Fellow GCC member, Judi Fennell, has a new book out: Catch of A Lifetime. Book three in the series, Catch of A Lifetime, is garnering rave reviews! This fabulous book can be read alone or in part of the series too.
Judi stopped by to answer some questions about her process and her latest book; Catch of a Lifetime.
What pulled you into this story, and as a writer made you think I have to write this?
My first story, In Over Her Head was a Top 5 finalist in the Gather.com/Pocket Books First Chapters Romance Contest and I wanted to show the final judges that I had more than that one book in me, so I came up with the subsequent two books in the series. What made me choose Angel instead of Mariana, her older sister, was that I felt she had more of a story to tell at that point. Now, Mariana is poking me in the shoulder, demanding hers be told.
Tell us about your writing process. Do you outline or are you more organic?
I tried plotting, especially with my new series, coming out in 2011 about genies. I had to build the world before I wrote the first book, so I gave a lot of thought to at least the first book. And because an important element of book 1 (I Dream of Genies, January 2011) is the focus of book 2 (Genie Knows Best), I really had to know what I was talking about. But my editor’s great in that, for the middle of the book, my synopsis read, “Cue the Indiana Jones music.” Yep. I knew something was going to happen, but not exactly what. She trusts me enough to go with that. And I have to say, writing that “music” part was a lot of fun.
With Catch o a Lifetime, I thought I knew where the story was going, so I had some of it plotted out, but, inevitably, when I started writing what I thought was going to happen, it didn’t work out. That part actually got scrapped and what happened wasn’t something I had ever seen happening. I do love it, though. So I’ve tried plotting, but in the end, my story and characters go whatever way they please, with me just trying to hang on for the ride.
What is a typical writing day like for you?
There’s no typical day for me. I’m a wife, mother, president of my local chapter, employee, friend, volunteer, etc. It’s a juggling act to keep all the balls in the air and sometimes they might get dropped, but I try to pick them up as fast as I can and get them dancing. My husband is incredibly supportive and the man can do laundry, cook a great meal, yardwork and clean like nobody’s business. He’s my Prince Charming.
Do you have a vice that youve given up, but long to continue?
Eating hoagies at 2 am. 🙂 Yep, I used to do that in college and it never showed. Talk about a huge adjustment after I had kids and my metabolism went on hiatus!!! I miss those days.
For you, what is the most difficult part of being an author?
Sitting. Seriously, it’s painful. But pain is a great motivator, I’ve found. I now go to the gym three times a week for an hour and a half and while sweating is definitely NOT on my list of favorite things to do, I do feel better afterward. Still can’t eat those hoagies at 2 am, though…
What do you love about being an author?
I love being able to tell my stories. I love having people telling me they were entertained by my screwy sense of humor. I love hanging out with other authors because they “get” the people talking in your head.
Whats next for you?
The genie series releases in January 2011, so I’m busy working on those. I Dream of Genies is in to my editor and Genie Knows Best and Leave It To Genie are in the first draft stage.
Thank you Judi! Happy Release! Now, everyone, go buy the book!!
Hi Maggie! Thanks for having me!