Guest Author: Robynn Gabel

My guest today is Robynn Gabel, author of short stories like The Heart of Elvis and contemporary romance such as Windswept Hearts. Thank you Robynn for being a guest!

If you are interested in participating in the program, you can submit here.

Robynn Gabel

1. Tell us your name, and a link to where we can find you (blog, Facebook, etc).

Robynn Gabel

Author Website – www.robynngabel.com

WordPress Blog – www.dupler.org

Facebook Author Page – www.facebook.com/AuthorRobynnGabel

Twitter – www.twitter.com/relpud

2. How many books have you written? This can include both published and unpublished works. Describe each of them in 1-2 sentences apiece (if published, feel free to include the links as well).

The Heart of Elvis – A collection of humorous short stories about a Missouri Fox Trotter called Elvis, who has a lot of heart and character. Through these stories you learn the tricks he used to teach his owner how to be a rider.   http://www.amazon.com/The-Heart-of-Elvis-ebook/dp/B00C9GUH3S

Windswept Hearts – In this contemporary western romance Anna Sanchez inherits her grandfather’s cattle ranch. Unwilling to leave the city behind, she must figure out how to keep promises made, yet still be true to herself.  http://www.amazon.com/Windswept-Hearts-ebook/dp/B00AWG89WS

3. Tell me a little bit about your current WIP.

Finally writing the story I’ve had in my head for twenty years. I’ve done a lot of research on it through the years. Viking Hearts is historical romance based in 900 AD. It tells the story about a Viking’s desire for revenge against a Jarl and his family.

4. What does writing preparation look like for you? Do you do full outlines and character profiles, or do you just start with a general idea and write?

Depends on what I’m writing. For the most part, I collect information as I run across it. As scene ideas hit me, I rush to scribble them down to catch the moment and the feel. Then I piece it together and write the connecting parts of the story.

5. Editing is a challenge for many writers. Give us some of your tips for editing efficiently and well.

After the book is written, I edit as well as I can.  I will let it sit for at least a month. Then I go back and edit, chop and rearrange again. I may repeat this process until I feel I’ve edited it to the best of my abilities. When I’m sure it is finished, I call my saintly editor and we start the process of a professional edit.

6. Research is another challenge writers’ face, but is an important part of the writing process. What are some of your research tips?

Google it! It’s the best. If I need something deeper, such as career questions, I will seek out people I know who work in the fields of expertise I need answers on.

7. If you have been published (self or traditionally), what type of marketing did you find worked the best for you? What was the least helpful?

I have found social networking like Facebook, Twitter, Author Website (Weebly), Blog Tours and Blogging (WordPress). Joining several author sites and entering contests like Scribophile, Fanstory or Bookrix helps you make friends as well as get your work viewed and keep you writing.  I’ve not found Pinterest, Linkedin, or Goodreads to be as helpful.

8. What genre do you write in? What are some of the challenges to writing this particular genre well?

Romance is what I know best but finding a different storyline is hard. It’s well known that the boy is going to meet the girl, and of course they fall in love. Now the challenge is to take this age old story and make it into something new and exciting, with a surprise twist or turn.

9. What advice would you give to a writer who is starting out?

Take a writing course. Seek advice. Search out how others did it. Read the blogs on how to write. Get a subscription to Writer’s Digest. Realize you are driven to write, but so is everyone else. Don’t think talent is going to get you somewhere or make you rich. Its persistence and knowing your craft that will get you anywhere.

10. What are your writing, editing, marketing, and research goals for 2013?

I would like to finish my Viking romance book by November so I can get it edited and published in 2014. In the meantime I will market the two books I’ve already put out there.  I’m currently doing research on autism for another lurking book idea. Also find time for my husband who patiently puts up with my writing addiction.

11. Pretend I am from a publishing house and you are looking for me to take on one of your books. Pitch it to me in 1-2 paragraphs.

Ever wonder what happens when the dream of owning a horse is fulfilled for a city girl?

In the collection of stories that makes up “The Heart of Elvis” you find out it can be a humorous, fulfilling and sometimes frustrating journey from learning to ride to winning a championship.

The story of a horse nicknamed Elvis and his clueless rider will appeal to a wide audience. From equine enthusiasts, horse crazy little girls, city girls, horsemen, cowboys and animal lovers, this book has something for them all. Starting with the opening story of a husband encouraging his wife to check out a new horse after she gets out of the hospital, to learning to be grateful for a last place winning ribbon, you will wish the incredible journey never ends.

12. Finally, is there anything else you would like your readers to know?

My only wish as a writer is to take a reader away from their everyday routine for a while and give them a world they will enjoy.