Interviews with Abbey.

Abbey was recently interviewed by her RWA Chapter- Greater Detroit Romance Writers of America- for their newsletter, The Heart of Detroit. You can read the full interview below.

What inspired you to start writing romance?

     I’ve been a reader all of my life. I started reading romance when I was a teenager. It wasn’t until I was taking a sociology course on serial killers in college, when I came up with the crazy idea to try to write a romance of my own. Did I say crazy? Well, I had no idea how to go about it. All I had was an idea for a suspense with a little murder, with some sex thrown in, and two opposing characters, nothing else. I’d been reading romance for practically ten years, so you’d think it would be a snap. Ha! Not a chance. I remember sitting in class just chomping at the bit to begin. It was such a cool feeling, and still is when something starts perking in your imagination. So I guess it’s the thrill of the idea and unknown outcome or ending of a story that inspired me to write. I still have that incomplete wip somewhere. It’s absolutely horrible. Lol. I learned a lot from it and a few others I still have. Who knows, I might finish them someday.

What genres do you write?

     I write heartwarming and passionate historical and contemporary romance under the pen name, Abbey MacInnis, and erotic/fantasy/paranormal romance under the name Eve knight. Why two names? The stories written as Abbey MacInnis, the name I came up with by simply combining my grandmothers maiden names, aren’t as dark, hard, spicy, or as edgy as my Eve knight stuff. With both names, the romance is still strong, but as abbey, they’re a little sweeter and softer, and more mainstream.

Do you plot before you write?  Please explain.

     Not really. I create what some call a character/story sketch, where I’ll create the hero and heroine’s external and internal goals, motivations, and conflicts, (GMC), the black moment, and resolution. I’ve tried plotting a story scene-by-scene, but I had a difficult time writing it. While I’m writing, the black moment or resolution might change slightly, but I at least know what my characters are about, and how I might get them there. I enjoy using this method, since it allows me the creative freedom to let the story go where it will, and I’m not so constrained in locked into a particular plot.

Do you work with a critique group?  Please explain.

     Yes, I am a member of a private online critique group. It took me a while to find these ladies, but I’m so lucky that I did. This group has fewer than twenty members, with a mix of published and unpublished members. I’ve grown so much as a writer with their guidance and friendship. I’ve had a few experiences with critique groups that almost without sounding too dramatic, nearly destroyed me as a writer. It was while I was between groups where I regained my self-confidence that allowed me to receive critiques again.

How many novels have you written?

     I’ve completed six manuscripts, one fantasy/historical co-written with a friend of mine under the name daisy Kelli, three written as Abbey and two as Eve.

What made you decide to become secretary of GDRWA?

     I’d just completed Margie Lawson’s course on defeating Self-Defeating behaviors, and one of my annual goals was to be more proactive as a member. I had ideas and what better way to share them than to work with other like-minded members. Besides, I’ve never been one not to say what’s on my mind. Being on the board is just an excuse for me to not keep my big mouth shut. *g*

What are some of your hobbies when you’re not writing?

     I’ve been an active member of my church choir since I was a teenager. I absolutely love to sing! I’ve already mentioned reading, which I still enjoy, but rarely have the time for. Tess, my black lab, keeps me company. She’s the best companion anyone could have…quiet. Movies, in particular comedies, I find entertaining since I love to laugh. And hey, since I’m on the subject of movies, why not have some popcorn and pop, two of my favorite foods with it? I love chocolate as well, but who needs to add more inches to their waist-line. I watch some TV – it’s sad I know, but my mom and I are addicted to the weekly Wednesday nights at 10:00 reality shows airing on bravo.

What are your goals in five years?  In ten?

     The neurotic, organized person in me has created a ten-year plan for my writing career. That helped me immensely in prioritizing my writing goals, and eventually meeting them. I use the baby-steps method or slow-crawl if you prefer. Lol. I’m aiming to have an agent within five years, and to have already published at least two titles per pen name each year. Between five and ten years, I’d love to hit a bestseller list, NY would be just fine. *g* I also intend to write children’s’ books under yet another pen name. These books will help children, and even adults understand what it is exactly that service dogs do. Oh yeah, there’s the foundation I intend to organize, but that’s a ways off in my future.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

     If you’re looking for a critique partner/group, don’t get frustrated. Don’t stay if you’re not getting anything from the relationship. Leave, and keep looking for something new. Even though I’ve been offered a contract for my Wayback Texas story, this doesn’t mean that my journey ends here. It’s just beginning. Keep creating, writing, and believing in yourself.