Guest Blogging -- Teresa Southwick

Joining us today at SPARKLE THIS! is Teresa Southwick, author of 4 historical and over 25 contemporary romance novels. A two-time National Reader's Choice and one-time Rita finalist, she was also a Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer's Choice double nominee for Career Achievement and Best Series Romance for 2003. A native Californian, she recently relocated to Las Vegas where she is neglecting the casinos while working on her next book.

Teresa's most recent release, THE SHEIKH'S CONTRACT BRIDE was a June 2007 release from Harlequin Romance. This phenomenal read pits Sheikh Malik Hourani, a Crown Prince, against one very determined school teacher, Beth Farrah. Sheikh Malik understands duty and honor, and hates a liar. He is ready to fulfill his family obligation by marrying and producing heirs to the throne of Bha'Khar. Only one small problem stands in his way: the woman he's been betrothed to since birth will do anything to keep from marrying him -- even telling a whopper of a lie. For those who enjoy characters who leap off the page with their strong wills and sexual tension that singes the pages, then THE SHEIKH'S CONTRCT BRIDE is a must read.

Teresa graciously agreed to sit down and let us in on a few publishing hints. So slid into your comfy slippers and tell the kids to leave you alone, here's what Teresa said.

TS: I’m delighted at this invitation to guest blog for “Sparkle This.” Books have been a joy for me since learning to read and I think it’s a wonderful endeavor to analyze just why certain books earn a revered place on our “keeper” shelf. So, here goes.

SF: What makes a book sparkle for you?

TS: I’d have to say it’s the characters, and by extension, their dialogue—internal dialogue, too. If I’m going to spend precious time with these people, I want it to be fun, witty, and emotional. Make me laugh and cry. From a writer’s standpoint, in my own work I take a hard look at passages that have more that one page of character introspection. In my opinion, and it’s only mine, any more than a page of dense introspection slows story pacing. It’s important to look at what information can be revealed in dialogue between your main characters. Otherwise readers, and I’m one, will scan forward to look for where the characters finally talk to each other.

SF: What is the best advice you ever received?

TS: This tip is from Nora Roberts. Big surprise. I heard her speak at an Orange County RWA meeting and her advice was: you can fix bad writing, but you can’t do anything with a blank page. Subtext: keep writing. It’s deceptively simple and I recently figured out why it’s so profound.
While you “keep writing” you’re also learning what works and what doesn’t. You’re sending out your projects and figuring out how to negotiate the potholes and pitfalls of publishing. While you’re persevering, you’re developing your own character skills for longevity in the writing business. The first sale isn’t the end of the struggle, but the beginning. Careers have highs and lows and the same perseverance and fortitude that got you published will see you through all the trials and tribulations.

SF: Which of your books do you like best? Why?

TS: My favorite book is a December 2006 release from Harlequin Romance called CRAZY ABOUT THE BOSS. It’s part of a continuity series called The Brides of Bella Lucia that was designed to merge readers from Silhouette Romance into the new Harlequin Romance line.
Even though I was invited to participate in this project it came during a time of career crisis for me. For some reason I was having difficulty writing book proposals. I’d do one chapter and a twenty page synopsis and my editor was sending them back with revision suggestions—sometimes twice. I was both worried and embarrassed. Plus I felt bad. Editors are already overworked. The last thing they need is more to do. I wasn’t happy about it either; I’d much rather do it right the first time.
So I asked a couple writer friends to critique the chapter and discussed it in depth. Then I wrote and rewrote, edited and tightened. It paid off. Kim Young, Senior Editor of the Harlequin Romance line emailed to let me know that CRAZY ABOUT THE BOSS sold first in the UK, and first in the North American market. They also have something called a monitor panel, a sizeable group of UK readers who rank and comment on the books each month. My book also scored first with this panel and their comments were very positive. Kim wanted to know if I had a new proposal for her and was disappointed when I told her I’m currently working on a series for Special Edition. “Good for them, not for us,” was her reply. This was balm to my battered soul and proof that I hadn’t forgotten how to write. I keep a printout of her email tacked up on my bulletin board, right beside the friendship prayer.
Last, but not least, this book was a finalist in The National Readers Choice contest. It feels like the prodigal son—problematic in the beginning with an immensely satisfying outcome for all the hard work. It also reinforces what Nora said: Keep writing.

SF: Any final advice?

TS: I’ve often said that a writing career isn’t for wimps. It’s a huge commitment of time and emotion but there are so many rewards—including my “Sparkle This” friends. I had so much fun with you at the RWA conference in July and miss y’all more than I can say.

Happy writing everyone!
Terry

Teresa Southwick also writes for Silhouette Special Edition. She just finished an inline continuity book. PAGING DR. DADDY will be out in March 2008. In April her new series for the line—Men of Mercy Medical—will debut with THE MILLIONAIRE AND THE M.D.

On a personal note: It has been my pleasure to critique with (she does most of the critiquing of my work, I just occasionally make a suggestion on hers) for a number of years. Terry gives unselfishly of her publishing and writing knowledge to any who ask. On a book note: If you aren't reading Teresa Southwick -- you're missing a treat!

Thanks for joining our guest blogger. Be sure to leave your comments or questions for Terry in the 'Sparkling Comment' section. We love to hear from you.

Happy Writing
~ Sandra