Nora Roberts pulled up a comfy chair, a cuppa tea, and answered a few questions for TGTBTU’s readers…
If you could retire any question and never, ever be asked it again, what would it be? Feel free to answer it. 🙂
Nora Roberts: “Where do you get your ideas?” I HATE this question, because how do I know? It’s not like I go out, pluck them off the Idea Bush or pick up a few at the Idea Store. Ideas are the easy part anyway. It’s turning the idea into an entertaining story that involves the sweaty work. Ideas, mostly, are a dime a dozen. At your neighborhood Idea Store.
When it comes to writing, there seems to be three rules of thought (although I am all for hearing more). Well, really I just see these over and over when people answer the ever-popular “where do you get your ideas” question. Which is your poison?
1. The Muse – you know the creative force that inspires you to write or Sharon Stone.
2. The Voices in the Head – I like to think of this as the ‘The Sybil.’
3. The Profession – it is a job, sit your ass in the chair and type, and try not to make authors look flaky(er) than we are, damn it.
NR: Door Number Three. Nothing against The Muse (or Sharon Stone) but I don’t have the time or the patience to sit around waiting for her to show up. Talk about a flake. Give me Sister Mary Responsibility. She’d kick Muse butt. Writing’s my job, so I write. Writing’s also, to me, the best job in the world, so how lucky am I? I sit my ass in the chair and do my job–and love doing it. I do, however, appreciate the Voices In My Head. They make the job interesting. But they aren’t real people. Real to me during the process of telling their story–otherwise, what’s the point? Real, I hope, to the reader during the read of the story. Not actual, if you get me, but real enough to matter–real enough to make me care, and in turn–hopefully–to make the reader care.
Can a person ‘learn’ to write? Is it a talent you have to be born with?
NR: I think anyone can learn the nuts and bolts–the structure, the grammar. And perhaps with that knowledge could produce a good, readable book. But the talent adds the magic. To tell entertaining stories consistently takes that knowledge, that talent, discipline, drive and desire. But I also believe talent can be built, developed, honed with those three D’s and with experience. I think the best learning tool is reading, reading, reading.
I’ve heard writers often say their stories take them in surprising directions, or dialogue flows from some unknown place. Is it the same with you? Do your characters surprise you sometimes?
NR: If the characters don’t surprise me, I’m not doing my job. They haven’t become real to me, real enough for me to trust them drive the story. Since my stories are character-driven, I have to know the characters, trust them and care passionately about them. I’m telling the story–I’m in charge. But the story is theirs. There has to be a great deal of affection and respect on my end, and part of that is being open to new directions or surprises.
Do you ever argue with your characters while you’re writing? (Figuratively speaking, of course – and we won’t call the men in white jackets if you tell us it feels real.)
NR: I don’t think so. Hmmm. No, I can’t remember ever arguing with my characters. Feeling for them, being frustrated by them, or baffled by them. But we work that out during the writing process. I don’t have actual conversations with them. They talk to each other.
What is sure to distract you from sitting down and working/writing?
NR: The damn, stupid phone. Or nuclear war.
How do you feel your male or female characters have evolved over your career? Do you think you write them differently now than you did when you started?
NR: I hope as I’ve grown or evolved as a writer, the characters–a key part of my work–have grown or evolved. In addition, I started out in the early 80’s in category Romance, so that was a different time, different framework and in some ways a different reader expectation than the work I do now. I like to think I’ll continue to grow and evolve as a writer, and my characters will do the same.
Is there a genre you haven’t tackled but would like to try? Or better yet, will you write another historical western? If anyone could bring it into vogue…
NR: If there was a genre I wanted to explore, I would. Why not? The fact is, Romance allows me to include elements from every other area of fiction. I love that. I can do mystery, thrillers, s/f, horror, paranormal and so on–as long as I wrap it around that core love story, and bring it home happily. If I had a great idea for another historical western, I’d write it. And name the heroine Sybil.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
NR: Appreciate the moments. Because–poof–they’re over. I wouldn’t advise myself to do anything differently, to change anything. Too Irish for that. If you change one thing, you change everything. I like the way things have turned out. So far.
If you had never become an author, what do you think you would be doing right now?
NR: Selling small appliances at Target. If I were lucky. I would rather be a lounge singer, but I don’t think I have the chops. I can’t handle office work or politics, so no chance in business. Basically, I have no other talent.
And now the important ones (a.k.a. Gwen’s Lightning Round):
– dark or milk chocolate?
Milk. (Sorry, bland girl here)
– smooth or chunky peanut butter?
I hate peanut butter, so I don’t care!
– heels or flats?
Heels.
– coffee or tea?
Tea. But I’d rather have a Diet Pepsi.
– summer or winter?
Summer. Winter’s damn cold.
– mountains or beach?
Live in the mountains (and I do), vacation at the beach.
– mustard or mayonnaise?
Bleech. (Told you, bland girl)
– flowers or candy?
Flowers.
– pockets or purse?
I need both. I have much to carry.
Thanks, Nora! Now, readers, what questions do you have for La Nora? (Gwen’s a little giddy that Nora’s here with us today, so try to squeeze one in edgewise when she’s around.)
It is to be noted Nora will be out today on very important business ::coughshoppingcough::. But she will check in when she returns to start answering questions. I prolly should have checked what time zone she is in…
We will be drawing three random winners from the comments to win a signed copy of Blood Brothers.contest closed
Hi Nora, I loved your answers!!
I answered the same as you at 6 of the last 9 questions. 😛
How was the shopping?
I love Target! I am there almost every Sunday for the sales.
But never go midnight shopping at the outlets on Blck Friday. I did and almost was run over the huge lines. Thought there would be a riot! 🙁
In your next JD Robb book you can have another character by the name of Sybil who tries to seduce Roarke (or Eve…Heh heh).
Great interview Sybil and Nora’s answers were great! I loved the answer to what distracts you! For me its telemarketers, and nowadays its the political calls. UGH!! The minute I answer them, I’m like $#(^, why did I answer this??!!
Oh…how I miss shopping. I didn’t get to do Black Friday with three sick kiddies. 🙁 Now all the great sales are over!
Hello Nora! I love ALL your books, but my all time favorite is Carolina Moon!
I want you to know that I have never and now never will ask the now “considered” retired question!
Are you going to be in Kansas anytime soon for a book signing? (2nd most annoying question?) LOL
When Angels Fall won the Book of the Year award, did you know it before hand or was it a total suprise? Huge congratulations by the way! I haven’t read it yet, but its in my TBR pile!
I saw all the movies they did on your books. Are there more in the works and how did you like being in front of the camera?
Who is your favorite Author?
Wow.
You ladies got Nora!
Go, Sybil!
Okay, question…
In light of the recent rash of authors behaving sort of ‘duh’, is it sometimes wiser not to put so much of yourself out there? Does less equal better?
Hi Nora! Hope the shopping went well. So my question is … where do you get your ideas? Just kidding! Do you think you will ever make it to the UK for a tour? And maybe visit Scotland too? Or how about setting one of your books in Scotland? (I’m Scottish, in case you didn’t guess).
Favorite store to shop in?
^(a very important question, ya know 😉 )
vacation at the beach.
You can come stay at my house, Nora 🙂
I have a question that I’ve often wondered about the In Death series. Do you plan to write it as long as its received well by fans, or do you have a planned number of books/planned end in mind? Did you ever expect it to go on as long as it has?
Just finished reading Creation in Death and loved it. Lt Dallas’ cases mostly involves serial killers. But as we know in real life, some cases involve only one victim (like Black Dahlia). My question for you is, will you ever write an in death book where there is only one victim and have her try to solve it?
I would like to congratulate Nora on her new release and all of her success!
Great interview! And great advice to your younger self!
Wow! Nora is here. Hope you had fun shopping. Enjoyed the interview! I have a big sweet tooth so I must ask, “What is your favorite dessert?”
Reaaly enjoyed the interview and looking forward to your new release!
Nora – LOVE the heels in the publicity pic we used for the post!
How do you stay organized enough to find time to do everything you do!?
Excellent questions and very interesting answers. Mrs. Roberts, I love your publicity photo, you look dressed for success, simply splendid! In my case it`s the internet that keeps me from working. Can’t live without it, but god, it’s so time consuming and I love it so much. As to your new series, I will have to wait until all three parts have come out, I could never read one of your trilogies with months of waiting time in between. Oh yes, and before I forget it, will there be more film adaptions in future?
What a great interview! I really don’t know how you do it, there always seems to be a new book by you on the shelves!
I have always had this image of you with a computer somehow attached so it goes with you every where (kind of like the way the vendors carry around the peanuts at baseball games). So my questions is what do you enjoy doing in your “spare” time?
How can you eat a sandwich without mayonnaise? (just kidding)
I’m really enjoying the interview so far. Great questions and answers, ladies!
I really don’t have any questions, but give me time. That could change.
Good interview! Maybe this falls under the “spare time” question above, but my question for Nora is – do you have any unique/odd obsessions? I always get the impression your a straight shooter without any really odd quirks, but you never know! I love finding out that someone I know collects sugar packets or is obsessed with collecting old children’s books. It’s interesting what keeps people busy sometimes. Though.. all that writing may be what keeps you busy.. hmm.
Nora,
I still maintain you are some sort of next generation cyborg the way you write novel upon novel…if they weren’t so good, I’d REALLY think something was up! :o)
I just got done with Creation in Death and am still amazed how fresh you make these books after 20+ of them. I think it’s mostly because each “case” takes up a minute amount of time so we see Roarke and Eve’s story progressing nice and slow. And the reality you’ve created in the not-so distant future is very believable.
Do you work like Law and Order and find real-life cases to base these stories on or are they just original concepts?
PS: Diet Pepsi is my drink of choice as well! :o)
Nora, thanks for the many (many) years of good reading you’ve provided! Every so often I go through a “NR re-reading cycle” and at the end I always give a big happy sigh of time well-spent. Do you think really good/bad experiences in life help in writing characters or scenes which are that much more relateable/real? Sorry… it’s the best q I can think of at this time…
No question. I just want to let you know how much I appreciate the wonderful large families you’ve done. You get the feel just right.
Oh, and I don’t like mustard, mayo or ketchup… so there, Dev!
Hi Nora,
Great interview! Really looking forward to reading the new book.
What’s your favorite thing to do between books? And since you picked flowers over candy, what’s your favorite flower?
I just wanted to say I have been reading your books for a long time and I am never disappointed. I have so many favorites. I won’t bore anyone with a list. I will just say they are all on there!
Happy Holidays to you and your family and may you have continued success in all you do and write.
I just handed over Blue Smoke to my dad because as he was re-doing my room he knocked over the book and I think he became smitten with your photo…lol and before he left he said umm…What’s that book about? I gave him a brief synopsis and off he went with the book. I know he will be back for more =)
The shopping’s been great! And it’s not over yet. We’re having a great time. I’ve bought a ridiculous amount of things. Yet still, more stuff is out there, and I may want it.
I could, possibly, have a Sybil who tries to seduce both Eve and Roarke–at the same time. It could happen.
I’m actually taking a year off from outside business. Signings (except for my husband’s bookstore), interviews, phoners, events. Not going to Kansas, or anywhere.
As for the Quills, I knew about the Romance win, but not the BOTY. That was a wow. Fortunately, I had really amazing shoes that night.
There are more movies in the works for Lifetime, but the current writers’ strike may delay that. They did finish the script for High Noon–which I haven’t yet seen–so that may go forward more quickly than the others.
I have no problem being in front of the camera. It’s fun, and nothing to do with reality. It’s just *acting*.
I have too many favorite authors to name. I’m hanging out and shopping with three of them right now. Patricia Gaffney, Mary Kay McComas and Mary Blayney. But there are many more who aren’t having fun with conspicuous consumption this week.
I think you can put as much of yourself out there as you like–as long as you know how to do it. Asshat behavior isn’t gauged on how little or how much, but at all. If you can’t figure out how to express yourself and your opinion in an intelligent and courteous way, just step away from the keyboard.
I’ve actually visited the UK for business before, a couple of times. And would do so again if it fits reasonably into my schedule. I’d love to see Scotland one day. My parents went there a couple of times back in the day, and loved it.
I have an affection for Saks as I have a personal shopper there who gets me so well–and we have such fun. But mostly any retail outlet that has fun stuff is fine with me.
My MD BFF! I don’t have a finite number of books planned with the In Deaths. I feel, as long as the characters have something to say, and the readers are interested in hearing it, I’ll keep writing them. I enjoy the series and the characters so much. They’re great fun to write. I started with the hope that readers would enjoy three books–a kind of trilogy. And during the process of writing them fell so in love that I hoped they’d want more. So far, so good.
I actually have done In Deaths where the focus is on one victim–or one crime. Survivor in Death comes to mind, or Witness in Death. Neither of them involved serials. I don’t think of Origin as serial killer either, or Memory. Upcoming Strangers and Salvation don’t really involve serial types either.Nor does my ID work in progress.
Favorite dessert (although I just enjoyed some amazing cheesecake) would have to be a hot fudge sundae. Just the perfect dessert.
Writing IS what I do, and when it comes to the job I’m organized. I guess I stay that way by letting the rest go to hell when necessary. Laundry will still be there later.
I mostly do the internet stuff before I start work. I’m an early riser and can play on the blogs and sites way before eight or nine a.m.
I’m not that big on spare time. I like to work. But I also enjoy what I’m doing right now. Taking a couple of days off to play with pals, and spend absurd amounts of money. Or, like over the weekend where I spent all of Saturday baking Christmas cookies (Which went into the freezer) with my grandbabies. Such fun. You have to have an actual life, I think. Time to work and play with the realities. Or what’s the point of the rest of it?
I’m sure I have quirks that seem odd to others. But obviously, I don’t find them odd.
Though I love L&O, I don’t look to the headlines for ideas. I figure people are just screwed up and do weird or terrible things all the time. Always have. So I just think like people–and go from there.
I have to say I don’t look to my own experiences–good or bad–all that much for the writing process. I think it’s fine and great if a writer does that, it’s just not my way. I haven’t done anything all that interesting. I just make it all up.
I think large families are so interesting. Like their own little city, with the dynamics, food chain, politics.
And I don’t even like ketchup! God, I’m boring.
Honestly, I don’t take much time between books. There’s not that much else I want to do. I love to read, love to watch movies or TV. In season, I’m a fanatic gardener. That’s pretty much it except for family. And during the day–my writing time–everyone’s working or in school, nothing’s really on TV. I feel guilty if I’m reading when I could be writing. So all that fun stuff is usually for after work or weekends.
I don’t have a favorite flower. There are too many to have a favorite.
Samantha: Awwww!
Manolo’s or Jimmy Choo’s?
Favourite cheese?
Is it true that you have naked cabana boys who do your ironing and dishes?
I read a lot! But up until two years ago I hadn’t read any romance novels. None at all! Then, by pure chance I read ‘Remember When’ and was introduced to a whole new genre. So thank you Nora! Several hundred books later I have just finished Creation in Death and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I’ve also discovered the instant satisfaction of ebooks and buy 90% of my books this way – except for Nora’s! For some reason, I always have to have the hardback / paperback version of these. So my question for you Nora, is: Ebook or Paper? Which is your preference?
Manolo’s AND Choo’s–I believe in shoe adultery. Stuart’s, D&G’s, Prada’s. I feel one must experience all there is to experience, in Shoe World.
I like brie–as does my five-year-old granddaughter. As in: Nana, don’t you have any brie? But I’m also good with a nice, sharp Cheddar.
I have better uses for naked cabana boys than housekeeping chores.
Loved the interview. And most of my questions have been asked already, sooo…
What was your favorite book growing up? And which authors would you say you’ve been influenced by?
I believe anything that promotes reading is aces. Myself, I work on a keyboard and screen all day. So when I read, I want a book. I don’t like to read on screen. But I’m thrilled and delighted the option is there.
Thanks to everyone involved, and especially Nora, for such a great interview.
I’m still relatively new to romance and to Nora’s books (although I’ve read all the J. D. Robb ones) so it’s great to know I still have so much to discover.
I too love the way you can write such wonderful, real families, whether they are families by blood or inclination. And you write such lovely heroes. Thank you for many hours of reading pleasure, both already spent and to come.
I don’t have a question for you. But I love your NR books. Didn’t realize the new one was out today!
I have decided you have someone in your family or a friend named Sybil. Although sadly they mispelled it cuz you have used Cybil twice (I think). There is never a sybil heroine she is always the whore if she is there at all. Shut up gwen.
I never see my name in books so it always throws me at first. Well that and I think everything is about me ;).
Of all your old Harlequin novels what was your favorite? Can you even remember them now? If not you can pick up one brand new and reissued on any given day. LOL
I LOVED the MacKade Brothers. And have Lawless to read, I sqqquueee’ed when I saw your name on a historical western. Is it any good?
Ok your turn 😉
No real questions for la Nora, just wanted to share that my BF even refers to you by your first name. We met while I was in Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer and he would see my books (the few that I could find from other volunteers) around the house. When we came to the States and first visited a bookstore he couldn’t believe that “Nora” had an entire shelf. “Did Nora write ALL of these books? All those? How is that possible? Wow, she must be a smart lady.” He’s still in awe. (So am I). lol
There are more movies in the works for Lifetime, but the current writers’ strike may delay that. They did finish the script for High Noon–which I haven’t yet seen–so that may go forward more quickly than the others.
Do you have script approval? And uh… writers strike and all they should hire you. Any interest in script writing?
Hi Nora, loved your answers. I just received my copy of Blood Brothers today!!! Damm skippee.
It’s funny this was posted today, because I’m just finishing my umpteenth re-read of the In Death series and I do have a question (Forgive me if I’m repeating, but I didn’t read all the previous comments):
Can you tell me what your writing schedule is like? I’m constantly amazed, baffled, shocked, (pick a word) at the sheer number of novels you publish each year. I have yet to wrap my brain around how you have time to do anything other than write (and so well, too) when you’re publishing so many novels a year.
I don’t know where to start 🙂 Nora, I’m very new to your books – a friend introduced me to the Quinn brothers and Eve & Roarke earlier this year and I’m happy to say I’m hooked! For me, it’s the interactions between the characters – the small moments of tenderness that allows relationships (and families) to develop – that make your books so wonderful to read. Thank you!
The great thing is, I’ve only just discovered your books so I have many still to enjoy and savour! Out of interest (and apologies in advance as I’m sure you’ve been asked this already…at least I’m not asking about ideas 🙂 but are there some scenes that are harder to write than others? (For example, some of Eve’s flashbacks.)
orannia
Hi Nora. What a great interview! I’m really enjoying reading all of your responses!
I am fairly new to the romance genre (about a year) and so far have only read your Circle Trilogy. I have heard nothing but fabulous things about your other work, especially your In Death Series, which I plan on reading. I am also looking forward to picking up Blood Brothers on my next book shopping spree.
A quick anecdote: I read The Circle Trilogy last fall and was in the middle of Dance of the Gods when I had a camping trip planned with my Girl Scout troop. I certainly could NOT make the whole weekend without reading, so I brought it along and read by flashlight, of course! I think I even intentionally let the girls stay up to the wee hours of the morning just so they’d sleep late and I could read more!
My question is do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what’s typically playing? 😉
I think it’s so cool you mentioned Patricia Gaffney! I finished my first book of hers last night, To Have and to Hold. What a wonderful book! I feel a serious glom coming on.
Baking with the grandkids is just plain fun. For a different Christmas family activity were going to go with easy eats and then bake and decorate cookies or have a gingerbread house building & decorating contest.
Aah…Your not to bland. My youngest son gags at the smell of mayo, mustard etc. Will only use ranch dressing (on the side)for his salads or vegie dipping. Sandwiches are dry unless their smoked meat, then he will only use BBQ sauce from a specific restaraunt. Now my other son, would make a great contestant for Fear Factor…theres nothing he won’t eat!
I’ve enjoyed reading your answers, thanks for taking time from your busy schedule! Its been a delight.
*squeeee fangirl moment* [because I loathe peanut butter too]
*ahem*
Great interview. Thank you, Sybil and Ms Roberts.
Thanks for chatting Nora, great interview. I especially like your paranormals, excited to start in in Blood Brothers. Have more fun on your shopping spree.
No questions from me. Just basking in the nifty idea that we have such a thoughtful and influential representative for Romance out in the world, and one who makes so many folks happy. Pretty sweet. Thanks for the interview, Nora.
Nora, please think back to the first time one of your books was produced as an audio book or for TV/movies. (you know… like 15,591 books ago?)
What was your reaction the first time you heard your characters speaking in someone else’s voice?
I don’t think your bland at all you just save it all for your books. (I don’t like mayo either-yuck, but if the world ever runs out of salt it’s gonna get real ugly in my house!). I think it is fantastic when you (or anyone) finds a “job” they really love to do.
Have a great year off!!! It is very much deserved. (hmmmm….wonder if I can get my husband to open a bookstore….)
Hey Nora. Hope you visit Scotland soon!
I LOVEEEEEE your books!
I can’t say I had a favorite book growing up. Being blessed with growing up in a family of readers, I read so many books. Just part of my life. I loved them all, on some level. As for influences–all of them, and none of them. Just reading influenced me to want to make up stories. But Gaffney’s here trying to say SHE influenced me the most. So let’s throw her a bone and say, suuurrre she did. Even though I’d been writing about ten years before she got off her butt and got started.
I feel I did use Sybil as a heroine somewhere–but can’t remember. However, Gaffney chimes in again about her alcoholic aunt named Sybil–who’s dead. So that’s something.
I don’t have a favorite Silhouette (didn’t actually write for the Harlequin imprint), but have many fond memories of writing category. I got a real kick out of writing Lawless–the whole western thing. And I do indeed remember all my category books (even the really old, pretty lame ones).
Tell your BF, I AM smart–no matter what my friends say.
My writing schedule: Five to six days a week, six to eight hours a day. Like a job. A really good job. It’s not a matter of having time, or finding time, but using time. Gaffney, who can’t shut up, wonders why my clock is better than hers. But that’s not it, obviously. I just pay attention to the clock. Or, don’t pay attention–and just work.
I don’t have script approval, exactly. But they do run the scripts by me and ask for my input. So that’s close to the same thing.
Gaffney, who seriously won’t shut up, says transitions are hardest. Maybe for her this is true. But for me, it just depends on the scene. Every scene, paragraph, sentence has its own demands. Some flow, and some are like carving in granite with a toothpick.
I don’t listen to anything (but those voices in my head–hah hah) when I write. I like the silence. But Mary Kay McComas chimes in that SHE does. She listens to The Eagles, Gabrielle, George Strait and so on. She’s eclectic!
Pat would like to say she’s drunk on two martinis, but may respond later to the very nice compliment on To Have and To Hold.
First, thanks for the kind words, you guys. (I’m not drunk yet!)
I remember it feeling odd and very cool to *hear* my books. I think audios are an amazing format–a wonderful variety of storytelling.
And Mary Blayney, who is also not drunk like Gaffney, (or claims she isn’t), would like to tell Sybil she hopes Sybil enjoys the arc of Traitor’s Kiss.
Hi Nora!
Are you honored to be dubbed La Nora, do you hate it, or indifferent?
Do you still have to write a synopsis when you do a proposal? Do you even have to do a proposal anymore? Or can you just say, “I’ve got this idea” and the publisher and/or agent say “go for it”?
I have to say I love your books. My favorite one of all time: The Heart Of Devin MacKade. He waited for her, bided his time, and just so damn sexy… he is a MacKade after all. 🙂
Wonderful interview. Thanks Nora and Sybil!