So without any further explanation, read on an see what Robin has to say.


Take it away, Robin.....


I’d like to thank Nancy and Wizzy for inviting me to do this ramble. I’ve said it many times, but it never seems enough. Nancy, Wizzy and the Sandbox group as a whole have been extremely supportive of me, and it is sincerely appreciated. I’ve been a little quiet lately on the group, and I apologize for that. I’ve been busy rewriting “Murky Waters” to be released with Intaglio Publications. I’ve gotten a lot of feedback on that story and continued requests to expand on the characters, so that is what I am currently up to. I will be attending the GCLS Convention in New Orleans in June 2005, and I hope you will join me there. I’d love to meet each one of you and give you a hug for making me feel so at home here at the Sandbox.

Wizzy requested that I relate my publishing experience, so here goes.

I cleaned up "Gloria’s Inn" and sent it to Kathy Smith with Intaglio to review. I had the opportunity to sit down with Kathy in Orlando and chat with her about the manuscript and the contract. I bit her twice on the leg, and she agreed to send me the contract as soon as she got home. I wouldn’t suggest taking this approach; she has some strong legs and kicks really hard. As promised, the contract arrived, and I took my time reading it over. Fortunately for me, the contract is in plain English, and there were no surprises.

Then, the editing process began. I thought that when you turned over the manuscript, the editor would clean it up, fix the errors and that would be it. I was SO wrong. The editor goes through and corrects the grammar and looks for inconsistencies in the story. What I got back from her were pages filled with red marks where she corrected stuff that I had not even thought about. I had the option to accept or reject the changes she made. In other words, the author is expected to be in the process until the very end.

Needless to say, it was a big-time learning process for me. I had heard from other writers that sometimes they were made to change their stories. I was concerned that I would have to do the same. That never came up. The editor was concerned with the grammar and the flow of the story and did not force me to change anything that I felt would detract from the theme.

My cover was designed by a very lovely lady named Sheri. She sent me the cover after reviewing the manuscript, and I loved it the minute I saw it. She gave me several options with coloring, but I trusted her judgment and went with her suggestions. Her talent can be seen on most of the Intaglio releases and Radclyffe's books, as well.

When the book debuted at the convention in D.C., Kathy and Denise with Intaglio took me under their wing and promoted it. Anytime I was near the tables where the book was sold, Denise would tell whoever was shopping that my book was a must read and would introduce me as the author. LOL I got to sign a lot of books that way and get over my nervousness. The rest of the Intaglio authors welcomed me into the flock and made me feel supported. I was surprised by the familylike atmosphere.

Starcrossed Productions, which is also owned by Kathy Smith, has been a wonderful vehicle in promoting my book. I’ve had several emails outside of the U.S. from people who have received my books, so my sales are worldwide.

This past week, my first royalty check came in the mail nearly fifteen days before the deadline in the contract. Everything that was written in my contract has been fulfilled thus far. I’ve been treated well and have made Intaglio my home.


How long have you been writing creative fiction?
I tried my hand at it years ago, but I couldn’t make the story come out the way I saw it in my mind, so I gave up. Last December, I took a crack at it again, and this time, I just saw it through to the end. So I guess the answer is about a year now.

What color's ur toothbrush?
It’s purple, Wizzy, you crazy-assed thing. lol

What’s ur bra size?
Ah, here you are again, Wizzy. I’ll let you guess when you meet me at the GCLS Con in June. <eg>

How do you have time to WRITE so many stories at once?
I have a laptop that goes everywhere with me. Mostly, I have to make time between work and all the other rigors of life. I’m sure everyone here can relate.

How do you get your inspiration?
I have an overactive imagination. <g> It really depends on my mood, too. When I’m kind of down, I write darker stuff. Most of the time, I’m in a silly mood, and it just comes out when I’m at the keyboard. What I see going on around me daily is an inspiration. As you can tell, I am surrounded by some colorful characters.

What story/series are you most proud of?
I’m very proud of "Gloria’s Inn." I thoroughly enjoyed writing it. I am also fond of the Klutz series, which I plan on adding to in the near future.

Do you get hate mail and how do you handle those?
Thank God, I have never gotten hate mail, so don’t start now, Wizzy. lol I did get a few emails after I wrote "Gloria’s Inn," saying that they did not like the way I treated snakes in that story. I can sympathize with that. No one wants to hear about their favorite pet getting roughed up. I will try to make amends in the sequel.

How do you lay out your stories?
I have no specific formula or outline when I write. It’s easier for me to just go off the cuff, so to speak.

Do you have an ending before you start writing, or does it reveal itself to you as you write?
I have never had an ending in mind when I sit down to write. Most of the time, it hits me when I’m in the middle of the story.

How does an idea become a story?
When I get an idea, I store it in my idea file. Things are rolling through my head all the time, so I’ve created a file, and I come back to them when I’m ready to expand on them. Usually, by the time I have the characters figured out, the rest of the story seems to follow.

Which story/series has gotten the most response from fans?
"Murky Waters" and "Gloria’s Inn" have gotten a lot of responses, but the one that seems to get the most attention is the Klutz series. I get a lot of emails from people who can relate to those characters. <g>

Do you like to write X&G stories or uber/original stories better?
I have never tried to write X&G, but I enjoy reading them.

When you've finished with the story/book, do you miss those characters that you've written about?
I missed a lot of the characters in "Gloria’s Inn"; I guess that’s why I am looking forward to doing the sequel.

Do you or do you not wear underwear? If so, what kind?
*Glares at Wizzy* LOL

What advice can you give to future writers?
Don’t give up if the story isn’t working out. Leave it and come back later. You’ll be surprised after a little time how much you can expand on the idea.

What's your favorite quote? Why and how does it affect you?
From the TV show Cheers. “Life is a dog-eat-dog world, and I’m wearing Milk Bone underwear.” It’s just funny to me.

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
It’s something I’ve wanted to do since grade school. I was just never satisfied with what I had written and gave up too easily.

Can you see the book as a feature film?
I think "Gloria’s Inn" would make a funny movie.

Have you ever had a serious case of writer's block, and how do you get over it? What’s your bra size???(BT....aka Strongsouljah)
I have gotten stumped on a story before, but never what you would call writer's block. I suppose I’m too new at all of this right now. When I get to a point where I can't get it to work, I leave it alone for a few days and come back to it. Bra size is a popular question. LoL.

What is essential to you in your surroundings when you are writing? i.e.: music playing, incense, candles lit, food/drink, smoke pot???
LOL Nope, no pot for me. I listen to music a lot. And I enjoy writing late at night.

Are you easily distracted when writing?
Surprisingly, no. I don’t have a problem with what’s going on around me. The bulk of "Gloria’s Inn" was written during my slack time at work. I get so engrossed in the story that I zone out everything else.

Do you wear that special bra (the one Wizzy sent you) with the leopard stripes when you write those erotic sex scenes? (SIDE NOTE from Wizz....the bra was to be autographed and sent back...I’m still waiting....LMAO)
Actually, I’m afraid of that bra. It bit me twice. <g>

Where do you get your ideas? Do they just pop up or do you hear something or see something and think.... hey that would work?
I get them from all kinds of things. I thought of "Gloria’s Inn" when I was looking at vacation spots on the Net. The ideas for the Klutz series came from my own goofiness and experiences when I worked as an EMT.

"If you could be any kind of vegetable, what would you be?"( Tap The Wizzard....)
I think I’m more of a fruit. <g>

"Would you like to have dinner with me?"( Tap The Wizzard....)
Sure, Tap! <winks>

How do you write so many stories at once?
I’ve always told stories, and my sister Robin, whose name I use as my pen name, used to tell me to write them down. What keeps me going is the enjoyment of creating something from my imagination and watching it unfold. I guess I have written so many stories in such a short time because I’ve had them stored in my head for a while now.

How do you (the writer) deal with the feedback you receive?
When a person takes the time to write me on something I’ve written, I take it very seriously. Eileen, who has the Ultimate Uber List, wrote me about "Murky Waters," which I am rewriting for publication. She gave me some outstanding advice about that story, and I am putting it to good use now.

Have you ever written outside your comfort zone? Were you happy with the result?
I have always loved scary stories. I tried my hand at one once, and it really stunk. I’ve never had the guts to post it.

Do you prefer standard nipple clamps to those new ones that vibrate?
See, Wizzy, this is exactly why I wouldn’t let you ask me questions live. LMAO!

Here is a tame one...WHAT is your favorite ice cream flavor? (There are more than 31, you know).
Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia.

Did you ever think there were people out in the world just as twisted as you?
No, but then I met Wizzy.

Who is YOUR favorite author?
I have a bunch. AK Naten, S. Anne Gardner, Katlyn, LJ Maas, and I really enjoy reading stories posted on the Web by some deranged people on a site called the Sandbox. LOL

How much of the bard's own personal life experiences and world view enter their characters and story?
A lot of myself and experiences go into my stories. I think I identify with Hayden from "Gloria’s Inn" the most. My goofiness seems to be the most prevalent in all of them, though.

Is there a particular time of day or environment in which they feel most creative?
Late at night seems to be the best for me.

This one is for Wizzy's imagination, what do you wear when you’re working on your writing (VBG) (RI the Bard)
I love to wear sweats in the winter, and my Spongebob baseball cap always accompanies me. <g> Wizzy, if that turns you on, then we need to get you into therapy. lol

Questions from....PHAIR.... M. Mullaney
1. Pen or keyboard?
Keyboard
2. Favorite ice cream flavor?
Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia
3. Favorite reading format: hardcover, paperback, book on tape or online?
Paperback and online
4. When you're not writing, what do you do with yourself?
I love to work in my yard. Camping and the beach are two of my other faves.
5. Favorite comfort food?
Steak

What does being published mean to you?
Just the thrill of holding my finished project in my hands.

Now, as you can see, I always get blamed, which is fine by me if it gets the answers to the questions....LMAO....as I stated, most of these questions were made up from a few Sandbox Brats, yes, me included.

As you can also see, publishing a book is a hard, long commitment and well worth the time and energy you put into it. I want to thank Robin for being such a sport and answering some of the questions I sent to her, as well as telling us a little about herself and publishing her book. She is just as twisted as the rest of this Sandbox Brat’s crew.