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Welcome to my blog about life as a writer and the craziness it involves with struggles of daily life. Make yourself at home but only if you don't mind a little messiness from time to time. This isn't the Home and Garden blog or Martha Stewart so don't expect cute little crafts with homemade goodies. That's not happening in the world of vamps, weres, and other things that go bump in the night...well...maybe homemade blood cakes topped with 'scream a la cream' sweetness along with the sexy alpha males who serve it up.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Writer's Wednesday....Barbara Bettis



Author Barbara Bettis

Today, I welcome my friend and historical romance author, Barbara Bettis to the blog.  Barbara is a member of my dear Ass Cheek Angels blog group.  I'm really excited about her being here today!  Plus a little birdie told me that this is Barbara's first blog interview.  YAY!  Congratulations, Barbara and thank you so much for allowing me this honor.  I am thrilled to high heavens that you agreed to break into this process with me.  I promise to be gentle...heehee.  Uh-hum, well with that being said, let's give a warm welcome to Barbara. 

Me:  Hi, Barbara!

Barbara:  Hi JD. Thanks for inviting me today. I’m happy to be here. And a little nervous, because this is my first blog appearance.

Me:  That's quite understandable, dear.  I get a little nervous from the whole blog thing myself.  How about you start off by telling us a little bit about your writing projects and such. 

Barbara:  I have completed three English-set medieval romances. My very first is still dear to my heart--isn’t every writer’s first one special? It had its run, then went into the files as I worked on the next hero and heroine. However, I pulled it out recently to see if it might be salvageable. I took some off the top, a little around the middle. 

Me:  Yes, that sounds all to familiar, Barbara.  'Been there and done that' myself.  So, what is the most difficult for you to write: Characters, conflict, emotions?

Barbara:  Yes. Actually, I think it’s emotions. I love doing characters and conflict, but I do face a challenge with getting the emotions layered in.

Me:  Do you have critique partners?  If so, can you tell us a bit about them?

Barbara:  I am so lucky to have fantastic, talented critique partners. In two groups, actually. One group is online and one meets every Tuesday afternoon in town. The online group has five, each in a different genre. One is published in Western historical and pirate time-travel; one is published in contemporary romantic humor; one has a terrific historical novel on sub through her agent, and the fourth is shopping her delightful steampunk.

The in-town group of four writers is just as varied. One partner has her Regency out this month with Avalon; one has her Western historical inspiration out on a full request sub, and the third is an award-winning YA and paranormal author who’s beginning the submission process.

The great thing about both of these groups is that each person brings a different ‘eye’ to the process. They’re all great, supportive ladies who are always there for each other.

Me:  Sounds like you have some remarkable critique partners there, Barbara.  It's so true that each one can bring a different perspective into a piece of writing.  Now, where were we?  Oh yes!  If you were going to cast the hero of your book, what actor would get the part?

Barbara:  Oh, my goodness. An easy question to answer. Richard Armitage. He’d be perfect as Sir Giles. He played the villain, Sir Guy, in the BBC series Robin Hood and the hero, John Thornton, in BBC’s North and South. Tall, dark-haired. He’s not just vapid, magazine-ad ‘pretty.’ He’s interesting looking, intriguing. (I’d say ‘layered’ but every time I do these days, I think of Shrek. LOL).

Me:  *fans self after viewing images of Richard Armitage* Oh my, he is one 'layered' actor indeed.  Shrek's the last thing I'd think of, Barbara.  Just sayin'. *winks*  Anyway, we should get a move on with the interview.  So, if you could time travel would you go forward or backward?

Barbara:  Back, of course. But I’d have to take a supply of headache meds. And a toothbrush. And my favorite books. And one or two personal items. Since that probably wouldn’t happen, I guess I’d just be dropping back for a visit.

Me:  LOL!  You sound like me.  I definitely would take along my favorite books as well.  Plus, a woman's got to have some of the modern conveniences with her; such as a toothbrush. LOL. 

Ok, Barbara, you've made it to the final question.  See?  Everything's gone like smooth sailing, right?  It looks like it to me.  Well, here's the last round of torture, ah-hem, I mean question for you...heehee.  What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Barbara:  Start as early in life as you can, and have patience while you learn the craft. Find some good critique partners. Develop a thick skin, because when the rejections come you must persevere. Develop a daily writing habit. And read, read, read.

Me:  Great advice, Barbara!  One must definitely develop thick skin in this line of work.  Well, Barbara, thank you so much for joining us today on the blog.  I had so much fun and I hope your first time in the 'hot seat' wasn't so scary for you after all.  I look forward to having you on the blog again someday soon.

Barbara:  Thanks again for inviting me, JD. It’s been fun.


You can learn more about Barbara Bettis and her writings at:

www.barbarabettis.blogspot.com





8 comments:

  1. Hi Barb and JD!
    Wow, you breezed through this interview like a seasoned guest. Had you told us, we never would have guessed it was your first interview. So now you have to come be my guest sometime. I can bribe you with a sexy pic of Richard A....;)
    Great post, ladies!

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    1. Thanks for the nice words, Jenn. You can bribe me with that pix anytime, BTW. LOL. But you have so many yummy guys to choose from on your Man Candy Monday.

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  2. Gorgeous picture of you Barb! and I loved the interview :) It was great to know more about you and your writing process. I wish you all the best with your writing!

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    1. Hi Kellie. Thanks! JD made the process so easy. As for writing, well, with all of you doing so well, I'd best get my subs going out again. So glad you stopped by.

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  3. JD--Thank you so much for having me today. You made it so simple and non-threatening. I'm glad to start off with a friend. I had a great time 'talking' with you and can't wait for you to return the favor for me. Best of luck on your writing, too. Hugs.

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  4. You're quite welcome, Barbara! Feel free to be my guest anytime, sweetie. I so enjoyed having you today. I would be so honored to be on your blog as your guest too. Thank you for asking me. Happy writing always, dear.

    HUGS,
    JD :)

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  5. I'm late...as usual. :-) Great interview, ladies. I agree with Jennifer, Barb, you handled the interview like a pro.

    I love Historicals and look forward to the day I can read yours.

    BTW Love the photo.

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  6. I'm even later, as usual. :) Great interview ladies, and Barb, I can't wait to be able to download your medieval romances on my Kindle. And I sure as heck know what you mean about starting early in life. I wrote my first novel at 49. Takes awhile to catch up.
    Lori

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