From Mind-Crushing Depression to Blood-Curdling Rage

Today I have a special guest who’ll answer some questions for us and then give us a peek at her new release, Christmas in a Flash. Settle in with a cup of tea and a couple of biscuits and welcome Daryl Devore!

Let’s get right to it… what’s your reaction to a negative review?
Mind crushing depression quickly switching to blood curdling rage. I tend to be a little emotional.

What’s your reaction to a positive review?
You know the famous scene in the Sound of Music where Julie Andrews spins around in a meadow – something similar to that only chocolate must be involved.

Think back to the first book you wrote and then the last book you wrote. In what ways have you grown?
Oh wow. I am amazed at how I’ve grown as a writer and how much my voice has changed. I’m better at showing than telling and I write much tighter – not so many unneeded words. I think my dialogue is a lot stronger, as well.

How long does it generally take you to write a book, from the spark of an idea to the finished product?
Anywhere from 1 month to several years. A couple of books I stalled on – left them on my computer and ignored them until the time was right. What Happens in Bangkok – I was stuck on it for 2 or 3 years. In yoga class, sitting there quietly being at peace with the world and a voice in my head said – write a sequel. Boom! Problem solved. That’s when I figured out why I was stuck – I had too much story. Writing 2 books would solve the problem. Except – book two created book 3. Book 4 tried to get written but I squashed it.

There are many ‘systems’ to write a novel: story-boarding, the 7-point structure system, the snowflake system, to name a few. Have you tried any of them? If so, share your thoughts and experiences.
I’m a pantser. I have no problem with people who use the above-mentioned systems, but it isn’t in my personality. I sit down and start typing. My outline – love story – guy and girl meet – fall in love- then end.

Do you have a blog and if so, what types of posts would a visitor find on it?
Yes, I have a blog – Romance – Sweet to Heat. I like supporting fellow authors and I will post just about any type of book – romance – historical – sci-fi – mystery etc.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about writing?
It is my book. I have the final say. I’m the one who will take the heat if it’s bad and I’m the one who gets the glory if it’s good. I know my characters better than anyone. I don’t have to accept every thing a critique partner or an editor says. They are looking at my story from their point of view – the way they speak – they life that they lead. I am writing the story from the characters point of view.

How has this helped you as a writer?
It freed me to write my stories. Because of a vicious, arrogant editor, writing became difficult. I couldn’t write a simple sentence without the editor’s voice in my head. Now I am – My book and it’s going to be written my way.

Do you belong to any online cafés or writers groups?
I belong to 2 local writer groups. They give a monthly topic and we are supposed to write a brief piece on that topic. Or we can read a chapter of something we are writing. I’ve been doing that with my current WIP. And I am loving the reactions from the people.

What do you do when you’re not writing?
I take numerous yoga classes. I’m a belly dancer. I garden in the summer. And I love to cook.

In what ways do you engage with your fans to let them know you appreciate them?
I am FB friends with some and I make sure to wish them a Happy Birthday.

What is your favorite food, drink, song, tv show?
Chocolate. Diet Coke. Great British Bake Off

What makes you laugh?
My husband.

Tell us about your holiday stories.
My alter ego – Victoria Adams – has penned two flash Christmas romances. A flash is a short story based on prompts. These are meant to be read on break with a cup of tea and a couple of biscuits.

Gingerbread Dreams – Two bakers who instead of eggs broke each other’s heart. One stayed in the small town. The other took the cooking world by storm. Can gingerbread heal a shattered dream?
Christmas Knight – Tamara’s Christmas dream is shattered when her parents can’t meet her on the Caribbean cruise ship where she works. A handsome passenger with the initials S.C. spends Christmas Eve romancing her, but disappears at midnight. Is there a hope Tamara’s Christmas Day isn’t ruined?
Bonus – Winter’s Chill – A dark tale seen through the eyes of the prey, the stalker and the protector. Can Silk survive the first snowfall of the year? Can Lucan satisfy his craving? Is Damien good enough to triumph over evil?

Amazon

Pinterest Board for Christmas in a Flash

About the Author

Two writers in one. Daryl Devoré writes hot romances with sexy heroes and strong heroines. Victoria Adams is Daryl Devoré’s alter ego when she’s inspired to write sweet romances with little to no heat.

Daryl (@daryldevore) lives in an old farmhouse in Ontario, Canada, with her husband, two black cats – Licorice and Ginny-Furr Purrkins – and some house ghosts. Her daughter is grown and has flown the nest. Daryl loves to take long walks on her quiet country road or snowshoe across the back acres, and in the summer, kayak along the St. Lawrence River. She has touched a moon rock, a mammoth, and a meteorite. She’s been deep in the ocean in a submarine, flown high over Niagara Falls in a helicopter, and used the ladies room in a royal palace. Life’s an adventure and Daryl’s having fun living it.