Romance author Q&A: historical novelist Donna Russo Morin

Donna Russo Morin’s first novel, The Courtier’s Secret, was released in February 2009 and went into its second printing even before it hit the shelves. Here’s the teaser:

 

Q:  Do you have any more novels on their way to being released? What are you working on now?

A: I’m very excited about my second book, which will be coming out in Feb. of 2010. THE SECRET OF THE GLASS is set in Venice. In the early 17th century, the glassmakers of Murano, Venice, are revered as master artisans, enjoying privileges far beyond their station. But they are forced to live in virtual imprisonment, contained by a greedy government who hordes their talents at all costs. Amidst political and religious intrigue, the scientific furor ignited by Galileo, and even murder, Sophia Fiolario must do anything to protect herself, her family...and the secret of the glass. It’s full of complexities that parallel modern day questions, both political and religious. I have agreed to another two books (at least) and I’m working on the first of those. Tentatively titled TO SERVE A KING, it is another historical, with more of an espionage edge, set again in France, this time at the court of Francois I. It will be out in early 2011.

 

Q: Tell us the story about when you got the call from your editor/agent about that first publishing contract—that’s always so exciting to hear:

A: I remember I had forgotten to turn my cell phone on in the morning, of all days. When I checked my email, there was a message from my agent congratulating me—again!—and telling me she would try me on the phone again. I jumped up so fast, I slammed my thighs against my desk. I was alone in the house at the time, but I still ran around in circles, yelping my head off. Needless to say, I didn’t wait for her to call me but called her (as soon as I could speak coherently).

 

Q: Your first book received a prestigious four star review from Romantic Times Book Reviews, a coveted review from Publishers Weekly and many other sterling reviews. Tell me what type of recognition means the most to you and why? Do you have any personal goals for writing recognition and what are they?

A: I won’t try to pretend that glowing reviews don’t mean anything to me, because that would be just a bold faced lie. And I am a goal oriented person…I want MORE glowing reviews, I want five stars, I want a best seller’s list, I want a RITA, I want a movie deal. I think any writer who feels it is her true profession wants those things, and I believe that in stating them, I am that much closer to achieving them. That being said, there have been some moments in these past few months that have touched me very deeply. When a local, private high school contacted me to come and speak to their book club and the fifteen or so kids were so excited by my appearance, they clamored to ask me questions and take pictures with me, is one example.  I genuinely enjoy entertaining readers. If I continue to do that, if I become more proficient at doing that, it will be wonderful.

 

Q: Do you consider your novels historicals or historical romances and are you going to continue to write the same genre? 

A: My books are definitely historicals, but they all have a strong romantic element. Isn’t that how life is? And for the foreseeable future, I will remain in the same genre. I do feel a real niche here; my natural ‘voice’ is very formal and lends itself well to the category. I’m also quite the history nerd and can indulge myself in that passion.

 

Q: How many books a year are you writing/publishing? and will you continue at the same pace?

A: I’m currently on pace to release a book a year, and I think that will work for me right now. I dream of a book a year for the next 20 years, which would put me at 70 years old!

 

Q: Tell me your favorite “when I was doing research for this novel you wouldn’t believe what I did/what happened” story.

A: I had two incredible experiences. During the pre-writing stage, I took fencing lessons. I wanted to be accurate in explaining how it felt to fence. I had a wonderful time. I was also lucky enough to travel to Versailles, the setting of THE COURTIER’S SECRET, not long after crafting the first draft. It was a very deju vu, goose bump moment; I had studied the palace so intensely, that I knew where I was even in the vast complex that is the chateau. I knew the names of the room, what function they served, when they were built. It was as if I had actually been there before. Perhaps I was, in another life.

 

Q: Tell me about your most fascinating inspiration for a book or story.

A: I wrote a lot of short horror fiction early in my career and one of those stores, which was published in an anthology titled DOSES OF DEATH: A MACABRE COLLECTION OF SMALL-TOWN TERROR, revolves around strange voices broadcasting through a motorcycle helmet intercom system. It was based on an actual experience of mine. Of course, my postulation as to where those voices were coming from is entirely fiction…or is it.

 

Q: When you’re writing, tell me what your typical daily routine is—do you have page goals or time goals? Do you write in the morning or at night? How do you handle revisions—any tricks?

A: I’m a terrible morning person, a very slow starter. So I usually begin with research or deal with business matters first thing in the morning—reading and note taking, correspondence, promotion, and such--that gets the synapses firing. I usually work until 8 at night, except if I’m running close to a deadline then it stretches to around 10; a ten to twelve hour day is fairly typical for me. Revisions can always be tricky, but I’ve adopted an almost a mother-like attitude toward them, I have to think about what’s best for the story. I don’t care how exquisitely crafted a sentence or paragraph is structured, if it doesn’t work for the story, it has to go. It’s not an easy thing to do.

 

Q: Who is your favorite romance author? Who’s your favorite non-romance author, if any? What books are you reading these days?

A: I cut my teeth on Kathleen Woodiwiss and have never forgotten what she brought to me, both as a reader and a writer. One of the greatest moments in this whirlwind of becoming an author was when a reviewer compared THE COURTIER’S SECRET to one of her books. Another of my all time favorites (though, like my work, hers is historical with strong romantic elements) is Diana Gabaldon. Her Outlander series tops my all time favorites list. On the other end of the spectrum is the King, Stephen of course. There is nothing simple about his ability to simply tell a magnificent story.

 

Q: If you were going to write a non-fiction book, what would the title be? (this is my novelist’s version of the Barbara Walters’ special question of “If you were a tree what kind would you be?”)

A: A Woman’s Journey; Oh the Places I Have Been.

 

Q: Besides writing, what other fascinating or off-beat careers do/have you had for a day job? Do you now or plan in the near future to write full time?

A: Since I was 17 I’ve worked (and still do) as a model and actor, appearing in everything from print ads, to television commercials, to major motion pictures. Working on Martin Scorsese’s DEPARTED was probably the highlight there.

I perform editing/copy editing work and I also work as a bookkeeping consultant.

I consider writing my full time job and all the other things that I do are the part time. As those royalties start rolling in (positive thinking, positive thinking), I will drop off those part time activities one at a time.

 

Q: Anything else you’d like to share with readers that I haven’t asked?