Issue #02
February, 2005
Dear Romance Student,
Happy Belated Valentines Day!
As promised, here's our Valentine's edition, featuring an interview with New
York Times best-selling author, Heather Graham.
Heather, one of my favorite authors, answered my questions thoughtfully
and with her own unique brand of humor.
For those not familiar with Heather Graham, she writes as Heather Graham,
Heather Graham Pozzessere, and Shannon Drake. She has over twenty million books
in print and has been published in more than 15 languages.
Heather lives with her husband and five children in Miami, Florida. She is
a certified diver, an awesome ballroom dancer, and a wonderful friend.
Heather's most recent releases are:
- "Dead by Dusk"
- "Dead on the Dance Floor"
- "Killing Kelly (a March release)
- Come April, don't miss out on her latest: "Wicked."
Next month's interview will feature literary agent Helen Breitwieser
of Cornerstone Literary Agency.
Romantically yours,
Marcia King-Gamble
Director of Student Services and
Editor, “Writing for Love
and Money”
Interview with Heather Graham
RY: Heather, when did you know you wanted to be a writer -- and how did you
go about pursuing your dream?
HG: My first dream was to be a rock drummer. Sadly, I cannot play the drums.
I majored in theater, did dinner theater for several years -- but basically
had my career going the same way as Kevin Kline's in "Soapdish." When
I became pregnant with Derek, my third child, I just really couldn't afford
to go to work anymore! I had majored in English and journalism for a while,
and I loved -- loved, truly loved -- to read. I started trying to write. I knew
no one, but I bought a copy of Writer's Digest Writer's Market, started sending
off horror stories to Black Cat and other such magazines, and then romances
to the publishers looking for that category back then.
RY: How long did you write before your first book was published? And how many
publishing companies rejected your first book?
HG: I'd say it took about two years. Two long years. I am truly the world's
worst homemaker -- and I was desperate!
RY: Do you think it's important to have an agent?
HG: Yes, an agent can keep you from making some serious mistakes. Even if you
sell your first book yourself, I'd still bring in an agent to do the contract.
RY: How were you able to raise a family (you have five children) and
still make time to write?
HG: It was definitely difficult. The good part is that I wouldn't have been
writing if I didn't have them. I'd now be an old Kevin Kline! That, or sleeping
under a bridge somewhere. But I am able to write anywhere under any circumstances
(tunnel vision!) -- and their escapades (and those of their
friends) have inspired some of my best characters and plots.
RY: What is the most exciting aspect of being a writer? And the worst?
HG: I think my biggest thrill ever was when a woman came up to me at a book-signing
hugging one of my books. She told me that she had just lost her husband and
the book helped get her through it. And, hey, there's nothing bad about those
great conventions and dinners where we get to see our friends who are in the
same biz -- and who can sympathize about a bad cover?
The worst? Trying to smile and be pleasant and casual at one of those signings
where no one shows up and you don't even know where Sears is in the mall when
someone asks for directions.
RY: What would you have done differently in your writing career? And what would
you tell "pre-published" writers not to do?
HG: Oh! I wouldn't have made a lot of the mistakes that I made! Don't act hastily.
Don't be so grateful that someone wants to buy your book that you're ready to
sell your soul! Get the agent. Carefully, of course. It's a difficult balancing
act. Get an agent, but make sure you get someone who is known in the field --
someone who you believe can work well with you.
Changing agents is a painful business.
RY: What advice would you give to those choosing to pursue the "writers
life" to keep them motivated and encouraged?
HG: We all start off writing because we believe we can do it. Remember to read.
Reading is what gave us our love of writing to begin with. And create characters
and situations you care about. Your passion has to come onto the page!
RY: Do you have a publicist? And, if so, what has that publicist done for you?
HG: Near the beginning of my career, I met Sally Schoeneweiss (who writes under
the pseudonym Sally Fairchild). She helped me with many great ideas. I have
also worked with Circle of 7. (So much fun!) In house, I have had wonderful
publicists. There's no way out of it -- publicity is tough. Tough, tough. You
need to get your message to the right audience, figure out the benefits against
the costs. There's just no easy answer. But having good professional advice
certainly helps.
RY: What about self-promotion? Do you recommend it?
HG: Self-promotion can be very important, though I have seen very shy, reclusive
people do well on the simple merits of their writing. Again, weigh costs, time,
etc. And develop a tough skin. We're back to smiling through that autograph
session where the only people who come up to you haven't come for the book,
but for the Hershey's Kisses on your table!
RY: Is it better to go with a big publisher?
HG: I've worked with many, including Avon, Dell, Kensington, and Mira (my current "people").
They are all professional and fine houses. It's better to go with a house and
an editor who is enthused about your work. Different houses are right for different
people.
RY: What are you working on currently? Can you give us a sneak preview?
HG: "Killing Kelly" is out in March. The heroine is from a past series
on soap opera stars and the hero is the brother of Quinn O'Casey from "Dead
on the Dance Floor." Someone is killing advice divas, and Kelly, who merely
plays one on her soap, suddenly finds that someone thinks her character is very
real.
RY: Sounds like a good one!
And, finally, help us live vicariously. Share what it feels like to open a
prestigious newspaper like The New York Times and see your name on the best-seller
list?
HG: We're always grateful for any recognition -- so, naturally, I was grateful
for The New York Times. But it's scary as well. We always have to try to keep
up our dreams and aspirations. And you're only ever as good as your last book!
ABOUT ROMANTICALLY YOURS
Romantically Yours is a FREE monthly newsletter for students of American
Writers & Artists Inc.’s Romance Writing Course – “Writing for Love
and Money.”
We want to hear from you. Please send comments, news, research, or story
ideas directly to Marcia King-Gamble at romanticallyyours@awaionline.com.
American Writers & Artists Inc.
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Phone (561) 278-5557
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