Elle E. Kay lives on a farmette in the Back Mountain region of Pennsylvania. She is a born-again Bible believing Christian. Her website is updated with the latest information about her upcoming books. She also has a blog, where she writes mostly devotional posts based on traditional hymns.
When do you find time to write? Elle: I write best in the morning before my husband wakes up. After making coffee, I settle in at my desk and start writing. On a good day, the coffee goes cold because I’m too busy writing to drink it!
Why do you like writing romantic suspense? Elle: Romantic suspense is my favorite genre to read, so when I started writing, it naturally fit neatly into the romantic suspense category. I have written children’s books, one contemporary women’s fiction novella and a romantic comedy novella, but my true love is definitely romantic suspense. I enjoy a romantic storyline, but the suspense keeps me turning the pages in a way that a pure romance doesn’t. Sure, there is suspense in other fiction, but it’s not the heart pounding, gut-twisting kind. I write what I would want to read.
Have you ever regretted killing off a character? Why? Elle: Yes. A character dies in Claudia and I almost wish I could bring that character back, for the simple reason that I liked her. She was like an old friend, and we had much in common.
Current book: Claudia Framed for the murder of her boyfriend’s lover, Claudia McIntyre must prove her innocence. Dawson Montgomery keeps things interesting, while frustrating her at every turn.
November has been National Novel Writing Month for a while now, and I’ve participated in the craziness of writing 50,000 words in a new novel between Nov. 1 and Nov. 30. Yes, that’s right, I commit to putting on paper (well, in a Word document), on average of 1,666 words a day for 30 days straight.
That means I’m pretty well not doing much of anything else during November. Except that it’s, er, November, which means there’s that little holiday called Thanksgiving in there. And for me, two weekends where I’m at craft shows to sell doll clothes with my mom. That means, on the other days, I’m a writing maniac.
I’m often asked how I do it, and so, here are my NaNoWriMo secrets.
Write every day, even if it’s 10 words. This keeps the story fresh in your mind.
Don’t edit. Not. Even. One. Sentence. Just don’t. Sometimes, I’m writing and saying to myself, “I will have to fix this later,” but plowing ahead without stopping.
Use generic “names” to keep the momentum going. Instead of pausing to come up with a name for each character, name your main ones but use descriptive titles for the other ones (unless a name just comes to you out of the blue). For example, Lawyer First Last Name, Police Office First Last Name, Hero Best Friend, etc. You get the picture. Try to use the same descriptive title for the same character so you can do an easy search-and-replace when you’ve come up with a name for that character.
When you don’t know what to write, throw in a fire or blow something up. In other words, write an outlandish scene with your characters just to unstick your mind, then keep going without deleting the words. See point number 2.
Write with others. Many areas have numerous Write-Ins during November. Take advantage. It will be fun and you’ll find yourself spurred to write more.
Have fun. This is supposed to be a fun exercise, so enjoy the process! Don’t get overly stressed about it.
Now, I’d better get back to that manuscript…gotta get to 50K–there’s only 8 more days left!
Cathe Swanson lives in Wisconsin, where the long winters are perfect for writing and reading books! Cathe enjoys writing stories with creative plots and eccentric characters of all ages. Her books will make you laugh and make you cry – and then make you laugh again.
What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? Cathe: Keeping it realistic—or at least plausible. Sometimes, my imagination outruns my brain.
Why do you like writing romantic suspense? Cathe: In romantic suspense novels, I can explore a character’s entire personality. Romantic suspense plots provide opportunities to reveal not just a character’s strengths, but also their weaknesses, fears and—sometimes—the ugly parts of their human natures. Because I write from a Christian worldview, I have that aspect to develop too, showing how each person’s faith or lack of faith is a primary part of who they are and how they respond to everything in life.
Relationships in romantic suspense novels have an extra layer to them, as the characters interact in dangerous and extreme circumstances. They can be challenging to write, because I also need to bring them into a believable relationship once they resolve the problem and enter “normal life” as a couple.
In romantic suspense, I can create more complex plots. I like to include very funny scenes and eccentric characters, to balance the heartbreaking and scary bits, because that’s how real life is.
How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels? Cathe: I like to use places I am familiar with, but I often set up fictional micro-communities inside of those areas so I can be more creative. Fortunately, we have moved a lot. The Great Lakes collection is set in the Midwest, in a fictional Chicago neighborhood and in the western end of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which is not fictional at all. I lived there long enough—and it’s diverse enough—that I can use it without making changes to suit my plot.
What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)? Cathe: In high school, I wanted to be an occupational therapist, but instead I got married and raised a family. When my interest in occupational therapy was revived 35 years after high school graduation, I went down to the community college. They told me I was too old to start and finish the program, so I went home and made the young hero of “Baggage Claim” an occupational therapy assistant. I live vicariously through my characters.
Current book: Baggage Claim Dangerous old and new secrets bind a young widower with four lively children, his highly-efficient nanny and a reclusive artist in the Upper Peninsula.
Rooted in Love by Valerie Comer — A divorcé with a set of rambunctious twins falls for the boys’ daycare administrator, but does he deserve another chance at love? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Prescription for Romance by June Foster — Though history teacher Scott Townsend made a commitment to the Lord as a teen, he can’t relinquish his bitterness toward his younger brother after he squanders their parents’ money. When a beautiful, young pharmacist seeks affirmation in a way that challenges Scott’s values, he must uphold his Christian upbringing. (Contemporary Romance from Forget Me Not Romance [Winged Publication])
Believing in Tomorrow by Kimberly Rae Jordan — Sammi struggles to accept the consequences for her actions and to live with her new reality—unwed mother instead of wife and then mother. Though it eats at her soul, she feels that the judgment she faces is her lot to bear. Can Levi get Sammi to see that their child deserves better? Or will she lose everything she’s dreamed of for her tomorrow because she can’t accept that forgiveness is hers for the taking? (Contemporary Romance, ACFW QIP)
Texas Christmas Twins by Deb Kastner — Miranda Morgan’s Christmas will be twice as busy now that she’s guardian of her sister’s sweet twin babies. But the celebrity photographer is happy to trade a glamorous LA lifestyle for motherhood in her small hometown of Wildhorn, Texas. Unfortunately, the twins’ handsome godfather, Simon West, is unconvinced. The brooding rancher isn’t thrilled about letting sunny, spontaneous Miranda into his carefully managed world. Though they disagree on almost everything, Simon and Miranda discover common ground as they work to make the twins’ first country Christmas cozy and bright. Could this holiday transform Miranda and Simon’s tentative friendship into a forever love? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Historical:
The Legacy by Carol Ashby — A father’s martyrdom makes his son and daughter hunger for revenge on their brother who betrayed him and the people who led him to faith until God answers their father’s final prayer in unexpected ways. (Historical from Cerrillo Press)
Jerusalem Rising by Barbara M. Britton — When Adah bat Shallum finds the governor of Judah weeping over the crumbling wall of Jerusalem, she learns the reason for Nehemiah’s unexpected visit,God has called him to rebuild the wall around the City of David. Nehemiah challenges the people of God to labor on the wall and in return, the names of their fathers will be written in the annals for future generations to cherish. But Adah has one sister and no brothers. Will her father, who rules a half-district of Jerusalem, be forgotten forever? Adah bravely vows to rebuild her city’s wall, though she soon discovers that Jerusalem not only has enemies outside the city, but also within. Can Adah, her sister, and the men they love, honor God’s call? Or will their mission be crushed by the same stones they hope to construct? (Historical from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])
Historical Mystery:
Death at Thorburn Hall by Julianna Deering — Amateur sleuth Drew Farthering and his wife Madeline travel to Scotland for the 1935 British Open, but instead of a relaxing holiday, they find murder, mystery, and international intrigue. (Historical Mystery from Bethany House [Baker])
Waiting for His Return by Carrie Turansky — The daughter of a wealthy Tennessee doctor falls in love with an injured artist-correspondent on assignment to cover the battles near Union occupied Nashville. (Historical Mystery from Flowing Stream Books)
Historical Romance:
The Virtuous Viscount by Susan M. Baganz — Lord Remington falls for a woman he rescues and recovers in his home, but can Miss Storm trust his virtue when he risks his reputation to unbeknownst to her, saves her life. (Historical Romance from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])
Lord Phillip’s Folly by Susan M. Baganz — Lord Westcombe finds himself falling in love with his unexpected wife and having to rescue her from the devices of the Black Diamond with the help of his friends and newfound faith. (Historical Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])
The Regency Brides Collection by Amanda Barratt, Angela Bell, Susanne Dietze, Michelle Griep, Nancy Moser, MaryLu Tyndall, and Erica Vetsch — Romance is a delicate dance bound by rules and expectations in Regency England…Seven couples must navigate society’s gauntlet to secure the hand of true love…. Charity and Luke are strangers who were forced to marry three years ago. Adelaide and Walter share a love of music and disdain for elitism. Caroline and Henry are thrown together by three orphans. Helen and Isaac harbor his unlikely secret. Esther is empowered to choose between two men. Sophia is determined not to choose a man like Nash. Jamie and William face a daunting London season together. Will their faith grow and love prevail in a time when both were considered luxuries the elite could not afford? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
The Sound of Rain by Sarah Loudin Thomas — Judd Markley is a hardworking coal miner who rarely thinks much past tomorrow until he loses his brother–and nearly his own life–in a mine cave-in. Vowing never to enter the darkness of a mine again, he leaves all he knows in West Virginia to escape to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It’s 1954, the seaside community is thriving, and Judd soon hires on with a timber company. Larkin Heyward’s life in Myrtle Beach is uncomplicated, mostly doing volunteer work and dancing at the Pavilion. But she dreams of one day doing more–maybe moving to the hollers of Kentucky to help the poor children of Appalachia. But she’s never even met someone who’s lived there–until she encounters Judd, the newest employee at her father’s timber company. Drawn together in the wake of a devastating hurricane, Judd and Larkin each seek answers to what tomorrow will bring. As opposition rises against following their divergent dreams, they realize that it may take a miracle for them to be together. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])
Legal Thriller:
Guilty Blood by Rick Acker — A desperate mother tries to prove her son’s innocence, but shadowy forces want to keep him in jail–and kill him there. (Legal Thriller from Waterfall Press)
Romantic Suspense:
An Unexpected Legacy by Amy R. Anguish — When Chad Manning introduces himself to Jessica Garcia at her favorite smoothie shop, it’s like he stepped out of one of her romance novels. But as she tentatively walks into a relationship with this man of her dreams, secrets from their past threaten to shatter their already fragile bond. Chad and Jessica must struggle to figure out if their relationship has a chance or if there is nothing between them but a love of smoothies. (Romantic Suspense from Tulpen Publishing)
Christmas Double Cross by Jodie Bailey — Undercover Texas Ranger Colter Blackthorn’s convinced Danielle Segovia is really a wanted criminal—until she’s nearly kidnapped right in front of him. Now Colter must keep her out of the clutches of the notorious drug cartel leader whose traitor sister is a dead ringer for Danielle. The drug czar wants the drugs he thinks the pretty shop owner stole from him. And with the younger brother Danielle is raising dragged into the crosshairs, Colt has to find a way to protect them both. But a showdown at Christmas—with Danielle as bait—may be the only way to make sure they all survive the holidays. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright — Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas for further investigation into his suspicious death fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather’s Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her rash decision. And when the house’s dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide. A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing but painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy’s search leads her into dangerous waters and, even as she works together with a man from her past, can she unravel the mystery before any other lives–including her own–are lost? (Romantic Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])
Speculative:
Awakened by Morgan L. Busse — The monster has awakened. After her escape from the Tower and from her father’s experiments, Kat Bloodmayne wakes up to discover the dark power inside of her has grown stronger. Now more than ever she needs to find the doctor who holds the key to healing her, but the only one who can help her find him is Stephen Grey, the very man who betrayed her. Stephen Grey cannot change the past or what he did to Kat, but he will do everything he can to help her now. But will Kat let him? Or will his transgression be too much to overcome? Time races against them as they travel with sky pirates through harrowing storms and across the war-torn country of Austrium in search of the doctor who can cure Kat. But can he cure what is broken inside of her? Or will the monster inside of Kat consume her soul? (Speculative from Enclave Publishing)
About 10 years ago, Kathy Harris returned to her childhood love of writing by way of a “divine detour” into the Nashville entertainment business. She is published in women’s fiction, and now writes romantic suspense.
What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense?
Kathy: When I first made the switch from women’s fiction to romantic suspense, combining the three elements of romance, suspense and faith was my biggest challenge. Even though my women’s fiction stories often included the same three elements, romantic suspense has a unique way of balancing and intertwining them. I read a lot of romantic suspense books, including those my crit partner Rebecca Deel wrote, and redrafted a lot of pages. But once I settled into a rhythm, it became second nature. I love reading romantic suspense, and now I’m enjoying writing it!
When do you find time to write?
Kathy: That’s the big question, isn’t it? Especially for authors who also work, whether as a stay-at-home mom or in an office. My entertainment marketing career keeps me busy all day, so I write in the mornings before going into the office or in the evenings after supper. I’ve learned that I can write first drafts better in the morning when my mind is fresh and my internal editor is still sleeping (LOL). But I’m better at editing in the evenings when my analytical brain is warmed up.
What is your favorite spot for reading or reflecting on your current work-in-progress?
Kathy: Anywhere and everywhere. I’m not sure how a successful writer could live an exclusively reclusive life. For me, an active life, especially one that connects me with others—whether it’s working out at the gym or working at my desk in an office buzzing with co-workers—is a catalyst for creativity. A robust walk in the park or a hot shower are my go-to solutions for shaking loose a problem with a plot or a character who has a secret they haven’t yet divulged. A coffee shop is the best place for me to focus when I need to lose myself in a story.
Current book: The Road to Mercy Tragedy, love and secrets meet on a journey of faith.
Elle E. Kay lives on a farmette in the Back Mountain region of Pennsylvania. She is a born-again Bible believing Christian. Her website is updated with the latest information about her upcoming books. She also has a blog, where she writes mostly devotional posts based on traditional hymns.
Cathe Swanson lives in Wisconsin, where the long winters are perfect for writing and reading books! Cathe enjoys writing stories with creative plots and eccentric characters of all ages. Her books will make you laugh and make you cry – and then make you laugh again.
About 10 years ago, Kathy Harris returned to her childhood love of writing by way of a “divine detour” into the Nashville entertainment business. She is published in women’s fiction, and now writes romantic suspense.
