or Swim, a hit reality show. Not only does she lose and have to walk the plank, but after the game show ends, the terror begins. Upon returning home, Cassidy discovers she has attracted a stalker masterminding his own twisted game. She struggles to focus on her health club job and celebrity endorsement opportunities, but her stalker has other plans. As her former competitors get knocked off one-by-one, Cassidy refuses to play by the stalker’s bizarre rules. She’s also being shadowed by hunky photographer Zach Gallagher, who has been assigned to capture her personal moments for a spread in the local newspaper. She wants to trust Zach, but fears he may not be what he seems. When the stalker forces a showdown, Cassidy must once again walk the plank…this time for her life.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sink-or-Swim-ebook/dp/B004GHN6CW/ref
Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sink-or-swim-stacy-juba/1100588699?ean=2940012324771
iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id640267820
Audible:
http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_5?asin=B00CO9M4J0&qid=1367976480&sr=1-5
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