Spotlight Author with Shelli Stevens

This week I have the one and only, Shelli Stevens as my guest. She's multi-published in multi-genre's. So join us for a few minutes, while we chat about Shelli and how she keeps up with it all!

First of all Shelli, give us a sneak peak into your latest release NEED ME.

Need me is a super hot futuristic from Kensington Aphrodisia. My heroine is a former Rosabelle (think cross between whore/courtesan) who's been recruited to steal something from the very planet who liberated her. She's just not prepared for the sexy soldier she'll be going up against;)

What do Shelli Stevens fans have to look forward to in 2010?

Well, I have NEED ME. I also have the print book for my CHANCES ARE series (Anybody but Justin, Luck be delanie, and Protecting Phoebe).

Coming out with SAMHAIN before the end f the year I have a series called Holding out for a Hero which follows three small town brothers whose ancestor was the town's namesake. And all the brothers have gone into heroic careers. Each book shows their path to finding love.

Your website states you are... "THE AUTHOR THAT YOUR MOTHER WARNED YOU ABOUT", explain (wink)

Well since some of my writing tends to be quite scandalous and hot, I'm always warning people. So I just thought tweaking that I'm the guy your mother warned you about was cute.

You write multiple genres, tell us why and how you keep up.

Yes, I do write many genres. I think I've just enjoyed trying new things and seeing what I like best, what my readers like. Some are obviously much more popular than others. I think though , most people tend to know me for my contemporary stuff.

What is your writing process and how long would you say it takes you when a new idea is sparked from sketching out the details to getting to THE END?

It can very. Often a book starts as a scene I have in my head and a very general idea of what the plot is. I'm more of a panster, but have been forcing myself to try and plot more. if I'm doing a lot of plotting and character sketching it can take longer.

What are you working on now?

I'm working on a paranormal series for my agent to shop soon!

How long does it take you to write a manuscript?

I'm typically a fast writer (though by no means the fastest!). I can write a single title in three months easily. Faster if i want/need to. Novellas in two to three weeks.

Do you have any advice on writing, getting published, or finding an agent?

I'd definitely suggest joining a writing organization or group that can be supportive and give you advice (like RWA or Romance Divas forum). As for an agent and getting published, really just do your homework. Have a plan ahead of time of who you'd really like to work with. Know your market and who certain agents represent and what books publishers are putting out. And really, write often and finish a book. Then write another one.Great advice given to me. And lastly, but probably the most important in this industry, develop thick skin.


What's one thing that you know now that you wished you knew when you started your journey as a writer?

Not to be a complete idiot when I queried. I think I tried to point out hw because I was so young I knew what dating was like. And I was truer to the younger generations voice. I just didn't have a clue how to write a query letter. I wish I had listened to my dad's cousin (who wrote regencies) when she told me to join RWA. Only after I got rejected (which was an encouraging one, though I didn't know it at the time!) did I think maybe I needed help.

When you aren't writing steaming hot romances what do you do in your spare time?

Spending time with my daughter. Working out. Going on nature walks/hikes. Surfing the net. Reading. Spending time with friends. Whatever I CAN do I suppose!

Shelli, I am so glad that you dropped by Micole Writes Romance, to share your story with us. Thank you for coming.

Thanks for having me! I enjoyed dropping by!

Until next week freinds!

Hugs

Micole