Readers Want2Know

This page features questions from Stephanie's inquisitive readers! Be sure to check here every month for a new question!

Stephanie: I love this question! My perfect day would be a day that my husband and I BOTH could sleep in until about 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. (He always wakes me up when he gets up to go to work, which isn't fun when I've been up writing until 2:00 a.m.!) Then I'd go for a short run or jump rope to get the blood flowing. Then I'd have oatmeal and fruit for breakfast and read for an hour on the balcony. Then I'd move to my desk and write perfect pages for 5-6 hours! Then my husband and I would cook dinner together--salmon, risotto, and arugula salad is my fave meal--and we'd have a nice bottle of wine. We'd open all the windows in the top floor of our condo and listen to sounds of the city coming in, with Ella Fitzgerald on the stereo. Then maybe we'd watch one of the movies I've missed over the past several years on pay-per-view, then be in bed sound asleep by midnight! That would be my perfect day!

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Stephanie: "Worry" might be too strong a word. I think about the future of books--a lot. Will books be around in 20 years? What will they look like? Where will people buy them? And will people still be interested in buying them? These are all elements about the book industry that I can't influence, but to me it's worth thinking about what form books might take in the future so I can be flexible and prepared to adapt my writing and stories if necessary. For example, there are theories that future books will be serialized, sold in "chunks" or chapters that will be downloaded in succession versus buying an entire book in paper format. If that's the case, then I, like every other author, will have to change my writing style so that each "chunk" tells a mini-story, but is still part of an overall bigger story. And maybe those chapters will become more uniform, such as 15 pages each instead of just any length.

Storytelling will endure. The book has been a useful, brilliant delivery device and I think it, too, will endure...but will "share the shelf" with new delivery devices. I don't worry about the future of books--I think it's an exciting time to be a writer...and a reader!

Stephanie: I have a home office, complete with desk, wall calendars, file cabinets, etc., just as you'd expect to see in any office. But as my desk piles up with paperwork, I find myself NOT going there to write. It's too tempting to be pulled away by something that you think will take 5 minutes, and then an hour later, you're still filing royalty statements. Since I have a laptop, I tend to move around my loft to write, working in different areas to ward off boredom, such as in the living area, at the breakfast bar, leaning against the padded headboard of my bed, or outside on my covered patio. Some writers do have offices outside their home, especially if they have lots of distractions at home, but I don't have children and my husband isn't home during the day, so I rather like working at home, and have found lots of little tricks to make it work for me.

Stephanie: Typically every day I either write or do something associated with my writing career, such as editing, research, or promotion. Writing every day is the best way, however, for me to maintain momentum. And with the publication schedule I've committed to for 2008 and 2009, for the next six months or so, I HAVE to write every day! For me, writing novels is a joy, but it's also a job. I left a corporate career to write full-time and no matter how much I enjoy doing it, it's important to me to be able to make a living doing it. For my readers, I think (and hope) that equates to a good thing because it means that I have books coming out regularly.

Stephanie: I love to meet readers! Check my Guest Appearances page for scheduled booksignings and events in your area. Occasionally some events (such as when I give workshops at conferences) are open only to conference attendees, but most conferences have some kind of public event, such as a mass booksigning during the conference.

Stephanie: Rarely. I read the manuscript several times--three or four times when I write it, once or twice again when I revise, and again in gallery (page proof) form before it goes to print. By the time the book is released, I've usually written a couple of other books, so my mind has moved on to other things. And frankly, I just don't have the time. Occasionally, though, I'll reread a book or parts of a book if I'm trying to recall something. And I do reread books when I'm writing connected stories so that the stories and voice are as seamless as possible. For example, when I proof Body Movers: 3 Men and a Body, I'll reread the first two Body Movers books just to double-check details that might have slipped my mind. For the most part, though, when I have free time, I want to read someone else's book--I turn into a regular reader just like you who wants to be surprised. But somewhere down the road, when the characters and storylines have dimmed in my mind, maybe I'll take some my own books on vacation to read!

Marian asks: "Stephanie, do you know yet which man Carlotta Wren (heroine of the Body Movers series) will end up with?"

Stephanie: In a word--no. When I introduced Carlotta Wren and the three men in her life--Detective Jack Terry, body-mover Cooper Craft, and her first love, Peter Ashford, I had some idea of who Carlotta MIGHT wind up choosing, but since the beginning of the series, my mind (and Carlotta's) has changed many times! The dilemma lies in the fact that any of the three men are right for her for at least one reason: With Peter she has history and he best knows the situation with her fugitive parents, plus he can give her a luxurious lifestyle. Coop is a great role model for her brother Wesley, and a kind soul who doesn't pressure her. And her physical chemistry with Detective Jack Terry is like nothing she's ever experienced. Who will win her heart in the end? Stay tuned! (And so will I.)

Celeste asks: "Stephanie, how many ideas for books do you have that you haven't yet written?"

Stephanie: Dozens--maybe hundreds! Part of why I try to write every day is because I know that I'll have ideas today that I won't have tomorrow, or ever again. That includes ideas for books I'm working on, and for future books. It's good business for an novelist to always have ideas at their fingertips in case an opportunity arises for a new project. But it's also almost unavoidable. Any novelist will tell you that they usually get an idea for another book while in the midst of a work in progress. (Because starting a new book is SO much more appealing than finishing one!) Sometimes, the incentive to finish writing a book is the excitement of being able to move on to a new project. The mind works in mysterious ways...thankfully, my mind works in a way that will (hopefully) keep me employed!

Yvonne asks: "Stephanie, how do you keep all your characters straight?"

Stephanie: When I write a book, it's a little like creating a circle of friends for an event. You have lots of friends, don't you? Dozens, maybe even hundreds! And you're able to keep them straight because of associations--some you met through work, some on vacation, some are childhood friends. It's the same way with my characters--I associate them with a particular book, so it's not that hard to keep them separate from each other in my mind.

BUT I do have problems keeping up with the details for each character, so if I'm going to be using a character in another book, such as in my Body Movers series, I keep a "bible" of personal details, such as eye color and habits, to refer to--my own personal cheat sheet, although because it's so detailed, it's more like a cheat volume!

Kris asks: "Stephanie, how far ahead have you planned the Body Movers series?"

Stephanie: I'm always thinking at least one book ahead--the one I'm writing and the next one. And of course, in the back of my mind is always the over-arcing storyline of the fact that the parents are missing and when and if they will come back into their children's lives. I'm also determined to give all the men in Carlotta's life (Peter, Coop, and Jack) equal time to prove to her that they're the one for her! And I have Wesley's love life to think about, too...and then there's Hannah. And I want to bring Amy, the palm-reading lady at the consignment store, back into the fray. There's just so much to cover, I hope I can keep writing this series forever!

Matrice asks: "Stephanie, what has been the highlight of your writing career?"

Jill asks: "Stephanie, do you write your books with a particular reader in mind?"

Genie from Kansas City, MO asks: "Stephanie, are any of your novels based on true life events and if so, how much?"

B.J. asks: "Stephanie, what advice would you give to an aspiring novelist?"

Ellen asks: "Stephanie, do you have a favorite place to read?"

Stephanie: I do! I read anywhere and everywhere--on my patio, on the couch, on the exercise bike, and in bed. But I have to admit that my favorite place to read is while riding the train--there's just something so soothing and insular about the sway of train, it just allows me to really sink into the book I'm reading. (I really think that publishers are missing out on opportunities to get samplers into the hands of people riding trains; it's a great, captive audience to market to!)

Thanks, Ellen, for your question!

Terry asks: "Stephanie, have you ever thought of writing books for children or young adults?"

Stephanie: Growing up with my nose buried in a book, I have great respect for writers who can entertain children and bring them into the world of books. At this time, however, I'm not inclined to write for a younger audience. (And if I did, I would probably use a different writing name so that a youngster wouldn't then innocently pick up one of my "adult" novels, which contain mature language and situations, expecting them to also be written for them.)

A long-term writer goes through many phases in their career as the markets change and as the writer himself/herself changes. So I wouldn't rule out any kind of writing project at this stage in my career because hopefully I'll be around for a while!

Thanks, Terry, for your question!

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Britney asks: "Stephanie, have you ever thought of being a private investigator? I've read all of your romantic suspense novels and I think you'd be a good one!"

Stephanie: Thanks! Believe it or not, I actually completed the coursework to become a private investigator in the state of Georgia. I thought if I were going to write about crime scenes, that I at least be able to write about it with authenticity. (Mind you, that was 10 years ago, before the avalanche of forensics television shows on television.) Anyway, the course was really terrific and gave me lots of good reference material. I was exposed to everything: processing a crime scene (including how to photograph evidence), fingerprinting, self-defense, making a citizen's arrest, the court process, and weapons handling. (I scored 98% at the shooting range on a .38 revolver!) But even with the coursework, I don't have the credentials to become a P.I. on my own--I'd have to apprentice under a registered P.I. for a while before I could "hang my own shingle." And being a P.I. isn't nearly as exciting as everyone thinks it is--most of it is sitting in your car doing surveillance. But who knows--if this writing gig doesn't work out, maybe I'll give investigating a try!

Thanks, Britney, for your question!

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Taylor asks: "Stephanie, have you ever had any "freaky" experiences with readers?"

Stephanie: Hm, not really. I appreciate it when readers are exuberant enough, for instance, to have my book covers shrunk and made into earrings, or laminated for a vest--it's flattering. Overall readers are really a very nice lot. Frankly, the only time I've ever been worried for my safety were a couple of times when aspiring male authors weren't satisfied with all the information they'd received in a workshop I'd just given, and lingered for some one-on-one Q&A. (I don't know why men do that--women ask questions during the workshop, men seem to want private consultation.) It's especially unsettling when they hang back to let everyone else ask something because they want to be the last person in the room with me. I assume it's because they think if they have private time with me to discuss their project that I'll offer assistance in some way, but all it does is freak me out and make me want to get away! So readers are fine--writers are the scary people!

Thanks, Taylor, for your question!

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Holley asks: "I love your voodoo series! Have YOU ever "voodooed" anyone?"

Stephanie: Great question! I have to confess that some of the idea of the voodoo series came about because I thought that wouldn't it be fun to be able to give people their come-uppance anonymously and from a distance? The idea is wickedly irresistible! That person who cuts you off in traffic? A pin in the voodoo doll! The two-faced politician? A pin in the voodoo doll! The dirty old man who hits on you at the train station? A pin in the voodoo doll!

But as far as actually doing the voodoo, actually targeting someone with a voodoo doll...honestly, I'm too scared! I guess I believe in the supernatural just enough to worry that I might actually set something dangerous in motion!

Thanks, Holley, for your question!

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Liza asks: "Do you get recognized when you're in public?"

Stephanie: I'm laughing! Only by my friends! And when I'm at writing conferences, some people recognize me simply because we've all been in the industry together for a while. But no, I have yet for anyone to stop me on the street/train/airport because they recognized me from my photo in one of my books or from my website...but one can always dream!

Thanks, Liza, for your question!

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Phyllipa asks: "Stephanie, is your life glamorous?"

Stephanie: Made me laugh! Writer friends and I often talk about the glamorous life we THOUGHT we'd have as writers and wonder if there's some way we can keep up the charade for the benefit of friends and readers! I can only speak for myself, but no, my life isn't what anyone would call glamorous. As I sit responding to your note, I am doing laundry and wondering if there's anything in the refrigerator for dinner. I don't have a maid--not that having a housekeeper is out of the ordinary for working women, but although I don't like cleaning, per se, I do like knowing what's going on with my own living space, and cleaning helps me to stay in touch with things that need to be repaired, updated, etc. Another area of my life that is very un-glamorous: I don't have a car. I do drive, but because I live in an area where I can walk or take the train everywhere I need to go, having a car just seems so...excessive. I also don't have a fancy wardrobe--at the moment I'm wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, and my comfy Merrill shoes.

On the other hand, I do feel very, very fortunate to live in a nice condo in a city where the weather is good most of the year, and to be able to write for a living. And my job has given me the opportunity to travel widely to speak to readers and other writers, so in that regard, it does have its glamorous moments!

I do remember one time when my agent and I were standing in the lobby of my publishing house in Manhattan, about to go up and sit down with members of the editorial team, sales, and publicity to discuss my upcoming book, and I thought, "How did a small-town girl who grew up on a tobacco farm in eastern Kentucky get here?" At that moment, yes, I felt very glamorous in a surreal kind of way.

Thanks, Phyllipa, for your question!

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Helen asks: "I loved Body Movers! When will the next book be out and how many books will be in the series?"

Stephanie: First, thanks very much for your praise--I'm pleased that you enjoyed Body Movers and are looking forward to more installments. (Me too!) The second book in the Body Movers series, titled Body Movers: 2 Bodies for the Price of 1, will be released in trade (oversize) paperback in August 2007, one year from the release of the first book. And as of this date (Nov 2006), there will be at least four books in the Body Movers series. I hope there will be more, but that's up to you, the readers!

Thanks, Helen, for your question!

Update December 2007: There will now be at least SIX books in the Body Movers series!

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Krista asks: "I read the excerpt of In Deep Voodoo in the back of another Avon author's book and couldn't wait to read it. (I really enjoyed it, btw!) But I noticed that in the excerpt I read, the male character B.J. smoked cigarettes, and in the same passage in the actual book, he didn't! Why?"

Stephanie: Wow, what a good eye! When I wrote the manuscript for In Deep Voodoo, I made B.J. a smoker for two reasons: most P.I.'s spend a lot of time doing surveillance, so many of them smoke; and to counter Penny being such a health food nut--I thought it made for great interplay. But my editor hated the fact that he smoked and insisted that I change it. The excerpts had already gone to print, though, so in the excerpt, B.J. is still a smoker...by the time the actual book was released, he wasn't!

Thanks, Krista, for your question!

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Karin asks: "How did your book Just Dare Me... wind up in Cosmo magazine?"

Stephanie: Isn't it exciting? I can't take any credit for an excerpt of the book winding up in Cosmopolitan, other than the fact that I wrote the book in the first place! Apparently Cosmo magazine agreed to consider some Harlequin Blaze (super sexy) books for possible adaptation in the magazine. My editor sent several manuscripts for them to read, and they chose Just Dare Me... to have a scene "adapted" for the readers of Cosmo magazine. (I think they were intrigued because all the love scenes in that book take place outdoors!) The adapted scene isn't as reflective of my writing (or as long) as I wish it could be, but space constraints meant that Cosmo could offer only a "taste" of Just Dare Me... for its readers, with the hope that to get the full meal, they'll pick up a copy of the book! I'm very flattered that the editors of Cosmo chose my book to feature.

Thanks, Karin, for your question!

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Neesie asks: "What does a nice girl like you know about moving bodies?"

Stephanie: Made me laugh! First, thanks for calling me a nice girl! And before I started writing Body Movers, I didn't know very much about moving bodies. I did briefly date a young man in high school who worked for a local funeral parlor, and he told me some hair-raising stories about picking up bodies! I put that out of my head for 20 years or so, until I had the idea for Body Movers. I did as much research as I could on the Internet (there are guidelines for body handling), and read as many reference books I could get my hands on, but you'd be surprised (and perhaps comforted) by the fact that the mortuary community is a very closed one! Many publications are available only to people within the working ranks of the industry. A fellow that I went to high school with now runs a funeral home in my hometown, so I went back and interviewed him on the logistics of moving bodies from crime scenes, homes, hospitals, etc. I left that interview with so much admiration for how he approaches his job--with reverence and competence. It truly does take a special person to work in the industry. So, just know that all the quirky things that happen in Body Movers are from my imagination and worst-case scenarios!

Thanks, Neesie, for your question!

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Becca asks: "Why do some writers write for more than one publisher?"

Stephanie: Writers are generally free-lancers and can write for as many publishers as they want to, as long as they don't violate the option clause in their contracts. Writers I know (myself included) write for multiple publishers for many reasons. If a writer is prolific, writing for more than one publisher means they will always have an outlet for their work, which means more financial stability in a career where that isn't always the case. Also, some publishers specialize or are known for a certain type of book, so a writer might write one type of story for one publisher and a different type of story for another. And some writers write for more than one publisher just to maintain a little leverage when negotiating, or to follow the old adage about not having your eggs all in one basket! I've written for more than one publisher for most of my career, and it brings a certain amount of hardships--it's harder to juggle deadlines and release schedules when you're dealing with two publishers, for instance. Writing for one or for more than one publisher is only one of many business decisions a writer has to make!

Thanks, Becca, for your question!

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Sheila asks: "Do writers ever retire?"

Stephanie: Oh, sure, sometimes writers make an announcement that they're retiring, and some writers simply write less as they grow older. Of course, sometimes, the opposite is true and writers actually write more as they age and spend less time on family and other work obligations. Yet other writers don't find their voice until they've retired from another career. And some writers are still writing on their deathbeds! In general, though a "planned" retirement is nice if a writer has absolutely decided to stop writing because it becomes a sort of "send-off" for a writer, and allows a publisher to better publicize their final works. At this stage, I can't see myself ever retiring, but ask me again in 20 years!

Thanks, Sheila, for your question!

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Irma asks: "What three writers' books would you recommend?"

Stephanie: Oh, my goodness, what a difficult question to answer! I read so many books and know so many writers, I usually shy away from these kinds of questions because it really depends on what day of the week you ask me. So I decided to break this down by type of book: For series romance, I love anything written by Liz Fielding--she just has a nice writing style that I find enjoyable. For women's fiction, a friend of mine, Annie Jones, has written a book called Heathen Girls that I really love. And for irreverent humor and outrageousness, I love an Atlanta writer named Hollis Gillespie, who wrote a book called Bleachy-Haired Honky Bitch that is part memoir, part social commentary. Hollis is a commentator on NPR's "All Things Considered" and is just screamingly funny. I tend to read widely, but gravitate around a core of favorite writers, meaning there's a list of about two dozen writers in my head that I always reach for when I want a guaranteed good read!

Thanks, Irma, for your question!

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Roberta asks: "What are your favorite television shows?"

Stephanie: Currently, or the ones that were cancelled? ☺ My favorite shows that are still airing are Crossing Jordan, Numb3rs, and Law & Order SVU. (I also will admit to an unexpected attraction to Project Runway.) During the daytime, I like Martha Stewart's show, and the local NBC affiliate here in Atlanta has a talk show about local happenings that I like called Atlanta & Company. Some of my favorite shows that were cancelled are The Book of Daniel, Love Monkey (although I hear that LM might be picked up by another network), and Miss Match. I'm not much on sitcoms, but The New Adventures of Old Christine has captured my attention. Oh, and I think CBS's Sunday Morning show is simply the best thing on television.

Thanks, Roberta, for your question!

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Irma asks: "Do you have to read your books in any particular order?"

Stephanie: Some of my books are "connected," meaning they might have overlapping characters and/or share the same setting. Last year I started a humorous romantic suspense series about voodoo set in a small town called Mojo. The first book was In Deep Voodoo, and the second book in the series is called Finding Your Mojo, which will be out November 2006. (I have four books planned in the series.) In July of 2006, I'll be starting a brand new sexy mystery series called Body Movers, in trade (oversize) paperback, and I'm hoping to release one book in that series each year. But meanwhile, for an at-a-glance reference to my previous books that are linked, and a recommendation on the order in which they should be read for optimum reading pleasure(!), click here to go to my Linked Books page.

Thanks, Irma, for your question!

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Terra from Montgomery, AL asks: "What's it like being married to a writer?"

Stephanie's husband Christopher answers:

"More specifically, being married to a romantic suspense writer is like being married to a detective; our conversations are always interesting but you never know if you are being interrogated! You also have to listen a lot when you are married to a writer, but it's much more interesting than the meaningless chatter spouting from most people I know! A writer's mind, at least my wife's, seems to never rest as their characters are always spinning stories in their heads. I always get to wake up to a cliff notes of dreams from the night before and wonder which one might be the spark for her next creation. Sleep, socializing, travel, and leisure is always viewed as a bother and distraction from writing, but when you are married to one of the best it's no bother at all."

(He's not biased at all.) Thanks, Terra, for your question!

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Patty from Cincinnati (hey, that rhymes) asks: "Is your house jam-packed with books?"

Stephanie: Yes! As much as we can hold, that is. My husband and I lift in a loft, which has high ceilings, but not a great deal of floor space. When we moved in, there was a space between the metal staircase and the wall of about a foot and a half that my clever husband quickly recognized would be best utilized with a book-shelf system. He designed a hanging system with adjustable shelves that runs along the entire wall, and we have access to it from the first floor and from the staircase. It holds hundreds of books, but periodically I still have to purge my collection! I have so many friends who are writers so I try to buy their books, and then there are my reference books and my husband's books, too. A couple of times a year I box up books and send them to the library in my hometown. Still, you're likely to find a book or three on just about every flat surface in our home--my husband and I are both avid readers who can't seem to pass a bookstore without buying something. Plus there's just something so...comforting about being surrounded by books!

Thanks, Patty, for your question!

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Kathy asks: "Is anyone else in your family a writer?"

Stephanie: My family is multi-talented: My father is a wood sculptor, my mother and sister quilt and sew and do all kinds of crafty things, my brother is a part-time photographer, and my husband is an artist and architect. I'm not aware of anyone in my immediate or extended family who writes, but a couple of my aunts are voracious readers and I wouldn't be surprised if they have inclinations to write that they've never acted upon. (Or could be closeted writers!) I've had a couple of younger members of my extended family approach me about their aspirations to write; I gave them how-to books and encouragement to get started, but their initial enthusiasm waned. I'm hopeful, however, that the seed has been planted for them to someday return to writing!

Thanks, Kathy, for your question!

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Anika asks: "Are there any sequels to your books that you wanted to write, but didn't (or haven't)?"

Stephanie: My books IT TAKES A REBEL, SEEKING SINGLE MALE, MIDNIGHT FANTASIES, and TWO SEXY! all feature an unusual character, Harry the Blow-up Doll, that I wish I could have continued with as he was passed around sorority sisters, but my writing schedule conspired to make it really difficult to get a follow-up book out there in a timely manner. Also, the book TWO SEXY! featured a bad-girl celebrity whose drug use forces her manager to find a "double" for her (which was my heroine). At the end of the book, however, the celebrity redeems herself a little, and I always thought she would make a great character in her own book. There was a character in WHOLE LOTTA TROUBLE, Jane, who probably deserved her own story, but with the time that would pass between the release of WHOLE LOTTA TROUBLE and a follow-up book, I don't think that will happen. I'm thrilled to announce, though, that a secondary character in PARTY CRASHERS, Carlotta Wren, will have her own series beginning August 2006 with the release of BODY MOVERS!

Thanks, Anika, for your question!

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Tawana asks: "Do most writers know other writers--do you know Stephen King and Nora Roberts, for instance?"

Stephanie: The writing community can be a small one--writers cross paths at writers and readers conferences, booksignings, literacy events, trade shows, etc., especially if they belong to the same professional organizations and/or live in the same general area. I've never met Stephen King (although I love his book On Writing), and while I don't know Nora Roberts, I've met her on a few occasions, and I've heard her speak several times. More writers know OF each other than are truly acquainted. It's common to meet another writer at an event that I've heard of (or been a fan of) for years. When I traveled to Australia last year, I was thrilled to meet the legendary Emma Darcy, who writes for Harlequin, and only recently I met Lisa Gardner, New York Times bestselling suspense writer, both of whom are incredibly normal and incredibly nice. (As are Nora Roberts, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Julie Garwood, and Mary Jo Putney, to name only a few mega-successful romance writers.) Getting to meet writers that I admire is a great perk of my job!

Thanks, Tawana, for your question!

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Gena asks: "When I do a search on Stephanie Bond at some Internet book stores, Janet Evanovich's books come up--are you the same person?"

Stephanie: I wish! No, Janet and I are two distinct persons and writers. The reason that Janet's books come up when you search on Stephanie Bond is because many Internet bookstores also include content in their search, not just title and author, and the heroine in all of Janet's "number" books is named Stephanie Plum (which gets you a hit on "Stephanie") and her main character is a bail bondsman (which gets you a hit on "bond"). Since both "Stephanie" and "bond" appear quite often in that series of books and since some search engines give results based on the number of times the phrase you're looking for is used, Janet's books might even be listed at the top of returns for your search on Stephanie Bond. Hint: If you want to search for two words together, put them in quotes: "Stephanie Bond" will give you a better chance of returning my books when you search the Internet.

Thanks, Gena, for your question!

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Molly asks: "I read your connected Harlequin books Cover Me and My Favorite Mistake and loved them. Will there be a sequel?"

Stephanie: Thank you! To kick off that series of books, I wrote an online story for eHarlequin.com called "The Truth About Shoes and Men" about one of a foursome of friends, Jacki. Kenzie's story was Cover Me, and Denise's story was My Favorite Mistake. You must be referring to the story of the fourth friend, Cindy. I'm not planning a separate story for Cindy because I hinted at her romance blossoming in the background of My Favorite Mistake...but I never rule out anything! I could see Cindy (and Jim's) story being another on-line story. Hey--maybe I'll pitch that idea to eHarlequin! (Click here to link to my "Books That Are Linked" page.)

Thanks, Molly, for your question!

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Elaine asks: "In your book I Think I Love You, one of the characters uses a tea made from household nutmeg as a hallucinogen--did you make that up?"

Stephanie: As strange as it sounds--no! I was looking for something for the corporate executive in that book to have as a vice, and when I accidentally stumbled over the fact that nutmeg can be a hallucinogen, I thought it would be perfect for her so she could fool herself into thinking it was a harmless pastime. As it turns out, hippies in the 60s used nutmeg tea as a hallucinogen, and prison inmates have known about nutmeg's mind-altering ability for years. But because using nutmeg as a drug is a guessing game in terms of the strength of the spice and how much to use versus body weight, nutmeg poisoning is a real danger, which is why I didn't mention any mixing formulas in the book! (DON'T try this at home!)

Thanks, Elaine, for your question!

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Amanda asks: "When your books are printed in other languages, do you have to do the translation?"

Stephanie: No--thank goodness! If I sell the foreign rights to my books to my North American publisher, their foreign rights department "shops" my books to foreign publishers. If a foreign publisher buys the book, my North American publisher will provide them with a copy of the final English version of the book which will be translated by someone hired by the foreign publisher. (The foreign editors who purchase American books for translation are well versed in English.) I don't have to do anything else to the manuscript.

Foreign sales can be a nice bonus, but the money is L-O-N-G in coming because the translation and printing can take months, or even years. Most authors celebrate a foreign sale, then forget about it because we never know when we'll receive the money and/or how the money exchange rate might affect our net income from the sale by the time the money actually changes hands!

Thanks, Amanda, for your question!

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Shina asks: "Your publisher who publishes your romantic suspense novels, Avon Books--is it owned by the same company that makes Avon makeup?"

Stephanie: No, although one might think so because the products are both targeted toward women. Avon Books is actually a division of HarperCollins Publishers. Avon has a long-standing history of publishing romance novels. If you've seen the movie "Romancing the Stone," you might remember that the heroine, Joan Wilder, was a romance novelist (and that her occupation came in handy at least once when a bad guy suddenly changed his mind about helping them when he realized who she was--he was a big fan). Anyway, most of the posters of covers that they used for the movie sets, if you look closely, bear the Avon insignia. And the romance novel attributed with spawning the genre of explicit historical romance novels, The Flame and the Flower, by Kathleen Woodiwiss, was published by Avon in the early 70s. Today Avon still publishes historical romance novels, plus contemporary romances, romantic suspense, chick lit novels in trade paperback, and just about any type of women's fiction you could ask for.

Thanks, Shina, for your question!

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Angela from Chicago asks: "Stephanie, do you have any manuscripts that you didn't sell?"

Stephanie: Oh, sure. I have several manuscripts in various phases of completion that will never see the light of day. One called OLD TRICKS was a story about an older heroine (late 40s) who is confronted with starting a new life after her husband leaves her. There is a story called WINGED CUPID about a male writer who is blinded temporarily in an accident and needs someone to help him finish a book while he heals. The woman he hires has a port wine stain on her face and falls hard for the hero, but is sure that once his sight returns, he'll never love her. There is another story called WINNER TAKES ALL about a woman who returns to her small hometown to champion a manufacturing company that will give the town jobs, but her old boyfriend is opposed because he thinks it will destroy the atmosphere of the town. And others that fall into the same category--i.e., not particularly interesting and/or original and/or well-written. I was just beginning to find my way as a writer, and hadn't yet landed on the fact that I had a flair for comedy. But those first few tries were necessary to help me discover what I really wanted to write and where my talents were.

Thanks, Angela, for your question!

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Fran from Georgia asks: "Stephanie, do you update your books before they're reprinted?"

Stephanie: Sometimes. I asked and was allowed to update three of my earliest titles, Irresistible?, KIDS is a 4-Letter Word, and WIFE is a 4-Letter Word, when I learned that Harlequin was going to reprint all three of them in one volume called Lovestruck in June 2003. Since the books were originally released 1997-1998, I wanted to update technology and cultural references (phones for instance, have changed drastically since 1997). Also, because they were some of the first books I'd written, I wanted to shape them up a bit. My editor was gracious enough to let me even though it's more work and expense on their end, too, and she would again if I thought that a story needed to be updated. No one--author or publisher--wants to release a story that seems dated. I hope that most of my stories have stood the test of time. (The best way to know if you're buying a reprint, by the way, is to check the copyright page of a book.)

Thanks, Fran, for your question!

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Adele from Charleston asks: "Stephanie, my daughter is a voracious reader--what age do you think is old enough to read your books?"

Stephanie: Great question! Today's romance novels run the gamut in terms of sensuality, from none to sweet to steamy to explicit. My books for Harlequin are fairly sensual; my humorous romantic suspense novels aren't as sensual, but have a high level of sexual tension and might have language inappropriate for a young teen. (In my conservative opinion.)

It's up to you to know exactly what your teen is reading--for instance, just because a line is labeled as "sweet" by a publisher, it COULD mean that there is no premarital sex...but the characters might enter into a marriage of convenience in chapter 2 and then all bets are off! Even YA (Young Adult) novels might have more sexual tension and explicit language than you're comfortable with. Safe bets are inspirational-based romance novels, such as the Silhouette Love Inspired line, and my personal favorite for teens: traditional Regency novels. In traditional Regency novels, the story centers around the costumes and manner of the Regency era, where premarital sex was a no-no! (Do not, however, confuse a traditional Regency romance novel--which are usually short--with a historical romance novel that happens to be set in Regency England. Those novels can be very sensual.)

My best advice is to find a bookseller who has a daughter your age who shares your concerns and can recommend age-appropriate romance novels. And the very best advice is to do what MY mother did when I was a teenager: She read everything first, then decided if it was appropriate, and maybe which passages were good mother-daughter discussions. The best thing about romance novels is that the couple is monogamous once they meet, and always end in commitment, and that's a very good message to give your daughter. Reading is a priceless gift to share--bonding over books is a wonderful experience your daughter will never forget.

Thanks, Adele, for your question!

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Dee from California asks: "Stephanie, what would you be doing if you weren't a writer?"

Stephanie: Before I was a full-time writer, I worked in the corporate world as a computer programmer, which I enjoyed and probably would have stayed with if I hadn't been sidetracked by my interest in writing and would probably have moved into project managing or consulting by now. But being a writer has allowed me to use my MBA more than if I'd stayed in the corporate world--being a full-time writer is the epitome of running one's own business!

Thanks, Dee, for your question!

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Tanya asks: "You had a lot of releases out in 2004! How do you write so many books?"

Stephanie: I did have a lot of books out in 2004--eight, to be exact. But four of those titles were reprints, so I really had only four new titles released, which I had written the previous year. I try to write three or four projects each year, but that might be any combination of a full-length single title book for Avon (400 manuscript pages), a full-length category romance novel for Harlequin (250-275 manuscript pages), or a novella (100 manuscript pages). Some years, I get more done than other years, depending on my deadlines, how much I push myself, and life in general. But in short, I write so many books because writing is my job! When I was in the corporate world, I worked at least 8-5 to accomplish my tasks. And that's the kind of discipline I try to bring to my writing job as well. And there are LOTS of writers out there who write even more books a year than I do!

Thanks, Tanya, for your question!

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Jackie asks: "What's the best and the worst thing about being a novelist?"

Stephanie: For me, the best thing about being a novelist is that it makes me a more adventurous person. My schedule is flexible enough and my mind open enough to explore lots of things I didn't have the chance to do when I worked in the corporate world. Plus it's a great occupation for people like me who enjoy dabbling in lots of things--I love travel, art, crafts, business, computers, and people-watching. I can justify doing all the things I love (because it's all research, after all) and I can incorporate those things in interesting ways to make my stories more richly textured.

And for me, the worst thing about being a novelist is that it's a lonely way to make a living--I really miss the day to day interaction with the wide range of people that I had when I worked in the corporate world. I try to remain socially adept by meeting with other writers and with friends as often as possible!

Thanks, Jackie, for your question!

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Carrie asks: "I sometimes buy books from used bookstores--do authors get any money from those sales?"

Stephanie: No. Authors (and musicians) receive royalties only the first time our books/CDs are sold from a retailer to a customer. After our products reach the secondary market, there isn't a way to track or dispense royalties. Authors have different feelings about used bookstores--there is evidence that they certainly have cannibalized sales of new books--everyone's revenue is down, from publisher to author. The publishers can absorb those losses by diversifying (that's why there are suddenly so MANY different books on the market) but it's harder for an author to make up those losses--they have to write more books to make the same money as before, or simply make do with less income. (I've seen more and more writers leave the business lately and go back to corporate jobs where the income is more regular and the insurance is paid for.)

Personally, I don't mind when readers tell me they bought my book in a used book store; since most of my Harlequin books have such a short shelf-life, sometimes the only place readers can go to get my backlist is to a used book store. Of course, what I hope happens is that the reader likes my books so much that they simply must have a new copy of their own as soon as the next one hits the shelves!

In short, if you really like a particular author or musician, you help to keep them in business, so to speak, when you buy their products new. (This is especially important if they're not blockbuster superstars in their arena.)

Thanks, Carrie, for your question!

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Bette from Tulsa, Oklahoma asks: "Why haven't you made any of your books into movies?"

Stephanie: Believe me, I'd like nothing better! Unfortunately, writers have little to no control over our books being adapted into movies. Our agents put our books into the hands of people who acquire books for film, and basically it's their decision whether or not they think the book would translate to the screen. (And after they buy the book, they typically hire their own writer for the screenplay, so sometimes the adaptation doesn't even remain true to the book.) My husband and I love movies, but so many times lately, we leave the theater disappointed and my husband will say, "Wow, some studio made that lousy script into a movie--why doesn't a studio buy a really good story, like one of yours?" (He isn't biased at all.)

The truth is, the chances of books being made into movies are remote, and usually go to the big guns (Patterson, Clancy, Grisham), but I still hold out hope that someday my quirky humor will appeal to a "film reader." I'd especially love a made-for-TV movie...Lifetime television, are you listening? ☺

Thanks, Bette, for your question!

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Tom from Cincinnati, Ohio asks: "Stephanie, do you write your books using a formula?"

Stephanie: Hm, well, frankly, ALL commercial fiction novels follow some kind of formula. For example, a mystery novel has pretty much the same elements: a crime, an investigator, a cast of suspects, et cetera, and in the end, the crime is solved. Of course, if you read mystery novels, you know that it's the journey from the crime scene to the resolution that is the actual story and keeps you turning the pages. Along the same vein, romance novels share similar elements: a main female character, a main male character, and their developing relationship that ends happily ever after. But it's the journey, the twists and turns along the way, that offer up the meat of the story and that (hopefully) keeps the reader turning the pages. In my romantic suspense novels, I have the added subplot element of a murder (or two), which lend added emotion and momentum to the relationship.

BUT lest you think that writing on a very loose formula makes writing a book easier, consider this--a commercial fiction writer has to stay within the boundaries of reader expectations, yet still deliver a fresh story line with fresh characters who thrill and surprise the reader...and THAT'S a very tall order!

Thanks, Tom, for your question!

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Teori from New York asks: "Stephanie, have you ever wanted to write anything other than romance novels?"

Stephanie: No! I grew up reading romance novels--I'd lose myself in the pages of historical romance novels, emerging with a sense of satisfaction, of justice and love in this world. A fantasy? I don't think so...I know lots of women who have found their happily ever after, including me! Women find something in romance novels that most other novels don't deliver: hope. (In fact, I wish doctors would prescribe fewer anti-depressants and more romance novels!) I'm thrilled to be part of the romance industry because I know how enriching the books are to the lives of women all over the world. And as a novelist, I love the diversity of the romance genre and the challenge of coming up with fresh characters and plots to please discerning romance readers! I certainly don't look down on other types of fiction-writing, but for me, the choice has always been romance!

Thanks, Teori, for your question!

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Kyle from South Carolina asks: "Stephanie, do you have favorite settings for your books?"

Stephanie: The setting is usually the last thing I decide about a story, depending on whether the situation would best suit a small town or big city or something in between. I like to change the settings from book to book if possible, so I don't get in a rut. I'm from a very small town in eastern Kentucky, so a rural setting is familiar to me. On the other hand, I lived in the suburbs of Lexington, Kentucky, in a cabin on Lake Cumberland, and in the suburbs of Atlanta before living the last few years in a loft in Midtown Atlanta, which is a dense urban environment, so I think I can write with some authenticity about a lot of different settings. Some stories just beg for an urban setting, others are more suitable for a "made up" town of some ambiguous size, while others could only take place in a small town. That said, I must admit that Atlanta is a favorite setting because it does encompass almost any of geography I described--everything from a city condo to a sprawling suburb, to a horse farm, to the foothills of the Georgia mountains. But my next book, Whole Lotta Trouble, is set in Manhattan, and the book after that, near New Orleans! (Which also gives me a good excuse for research travel!)

Thanks, Kyle, for your question!

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Eileen asks: "Stephanie, when you are writing, do you know the ending and all the different plots before or do you come up with new thoughts as you are writing? Do you sometimes wonder where you are going with this story or character and change your mind when you go along?"

Stephanie: I usually know most of the plot points and the ending as I go along, but having most of those big decisions made ahead of time allows me to go on "controlled" tangents because I don't have so many unknowns ahead of me. In other words, having most of the story plotted out ahead of time is actually more freeing for me. That said, the book I just finished writing, WHOLE LOTTA TROUBLE, was a surprise ending for me. As I was writing the last few chapters, a new ending occurred to me, one that would work perfectly with the story and characters I'd already put into place, and was more interesting to me...so, I deviated from my plan and went with it!

Thanks, Eileen, for your question!

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Kay from Texas wants to know: "Stephanie, are your books available in hardcover?"

Stephanie: Yes, but only through the Doubleday book club. When Doubleday selects a book for its book club, it buys the right to prints its own hardcover version to offer to members at a value price. For instance, my three comedic romantic suspense novels, Our Husband, Got Your Number, and I Think I Love You, were all chosen by Doubleday as featured alternates.
Members of the book club are able to purchase hardcover copies with non-yellowing acid-free paper at $9.99, which is a great price for readers who prefer hardcovers to paperbacks for their bookshelves. If you're interested in joining the Doubleday book club, go to www.doubleday.com. (P.S. My books are also available in large print hardcover through www.recordedbooks.com and Thorndike Press--ask for them at your public library!)

Thanks, Kay, for your question!

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Robert from Illinois wants to know: "Stephanie, do you have any work rituals when you write?"

Stephanie: Do I! Yes, writers are a compulsive lot, myself included. Typically, I like background noise, but something that I won't be drawn into, so I usually play no-commercial music through my DSL hookup over my laptop speakers, or keep ESPN on the television. In fact, having sports in general on the telly is good because I can look up occasionally to catch the scores, but I'm not a big enough fanatic to be distracted from my work. For some reason, I find listening to tennis soothing--I think it's the monotony of the sound of the balls being hit.

My desk is L-shaped, laden with my trusty Lexmark laser printer, a few dictionaries, clock, lamp, and various folders of notes and to-do lists, and a huge desk-calendar to help me keep track of appointments and deadlines. My laptop sits on a mobile cart so I can wheel it out onto the patio if the weather is nice. As far as other "rituals," I usually have a Diet Coke handy when I write, and I keep a legal notepad close so I can make notes to myself about details I need to go back and add, or things I need to look up. I like to write in the mornings, but honestly, by the time I get through e-mail and paperwork that has to go out that day, it's more like 1:00 p.m. before I get started writing. 5:00-6:00 p.m. is my favorite time of the day to write--not sure why, but there it is. Oh, and did I say I like to be alone in the room? My husband works at home occasionally, and when he does, I usually take my laptop upstairs in our condo, or downstairs, depending on where he ISN'T.

Thanks, Robert, for your question!

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Jill from South Carolina wants to know: "Stephanie, how much do you draw from your personal experiences when you write?"

Stephanie: I think it's impossible for a writer NOT to draw from their personal experiences--individual events in a writer's life and the way a writer recalls those events is what gives a writer his/her "voice." A writer's voice is that intangible thing that sets their writing apart from the work of other writers. When I write about a particular scene, such as the way a person feels when they're embarrassed, I recall a time in my life when I was embarrassed, and that memory allows me to write that scene with more authenticity. But don't get me wrong--I certainly haven't experienced first-hand everything that I write about! That's where a writer's research and imagination kick in. In short, every writer's stories are some combination of experience, research, and imagination. I'm lucky in that I've been exposed to a lot of different life experiences: I grew up on a farm, went to college, ran my own business, worked in the corporate world, moved to the city, and became a writer. I love to travel, I have lots of hobbies and I'm an insatiable reader--all those things help me to write about different characters and situations with a certain degree of authenticity. And I'm always looking to try something new so I can stay fresh!

Thanks, Jill, for your question!

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Suzann from Kentucky wants to know: "Stephanie, how do you keep all your characters and stories straight?"

Stephanie: That can be tough, for sure. A big part of coming up with characters is naming them--not just coming up with the right name that seems to fit what I want the character to be, but also not replicating (too much) names that I've used in previous books. I can usually remember the names of my main characters, but the secondary (or walk-through) characters can be tricky to keep up with. I keep a list for each book. And if my list isn't handy, I use the name anyway because I figure there are plenty of people in the world with the same name. In my own circle of close friends, there are four Bills!

As far as keeping my stories straight, that's not difficult because I live with them for so long, it's like knowing the life story of a good friend. And I do keep a synopsis for each book on file to refer back to. I'm probably guilty of repeating small details that are familiar to my life--and trust me, there are times when I start writing a scene and think, "wow, this is really flowing well," and I realize that the reason it's flowing well is because I've written it before! I usually catch those repetitive scenes. Also, I have a long-standing critique group of two other writers that I meet with once a week, and exchange work with, so if I don't catch it, they probably will!

Thanks, Suzann, for your question!

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Linda from Arizona wants to know: "Stephanie, how far ahead do you work on your stories?"

Stephanie: Books are slotted into a publisher's release schedule 12-18 months in advance. Manuscripts are due to the publisher about 8-10 months before the book is released. That gives the editor and author time to discuss revisions on the manuscript, time for the author to make the revisions, and time for the revised manuscript to then go through the line-editing and copy-editing process during which errors are detected and resolved. It's not uncommon for the cover--including the back cover copy--to be finalized before the book is actually turned in! In rare circumstances, books can be hurried through the process in 3-4 months, but the general rule is, the more lead time, the better, in order for the book to be listed in the publisher's catalog and for the book to be advertised properly. On the other hand, having almost a year of lead time exposes the writer to changes in social and culture circumstances that might have an adverse impact on the book. For example, a writer friend of mine had just turned in a book about a modern-day princess dealing with the paparazzi the week before Princess Diana was killed in a tragic accident. My friend's book was bumped from the schedule for obvious reasons. So, if you've ever wondered about the timing of certain books, know that some things are beyond a publisher's (and writer's) control. Publishing is an ever-changing, but fascinating business.

Thanks, Linda, for your question!

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Carol Jean from New Jersey wants to know: "Stephanie, I read Kill the Competition and loved it, but are you going to stop writing straight romances?"

Stephanie: The blood red cover of Kill the Competition is a deviation from my previous more romantic looking covers, but the suspenseful looking cover is just a way for my publisher to let readers know that this story has a murder mystery alongside the romance and other relationships in the book, much like Our Husband, Got Your Number, and I Think I Love You. Romance is my background, and any book I write will be centered around relationships--but including a suspense element allows me to offer more variety to my readers. And yes, I'm still writing romantic comedies without the mysteries. The constant in my stories, I hope, is the comedy; I only hope my readers enjoy the diversity of my books! Check my Upcoming Releases page any time to see what's in the pipeline.

Thanks, Carol Jean, for your question!

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Tom from Florida wants to know: "Stephanie, how can I tell the difference between your romantic comedies and your romantic mysteries?

Stephanie: Usually, the front cover will be a good indication of whether the book is a romantic comedy with no suspense, or a romantic comedy WITH suspense, although that's not always the case. But you can always tell by reading the back cover copy of the book, which will mention a murder plot if there is one. And for now, the most foolproof way to tell the difference between the two types of books I write is to look at the publisher on the spine of the book: if the publisher is Harlequin, then it's a romantic comedy with more sensual elements, minus the suspense element. If the publisher is someone other than Harlequin (St. Martin's Press or Avon), then the book is a humorous romantic suspense novel, with less emphasis placed on the sensuality, and more emphasis placed on the intrigue element of the book. When I set up my new website, I split my titles into two pages: Romantic Suspense and Romantic Comedies, so if a reader prefers one type of book over the other, they can easily find all the titles in one category. I hope this helps!

Thanks, Tom for your question!

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Dani from Arizona wants to know: "Stephanie, I see that your book Cover Me is written in 'first-person point of view'--what does that mean?

Stephanie: Dani--it means the book is written as if the main character is telling the story: I did this, I did that, this happened to me. Traditionally, my books have been written in third-person point of view, meaning the author tells the story: She did this, she did that, this happened to her. There's a different feel to a book written in first-person point of view--since you the reader are in the main character's "head," you become closer to the character. Of course, that means you won't always know what the other characters are thinking! There are advantages and disadvantages to writing a story in first-person vs. third-person point of view--it really just depends on the type of story (first-person does seem to suit my humor) and what the readers want. So if you like this book, please let me know so I can plan to write more books in first-person point of view!

Thanks, Dani, for your question!