Not many people know, that I, Eevie Lawson, have a problem. An addiction. To Romance novels. I eat them for breakfast. I hide it the best I can, but I need them. To breathe. Itâs how I cope.
Not many people know that I, Eevie Lawson, have a problem. An addiction to romance novels. I eat them for breakfast. I hide it the best I can, but I need them to breathe. Itâs how I cope.
Iâve had a swag of book boyfriends, but now that Iâm free from the responsibility of caring for my three younger brothers, itâs time to find one in the flesh.
In real life, no girl meets their hero on page one, or even at the end of chapter one. I should know.
My journey is real. Itâs not perfect, and it sure as hell isnât easyâbut the fight for something worthwhile never is.
Iâve had a swag of book boyfriends, but now that Iâm free from the responsibility of caring for my three younger brothers, itâs time to find one in the flesh.
In real life, no girl meets their hero on page one, or even at the end of chapter one. I should know.
My journey is real. Itâs not perfect, and it sure as hell isnât easyâbut the fight for something worthwhile never is.
Get to know you interview â Jennifer Ryder
1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
About eighteen months ago. Iâd always been a big reader, but never thought I would write.
Inspiration struck, and I couldnât stop once I started putting the words down. âSparkâ became an
obsession, festering inside, characters taunting me in my sleep, until I got it out!
2. How long does it take you to write a book?
Spark took about 8 months to finish, but I wasnât writing every day (as I also work fullÂtime). Once I
got further into the book I got more serious about it. I went to workshops and did online courses,
such as âhow to write a convincing male characterâ, âwriting sizzling sex scenesâ and âshowing not
tellingâ.
Other books in the series, I have been able to finish a first draft within 6 weeks. Itâs the editing and
polishing that then takes the time, as well as incorporating any changes as a result of beta reader
feedback (which might I add, is invaluable!).
3. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I also work fullÂtime, so I manage to get in an hour in the morning, while the kids are having
breakfast and arguing over lost shoes, and squeeze in a couple of hours at night when everyone is
asleep. Weekends I can spend a bit more time with my writing, but itâs never for long stints (unless
hubbie is away fishing!).
When Iâm in writing mode, I try and aim for 1K or more words a day, but if Iâm getting along with my
characters, I can manage a lot more. It all depends! Some days I can barely manage a couple of
hundred, but itâs better than no words at all.
4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Writing can be a lonely business, so I donât know if the way I write is different to most people. I am
happy to share with you something I find helpful. When doing the final edit, I find it easier to print
out the MS. I grab a couple of different highlighters, and assign a colour to each character. I
highlight each characterâs dialogue and review one by one. It just makes sure that the way they
speak is consistent, and not too similar to other characters. It also means I can give each character
a few turns of phrase that only they use.
5. How do you plan to publish? (self or publisher)
I plan to selfÂpublish the Spark series, but I have other standÂalone books Iâm working on which I
may consider submitting to a publisher. At the moment, Indie publishing feels right for me. Iâm
surrounded by so many other supportive Indies, and with selfÂpublishing I get more freedom.
6. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Personal experiences were a big source of inspiration for my first book, Spark, but anything can
inspire me. After a girlâs weekend away in Melbourne recently, within a week I had a new book
plotted out. It was an awesome weekend! A big day at the horse races, an Irish pub and
shenanigans at night! Did I mention a sexy bar owner?
I also read a lot (at least 2 books a month), and have a few favourite TV shows. Right now Iâm
hooked on Chicago Fire, but my favourites are Revenge, Greyâs Anatomy and Arrow. And a
warning to friends and family⦠I listen intently to everything you say! Where else do I get
inspiration for my dialogue!
7. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
That would be giving away my age! I started writing Spark eighteen months ago, and Iâm in my dirty
thirties!
8. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Read! My Amazon library is bursting with so many good books, and quite it helps motivate me in
my writing. It also helps when Iâm a bit burnt out. Iâve completed a couple of 50K in 30 day
challenges (like NaNoWriMo), and they have been tough! After doing one of these, I have to take a
break otherwise Iâd go insane! This is where I take some time to relax, and nine times out of ten,
turn to a good book.
Apart from reading, when we can we take the kids down the South Coast of New South Wales.
Jervis Bay is a particular favourite spot. We also love to entertain, as we are big foodies!
9. What does your family think of your writing?
My family are very supportive, although my mother understands that she may never read them! My
seven year old daughter Ashlee is my biggest fan, telling anyone and everyone that I write books.
Itâs adorable, but she knows she has to wait until sheâs eighteen to be able to read them!
10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
My own personal strength.
Writing is a mental (and physical) challenge, and giving up is SO easy. But when things get hard,
you take a break, and come back and give it another go. Just finishing the draft of my first book was
a huge accomplishment in itself. A lot of people start out, but never get to that point. The feeling of
finishing it, was worth the late nights, tears and heartache! No really, I make it sound like it was
torture, but it was just something I had to finish. I tend to be a person to start a hundred things and
not follow through.
11. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Spark will be my first full length novel published, although I have written three in the series. They
are all different, but I love them just the same.
I have had a short story published, having placed Third in the International Stringybark Erotic Short
Fiction Award 2013. My story 'Heart Rate' is published in an anthology titled 'Valentine's Day'. Iâm
certainly attached to this story, as it was so flattering to have my writing recognised when I was only
relatively new at it.
12. Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Plan to write every day. Even if itâs only 100 words. I know itâs not always practical, but if you keep
your head in the story every day, the words come easier, and of course, typing âthe endâ on your
MS happens that much quicker.
Another tip is not to selfÂedit when youâre writing your first draft. Even if you think your writing is
complete drivel. The idea is to let the words flow while you have the inspiration, and not get bogged
down with commas, and formatting, etc. That slows you down, when youâll be editing down the
track anyway. So gag and tieÂup that inner editor until itâs time to edit! Then let her haver her way.
13. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I had a great response from the short story âHeart Rateâ. Readers loved that I could tell a story with
just 2,000 words, and also wet their appetites! It was certainly a challenge with such a small word
count, and I love the story. Oh, the steamy things that happen behind closed doors in offices.
14. Do you like to create books for adults?
Absolutely! I get a real kick out of people reading my work!
15. What do you think makes a good story?
Relatable characters, a unique storyline and a good flowing writing style. I love a book that you
canât put down (the pacing is just right), and you donât care that time passes by, because you are
inside the book! This kind of book tends to give you a book hangover, but itâs worth it, every time.
16. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
A hairdresser, a panel beater and a police officer. I really couldnât make up my mind! As a child I did
have a vivid imagination, which got me into plenty of trouble. I was good at telling stories!
1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
About eighteen months ago. Iâd always been a big reader, but never thought I would write.
Inspiration struck, and I couldnât stop once I started putting the words down. âSparkâ became an
obsession, festering inside, characters taunting me in my sleep, until I got it out!
2. How long does it take you to write a book?
Spark took about 8 months to finish, but I wasnât writing every day (as I also work fullÂtime). Once I
got further into the book I got more serious about it. I went to workshops and did online courses,
such as âhow to write a convincing male characterâ, âwriting sizzling sex scenesâ and âshowing not
tellingâ.
Other books in the series, I have been able to finish a first draft within 6 weeks. Itâs the editing and
polishing that then takes the time, as well as incorporating any changes as a result of beta reader
feedback (which might I add, is invaluable!).
3. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I also work fullÂtime, so I manage to get in an hour in the morning, while the kids are having
breakfast and arguing over lost shoes, and squeeze in a couple of hours at night when everyone is
asleep. Weekends I can spend a bit more time with my writing, but itâs never for long stints (unless
hubbie is away fishing!).
When Iâm in writing mode, I try and aim for 1K or more words a day, but if Iâm getting along with my
characters, I can manage a lot more. It all depends! Some days I can barely manage a couple of
hundred, but itâs better than no words at all.
4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Writing can be a lonely business, so I donât know if the way I write is different to most people. I am
happy to share with you something I find helpful. When doing the final edit, I find it easier to print
out the MS. I grab a couple of different highlighters, and assign a colour to each character. I
highlight each characterâs dialogue and review one by one. It just makes sure that the way they
speak is consistent, and not too similar to other characters. It also means I can give each character
a few turns of phrase that only they use.
5. How do you plan to publish? (self or publisher)
I plan to selfÂpublish the Spark series, but I have other standÂalone books Iâm working on which I
may consider submitting to a publisher. At the moment, Indie publishing feels right for me. Iâm
surrounded by so many other supportive Indies, and with selfÂpublishing I get more freedom.
6. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Personal experiences were a big source of inspiration for my first book, Spark, but anything can
inspire me. After a girlâs weekend away in Melbourne recently, within a week I had a new book
plotted out. It was an awesome weekend! A big day at the horse races, an Irish pub and
shenanigans at night! Did I mention a sexy bar owner?
I also read a lot (at least 2 books a month), and have a few favourite TV shows. Right now Iâm
hooked on Chicago Fire, but my favourites are Revenge, Greyâs Anatomy and Arrow. And a
warning to friends and family⦠I listen intently to everything you say! Where else do I get
inspiration for my dialogue!
7. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
That would be giving away my age! I started writing Spark eighteen months ago, and Iâm in my dirty
thirties!
8. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Read! My Amazon library is bursting with so many good books, and quite it helps motivate me in
my writing. It also helps when Iâm a bit burnt out. Iâve completed a couple of 50K in 30 day
challenges (like NaNoWriMo), and they have been tough! After doing one of these, I have to take a
break otherwise Iâd go insane! This is where I take some time to relax, and nine times out of ten,
turn to a good book.
Apart from reading, when we can we take the kids down the South Coast of New South Wales.
Jervis Bay is a particular favourite spot. We also love to entertain, as we are big foodies!
9. What does your family think of your writing?
My family are very supportive, although my mother understands that she may never read them! My
seven year old daughter Ashlee is my biggest fan, telling anyone and everyone that I write books.
Itâs adorable, but she knows she has to wait until sheâs eighteen to be able to read them!
10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
My own personal strength.
Writing is a mental (and physical) challenge, and giving up is SO easy. But when things get hard,
you take a break, and come back and give it another go. Just finishing the draft of my first book was
a huge accomplishment in itself. A lot of people start out, but never get to that point. The feeling of
finishing it, was worth the late nights, tears and heartache! No really, I make it sound like it was
torture, but it was just something I had to finish. I tend to be a person to start a hundred things and
not follow through.
11. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Spark will be my first full length novel published, although I have written three in the series. They
are all different, but I love them just the same.
I have had a short story published, having placed Third in the International Stringybark Erotic Short
Fiction Award 2013. My story 'Heart Rate' is published in an anthology titled 'Valentine's Day'. Iâm
certainly attached to this story, as it was so flattering to have my writing recognised when I was only
relatively new at it.
12. Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Plan to write every day. Even if itâs only 100 words. I know itâs not always practical, but if you keep
your head in the story every day, the words come easier, and of course, typing âthe endâ on your
MS happens that much quicker.
Another tip is not to selfÂedit when youâre writing your first draft. Even if you think your writing is
complete drivel. The idea is to let the words flow while you have the inspiration, and not get bogged
down with commas, and formatting, etc. That slows you down, when youâll be editing down the
track anyway. So gag and tieÂup that inner editor until itâs time to edit! Then let her haver her way.
13. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I had a great response from the short story âHeart Rateâ. Readers loved that I could tell a story with
just 2,000 words, and also wet their appetites! It was certainly a challenge with such a small word
count, and I love the story. Oh, the steamy things that happen behind closed doors in offices.
14. Do you like to create books for adults?
Absolutely! I get a real kick out of people reading my work!
15. What do you think makes a good story?
Relatable characters, a unique storyline and a good flowing writing style. I love a book that you
canât put down (the pacing is just right), and you donât care that time passes by, because you are
inside the book! This kind of book tends to give you a book hangover, but itâs worth it, every time.
16. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
A hairdresser, a panel beater and a police officer. I really couldnât make up my mind! As a child I did
have a vivid imagination, which got me into plenty of trouble. I was good at telling stories!