Monday, March 2, 2009

Interview with Author Rose Pressey

I want to introduce everyone to not only the winner of my Baby Weight Guessing Game, but a fellow writer (recently agented!), Rose Pressey.

So Rose, let us begin . . . well, with the beginning! How did it all start?

It was a beautiful summer day in 19--Oh, you mean the writing? Right. I have four older brothers and no sisters. We grew up in an area with not a lot of other kids. I played by myself, a lot. So, I was constantly making up stories and playing make believe. I had an active imagination and still do. Anyhoo, fast forward. For years, I wanted to write books, but I put the idea on the back burner. About four years ago, I read a great book that inspired me. After finishing it, I thought I could write a book. It took almost another two years to get up enough nerve to try it.

What are your favorite kinds of books to read and how many do you read?

I enjoy cozy mysteries, and paranormal romance. I definitely like books that aren’t very dark. Humorous and fun. I read a least one book a week. If I'm not writing, I read a lot more.

Is there a particular writer out there who you draw inspiration from or look up to, living or deceased?

Janet Evanovich and Mary Kay Andrews.

What has the Road to Becoming Agented been like for you? Spare no detail!

I sat down and wrote a book. It was horrible. Beyond horrible. I was temporarily insane and thought it was fantastic. I sent out queries, and even sent it to publishers. Now, I pray they don’t remember reading it, but I’m sure they’ll never forget something that awful.

Anyway, surprisingly, I had no takers. I know, big shock. I wrote my second book. I improved 100 percent. I queried agents, but didn’t find one. I sent my manuscript to a small publisher and they liked it. So, that’s how Me and My Ghoulfriends found a home.

I moved on to my third novel and my writing improved even more. I sent out queries and also sent the manuscript to a larger publisher. About three weeks ago, I received an offer from the publisher. In the meantime, I’d finished my fourth manuscript. The first agent I queried offered representation for my fourth and third manuscripts.

I can say getting the call was beyond wonderful. I think I was in shock when she offered representation. It was a Monday morning and when I saw the number, I knew it was her. I thought maybe she was calling to tell me how much I suck.

What is your typical writing day like? Do you give yourself goals or just fly by the seat of your pants?

I like deadlines and set them for myself because it forces me to be productive. So far, it’s worked well. I’ve written four books in a year and a half. I write everyday.

Were you previously a professional baby weight guesser? Yes, I hold my state’s title.

Haha, ok back to seriousness, any advice you feel is the best to give to us aspiring writers, especially to those in the query process? *coughcoughmecough*

Don’t give up. If you want it enough, it will happen. Read a lot. Write. Write. Write.

What's next in line for you?

I hope to sell books soon. J

Back when you started this process, what did you think getting an agent would be like? And how was it actually?

Like I said, in the beginning, I was insane. Ha ha. Seriously, I thought it would be easy, because, hey, I’d written a great book. But when I woke up from my daze, I realized it wasn’t easy and there was a lot of hard work involved.

And lastly, coffee or soda?

Soda, caffeine free. I kicked the caffeine habit six years ago. That was the hardest thing ever!

Thank you so much for sharing your time and insight with us today Rose, and great guess work on the baby weight game! I'm looking forward to hearing great things from you and I can't wait for the next release!

Thank you for inviting me. I hope How To Date A Werewolf will be on bookshelves soon.

6 comments:

  1. Great interview! Here's to a quick sale, Rose!

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  2. Yay Rose!!! Good luck finding a wonderful home for you book!

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  3. Congrats, Rose! Awesome interview!

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  4. Thanks, ladies! And thanks to Christa for the interview. It was a lot of fun.

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  5. Yay! Glad people enjoyed it, what's not to enjoy about Rose? And thank YOU Rose for shining up my blog :)

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