Debra Mullins is the author of eight historical romances for the Avon imprint of Harper Collins. Debra was nominated for the RWA RITA award and the Holt Medallion from Virginia Romance Writers. She also won the Golden Leaf Award from New Jersey Romance Writers. Her latest book, Just One Touch is available now.
1. When did you start to write?
I’ve been writing ever since I was about 12 years old. I took it on seriously about 14 years ago when I was a young stay-at-home mom with a baby.
2. When you get an idea for a story, how long does it take to create the characters and develop the plot?
My stories start with the characters and what sort of mood or emotion I want to portray. After that I start thinking about the book and working out the details 24/7 for a few weeks before I finally know where it’s going to go.
3. How long does it take you to complete a book? Do you have a set goal on how many pages you write per day?
It takes me anywhere between 6 and 9 months to finish a book. As I get towards the end, the page count per day becomes more structured. Otherwise, I just write as much as I can before I run out of ideas for the day.
4. Although your stories are fictional, how much research do you do when writing about a certain time period?
I usually do some preliminary research to make sure my idea will work in the time period I want to use. After that, I write the book, sometimes stopping midway to check a fact that is critical to the story. Once it’s done, I go through the printed manuscript and put sticky notes on the pages I need to fact check, then go to the library and take care of those questions.
5. Maintaining sexual tension between the hero and heroine throughout the book is important. What mistake do you think unpublished romance writers make the most concerning this critical element?
Too many beginning writers overwrite the tension using dramatic, flowery language or focus on purely the physical. Sexual tension can come from personality differences as much as from finding someone physically attractive.
6. What do you remember most about your first sale? And now that you’re working on your eighth book, how does the excitement compare to the first time?
Every book is different, and there are always rungs on the career ladder to climb. I remember the day I sold my first book, and I am always excited when I am offered another contract. It means someone still likes my work!
7. After you turn a book into your editor, how long do you wait or have before you must begin the next project?
Once the initial manuscript goes in, it comes back in the form of rewrites, copyedits, and typeset pages. I continue working on that book a good six months after I first send it in. The time between manuscripts is dictated by my contract. After I turn in that first book, I have a certain amount of time to produce an outline for a new project. Once that is accepted, I start writing the book with a deadline, also stated in my contract.
8. You’ve realized your dream, but now that you have deadlines to meet you can’t make excuses for not writing. What advice do you have for writers on the verge of publication?
Enjoy the freedom you have now. Enjoy writing for the sake of it, with no deadlines to meet, and take as long as you need to in order to make your work the best it can be.
9. How do you maintain a balance between your family life and your writing career? Do you have any advice for writers who may be struggling to find this balance?
Luckily, my writing is something I have been doing ever since my children were small, so they understand what “deadline” means. Because I determine my own writing schedule, I can write late at night or on weekends or early in the morning as my schedule allows. I also set up my contracts with reasonable deadlines and length of time between books.
10. Lastly, what do you think are some of the most important things we writers can do to stay in our write minds?
Enjoy the process and never stop learning about your craft. Even after 8 books, I still learn things every day about my own writing process and the craft in general. Join a writer’s group, attend conferences, and talk to other writers. It’s what keeps me going.
To learn more about Debra Mullins and view her current, future and past releases, please visit her website at: www.DebraMullins.com.
CoolStuff4Writers extends its gratitude to Debra Mullins for her time and support.
