Ask the Author: Rue
Answered Questions (10)
Rue
I would prefer to live my entire life hopping from one fictional book world to another, but I think I would begin my journey in The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I would want to inhabit the character of Mary Lennox! I think it would be so exciting to explore a huge English manor and discover a hidden room with a sickly boy who turns out to be a relative - not to mention all the rooms we don't get to read about! However, the highlight of my adventure would be finding the key AND figuring out what it opens. I've always found such tranquility in gardening (something about my hands in the earth) and the idea of bringing a wasted, secret place back to life fills me with inspiration. Once I finished that garden I think I'd pop through the wardrobe and have tea with Mr. Tumnus!
Rue
More than I can possibly read!
The Art of War: The Denma Translation
Phoenix (Beatrix Rose), by Mark Dawson
Writing Active Setting (1, 2, & 3), by Mary Buckham
The Seven Steps to Closure, by Donna Joy Usher
City of Masks, by Ashley Capes
Shattered Throne series, by Cate Dean
Conjuring Quantico, by T. S. Paul
Nora Roberts Land, by Ava Miles
The One You Want, by Gena Showalter
Where We Belong, by K. L. Grayson
Plus I have a bunch of research to do, so there will be some history and travel books thrown in the mix. And anything I can find by Colette!!!
The Art of War: The Denma Translation
Phoenix (Beatrix Rose), by Mark Dawson
Writing Active Setting (1, 2, & 3), by Mary Buckham
The Seven Steps to Closure, by Donna Joy Usher
City of Masks, by Ashley Capes
Shattered Throne series, by Cate Dean
Conjuring Quantico, by T. S. Paul
Nora Roberts Land, by Ava Miles
The One You Want, by Gena Showalter
Where We Belong, by K. L. Grayson
Plus I have a bunch of research to do, so there will be some history and travel books thrown in the mix. And anything I can find by Colette!!!
Rue
The mystery of my missing uncle...
Rue
I think I'm like most readers when I say, "Do I have to choose?" I have so many favorites for so many different reasons, but there are a few that never leave my heart. When I think about those few I feel drawn to Lord Hugh and Sorcha in "Daughter of the Forest." They are complete strangers, sworn enemies actually, when they meet - but basic human decency turns into so much more. The author, Juliet Marillier, builds layer upon layer of subtle, seemingly mundane, instances that culminate in a heart-wrenching love-for-the-ages ending. It is impossible to describe the depth of character development in a few short sentences, but this is one of the few books I have read more than once - and I cry EVERY time. A timeless, epic couple! Of course, I might have a different answer tomorrow - but today I feel quite confident in this response. <|:-)
Rue
I spent about three years in Duluth and I found it to be a unique city. When the story of the Hutchinson sisters started taking shape I immediately pictured part of their struggle taking place against the back drop of snow and ice...Duluth has that in spades. I also love hills, elevation changes and water—the setting gives the characters lots of interesting venues.
Rue
The clock strikes 10 a.m. and I start typing!
Rue
Book 2 of the Lake Effect Series. Book 1 "It's Not My Favorite" is currently available in paperback and ebook.
Rue
It's a job - treat it like one. If you only write when the mood strikes, don't put all your eggs in the author basket. Writing may be an enormously creative, passionate endeavour - but if you don't respect your time and commit to meeting your own deadlines - you will never finish your book. You have to learn to merge organization with creativity. They are not enemies, they are symbiotic entities.
Rue
My favorite thing about being a writer is having a place to put all the people that live in my head. If I didn't banish some of them to the page I think I would go stark, raving mad.
Rue
Step 1: I refuse to acknowledge its existence.
Step 2: I complete my research before I start writing, so I have the information I need at my fingertips.
Step 3: I complete my outline before I start writing, so I have a place to go if I start to lose my way.
Step 4: This is the most important Step. I create my writing schedule, I post it on my office door (for accountability) and I sit down and write every day.
Everyone has their own magic formula - this is just the one that works for me.
Step 2: I complete my research before I start writing, so I have the information I need at my fingertips.
Step 3: I complete my outline before I start writing, so I have a place to go if I start to lose my way.
Step 4: This is the most important Step. I create my writing schedule, I post it on my office door (for accountability) and I sit down and write every day.
Everyone has their own magic formula - this is just the one that works for me.
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