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BIO
Nora Roberts is truly a publishing phenomenon. However, the remarkable Ms. Roberts did not become a success overnight. By the time her first novel was published in 1981, she already had several rejected manuscripts languishing in drawers. Today, she is one of America's leading novelists, whose books are published around the world.
Born into a family of readers, Nora had never known a time that she wasn't reading or making up stories. During the famous blizzard of '79, she pulled out a pencil and notebook and began to write down one of those stories. It was there that a career was born. Her first book, IRISH THOROUGHBRED, was published by Silhouette in 1981.
Nora met her second husband, Bruce Wilder, when she hired him to build bookshelves. They were married in July 1985. Since that time, they've expanded their home, traveled the world and opened a bookstore together.
In the spring of 1995, Nora released her first novel written under the pseudonym J.D. Robb. The pragmatic reason for creating J.D. Robb was the astounding pace at which she produces books. With nearly 100 published books to her credit by 1995, she had built up a surplus of titles to be released by her publishers, and still was creating more. Reluctant to publish romantic suspense books akin to what she was already writing under a pseudonym, Ms. Roberts was convinced that readers would enjoy romantic suspense with a difference. Thus J.D. Robb was born. The initials were taken from Ms. Roberts's sons, Jason and Dan, while Robb was a shortened form of Roberts.
And Nora Roberts --- in any guise --- will continue to delight that audience with her inimitable combination of romance and suspense in this century or the next.
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PAST INTERVIEW
March 10, 2000
In CAROLINA MOON Nora Roberts treats us yet again to another page-turning read, this time venturing over to a more spiritual and mystical realm. TBR Writer Debbie Weiner, a long time fan of Roberts, had a chance to ask her about the new novel and her past epics. In this interview, discover if Roberts prefers email to talking, writing series books to singles, her delight at doing interviews in pajamas, her surprise at just how prolific she is --- and much more.
TBR: Your latest book, CAROLINA MOON, deals a little with the mystical/spiritual nature of life. Another recent book of yours, ENCHANTED, deals with magic and Wiccan. What inspired you to use these ideas in your books? Is the metaphysical a long-standing interest?
NR: In both these books, and some others I've written, the metaphysical aspect just suited the story. I do find the metaphysical fascinating, and particularly interesting to write about. I never know what inspires me. I'm not completely sure anything does. In ENCHANTED I was doing a spin-off on a series I'd written involving cousins who were hereditary witches, so this latest cousin needed a little something extra, too. For CAROLINA MOON, I wanted to tell a story that centered on a woman's bittersweet memory of a childhood friend. How she dealt with it, how the loss of that friend changed her. Making her a reluctant psychic upped the stakes for the character, added another conflict.
TBR: In CAROLINA MOON, your character Tory seems to have wrestled with her clairvoyance, but never fully accepted it as a gift. She has no mentor, no experienced psychic to help her. Does she struggle more because she is on her own?
NR: Tory's unhappy childhood, and her internal solitude were part of what made her what she was. The struggle to accept herself, her gift, her past were all vital to forming her.
TBR: How did you research clairvoyance? Tory's visions certainly seemed realistic and plausible. Did you speak with any clairvoyants to get an understanding of their abilities?
NR: I didn't speak to anyone formally. Not in interview style. I got to know Tory during the writing of the book, and imagined what she felt, what she saw, and how she would react.
TBR: Do you prefer to write ongoing, multigenerational family histories (the MacGregors, the Donovans) or to have one-book encounters with your characters? How do you decide which characters will be which?
NR: I like being able to do both. I really enjoy doing connecting books, but I love being able to tell one big, self-contained story as well. With a book like CAROLINA MOON, I go into it knowing it's self-contained. I don't do spin-offs in hardcover as the wait for the reader is too long. And it's cost prohibitive. I do the paperback original trilogies for Jove, and conceive them, sort of, as one big book with three distinct parts. For Silhouette, I often end up doing spin-offs and connecting simply because I find another character who catches my interest and wants a story, too.
TBR: When you write a series, do you plan it out before even writing the first book, or do you let the characters decide if they will reappear in later stories?
NR: It's both. As I said, the trilogies are conceived that way. I don't know the stories, specifically, in book two or three when I'm writing book one. I know the characters who will be highlighted, and the thread that will be woven through all three books. But I don't know, not exactly, what's going to happen in each case. For Silhouette, I sometimes plan to do a series. Other times, it just grows that way. The MacGregors was originally planned as one book. But I fell in love with them.
TBR: You have said that in your books, there is always a thread, theme or question that will weave throughout. How do you decide what that will be, and when?
NR: It's often, most often, not a conscious decision. Rather it's most usually something that comes out during the writing process. As I tell the story, the thread or theme comes into play. Then, I think: Aha, there you go.
TBR: You have 12 books scheduled for release in 2000, with only 1 reprint and 1 reissue. Ten new books is a staggering number for any author. Do you write more than one book simultaneously? How do you keep up the pace?
NR: Is that right? Are you sure about that? LOL. I'm going to count. Okay, I only get eight new books, including a novella. One of us is off. But either way, that's a lot of books. I write one at a time. I couldn't give each cast of characters or each individual story line my full attention or commitment if I switched off. Plus, I'd just confuse myself. The pace is comfortable for me. I write quickly. Added to that, I really love the process of writing, of telling stories on paper. It helps to love what you do.
TBR: How do you research your books?
NR: I do a lot of research on the Net. You can find out almost anything on the Internet. It's an amazing tool. I still use books as well, and can't imagine not doing so. I have a stack of them beside my work station right now, along with reams of printouts from online research, for the book I'm currently working on.
Less frequently, I talk to people. I mostly don't want to actually talk to anyone, but I'll break down now and then. Or I'll talk via email, which I like better.
TBR: As JD Robb, you were able to create a world of the future. What made you choose the near future as opposed to distant? Why 2058 and not 4058?
NR: I kept the series in the near future because I could relate more. And I thought readers could as well. A lot of the toys and technology that are part of that world is already part, or will soon be part, of our world. I'm waiting for my own AutoChef. My life will be perfect when I have one.
More importantly, I wanted to illustrate that the more things change, the more people, the more human nature, remains the same. Whatever technological advantages we have, we still love, still hate, still nurture, still kill.
TBR: When you finish a book or a series, does it linger in your mind? Do you feel like a mother sending her child off into the world for the first time, or do you forget about it and move on to the next project?
NR: I'm always anxious to start the next project. Another reason I do so many books in a year, I suppose. But part of the book I've just finished is always part of me. I'm always nervous about sending the manuscript to my editor. Never sure if it's going to work. That's a good thing. Keeps me from becoming complacent, I think, and sloppy.
TBR: Since you are constantly writing new books, how do you handle book tours and interviews where you may be talking about not the last book you wrote, but about what you wrote 5 books ago? How do you maintain focus?
NR: No one handles book tours. You just try to survive them. I sincerely believe they break several agreements made in the Geneva Convention. I remember my work. It doesn't matter how long ago I lived with those characters. I might be hazy on some details, but the main thrust of the book, and certainly the people are still clear.
TBR: Of all your books that have not yet been made into movies, which one would you most like to see? Why?
NR: I don't have a particular favorite I'd like to see on screen. CBS has options on some books, and I'll be interested to see how they translate to the screen, when and if that happens.
TBR: If you could cast your favorite characters for a movie, who would play them? For example, who do you envision as Roarke? (or Tory Bodeen or Cade Lavelle)
NR: I never play this game. This is primarily because I don't see my characters as other people. They are who they are. But...if Mel Gibson or Harrison Ford or David Duchovney might be interested in playing one of my guys, and would like to have me run lines with them, I'd be happy to oblige.
TBR: You are very involved with your audience online. In fact, I'd say you are one of the most Internet savvy authors out there. How has the Internet affected or changed your writing life?
NR: It's changed it in so many ways. It's my favorite research tool. Sit at home and go anywhere, find out anything. I LOVE that. It's also given me a marvelous opportunity to keep in contact with friends I may only see in real life once or twice a year at best. I'm also able to connect with readers all over the world --- and a good portion of them have become friends. It's opened the world for me. And hey, here I sit in my pajamas doing an interview. It doesn't get any better than that.
TBR: There are more and more books being published only online, and books being available for download onto devices like eBooks or Palm Pilots. What do you think of this publishing phenomenon?
NR: I think it's a great opportunity and will, eventually, allow a lot of talented people an outlet for their work. I don't think e-publishing will replace paper publishing. We who read for pleasure will always want a book in our hand. But for those who don't read habitually --- and are comfortable with computers --- it may just hook them on reading for pleasure.
TBR: Have you ever developed a character you didn't like, other than as an antagonist?
NR: Nope. If I didn't like the character, I wouldn't take the time to write about him or her.
TBR: If you could rewrite any of your earlier books and change any one of your characters, who would it be, and how would he or she change and why?
NR: Another game I don't play --- because I'm sure I'd want to fiddle with every one of them. There's no such thing as a perfect book. I'm sure if I went back I'd find a lot of room for improvement. But the story was told as it was told. It stands as is.
TBR: How do you keep so many ideas, plots, characters straight? Do you keep files on them, or journals, ongoing histories, notes?
NR: I don't do any of this. Too lazy, I suppose. Maybe not lazy but too disorganized. I'd never find the notes, the files, or so on. So I'd just be wasting my time. I'm only working on one idea, one story, one cast of characters at a time. So it's not so hard to keep it straight.
TBR: As a fan of the MacGregor stories, I have to ask: Are there any MacGregor stories left? Have all the grandchildren been married off?
NR: We've got three more grandchildren. Daniel is nagging me constantly to get in there and tell their stories. I hope to accommodate him shortly.
TBR: Did you have a writing mentor? Who inspired you as a child and teenager? Who inspires you today?
NR: I didn't have a mentor. But I come from a family of readers. Everyone read in my house, so books were always an important part of my life.
TBR: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
NR: Write first what you would read for pleasure. If it doesn't entertain you, it's unlikely it'll entertain anyone.
TBR: Would you suggest that struggling authors self publish or wait for a big house or agent to discover them?
NR: I don't believe in self-publishing, unless you're desperate for the ego boost. But being discovered isn't quite the deal. It's work, and approaching the work and the business in a professional manner. Finding out where to submit and how; doing your homework.
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PAST INTERVIEW
March 24, 1998
On March 24, 1998, THE BOOK REPORT welcomed NORA ROBERTS, the beloved author of romance suspense novels, most recently HOMEPORT, and the rare celebrity who lets the world know her screen name: NoraRW. Our interviewer was Jennifer Levitsky (BookpgJL). Our host was BookpgSuzy.
BookpgJL: Thank you, Nora, for being here tonight. I'm sure all your fans are already deep into HOMEPORT and loving it!
NoraRW: It's always a pleasure to come here. I hope anyone who's read or is reading Homeport is enjoying it.
BookpgJL: Let's start with a question about HOMEPORT. How did you research the art world to write it?
NoraRW: I did a lot of the research online, on the web, and through e-mail to two archeomistrists I connected with.
BookpgJL: Did you meet anyone like Miranda?
NoraRW: No, LOL. I don't think there's anyone quite like Miranda. I really liked her.
BookpgJL: Your men are always delicious, and HOMEPORT is no exception. How do you dream them up?
NoraRW: Thanks. My books are character-driven, basically, so every character has to become real and important to me, if they're to be real and important to the reader. I get to know them very well over the course of the first draft of a book. Then I make them tell me all their little secrets. LOL. I have to know to write.
Question: Nora, do you have a favorite among your books?
NoraRW: The one that's on sale now. Homeport would be my current favorite.
Question: Are any of your books going to made into movies on tv like some other authors have done?
NoraRW: TriStar has optioned Montana Sky for a TV movie. They're working on a script. I'd love to see what they'd so with it in a visual medium.
Question: Nora, you are so prolific. How do you manage to keep such an output of consistantly high quality writing?
NoraRW: I have a fast pace, which helps. I really love my job, so that helps, too. And I work hard. I work eight hours a day most days. Sometimes more, sometimes less, but pretty consistently eight hours. So I can get a lot done.
Question: Nora, how do you pick your characters' names? Do you name them right away, or do they name themselves as a story goes on?
NoraRW: Sometimes they just come with a name. That's who they are straight off. Other times I ponder a bit and come up with the right one. Or I go to the baby book and start hunting until one pops out at me and says, oh yeah, that's it. It's very much like naming a child. Really.
Question: Nora, have you ever lived in Ireland?
NoraRW: No, I've never lived there, but I have visited there. It's the most beautiful place I've ever been. I'll be going back again in August for a couple weeks.
BookpgJL: HOMEPORT is set in Florence and Maine. Have you spent time in both?
NoraRW: Yes, but I haven't been to Maine for several years. I like the coastline there particularly. I wanted to give Miranda that Yankee sensibility. And my husband and I spent a wonderful week in Florence summer before last. What a place. Fabulous.
Question: Ms. Roberts, I've noticed that some of your earlier books are starters for your recent releases. Example, The Art of Deception and Homeport. Is this because of an ongoing enjoyment of certain subjects? I always love reading and learning from your books.
NoraRW: I think I do have a interest or am entertained by certain themes. I suppose, really, most writers do find themselves exploring some themes again. Like I often explore family relationships because they interest me.
Question: You seem to write about family and especially sisters; do you yourself have sisters?
NoraRW: No, I'm the youngest of five, and the only girl. No sisters. Always wanted one --- naturally, as I only had brothers.
BookpgJL: Let's talk a little bit about the Oscars. As a romance expert, how would you grade the love story of TITANIC?
NoraRW: I haven't seen it. I know, I know, everyone I know who has raves. I probably will see it...But you know, most everyone drowns.
Question: Nora, can you use 3 words to describe your personality?
NoraRW: Obsessive, compusive, stubborn. LOL. Not very flattering.
Question: Nora, what was your favorite subject in school?
NoraRW: Other than recess and boys? English, definitely.
Question: Nora, who is/was the most influential female in your life?
NoraRW: Golly, I suppose that would be my mother. When you have four brothers, you have to bond with the only other female in the house. LOL. My mom's great. And I'm sure I was greatly influenced by the nuns who taught me in the early years.
BookpgJL: Do you have a preference for writing romance or suspense?
NoraRW: I like both. That's why I'm delighted to be able to write both.
Question: Nora, how many books have you written and have you received any awards for any of them?
NoraRW: I have a hundred and twenty books out now. Yes, I'm been very fortunate to receive awards for some of them. The Rita is The Romance Writers of America's big award, and I have several of them. They mean a great deal to me.
Question: When are you going to write more books like Montana Sky and Sanctuary?
NoraRW: I think Homeport is along the same lines as these, if you mean romantic suspense with multi-relationships and a kind of sweeping setting.
Question: With so many books each year, how do you keep them straight? Do you work on more than one at a time?
NoraRW: Yes, I work on one at a time. I have to give all my energy and put my focus on that one story and that one cast of characters to do the best job.
BookpgJL: How long did it take to write HOMEPORT?
NoraRW: Until it was finished. Really I have no clue.
Question: How do you pick your topics? With such a volume of writing, it must be hard to stay fresh.
NoraRW: It's more a picking of a situation than a topic really. For me. I might think of a situation like in Homeport --- what if we had this statue and it needed to be authenticated. It might be a priceless bronze. Who would do the work, what would happen because of it. What if. It's always the basic set up, then what if and why.
Question: Nora, are you currently working on a new book?
NoraRW: I'm always working on a new book. LOL. I've just started the first book of a new paperback trilogy that I'm going to set in Ireland.
Question: Nora, were you inspired by Florence to write Homeport and when you channeled that inspiration, did you do it by memory or do you keep journals on your travels?
NoraRW: When I visited Florence, I knew I had to use it in a book. It's an amazing place. The art is everywhere and just rips your heart out. Glorious. So that gave me the idea to write a book dealing with art. I don't keep a journal, no. But my husband takes LOTS of pictures and videos. Drives me nuts at the time, but they're really helpful later.
Question: I love the repartee your characters get involved in. Do you communicate with that liveliness with your good friends and loved ones?
NoraRW: I'll never, never be as quick or as clever as my characters. I envy that sharp wit. Takes me longer to come up with a clever answer most of the time.
BookpgJL: You mentioned your husband. Can you tell us a little about his bookstore?
NoraRW: He'll love the plug. Turn The Page is our bookstore in western Maryland. Boonsboro. It's very charming, if I do say so myself. And he's become over the past two years a really good bookseller. Very good customer service. :) He mail orders. Just e-mail TTPageBC here on AOL. LOL. He carries a lot of signed books, and not just by me. LOL.
Question: Do you ever have time to read yourself? Who do you like?
NoraRW: Oh yes. I love to read. I can't imagine that every writer isn't in love with the written word. I read very much across the board. My pals in romance. I was lucky to do a project with three good pals, Ruth Langan, Marianne Willman and Jill Gregory: the anthology Once Upon A Castle. Great fun. I read lots of mysteries, too. John Sandford, Lawrence Block, Sue Grafton, Linda Barnes. Patricia Gaffney in romance. Elizabeth Berg. I could go on forever.
Question: You have such a unique and compelling writing style, even back when you were doing series romance. Did you take writing classes or develop it on your own?
NoraRW: No, I've never taken a writing class or read a how to book. They scare me. I'm an instinctive writer. And I've learned on the job. I still write for Silhouette in series because I love the form --- and that's what taught me to tell a story with good, solid characters.
Question: I really like to read about different generations such as the MacGregors. Do you have any plans for continuing the stories of the "Dream" trilogy?
NoraRW: Nope, that's story's done. Believe me, they all lived happily-ever-after.
Question: Nora, is there a certain way you pick where and when your stories are going to take place?
NoraRW: It's the canvas for my story, so it's important. Sometimes, as with Montana Sky, it's the setting that sparks the idea for me. Other times, say with Homeport, it was the character type of Miranda that dictated the setting. So it changes.
Question: Nora, when did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
NoraRW: I really always loved to make up stories, but I thought everyone did. I never thought about being a writer when I was a kid. It was during the Blizzard of '79, when I was snowed in with my 3 and 6 year old sons, that I took one of the stories out of my head and wrote it down to keep sane. LOL. We were out of chocolate, I didn't have four-wheel drive transport, they cancelled morning kindergarten for a week. Times were desperate. And the writing not only saved my sanity, I fell in love with the process and discovered something I wanted very badly to do.
Question: Do you ever run out of plot ideas? What do you do when/if this happens?
NoraRW: No, I've never run dry of ideas. Actually, I think ideas are the easy part. It's making the idea work, making sure now's the time for that idea that's more difficult. But ideas are abundant.
BookpgJL: Are there any writing dreams you have yet to fulfill?
NoraRW: It's always the next book. The biggest dream is inside that story and those people. I just want to find out about that, dive into that --- then hope the reader will care as much as I did.
Question: Nora, do you have a favorite male character? Female character?
NoraRW: It's really too hard to pick favorites. I will say, because they're continuing characters and I get to visit them so often, that Eve and Roarke from my In Death series written as J.D. Robb are certainly favorites. I'm thrilled they walked into my life.
Question: Fan support of your J.D. Robb books is great. With this in mind, do you have a goal for the series...a particular number you'd like to write or a situation you're writing towards?
NoraRW: No particular number, no. I love writing these. Great fun for me. I like exploring their relationship, and that world I created. It's very open-ended.
BookpgJL: Why write them under a different name?
NoraRW: Because I write fast --- that's the marketing part of a different name. ANd because they're different from what I do under my own name. Darker, more violent, grittier, and the same central characters. Though many readers enjoy both types of books, there are some who shy away from the darker tone of the In Deaths.
Question: What is your favorite book of all time?
NoraRW: That's hard. First I'll say Mary Stewart is my favorite writer of all time. I love all of her work. Beyond her it's a toss up. Catch-22, To Kill A Mockingbird, Jane Eyre. One of those.
Question: What do you do when you are not writing or researching a book?
NoraRW: Sleep! LOL. Otherwise I read, watch TV, or during the good weather, garden. I love to garden.
Question: What advice do you have for someone who wants to write a romance novel?
NoraRW: First don't write what you wouldn't read for pleasure. So I'll assume you read, enjoy and understand romance novels. Next would be to join RWA and the chapter of the organization nearest you. They have a web page so you can check it out. It's a marvelous support and information network. Tremendously helpful to new writers and long-published ones.
BookpgJL: We're out of time now, everyone. Thank you Nora for being here to talk to all of your fans!
NoraRW: Thanks for asking me back. I always love this area's chats.
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PAST INTERVIEW
March 18, 1997
On March 18, 1997, at the end of an "Only on TBR, Only on AOL" preview of "Sanctuary," NORA ROBERTS came to THE BOOK REPORT to talk about her new novel and her more than 100 other books. The TBR interviewer was BookpgLiz. Our host was MarleneT. (Nora is an AOL member, and can be contacted at NoraRW.)
Bookpg Liz: Nora, what would you do in celebration if Sanctuary and Montana Sky both made the NYT bestseller list in the same week?
NoraRW: Well, that happened with MS and True Betrayals. I had two bottles of Dom. Worked for me.
Question: Of all your characters, which one is your favorite?
NoraRW: I don't have a favorite, really. Each one becomes a part of your life for one reason or another. Like your children. Or your lovers.
Bookpg Liz: With more than 100 books published, how do you find time for yourself and your family?
NoraRW: I'm fast. LOL. I work about eight hours a day, which most people do in the real world. And I know how to juggle really well.
Question: Do you write daily? How long? Even when you don't feel like it? Sorry, I'm a writer wanna be....
NoraRW: If I wrote when I was inspired or felt like it, I might write one book a year. LOL. No, I write every day. I'm disciplined. I think discipline is essential.
Bookpg Liz: You have won numerous awards. What do you consider your biggest career achievement?
NoraRW: Writing the next book. Really. Nothing matters but the work in progress, everything else was then. This is now.
Bookpg JK: You are so productive. Do you outline? Or channel?
NoraRW: No, I don't outline. Just can't. I'm pitiful. Have a long story about that. But anyway, I've considered channeling. LOL
Question: How is the tour going, Nora?
NoraRW: Pretty well. Day Two and I'm still alive and kicking. Really, people have been so nice, and I've met several I've known only online. Great to see their faces.
Bookpg Liz: Have you ever tried to write more than one book at a time?
NoraRW: No, I only write one at a time. That's all I can keep inside my head in any sort of organized fashion. Too many people in there at one time would make me nuts.
Bookpg Liz: I noticed that some of your latest books have smokers in them, any particular reason? :)
NoraRW: Because, well, people do. No matter what the Tobacco Police want. LOL. If it suits the character, I put it in. Okay, I'll say it. I'm smoking right now!!! Take that.
Question: With all the discussion of "cloning" of your heroes on your author board ... who would you choose first? :)
NoraRW: Roarke, no question. But only for me.
Bookpg Liz: When you write for Silhouette Publishers, is your approach different from your suspense or futuristic detective novels?
NoraRW: Absolutely. Different form, different reader expectation. You have to know going in what kind of book, what kind of tone. I love writing category, but not every idea will fit the form.
Question: As a writer, what do you think of this online format for a conversation? Is this fun for you?
NoraRW: It's great fun. Hey, I'm sitting in my robe. My hair's a mess. I have a bottle of wine. What could be better?
Question: Nora, this is such a pleasure...Is it really you????
NoraRW: Yep, it's me. I think. Pretty sure. Yeah, it's me. LOL
Bookpg JK: And you post on message boards. Could you do that while writing a book?
NoraRW: Yeah, it's my little break. My carrot at the end of the day. I may not post as much when a book's really cooking and taking a lot of time. But I love being able to kick back and see what's going on and what people have to say.
Bookpg JK: "Romance" takes such a knock from the book snobs..... and so I never read ANYTHING until I started reading you for TBR. How do you feel about the absence of critical appreciation?
NoraRW: I can never figure out why. These are books that celebrate commitment, relationships. They are about love. I think the sex makes some people silly about them. I say, well, get a grip on yourself. Sex is part of life. A pretty good part.
Question: You worked your schedule around your kids? How do they feel about your success?
NoraRW: They're so used to what I do. But now that they're older it hits them a bit differently. They're great about it. And it helps them pick up girls. LOL
Question: Nora, would you please tell us a little about your educational background? Your writing and composition skills are to be envied.
NoraRW: Why, thank you. I love the writing process. I didn't go to college. Never had any formal training. I'm Irish and a good liar. That seems to do the job.
Question: Where can we get a list of all 100? When was your 1st book published and which one?
NoraRW: My first book was published in 1981, Irish Thoroughbred, a Silhouette Romance. It gave me my break. You can get a list. E-mail CPromo here on AOL.
Bookpg Liz: Several of your books have been released in audio form. Will you ever read for one of them?
NoraRW: Nope, I don't think I'll read for one unless they ask really, really nice.
Bookpg Liz: Is there a Desire, Georgia?
NoraRW: No, I made it up. But the prototype was Cumberland Island.
Bookpg Liz: Who do you like to read?
NoraRW: Oh, I'm a big reader, read all over. My pals in romance, and I like lots of mysteries.
Question: Do you have a certain idea of the next book that you will write next?
NoraRW: I almost always have an idea cooking for the next book. I'd start sweating if I didn't.
Bookpg Liz: What do you do for relaxation?
NoraRW: I love to garden, but only get to do that spring and summer. So I don't do a lot. I love to read, I love movies. And I watch entirely too much TV.
Question: How long did you spend in Ireland researching the "Born In" series? They touched me deeply.
NoraRW: Thanks. I was only in Ireland for two weeks on that trip. But honestly, one hour is enough to fall in love. It's my favorite place in the world. Just magical. I'm always yearning to go back.
Question: How can we find out where your tour will take you?
NoraRW: You can find a list of upcoming signings on my home page. http://www.lightst.com/nora
Question: When can I expect to find "The Stanislaski Sisters" in my local bookstore?
NoraRW: It's out now. If you can't find it, e-mail my dh at TTPageBC here on AOL. He has a bookstore and mail orders. And since he wants to sleep with me, he carries all my books. LOL
Bookpg Liz: In Sanctuary you explore family relationships. Is that a familiar topic for you?
NoraRW: I love doing family relationships. Basically, I love doing relationships. And I like the dynamics in family stories. Coming from a large family myself probably helps.
Bookpg Liz: Just how many are in your family?
NoraRW: I have four older brothers, and cousins too numerous to mention. We're Irish Catholic, what else could we do???
Question: What prompted you to write the (wonderful) J.D. Robb novels?
NoraRW: My publisher really wanted me to take an aka for marketing reasons. So I finally agreed if I could do something a little different. So Eve and Roarke were born. I've never regretted it. I have such fun writing those books. In fact, I'm into another right now.
Question: Nora, what changes would you say your well-deserved success has brought to your life?
NoraRW: I get to shop more. LOL. Seriously, I've met wonderful people, made great friends. That's the very best part.
Question: Have you written under other names, if so what names?
NoraRW: No, I write under my own name and the books under Robb. That's it.
Question: Of all your heroines, who is closest to your personality?
NoraRW: Hmmm. All of them have some part of me. But mostly, they're more. Stronger, smarter, more clever. I'd love to be like any one of them.
Question: My sister got me addicted to your books! I feel as though I'm losing a family member every time I finish a book!!! Is there going to be a sequel to Montana Skies?
NoraRW: No, sorry. I don't like to do spin offs to my hard covers. Too long between books.
Question: Is Roarke based on a real person? Or a combination of people?
NoraRW: Oh, if only he were real. He would be mine, and only mine. LOL. Nope, all my people come out of my head.
Bookpg Liz: Nora, do you plan to write another historical romance?
NoraRW: I'm not planning on it. It's not my most comfortable area. But if I got an idea that worked, I would.
Bookpg JK: Is your husband ever jealous of the men you make up?
NoraRW: HAHAHA. No, he knows he's my one and only. At least I let him think so.
Bookpg JK: He sees himself in all those characters?
NoraRW: And he likes my women. If he wants to see himself, I let him. After all, a boy must have his dream.
Bookpg Liz: Do you work out of your home or do you report to an office each day?
NoraRW: I work out of my home. It's one of the best perks. When my kids were little, I didn't have to make that hard choice. I could stay at home and make a living. And not wear pantyhose!!!!!
Question: When you were younger, did you ever realize that you would one day be a famous writer?
NoraRW: No, I thought everyone made up stories in their heads. It never occurred to me to write. I just liked to daydream. Big surprise for me when I starting writing and discovered not everyone did that.
Question: Have any of your books been sold to the movies?
NoraRW: Montana Sky is currently in production. I've had other books optioned, but this looks like it might make it. I did have a small romance made into a movie for Showtime some years ago. Fun. Magic Moments with John Shea and Jennie Seagrove.
Question: Do your children read your books?
NoraRW: My youngest is a huge reader and he's read several. My oldest never did until recently, when a girl friend told him he had to read Divine Evil. God bless her. LOL. And he liked it.
Bookpg Liz: How can we obtain a copy of Magic Moments? Do you know if it is out on videotape?
NoraRW: I think it is. Might be for rent. I can't tell you precisely.
Question: I notice a lot of your books have 3 girls in them. Like the Daring to dream series and Montana Sky. Is there any significance to this?
NoraRW: No, not really. Just that three main characters make a book work for me fairly well.
Question: What Silhouette series are Hidden Star and Captive Star going to be?
NoraRW: I believe they're going to be Intimate Moments. Starting this fall. Connecting books about three women and three mystical jewels.
Question: I just finished your Irish trilogy. Did you have to spend a lot of time in Ireland to get a feel for the simple lives of the people?
NoraRW: I've been to Ireland a couple of times. You don't have to spend much time there to pick up the flavor. The people are wonderful, and the country itself is extraordinary.
Question: Why did you decide to get into writing?
NoraRW: I was snowbound in the Blizzard of '79 with two preschoolers. It was that or murder/suicide. LOL. Nope, wasn't that funny now that I think of it.
Question: Mrs. Roberts, who is your favorite author?
NoraRW: It's hard to pick a favorite, but my all time goddess is Mary Stewart. I've been reading her for years, and can still pick up one of her old books and be amazed at her talent. I think she's incredible.
Bookpg Liz: You have 11 books being released in 1997. Is that a record for you?
NoraRW: I have no idea. 11, really. Wow. LOL
Bookpg Liz: Trust me 11, and I and all of your fans plan on buying each and everyone of them. LOL
NoraRW: It's my pleasure. And thanks. I really hope everyone enjoys. I like to be dependable.
Question: What do you like LEAST about writing?
NoraRW: That's tough, different things at different times. Revisions, I suppose. I hate that they are necessary, that the editor is almost always right, and that I have to go back into a story I've finished and fix it up when I want to be into a new one.
Question: Did you spend a lot of time in Maine while writing "The Calhouen Women" series? It was one of my favorites!
NoraRW: I took a family vacation in Bar Harbor and fell in love. Gorgeous.
Question: Why is a cop or ex-cop hero more prominent in your stories? I admire all of them since my dad's a cop.
NoraRW: I don't know really. I admire cops, what they put on the line day after day.
Bookpg JK: Nora, CAN you go on a trip and not "work," as it were?
NoraRW: No, I can't not work. Did five pages today.
Bookpg JK: On tour!
NoraRW: Yeah, but it's good for me. Keeps me hooked into the story, and keeping up the habit of writing.
Bookpg JK: Nora, you are a REBUKE to the rest of us!
NoraRW: Yes, I rebuke you. LOL.
Question: Did your husband have his bookstore before or after you started writing?
NoraRW: He's only had the bookstore about a year and a half. He's a carpenter. That's how I met him. I hired him. LOL. Really.
Bookpg JK: Nora, if we let you go now.....will you write MORE?
NoraRW: Yes, I will. Well, maybe not tonight. Hey, I've been drinking. LOL. But tomorrow.
Bookpg Liz: Thank you so much for joining and sharing with us, Nora
NoraRW: I've loved being here. Thanks so much for having me.
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PAST INTERVIEW
October 1998
TBR gets the scoop from the Queen of Romance, Nora Roberts. Prolific and always charming, Roberts chats with TBR's Jeanny House about everything we were dying to know, including the scoop about her latest book, THE REEF, why she loves those MacGregors, and oh yes, about that tattoo --- how much did that hurt, Nora? How did you start writing?
NR: I started writing during the Blizzard of '79 when I was snowbound with my then three and six-year-old sons. Can you possibly imagine the horror of this? Stuck, day after day, without four wheel drive transportation, without nearly enough chocolate to keep body and soul together, with two young boys bent on destruction and no morning kindergarten. We're all lucky to have survived. But out of it, my life changed when I decided to finally take one of the stories in my head and write it down on paper. I discovered the process of writing, and fell in love.
BRC: As a child or a teenager, did you write, keep a journal or tell stories?
NR: I told lies. Really good ones --- some of which my mother still believes. But no, I didn't really write other than compositions for school. I was always good at it. I did make up stories in my head. I thought everyone did.
BRC: What writers have inspired you the most?
NR: I come from a family of readers. Books were always a part of our lives, our house, our day. I didn't realize until I was nearly an adult that there were people who didn't read for pleasure. One of the authors I loved, still love, and consistently admire is Mary Stewart.
BRC: This year you've had something new come out nearly every month, either as Nora Roberts or as J.D. Robb. How on earth do you write so MUCH?
NR: Actually, several releases this year were reissues, but there was a considerable amount of new books. Some of this is simply about inventory. I do have a fast pace --- that's just the luck of the draw. But with that I have strong discipline, smacked into my head by the rulers of many of the nuns who educated me. There is no one more fierce than a nun. Bless them all. They also helped refine the guilt which is a strong motivator for doing your job. At least for me. Added to all this, I really, really, love the job. I think writing's the best job in the world. So I work at it every day.
BRC: You obviously do a tremendous amount of research, but it's never overstated in your novels. How do you conduct your research?
NR: For the past several years, I've done the bulk of my research on the internet. It's the most incredible tool. You can find out nearly anything, and from various sources. And you can find it out quickly, without leaving the house. I love this part. My husband also owns a bookstore, so I hit him up for research books.
What's important is the story, and weaving that information into the story, through setting or character or plot without dumping a how-to sort of deal on the reader.
BRC: What was the lure of Spanish galleons and treasure hunting that you write about in your latest novel THE REEF?
NR: Really, I thought it made a romantic, and a mysterious background for a book. Pretty perfect, it seemed to me, for a romantic suspense novel. The underwater scenes, the legend of Angelique's Curse, the chase between good and evil and the love story were something that could work well as romantic suspense.
BRC: Where does a monomaniac like Silas Van Dyke --- the villain fixated on the treasure in THE REEF --- come from?
NR: Out of my twisted imagination.
BRC: Much of THE REEF takes place underwater. Do you dive? If so, are any of your experiences in this book?
NR: No, I don't dive. It's so much equipment. I do snorkel, which is easy and fun and just means paddling around at your leisure. Some of the descriptions underwater in the book may very well come from memories of snorkeling, but I've never dived for sunken treasure --- or faced down a shark. Thank the lord.
BRC: The two would-be lovers in THE REEF have very opposing view points about diving --- Tate Beaumont is a marine archeologist and Matt Lassiter is a treasure hunter --- so there is an obvious conflict here when the two go under water together. After writing well over 100 novels does it become difficult to think of new conflicts for the lovers to resolve? If not, what inspires you?
NR: Conflict is one of the key elements in a novel. If you can't come up with conflict, you're going to be out of a job pretty quickly. It's all a part of the building process that goes into characterization and plot. My books are very much character driven, so the people --- who they are, what they do, why they do it --- come first. I don't wait for inspiration, which I think is overrated. I just start telling the story and follow it along.
BRC: What attracted you to romance fiction as opposed to any other genre?
NR: My roots are in romance because whenever I read I always preferred a book with a good, strong relationship in it. I love adventure, mystery, science fiction, thrillers and so on, but whenever there's a love story woven through, I'm only happier. So when I started to write, the romance genre was most natural for me.
BRC: In several of your novels the heroes and/or heroines are people who live on the edge: art thieves, jewel thieves, professional gamblers, and, of course, Roarke. What appeals to you as romantic in these folks? What makes you want to tell their stories?
NR: Living on the edge --- at least in stories --- IS romantic. It adds that element of danger or risk, makes a character someone just a little larger than life. I like to toy with, to wonder about, what motivates this type of person to do what they do, live the way they live.
BRC: You recently traveled to Australia. Might we expect to see a book set "down under" in the next few years? And if so, can you give us a preview?
NR: I haven't settled on a plot for Australia. I do believe I'll find a story that wants to be set there. It's an amazing place, with wonderfully interesting people.
BRC: We hear you acquired a small and discrete Celtic Love Knot tattoo on a recent trip to Ireland. Can we expect to see a tattooing scene in an upcoming novel?
NR: I did indeed get a Celtic knot tattooed on my ankle --- just a small one ---while I was in Waterford. It hurt outrageously. Who knew? If I have a character who wants one, I'll plug it into a book. I don't know how much I'll remember of the actual process --- besides the ouch --- as my eyes glazed over and this voice kept saying in my head: This hurts. Man, this really hurts. Is he done yet?
BRC: You have a wonderful sense of humor in your writing. What experiences in your life helped you to develop that?
NR: Just living is a pretty good way to develop a sense of humor. Growing up in a big family, surrounded by older brothers is another. Laugh or hide. Having children is a pretty funny business. God knows falling in love is.
BRC: THE MACGREGOR GROOMS and THE WINNING HAND take us into a new generation of the MacGregor Clan. You've written several MacGregor family books. What compels you to return to this family again and again?
NR: Daniel. I love the MacGregors one and all, but it's Daniel, the patriarch, who keeps yanking me back. The man won't be satisfied until all his grandchildren and married and having babies. He's relentless. I adore him.
BRC: In THE MACGREGOR GROOMS, Naomi owns a bookstore named Brightstone's. Is it modeled after a real store in Boston, or maybe (a personal favorite) the Tattered Cover in Denver? Or just a wonderful place in MacGregor-land?
NR: It was, very loosely, based on the wonderful Tattered Cover. The idea anyway, of that big, beautiful store loaded with books.
BRC: What are you working on now?
NR: I've just finished a new trilogy, for Berkley, which I again set in Ireland. It revolves around three siblings who run a pub in a small seaside village in Waterford, and twined around through it is a legend about a faerie prince and a ghost.
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