Liz:What is your favorite way to get over a writing block or hurdle?
Elley: When I'm stuck, I watch a romantic movie. I try to pay attention to the development of the story and then link it back to my work in progress. It really helps. I suppose that's because I'm a visual person.
Nan: Great advice! How do you balance writing, marketing, promoting, bookkeeping, family and work?
Elley: I don't balance things very well. Honestly. I'm not one of these people who can do it all, so when I'm focused on a couple things, the other things are sorely neglected. I've just learned to come to peace with that. I tell myself over and over again that it's a cycle, and eventually I'll put more time into the things that are currently being neglected. The priority for me is family (my husband and kids) and then writing. As long as the family is relatively happy and new words are being written, I give myself a pat on the back.
Kristina: I'm not great at the balance thing, either, but I'm attempting to be better! What was the first seed of an idea you had for your book? How did it develop?
Elley: Wow, that's going way back here! And I honestly can't remember for this particular mix, but I can tell you that my ideas often start with a song I've heard--a particular lyric--or a news story I've read--a particular scenario or characteristic. Whatever intrigues me gets put through the "What if" mill, where I daydream about what might happen to this sort of person if she's thrown into something with this other sort of person. And seriously, that's how it all begins.
Margie: "What-If" games are so fun! How much of you is in your characters?
Elley: After my last round of revisions, I'm inclined to say more of me than I want is in some of my characters. When I'm writing someone particularly contrary, it's hard to always stay in their voice and not try to influence them. I'm working on it. On the other hand, I've never played full-tackle football or stepped in a boxing ring, and my most recent series is about women who feel very comfortable doing these things, so I enjoy creating characters who aren't like me at all.
Thanks for visiting, Elley! Now, readers, read on for a peek into Love At Bat:
It's root, root, root for the home team as these sexy boys of summer take their turns at bat. The Kemmons brothers have it all - the money, the moves, the connections - but they haven't hit home runs in love. Until now.
Save My Soul: Baseball agent Jordon Kemmons has a problem the usual experts can't fix: his star pitcher is too depressed to throw strikes. If desperate times call for desperate measures, then cynical Jordon has made the most desperate move of all. He's hoping sexy psychotherapist Maggie Collins is the answer to all his prayers.
Change My Mind: Centerfielder Grey Kemmons is spending the off-season renovating the house he inherited from his father. When spitfire Nel Parker shows up wanting to list the house, their strictly business relationship soon gets very personal.
Heal My Heart: Dr. Tag Howard wants nothing to do with the Kemmons. He's made his own way as an MLB team doctor, and is determined to steer clear of the family that abandoned him . . . until female footballer MJ Rooney crashes into his life with a concussion and a fresh perspective.
Trade Off: Traded and jaded, catcher Ben Border is considering stepping out from behind the plate. Then he runs into former flame Scarlett Dare. The sexy marketing executive still sends him into a fever pitch, but is she willing to trade Fortune 500 success for a happily ever after?
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Excerpt: From Save My Soul
Jordon didn’t stop at the end of the cart. He came around and grabbed her by the hips. “We’re done with this conversation. I’m not going to let you push me away because of your misguided notions and over analysis.”
Her mouth opened at his absurd insults. Before she could say a word, his fingers rested on her chin and he closed her jaw.
“Maggie, transference is bull shit. Freud was a flake. You shrinks like to wield power over weak-minded patients. I’m not weak, and I’m not your patient.” He slid his thumb across her bottom lip. “I do…feel exactly the way I said I do, but I won’t say it again until I’m damn sure you’re going to say it back. Until then, keep your shrink wrap away from my head. There’s enough going on in there without you digging around.”
Despite the hypnotic sensation of his thumb stroking her lip, she couldn’t keep quiet anymore. “I find you offensive.”
“No you don’t.”
Jordon leaned his face closer, and she swallowed. Her tongue reflexively brushed over her lip, tasting the tip of his thumb. He stepped into her, and she swallowed again, knowing his mouth would be covering hers in the middle of a busy supermarket. But the minute his arm wound around her waist, she didn’t care where they were. She wanted him to take what he wanted and leave her begging for more.
Thanks for joining us today! I must admit, when my kids were home (and I worked full time, sat on bleachers full time, and did laundry full time) I didn't even attempt to write full time into the bargain. I was the purest definition of hobby writer (newspaper column--took two hours). You who manage it have my greatest admiration.
ReplyDeleteI've also been known to take edits along to swimming or gymnastics and to only look up when bebe is doing her thing. Thanks for visiting, Elley!!
ReplyDeleteI often write in the car during my daughter's shorter dance classes. You do what you have to do. :) Thanks again for having me, Ladies!
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