I am so excited to welcome debut author Connie Bretes. Connie is a fellow member of the Mid-Michigan RWA chapter. I met Connie last year at our Retreat From Harsh Reality. Though she was nervous about meeting so many strangers, her sweet husband insisted she come. I'm so glad he did.
Welcome, Connie. Tell us about yourself.
I was born and raised in
Michigan. I graduated from Pontiac Catholic HS in 1974 and went to work shortly
thereafter for the State of Michigan. I have been employed by the State of
Michigan for over 35 years. I have a BA in Business Administration and an MBA
in Leadership Studies from Baker College.
I have written so many papers for college, ‘how to’ procedural manuals,
and casework manuals, I decided I wanted to do something fun and enjoyable, so
I started to write romance stories about seven years ago and haven’t regretted
it.
I met my happy ever after partner in 1994 when I answered his ad in a Christian singles magazine and we've been together ever since. In January, 1995, I asked him to marry me and we were married in April of 1995. We have no children, but we do have a houseful of cats, indoor and outdoor kind.
I met my happy ever after partner in 1994 when I answered his ad in a Christian singles magazine and we've been together ever since. In January, 1995, I asked him to marry me and we were married in April of 1995. We have no children, but we do have a houseful of cats, indoor and outdoor kind.
I also like to
travel out west. Hubby and I have property
out in Montana where we hope to build a log home on in the near future! You
will find some of my romance locations are in Big Sky Montana. In fact, my new
release, Delayed Justice, is situated in Montana.
When did you first realize you
wanted to be a writer?
I wrote a manuscript and my husband
read it. He liked it and encouraged me
to continue to write and to submit my work. When he said he liked it, I think I
decided then that I wanted to be a writer.
How long does it take you to
write a book?
It generally takes me up to three
months to get the first draft done. Then all the editing starts. I usually go
through the ms and edit two times or more before I send to others to review,
and then I’ve added one more step to it by having a copy/editor review, then
it’s off to the publisher.
What is your work schedule like
when you're writing?
My work schedule is pretty
organized. I work Monday to Thursday 10 hours a day, so the only thing that
gets done during that time is jotting down ideas and dialogs. Friday to Sunday,
I spend up to 12-14 hours writing if I can. However, I do have to make
exceptions to life in general, visitors, family, etc.
What do you like to do when
you're not writing?
I spend a lot of time watching
nighttime television. The reason I do
this is because it’s another source of research for me for other books. I have a pad and pen handy next to the remote
control in my living room. My favorite
channels are Discovery, Discovery Science, Investigative Discovery, and Nat.
Geo. What do I get out of them? I learn
about crime and how police solve crime by watching shows on Investigative
Discovery, and I learned about Paleontology and dinosaurs and that helped me
out with the book called “The Last Dig” that is at the publisher now. I am
always a seeker of information, I even watch the History Channel, and the
Military Channel, I just love those channels and learning about things.
How many books have you written?
Which is your favorite?
My book, Delayed Justice will be
available February 17, 2014. I got one book at the publisher now waiting to
hear if they will accept it, and I have nine books at various stages of
editing. My favorite is Jarillo Sunrise, which is currently with my critique
partner for review.
What is the best part of writing
for you?
Getting it down, I may revise it
a hundred times, but I am always happy when I get the first draft down.
Where do you start when writing?
Research, plotting, outline, or...?
I start with research. I go
on-line, go to the library, and watch television. Then I write an outline of
what I would like the heroine/hero to accomplish in the story.
If you could give the younger
version of yourself advice what would it be?
Start writing sooner.
You gave us a hint about our debut book by mentioning it takes place in Montana. Please tell us more.
Five years ago, Sami Parker's life was changed forever when she was injured in a bombing incident which left another young woman dead—a woman who happened to be the fiancĂ©e of Sheriff Makeeta Robertson, Sami's former lover. Initially, Sami was a suspect in the crime, but the sheriff was forced to release her due to a lack of evidence. The town, convinced that she got away with murder, turned against her.
At last an arrest has been made and the sheriff needs Sami's help to get a conviction, but can she trust him? Although wary and cautious, she wants to see this man brought to justice and wants to clear her own name once and for all. But the awakening feelings she has for Makeeta bring yet another problem. Then there's the secret she's kept for the last five years—one she may not be able to keep any longer, and one that may change the outcome of the trial.
To read an excerpt, click here: http://beachwalkpress.com/delayed-justice/
One last question. Where can readers find you?
I can be reached through my
website, which is http://www.conniebretes.weebly.com
Facebook under the name of
Constance Bretes, twitter under the name of Connie Bretes, and my email address
is: cbretes@sbcglobal.net
Connie, it's been great having you here today. Best wishes on your debut book.
Thanks so much for hosting me Diane!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Connie.
DeleteYAY, Connie! I get this little thrill of excitement for you every time I see that book cover. Congratulations on your debut. And I'll have Jarillo Sunrise back to you soon, I promise. Working on it today at work. Ssshh... :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristen - I get excited too when I see the book cover - love the bod! lol
DeleteSounds like a great read, Connie. I wish I could attend your launch party, but I'll still be down here in Florida. May the party be a great success, and this be the first of many wonderful romantic mysteries.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maris, Hope Florida warmed up for you, I heard it was even cold down there!
DeleteHa, Kristen, I get a little thrill too. Wonder why! ;) Congrats on the release, Connie! I'm so glad your husband encouraged you to write and to join our group. And, oh, I envy you that first draft in three months!
ReplyDeleteHi Alyssa, I'm so glad that hubby did too. If it's any consolation - I'm invisible when I'm busy writing my first draft - even hubby can't 'find' me. LOL
DeleteI love romantic suspense. Wishing you continued success with your writing!
ReplyDeleteHi Lucy - I love suspense romance too, nothing like a little mystery to add to the romance!
DeleteAn interesting post that I enjoyed reading.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Love love, Andrew. Bye.
Thanks Andrew.
DeleteSounds like a wonderful read, Connie. Best of luck with this and those many other manuscripts you have.
ReplyDeleteThanks Margo, it's so hard waiting to hear back from the publisher about whether they like the next book or not. I've been sitting on pins and needles about the book I recently submitted and having a blast with the one just published.
DeleteWonderful to hear more about you Connie. I'm also glad I got to meet you at the Retreat last year. And I'm looking forward to seeing you again!
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa, looking forward to the retreat and visiting with you again!
DeleteConnie, I enjoyed meeting you at Retreat last year. I know I'm going to enjoy reading your debut book, too. Wishing you success with the launch party. Savor the excitement that comes with the beginning of a new writing career. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThanks Loralee, It's been an exciting year in 2013 and I hope 2014 will be even better! It was great meeting you too and I look forward to seeing you again this year!
Delete