Name? Shea BerkleyMy kids call me "Hey, lady."
My husband calls me "Woman, where's my supper?"
I think I've been kidnapped, but the authorities assure me this really is my family.
Where are you? At this moment in time I'm in my loft typing away at revisions that for some odd reason my editor is insistent I do. I don't get it. She bought the book. Why would she want me to change the perfection that it is?
Okay, tongue out of cheek. (maybe not all the way, but mostly) I live in the Northern Hemisphere in a little place called the United States of America in an obscure state, New Mexico which most Americans don't even know is part of the United States.
I kid you not. I live with said aforementioned husband (aka my sugar daddy). Against our country's wishes we've produced five children whose sole mission in their collective lives is to make me insane. They just haven't realized I was crazy enough to marry their father ... so HA! on them.
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| Stunning New Mexico landscape |
I loved the stunning landscape, particularly around Albuquerque (and of course, a hop, skip and a jump away in Arizona is the Grand Canyon)!
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| The Grand Canyon, AZ |
What genres do you write? I started out writing nonfiction and then got the bug to write fiction. My first foray was in historical romantic fiction. I lived in England at the time and was just soaking in the history so it seemed like a no brainer. Over 200,000 words later and a sweetly worded rejection from Avon, "You've got to be kidding me this is seriously way, way, way too long."
I switched to contemporary romantic fiction and finaled for the first time in the Golden Heart® contest. It was fun, but I realized I was not romantically inclined enough to write straight romance, so I then turned to writing Fiction with Romantic Elements and finaled in my second Golden Heart® contest. Fun again. Then I decided, because I read so many Young Adult stories (yeah, I've got a Peter Pan complex) I'd try my hand at writing YA and I finaled for the third time in the Golden Heart® contest. Super fun.
Between all that, I wrote a story called TORREIN: AGE OF FEAR, a epic coming of age fantasy. For a long time the market for epic fantasy was dead. Then my agent found an amazing publisher that loved my story and bought it. TORREIN: AGE OF FEAR will be released November 2011 with Variance Publishing. Super fabulous fun!!!
Who are my favorite authors? Oh, I'm a fickle girl. I usually fall into a mad crush with the one I'm reading. Suzanne Collins is spectacular.
Then there's Sharon Sala. Bernard Cornwell. Dean Koontz. Darynda Jones. Melissa Marr. Lisa Gardner. Jordan Dane. Susan E. Phillips. Lesley Kagen. Sarah Addison Allen. Holly Black.
See? I could go on and on and on...
Hmm, I don't think you're fickle at all, Shea! It looks like most writers recognise and love a good story, doesn't matter who wrote the book. So it's logical our tastes and favorites will change over time!
What inspired you to write romance? I read, a lot. I've always loved romance. People love to be in love or find love or remember love or defend love. But we're playing by the truth game today, well sort of. Not everything I'm telling you is strictly 100 proof truth, but a lot of it is. You figure out what's real and what isn't. (big, fat grin)
But what I'm about to tell you is true. I'm not much of a romantic. I love romance, but I can't seem to be romantic. I'm more interested in playing and making out than being romantic, so when I sit down, I have to force myself to think in a way that is in direct opposition to how I view life. But I get points for trying, and sometimes I actually pull a miracle from my sweet ... ahem ... gluteous area and please my agent with a romantic scene.
Who's your agent? I have a dream of an agent, Laurie McLean for the wonderful Larson and Pomada Literary Agency. She's got my back. Love her dearly.
Ohh, Laurie was one of the agents I had on my top ten list! Good on you for snaffling her, she sounds like a gem!
What's the best thing about going to conference? Hands down, meeting other writers. It's a geekfest of talking story, structure, character and motivation. I get all blushy and my heart speeds up when I think about it. Sadly, I won't be attending the 2011 RWA conference in New York, but I wish I were. (sniffle, sigh)
And lastly, finish these statements...
My greatest strength as a writer is...umm, I don't know. I've never thought about it. Seriously, I don't want to think about it. If I know, I might freak myself out because I'll know I can always do better and then I might freeze up and then, well, I'd be an unhappy, woman sitting in the corner sucking my thumb and rubbing my blankie against my cheek.
A sexy hero needs...to act confident, look good and make me laugh, then make me cry, then make me want to know more after I read The End.
My latest WIP is about...I can't tell you, but I can say it's a Young Adult novel that my agent is soo excited about she's getting a little demanding, which is a good thing even though it makes me crazy at times.
When I write I like to...have copious amounts of coke. The soft drink not the narcotic. I also eat chocolate. Every day. That's right. I'm an unhealthy writer. What of it? Seriously, if I didn't do kickboxing everyday, I'd be enormous. Other than those two things, I like to snuggle my feet under my dog and pray she doesn't pass gas. Don't judge her. She has tummy issues.
My best writing milestone to date is...signing a contract was pretty dang awesome, gotta say. But my biggest writing milestone is convincing my husband that if I got a "real" job, I'd probably only get fired for doing something inappropriate ... like singing to a customer, or shouting out BINGO just cause, or pretending to be pregnant and that I'm going into labor. (I sorta, kinda, mighta done all those things before). That he agreed made me a tad annoyed that he'd think I was that juvenile, but then I realized he'd said I could stay home and write. Booya! I win!
If you'd like to learn more about her, she has a gorgeous website with more information about her and her books.
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Pretended to be pregnant and go into labor? Oh, that's a story I just HAVE to hear! (Since I already have the singing to a customer part down...)
ReplyDeleteNice interview. I wish my diet coke made me as funny. *sigh* But no. I get to be insane sans funny. So not fair.
{{{Hugs}}}
So, Shea, after all of that wandering around what is your favorite genre to write and why? (Don't you HATE people who ask WHY? Then again with five kids you are used to it!)
ReplyDeleteAnd what sorts of trends do you see making headway in YA?
You know, I've heard the grumblings from RWA all the way over here when you send in your dues. Once, someone said, "Oh my gosh, it's her again." Only to be answered with, "No way! Ugh, will it ever stop?"
ReplyDeleteHahaha. I lurve ya, hunny bunny. But this is a professional site so I have to stop being silly and be professional. (Sorry, Kylie!!!)
I so very seriously cannot wait for your book!!! Squee!!!!!
Okay, that wasn't very professional. I give up.
So proud of you, Ruby Sis!!!
~D~
Hey Gwyn! That story will cost you. Never fear, though, I'm easily bribed with chocolate. Even the promise of chocolate will make me crack.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'll tell you. I was running a 5K with a friend, and I saw these ballons and I jacked one, (I know, bad on me) and stuck it up my shirt and then jogged a bit with my hand on my back, and then I started moaning and groaning and causing a scene, which totally embarrassed my friend, and woman stopped her car and asked if I were okay and I had to come clean. Let's just say, she was not happy with my little joke.
Okay, I want to know if the kick boxing has anything to do with the five kids too? I know with four of my own, somedays I need to defend myself.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, ladies.
Thanks for clarifying the part about the coke. (In the part of the US where I'm from, we call it "Co-cola".) Congrats on The Marked Son.
ReplyDeleteBeth
Shea, love the interview. You always make me grin. Looking forward to reading The Marked Son. Thanks, Kylie!
ReplyDeleteHey Louisa! My favorite genre is probably fantasy, but I'm easy so I'll write nearly anything. Nearly. I love the good vs. evil aspect of the genre and making up totally insane stuff, like flying monkeys and witches that melt when water is thrown on them.
ReplyDeleteYou know, trends are hard to predict. I'm still seeing a lot of paranormal out there. I'm beginning to see more ghost stories, though. I think angel stories, unless you've got an amazing slant to it are waning. I'd like to see more YA suspense. That would be totally cool. A modern day twist on Nancy Drew. She'd have to be kick butt. And mouthy. Yep, that would get my attention.
Darynda, you make me laugh. But seriously, I think RWA has it in for me. They think I'm crazy. I don't understand. I stopped stalking Nora years ago ... no really.
ReplyDeleteHey Autumn! LOL, I know what you mean about defending yourself against our mini mes. Actually, one of my the little fallen angels dragged me to the gym (the class was free and I'm all for getting free stuff) and made me hit this big dude holding these huge pads. Loooovvveeed it! Who knew I'd become so addicted to violent behavior? Now the fruit which I bore don't mess with me. I can totally take them down.
ReplyDeleteHey Eliza! I love southern drawls. I have one every now and then, just cause.
ReplyDeleteThis tells you how hateful my fallen angels are. We'll be out in public and I'll mention I could some coke, and they start in on the, "Mom, we've already told you we're not going to support your habit any longer. If you need coke, go score some yourself." And they say it very loudly, the brats.
Hey Bev! Thanks! I hope you like it. If you don't, you don't have to tell me. Just thought I'd mention that. (grin)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, Shea. Can't wait to read your stuff!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Belle, and thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteLOL, ladies, I've just spent a wonderful few minutes reading all your comments and grinning. I do like the reference between kick boxing and keeping the kiddlies in line. I must mention it to some of the parents of the children I teach.
ReplyDeleteInteresting how trends/fads come and go in writing - although vampires just keep hanging on and on and on. :-) Trust the undead to linger.
And Shea, November will be here before you know it. This year is going so fast!
Gosh, Shea. Did we work at the same place? I might have done a few of those things at work, too. Once, I even chased the warehouse manager who had pushed one too many buttons on a real bad day throughout the entire building. He had longer legs than mine, and so he was able to reach his office in enough time to lock his door.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, I love your wit. And I'm very excited about your upcoming releases.
Congrats!
Jenn!
Hey, Shea! Hey Kylie! Great interview...and, yeah, we have to corral you somewhere and get you good and drunk and get all those stories out of you....
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read your book!!
Booya! Sounds like you have a wonderfully supportive hubby, Shea. Release day, here you come! Can't wait to read this one. :)
ReplyDeleteYou've made me want to shout BINGO. Seriously, that word is so fabulous and brilliantly disruptive. Here's to chaos and contracts! Looking forward to your releases, Shea!
ReplyDeleteHey Jenn! Love your story. I haven't had a "real" job in forever, so I don't socialize with the general populace, and I'm beginning to think everyone is happy about that. I have threatened my kickboxing instructors, but they're all big guys and just laugh at me. Apparently 5'2'' isn't threatening. Little do they know ...
ReplyDeleteShea, great interview. I love how you found your niche, even when your other attempts still smacked of talent!
ReplyDeleteLOL Shea, I learned some new things about you I didn't know. And what an entertaining and fun interview, Kylie and Shea! :)
ReplyDeleteShea,
ReplyDeleteThis has been a great year for you so far! More good things are in store, I've no doubt. I can't wait to get my hands on your books!
Monique
Hey Elisa! You don't need to get me drunk. I'll spill. I can't wait until you all can read my book. But ooohhh, the pressure to be brilliant. It's all coming from me, but man it's crazy!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview Shea! As someone who has read both of your wonderful books, may I just say, you definitely earned all that Coke and chocolate. The fact that you don't get fat annoys to me no end however.
ReplyDeleteAnd as a mulit-time roommate of yours at RWA...I can kinda see RWA's point. :0)
Seriously, you deserve all the goodness heading your way!
Congrats!!!
Hey Cate! I do have an amazing man. He makes me giggle, which is always nice.
ReplyDeleteNice interview, but I think you're missing a big clue... You should be writing humor! Yup, funny stuff 'cause you're good at it. Romance, PAH. Stick to the fun stuff. Congrats on your new release.
ReplyDeletejeanne
Hey Vivi! I know! Isn't BINGO awesome? I haven't randomlyl said it in public in a while. I might have to do something about that.
ReplyDeleteHey Abigail! My motto is don't give up unless someone boots you out the door. And then sneak in somehow.
ReplyDeleteHey Laurie! I bet you learned things you wish you didn't know too. Sorry. I can be TMI sometimes. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteHey Monique! Thank you. You're very sweet to say so. I'm hoping nobody realizes they've made a terrible mistake and we fall into the take backies.
ReplyDeleteShea, I think we must've sent to the same editor at Avon. My historical romance was 176,000 and for some reason she wanted me to cut it!!
ReplyDeleteCan identify with the kick boxing too, I started taking martial arts just to help out a friend and ended up loving it. My bones creak too much now to even think of taking, but I still keep my punching bag and when a kid-ling, even the grown ones, get me riled, I go out and start beating up the punching bag and warn they're next. Usually straightens them right out.
Can't wait to read your books, keep up with the awesomeness. :)
Hey Tammy! I work ridiculously hard, sweat-like-a-man hard, to keep my completely unhealthy diet from showing, so actually you should pity me. I know, fat chance.
ReplyDeleteYou're being really sweet. What's up with that? Okay, does this have to do with critique group Thursday? Geesh, you'll do anything to get me to play nicely.
Hey Jeanne! I love humor, but I wouldn't call my stories super funny. If there's a place I can slip a good yukity-yuk in I will. It makes all the bad stuff livable.
ReplyDeleteBusted! You’re too clever for your shirt…or would that be for your kick-boxing-shorts?
ReplyDeleteDon’t wear those on Thursday night, please. If you don’t like my chapter, I may kick back!
Have fun basking in the limelight!
Hey Diana! You know the funny thing? My sparring trainer wanted me to hit him in the face the other day, and I couldn't. The only way I came close was when he bent his head, and I hit his thick skull. But I've hit my other trainer twice (by mistake, I swear) and made him bleed both times. I think that's why I didn't want to hit my sparring trainer. I'm not into causing others pain if I can avoid it. Don't tell my kids, though.
ReplyDeleteHa, Tammy! There's the girl I know and love. And you call me violent.
ReplyDeleteYou're such an over-achiever! Can't wait to dive into your magical world for a while.
ReplyDeleteMolly
Hi Tammy - I could do with a little New Mexico heat right now. Wellington, NZ is getting pretty cold. Congrats on the GH and the contract. Maybe we can catch up at RWA confernece in 2012!
ReplyDeleteBronwen Evans
Regency Seductions...
Invitation to Ruin Feb 2011
RT Book Review 4.5 Stars
Website: www.bronwenevans.com
Blog: http://regencyseductions.blogspot.com/
FB: http://www.facebook.com/bronwenevansauthor
Twitter: @authorbevans
Hey Molly! I can't believe you're calling me an over-achiever. Knowing what I know about you, I get tired just thinking about all you do. Are you gonna make some more chocolate sleeves? I don't know if that's what you call them, but they were sooo cute. And they were wrapped around one of my main food groups, so you know I loved it.
ReplyDeleteHey Bron. I'm going to RWA 2012. I'm a sucker for Disney.
ReplyDeleteHey Shea! Lady, you always totally crack me up! I can't wait to read your books. With you and your personality behind them, they've got to be some of the best out there! Or soon to be out there! Gonna be a great year for you!
ReplyDeleteHey Kim! Thanks for the vote of confidence. I'm just hoping no one boos me, or slacks my books against the wall. Of course someone will, it's inevitable.
ReplyDeleteHi "Shea" great interview... The pregnant thing must run in the family. For April fools I kinda sorta forged a Dr's note with HR's knowledge and attached 2 ultrasounds did I mention I was 48 at the time. The letter stated that due to My advanced age I would need extra time off to the tune of 6 month. Extra benie is my boss remembered my husband had a gone in for old snip snip. Good times! No really congrats on the book. I'm proud of you!
ReplyDeleteHey Shea - great interview! I haven't had the pleasure of reading your stuff yet, but based on your 'interview voice', I bet your YAs are fabulous! I can't wait to get my hands on them :)
ReplyDeleteHey Anonymous sister of mine. Yep, we are an evil family of meanies. Love the fake pregnancy thing. I remember you telling me about it. I believe you're contractually obligated to buy my book even if you don't want to. Sorry, thems the breaks. Love ya.
ReplyDeleteHey Sara! I only hope I don't disappoint you all. August is coming up soon. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteIt's getting a bit late for me, here in New Mexico. I'm gonna get some shut-eye, but I'll pop back in tomorrow morning (evening your time) and see if anyone wants to ask me anything. Talk to you all soon.
ReplyDeleteHi Shea--great interview as always...and you let your mean side show through LOL. Seriously, Shea's books are absolutely amazing. I get to read them...cause, yep, I'm in her critique group. I'm the mean one! You can find her on facebook, too...didn't think I'd bring that up, did you LOL. http://www.facebook.com/SheaBerkley.
ReplyDeleteActually...I think Shea's the mean one. Her kick-boxing instructor *should* be afraid of her. Very afraid. I know I am. LOL. Hugs, my dear friend. I'm so happy and excited for you, I can hardly stand it!!!
Shea, having read all these wonderful people's comments it sounds like you have one heck of a fan base already, and a great network of "word of mouth" selling going on in their communities! So, your YA series is off to a great start.
ReplyDeleteAnd isn't it nice when 'friends' love to tell stories about you - so nice of them to share so many - LOL!!! Thank you everyone, it's made the comments section as interesting to read at Shea's interview!
Hey Shea, How come I didn't know you were so funny? Great interview!
ReplyDeleteHi, Kylie! Hi, Shea!
ReplyDeleteShea, I LOVE your brand-new cover, I'm so jealous of Robin, who gets to read all your books. I wish you were coming to NY, but there's always next year, and by then I'll be able to chase you for an autograph, with THE MARKED SON in hand.
Great interview ladies.
ReplyDeleteLoved the interview ladies! ANd Shea I had a LOL moment reading your genre changes which each time led to finalling in the Golden Heart. Way to go!!
ReplyDeleteOne of the best interviews I've read in a while! Nice work, ladies.
ReplyDeleteSo, Kylie: "snaffling?" Please explain this apparent Aussieism.
And Shea: It sounds like chocolate, Coke, and kickboxing are the secrets to looking 25 when you're, um, not. My question is, do two out of three count?
What a fun interview. Your readers are gonna love your Voice, Shea.
ReplyDeleteHey Cat. You didn't know I was so funny cause I'm a quiet, shy gal. (okay, you can stop laughing now)
ReplyDeleteWell, I think I'm the last critique partner to post--but that must mean I'm the nice one! Of course, I am always right, too. :)
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to getting your books. Since I have lots of nephews, I feel like I've already got most of my Christmas shopping planned out. Thanks for writing such great books that I can give them.
Louise B
Vanessa! I'm slouch-on-the-couch, pouty-faced mad that I'm not going to conference this year. How will you survive without me? (giggle, snort) But next year RWA will be awesome. I can't wait. We will be partying all day and night!
ReplyDeleteHey Rita! Thanks for dropping by!
ReplyDeleteHey Mel! You laughed. I was in shock every time I finaled. I'm always surprised when I do well. I'm glad you liked the interview. It was fun.
ReplyDeleteHey Jamie! Ha! I'm glad you liked the interview.
ReplyDeleteI say, take a chance and see if two out of three still work. Actually, I'm not sure which one I'm more addicted to, cola, chocolate or exercise. I think I'd go into a shock induced coma if I couldn't do any one of them. I just got up, like ten minutes ago and I've already had a cola and chocolate. I'll be leaving in about fifteen to kickboxing so the addiction goes deep.
Hey Keli! Thanks. I hope everyone takes a chance and buys my book and falls madly in love.
ReplyDeleteHey Louise! You are always right. Thanks for stopping by, chica. And I'm thrilled I was able to tap into my inner boy and create a book they can read. I hope they love Torrein. I love that book.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. Shea, you are so funny! (That's a good thing.)
ReplyDeleteCheers.
Hey Helen! Thank you, and thanks for dropping by.
ReplyDeleteShea-I'm a huge fan! You have so many freakin' AMAZING talents. But nowhere in this interview does it mention your superhero/ninja like ability to walk across a room in 12 inch stilettos!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm just saying—that takes some serious skilz. And confidence.
I can't wait until your books are out.
Thanks Kylie for peeling back some of the layers that are the FANTABULOUS Shea Berkley.
Hey Carey! Awwww, shucks. Walking on stilts ain't so hard. It's the falling that bites. Your book is coming out soon, too! Can't wait to read your series. Thanks for popping over and showing me some love.
ReplyDeleteI am a perpetually late blogger! At least I didn't say bloomer, right? This was such a great interview. I'm so pleased to learn all this about you, Shea! I'm from New Mexico, too. Why didn't I know this about you? Oh, and I totally get that going to conferences is a geekfest. It's where we get to go to find out we're not insane ;) Thanks, Kylie!
ReplyDeleteShea, this has been one of the most entertaining comments section I've ever had - thank you to everyone for some wonderful anecdotes and...interesting snippets about our GH girl! :-)
ReplyDeleteHey Donnell! I'm glad you liked the interview. Next time we meet, we'll geek it out together, okay?
ReplyDelete