The Divas Welcome Sylvia Day!

Sylvia has chosen a winner! Gillian, please email me at jami@jamialden.com with your mailing address.

THIS JUST IN:  Sylvia is a RITA finalist AGAIN this year for her Brava Novella, MISCHIEF AND THE MARQUESS! Congratulations to Sylvia!

Today I'm very excited to welcome RITA nominated author and all-around cool gal Sylvia Day to the Fog City Divas blog. Since her first sale to Kensington Brava in December 2004--a result of the last Lori Foster/Brava Novella contest--Sylvia has sold 17 (!!!) single title novels and multiple novellas/short stories. On top of that, she manages the Brava Authors web site and is co-owner of Janus Portal Hosting (www.JanusPortal.com). Oh, and she has two young children. I'm exhausted even thinking about it.

Sylvia's latest release, DON'T TEMPT ME, hits the shelves today. DON'T TEMPT ME was given a Top Pick! review from Romantic Times. Here's what they have to say:

Day crafts several intricate love stories (for a mother and twin daughters) that seamlessly slip from one scorching romance to another. Readers will devour every word of this daringly original, boldly sensual and brilliantly plotted book -- and they'll be breathless by its riveting conclusion.

Sylvia, can you tell us a little more about DON'T TEMPT ME?

DTM is the fourth novel in my Georgian Series (following ASK FOR IT, PASSION FOR THE GAME, and A PASSION FOR HIM) and it’s Simon Quinn’s story. Simon first appeared in PASSION FOR THE GAME as the heroine’s kept paramour and he was pivotal in the romance in A PASSION FOR HIM.

DTM begins where APFH left off. Simon has been working as a mercenary for the British Crown for several years. Now he’s decided to move on to new adventures. He has one last assignment -- travel to France and trade Lysette Rousseau, a captured French assassin, for a few hostage British agents. It should be an easily accomplished task, but Lysette’s tangled past complicates matters. Simon is forced to solve a decades-old crime of passion in order to extricate them both and claim the woman he loves.

As your fans already know, in addition to the Georgian-era historicals that you write for Brava, you write for several different publishers in different genres. Care to tell us a little more about that?

I’m a storyteller. Time period and setting are mutable depending on the story I want to tell. Fortunately, I’ve been able to find homes for my various endeavors and readers have embraced them. Some readers like everything I write, some only enjoy the historicals, and some only want the paranormals, but I’ve been successful enough in all of them to continue to write what I love, no matter what it is. How blessed is that? I’m grateful every day for my readers and editors who are so supportive of all the roads I choose to take with my writing.

Okay, so I have to ask, how do you manage it?? Where do you find the time? And how do you keep all the different stories and genres straight in your head?

I’m extremely ambitious, so when I focus on a goal I’m very single-minded--and impatient--to reach it. I don’t spend my time writing wishing I was doing something else. I’m doing what I love and I have clear understanding that the privilege of living my dream comes at a price--I have to be dedicated and committed. As for finding time... You make time. Period. Being a career author is a job just like any other. If you haven’t reached your page count, you don’t go out and play. I’ve missed family events, outings, vacations, etc.  In addition, everyone pulls their own weight around my house. I’m not a housewife, so everyone has to pitch in as if I were at a 9-to-5 job.

Keeping the stories straight is the easy part. I know everything about my characters--where they were born, what their favorite childhood games were, what their favorite color is, etc. Most of this information never makes it into my books, but in my head, the characters are very real and I love them. Confusing them would be like confusing my son for my daughter. It just doesn’t happen. They’re too distinct to be interchangeable.

In your writing process, are you a big outliner or are you (to use a term Diva Allison hates) a pantster?

I never outline. I can barely manage a two-paragraph synopsis. And I have NO idea what the shape of the story will be until I type "The End." Even if I start out with a basic plan for what I'm going to write, the book won't ever turn out even remotely similar. My stories unfold as I'm writing them. Even when I'm rolling past the 300 pg. mark, I can't tell you what the ending is going to be. Thankfully, I’ve worked with editors who trust that I’ll deliver a good story... even if they don’t know what they’re going to get until I turn it in.

Since you have so many things going on, how do you manage your workload? Do you serialize your projects, or are you often writing two (or more!) books simultaneously?

I used to write multiple books simultaneously; I don’t any longer. As I’ve grown as a writer, my plots have become more tangled and complicated. They require a lot of simmering time and I find it more effective to focus on one project.

I recently discussed slowing down my production rate with my editors. That will begin in the latter half of this year and will carry over the next couple years. I will still be releasing at least three books a year, but instead of having three books in each genre, it will be three books total. This will give me more time for everything in my life, so I’m happy about that. At least that’s the plan... 

How long does it take you to write a book?

It really depends on the book. Sometimes I can finish a 100K word book in a month. Sometimes it takes me 6 months. Because I’m a “pantser” I rely heavily on my imagination to flow from one scene to the next. Occasionally, it will take DAYS to figure out why something isn’t working. I just never know. But on average, I write 10-20 pages a day and I rarely take a day off.

Do you anticipate slowing down in any one genre so you can focus on another?  If so, why?

Yes. Writing--while being one of the ultimate joys in my life--is also my career. I've been fortunate to have sold everything I've ever written, regardless of length or genre. However, eventually one of those genres will become the clear reader/publisher/bookseller favorite. Most likely, it will be one of my mass market series, simply because mass market books have higher print runs and wider distribution. More readers will find them. I have to allot more room in my schedule for the books that are most in demand. That's just common sense. It’s not a question of “selling out,” because I wouldn’t be writing something in the first place if I didn’t love it. It’s simply supply and demand, which anyone in business has to keep in mind if they want to keep working.

What's coming next?

After the last few years of several releases a year, I'm coming into a long break. DON'T TEMPT ME is my last *new* single title release for a year. (ASK FOR IT will be re-issued in mass market on May 6 of this year and ALLURING TALES 2: HOT HOLIDAY NIGHTS  -- a Christmas anthology -- releases on Nov. 4)

My next new release will be in April 2009 and it will be under my pseudonym S.J. Day (www.SJDay.net). EVE OF DARKNESS  is the first in a back-to-back urban fantasy trilogy releasing in mass market from Tor Books. EVE OF DESTRUCTION releases in May and EVE OF CHAOS releases in June. Also releasing in June '09 is the first book in my new fantasy romance series with Kensington Zebra (mass market). I’m also turning in a new Brava historical this year, but I don’t know when it’s scheduled to be released. Hopefully next year, but I haven’t heard.

For those interested, here’s the book trailer for the MARKED series:

I'm very excited about the Marked series! I put my heart and soul into it, and I'm really proud of the finished product. I'm also looking forward to digging in to my next historical. I have the gist of the premise in my head and the characters are going to be so much fun to hang out with. It won't be part of the Georgian Series, but something new. (That doesn't mean I won't write Ware's story! I will. :) ) And the first book in my Sapphire series -- the fantasy romance releasing with Zebra -- It's one of the first stories I ever wrote, so it's been a long time coming. I call it my "historical with gadgets" but not a European-set historical. I should have more to share about it soon. Like a title and blurb. *g* (Trivia: Kate Duffy titles all of my books with her. I just turn them in as '"Brava #6" or '"Zebra #2")

Okay, after reading this, I'm even more tired and in awe! Thanks for carving time out of your already packed schedule to spend time with us.

Sylvia will be popping in all day to answer your questions. One lucky poster will receive a MARKED series coffee mug and an autographed book from Sylvia's back list - reader's choice. 

Comments

[Teresa W.]

Wow I've seen you all over alot lately, congrats on the release! I'm also looking forward to the Marked series.

[Susan P.]

Hey Sylvia and Jami! Great interview. You have a very strong work ethic, Sylvia, and the number of books you wrote in such a short time shows that. Keep up the good work so we can continue to enjoy your characters.

[Karin Tabke]

Yo, Syl, as usual, you exhaust me.

[Margay]

Wow, Sylvia, I really admire your determination - we can all learn a lesson from that! Good luck on the Marked series - that looks pretty interesting. Actually, all of your books do! Best of luck in the future.

[Menchie]

Wow! Can't wait for the Marked series!

[sharmi]

Oh! I'm so excited! I've been checking with my bookstore all of last week hoping to get it early but I'm sure to get it today! I'm certain they must think I'm crazy.

[Crystal B.]

Hi Sylvia. Great interview. I am in awe of how many genres you are writing. Can't wait for your new series.

[Gillian]

I'm very, very impressed. How long had you been writing before the contest win and your first sale?

[Christy H.]

Congrats on the release of DON'T TEMPT MEN ~ I love the cover!

[Bella Andre]

Welcome to the Diva's, Sylvia!!!! You know how much I think you rock. So nice to see you a couple of months ago. And congrats on all of the releases!!
See you soon,
Bella

[Sylvia Day]

Teresa -- Thank you! I'm happy to hear you're looking forward to the Marked series, too.

Susan P. -- Thank you.

Karin -- Uh... you're writing a gazillion books this year yourself!

Margay -- Thank you. :)

Menchie -- Yay! I hope you enjoy it when it comes out.

Sharmi -- I hope you don't have any trouble finding it today, and I hope you love it when you read it. Thank you for picking it up!

Crystal -- We'll have to thank Jami for the interview. She's the one who came up with the tough questions (and invited me over today. Thank you, Jami!) I'm glad you're looking forward to the new series. I hope you like it as much as I did writing it.

Gillian -- I started writing at the tail-end of November 2003. But between then and my sale in Dec. 04 I finished a lot of projects (2 ST, 3 novellas, and a couple short stories). I think finishing several projects really helped me. I learned more and more with every story. Of course, that's still true now. *g*

Christy H. -- Thank you. :) I LOVE the cover, too! Kensington -- and in particular Kristine Mills-Noble -- has given me some spectacular covers. I've been very blessed in that department.

Bella -- It's always a joy to see you! I can't wait until our paths cross again. :)

[Brenda]

Welcome, Sylvia. Your cover is gorgeous!! Can't wait to read the story. I have no idea how you manage to write so many amazing stories each year. You're an inspiration!

Also, thanks for supporting my diabetes auction!

Brenda

[limecello]

Hi Sylvia,
I cannot wait for Don't Tempt Me to come out! I'm also way impressed and a little awed. You are one incredibly busy and prolific writer! I also can't believe this is basically the first I've heard of the "Marked" series.
Congratulations on the new release! As to slowing down - I'm a little sad about less books, but good for you. Quality is always better than quantity for books, and you definitely should have some more time for yourself!

[Angie-la]

Hi Sylvia! Congrats on the new release! 'The Stranger I Married' is one of my all time favorite books.
I enjoyed the interview very much,

[Melissa]

Hey, Syl!!
Awsome interview!! You AMAZE me with your boundless energy and love for what you do!! Just makes me love you and your books that much more. And did I tell you how much I love the Eve names for the Marked books? They rock!!
Hugs and luck on many, many sales...Don't Tempt Me rocks, so I see it hitting the lists with NO problem!!

[Kathryn]

10-20 pages a day... very impressive! I love reading about writers who fly by the seat of their pants, although it intrigues me that you don't know how your stories are going to end until you get there.

Where do you find your story ideas? Do you brainstorm with fellow writers, are you inspired by current events or does an idea just worm its way into your brain and hatch into a story?

[MonicaMcCarty]

Sylvia,
Welcome to the blog! I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to see you when you came to SF recently--I think we met at the bar in Dallas last year. :) You amaze me with your productivity--I could only dream!

[Sylvia Day]

Brenda -- Thank YOU! I'm just glad I can help in a super small way. I think it's amazing what you're doing.

limecello -- I hope you like DTM when you get it. Thank you for picking it up! With MARKED releasing under a new name, it's not surprising that you haven't heard about it yet. Hopefully that will change between now and the release. *g*

Angie-la -- I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed TSIM! I was just talking to my editor about perhaps including a new epilogue for the book when it releases in mass market. We'll see!

Melissa -- Thank you! ((hugs)) I really like the MARKED titles, too. I'm glad you enjoyed DTM. :)

[Nikki Duncan]

As busy as I get I can always feel better knowing you outpace me. Great interview.

[Janet H]

Just stopping in to say Hi! and congrats on the new release.

Do you have any input on selecting your covers? My favorite cover and book is Passion for the Game.

[Candice Hern]

Welcome to our blog, Sylvia. Your amazing productivity exhausts me just reading about it. I have to go take a nap now.

[peggy]

i love your writting .and can hardly wait
to read new book.its sounds so great.congrats

[Barbara Freethy]

Welcome to the blog, Sylvia! You sound phenomenally busy! Congrats on all the books!

[Jane]

Hi Sylvia,
"Ask For It" is one of my favorites. Which do you enjoy more, stories set in the Georgian or Regency period?

[Angie-la]

I was just talking to my editor about perhaps including a new epilogue for the book when it releases in mass market.
Ha! An excuse to buy it in mm to compliment the trade size release! :)
I'd love to read the new epilogue, though!

[Maureen]

Hi Sylvia!
I enjoy your historicals and hope you continue to write them. Would you ever write an historical set in this country?

[Karin Tabke]

Hey, Syl? Share your good news with everyone!!! Don't be shy...

[Pam P]

Hi Sylvia, congrats on the Rita nomination, I enjoyed that one a lot. Passion for the Game is still my favorite, but then I'm just waiting to get Simon's book in the mail, so that may change; and I'm so glad you haven't forgotton about Lord Ware.

Definitely looking forward to the Mark series, great titles.

[Sylvia Day]

Kathryn -- Often I see a movie or a read a book and think, "What a great idea! But I would have done this with it..." and I go off in another direction. Like with TSIM, I wanted a story where the wife wasn't chaste while the estranged husband was a rake. Or PFTG, where I wanted a story with a "villain" who wasn't redeemed at the end. Things like that. I write the books I'd like to read. :)

Monica -- it was lovely meeting you! I hope to see you again soon. Maybe grab a meal or drink with you? I'd love that.

Nikki -- Thanks for stopping by!

Janet -- Thank you! Occasionally, I make some suggestions about a cover, but it's very rare that anyone actually listens to what I say. *g* The publishers do whatever they want. I've been extremely happy with my Brava covers, though. I've actually teared up over a couple of them, I was so thrilled. I love the PFTG cover. It's absolutely perfect and my favorite of all my covers so far!

Candice -- Thank you for having me! I appreciate it.

Peggy -- Thank you. :)

Barbara -- Thank you for the congrats and the welcome!

Jane -- I'm so glad you enjoyed AFI. :) I really enjoy both periods, but I admit, I'm partial to the Georgian-era.

Angie-la -- I hadn't ever considered an epilogue, but I've been asked about it a few times now, which started me thinking...

[KateMoore]

Wow, Sylvia, you're on fire! I loved the trailer and look forward to the books. Thanks for coming by the Divas. Do you sleep? Probably not.

[jeanne]

Big congratulations on becoming a finalist! I love anything historical and look forward to your newest.

[Fedora]

Hi, Sylvia! Thanks for the great interview, and of course for writing your terrific books! I'm fairly new to your writing, and am especially excited because I've loved what I've read and still have backlist to go through--yay! (I know that sounds silly, but I love having good books to look forward to--I don't want to have read it all already and then have to wait impatiently for the next release ;))

Congrats on striking what sounds like a great work/life balance for you! You're juggling a lot! And huge congrats on being a RITA finalist! Hooray!

[anne]

Congratulations on your wonderful new release. Your talent is amazing and your Marked series will be a winner. All the best.

[Sylvia Day]

Maureen -- I will always write historicals. Always. I love them. However, I don't have any plans to write a North American-set historical... but that doesn't mean it won't happen! *g*

Pam P. -- Thank you! I hope you enjoy Simon's story. :) Yes, I will write Ware for sure. I'm looking forward to it. And I'm so happy to hear you'll try the MARKED series, too.

Kate -- Thank you for having me over today. I do sleep. Promise! I actually love sleeping. *g*

Jeanne -- Thank you! I hope you enjoy DTM. :)

Fedora -- Thank you! I'm thrilled to hear you're enjoying my books so far. That means a lot to me. Hopefully, you'll like them all. *g*

Anne -- Thank you. :)

[tami]

congrats on being a RITA finalist!!!!! you deserve it! i love your books, since i first got catching carline!

[Ro Petty]

Syl:

Thanks for taking the time to share with us so we can get to know you. I see this cool picture and think you could actually be on the cover of your own books! (lol) I think you are truly blessed to be able to sell everything you write. Nothing like getting paid for doing the things we love.

CONGRATS on the new release and on being a finalist! You rock!!!!!!!

[kim h]

congrats on everything

Where do u get your hot ideas for the your books.