Harlequin Author Terri Reed--and a Giveaway!

Hi, all!   Happy Friday! I'm so please to have Love Inspired author Terri Reed with me today!

At an early age Terri Reed discovered the wonderful world of fiction and declared she would one day write a book. Now she is fulfilling that dream and enjoys writing for Steeple Hill. She is an active member of both Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband, two wonderful children and an array of critters. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening and playing with her dogs.

 

Describe a little of your writing routine for us. Do you have a set amount of time that you spend on writing per week?  

My routine varies depending on where in the process I am.  When I’m in the beginning stages, I do a lot of ‘pre-writing’ on a note pad and forms that I’ve gathered from various different writing instructors.  Then when I’m writing raw, I spend anywhere from four to seven hours at the computer during the weekday. Sometimes this is all day, sometime the hours are broken up with errands or appointments or volunteering at the kids school.  I’ll make up hours on the weekend if I fall behind and the deadline is nearing.  Sometimes I’ll make up hours lost during the day in the evening/after everyone goes to bed or early in the morning before anyone gets up.

Is there a different genre you would like to try and write someday?  I have some ideas for a few grittier thrillers and a few ideas for a couple of women’s fiction books.  But they are sitting on the back burner for now.  Love Inspired keeps me busy.   

How do you reward yourself for finishing or selling a book? 
I buy a latte after I’ve mailed the book and then I get a massage. 

What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten and/or advice you’d like to give to other writers?

There are several bits of advice I’ve taken to heart from some big name authors.  
1)Nora Roberts said, I can fix a bad page but I can’t fix a blank page.  I remind myself that all the time when I’m writing and find myself stuck or spending too much time trying to come up with the words. 
2) Susan Elizabeth Philips said Protect the work, whatever that mean for you. Protect the work.  For me protecting the work has been saying no to things I’d like to do when I have writing to be done.  It means ordering pizza instead of going to the grocery store when I’m on deadline.  It means preserving my voice when critique partners or editors want to me to make changes that aren’t true to my voice and style.
3) Jo Beverly said—Just tell the story.  I know we’re taught to show don’t tell when we’re writing and that is very true and valid, however, when I get stuck I remember Nora’s words and I remember Jo’s words and I just tell the story.  I can go back later and show the story but I have to have something to work.
4)My advice is never stop learning, believe in yourself and your writing because if you don’t who will? and don’t get so attached to the work that you’re unwilling to make it better.

Wonderful advice!!

Now for some fun questions!

Favorite Christmas gift you just received?  Pilates Reformer classes from my husband.

What are you reading right now?  Miracle Cure by Harlan Coben. 

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?  Pilates, Zumba and hang out with my family.

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Links where readers can find you:

http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com/

http://www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/

http://www.harlequin.com/

Here is a little bit about Terri's new book out now: The Secret Heiress:

A Shocking Revelation

Finding out she is heir to a fortune shocks Caroline Tully to her core.  And to “qualify” for the inheritance, she just has to visit her newfound grandfather’s Mississippi home from Christmas to New Year’s.  Adopted as a baby, Caroline knows nothing about her mother’s family...and doesn’t realize they can’t be trusted.  When attempts are made on her life, there’s only one man who can protect her.  Donovan Cavanaugh—a man who made her lonely heart want to love again.  Posing as her fiancé, Don promises to find the would-be killer.  But will his protection-and his love-be enough to keep her safe?

Protection Specialists: Guarding the innocent.

GIVEAWAY:

Terri will be giving away a $10 Visa GC for both blog host with most comments and one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Please comment on today's blog for your chance to win!

To increase your chances of winning, be sure to visit Terri's other blog tour stops here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/11/virtual-book-tour-secret-heiress-by.html

Thanks so much, Terri!