Connie: Hello, Terry, and welcome! Have a seat; get comfy, cause I’m going to send a variety of questions on writing and your personal life your way. Before I do, would you tell a bit about yourself, what you’re working on now, and what’s currently on the shelf?

Terry: Before I started writing, I was a very spoiled high school teacher. I indulged my interests teaching several different subjects each year--World History, British Literature, Drafting, Drama, Anthropology, Ancient Civilizations, Creative Writing, and Architectural Design, to name a few. Once a week, I'd cross the street and teach Music Appreciation to sixth graders. Later I went back to college for a masters degree in English, and then I taught composition classes at a local university and junior college.

When I discovered the romance genre, I decided to try writing fiction. I never imagined I'd become a writer, but now I'm enjoying it as much as I enjoyed teaching.

I live with my husband of nearly thirty years in northern California, in a house I designed myself. We're new grandparents and loving this phase of life.

Learning Curve, my debut novel for Harlequin Superromance, tells the story of a burned-out teacher whose energetic student teacher drives him a little crazy while she helps him rediscover his passion for his profession.

My current release is Make-Believe Cowboy. In this first book of my Bright Lights, Big Sky Superromance series, a movie star goes on a location shoot in Montana and falls for the lady rancher. Look for the second book, The Rancher Needs a Wife, in February of 2007.

I'm currently working on the third book in the series, Maybe, Baby, due out in September of next year, and I'm having so much fun with it! The hero is a slightly stuffy, fastidious British film producer, and I'm helping the heroine--a temperamental actress--tie him in knots and mess up his life.

Connie: It seems you’ve been very busy. With all the subjects you’ve taught I’m thinking there are some "what if" scenarios you can incorporate into future books, hmm?

The term "alpha male" is fairly popular right now. When writing your heroes, like Fitz in Make-Believe Cowboy or Joe in Learning Curve, do you think of the term alpha when they are developing or do you think alpha with a combination of other traits?

Terry: Interesting question, Connie. Do you think they're alphas? One of my readers surprised me by telling me my heroes are alphas masquerading as betas. I'd never thought of them that way before.

When I'm writing, I don't think in terms of "alpha" or "beta" or anything else. To me, characters are just people filled with the same inconsistencies and contradictions as everyone else.

Connie: No, I don’t think they’re alphas in the strict sense of the word. Maybe that’s why I liked them so much. Maybe the way you think or don’t think when writing is what makes them come across as " heroes are alphas masquerading as betas."

Now, what about your heroines? I’d like to discover your thought process with them. Understandably, Ellie in Make-Believe Cowboy was on the defensive and alpha in her own way, and Emily in Learning Curve is a bit on the sassy side and turns things on edge. What traits do you want first and foremost to show through with your heroines?

Terry: I want them to be confident and determined, to remain focused on their goals even when they're momentarily sidetracked by the heroes. They may have to confront their shortcomings, but I want them to figure things out and work hard, to grow and persevere.

Hm. Now that you've made me think about it, I realize I try more for that "alpha" effect with the heroines than I do with the heroes. Perhaps that's because I find it more difficult to write the heroines, so I turn to that archetype to help get me started.

Connie: Don’t know why, but it’s interesting you find them more difficult to write...

How much of your characters are purely invention and imagination and how much of them are bits and pieces or quirks of people you’ve met or observed in various circumstances?

Terry: I may not consciously set out to borrow personality traits or quirks from actual people I know, but I'm certain my subconscious kicks in all sorts of details. While I was working on The Rancher Needs a Wife, for instance, I realized I was examining the issue of stage fright, and that my characters were afraid of revealing some part of themselves to the public--an interesting theme for a former drama teacher, don't you think?

Because Learning Curve was so close to my own life, there are several tiny bits I took from it: Joe's Birkenstocks, Kay's aspic, Linda's pay phone coins, and Kyle's tie stroking habit. I can't think of any elements like that in Make-Believe Cowboy--everything about that story and those people was pure fantasy from page one, and I enjoyed watching it all unfold.

Connie: I’m sure you’ll find more tiny bits find their way into future stories, things you don’t even know you remember.

Some authors take great care when naming their characters. How do you name your characters, Terry? What should factor in when deciding on names?

Terry: You're right, Connie--names are very important. For the heroes, I prefer to stick with something basic and "solid" sounding, like Nick, Jack, or Joe. Sometimes I'll look for a last name or a trait that will suggest a nickname to use instead of a given name.

For the heroines, I often end up with something that reflects their backgrounds or families, something their mothers would choose.

One thing I try to factor in: something that's easy to type, because I'm going to be typing those names a lot!

Connie: Have you ever renamed a character once the book was underway and the character really began developing?

Terry: In the very first manuscript, I named my heroine Sarah, but I changed that to something a bit quirkier to reflect her character, something her status-conscious mother would have chosen: Sydney.

Connie: I can see the difference and how Sydney would work.

"The call" is one of those things where authors remember where they were and what they were doing when it came. How did your call come and did you celebrate afterwards?

Terry: I was in a stressed-out, last-minute rush, my mind filled with errands I needed to run--to places that were about to close--before I could pack for an extended trip to our son's wedding in Oregon and RWA's writing conference in Reno. I was about to step into the shower when the phone rang. I stood there, naked, staring at the clock as all the hot water ran down the drain, trying to process the life-altering news in one part of my brain while the rest of my thought processes were screaming at me to hang up and get going on those errands!

There was no time to celebrate that night. I took a cold shower, raced around with wet hair, and then finished packing for the wedding and the conference. I did manage to squeeze in a couple of quick phone calls and send a few brief e-mails between settling the pets and watering the yard, but then I was traveling and away from the Internet and didn't see the responses for over a week.

The next day, on the drive north, my husband and I had several hours to talk it all through. I'd been chatting about the writing business for years--this time, he paid attention to every word!

Connie: No details were forgotten with your call, were there? : - ) And the finished product? Walk us through where you were and what it was like when you first saw Learning Curve on the shelf?

Terry: I got a few e-mails from friends who'd purchased the book, so I haunted my local bookstore for over a week, waiting for the magic moment. But the booksellers were late getting the book shelved, and I left on a trip before I saw it. By the time I returned, there was one book left in its slot--turned to the back, with another book in front of it. Yikes!

Before I got the call from the editor, I daydreamed about what I thought would be the highlights--holding my book for the first time or seeing it on the local bookstore shelves. But other, unexpected moments gave me the biggest thrills, perhaps because I hadn't built them up in my imagination--seeing the cover for the first time and getting the "signed by the author" stickers.

Connie: And I’m sure the thrills keep piling up, too.

Terry, what elements/qualities do you think series/category romance has that garners so many readers and fans?

Terry: I think it's the unabashed emphasis on the romance--which is why we read the genre!--and the intimacy, the immediacy, the accessibility of the stories.

Connie: Looking to the future, what’s on your writing to-do list? What is something you have brewing that you’d like to put to paper?

Terry: I'm delighted with my home at Superromance, and I've got lots of ideas for more of them--a "hunks with hammers" series set in my hometown in northern California, and another series set in the Napa valley wine-making country.

Maybe someday I'll write a sprawling, multi-generational historical I have in mind, something along the lines of Michener or Clavell, with plenty of action and tons of romance. (But don't hold your breath.)

Connie: Ah, you’ve whet our appetites! Still looking to the future for another minute. As a teacher and now a writer, do you see it in your future to combine your experiences and form online classes or mentor aspiring authors?

Terry: Absolutely! I'm especially looking forward to teaching workshops at conferences. Ahhh...all the fun of a class, with no papers to correct, no detention to assign, and no meetings with parents.

When I first started writing, my sweet husband bought a wonderful Mother's Day present for me: attendance at a weekend writing seminar. At the end of the first day, he asked me what I'd learned so far, and instead of talking about writing, I told him I'd learned there were twenty-two people in our small town who were willing to pay a lot of money to learn how to write and sell a novel. I figured as soon as I was a published author, I'd hit the road and make far more money teaching classes than I ever would writing books.

This was before I joined RWA and discovered there are hundreds of generous authors willing to share what they know for free. What an amazing organization it is! I never would have sold that first book without the help and support I've received there.

Connie: There are some things that have to be learned from experience, and entering contests is possibly one of them. I’ve gotten different thoughts and opinions from different authors on the subject of entering writing contests. Could you give your opinion, Terry, on various aspects of entering? What should the aspiring author expect from the contest? Should their MS be finished before entering or is that not a big deal as some think? Should they enter multiple contests but not enter the same pages/chapters on a continual basis?

Terry: Different writers want and need different things from contests--feedback from anonymous readers, a chance to get a submission on an editor's desk, validation for a job well done. Contest entrants should consider their goals and expectations when choosing where to send their work, and they should be careful consumers. They can check out the score sheets, ask how many judges will be reading the entries, and examine the list of final round judges.

What to expect from contests? It all depends on the luck of the draw, on which judges read the entry. One judge might give a fabulous critique that offers valuable insights and encouragement, and another might hand out demoralizing scores with little explanation. Entering contests does teach patience, in addition to adding some layers to that thick skin writers need to help them deal with the rejection that's so much a part of this business.

A friend of mine once scolded me for entering contests with unfinished manuscripts. But I wanted to know if readers would connect with my stories and characters. And if an incomplete manuscript made it to the final round and earned a submission request, that encouraged me to work hard and finish quickly, knowing there was some serious interest.

As for entering the same work on a continual basis, that's up to the writer. Some writers may choose to do this because they're targeting a wide range of publishers or need continual validation.

Connie: It seems it’s as subjective as reading is. What one gets out of it another may not. What one expects to get out of it another may expect something else. Thanks for your views on it.

Now, a few personal get-to-know-you questions now:
Are you a cat or dog person?
Are you a tub or shower person?
When it comes to snacks are you a salty (chips, pretzels, etc.) or sweet (cookies, cakes, etc.) person?

Terry: I love dogs and cats, and until recently we've always had both. But I suppose I enjoy my dogs just a bit more.

I'm definitely a shower person. In and out, as fast as possible. I hate spending much time in the bathroom--no moisturizer, no makeup, no fooling with my hair. No fuss, no bother.

On the other hand, a lot of my best story ideas come to me in the shower, and I've been known to take one late in the day, looking for some inspiration.

Snacks? I rarely eat between meals--very strange, I know. But since I'd probably be more tempted by a cookie than a pretzel, I'll choose the sweets.

Connie: Sweets...chocolate!

I can think of a lot of qualities I’d want my fictional Prince Charming to have. When you’re reading a romance, what qualities do want your fictional Prince Charming to have? What do they have to have to make you heave a sigh or two?

Terry: What a wonderful question--I certainly enjoyed daydreaming over my answer. One thing came immediately to mind: a sense of humor. I find that so endearing. And honesty, someone the heroine can trust.

But as for the rest...so much of it depends on the context of the story itself. A look, a word, a touch, a thought will all have so much more meaning--so much more of that "sigh factor"--because of the setup, the circumstances, the character. It's all about how the author tells the tale, the talent and skill behind the words on the page, that makes me sigh...and then run right out and buy another book by that same author so I can sigh some more!

Connie: I’m glad I could make you daydream for a minute or two! And you’re right, a look, a touch, a word, they’re all important, too. We all have different things that make us sigh or smile throughout a book. Thanks for sharing yours!

You’ve done quite a bit of traveling; Europe, Mexico, Japan. What’s left on your list that would be a dream vacation for you and your husband?

Terry: My idea of a dream destination and my husband's don't exactly mesh. So many of my ideas involve long plane rides, and he hates folding up his long frame in a tight space for hours.

When we do travel together, my husband and I enjoy the same things: learning a bit of the local history, visiting museums, meeting new people, relaxing over a good meal. We never run out of things to discuss, and we never tire of each others' company. Going just about anywhere with him is a dream vacation!

Connie: That’s lovely!

In teacher thinking mode, Terry, what historical character do you find fascinating? And what would you say/ask if you were able to meet them?

Terry: Not that long ago, when I was in teacher mode, I used to wish I could ask famous figures about the decision-making processes behind historic events. But now that I'm in writing mode, I wish I could ask less famous people about everyday details--research for story ideas!

I'd like to write a story someday about the Boxer rebellion in China in 1900. I'd ask one of the women who was trapped inside the legation compound what it was like--the daily routine, the methods of communication with the outside, the sounds of battle, the care of the wounded, the concerns for family members.

But I haven't answered your question yet, have I? Marco Polo fascinates me, because he was the ultimate student, the ultimate traveler--and then he wrote a book about his adventures.

Connie: It’s the details, I think, that makes some of the history so fascinating. And it would be nice to know more of them.

What is something pampering you do for yourself or would like to do?

Terry: I pamper myself every day, in lots of small ways. Every minute I sink into a romance novel, every meal I fix for myself, every fun e-mail communication with a friend, every kiss or hug I collect from my husband, every moment I sit and daydream (and call it work) is a treat.

How about a pampering fantasy? I'd walk into a home improvement and landscaping center, select wallpaper, paint, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, plants, and all sorts of goodies, arrange for everything to be installed, charge it all on my magic credit card, and voilà! My house would look just as I'd envisioned.

Connie: Oh, I do like that one!!

Over the years our views on many things evolve. Has your idea of what romance is changed or expanded? What about your husband’s idea of what romance is, has it changed or expanded?

Terry: This is going to sound strange coming from a romance novelist, but I've never had much appreciation for the kinds of things other people seem to find romantic. Roses, candlelit dinners, walks along the beach--all those things are terrific in a movie montage, and they're fun to write into a story, but they'd be wasted on me. I'm a sentimental mess--as anyone who's seen me cry at movies, funerals, weddings, graduations, Hallmark commercials, and anywhere the "Star-Spangled Banner" is sung can tell you--but I'm not very romantic.

I think thoughtful actions are romantic. I know my husband appreciates the way I hop in the car to keep him company when he runs an errand, and I get that warm & fuzzy feeling when he loads the dishwasher while I'm writing in the evening.

Connie: I feel the same exact way about romance and my husband, Terry. So, what about your husband? What did he say?

Terry: When I asked my husband this question, his reply was, "What do you think?" (Typical male--letting a female fill in the blanks.) He may not have a lot to say on the subject, but I love the way he reaches for my hand and holds it when we go to the movies.

Connie: Terry, I think that’s a great place to stop and let you go. Before I say good-bye, and thank you, is there anything I forgot to ask that you’d like readers and fans to know?

Terry: I'd love to hear from them! Especially if they can suggest a great book. I'm relatively new to the romance genre, and I have a lot of catching up to do. Some of my favorite romances have been recommended to me, and it's always a thrill to discover a "new" author with a long backlist.

Thanks for the interesting questions, Connie. It's been a pleasure visiting with you!

Connie: You’re so welcome, Terry. I had a great time!

Comment or respond to Terry's interview and we'll post your comments below!

"Loved this interview and it's special to me because this past weekend I personally met this incredible author. I purchased her first book because her second one sold out at the book fair. Can't wait to read it and your interview was great!"

Marilyn Shoemaker
Seattle, WA

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