Comments on: My First Sale by Loretta Chase, “Don’t You Want to Write a Book?” http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/ Romance, Historical, Contemporary, Paranormal, Young Adult, Book reviews, industry news, and commentary from a reader's point of view Sun, 27 May 2012 20:37:03 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Magical Musings » Blog Archive » Almost perfect http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-175165 Magical Musings » Blog Archive » Almost perfect Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:00:45 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-175165 [...] next almost perfect pick is a Regency, Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase. Jane on Dear Author says: “Lord of Scoundrels is one of the seminal romances in my thousand book reading [...] [...] next almost perfect pick is a Regency, Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase. Jane on Dear Author says: “Lord of Scoundrels is one of the seminal romances in my thousand book reading [...]

]]> By: Francois http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-114123 Francois Thu, 27 Dec 2007 22:07:47 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-114123 I've been doing a re-read and for the moment go against the tide to say that Captives of the Night is a much better book than I remember from first time around. Perhaps it improves on re-reading. On the other hand, The Mad Earl's Bride is everything short story should be. I can see a vote above for Loretta to tell the story of the Carsington parents. I have to vote against it - one of the things I love about the Carsingtons is that there is a brother so boring that there is not a book about him. Not everyone has a story in them. I’ve been doing a re-read and for the moment go against the tide to say that Captives of the Night is a much better book than I remember from first time around. Perhaps it improves on re-reading. On the other hand, The Mad Earl’s Bride is everything short story should be.

I can see a vote above for Loretta to tell the story of the Carsington parents. I have to vote against it – one of the things I love about the Carsingtons is that there is a brother so boring that there is not a book about him. Not everyone has a story in them.

]]> By: Amy http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-107154 Amy Mon, 10 Dec 2007 19:08:24 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-107154 Oooops. Just re-read this! I meant Vere NOT Dain (who I also luv, luv, luv) Oooops. Just re-read this! I meant Vere NOT Dain (who I also luv, luv, luv)

]]> By: Amy http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-107078 Amy Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:05:32 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-107078 June! Six more months! Oh joy. Because, like Lynn, I've given up on romance, once my hands down favorite genre. A few years ago, the internet justified its existence when I discovered a site that produced serious reviews of romance novels. Through the reviews and the recommendations of readers whose taste were similar to my own, I discovered the likes of Mary Balogh and Carla Kelly and Eva Ibbotson and Judith Ivory and LORETTA CHASE! (And I paid the equivalent of a downpayment on a small beach house to get their back-lists.) Like Angela, "The Last Hellion" is one of my favorite Chase novels. I think one of the reasons Rupert is my favorite Carsington is because he reminds me of Dain. Seriously, the opening scene where Dain is singing the Anglican funeral mass to the tune of a bawdy song and the young Duke's physical attack is amongst the most realistic and affecting summations of grief I've ever read in any genre. Also, the unabashed sentimentality in the scene where Dain gives Lydia the writing materials is amongst my very, very favorite moments in romance. There's probably a good reason why I didn't agree with the reviewer cum author who panned this book at AAR. It shouldn't have surprised me that I didn't care for her books at all (the reviewer's that is). I'm seriously looking forward to 2008! June! Six more months! Oh joy. Because, like Lynn, I’ve given up on romance, once my hands down favorite genre. A few years ago, the internet justified its existence when I discovered a site that produced serious reviews of romance novels. Through the reviews and the recommendations of readers whose taste were similar to my own, I discovered the likes of Mary Balogh and Carla Kelly and Eva Ibbotson and Judith Ivory and LORETTA CHASE! (And I paid the equivalent of a downpayment on a small beach house to get their back-lists.)

Like Angela, “The Last Hellion” is one of my favorite Chase novels. I think one of the reasons Rupert is my favorite Carsington is because he reminds me of Dain. Seriously, the opening scene where Dain is singing the Anglican funeral mass to the tune of a bawdy song and the young Duke’s physical attack is amongst the most realistic and affecting summations of grief I’ve ever read in any genre. Also, the unabashed sentimentality in the scene where Dain gives Lydia the writing materials is amongst my very, very favorite moments in romance. There’s probably a good reason why I didn’t agree with the reviewer cum author who panned this book at AAR. It shouldn’t have surprised me that I didn’t care for her books at all (the reviewer’s that is).

I’m seriously looking forward to 2008!

]]> By: Edie http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106389 Edie Sat, 08 Dec 2007 14:25:50 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106389 Loretta Chase is never disappoints. The Mad Earl's Bride is my favorite novella, and the Lord of Scoundrels my favorite book. I've told my friends to read it long before DA did. But all her books are keepers, and I have to keep from squealing in a store when I see one that just came out. Thanks for the interview! Loretta Chase is never disappoints. The Mad Earl’s Bride is my favorite novella, and the Lord of Scoundrels my favorite book. I’ve told my friends to read it long before DA did. But all her books are keepers, and I have to keep from squealing in a store when I see one that just came out. Thanks for the interview!

]]> By: Anne Hume http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106250 Anne Hume Sat, 08 Dec 2007 01:03:27 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106250 <blockquote>When I wrote to Ms. Chase, it was on a whim. I never thought she would email me back and agree to share her “first sale” letter.</blockquote> It's not a surprise to me because Loretta also answered my email. Though at that time, it was a big surprise. It's nice to hear about her first sale, or anything about her for that matter. We get to know so little about her. I love LOS. It's my favourite though Knaves's Wager and Lord Perfect comes close. They are books I read and read always, especially when I'm in a reading slump. Mad Earl's Bride is one of the best anthology ever for me. Sherry Thomas describes it well - "absolutely right for its length". Wonderful story, great characters and has her trademark dry wit and her clever dialogue.

When I wrote to Ms. Chase, it was on a whim. I never thought she would email me back and agree to share her “first sale” letter.

It’s not a surprise to me because Loretta also answered my email. Though at that time, it was a big surprise.

It’s nice to hear about her first sale, or anything about her for that matter. We get to know so little about her. I love LOS. It’s my favourite though Knaves’s Wager and Lord Perfect comes close. They are books I read and read always, especially when I’m in a reading slump.

Mad Earl’s Bride is one of the best anthology ever for me. Sherry Thomas describes it well – “absolutely right for its length”. Wonderful story, great characters and has her trademark dry wit and her clever dialogue.

]]> By: Lynne http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106245 Lynne Sat, 08 Dec 2007 00:34:22 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106245 For the last year or so, I've been in a huge fiction reading slump. My did-not-finish list spiraled out of control, to the point that I finally just quit buying romance. But I still go back and read my keepers. <i>Lord of Scoundrels</i> is in my all-time top five list of romance novels. I love rereading it. For the last year or so, I’ve been in a huge fiction reading slump. My did-not-finish list spiraled out of control, to the point that I finally just quit buying romance.

But I still go back and read my keepers. Lord of Scoundrels is in my all-time top five list of romance novels. I love rereading it.

]]> By: Ann Bruce http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106189 Ann Bruce Fri, 07 Dec 2007 22:42:29 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106189 Ooh, you set the book in Venezia! How I miss that city (could've done without the minor flooding, though) and the spectacular seafood pizza. Ooh, you set the book in Venezia! How I miss that city (could’ve done without the minor flooding, though) and the spectacular seafood pizza.

]]> By: Angela http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106150 Angela Fri, 07 Dec 2007 22:06:30 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106150 Aww...I must reserve a space in my heart for <em>The English Witch</em> and <em>The Devil's Delilah</em>--the first Chase novels I'd ever read. In fact, they were part of the first batch of romance novels I borrowed from the library when I discovered the genre. And I am probably in the minority, but I choose <em>The Last Hellion</em> over <em>Lord of Scoundrels</em>. *g* Aww…I must reserve a space in my heart for The English Witch and The Devil’s Delilah–the first Chase novels I’d ever read. In fact, they were part of the first batch of romance novels I borrowed from the library when I discovered the genre. And I am probably in the minority, but I choose The Last Hellion over Lord of Scoundrels. *g*

]]> By: Loretta Chase http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106132 Loretta Chase Fri, 07 Dec 2007 21:57:29 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106132 Thank you, everybody! I hope the letter inspires some writers--and some husbands, too. Anne Bruce, the next book is YOUR SCANDALOUS WAYS, coming out in June 2008. You can find a sneak preview at Romance B(u)y the Book http://www.mylifetime.com/lifestyle/entertainment/romance-buy-the-book and some information about the historical setting at my Word Wenches blog, A Scandalous Preview http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2007/09/scandalous-prev.html Please excuse the long URLs but I couldn't figure out how to do the links properly. Thank you, everybody! I hope the letter inspires some writers–and some husbands, too.

Anne Bruce, the next book is YOUR SCANDALOUS WAYS, coming out in June 2008. You can find a sneak preview at Romance B(u)y the Book
http://www.mylifetime.com/lifestyle/entertainment/romance-buy-the-book

and some information about the historical setting at my Word Wenches blog, A Scandalous Preview
http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2007/09/scandalous-prev.html
Please excuse the long URLs but I couldn’t figure out how to do the links properly.

]]> By: MaryK http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106041 MaryK Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:22:00 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106041 Hi, Loretta! <blockquote>The video work led me to a man who kept saying crazy stuff like, “Don't you want to write a book?” and “If you can make an entertaining script about filing systems, you're inventive enough to write a novel.” He eventually turned out to be my husband, which came as a great shock to both of us.</blockquote> I want to read this story, too. :D Hi, Loretta!

The video work led me to a man who kept saying crazy stuff like, “Don't you want to write a book?” and “If you can make an entertaining script about filing systems, you're inventive enough to write a novel.” He eventually turned out to be my husband, which came as a great shock to both of us.

I want to read this story, too. :D

]]> By: Ann Bruce http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106028 Ann Bruce Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:22:56 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106028 Ms. Chase: I'm squeeing like a fangirl and it's all DA's fault. They turned me onto <i>Lord of Scoundrels</i> this year and I've been happily glomming my way through your backlist. One question: When's the next book coming out? I'm running out of reading material! Ms. Chase:

I’m squeeing like a fangirl and it’s all DA’s fault. They turned me onto Lord of Scoundrels this year and I’ve been happily glomming my way through your backlist.

One question: When’s the next book coming out? I’m running out of reading material!

]]> By: Phyl http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106011 Phyl Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:33:09 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106011 <blockquote>If you haven't read it, buy, beg, steal a copy and treat yourself. </blockquote> Oh my gosh, yes! It really is one of the best novellas, ever. It's even a sequel of sorts to <em>Lord of Scoundrels</em>.

If you haven't read it, buy, beg, steal a copy and treat yourself.

Oh my gosh, yes! It really is one of the best novellas, ever. It’s even a sequel of sorts to Lord of Scoundrels.

]]> By: Amy http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106010 Amy Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:32:54 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-106010 I'm not at all surprised that she wrote back. I wrote her one of only two fan letters I've ever written (the other was to Marsha Canham wherein I was inquiring about her next book--and wherein she said she was sick of trying to fight the cookie-cutter editors). It's surprising even for me since I've met some fairly famous people and always retained a sense of dignity. She wrote back and was a gracious as her novels. For those who are interested, I've copied (1) my letter to her and (2) her response. Subject: A question about the Carsington parents.... I'm going to ask the question, but I'm really trying to not get deleted. Are you going to write their story? Delicious characters. What I really wanted was to tell you how very much I've enjoyed all of your books and encourage you to keep "not working"---your style reminds me so very much of Oscar Wilde. Witty and so very British and, I think approaches that dirty word "literature". I also do not think you are given enough credit for creating characters with depth without the melodrama, plots that are intricate, compelling and believable, and while I won't belabor the point, in my own book of personal favorites, your and Judith Ivory's work stand head and shoulders above the competition. I'm sure your books will be read and loved long after you've written your last chapter, and the award you should be proudest of is the winner of the all time favorite book competition at All About Romance. Best of luck to you and your muse. Keep all your doctor appointments, watch your cholesterol and continue to love what you do. Thank you, Her delightful response: Amy, you were successful in not getting deleted, and that's incredibly fortunate because yours is one of the nicest messages I've ever received. I do love to write, I love the work I'm doing and would go on doing it without encouragement (that's how one starts out, after all: the world asks for doctors and nurses and such, but never for yet another person to write yet another piece of fiction), it most definitely lifts my spirits to be told, not simply that I'm doing a good job but that the spirit of Oscar Wilde seems to hover nearby. No, he'd probably lounge rather than hover. But of course he's one of my favorites. Most of what I learned about writing I learned from those British writers with a sense of humor--Dickens, Wodehouse, Lewis Carroll, and so on. Thank you for the very high compliment. And speaking of high compliments, I'm very proud of my AAR win. It's a taste of immortality, which every writer must dream of. As to the Carsington parents...hmmm. Do you mean telling their story? Well, I do love them, and they do have an excellent relationship, and they are both strong characters. But it would mean going Georgian... OK, it really is a good idea. I'll think about it. Thank you so much. Loretta I’m not at all surprised that she wrote back. I wrote her one of only two fan letters I’ve ever written (the other was to Marsha Canham wherein I was inquiring about her next book–and wherein she said she was sick of trying to fight the cookie-cutter editors). It’s surprising even for me since I’ve met some fairly famous people and always retained a sense of dignity. She wrote back and was a gracious as her novels. For those who are interested, I’ve copied (1) my letter to her and (2) her response.

Subject: A question about the Carsington parents….

I’m going to ask the question, but I’m really trying to not get deleted. Are you going to write their story? Delicious characters.

What I really wanted was to tell you how very much I’ve enjoyed all of your books and encourage you to keep “not working”—your style reminds me so very much of Oscar Wilde. Witty and so very British and, I think approaches that dirty word “literature”. I also do not think you are given enough credit for creating characters with depth without the melodrama, plots that are intricate, compelling and believable, and while I won’t belabor the point, in my own book of personal favorites, your and Judith Ivory’s work stand head and shoulders above the competition. I’m sure your books will be read and loved long after you’ve written your last chapter, and the award you should be proudest of is the winner of the all time favorite book competition at All About Romance.

Best of luck to you and your muse. Keep all your doctor appointments, watch your cholesterol and continue to love what you do.

Thank you,

Her delightful response:

Amy, you were successful in not getting deleted, and that’s incredibly fortunate because yours is one of the nicest messages I’ve ever received. I do love to write, I love the work I’m doing and would go on doing it without encouragement (that’s how one starts out, after all: the world asks for doctors and nurses and such, but never for yet another person to write yet another piece of fiction), it most definitely lifts my spirits to be told, not simply that I’m doing a good job but that the spirit of Oscar Wilde seems to hover nearby. No, he’d probably lounge rather than hover. But of course he’s one of my favorites. Most of what I learned about writing I learned from those British writers with a sense of humor–Dickens, Wodehouse, Lewis Carroll, and so on. Thank you for the very high compliment.

And speaking of high compliments, I’m very proud of my AAR win. It’s a taste of immortality, which every writer must dream of.

As to the Carsington parents…hmmm. Do you mean telling their story? Well, I do love them, and they do have an excellent relationship, and they are both strong characters. But it would mean going Georgian… OK, it really is a good idea. I’ll think about it.

Thank you so much.
Loretta

]]> By: sherry thomas http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-105992 sherry thomas Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:45:31 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-105992 <blockquote>The video work led me to a man who kept saying crazy stuff like, “Don't you want to write a book?” and “If you can make an entertaining script about filing systems, you're inventive enough to write a novel.” He eventually turned out to be my husband, which came as a great shock to both of us.</blockquote> I read this out loud to my husband. My favorite Loretta Chase book is <em>Mr. Impossible</em>. My favorite Loretta Chase <strong>work</strong> is <em>The Mad Earl's Bride</em>, a novella in <em>Three Weddings and a Kiss</em> (I think). That novella is the one and only reason that I want to write novellas. It's so intense, so hot, so emotional, and so absolutely right for its length that when I read it, I wonder why people ever bother with novels. If you haven't read it, buy, beg, steal a copy and treat yourself.

The video work led me to a man who kept saying crazy stuff like, “Don't you want to write a book?” and “If you can make an entertaining script about filing systems, you're inventive enough to write a novel.” He eventually turned out to be my husband, which came as a great shock to both of us.

I read this out loud to my husband.

My favorite Loretta Chase book is Mr. Impossible. My favorite Loretta Chase work is The Mad Earl’s Bride, a novella in Three Weddings and a Kiss (I think).

That novella is the one and only reason that I want to write novellas. It’s so intense, so hot, so emotional, and so absolutely right for its length that when I read it, I wonder why people ever bother with novels.

If you haven’t read it, buy, beg, steal a copy and treat yourself.

]]> By: Janine http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-105987 Janine Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:38:33 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-105987 While I liked <em>Lord of Scoundrels</em>, it's the more recent Carsington books that have really made me fall in love with Loretta Chase's writing. I think her writing just keeps getting better and better. Great first sale story! Thanks so much for sharing it! While I liked Lord of Scoundrels, it’s the more recent Carsington books that have really made me fall in love with Loretta Chase’s writing. I think her writing just keeps getting better and better.

Great first sale story! Thanks so much for sharing it!

]]> By: M. http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-105983 M. Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:31:02 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-105983 Dear Ms. Chase, may I say, I love your husband. Mine tries very, very hard to be supportive and mostly he succeeds, but when he first signed on for the job of Encourager #1 he probably thought I'd finish my masterpiece in a couple of months, tops. Not the way it turned out.... Dear Ms. Chase,
may I say, I love your husband. Mine tries very, very hard to be supportive and mostly he succeeds, but when he first signed on for the job of Encourager #1 he probably thought I’d finish my masterpiece in a couple of months, tops. Not the way it turned out….

]]> By: Tracy http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-105967 Tracy Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:48:24 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-105967 <blockquote>He eventually turned out to be my husband, which came as a great shock to both of us.</blockquote> I sense a really great story right here!! :)

He eventually turned out to be my husband, which came as a great shock to both of us.

I sense a really great story right here!! :)

]]> By: Jill Myles http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-105949 Jill Myles Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:07:36 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-105949 Aw, look at her picture! She's totally adorable. I want to be Loretta Chase when I grow up. Aw, look at her picture! She’s totally adorable. I want to be Loretta Chase when I grow up.

]]> By: Danielle D http://dearauthor.com/features/interviews/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-105942 Danielle D Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:36:12 +0000 http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/12/07/my-first-sale-by-loretta-chase-dont-you-want-to-write-a-book/#comment-105942 I'm a fan girl of Lorretta's books too --- I have two copies of Lord Scoundrels and I also brought the ebook from eBookwise.com. Plus I brought a another copy of the book and mailed it to my niece who loves to read historicals. What can I say --- I love that book. I’m a fan girl of Lorretta’s books too — I have two copies of Lord Scoundrels and I also brought the ebook from eBookwise.com. Plus I brought a another copy of the book and mailed it to my niece who loves to read historicals. What can I say — I love that book.

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