We are taking a day break from my month-contest and promotion for BABIES IN THE BARGAIN, to feature a guest author.Please welcome Fran Lee, a lovely multitalented author. In addition to writing successful hot novels, Fran, maintains several blogs, features a different book every day on her Examiner column, and creates multiple video trailers for her friends. She did a wonderful job on my FRENCH PERIL trailer. And Fran is always available to help, support and promote her friends.
Without further ado, I give you Fran Lee.
Now that we have settled in, why not discuss your latest release?
Thanks, Mona! My first book from Ellora’s Cave is being released June 12!
I’m not at all excited…I keep bouncing around like this for exercise. Oh, you want to know what it’s about? Okay…you twisted my arm. This one is titled Out of Her Dreams,
and it’s about a rather painfully shy romance author (no relation) who created the hero for her extremely popular books in her dreams. Problem is, there’s an extremely frustrated pro wrestler out there who thinks her fantasy hero looks just a tad too much like him.
Can you let us see a blurb or excerpt of OUT OF HER DREAMS?
Of course!
Blurb:
She’s a best-selling erotic romance writer. Her fans adore her. She’s making excellent money. All by writing about a man she dreamed up many years ago. Her hero is handsome, virile, sexy, strong, sensitive and a complete gentleman.
He’s a hot-headed, sex-on-the-hoof pro wrestler. He has a reputation for being the hottest, nastiest man on the mats. The fact that his face and body are plastered all over a bunch of mushy romance novels written by a woman with a death wish doesn’t sit well on those massive shoulders. His agent’s demanding monetary retribution from the woman who’s dared to use his image on her covers but he has another form of retribution in mind…and it has nothing to do with money.
When did you first decide you wanted to be an author?
Oh, I think it was in the sixth grade, right after I read War and Peace. I dreamed of creating a Tolstoy-ish masterpiece, and sat down to write my own. Gave up after six pages. But then at fourteen I decided to take on the subject of Romance (which is popular with teenaged girls I hear) and I’ve been writing ever since.
Do you have any special rituals to help you get in the mood to write?
Since most of my novels and stories were written over twenty years ago, and my memory is very short these days, I can’t answer that question truthfully, so I’ll just jump in with a quick, snappy made-up answer…um…okay…well, to be honest, I just sit down and start writing, and then can’t stop.
How do you know what to name your books or the characters?
I said in a recent interview that I don’t write books…I channel them. Usually I just start writing and the most amazing things happen. I plan absolutely nothing. At the risk of being carted off by the nice men in the pretty white coats, I freely admit that my books sorta write themselves. I will be madly typing away on my keyboard and a phrase suddenly leaps out at me and that becomes the title. Must be that my muse has PMS because nobody ever changes my titles. I think they’re scared of her.
Of all the individuals you have created, do you have a particular favorite? What appeals to you the most about this character?
Wow. That must be the toughest question anyone has ever asked me. Off the top of my head, I would say my very favorite character is Uziel of Freth. I wrote this buy guy into a fantasy universe about twenty three years ago, and he is the epitome of warrior-type macho male hard-headedness who falls for a diminutive, equally stubborn female in a novel I have yet to submit for publication. Well…I did submit it in 1987 through an agent. But the publishers all came back and said it was far too hot to handle. Maybe in 2009 it won’t be. I like him because he helped me let out all the stops.
Has being published changed you at all?
Um…I think I’m about $24.89 richer? Joking! Actually, I’ve been “published” since 1995 when I became a photo-journalist/reporter for a fledgling martial arts league that published a quarterly magazine. I also wrote articles for major monthly martial arts publications. No. Nothing has changed. I see my book covers online and I think, “Hm…that sure looks like something I would write.” You get sort of ‘detached’ from reality when you actually see your own book out there. Like it’s something you just dreamed about.
What do you do to relax?
Relax? Would you spell that please? Oh. Yeah! Relax…well…I write. I spend 10-14 hours a day on my computer creating websites and videos and…oh. That isn’t relaxing? In that case, I don’t think I do relax. I just had a vacation at my condo in the mountains, and came back in worse shape then when I went up to “relax”.
What makes a great book to you?
Something that reaches out and grabs a reader and makes them laugh and sigh and maybe squirm in their chair. Romance is many things, but I find humor in everything. I love books that lead me out of myself and into a world where anything can (and will) happen. I am into total escapism. It has to carry me away. And when I come back for a landing, I feel refreshed and entertained. It can be romantic suspense, paranormal romance, or perhaps historical romance. It can be sweetly breathless or erotic. Bedroom door open or half-way closed is fine with me. But I must feel transported away from myself.
Do you have any indulgent behaviors one might find surprising?
Nope. I don’t have a surprising or indulgent bone in my body. Just plain old Fran. Except for chocolate. And cover models. But no matter how fast I run, they always escape before I can grab them.
Your friends (me included) are so grateful for the gorgeous video trailers you created for them. How did you get the idea? Was it difficult? Tell us more about that hidden talent.
A writer friend e-mailed that she had a brand new book trailer she’d just made on her computer using Windows Movie Maker…um…I think that might have been you. I was so impressed that I started trying to create one with MY Windows Movie-Maker software (what a joke!) Couldn’t do a thing with it because it kept crashing. Well, when Fran hits a brick wall or a dead end, she starts looking for ways around.
I have always had an eye for composition (I was a photojournalist for ten years) and I really wanted to make a great book trailer and was too cheap to pay someone to do it for me (make that too broke). I found a great free site online called “OneTrueMedia” and played with it for a week or so until I was able to create a semi-decent montage video of my condo property at Snowbird Utah. Then I took the cover of a Romance novel, and created a video of that. Just one photo over and over with music and text. The rest is history. I have made about fifty cover trailers for friends and for myself simply because I wanted to help people promote their books. You know the old adage, “A picture is worth 1,000 words”? It’s definitely true.
Any other talent you can share with us?
I sing and dance and make a mean “from scratch” enchilada. I have a daily column on Examiner.com where I interview authors, publishers, editors, and cover models, do book reviews, etc. I create photo montages for the cover models who allow me to interview them. If you’d like to see some real eye-candy, check out my YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/dragonlady10
Do you have another website besides this one that you would like to share?
http://franleesromanceblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.franleeromance.com/
http://franleesbookreviews.blogspot.com/
http://franleesensuousromance.blogspot.com
http://sixsexysirens.blogspot.com/
http://goddessesofstorytelling.blogspot.com
http://www.examiner.com/x-5288-Salt-Lake-City-Romance-Novel-Examiner
http://www.youtube.com/user/dragonlady10
Blurb of last book or any book you want to promote.
I have several more books coming out shortly from Ellora’s Cave and Resplendence. Dictated by Fate will be released from Resplendence on August 25. Hallie’s Cats has not been given a release date yet, but I expect it out before the end of the year fro Ellora’s Cave. A Brief Moment of Pleasure will be released from Resplendence in February 2010.
Can you let us see a blurb or excerpt of OUT OF HER DREAMS?
Of course!
Blurb:
She’s a best-selling erotic romance writer. Her fans adore her. She’s making excellent money. All by writing about a man she dreamed up many years ago. Her hero is handsome, virile, sexy, strong, sensitive and a complete gentleman.
He’s a hot-headed, sex-on-the-hoof pro wrestler. He has a reputation for being the hottest, nastiest man on the mats. The fact that his face and body are plastered all over a bunch of mushy romance novels written by a woman with a death wish doesn’t sit well on those massive shoulders. His agent’s demanding monetary retribution from the woman who’s dared to use his image on her covers but he has another form of retribution in mind…and it has nothing to do with money.
When did you first decide you wanted to be an author?
Oh, I think it was in the sixth grade, right after I read War and Peace. I dreamed of creating a Tolstoy-ish masterpiece, and sat down to write my own. Gave up after six pages. But then at fourteen I decided to take on the subject of Romance (which is popular with teenaged girls I hear) and I’ve been writing ever since.
Do you have any special rituals to help you get in the mood to write?
Since most of my novels and stories were written over twenty years ago, and my memory is very short these days, I can’t answer that question truthfully, so I’ll just jump in with a quick, snappy made-up answer…um…okay…well, to be honest, I just sit down and start writing, and then can’t stop.
How do you know what to name your books or the characters?
I said in a recent interview that I don’t write books…I channel them. Usually I just start writing and the most amazing things happen. I plan absolutely nothing. At the risk of being carted off by the nice men in the pretty white coats, I freely admit that my books sorta write themselves. I will be madly typing away on my keyboard and a phrase suddenly leaps out at me and that becomes the title. Must be that my muse has PMS because nobody ever changes my titles. I think they’re scared of her.
Of all the individuals you have created, do you have a particular favorite? What appeals to you the most about this character?
Wow. That must be the toughest question anyone has ever asked me. Off the top of my head, I would say my very favorite character is Uziel of Freth. I wrote this buy guy into a fantasy universe about twenty three years ago, and he is the epitome of warrior-type macho male hard-headedness who falls for a diminutive, equally stubborn female in a novel I have yet to submit for publication. Well…I did submit it in 1987 through an agent. But the publishers all came back and said it was far too hot to handle. Maybe in 2009 it won’t be. I like him because he helped me let out all the stops.
Has being published changed you at all?
Um…I think I’m about $24.89 richer? Joking! Actually, I’ve been “published” since 1995 when I became a photo-journalist/reporter for a fledgling martial arts league that published a quarterly magazine. I also wrote articles for major monthly martial arts publications. No. Nothing has changed. I see my book covers online and I think, “Hm…that sure looks like something I would write.” You get sort of ‘detached’ from reality when you actually see your own book out there. Like it’s something you just dreamed about.
What do you do to relax?
Relax? Would you spell that please? Oh. Yeah! Relax…well…I write. I spend 10-14 hours a day on my computer creating websites and videos and…oh. That isn’t relaxing? In that case, I don’t think I do relax. I just had a vacation at my condo in the mountains, and came back in worse shape then when I went up to “relax”.
What makes a great book to you?
Something that reaches out and grabs a reader and makes them laugh and sigh and maybe squirm in their chair. Romance is many things, but I find humor in everything. I love books that lead me out of myself and into a world where anything can (and will) happen. I am into total escapism. It has to carry me away. And when I come back for a landing, I feel refreshed and entertained. It can be romantic suspense, paranormal romance, or perhaps historical romance. It can be sweetly breathless or erotic. Bedroom door open or half-way closed is fine with me. But I must feel transported away from myself.
Do you have any indulgent behaviors one might find surprising?
Nope. I don’t have a surprising or indulgent bone in my body. Just plain old Fran. Except for chocolate. And cover models. But no matter how fast I run, they always escape before I can grab them.
Your friends (me included) are so grateful for the gorgeous video trailers you created for them. How did you get the idea? Was it difficult? Tell us more about that hidden talent.
A writer friend e-mailed that she had a brand new book trailer she’d just made on her computer using Windows Movie Maker…um…I think that might have been you. I was so impressed that I started trying to create one with MY Windows Movie-Maker software (what a joke!) Couldn’t do a thing with it because it kept crashing. Well, when Fran hits a brick wall or a dead end, she starts looking for ways around.
I have always had an eye for composition (I was a photojournalist for ten years) and I really wanted to make a great book trailer and was too cheap to pay someone to do it for me (make that too broke). I found a great free site online called “OneTrueMedia” and played with it for a week or so until I was able to create a semi-decent montage video of my condo property at Snowbird Utah. Then I took the cover of a Romance novel, and created a video of that. Just one photo over and over with music and text. The rest is history. I have made about fifty cover trailers for friends and for myself simply because I wanted to help people promote their books. You know the old adage, “A picture is worth 1,000 words”? It’s definitely true.
Any other talent you can share with us?
I sing and dance and make a mean “from scratch” enchilada. I have a daily column on Examiner.com where I interview authors, publishers, editors, and cover models, do book reviews, etc. I create photo montages for the cover models who allow me to interview them. If you’d like to see some real eye-candy, check out my YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/dragonlady10
Do you have another website besides this one that you would like to share?
http://franleesromanceblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.franleeromance.com/
http://franleesbookreviews.blogspot.com/
http://franleesensuousromance.blogspot.com
http://sixsexysirens.blogspot.com/
http://goddessesofstorytelling.blogspot.com
http://www.examiner.com/x-5288-Salt-Lake-City-Romance-Novel-Examiner
http://www.youtube.com/user/dragonlady10
Blurb of last book or any book you want to promote.
I have several more books coming out shortly from Ellora’s Cave and Resplendence. Dictated by Fate will be released from Resplendence on August 25. Hallie’s Cats has not been given a release date yet, but I expect it out before the end of the year fro Ellora’s Cave. A Brief Moment of Pleasure will be released from Resplendence in February 2010.
Fran, thank you for visiting my blog. We wish you a lot of success in your writing career and many, many sales.
23 comments:
Thanks for the interview, Mona! I just got the release date for Hallie's Cats...July 31!
I am having a contest for a FREE copy of my new book on my website. Just follow the links in the interview and check it out!
It was a blast doing the interview with you! Thanks again!
Wonderful interview,ladies! I already knew Fran was wonderful;-) Honestly, I dont' think the romance industry has a better friend! Seriously, I have my morning coffee with her Examiner column and I love her reviews!
Outstanding interview! Can't wait for your release. You will do very, very well - I predict!
Wow! OOHD sounds fantastic!
Great interview ladies:) And Fran, that's exactly how I've come up with a few of my titles too; a phrase jumped out at me and screamed 'Title'.
I love the title and really enjoyed the excerpt--and getting to know you, Fran. You did a fab job on Mona's trailer.
Fran I am on my way to your website.
Paris, I am like you. I start my morning with the Examiner, unless I have to go out early. In that case I end the day at the Examiner.
Julia, I can't agree more. Our Fran will do great, is already doing great.
Molly, my titles change at least two or three timesbefore publications. BTW thanks for you newsletter . Great one.
Thanks for stopping by Linda.
Congrats on your debut release, Fran. I like the premise of the story.
Thanks so much for all your wonderful comments, Paris, Julia, Molly, Jane and Nightingale! And thanks again, Mona, for the interview! I had loads of fun! Don't forget the contest I am running to win a FREE copy of my book! Just go to my website at:
www.franleeromance.com and follow the instructions to win!
Hugs, everyone!
Great interview Fran!!!
I tell you...no matter how many times I see your cover, I just can't get over the 'Yummy' factor! LOL XOXO
Great interview, ladies. I can't wait to read Out of Her Dreams, Fran! And thanks for doing your Examiner column, I start my day with it.
Tessie Bradford
Nice interview!! Damn - I'm too far away for that enchilada!
Great interview, ladies! Congrats to Fran on her first release. I can't wait to see more from her stash of unsubmitted manuscripts!
Only one more day... :D
Happy Almost Release Day, Fran!!! Great interview, ladies!!!
Best of luck with the upcoming release, Fran! Great interview, ladies!
Wonderful interview, ladies! Can't wait for your HAPPY RELEASE DAY, Fran!!!! So very exciting.
HOnestly, I don't know HOW you DO all this stuff. Such a little energizer bunny. HA
Wow! You kiddies are all so supportive and wonderful! I am almost over my stage-fright! Regina, Annie, Barbara, Wendy, Bronwyn and Cindy...you are the greatest! What would I do without all of you doing my cheerleading? *sniff* Love to all of you!
And I can't forget Tessie who signs as anonymous! You, too, babe! Love y'all!
$24.89 - you made more than me and I have 4 books out! :) Can't wait for Out of her Dreams tomorrow. I know it's going to be a hit! Great interview, ladies.
Hi Fran -- thought I'd come say hi over here, too!
Hi, Helen and Amber! Oh, Amber, I KNOW you made at least $35.00 off you books! Don't try to scam me! LOL! It's wonderful to have all your encouraging comments! Thanks again!
Excellent blurb. My guess is fireworks spark when they confront? Also channeling a book sounds very accurate actually.
Well done and congratulations on your release day today.
Thanks for dropping by, Mia! I appreciate all the wonderful support. :X
Oh, boy! The book's been out three days and Demonoid has it already! The pirates are already at word to destroy one more author's dream!
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