Grab your beverage of choice (Mimosas for me, of course!), roll up to or flip open a screen and let some talented writers talk to you about their writing process.

This week Robyn Grady is in the spotlight!  

Robyn is the bestselling and award winning author of books published all around the world. She has won The National Reader’s Choice award, The Bookseller’s Best, Cataromance Reviewers Choice and Australia’s prestigious Romantic Book of the Year. She lives on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast with her real life hero husband and three daughters. When she can be dragged away from tapping out her next story, Robyn visits the theatre, the beach and the mall (a lot!).

She believes writing romance is the best job on the planet and she loves to hear from her readers. So let me get out of the way and cede the stage, stool and microphone to Robyn. Leave a comment and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win an autographed copy of her newest release, Strictly Temporary.

1. Have you always written stories?

Can’t say that I’ve always written stories, but I’ve always loved books and putting words together just right. It wasn’t until my thirties that I got around to thinking maybe I could actually put a book together. Wish that light bulb had switched on much earlier!

2. When did you decide to write professionally?

I’d worked in TV production for 15 years when I was retrenched along with half the staff in that network. (Classic case of billionaire taking over and bean-counter measures to increase stock value.) I took a year off to regroup then decided to go back to university. I studied psychology (another passion! I love the psychological aspects that drive shows like Dexter or movies like The Number 23). But I was having perhaps even more fun with English Lit. That summer I turned my mind to writing a book, which was quickly followed by another and another! Think I wrote 8 or 9 before finally cracking it with Harlequin.

3. What made you decide to go the route you chose (eg. traditional, e-pub, indie)?

In 2000 I entered my very first book in a contest and won a book contract. I thought, “Wow! That was easy.” Turns out the publisher had questionable experience and worse distribution. I signed an e-contract for my second book. The cover was just horrible. Royalties didn’t buy me a cut lunch. THAT’S when I decided. The next contract I signed would be with a big, established publisher. Given I write romance, Harlequin was the natural choice.

4. What is your writing process (hrs/day, days/wk)?

Before I answer, I’ll say right now that writing can become addictive. I write every day. Rarely will I not open a WIP {Tracey’s note: Work in progress }. Christmas and Boxing Days are exempt, but even then my mind will be wandering that way. I can spend from 2 to 16 hours a day, depending where I am on the deadline chart. I can write very fast but I just love the editing process-making every single word count.

5. How do you write (crappy first draft then revise or revise as you go)?

I edit as I go (obsessing over the first three chapters) right through to the end. Early on, I believed that was it. The story was done! But now (for me) that’s when the real layering and digging begins! That’s what makes a story rich-knowing the characters well enough by the end to be able to go back and add all the details about their lives you couldn’t possibly have known when you  started. Then you do it again– adding and taking away (After that comes editor revs.)

That’s why I suggest to pre-pubs to finish the story before subbing to publishers who will look initially at a partial. You gains so much insight into the characters, the overall story and theme, as well as your craft along the way!

6. Do you get writer’s block? If so, how do you handle it?

Life is life and things happen. I get writer’s block when I let too much outside negative stuff into my writer’s zone. I went through a tough time about eighteen months ago where I lost my zing. I had about six months of easing my foot off the pedal and then one night, like magic, the hunger was back. If I’m just feeling lazy but need words on the page, I’ll read an author whose work I adore and, before I know it, I’m inspired and searching for my laptop. Also, conferences, workshops and lunches with writer buddies are wonderful motivators.

7. What’s your favorite part of the writing process?

Editing. Looking that much deeper into structure and theme and characterization. Fiddling with words till they shine.

8. Where were you when you got “The Call?”

Because I live in Australia, it was The Email! On the morning of Friday December 5, 2006, I opened an email from my then agent. She’d sold my latest manuscript on a partial to New York in an afternoon. After so many near misses with  a different editor in London over the previous couple of years, I was in shock. I couldn’t believe that it had finally, finally happened!

After I picked myself up off the floor, I emailed a few close friends, announced my news on a couple of loops and spent the entire day looking after my children’s “end of year” school commitments, including my eldest daughter’s senior graduation ceremony and dinner. When I got back to my inbox at 11 pm, it overflowed with messages of congratulations. Thinking of it even now makes me all misty. I’d been so close for so long. It was one of the best days of my life.

9. If you could go back in time and tell your younger self one thing you have since learned about the business of writing, what would you tell them (you)?

Think I always knew what advice I’d give myself/others on the journey toward publication. It’s a good philosophy for life in general.

It can be a rocky ride with wonderful highs and gut-wrenching lows. But if you have garnered the attention of an editor, if you’re doing well in contests (when I decided to go that route, I finalled in 13 contests in six months), if people are lining up wanting to be your critique partner, you’re going to make it. When is the 6 million dollar question. Just hang in there -with your nails, with your teeth- and when you can’t believe in yourself (your writing) any more, make sure you surround yourself with people who can and do.

FUN TOPICS:

10. Wine, liquor or beer? What’s your favorite of the spirit you chose?

Wine only (that includes that delicious bubbly stuff!) Not into shots or cocktails. Highly recommend Australia’s Chalmers Wines.

11. What author(s) are on your automatic buy list?

Sarah Mayberry, Kelly Hunter, Amy Andrews, Susan Mallery, Patricia Cornwall, Stephen King, Geraldine Brooks. I’m reading Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (yeah, I’m behind!) but it’s just sensational! And just received an autographed copy of Call Me Irresistible from Susan Elizabeth Phillips (eep!) via Brenda Novak’s annual auction in support of research into diabetes. {Tracey’s Note: For more information about Brenda’s annual action, click here.}

12. What TV shows are you watching?

Other than the Disney Channel’s “So Random” with the youngest, you mean? After some resistance, I’m now a huge fan of Dexter. Also love How I Met Your Mother and Dr. Who.

13. Who is your celebrity crush and why?

Easy. Gerard Butler.   :heart pumps faster:

He radiates sex appeal, intelligence, humor. Did I mention the accent??

14. What’s the one misconception readers have about Australia that you’d like to correct?

Alas. You don’t see kangaroos hopping down every street, chewing grass on every corner. On the populated eastern coast, you might see one or two occasionally in the brush. I’ve never lived in the Outback where they are, apparently, everywhere. Kangaroos and wallabies are super cute though! Same goes for koalas.

Thank you, Robyn for your great answers. They were, wait for it… Legendary!!  (HIMYM joke) Seriously, reading your “The Email” story brings tears to my eyes. It sounds like such a wonderful day.

Please check out Robyn’s latest, Strictly Temporary for Harlequin Desire. Drop by her website at www.robyngrady.com or find her on Twitter @robyngrady. Remember, leave a comment and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win an autographed copy of:

Strictly Temporary — Available Now!!!

Discovering an abandoned baby in the backseat of a taxi was not on hotelier Zack Harrison’s agenda. Luckily, a stunning stranger comes to his aid–and piques his interest. But before Child Services can arrive, a snowstorm strands the trio in Zack’s luxurious Colorado cabin. Trinity Matthews wants to resist Zack’s advances, but his care and concern for her and the baby soon have her melting. As the snow falls and the heat sizzles, it’s not long before Trinity’s sleeping in his bed. And she finds herself wondering if their temporary arrangement could have permanent effects.

What’s your favorite spirit? What shows are you watching? Tell us what you think and make sure you check back next week to see who’s hanging out at the T-Spot.