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Gabriella Anderson makes her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her husband, three daughters, two dogs, and assorted fish. When she's not writing romance, she volunteers at her daughters' school library, plays volleyball, and tries to avoid cooking and housekeeping. Fluent in English, Hungarian, and German, as well as knowing Latin, Gabriella loves the way language works, especially when she can use it to put a story on paper. THE DESTINY COIN series from Zebra Ballad started with the publication of A MATTER OF CONVENIENCE, (ISBN 0-8217-6682-1), September 2000, Gabriella's first book. It is followed in January 2001 by A MATTER OF PRIDE (ISBN 0-8217-6765-8) and in March 2001 by A MATTER OF HONOR (ISBN 0-8217-6765-5). Gabriella Anderson recently arrived in the Romance industry with the release of her debut novel, A MATTER OF CONVENIENCE. The first book in THE DESTINY COIN series, it only hints at the wonderful talent Gabriella has for writing historical romance. Her vivid imagination and friendly personality makes conversation with Gabriella delightful. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in this series. Gabriella Anderson is definitely a rising star with a tremendous amount of potential. Jacquelyn Stone |
A Matter of Convenience Zebra Books September 2000 Buy Now
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Jacqui: When did you first start writing? What made you want to become a writer? Gabriella: I started writing about eight years ago, when my twins turned one. At that point, I decided I needed to do something just for myself before my brain turned into pudding. I pulled out a notebook in which I had started a story and finished it.
Jacqui: Did you always know you wanted to write romance novels? Gabriella: As soon as I figured out I wanted to write, I knew romance was the natural choice for me. I've always loved happy endings. When I pursued my degrees in literature and German, I adored the Brothers Grimm, and my favorite plays by Shakespeare were always his comedies. Also I've read romance since I was 16. Even through all my years of school, I always read romance for enjoyment, preferring them to the "serious" stuff I had to read.
Jacqui: How many books have you published till date? Gabriella: My first book came out in September 2000, but it will be quickly followed by the second book in January 2001 and March 2001. Jacqui: What satisfies you about your writing? Gabriella: I tell everyone that typing "The End" gives you a thrill like no other. But I also believe it's the joy of making up your own world and telling the stories you want to tell. As a friend of mine says, romance is the way life should be.
Jacqui: What and/or who inspires you? Gabriella: Probably my family inspires me most of all.
Jacqui: Do you have a preference for one period of time over another? Why? Gabriella: I like to write all over history. I have written books set in early US history, the late Regency, the 1870s, and I'm currently working on a medieval. I've even written a fantasy romance where the time frame is medievalesque, but it's not really set anytime. There's too much interesting stuff out there to focus on one period. I was lucky enough to travel in England this past June, and I've come back with so much information on the Tudor period, I'm thinking I'll have to set a book then. Jacqui: What do you find comes to you first - the characters or the situation/plot for a new story? Once the basics are in place, what do you do next? Gabriella: I really couldn't say which comes first for me. Often the characters are so enmeshed in the situation the in a sense sprang fully formed in my mind complete with story. I have to admit I have written a story that was a title before anything else. I was brainstorming with my husband for a new title for one of my novels, and he came up with a great title. I said, "It won't work for this book, but I will have to write that one someday." That's the medieval I'm currently working on.
Jacqui: Of all the books you have written, which story or character is your favorite? Why? Gabriella: I truly love them all, but if I had to pick one, I would have to pick a character from my fantasy romance. He is a secondary character, but he took on a life of his own, and to me he is the most unforgettable. Then again, I tend to like my secondary characters best. I think it stems from my days when I thought I would be an actress. I always liked to play the character roles better than the leads.
Jacqui: Have you created any secondary characters that you'd like to feature as the main character in a book yet to be written? Gabriella: Even though I am particularly fond of my secondary characters, most of the time I write them and complete their own story in the novel in which they appear.
Jacqui: How important is research in your writing? Gabriella: Research is extremely important, but as a historian once told me, I'm writing fiction, not a history textbook. Yes, I want to be accurate, but there's a fine line between too little history and too much in a romance. I believe readers want to experience the balls, the banquets, the incredible dresses, but don't really want to hear of open sewers, rotting teeth and body odor.
Jacqui: When is your birthday? Gabriella: July 31
Jacqui: Do you have your own list of favorite authors? Gabriella: Jill Barnett, Suzanne Brockmann, Theresa Medieros, Jayne Ann Krentz (under any pseudonym), Ingrid Weaver, Iris Johansen.
Jacqui: What can your fans look forward to in the next twelve months from you? Gabriella: The Destiny Coin series continues in January 2001 with A MATTER OF PRIDE, and then in March 2001 with A MATTER OF HONOR. These books continue the story of the ancient Roman talisman that brings together two people destined to share a great love.
Jacqui: In your writing career, have you received any awards or nominations for your work you'd like to tell your fans about? Gabriella: Not yet, but don't count me out. I did win or place in several contests when I was still unpublished.
Jacqui: Do you have an autograph tour coming up? Could you give us an itinerary? Gabriella: I'm still in the process of setting it up for the next two books in The Destiny Coin series.
Jacqui: Do you have a website? If so, what is the url? Gabriella: www.gabianderson.com
Jacqui: How can fans get in touch with you? Gabriella: They can write to me care of my publisher, Zebra, or contact me through my website. And stay tuned. I plan to have a PO Box soon.
Jacqui: What did it feel like to sell your first book? Gabriella: Amazing. If you can imagine working so hard for a dream, and then having it come true...there's an incredible sense of joy, fear, exhilaration, and pride.
Jacqui: Who has influenced you the most in terms of developing your personal writing? Gabriella: There was no one individual, rather a series of events, and people who helped me listen to myself, find my voice, and overcome the fear of exposing that voice to the world.
Jacqui: What is your writing schedule? Could you briefly tell your fans about a typical day in your life? Gabriella: My day starts by stumbling out of bed. I am not a morning person. Then it's get the kids off to school and take care of errands. Finally I can come home again, maybe have a cup of coffee or some breakfast--yes I do forget to eat sometimes, which you'd never guess by looking at me. I try to work at writing during the day, but more often I do better work in the evenings. I have three young children who are finally all in school, but until now, I wrote when I could, even if that meant in the car while I waited to pick them up, at soccer practice, at dentist's appointments, etc. In fact, I still write at those times, only now I also have time while they're in school. I don't know if I can get used to actually having time to write.
Jacqui: What would a perfect romantic evening or weekend constitute of for you? Gabriella: Pretty much anytime that meant I could have a clean house that I didn't clean myself, a meal that I didn't cook myself, and a little time to play a game or watch a movie with my hubby. Though the idea of a week at a spa where I can totally pamper myself doesn't sound too bad either.
Jacqui: What type of author are you? Do you plot and plan the story before you actually sit down to write it, or are you more of a "fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants" writer? Gabriella: I am definitely a pantser.
Jacqui: Is there anything in particular, like music, etc., that helps you get into the mood to write? Gabriella: I like to listen to music while I work, but it depends on the mood I'm trying to create. Enya, Sarah Brightman, Garth Brooks, Bach, Mozart, Jodi Messina have all played while I wrote. Jacqui: Almost every author at some point or another suffers from writer's block. Have you ever had that problem? How do you deal with it? Gabriella: Probably the best advice I got from a writer friend was when I was suffering from a bout of writer's block. She told me not to worry about the writing and in fact I should wallow in not writing. So I did. I wallowed in not writing for about three days, and then I found the block had disappeared. Now I allow myself not to write on occasion. It keeps the process fresh.
Jacqui: What is the best advice you have ever received in regard to your writing/career? Gabriella: Other than the above, my favorite piece of advice is: put your butt in the chair and write the damn book. It's that simple and that complex. Jacqui: What advice would you give to aspiring writers? Gabriella: Join a writer's group.
Jacqui: What is it about the genre and sub-genre you write that inspired you to choose it over all others? Gabriella: I don't know why I chose historicals. Maybe because it seems that much more of an escape if the story is set in another time.
Jacqui: Have you seen an evolution in your writing? How or when did it come about? Gabriella: There is a definite evolution in my writing. The first book I ever wrote is A MATTER OF CONVENIENCE, which is also the first book to get published. Since writing it I have completed five additional novels and am working on a seventh. With each book, my voice gets stronger, which is as it should be. If I wrote the same book each time, I wouldn't have much of a career to look forward to.
Jacqui: Have you dreamed of writing a particular type of story or even a story in a different genre that you haven't done as yet? Gabriella: Someday I will write a mystery, but I can guarantee you it will have romance in it.
Jacqui: What is your most favorite part of being a writer? The least favorite? Gabriella: The best part is letting your imagination take over and knowing that's OK. The least favorite has to be the business end of the business.
Jacqui: How do you handle life's interruptions? Gabriella: I've learned to shut off the writing and start up again at a moment's notice. With three young children I have to or I wouldn't write. Jacqui: What quality do you most admire in a person? Gabriella: Integrity Jacqui: If you weren't a writer, what would you be? Gabriella: An actress or a teacher. Jacqui: What is the most romantic city or place for you? Gabriella: Venice, Rome, Vienna, and much of Europe. Although New Mexico isn't bad. Jacqui: What do you believe are the three most essential ingredients in writing a Romance novel? Gabriella: Characters the reader can root for, a plot that sweeps the reader away, and a computer. I can't imagine how authors used to do this on a typewriter. Jacqui: What are some of your hobbies and do you ever incorporate them into your characters' lives? Gabriella: I speak three languages fluently, as well as knowing Latin, and I've been able to use language a key element in several of my books. I also play volleyball, board games, and cards, and on rare occasions I still pick up my cross-stitching. Jacqui: Did you ever take creative writing classes outside of English class to help improve your writing skills? Gabriella: I never took creative writing, but I am convinced my drama classes in college help me in my writing a great deal. Jacqui: Where do you see yourself in ten years? Gabriella: In ten years, I still plan to write novels that entertain readers. If I can make a reader say they enjoyed my story, I have been a success. Jacqui: I'm really looking forward reading more of your work in The Destiny Coin Series, Gabriella. Thank you so much for the time you've spared for this interview and I wish you the luck and success in the New Year! |
