Susan Payne Writes Regency Christmas Romance

Romance author Susan Payne writes romance set in many different times and places. Today she talks about how she writes and her new Christmas anthology.

Welcome Susan Payne…

Is writing something that comes easy to you or not? 

I often tell others I feel like a stenographer.  Which tells you I’m a pantser – I write by the seat of my pants.  A character comes to me first – possibly both main characters together.  They tell me their names, where they are and what period although I can usually tell by their clothes.  From there it just flows, and I try to keep up with their words and write down what I see and smell and hear along with them.  I take longer since I must describe things along the way.  One thing I did learn was not to dismiss something they did or said.  I did that a couple of times and had to go back and rewrite scenes since what they had done or said became important down the road. I write their story, and we become close friends.

Do your travels influence your writing? 

They do.  Since I write historical novels I don’t need to worry if landmarks have changed or if I need to check to make sure I’m not using a real surgeon’s name or step on any copyright infringements.  I try to use words of the times and places I am writing about.  The foods available for the season and how things were done and by whom.  I have placed stories in Spain, the Caribbean, England – all places I have travelled. I seem to immerse myself in my books so that I get a feel for the characters and their lives, but it happens very easily.

Where do you get your ideas? 

They rush at me.  I used to keep up with them but now I have a file of WIP (works in progress) with numbers beside them. I grab one and go with it when the mood takes me.  I have been known to have as many as 5 books going at a time which seems a little crowded but they sort themselves out.  I keep the conversations separated and know ‘who’ is talking to me at any one time. All it takes is a show on TV that mentions a mining town or an old medical procedure and my mind is off and spinning out a new story.

Do you ever experience writer’s block? 

As you can see from my above answers, that isn’t an issue for me.  Sometimes another idea takes my interest and then a story may lay dormant until I take it up again.  That’s what makes being a writer so fun – you rarely get bored.  I love what I do and I love being able to share my stories.  They are to entertain, make the reader want to be friends with the characters and think of them as real but no longer on this earth.

Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

I hesitated to ‘put my babies out there to get called ugly’.  No one wants their baby called ugly.  I finally decided to publish my first series since I didn’t think it traditional enough for a publisher to be interested in.  I put 8 stories into 4 books and published them through The Wild Rose Press.  They were great to deal with and my books were out there in no time.  I used their distribution system which cut down on my work.  I noticed they were taking queries and asked if they would look over a few of mine.  By that time, I had over 80 manuscripts of all lengths and time periods. The editor liked them and picked me up.  Meanwhile, another was accepted by a second publishing house.

Can you tell us about any other upcoming books, series, or writing plans?

I will finish out this year with two more novels.  Three Sisters which is set in western US in the 1870s and, Blind Faith, a Regency.  I would like to put together another anthology. I liked finding the right ones to work with one another. I also am going into a slightly different arena by publishing short stories readers can download to their phones, etc.  Something to read while waiting in the dentist office or while travelling. I like shorter works myself so that I can get them finished and move on to my own work. I always leave my readers (and characters) with a happy-ever-after and the feeling they have new friends.

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A Regency Christmas Anthology.

by Susan Payne

Three very different couples find love during the magic of Christmas.  No matter the status or age or temperament – love can find anyone when the time is right.  How much better during the holiday season?

A Regency Christmas Story

Penelope Cooper struggled to maintain a proper place in society, but found herself a failure after hearing of her brother, Christopher’s, gambling debt.  As a gentleman, he must pay them immediately. If Penelope can’t convince the Marquess of Leighton to wait for his money, more than Christmas is endangered.  Both she and her brother may end up facing debtor’s prison or worse. But could she submit to the marquess’ less than gentlemanly suggestion for repayment?

The Best Christmas Present

Lord Williamsburg found something intriguing about one debutante and after meeting her widowed mother, he understood why.  Could he begin a liaison with the widow while seeking a marriage with a more appropriately aged debutante?

Sugar Plum Christmas

Lord Hedley had discovered a sweet tooth and not just for the delicious confections furnished by Gunter’s Tea Shop. The young female bakery chef had made an impression as well.  Could she be tempted to bake for him alone?

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Available from

AMAZON

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Learn more about Susan Payne

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Susan Payne would love to hear from you. Post your comments and questions below and she will get back to you.