FAQ
Books
What should readers know about your books before they buy them?
Probably that the romantic comedies are very different than the Nocturnes. The romantic comedies are light, funny and have been termed “heart-warming”. The Nocturnes are much darker and much sexier. They are also loaded with action and atmosphere.
Are any of your books interrelated and do I have to read them in order?
You don’t have to read them in order, but the comedies are related as are the Nocturnes. There is at least one character in common to both my romantic comedies, and the Nocturnes all feature a character (or characters) that appeared in a previous book.
Do your books have a HEA (Happily-Ever-After)?
Yes, they most definitely do.
What are your heroes and heroines like?
In all my books both are strong. The Nocturnes have more of an alpha hero, but I think the Nocturne hero’s still have a very caring side. The women, even if they have weaknesses in the beginning (Kara in Unbound has panic attacks), at their core they are also very strong. (Part of what Kara learns about herself over the course of the book.)
What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your books?
Some small thought about something aside from just the basic story and romance. Some hopeful or intriguing message—everyone has strength if they just tap into it, that it’s important to look past the outer packaging of a person, etc.
What do you hope they will understand about romantic fiction?
That romance has just as much value as a book and a use of your free time as any other type of fiction.
When’s your next book coming out?
Kol (garm/portal guardian in UNBOUND) and Kelly’s (Kara’s sister in UNBOUND) will be out early in 2008. Venge’s (Risk’s son in UNBOUND) a few months after that.
About Writing
Where do you get your ideas?
Everywhere. I got the idea for my second romantic comedy from a reality TV show — a woman earned a string of pearls when she became an auctioneer. The idea for Unbound came from paging through a research books on demons.
What do you like most about being a writer?
The ideas. Coming up with whole new worlds—whether based on ours or totally different.
How much research do you do and how do you do it?
For my romantic comedies, I didn’t need to do a lot of research because I knew that world—grew up in it. I did, however, check ebay or other antique sites a few times. For some of my other books, I have read quite a few reference books as preparation for writing them. For an urban fantasy I am working on, I have gone so far as to draw a floor plan of the protagonist’s home.
Does reader’s feedback help you with your writing? Is feedback something that is very important to you?
It is always great to hear from readers.
Any advice to aspiring writers?
Don’t give up, if this is important to you. 90% of getting published is being at the right place at the right time—so you have to be there. Also, don’t take anyone’s advice too literally. There is no one way or even best way to write a book. Try different things and do whatever works for you.
Career
How did you get started? How did you become a writer?
My husband suggested it. Since I was staying home with our kids at the time and needed an outlet, I decided to give it a try. I joined Sisters in Crime and met a lot of great people online—then switched to romance and joined Romance Writers of America. That’ also how I sold. I pitched my second manuscript (first romance) at my local chapter’s conference. I was totally floored when I sold it.
What made you choose romance/fantasy as your genre?
I read romance, fantasy and mystery. I’ve written all three, but I think all of my books are really written for women.
Personal
Is Lori Devoti your real name?
It is now—it’s my married name.
Who is Lori Devoti?
Short, outspoken mother of two, who loves animals (especially dogs), has an upbeat outlook on life and loves to discuss the pros and cons of almost everything. At a conference I will probably be the one standing on a chair to get my friends’ attention or sticking the hors d’oeuvre toothpicks in my hair in imitation of an alien or whatever—I try not to take myself too seriously.
What kinds of books do you read and who are your favorites?
Romance, fantasy and mystery. Within that—historical, paranormal, contemporary,- urban, dark, contemporary, comic, high - cozy, amateur sleuth, serial killer, suspense. I go through different stages.
What do you do when you aren’t writing?
I love spin class—I’m addicted. I also read, go to writing conferences, and go places with my family. I used to spend a lot of time at auctions and would still love to, but there is only so much room in my house. I am a huge reality TV fan. True child of the 60’s/70’s I almost always have a TV on.