Frequently Asked Questions
So...you want to know even more about me? I'm flattered, truly. Here are some answers to questions I often get.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing fanfic when I was in 6th grade. I did it mostly to entertain friends. When I worked at Disneyland, I created a whole slew of Dr. Seuss-esque poems about some of the people I worked with...again to entertain friends. But when I started writing seriously--learning the craft and setting out with the goal of publication--came a bit later in life. I had just married, moved across country, and found out we were going to be parents. My identity had changed drastically in the course of just a couple of months. So I needed something that grounded me and gave me a creative outlet. I found that in writing. I pulled out some old RPG characters I had built, created a new universe for them to explore, and wrote my first novel.
How long did it take you to write your first book? How long does it take you to write a book now?
I wrote Valor over about a year and a half, maybe two years. I had no idea what I was doing, though. I knew nothing about voice, point of view, showing versus telling. Once I had a few of those "rules" under my belt, I wrote with more confidence. I can now complete a novel within a couple months' time frame. When I can actually dedicate that time to writing.
Where do your ideas come from?
My ideas come from daydreams. As I'm going to sleep at night, or just after waking in the morning, I allow my mind to wander to different worlds. I dream up new characters and new plots. And once I do, the voices won't be quiet until I get their stories down.
How many books are in The Crown's Call series?
The Crown's Call started out as The Circeae Tales, but since no one can pronounce that, I went with something more recognizable. I originally had 10 books planned. A couple more daydreams, and it bumped up to 13. And when I rebranded to The Crown's Call saga, I broke the entire thing down to 4 sub-series and added a couple more to flesh those out. So we are now up to 15 books total. Most of them are written in one form or another. Others are in development.
How do you find time to write?
In this season of my life, it's difficult. A few years ago, I transitioned from a stay-at-home mom (where I actually did find time to write--naptime and bedtime!) to a working mom. I still get in a couple of hours after the Dingoes go to bed.
Do you have an agent?
I do not. I've queried. I've pitched. I do consult with someone over business matters.
How did you find your publisher?
Actually, I am self-publishing! And I love it! I've worked with a couple publishers in the industry, but ultimately, I found my place in self-publishing. It's a great way to go!
What advice do you have for writers?
Never give up. It's a very hard road to walk, but it's totally worth it. Keep in mind, you're not going to be able to please everyone. This is a highly subjective business, and people are very careful about how they choose to commit their time. Reading a book is a commitment. Make it worth their while.
Who are the Dingoes? And how did they end up with that nickname?
The Dingoes are my three awesome kids. The nickname came from the movie version of The Little Rascals, which my son watched daily. Alfalfa betrayed his buddies by bringing Darla into the clubhouse, which resulted in it being burnt to the ground. As the Rascals determined his fate, they ordered him to stay outside overnight to guard the go-cart. Alfalfa replies, "But what about the wild dingoes?!" It stuck.
Why do you use the name Duchess Writer?
Because I'm a duchess, of course! One Christmas long ago, my brother bestowed upon me the lovely title by way of the British Title Registrars. I have certificates and everything to verify my nobility. It's also a great conversation starter. The writer part should be obvious.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing fanfic when I was in 6th grade. I did it mostly to entertain friends. When I worked at Disneyland, I created a whole slew of Dr. Seuss-esque poems about some of the people I worked with...again to entertain friends. But when I started writing seriously--learning the craft and setting out with the goal of publication--came a bit later in life. I had just married, moved across country, and found out we were going to be parents. My identity had changed drastically in the course of just a couple of months. So I needed something that grounded me and gave me a creative outlet. I found that in writing. I pulled out some old RPG characters I had built, created a new universe for them to explore, and wrote my first novel.
How long did it take you to write your first book? How long does it take you to write a book now?
I wrote Valor over about a year and a half, maybe two years. I had no idea what I was doing, though. I knew nothing about voice, point of view, showing versus telling. Once I had a few of those "rules" under my belt, I wrote with more confidence. I can now complete a novel within a couple months' time frame. When I can actually dedicate that time to writing.
Where do your ideas come from?
My ideas come from daydreams. As I'm going to sleep at night, or just after waking in the morning, I allow my mind to wander to different worlds. I dream up new characters and new plots. And once I do, the voices won't be quiet until I get their stories down.
How many books are in The Crown's Call series?
The Crown's Call started out as The Circeae Tales, but since no one can pronounce that, I went with something more recognizable. I originally had 10 books planned. A couple more daydreams, and it bumped up to 13. And when I rebranded to The Crown's Call saga, I broke the entire thing down to 4 sub-series and added a couple more to flesh those out. So we are now up to 15 books total. Most of them are written in one form or another. Others are in development.
How do you find time to write?
In this season of my life, it's difficult. A few years ago, I transitioned from a stay-at-home mom (where I actually did find time to write--naptime and bedtime!) to a working mom. I still get in a couple of hours after the Dingoes go to bed.
Do you have an agent?
I do not. I've queried. I've pitched. I do consult with someone over business matters.
How did you find your publisher?
Actually, I am self-publishing! And I love it! I've worked with a couple publishers in the industry, but ultimately, I found my place in self-publishing. It's a great way to go!
What advice do you have for writers?
Never give up. It's a very hard road to walk, but it's totally worth it. Keep in mind, you're not going to be able to please everyone. This is a highly subjective business, and people are very careful about how they choose to commit their time. Reading a book is a commitment. Make it worth their while.
Who are the Dingoes? And how did they end up with that nickname?
The Dingoes are my three awesome kids. The nickname came from the movie version of The Little Rascals, which my son watched daily. Alfalfa betrayed his buddies by bringing Darla into the clubhouse, which resulted in it being burnt to the ground. As the Rascals determined his fate, they ordered him to stay outside overnight to guard the go-cart. Alfalfa replies, "But what about the wild dingoes?!" It stuck.
Why do you use the name Duchess Writer?
Because I'm a duchess, of course! One Christmas long ago, my brother bestowed upon me the lovely title by way of the British Title Registrars. I have certificates and everything to verify my nobility. It's also a great conversation starter. The writer part should be obvious.
