September 7, 2007
So this is it….. the last day. I’ve had such a wonderful time and it’s thanks to all of you. Today, my guests are Pat Posner, Nalini Singh; and yours truly!!!
The fabulous and talented Pat Posner is another member of my crit group, known as the witches. (Pat is in the middle, with Amanda Ashby on the left and Nell Dixon on the right).
Starting Over
Sara, this has been such a great way of celebrating the release of your fantastic book – “The Second Virginity of Suzy Green”.
Now…starting over. I’ve done that more than once in my writing life. I had a few years of being published with children’s books and also working as an in-house writing editor on the My Little Pony Magazine (the
Another starting over followed; I went back to writing children’s books as well as sagas and I also wrote a couple of novellas that were accepted for publication in cheap paperback. But, all the time, there was one unfinished ms, a contemporary rural saga that kept bugging me. And now, once more, I’ve “started over” and I’m writing a prequel to the unfinished rural saga. I suppose really I should’ve called this Going Back instead of Starting Over but, seeing as it is a completely new novel, going back in time to the 1950s, it is a fresh start.
See, Sara, I got both your suggestions in!
I’m Pat’s dog. The first person to work out my name from this anagram will win one of Pat’s books:
Rich Ale
Posted by Sara Hantz in Uncategorized @ 8:52 pm
amanda ashby Says:
Awh, Pat, that was such a lovely post and I wish I could enter, but since I know the answer that would be cheating, so instead I’m just going to send a cyber hug to you and that very handsome dog of yours!!!!!
Kate Hardy Says:
Congrats on your second book, Sara!
I met Pat when she was writing M&B Medicals (and I am SOOO pleased that Prescription for Happiness sold in the end as I loved that book!)
My take on it is that as a writer you change and new directions come up… and it’s a good idea to take time out to play and follow those new directions. Firstly it keeps your current writing fresh; and secondly it gives you a chance to try something different and spread your wings a bit. And thirdly - harsh reality here, lines and publishers change all the time. Some close; and new doors open. So if you’re already comfortable with change in your own writing, starting over isn’t such a struggle.
And in answer to Pat’s question - Charlie. (And I borrowed his name for the hero of a medical romance - whose surname was also influenced by the dog on Radley handbags *g*)
Christina Phillips Says:
Hi Pat! And I’ll just say right now how glad I am that you’re starting over on your saga prequel. As you might have guessed… I am a great one for fresh starts!!
And like Amanda I can’t enter either, as I’ve met that gorgeous dog in person!!
Sara Hantz Says:
Maybe I should enter….. oh no…. I can’t either!! Thanks Kate!
Nell Dixon Says:
I can’t enter either as the name of Pat’s dog is a very lucky one for me. It’s the name of the little boy in a ms currently with M&B and it’s also the name of the heroine’s sister in Blue Remembered Heels which I’ve recently sold to Little Black Dress. The photo of me, Pat and Amanda brings back very happy memories.
Pat Posner Says:
Thanks, Amanda
Me and my handsome dog enjoyed the cyber hug.
Pat Posner Says:
Kate, you were a huge help when I was writing Prescription. You’re so right about new doors opening when on closes. The secret is not to be jammed in the door that’s closing.
Pat Posner Says:
Christina, yes, I think of the 4 witches we’re the two who’ve made the most fresh starts - in our writing loves anyway.
Pat Posner Says:
Whoops! I meant to write writing LIVES - but I guess loves says it as well.
Pat Posner Says:
Ok, Charlie is like a dog with three tails now, he loves the thought of being in Nell’s Blue Remembered Hills as well as the other books he’s already been in!
But, because we in UK are awake earlier than most of you, his first name was worked out before you had a chance. So now…and even the witches and Nell can have a go at this…here is an anagram of Charlie’s 9 lettered middle name for you to work out.
Jokin’ pens
Kind of fits with all the stationery talk, doesn’t it? The anagram not the answer!
Pat Posner Says:
I think I must be hung over - I keep typing the wrong thing. Nell’s book is Blue Remembered Heels.
I did SO know that!
Kelly Parra Says:
Hi Pat, I know what it’s like when that one story keeps pulling you back! Good luck with everything!
Sara Hantz Says:
Hung over, pat????? Have you been celebrating without me, while I was asleep????
amanda ashby Says:
Hahahaha- Blue Remembered Hills - that is cacking me up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pat Posner Says:
Yeah, Amanda, you do get lots of cack on hills!
Nell Dixon Says:
Specially the hills with sheep and cows. lol
Sara Hantz Says:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA that’s too funny!!!!
Pat Posner Says:
Now what makes me think you mean MY hills, Nell?
Have you been peeking at the state of my pale green trainers?
Christina Phillips Says:
Oh heck I am no good at anagrams, and when I first looked at the second one I thought it said jackin PEES!!!