Interview with Author Wendi Zwaduk

I had the pleasure of interviewing wonderful author Wendi Zwaduk. This is what she had to say:


1. You write hot, passionate romance. Why did you choose the erotica genre?

I chose to write a bit darker than I would normally because I wanted to see how far I could stretch my work. I also followed what the characters wanted to do. You’d be surprised. Many characters want to be bad and if you give them the freedom to act on their baser instincts, the story that comes through can be a lot of fun to write.
2. Tell us about your first publication/contract. How did you celebrate?

First contract was for Right Where I Need to Be from the Wild Rose Press. I got the contract right before Mother’s Day, so we had steak dinner that night, and then I ran through the house screaming because I finally broke through and sold a story. I also went to my local Borders and bought a copy of Redneck Cinderella by LuAnn McLane because she is one of the authors I look up to. It was my little reward to myself.
3. Any stories of rejection you’d like to share? Or challenges?

A couple of years ago, I had this great NASCAR themed novel. I thought it was the best story ever written. Ha! I polished it and fiddled with it with the help of a good friend and sent it in for submission. Here comes the reality check. The story was all over the place and the point of view was almost as screwy. At the time, I thought it was ready. Looking back, I see it wasn’t. But I learned that sometimes the more you rush to get something done, and the more you narrow your focus, the more likely it is that the story just isn’t ready. I re-subbed the story and still had it turned down. I may get it back out one of these days, but not sure.
4. Tell us a secret on how you get your motivational juices flowing.

I watch CSI Miami and my favorite actor Jeremy Sisto (on Law and Order). I’ve also been known to thumb through my battered copies of old Lori Foster or Kresley Cole books.
5. Any tips you’d like to share for writers who wish to become published?

Write, write, write. Try for those little 1k stories that will push you to make something out of nothing. But don’t rush the story. If you rush to get done, the reader can tell. The story will seem rushed, forced, or even worse, flat. Let your heart do the writing, but be willing to take some criticism because even the best NY writers still have flops here and there.
6. Can you give us a sneak peek into your next WIP?

Cat shifters and vampires. I have a Dom/sub story I’m percolating that has to do with the above. I want to go where I haven’t before. Staying and playing it safe are good, but I want to stretch a tick.
7. Give us one descriptive word that could describe you.

Overactive

Creative Jammies

I saw a post yesterday that sparked a thought for me.

Do the clothes we wear motivate our creativity level? Funny thing is, I do my best work when I'm wearing my jammies. I'm curious what the connection between pajamas and writing skills is for me?

Jammies (yes jammies, I have three kids :) equals cozy comfort, sleep, and warmth. None of those descriptions conjures up images of hot lovemaking scenes, sexy heroines, and powerful, passionate heroes.

I even have my favorite pair, and for the sake of privacy, I won't describe them.

I'm interested in hearing from everyone to answer the questions...Do our clothes reflect our creativity? If so, what do you wear?

check me out at: www.rhondaleecarver.com and friend me on facebook.

We've been hit again with snowfall...lots of snow.

I'm curious if this means we will have a hot summer with high humidity or a cooler summer? Or, will it have any impact at all? One never can plan for weather here in Ohio.

I'm planning a vacation in the next few months. I know I'll be stopping in New Jersey for a few days, but then the world is my oyster (so to speak). I'm desiring to go somewhere warm, possibly a beach. I do love the ocean. It is calming and beautiful. I can't think of much to compare with waking up to the sounds of the waves, the melodic swishing and swashing, and the tangy smell of salt wafting in the air. An early morning walk along the edge of the water wakes up the soul, and gets my creative juices flowing.

Love comes in all different shapes, sizes, colors, packages...you name it.

Love knows no borders. Love is not afraid to sail the sea. Love can scale the highest mountain.

Love is not sad. Love is not hurtful. Love is painfully sensational.

Love can be found in all avenues. Love can't be denied. Love won't take a vacation.

Love will wait. Love will conquer. Love will find the lonely if the heart remains open.

Happy Valentine's Day to the one I love :)

It is a beautiful day! The sun is shining, the snow is melting, life is good!

I'm working on rewriting an erotic romance and I found myself with a bad case of writer's block. Thanks to a friend, and the guidance offered, I think I've bulldozed right though.

I don't think I've smiled this much in a year. It's really nice. I don't think I've stopped and smelled the roses in a long time. And wow, have I missed some wonderful things. We should all lift our gazes up and take in the exciting scenery around us. It's amazing.

Love

As a romance writer, I hope I know a little bit regarding that emotion called LOVE.
I write about it in my novels, but I've found there are many stages, or different levels, of loving another human being.

We all desire love, don't we? I know when I create characters, hero and heroine, I set out for them to fall madly in love with each other. And, thankfully, they do :) Sometimes it is love at first sight. Sometimes love after they've gotten to know one another. Sometimes they just have a deep connection that strikes them with the power of a lightening bolt. At times, they start out hating one another. But, we all know how strong the emotion of hate is...

Whatever level of love we experience, I believe we all have expectations from that love. We want to feel good, feel like we're flying to the moon. Everyone deserves to love and be loved.

Check out my site: www.rhondaleecarver.com

Snow, snow, no mo snow

It's snowing...again!

Okay, I know, this is February. What else can we expect in the mid-west at this time of year? However, when I say snow, I mean, SNOW!!!!

I have at least eight inches of snow in my yard. Sure, it's pretty enough. And I guess it's better than looking at brown grass and a grey sky. I should take on a positive attitude and think while I'm holed up, why not bury myself in my next erotic novel?

Well, you see, there's a problem with that. I'm holed in and so are my two young kids. I am too busy entertaining them so they don't become bored. Bored equals unhappy kids. Unhappy kids equals unhappy mom. Unhappy mom equals...well, you get the drift.

Ahhh, I just started a movie for them. Quiet time for mom.

Critters everywhere

Thank goodness for crit partners. And not just any crit partner, but those who treat the WIP in progress how they wish their WIP to be treated. It's like my mom use to say, treat others how you want to be treated. Wow, I'm actually understanding what she meant.

I wonder if I'm one of the few writers who loves critting and being critted, even when it's bad. To me, it's like opening a Christmas present. I'm always grateful, even if I don't agree, I still say thank you, and I mean it. I know without my CP's I would have missed out on the very best advice.

So, for all you wonderful CP's, yes, I'm talking to you, give yourself a pat on the back.