Well, I’m nearing “The End” on my current WIP, anyway.  In just a few days, I’ll finish my current work in progress–my fallen angel story.  I love nearing the end of a book I’m writing. The pages come faster and the thrill of the finish has me wanting to write constantly–I want that story done!

After I finish a book, I like to put it aside for a few days before I start editing and polishing up the story.  During that break, I try to distance myself from the story. This is usually my reading madness period. I grab as many books as I can and read as quickly as I can–by reading all these books, I create a sort of mental distance to my own work so that I’m able to go back and review it with more objective eyes (and, of course, I get the bonus of having read lots of great books).

But this time…I’ll be working on revisions for DEADLY HEAT during my break period (I’m actually working on those now, as I finish up my WIP). I don’t have a problem working on two stories at once, particularly if I’m doing a revision job on one, but I am looking forward to being able to focus totally on just one tale.   I feel like I can get deeper into a story if I work on just one at a time.

Different authors have different styles, though, and I know some authors who always work on multiple projects.  I also know some authors who write their books out of sequence. Me? Well, I’m a start to finish girl–straight line.

If you’re a writer, what’s your style? Share!

Today’s guest (for my very first installment of WRITE ON! WEDNESDAY) is the uber talented Megan Hart. Megan, thanks for answering my writing questions!

And, by the way, if you haven’t read Megan’s books, you are very much missing out.  Sexy and emotional–her books grab you and just don’t let go.

1.What inspires you?

Everything. I just watched an Adam Lambert video and plotted a whole book, no joke. I never even watched an Adam Lambert video before now, and BAM, there’s a book.

2.What is the best part of the writing life?

Making stuff up. Setting my own hours. Umm…being my own boss? Not having to commute. Not having to dress up. Flexibility. Creative outlet. My office. Fan mail. Seeing my books on the shelf. Royalty checks!

3. Okay, flip it. What is your least favorite part of the writing life?  What do you dread?

Hmmm. There really is no downside other than maybe the fact I work *all* the time. It’s hard to not be working, even when I’m not working. I dread the hamster-on-a-wheel syndrome. Yet I think I crave it, too.

4. What’s the best book you’ve ever read—why?

Gosh. So many, and it would really depend on the mood I’m in. I adore the Kushiel series by Jacqueline Carey. The Stand by Stephen King was the book that inspired me to become a writer. Umm….let’s see. Geek Love was pretty awesome. So was Flowers in the Attic. You see what I mean? There really is no “best” because books are so good! I’m more able to tell you the *worst* but I won’t, because I’ve blocked it from my mind.

5. Tell us about your current (or upcoming release).  How did you come up with the premise for this story?  Did you plot the book out from the beginning or did you let the story lead you?

NAKED would be my next release (summer 2010 from Spice) — and the story sprang from a single line. “Alex Kennedy doesn’t like girls.” Alex Kennedy, the secondary hero in Tempted, is one of my favorite characters. Ever. He’s also the favorite of a lot of readers, and I was being asked frequently if he’d have a book of his own. Well…hmmm, I hadn’t planned one, but then…I had to write it. I had a basic plot, but the story led me. They mostly all do.

6. What’s one piece of advice that you would like to give to aspiring authors?

Don’t talk about writing. Don’t listen to other people talk about writing. Don’t blog about writing. Don’t read other people’s blogs about writing. Don’t dream about writing.

Write.

7. Any other wisdom you’d like to share?

Umm…well…let’s see. Don’t eat food that’s been in the fridge long enough to grow “hair” and always wash your hands after using the bathroom.

LOL, thanks, Megan! And if you want to learn more about Megan and her most awesome books, please visit her at www.meganhart.com or at www.readinbed.net.

Tomorrow, I’ll be starting a new feature here at the blog:  Write On! Wednesday. A different author will be featured each week–that author will answer writing questions or post a writing craft blog.  My very first guest will be the awesomely fabulous Megan Hart. So come by tomorrow to learn some of her writing secrets!

And the ladies over at Southern Sizzle Romance have posted a fabulous interview with Kensington Editor Megan Records.  Definitely check it out!

I found out today that BELONG TO THE NIGHT (my paranormal anthology with Shelly Laurenston and Sherrill Quinn) is a 2009 PEARL Finalist in the anthology category.   I’m thrilled to be in such wonderful book company!  Congratulations to all of the other finalists (in all categories)!

In case you’re curious, you can see the full list of finalists here.

I wanted to share the cover of my holiday anthology with you…

THE NAUGHTY LIST will be available on September 28, 2010.  I was very excited to be included in this anthology with Donna Kauffman and Susan Fox.  And I love our cover. So makes me want to go build a snowman.

My novella in this anthology is a straight contemporary story–by that, I mean no vampires, no demons and not even any serial killers! Just a fun holiday tale.

Soon I’ll be able to post the blurbs so you can get a feel for the stories.  Sweet! My first Christmas anthology!

Have a great weekend.

Updated to add:  My awesome editor sent me the back cover blurb! Thank you, Magnificent M!

The blurb:

Deck the halls with white-hot passion!

DONNA KAUFFMAN

Naughty But Nice

Businessman Griffin’s never believed in luck…until sassy-sweet small-town baker Melody turns his world around. Except there’s a catch: There’s no way he’ll be able to build his empire and hold on to her. His new “lucky charm” could destroy all his dreams…or make this Christmas better than he ever imagined possible…

CYNTHIA EDEN

All I Want for Christmas

Good girl toy inventor Christie takes a walk on the naughty side when she sparks a no-strings fling with Santa—actually, sexy cop Jonas in a Santa suit. She loves her new “bad girl” persona, except as the holidays approach, she starts falling, and hard, for this known’ “love ’em and leave ’em” ladies man…

SUSAN FOX

Tattoos and Mistletoe

Charlie returns to her hometown to fix up her aunt’s B&B, but she doesn’t count on LJ handling the renovations. Nerdy LJ pined for her in school, but now he’s grown into the town’s hottest bachelor. Charlie’s been burned before and won’t let him get close. But LJ’s determined to break down her walls and make her dearest Christmas wish come true.