I read quite a bit of fiction in several genres--romance, mystery, fantasy, historical drama--and in each of these are quite a few books and stories in which horses play a significant role. Not the hero or heroine, usually, but horses figure prominently. When I do book signings or speaking events, I'll sometimes suggest a particular book as an example of good writing which happens to include horses. I'm always a little surprised to hear from at least one reader, "Oh, I don't like horse stories."
I'm intrigued, truly. I don't hear that same comment about any other animal--cats, dogs, rabbits, or cows, for instance--but a good number of people have told me that if it's a "horse story", they won't read it. When I started thinking about this, I realized that I had never followed up on the comment properly. I'm not sure what the phrase "horse story" actually describes. Nora Roberts' first book Irish Thoroughbred is a story about a young woman living on a horse farm. Some of us here at the Avalon blog write Westerns. Lots of horses there. Historical romance always features a horse or two, especially if the hero has a favorite. Dick Francis writes mysteries associated with British steeplechasing, but his heroes are the stars. Airs Above the Ground by Mary Stewart is a favorite romantic suspense of some of our writers here.
So I have two questions today for all you readers out there. In the context I've described, what is a "horse story"? Second, why don't readers like them?
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Interview with Avalon Author Carolyn Hughey
Q: Tell us the first thing that pops into your head when I say: Tell us about yourself.
A: I’m a down-to-earth, friendly, jovial person who loves to entertain, and be entertained.
I have to be busy every minute—even when I’m on vacation—one of those A-type personalities. My mind is always creating stories, and as my husband would say, it’s hard to keep up with my imagination.
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a writer? What was the biggest influence on this decision?
A: Years ago, I met a published author, in the hot tub during a cruise of all places. As most lay people say to published authors, I mentioned writing was something I’d considered. From that point on, she nagged me every day via email until I joined RWA, and a writing chapter. Because I didn’t have a journalist background, I took every writing course, every workshop, and read every book I could get my hands on about the craft, and ultimately produced Cupid’s Web.
Q: Tell us about the first thing you ever wrote.
A: This answer always gets a rise out of people. LOL The first thing I ever wrote was Cupid’s Web, and Avalon was the first publisher I submitted to, expecting a rejection—because that’s what mostly happens, but thirteen months later, I received the call. Talk about being flabbergasted!
Q: Tell us about the genre in which you write and why?
A: I actually write in two genres. The first being, humorous contemporary, because I love making people laugh—and I love sharing some of the funny things that have happened to me in my stories. Cupid’s Web is actually about my life. Over the last few years, I’ve begun to write romantic suspense, and I’m loving it. I’ve always loved learning about law. Maybe in my next life, I’ll come back as a law enforcement officer—or maybe . . . I was in law enforcement in my previous life.
Q: Tell us about your latest book. Is it with Avalon or another publisher? What is your most recent or next Avalon Book?
A: I’m currently writing Cupid’s Arrow for Avalon, and revising The Last Witness. Because it’s over 100,000 words, and not the type of story Avalon publishes, it’s aimed more towards houses who publish the genre. When this is finished, I’ll write a mystery for Avalon.
Q: What do you like to do besides write?
A: I have many vocations besides writing. I’m a licensed hairdresser, a professional chef, and I still maintain both. I entertain a great deal. In the fall, I’ll begin teaching cooking classes in my home, and I make jewelry.
Q: What would you like us to know about you or your writing above anything else?
I’m totally dedicated to writing and still learning the craft. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and believing in yourself is your stepping stone to success. I’ve never been a quitter, and don’t plan to become one now. Dreams do come true—you just have to work at it.
Q: Where else can readers find you, besides clicking on your Avalon Author link on this page?
A: Besides my website at www.carolynhughey.com, I’m also on Facebook, under Carolyn Esposito Hughey.
A: I’m a down-to-earth, friendly, jovial person who loves to entertain, and be entertained.
I have to be busy every minute—even when I’m on vacation—one of those A-type personalities. My mind is always creating stories, and as my husband would say, it’s hard to keep up with my imagination.
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a writer? What was the biggest influence on this decision?
A: Years ago, I met a published author, in the hot tub during a cruise of all places. As most lay people say to published authors, I mentioned writing was something I’d considered. From that point on, she nagged me every day via email until I joined RWA, and a writing chapter. Because I didn’t have a journalist background, I took every writing course, every workshop, and read every book I could get my hands on about the craft, and ultimately produced Cupid’s Web.
Q: Tell us about the first thing you ever wrote.
A: This answer always gets a rise out of people. LOL The first thing I ever wrote was Cupid’s Web, and Avalon was the first publisher I submitted to, expecting a rejection—because that’s what mostly happens, but thirteen months later, I received the call. Talk about being flabbergasted!
Q: Tell us about the genre in which you write and why?
A: I actually write in two genres. The first being, humorous contemporary, because I love making people laugh—and I love sharing some of the funny things that have happened to me in my stories. Cupid’s Web is actually about my life. Over the last few years, I’ve begun to write romantic suspense, and I’m loving it. I’ve always loved learning about law. Maybe in my next life, I’ll come back as a law enforcement officer—or maybe . . . I was in law enforcement in my previous life.
Q: Tell us about your latest book. Is it with Avalon or another publisher? What is your most recent or next Avalon Book?
A: I’m currently writing Cupid’s Arrow for Avalon, and revising The Last Witness. Because it’s over 100,000 words, and not the type of story Avalon publishes, it’s aimed more towards houses who publish the genre. When this is finished, I’ll write a mystery for Avalon.
Q: What do you like to do besides write?
A: I have many vocations besides writing. I’m a licensed hairdresser, a professional chef, and I still maintain both. I entertain a great deal. In the fall, I’ll begin teaching cooking classes in my home, and I make jewelry.
Q: What would you like us to know about you or your writing above anything else?
I’m totally dedicated to writing and still learning the craft. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and believing in yourself is your stepping stone to success. I’ve never been a quitter, and don’t plan to become one now. Dreams do come true—you just have to work at it.
Q: Where else can readers find you, besides clicking on your Avalon Author link on this page?
A: Besides my website at www.carolynhughey.com, I’m also on Facebook, under Carolyn Esposito Hughey.
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