Thursday, April 29, 2010

Margo Maguire Makes Mayhem!

by Anna Campbell

It's my great pleasure to welcome back to the lair a wonderful fellow Avon historical writer Margo Maguire.
Margo's going to be talking about her great new release THE ROGUE PRINCE. Romantic Times called THE ROGUE PRINCE "a love story that reaches the heart with its inherent tenderness and pure romance."

Margo has just revamped her website so check it out for news and excerpts and contests! Sign up for her newsletter and you go in the drawing to win a signed copy of THE ROGUE PRINCE!

Welcome back to the Bandita lair, Margo. Your latest Avon release is THE ROGUE PRINCE which sounds absolutely delicious. Lovely cover, by the way! Can you tell us about this book?

That’s exactly what I’d call it – delicious – a tale you can sink your teeth into! To a large extent, it’s the hero’s conflicts that drive this story. Tom Thorne is a tortured young man who was transported at a young age to a penal colony for a crime he didn’t commit. He lives through the brutal years of his imprisonment by planning his revenge against the two young noblemen who set him up. When he comes into a vast fortune, he’s able to execute those plans. Tom comes home to England as the “Prince of Sabedoria,” with the intention of destroying his two accusers and their families, just as he and his own family were destroyed.


The heroine is Maggie Danvers, Lady Blackmore, an innocent bystander who is intimately connected to the two young scoundrels who falsely accused Tom. She’s the widow of one and step-sister of the other, but when she meets Tom, she doesn’t know him as anyone but the amazingly potent foreign prince. Maggie is a young, naïve mother of two little children, and when she learns how badly her husband and brother have duped her over the years, she decides to embark upon an affair of her own – with the prince who seems so interested in her. Little does she know that she plays a huge part in Tom’s schemes for vengeance.

What were the inspirations behind this story? It seems to me to have a touch of THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO about it? Or is that purely coincidental?

Ahhh… funny you should ask! Yes, I’ve always loved THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO (the book as well as the movie), and wished there was more romance (of course!)and I always wished it wasn’t quite so dark. And that the imprisonment part wasn’t quite so long, and that Edmond’s father didn’t die before he got out of the Chateau d’If … er, you get the idea, right? So THE ROGUE PRINCE begins a few years after Tom’s imprisonment, within days of his arrival in England. And the heroine has a character arc of her own – her late husband was her step-brother’s flunky who had no real talents of his own, which directly caused the downfall of the Blackmore estate.

It’s up to Maggie to try to salvage the estate for her little son, the heir. She must learn and grow …

I’ve noticed a bit of a trend toward royal heroes lately (Harlequins are awash with princes and kings!). What do you think is the appeal of a royal story?

I think it’s part of the fantasy, or the fairy tale, if you will. The characters are larger than life. I made Thomas so wealthy, his bank statement would make Bill Gates envious. With Tom’s money, any physical thing is within his reach. But there are emotional hurtles to overcome, and as we read about this kind of guy, we want to see him grow and risk it all because of a higher purpose.

What’s coming up next for Margo Maguire?

I’m working on a novel that will be out in March 2011, called SEDUCTION OF THE GOVERNESS. The heroine is a young woman who learns she was adopted by the straitlaced couple she always thought of as her true parents. My hero is a wounded Waterloo officer – a youngest son who never expected to inherit his father’s earldom and the guardianship of his little niece. The two are total misfits who come together in his old, ancestral hall in the Lake District, and find themselves facing a perilous situation.


Can you give us a glimpse into your writing day?

A good day or a bad day?

We’ll go with the good… I used to walk my dogs 2-3 miles every morning to get some exercise while I cleared my head for a day of writing, but when I injured my knee I had to stop. So my current routine is to ride my stationary bike for 40 minutes and then lift weights for another 15. I grab a quick shower after that, and I’m usually at my laptop by 8 am. I go through email and take care of other business for an hour or so, then get down to the creative stuff. I rehash yesterday’s writing – making corrections as I read. Then I get on with it, pushing the story forward (I’m a totally linear writer). After a couple of hours, I get restless, so I have some lunch, then pack up my laptop and head for my home away from home – Starbuck’s. I’m there practically every afternoon, so they know me well – and take great care of me! My Starbuck's “co-workers” are very protective of their resident author.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

I am the worst possible person to answer this question, and I’ll tell you why at the end of my sage counsel, but don’t read my punch line until you check out my three points …


The first thing I think an aspiring writer should do is to read like mad. Read everything, but especially the genre you think you want to write. I believe osmosis has a lot to do with how we learn to write. As you read, you get an unconscious “feel” for the genre and it will come out in your own settings, characters and voice.

Next, decide whether you want to write popular, saleable fiction. If you do, you have to see what kinds of books the current market supports, and not get hung up on a story that will only appeal to a limited audience. (Like certain Indie films – they get produced, and might be really good for what they are, but only 37 people go to see them).

Third, try not to let “experts” tell you how to do it. You have to learn your own process and follow it, and not get bogged down or discouraged because you think you’re doing it “wrong.”

And now for the punch line (and you’ll probably want to punch me!): I sold the first book I ever wrote, in 10 days from the moment I put the manuscript into the mailbox until I got “the call.” I never had to go through the uncertainty that most writers experience, never understood what it was like to receive a bunch of rejection letters. That came later, lol, when I was submitting proposals to my editors for subsequent books. I have a sneaking suspicion that if I hadn’t sold that first book, I’d have said, “Oh, well, I tried. I love my nursing career, and so that’s what I’ll be doing until they pry my white duty shoes from my cold, stiff feet!” Honestly, I was so naïve, I didn’t know how fortunate I was, not until I found out about RWA and all the active online author groups out there.

Wow, I'm guessing you have a few people gunning for you when you share that tidbit! Congratulations! Now, Margo, is there anything you want to ask our Bandits and Buddies?

I wonder what you think is the best writing advice you ever got. Did you hear your best advice at a conference workshop? Read it in a writing craft book? Or was it something one of your writing buddies said that just happened to resonate? Inquiring minds want to know!


Margo is offering one lucky commenter their choice from her backlist books WILD or TAKEN BY THE LAIRD (I'm rather taken by that cover, personally!). So get commenting, people, and good luck!

87 comments:

Unknown said...

Come to Mama!

Unknown said...

Hi Margo, welcome back to the lair! First off let me say I love, love the covers of these books. I am not a writer but this sounds like great advise! You must be an early morning kind of girl! I'm a night owl myself, hate getting up early and to start the day out with exercise is what I need to do but always have troble getting going. Some ways I think you are better off getting up early and getting your things done. I will leave by saying I love your books so keep up the good work!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Virginia, a chook for you! Congrats! And you're already Margo's fan, what could be better? I must say I'm an early morning gal! I get quite comatose late at night!

Kim in Baltimore said...

Aloha, Margo! Your covers are gorgeous ... are your stories are delicious! The best advice I recently heard came from HelenKay Dimon. I met her at RT several years and I have followed her career since then (she's the spouse of a Navy civilian). HelenKay let me know she was coming to Hawaii for a long weekend, so I extended an invitation for her to speak to RWA's Aloha Chapter. HelenKay shared her experience of finding time to write (even as she worked full time as a DC lawyer), entering contests to get her feet wet, and the career-making opportunity of working with Kate Duffy. HelenKay paraphrased Nora Roberts, "Just write - you can't edit a blank page.” I look forward to seeing HelenKay again in Nashville, as she is being honored as the RWA 2010 PRO Mentor of the Year!

PinkPeony said...

Hi Margo and Anna!

I'm trying to write a short synopsis for a contest and hating it.(heavy sigh)

Best writing advice...conflict on every page, lots of emotion, set h/h goals and make sure there are plenty of obstacles in their way. And a famous author told me once to blank out the white noise and get on with it.

Margo, your books sound fabulous. The widow of one of the bad guys? Yikes. I think I'll amble over to Amazon and order some MM books.

Congrats on the GR, Virginia.

Anonymous said...

Hi Margo and Anna,

Congrats Margo on getting your first book published straight off, that is the things dreams are made of!! (From a currently unpublished author!)

I really liked the movie Count of Monte Cristo, but your right it needed more romance - so can't wait to read your book!

I read an interview with Cormac McCarthy, the author of The Road, for a subject I am studying - I would never read his work - WAY too dark! McCarthy seems like a really deep person and probably said this quote seriously - but I can see the funny side and it sticks with me!

"Anything that doesn't take years of your life and drive you to suicide hardly seems worth doing."

:-)

Anna Campbell said...

Kim, isn't it wonderful about HKD being honored as mentor of the year? I think this is such a great award as we've all had a helping hand in this business. I'd love to get out and meet the Aloha girls one day - you're a lot closer than Nashville!

Anna Campbell said...

Jen, if you click on the covers on the blog, it takes you right to Amazon. We like to make things easy for our buddies. Good luck with the synopsis!

Anna Campbell said...

Tracey, I had a bit of a giggle about that quote - although sadly, as I'm sure you know, there's something of the truth in it. I've come to believe that almost anything that comes easily isn't worth nearly as much as something you really have to work for. I think that's certainly true when you consider a writing career. I think I read somewhere that 10 years was the average for people to write before they were published. Some of us (ME!) were even longer!

Anonymous said...

I can say that I have been working for about five years on my writing, although only proactively for about two... can I take it from the start?!!! Only 5 to go? That would be nice!

Anna Campbell said...

Tracey, there are those rare beasts like Margo who sell their first book. Which makes me think if 10 years is the average, a lot of people took MUCH longer! Hang in there - it's worth it!

Bronwyn said...

Hi Margo, Hi Anna =)

I have to say 'write what you know' is the best advice for any aspiring author but then I get people saying things like 'how do you know about a day in the life of a regency courtesan?'. So then it comes back to read, read, read. If you're not reading, write! I like any advice that combines the two of my guiltiest pleasures =)

Have fun ladies and good luck with the release, Margo! Anna, I'll see you in two weeks (I am so excited).

Bronwyn.

Eva S said...

Hi Margo,
congrats on the release! Looking forward to reading the book some day, I love your writing.
I'm just an avid reader, so no good advices, sorry.

Anna Campbell said...

Bronwyn, I'm so looking forward to coming to Adelaide for Romancing the Novel! I think it's going to be huge fun - can't wait to meet everyone. Write what you know is interesting, isn't it? I think it's sometimes applying our own experiences to situations that may not be what we know. You know, universal emotions, specific circumstances. Hmm, will ponder further!

Anna Campbell said...

Eva, we love avid readers so much we give them special cabana boys to make sure their margaritas never run dry!

Bronwyn said...

Let me know if you come up with something... I know I couldn't write about being a seventy year old widower on a pension with a love young nurses. I could imagine and have a fair crack but it would be hard. There are so many things in the world we know nothing about but then that's why we all have vivid imaginations isn't it? How bored do you reckon the guy was who first decided aliens came to our planet with their probes? His imagination went nuts:( Ponder that! He, he, anyway, time for sick people to go to bed and snuggle with the electric blanket and a good movie. Oh and a bag of m&m's ;)

Helen said...

Well done Virginia have fun with him

Margo
You are an autobuy author for me I love your books the stories always have me not wanting to put the book down I so look forward to the start and am dying to get to the end but I also don't want it to end if you know what I mean LOL.

Anna thank you so much for inviting Margo back to the lair it is always great when favourites are back.

I am not an author but I love reading the stories you wonderful authors write for us you have given me hours of pleasure and some wonderful adventures through to the HEA thank you.

Have Fun
Helen

pjpuppymom said...

Hi Margo! Anna, thanks for bringing Margo back to the lair. Great interview!

I haven't read your books yet, Margo though I do have a couple of them on my tbr. After your visit with us at The Romance Dish the other day and reading your interview with Anna here today, I'll definitely be moving them to the top of my tbr mountain!

Margo Maguire said...

Good morning, all - well, it's morning in my time zone! Yes, Virginia, I'm a morning kind of girl. I like to get up early, exercise, grab a cup of coffee and a shower, then get to work.

My problem is that I'm also a night owl. The two definitely do not mix!

Gillian Layne said...

Love your website, Margo! Very user friendly and the excerpts are great.

Setting your work aside for a bit so that you can read it over again with fresh eyes has been a good piece of advice.

Deb said...

Wonderful interview, Anna and Margo! Margo, congrats on your new book; it sounds fab! I love the cover, too!

I'm not a writer, but I am a teacher and will take a class this summer called Writing Workshop for Grades 3-5, so hope I will get some ideas for my students. I try to incorporate writing at school with all subjects, even math!

I look forward to reading TRP! Ooh, can't wait to get it!

Margo Maguire said...

Hi Kim! Nice to see you over here! I remember that bit of advice - to "just start writing" - and I've given it to my kids over and over when they've had term papers to write. So what if it's crap to start with... once you get rolling, you can go back and fix it.

Margo Maguire said...

Pink Peony - conflict on every page? Check. Lots of emotion? Check. Blanking out the white noise ... that's my problem lately. Unfortunately, the noise is all in my head!!

Margo Maguire said...

Tracey - I loved McCarthy's THE ROAD. It was sort of dark, but *really* compelling. I didn't bother seeing the movie, though. (Dare I say I'm not a huge fan of Viggo...) I was afraid the film wouldn't do justice to the book.

Margo Maguire said...

Bronwyn - you are so right about reading. And not always research reading. Sometimes a good book can transport you to the time and place ... and it's absolutely inspiring.

OK, now I'm jealous. You've got a conference coming up soon?

Margo Maguire said...

Helen - Anna's right about those Cabana Boys. I think we've got a special one just for you. (Don't tell the hubby, though ).

Margo Maguire said...

Eva - Thank you! I hope you enjoy The Rogue Prince.

Margo Maguire said...

PJ - let me know how you like them.

Margo Maguire said...

Thanks, Gillian. I'm still working on the website... There's still a bit of work to do on it, but not until I finish my current book.

And that's terrific advice about getting some distance from your work. Sometimes all it takes is to sleep on it. When you read it again in the morning, you know exactly what you need to do.

Margo Maguire said...

Deb - good luck with your class this summer! You've got a good age range there. Lots of creative minds, no doubt!

Unknown said...

Hi Margo, and Welcome!

This book sounds absolutely irresistible. As much as I'm writing contemporaries at present, I love love LOVE historicals for an escape from the gritty suspense toward which my manuscripts always gravitate. AND I don't have to worry about bleeding over with my writing into something I'm reading (I'm scared to death of that--I suppose I should just get over it.)

It's interesting to me how writers come to their particular sub-genre. Margo, have you always written historicals? If so, why? How did you come to this? Our beloved Anna went a roundabout way to get to the thing she does so phenomenally well. Her first smash hit was her "rogue, do-whatever the heck I please" manuscript.

Have you a story like that, or did you come naturally to this sug-genre and find youself right at home immediately?

Unknown said...

Virginia, Woo HOO!!!

You better watch that bird. I'm thinking that since he spent some time in Hawaii, he'll be fiestier than usual.

Hellie Sinclair said...

I think the best writing advice I got was along the lines of I shouldn't be writing trash when I was capable of writing so much more "meaningful" stuff. Which I generally to take to be a challenge, and my poor, enfeebled mind cannot resist a challenge (think: Marty McFly) and I've been tapping away, writing "trash" ever since.

Unfortunately, a lot of my stuff is more of the "Indie film" version, with not the typical hero or storyline (technically speaking, because it is a storyline about two people falling in love and getting a HEA)--so I've yet to come to terms to writing a story about a duke or a prince or a cop. I prefer more "ordinary" men.

Unknown said...

OH...I should answer the question, shouldn't I?

Best writing advice I ever got?

Two things:

1) When a critiquer told me that my heroine standing around, feeling melancholy and sorry for herself as she stared out the window (the description was riveting)was NOT the equivalent of a scene. *grin*

2) Never stop putting your pages in front of them. Never.

If I had not had both of those, I would never have started finaling and winning contests, would never have finaled in the Golden Heart, and would not be a Bandita, would not have the job I have now, and would not be any closer to publication than I was when my heroine first started feeling sorry for herself.

What a good question, by the way, and it'll be interesting to read all these tidbits--bet I'll learn something NEW today.

Kirsten said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kirsten said...

Margo, what fabulous advice! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your wisdom and increasing the TBR pile. :-) I love the old-fashioned revenge stories. Count of Monte Cristo was always one of my favorites.

My best writing advice I could give I'll have to share in two parts: the advice, and the opposite advice.

First, right after I sold my book and was spinning fantasies of writing full time, my agent gently advised me NOT to quit my day job. This was hard to hear, but since I sold back in October 2007 (yes kids, that's 2007!), I've had my release date pushed out a year, and discovered that publishers take things like "deadlines" (and payment dates) rather loosely at times. ;-)

On the other hand, here's another great piece of advice I was too scared to take, but sounds pretty fabulous:

This time only comes around once: quit the job and take advantage of it. The workplace isn't going away. A job will be there later if you decide to go back. :-)

Which brings me to my question -- I assume you did hang up those white duty shoes Margo. When did you do it, and how'd you get up the gumption to quit?

Trish Milburn said...

Welcome, Margo! Congratulations on all your success. I really like the sound of The Rogue Prince. The false imprisonment, the fake prince, revenge! All the makings of a good story.

Best writing advice -- don't give up. It's as simple as that for anyone who really, really wants to see their work in print. Another is to not take rejection personally, which I have to admit I still struggle with.

Margo Maguire said...

Cassondra - Yes, Historicals were my thing. Probably because after I'd been practicing nursing for several years, I needed to take a break. So I went back to school for a degree in history. I'd always loved it, so it was a natural fit.
Plus, I loved all those great historical romance authors: Kathleen Woodiwiss, Julie Garwood, etc.

Now, though I tend to read contemporary... also a lot of literary fiction.

Margo Maguire said...

MsHellion - Write on!!
:-)

Margo Maguire said...

Kirsten - Yes, I did hang up my duty shoes. :-) When I sold my first book, it was at an opportune time for me to stay at home - I had 3 young kids who were just entering middle school. Ideally, it was when I SHOULD be home, right?

Luckily, my husband had (has!) a great job with excellent benefits. I couldn't have stopped nursing otherwise. But I miss it and still think about going back to it part time. I think it's important to find things that stimulate you, otherwise, you'll dry up as a writer. So I might be seen in scrubs and white shoes sometime in the near future!

Margo Maguire said...

Hi Trish -
Yes, excellent advice. Don't give up! Take a writing class. Get a critique partner. Go to conferences. Keep on trying.

jo robertson said...

Great interview, Anna! Margo, it's so good to have you back in the Lair today!

I simply adore, adore THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO, so when I was reading the story line of THE ROGUE PRINCE, I knew I had to have this book!

Congrats, Virginia!

jo robertson said...

Oh, and best writing advice. Hmmm, yours was pretty darned good, Margo. I think for brand new writers to best advice is REALLY not to take anything personally -- rejections, failure to win contests, advice from others. This is a business and you have to develop a pretty tough skin.

Anna Sugden said...

Welcome back to the Lair, Margo. Love the sound of The Rogue Prince - fascinating.

I don't want to punch you for selling so quickly ... even though I'm one of those who haven't yet sold ... I see you as the exception that proves the rule *g*.

Getting up early and exercising, so you can be at your desk for 8am *thunk*. That, I can't not a quick starter in the mornings.

The best advice is to keep writing and keep submitting - all giving up does is to ensure you'll never be published (courtesy of lovely hubby!)

So much great technical advice, from Debra Dixon's Goal, Motivation and Conflict to Michael Hague. Oh and Virginia Kantra is wonderful for male PoV. But, my favourite is to read our dialogue aloud - it's amazing how quickly you can spot dull, dreary, stilted and unnatural dialogue when your ead it aloud.

Anna Sugden said...

Umm and check your writing for typos!

Anna Campbell said...

Helen, we only bring you the BEST guests in the lair ;-) Great to see you're a fan of Margo's!

Anna Campbell said...

Bronwyn, being sick almost sounds like fun, the way you put it! Good point about the alien guy!

Anna Campbell said...

PJ, I really enjoyed Margo's interview over with the Dishies too. I love the atmosphere over there - it's really great fun!

Anna Campbell said...

Hi Margo! Great interview! I'm still in awe of your achievement in selling your first book. I'm up in what is pretty much the middle of the night here - intended to go back to bed any minute!

Anna Campbell said...

Gillian, I think that's one of the BEST pieces of advice - you need that distance, don't you? Clearly works for you - still excited about your Golden Heart final this year!

Anna Campbell said...

Deb, how wonderful that you encourage your students to write. I had a really encouraging teacher when I was in grades six and seven and he really set my writing ambitions ablaze. His name was Campbell which I think is kinda appropriate!

Anna Campbell said...

Margo, RWOz is reaching out to some of the people in the western half of Australia who might find it hard to make our annual conference which is always in one of the three big cities on the east coast (Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney). There's a day of workshops in Perth coming up and then on the 15th May, I'm appearing with a stack of really great local writers in Adelaide to do a wonderful day on romance writing called Romancing the Novel. Check out details here: http://southaustralianromanceauthors.weebly.com/romancing-the-novel-seminar.html If anyone is thinking of heading to Adelaide (cheap airfares at the moment) or is in Adelaide and would like to come, we'd love to see you!

s7anna said...

Hey Margo,
I'm loving your great book covers and I can't wait to read your work...you're a new author for me so this is a huge treat for sure.

As for answering the question...I'm just a reader so I can't really answer it but one of the best pieces of advice I ever received was to learn to accept myself for who I am...quirks and eccentricities included.

hugs,
Anna
s7anna@yahoo.ca

Anna Campbell said...

Cassondra, I LOVE the description of Courtesan! Can I use it? Love being 'beloved' too - aren't you a honey? Here, have this special cabana boy I prepared for you earlier!

Anna Campbell said...

Hellion, I've had that advice too and it's generally from someone who is talking through their a*se! It's amazing how people who have never read a romance think they know all about it. It would be like me offering advice on mechanics if your car breaks down! Good on you for sticking to your guns (or cutlass!).

Anna Campbell said...

Cassondra, those are two wonderful bits of advice. I must say something else that I think is a great piece of advice is the minute your characters start making coffee, you're in trouble ;-)

Anna Campbell said...

Kirsten, what a fascinating pair of pieces of advice! I do agree that sometimes you have to take the leap of faith - but on the other hand, common sense can be helpful too! Oh, dear, getting splinters from sitting on the fence. Waiting with bated breath for the first Delcroix!

Anna Campbell said...

Trish, the don't give up advice is really crucial, isn't it? Strangely, I think it's even more crucial when you get close and you KNOW you're doing stuff right but still can't make that last step to publication.

Anna Campbell said...

Jo, the COMC links are really fascinating, aren't they?

Anna Campbell said...

Jo, that tough skin is crucial, isn't it? The problem is that, as writers, we also need to stay sensitive to the world around us.

Anna Campbell said...

Anna, reading ANYTHING aloud helps you pick up problems, I find. Sometimes it's the ear, not the eye that you need.

Anna Campbell said...

Anna, so glad we've introduced a new author for you! Thanks for swinging by. I think that's a wonderful piece of advice!

Margo Maguire said...

Anna S -- yes, keep on writing and keep on submitting. And an adendum: don't get too attached to something that's not going anywhere. Move on!

As for reading aloud. Absolutely - especially dialogue.

Margo Maguire said...

Um... Anna C -- you keep really weird hours, don't you? :-)

Margo Maguire said...

Anna - excellent advice on accepting yourself. It takes a lot of people a lifetime to do that.

runner10 said...

I am not a writer--just a reader. Your covers are hot. I would love to read your books.

Margo Maguire said...

Good advice, Jo - but we all know how hard it is not to take criticism personally. Right?

catslady said...

As a reader I too wanted to say how you have some of the best covers ever!!!

Margo Maguire said...

Thanks, catslady and Runner10. I agree -- really cool covers!

Anna Campbell said...

Margo, I really wish I didn't! ;-)

Anna Campbell said...

Runner, they are great covers, aren't they?

Anna Campbell said...

Catslady, that Rogue cover is SOOOO eye-catching, isn't it?

Louisa Cornell said...

Ooh Margo Maquire! Major Fangirl Moment Here !! I LOVE your novels! And this newest one sounds fabulous! The Count of Monte Cristo has always been one of my favorite books.

Writing advice? Hmm. Some of the best writing advice I ever got was from the Lair's own La Campbell when she said "Finish the damned book!" Every time I get bogged down or stuck or thing I want to throw it in I hear her dulcet Aussie tones saying "Finish the damned book!"

Another piece of advice I have framed on my writing studio wall is from Thomas Edison, not a writer, but a rather clever fellow.

"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."

For writers I think it is excellent advice. Not for overachievers like Margo, of course! VBEG But for the rest of us schlubs out there in the trenches.

And I have made it a point this year to read all of the debuts in historical romance to see what is being bought.

The problem that arises when I read research books is that I get so involved I can spend days reading up on a subject when I should be writing!

Margo Maguire said...

Louisa - Yes, finishing the book is a definite requirement! But I know what you mean about getting caught up in research. Especially when you've got Google Books and other lovely internet sources so handy. You've got to shut it off and write! Right?

Oh, and I hope you like The Rogue Prince -- let me know, will you?

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Louisa, how cool that my advice was your favorite - well, me and Tom! I'm snickering at the dulcet - you were clearly drinking last time we spoke or dulcet would NOT be your adjective of choice!

gamistress66 said...

Not a writer myself -- by any means. I have great respect for those of you who do and keep at it even when the going is tough. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the many hours of pleasure I gained from your efforts :) I also think it's great that so many of romance's successful authors help out those aspiring to be.

Congrats on another great release.

Anna Campbell said...

Gamistress, I've always been enormously impressed at the generosity of romance writers. There really is a feeling that someone helps you up the ladder so therefore you help someone else up the ladder. It's a nice attitude!

Margo Maguire said...

gamistress66 -
Well, we're pleased that you enjoy our work! After all, that's what it's all about for us.

Anna Campbell said...

Drew, congrats on finishing the book! That's great news!

Margo Maguire said...

Congrats on finishing, Drew! WTG!
(And let me know how you like The Rogue Prince, btw).

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Margo! I'm on the run today, but wanted to pop in really quickly to say hello and Welcome to the Lair!!

Great interview, Anna. Virginia, congrats on the chookie. Grins.

Good luck on the draw, everyone!

Anna Campbell said...

Hi Jeanne, waving as you as you whizz past! Thanks for saying you liked the interview!

Margo Maguire said...

I'd like to thank the Banditas for having me today - it's been fun, and I've learned a couple nice tidbits of advice that I'm going to put to good use!

Good luck, everyone, on the book drawing. And it's timely, too ... I just received my copies of THE ROGUE PRINCE from Avon. Hooray!

Pat Cochran said...

Welcome back, Margo! I just read some of the excerpts on your website! Especially W, TBTL,
and TRP - lovely passages! Thanks
for sharing them with us.

So many wonderful suggestions to
follow. You all are great for supporting each other in so many
ways. BTW, I'm not an author, I'm
an avid reader!

Pat Cochran

Anna Campbell said...

Pat, here, have another of our avid reader cabana boys, special edition! We love our avid readers! Glad you enjoyed checking out Margo's website.

Anna Campbell said...

Thanks, Margo and everyone, for a great day in the lair! Don't forget to check back to see who won the signed book from Margo's backlist!

Lady_Graeye said...

Congrats on your books. I love the cover on all of them, Margo! I just a newbie in this world of writing. One thing I have been told before is patience, patience, patience! Also don't stop dreaming!