Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Author Spotlight - Wendy S. Marcus

We're thrilled to have debut Harlequin Medical Romance author Wendy S. Marcus joining us for today's spotlight.

Welcome, Wendy.


Hello Minxes! Thank you so much for hosting me on the 7th stop of my blog tour to promote my debut Harlequin Medical Romance, WHEN ONE NIGHT ISN’T ENOUGH, which is currently available for purchase at the Mills and Boon website. And for pre-order on Amazon UK.  It’s official release date is June 3, 2011 in the UK and July 11, 2011 in Aus/NZ and the U.S. And a special shout out to Lacey Devlin for putting this all together.

1. Where were you in your writing career 5 years ago?
Five years ago I was a voracious reader of romance with no aspirations of ever writing a book. I started writing around four years ago.

2. Where did you get the idea from for this particular book?
From now on I’m going to try to remember to jot down where my story ideas come from. Believe it or not, it’s been so long since I first started writing WHEN ONE NIGHT ISN’T ENOUGH (in 2008 – and since then I’ve re-written it – twice) I honestly don’t remember my initial story ideas. I know I wanted a doctor and nurse hero and heroine. (As a nurse I was practicing the golden rule of ‘Write what you know.’) And while trying to figure out a way to hook the reader and make my intro memorable, I had this outlandish idea to incorporate a giant cactus into my opening scene – which changed about five times and, well, after much dickering back and forth with my editor, was eventually edited out (mostly). Here’s a little tidbit: The working title for my manuscript was: Love, Hospital Style.

3. Where do you hope to be in 5 years time?
With everything I have going on right now, it’s hard to think of my life past August 1st, (the deadline for my next book.) Here’s a peek:
Professional:
- Promo for WHEN ONE NIGHT ISN’T ENOUGH - ongong
- Including a 26 stop blog tour - from May through July
- And two readings and signings at local libraries
- Author adjustments for my second book, ONCE A GOOD GIRL – due May 30th
- Writing my third book, working title: Roxie’s Story - deadline August 1st
- RWA national conference – June 27th to July 1st
Personal:
- My youngest daughter’s eighth grade graduation – and subsequent party
- My oldest daughter home from college for two weeks (a major distraction)
- Packing up my youngest for two months of sleep away camp
- My son’s college visits

Right now, focusing on short term goals works best for me.

4. Which was the last book you read that you wish you'd written?
I recently read Breaking the Rules by Suzanne Brockmann. I loved that book. I’d been eagerly awaiting Izzy’s story for months, and Ms. Brockmann did not disappoint. I read the book in two days. It was an amazing read. Every time I said to myself, “At the end of this chapter I’m going to sleep,” something would happen and I could not make myself stop…had to keep reading…sleep be damned! In my opinion, that’s a sign of a great book. Those are the kinds of books I want to write.

5. Was there any particular author or book that made you want to be a writer?
I actually made the decision to attempt writing my first romance after reading, in my opinion, a terrible book. I thought: I can to do better. And I set out to do just that.

But there are so many writers whose work I love, who draw me into a story and leave me with a contented ahhhhhhhhhh when it’s over. A few of my favorites are (in no particular order): Victoria Dahl, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Lisa Kleypas, Suzanne Brockmann, Susan Mallery, Robyn Carr, Sabrina Jeffries, Carly Phillips. Karen Hawkins. Susan Wiggs. I can go on and on. But I won’t.

6. Do you find writing love scenes giggle-worthy or cringe-worthy?
I find writing love scenes lust-worthy. I enjoy writing love scenes. Really! On the first run through they’re pretty mechanical – he puts his hand here, she puts her lips there. But once I have that down I go back and layer in emotions, sensations and responses. (And some moans, ‘Oh, Gods’ and ‘just like thats.’) A good love scene should make you feel like you’re a part of the action. And if it doesn’t get a rise out of me, it won’t get a rise out of my readers.

7. What do you wish you'd known about being an author before you were pubbed?
How focused you need to be. And this is saying something because prior to becoming an author, I considered myself to be an extremely organized and focused person. Let me explain. I spend hours on the computer every day. Every single day. From early morning to late into the night. Am I working on my manuscript the entire time? I wish! I’m checking my e-mails to make sure I don’t miss anything important. I’m blogging and tweeting ie. “networking” with other writers and potential readers. I’m visiting other author websites to see what they’re up to. I’m updating my website and blog. I’m researching promo opportunities and supplies. I’m mailing out books and promo items. Yes. I spend a good deal of time on author activities but how much of that time is actually focused on writing? Not near enough, which is something I’m working to remedy.

8. What's the best writing advice you've ever been given?
A book is written in revision. (My mantra during the six long months I worked at revising my manuscript before it sold.) Just meeting the word count for a publisher is not enough.

And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention: Writer’s write.

9. Tell us about your latest release.
Nurse Ali Forshay has found the perfect man for her. Dependable. Routine. Boring. Exactly what she wants to ensure a quiet, stable and anonymous life. Then his friend, Dr. Jared Padget, shows up and goodbye fairytale ending. The man’s a schmoozer. A womanizer. A whoo-a-woman-into-bed-using-any-means-necessary kind of man just like her father. And Ali wants nothing to do with him. But he’s so tempting. Thank goodness his temporary assignment at Madrin Memorial is over, and he’s heading out of town.

If only he hadn’t shown up at girls’ night out on the eve of his departure. If only he hadn’t taken her up on her drunken one-time offer. If only he hadn’t come back when he’d promised to stay away…

Read an excerpt from WHEN ONE NIGHT ISN’T ENOUGH.

10. What’s next for you?
My second book, ONCE A GOOD GIRL, is coming out in the UK in December 2011 as a 2in1 with Alison Roberts. Information is available on the Coming Soon page of my website.

As part of my blog tour I’m running some contests. To enter for a chance to win an Amazon Gift Card, visit my website: http://WendySMarcus.com. While you’re there check out the excerpts from my books. Then come back and comment on what you’ve read. Something you found interesting or funny. Be specific. Ask me a question about either story. One lucky commenter will win a copy of my 2in1 UK release which includes a complete novel by Janice Lynn.

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27 comments:

Wendy S Marcus said...

Hi Lacey!
The post looks great. Thanks so much for putting it all together! And thanks to all the Minxes for having me for a visit.

Ju Dimello said...

Hi Wendy! Fab interview!

I loved the fact that you set short term goals! Which is something I like as well :)

And the first thought that came to my mind when I read about where you got your "ideas" from, was that, whoa.. I better jot down where my ideas are coming from.. LOL.. you know..for the time I get pubbed ;)

Thanks so much for sharing with us!

Wendy S Marcus said...

Hi Ju!
Yay! A visitor. I was starting to despair! You know, when you're working on a manuscript everything is so clear in your head. But it's easy to forget. I sold When When Night Isn't Enough eight months ago. Since then I've written another complete book and I've started on my third book. There's only so much my brain can hold!

Thanks so much for stopping by! And good luck with your writing.

Romy Sommer said...

Thanks so much for being here in our spotlight Wendy.

I had to laugh reading about your typical day at the computer. Since my day job is spent mostly at a desk, I know too well how it feels to spend all day staring at the screen and still come away having achieved nothing. I'm slowlylearning to focus when I write. Just haven't got it right at the day job, though!

Wendy S Marcus said...

Hi Romy!
Darn Internet! There's just so much interesting stuff out there! I'm happy to say I eventually get all my work done, but if I were less distracted I could spend half as much time at the computer and get the same amount of work accomplished!

Thanks for stopping by!

Anonymous said...

Wendy! Two days ago hubby finally got tired of listening to me whine and downloaded an app that lets me use adobe reader on my iPad - and my first purchase from M&B was When One Night Isn't Enough! Met my revision goal for the day and will be rewarding myself by starting your book tonight. Woohoo!

I get overwhelmed by the big picture, too. Small goals are def the way to go.

Maya Blake said...

testing...

Maya Blake said...

Wooohooo, I'm in!!! Yayyy!
You must be a good luck charm, Wendy. Blogger has kept me from posting for daaayyyys! Anyway, welcome, welcome and congrats again on your debut. I've heard wonderful things about your book and truly cannot wait to read it. Thanks for taking time out from what sounds like an awesomely busy schedule :)

Maya Blake said...

Aimee, care to share this app that lets you read books from M&B on the iphone? I'm assuming you're talking about books from M&B's own site, not Amazon?

Anonymous said...

Maya, try bluefirereader.com. Should work on iPhone too. My dh now uses it on his iPod and I use it on my iPad. And yes . . . I can now purchase books directly from M&B and read on iPad - not stuck at my computer anymore. Life is iGOOD!

Good luck!

Nas said...

Hi Wendy,

Congratulations on the release of WHEN ONE NIGHT ISN'T ENOUGH. I just saw the Aust/NZ cover of your book and I like it! It stands out from all other Medicals!

I've shared it: http://www.facebook.com/NasDean

Denise Covey said...

Hi Wendy! I'm late to the party but better late than never. I enjoyed your interview. Always something new. Read M&B on phone. Groovy.

Denise<3

Looking forward to hosting you down the track.

Sally Clements said...

Great interview, Wendy - thanks for going minxy! Wow, you're busy. Ooh, and a link to an excerpt -off to read!

Wendy S Marcus said...

Hi Aimee!
I went out to dinner for my husband's birthday then gave up the computer for my daughter's project - which she put off until the last minute - and I'm late to my own party! Thank you for buying my book! I really hope you enjoy it. You know how much I value your opinion! And you're getting so techy it's scaring me. Stop it! I feel like I'm lagging behind. Whatever you do don't learn to text. Please!

Wendy S Marcus said...

Hi Maya!
I can't begin to count how many blogger posts I've lost over the past week or two. Very frustrating. Thanks for not giving up! I'm so happy you've heard wonderful things about my book! I hope you enjoy it when you read it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy S Marcus said...

Hi Nas!
How the heck did you get that picture to post? I am an absolute techno-idiot. I'll go check out FB as soon as I'm done here.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy S Marcus said...

Hi L'Aussie! (aka Denise!)
I'm even later to my party than you! I just did the post for your blog today and sent it to Nas. I'm sure you'll be getting it soon. I enjoyed your post on publishers buying new authors.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy S Marcus said...

Hi Sally!
I hope you enjoyed the excerpt. Much to my chagrin my web designer must be working on some updates because I was just at my website and saw some stuff where it shouldn't be. I hope you found the excerpt okay and you enjoyed it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Calisa Rhose said...

Hm. So Victoria's been walking since a child? Doesn't need 'any' help? I think it will take another page or three to convince me of that after the hook you left me hanging on! Lol

Great post, Wendy!

Wendy S Marcus said...

Great point, Lisa! I hadn't picked up on that! Very funny! You're in the running to win a copy of my book!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Serena said...

Hi Wendy,
Great to see you here and learn more about you :) Short term goals are a great idea and make things seem more achievable. Sometimes baby steps get you closer to the big picture!

Thanks for having Wendy as your guest, Lacey!

LOVE the Aussie cover of your book!!
Hugs
Serena

Wendy S Marcus said...

Okay...let's try this again.
Hi Serena!

Baby steps is what I'm doing now or I'd be totally overwhelmed.

I'm glad you LOVE my aussie cover. I'm not so sure. On the Internet I can barely make out my title and name against the black pants. And why is my cover the only winter scene?

Thanks for stopping by!

Anonymous said...

Hi Wendy! I seem to always be running a day late! You gave such great advice/humor in this interview. I find hours spent at my computer doing stuff but sometimes not too much actual writing - drives me crazy! I truly believe no one but an actual writer understands all the extra duties a writer needs to accomplish. Countdown to the US debut of your book - I can't wait!

Anonymous said...

I love that you enjoy writing the love scenes. That's what it's all about. Great interview :O)

Wendy S Marcus said...

Hi Jen!
You're not really a day late...I'm still checking for comments! And I agree, it's not until after your published that you realize how much time an author spends on the computer not writing!

I'm counting down the days to my U.S. debut, too. I wish they'd put my book on Amazon U.S. already! Very frustrating - but out of my control so I'm trying not to obsess about it...too much!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy S Marcus said...

Hi Madeleine!
I think my editor would disagree that writing love scenes is what it's all about...but a love scene can sure make or break a book...at least for me! I hope if you have a chance to read mine...you enjoy them!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy S Marcus said...

I Just came back to check to make sure the winner of my book was announced. Since I don't see it I'll announce it here.

Congratulations, Jennifer Probst! You've won a copy of my book! E-mail me your address and I'll send it out to you by the end of the week.