Introducing Fierce New Member Esmerelda Bishop!

I'm thrilled to say we have yet another awesome new member joining us. Please welcome Esmerelda Bishop!

Esmerelda Bishop has lived life with her head in the clouds, dreaming and reading about true love. Nothing makes her happier than a sigh of contentment as she reads the last page of a romance.

Three years ago, she did something she never thought possible. She picked up a pen and started jotting down words. Who knew those words would evolve into a story? And that it wouldn’t stop there. With the voices unleashed, she has completed numerous short stories and two novels.

She writes with no heed to genre. So if you have a craving for Redcaps who terrorize an estranged couple, a Medieval Scottish romance novel that comes to life, a fairy tale with a special twist, or even an everyday housecat that shifts into a scrumptious male, you’ve come to the “write” place.

When she’s not writing, you’ll find her at home with her four-year-old twins and husband. She loves the gym and hanging with her friends


Welcome to Fierce Romance, Esmerelda! Please tell us about your books. (Fantastic covers, by the way!)
A Love Rewritten was the first short story I ever completed and the first contract I was offered. I was thrilled to be included in the Dream by the Fire: Winter Magic Anthology. The story came to be because of a favorite romance novel of mine. Every time I open that book, I wanted to live it, not just read it. That’s what happens to my heroine Gabby. She is swept back into Medieval Scotland as the heroine of her favorite romance novel. Or is she? What happens when the actual heroine shows up?

A review: Yes, we’ve all had those thoughts of going into our favorite romance book and finding our hero. Ms. Bishop does it for us with a splash of suspense and keeps the characters charming and believable. --From Samatha Ann, Night Owl Romance Reviews. Rating 4.5 and gave the Viewers Top Pick Award.

Robin’s Cap was the first fantasy/romance I had written. When the call for submission went out for the ‘In the Gloaming: A Faerie Anthology,’ I knew I had to give it a shot even though I’d be stepping outside my comfort zone. I’m glad I did. Robin Redcap, to this day, is one of my favorite characters. It was the first time I dipped into the sinister side of my psyche. I quickly learned that I loved writing the bad guys and Robin is one nasty little faerie. What happens when an estranged couple comes face to face with a horrifying legend? Will they survive the torment inflicted upon them to mend their broken relationship? Or will they die before telling each other how they truly feel?

A review: In The Gloaming really is a superior set of tales. I have read many authors and many anthologies, and this is the first one for me where every tale is rich and enthralling in their own right. I turned the page expecting more and found myself deflated that the book had ended. I wanted more, damnit! -- Nutty Nana, Cocktail Reviews. Rated: Entire Bottle Plus One Flute.

Prince Henry’s Secret was my first stand alone published. (First one to actually have my name on the cover, I loved that.) This is a sweet fairy tale I wrote for my twins and I wanted it to be different. A typical fairy tale usually revolves around a cursed princess where the prince gallops in with a kiss to break the curse, but what if the cursed one isn’t the princess, but the prince and instead of the kiss being the resolution, it is the crux.

A review: Fans of the Grimm Brothers will love Prince Henry's Secret.---5 Angles from Kimber, Fallen Angel Review.

I also have a novella coming out in July 2009 from Lyrical Press. This is my first novella (do you see a lot of first in this, told you I was new) The Feline Fugitive. All I’m going to say about this release is you’ll never look at your cat the same again.


Wow those sound fascinating! And what great reviews! Which element of story creation is your favorite?

Characterization. People are complex. Nothing is simple about the human mind. We think, we feel, we react. What I love most is half the time the things we say are not what we are actually thinking. Those are all wonderful things to add to your characters. Each emotion and reaction is driven by something, be it a past experience or a deep-rooted belief. Take a look at your characters. Have you ever defended him/her by saying ‘it’s just the way they are?’ Let me ask you another question. Are you the way you are just because? Or has every life experience you’ve lived helped define you as a person? That is how I look at my characters. If I ever find myself defending my characters with a ‘that’s just how they are’ and I can’t give a deep reason for their behavior, then I know it’s time to step back and have a long heart to heart with my character.

That's a great insight! What is your writing process or method?
I’m a pantser to the core. I don’t even character interview. I know, I just gave you a huge spiel on characterization. But, I get to know my characters through writing them, just like you get to know a person by hanging out with them. This normally means I have to rewrite the beginning, which is okay with me. I would rather complete the novel and have 100 percent understanding of who my characters are than to force them to do what I want. Yes, I know I’m the author, LOL. I can force them to do what I want, but most of the time that backfires right in my face. So I’ve just learned to let them do what they need to do. It’s easier on me, and on them.

Excellent advice. What was the most important thing you learned (the thing that made all the difference) just before you made your first sale?

Deep POV. This is just my opinion here, others may disagree with me, but I feel that deep POV is the foundation of a book. Once you learn to write deep, showing, characterization, pacing, and plot are easier. Everything just falls into place.

I have to agree with you on that. Do you have any advice for unpublished authors?

This is an easy one. Keep at it. I know you’ve heard that a million times, so don’t roll your eyes. I’m dead serious. The more you write, the more you learn and the more you come into your own. Also find a great critique partner who isn’t afraid to tell you like it is. Sure it hurts, I’ve cried plenty of times over a critique, but I’m still going strong and have no intentions of giving up. Remember, persistence pays off.

What’s next for you?
Hmmm. I’m between projects right now. I just finished a full-length and I’m starting the rounds for it. I have a few characters vying for attention; we’ll see which one butts their way to the front.

Would you like to ask blog readers a question?
Sure, what draws you to a book?

Esmerelda has a nice surprise for you guys! She's giving away one copy of each of the shorts she has out right now to lucky commenters!

Please visit her website:

www.esmereldabishop.com

Again, welcome, Esmerelda! We're thrilled you've joined us!!