Author Anne Elizabeth tells all about what went between the sheets of her books.   First up are her Special Op stories where a portion of each book sale goes to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

BYS: What went Between the Sheets of Operation Love, Holiday Op, and For Your Heart Only?

AE: As many of my fans know, my husband is a retired Navy SEAL.  I wanted to do a project that honored the military and gave insight into the Spec Ops community in addition to helping aspiring authors.  Highland Press was willing to work with me on putting together a line of military books that gave a portion of proceeds, from the sale of each book, to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.  At the same time, a new author is debuted in each book bringing another talented soul into the published realm.  It's a win-win situation that's gaining tremendous positive momentum.

BYS: When did you decide to sit down and write your first novel and what led up to the publication of your first book?

AE: The first publication was Zane's Caramel Flava, an Atria/Simon & Schuster, eroticanoir.com anthology.  My story was titled Sugar and Butter Poured Over Muscle and I was thrilled when I sold.  There have been over 250,000 copies sold of that book.

BYS: How long did it take to develop your characters for this book?

AE: I have a file full of character sketches, story ideas, and research. When I have a new project on the docket, first, I access my stockpile; second, I outline the entire story arc; third, I review my secondary research--make sure its up-to-date; and fourth I line-up an interview.  When I have all the details and information I need, I write the story.  I have to admit...sometimes there are scenes that spontaneously flow out of me.  But I try to wait, allow the anticipation to grow, and then let my mind go wild when I have all the facts.

BYS: Why this story at this time?

AE: Our military deserves to be supported both in real life and in fiction. With all the collections, it donates funds to and creates awareness of the SOWF. In addition, the mission statement of these books is to honor the troops and educate readers on the military. Yes, there is some literary-license taken with some aspects of the stories, but extensive research is done to stick to as much of the factual information as possible.

BYS: Take us through a typical writing day and your creative process.

AE: Our day begins early.  We feed and take care of the puppy, who is an English Lab with an identity issue.  He thinks he's a Chihuahua.  Then, Carl and I exercise, usually a hike in the mountains, and then eat a light breakfast.

What comes next for me...is a review of my email.  In addition to being a romance writer, I'm the monthly columnist for RT BOOKreviews on the topic of comics, manga, and graphic novels.  I correspond with publishers and marketing reps, work with reviewers on the most recently arrived projects, and develop contacts for the column, write profiles, and do special interviews.

After all that is done, then I settle in to my other job--romance writing. As a FYI, time management is very important to me.

BYS: Are you a visual writer?   Do you see scenes and characters in your head?   Or do you hear the characters voices?

AE: Both!  I once had a character that followed me around on vacation until I gave her a scene where she finally attained that elusive kiss.

BYS: What are your thoughts on First Person verses Third Person?  Which is your preference?

AE: Depends on the project. Right now, I'm working with the super-fabulous editor Alisa Kwitney on my graphic novel, Pulse of Power, being released in July by Dynamite Entertainment, who acquired Dabel Brothers LLC.  The captions have more impact when they are in the first person, but an impression of greater distance can be created in the third person. Both are valuable tools.

BYS: What is your re-writing and editing process?  Do you let anyone read your work in progress before it goes to your editor?

AE: I have several readers--wonderful souls--who give me very candid and unbiased views of my work.  It can be extremely insightful, especially when my writing takes them out of their comfort zone.

BYS: How is your family affected by your writing career?

AE: My husband is patient and very supportive. God bless him! I travel a great deal, and my writing commitments are tightly scheduled, so it's complicated sometimes...in terms of scheduling down time.  But, as you know, it's tough to type on the computer when I'm working-out, mountain biking, hiking, or doing water sports.  Thank heaven, he's the outdoor type, because it forces me to take time to engage outside of work and b-r-e-a-t-h-e.

BYS: What keeps you going and motivated when life throws you a curveball?

AE: Family and friends, they are the rock of my life.  Precious reminders of what each day is truly about...

BYS: Were you an avid reader as a child?  What did you like to read?

AE: Absolutely!  This is my mother's favorite story:  I taught myself to read at age three because I had a story I wanted to put in a book.  Of course it took me significantly longer to master handwriting.

BYS: Do you have time to read now?  What authors do you read?

AE: I take the time read.  I used to think there wasn't an opportunity. But as an author, it's vital to practice mental agility.  The input keeps the mind limber.  The materials--I read--range from the New York Times, RT BOOKreviews (of course!), several periodicals, and many authors including: Charlaine Harris, Laurell K. Hamilton, Jim Butcher, LA Banks, Zane, Cathy Maxwell, Heather Graham, Terry Moore, Suzanne Brockmann, Virginia Kantra, Angela Knight, Alisa Kwitney, Neil Gaiman, Jade Lee, Marjorie Liu...

BYS: Who or what influenced you to write and what inspires your imagination?

AE: My parents influenced me a great deal.  They continue to add their strength to my joy, and my husband inspires me every day.

BYS: What are you working on now?

AE: Pulse of Power, a graphic novel about a Greenwich girl with too much money and too much magical power. Destiny...is a choice.  Power up!"

I love the process.  Writing a comic script is like learning a whole new language.  I've spent hours and hours reworking scenes--sketching stick figures and making them do all sorts of silly actions.  It's effective though, wait until you see the book.  The art and writing are...mind-blowingly cool!

BYS: What advice do you have for aspiring writers?  And how did you keep your spirits up until the first book was published?

AE: Never, never, never stop writing!  If you have a story inside of you, share it.  Because the inspiration to write is a gift to you and for others as well. 

BYS: Anything special that you want to tell your readers about yourself?

AE: "Passion is the breath of life.  Live boldly!"

© 2010 Interview by BetweenYourSheets.com

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