An interview with Deb Marlowe

This interview was published in November of 2007, in Words From the Heart, the newsletter of the From the Heart Chapter of RWA.

Q. What was it that made you take the leap into the world of romance fiction? 

 A.  I started reading romance as a teen, and I’ve wanted to write it nearly that long!  I got my chance like many people, when my life reached a crossroads.  One of my sons had multiple health problems when he was younger.  Once we got him all straightened out and my younger child headed to preschool, all my family and friends expected me to go back to my career.  All I wanted was to write!  It was my chance to chase my dream.  My husband was amazingly supportive, so that’s when I really started to concentrate on my writing.

Q.  How long have you been writing? 
 
A.  Off and on for 11 years.  More seriously for 5 years.

Q.  What triggers your imagination and starts the creative flow?

A.   So many things start me off.  Bits of an idea can come from a movie, song lyrics, or a glimpse of an interesting stranger in the grocery store--and then you start to weave them all together.  I know some writers get down when they read a really great book, but I find that it really charges my engines.  Good movies do the same thing.  There was a movie making reality TV show on recently—On the Lot.  I found it fascinating to watch storytellers in another genre in their process.  Great storytellers inspire me! 

Q.  Once you capture your idea how do you weave it into a plot?

A.  It all begins and ends with the characters for me.  The plot has to reflect and promote their emotional journey.

Q.  What are you currently working on? 

A.  I am having a ball finishing my third historical for Harlequin Mills and Boon—a sexy and intense struggle between a heroine brought up in the Evangelical culture of Regency England and her elusive scholar hero.  I am also plotting the next book and a novella and trying to figure out all the other aspects of this crazy business!

Q.  Do you follow a daily quota or any kind of schedule?

A.   Yes, I follow the school system’s schedule!  I get the bulk of my writing done while my kids are in school, plus any extra time I can carve out between homework and other activities—without sacrificing too many family dynamics.

Q.  What can you tell us about your writing style? 

A.  I’m not sure!  Really, I just try to write what I like to read—an engaging story about characters you can really care about.  One that takes you on an enjoyable ride and leaves you feeling good at the end.

Q.  How do you deal with writer's block? 

A.  Sit down and write anyway.  You can always fix or ditch something that doesn’t work.  And I’ve found that occasionally I have to go down the wrong road before I figure out the right one!

Q.  What do you like to read? 

A.  Everything!  A lot of research books.  I don’t have as much time for fiction as I used to, but I cannot live without it.  I dip my toe into a little fantasy, read YA along with my kids, and I will always need my romance fix!

Q.  Tell us about any other project, hobbies, or interests.

A.    I used to have hobbies!  I love to bake, and do a little family scrapbooking.  I am currently trying to carve out some regular workout time—to counter all those butt in chair hours.  And the baking.

Q.  Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for anyone starting out?

A.  Read, read, read.  Write, write, write.  Study and absorb good storytelling.  Uncover your own writing process.  There are as many ways to write as there are writers.  When you hear others describe their process or give advice about writing, absorb only the bits that will work for you.  Do not worry if your way is different.  The only good way is the one that makes writing a joy and allows you to produce the pages. 

Q. What was it like winning the Golden Heart? 

A.  It was completely unexpected and absolutely amazing.  Being nominated was a dream and came at a great time.  I never really gave a thought to actually winning.  Boy was I wishing I had when I had to get up there on the stage!  Everyone else had great speeches and I was desperately trying to remember everyone I had to thank on that walk up there!  But afterwards I was just so thrilled.  It was a great feeling of validation and I was so happy that someone, somewhere had enjoyed my story.

Q.  Please list credits, contests, web site, requests, goals, and any other news. 

A.  Please visit me at my website!  www.DebMarlowe.com  My first book, Scandalous Lord, Rebellious Miss, is out in the UK in November and hits the North American shelves in February 2008.  My GH winning book will be a UK March release and late 2008 North American.  You can check out photos from the GH ceremony, excerpts, contests and more at the site.

Thanks for the interview!  I had a great time answering your questions!