Regina Scott interview with David Alan Binder

Post date: May 25, 2016 1:05:48 PM

Regina Scott interview with David Alan Binder

Partial Bio from her website: After numerous short stories and articles in magazines and trade journals, she got serious about her novel writing. The Regency romance The Unflappable Miss Fairchildwas her first novel to be published (March 1998). In 2011, she was delighted to move into Christian romance with the publication of The Irresistible Earl.

Besides her novels, Regina Scott has had published three Regency romance novellas ("The June Bride Conspiracy" in His Blushing Bride, "Sweeter Than Candy" in A Match for Mother, and "A Place by the Fire" in Mistletoe Kittens), which are now featured in electronic book form as Be My Bride. Her novels have been translated into Dutch, German, Italian, and Portuguese; and Lord Borin's Secret Love and The Rake's Redemption have been issued in hardcover, large print editions. Many of her works are also available as electronic books through Belgrave House's Regency Reads line or as self-published works, such as Perfection.

Regina Scott is a graduate of the University of Washington. She comes by her writing talent naturally--both her parents were excellent writers in their vocations as teacher and electrical technician. Her mother envisioned the plot for"Sweeter Than Candy," the novella which was written as a tribute to her.

Plus she has written:

Love and Larceny, Book 5 of the Lady Emily Capers, May 2016

"An Engagement of Convenience" in Summer House Party, Mirror Press, June 2016

A Rancher of Convenience, Love Inspired Historical, September 2016

Website: www.reginascott.com

Blog: www.nineteenteen.com

Goodreads: www.goodreads/reginascott

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Regina-Scott/e/B000APT2QI

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/reginascottpins

1. Where are you currently living?

I live in the south Puget Sound area of Washington State.

2. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far?

Never give up, never surrender. ;-)

3. What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk?

I write my first drafts by hand in blank books or journals, and only certain pens fit my criteria for use.

4. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher?

I think either works well, depending on your goals as a writer. If you are early in your career and you feel strongly that you want your books to appear in major bookstores, large retail stores, and libraries, then you may want to approach a traditional publisher. If you want to write unique stories that push the literary boundary for a particular genre and don’t care about print distribution, you may want to self-publish. One size does not fit all.

a. Who is the name of your publisher and in what city are they?

I am currently published by Love Inspired Historical, an imprint of Harlequin, which is owned by HarperCollins. My editor is located in New York City, but Harlequin’s main offices are in Toronto. I also have a novella coming out from a small press, Mirror Press.

5. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published?

I have a quote from Kate Douglas, a New York Times bestselling author who received her first contract after writing for 20 years. “When I wrote the stories I wanted to write, the way I wanted to write them, when I finally stayed on a path that led to my own satisfaction, the Grail fell softly into my lap.” In other words, be true to yourself.

6. How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one?

I queried my first agent after hearing her speak at a conference. She was so bold, so confident, that she impressed me. She also scared me to death. Not a good relationship. I queried my second agent after getting recommendations from writer friends I trusted. I met her in person, talked with her, explained my expectations and heard hers. I have been with her for more than ten years now, through good times and bad. I know she believes in me and my career. That’s who you want on your side.

7. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please be specific and informational as possible)?

If you are writing genre fiction, look for the writers organization associated with it—Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, etc. While some will not let you join as a full member until you have published, many will allow you to take their newsletter or attend workshops. What you learn will be invaluable.

8. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in your creative process with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating?

I cannot read what I’m writing. It takes over my mind and zaps my creativity. If I’m writing fiction, I need to read nonfiction or only read fiction between books. As a reader first and a writer second, I have found this hard.

9. How many books have you written?

I have had more than 30 works of fiction published.

10. Do you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better writer (please be as specific and information as you possibly can)?

Write. Every day. Even if it’s only for a short while. Train yourself to get the words down. Don’t wait for the so-called muse. She is fickle. If you want to be a professional writer, you cannot wait for her.

11. Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story?

Always think—what would make it worse? What would up the stakes? What would turn this story on its head?

12. Looking back at your career, what is the one thing you would do differently (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why?

I would have thought through my career a little more. In the early days, I just wrote whatever came to mind without thinking about how I would follow it or what made most sense for my readers. I think I would have found more readers sooner if I had planned ahead. I would still stay true to my stories. I would just tell them in a different order or with a different emphasis.

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