I've debated whether or not I should start this thread because in my brain, my life is divided into several categories, and never the twain shall meet. My message board life is different from my fandom life is different from my working life is different from my writing life. However, I've been thinking about ways to encourage more activity on the board, and that includes starting threads. But since I don't actually do much with myself, I don't have interesting things to talk about. But then I remembered that there is something I do! And it's actually quite fun, and maybe even interesting, so here I go.
I publish under two names--Pepper Espinoza and Jamie Craig. I write romance. Most people have "bodice rippers" in mind when they think of romance, or the Harlequin category titles. I do not write either of those things. Because I publish with e-publishers, I have a lot of freedom. Romance, in general, is intensely conservative. Not only when it comes to subject matter, but also when it comes to the publishing model. I mean, think about what the message of romance is--that the heteronormative ideal of love and the bourgeoisie concept of marriage is not only right and true, but the only real way to happiness. That's not what interests me, though. So while I am continuoulsy striving to reach the upper-echelons of publishing, I do have a pretty sweet gig with my current publishers, which include Liquid Silver Books, Samhain Publishing, Amber Quill Press, and most recently, Loose Id.
So, I can comfortably answer questions in any of the following areas:
1) Writing a book! I have over sixty publishing credits, plus a few degrees in literature, so I do have some knowledge on the subject.
2) E-publishing! What is it. How it works. If it's possible to make money off it. Etc. I've been in epublishing since 2005 (successfully, I might add).
3) Collaborating. I've been collaborating with a co-author since 2006, and I know that some people are fascinated by that fact because they could never imagine working with somebody else. The vast majority of my writing life is collaboration, and I'm always happy to discuss it.
4) Romance! Specifically, the difference between my area and category romance. What the industry looks like today, how its changing, and why it's the biggest selling genre in the world--and the only area of publishing that has not taken a hit during these bad economic times.
5) Any general questions about the process of querying, submitting, etc. I have not yet landed an agent, though I'm working on it, but I have successfully submitted to many publishers (that sounds kinda dirty, actually).
Also, I know that there are other published writers around here. Please, if somebody has a question and you know the answer, jump in. God knows I am not trying to set myself up as The Authority around here. I just thought a "Ask the..." thread could be fun and generate some interesting discussion.