Want to know more about Bron or writing. If the answer is not here email Bron at romance at bronwenevans.com

1.    How did you get your agent?

I met my agent, Melissa Jeglinski, when she came to the August 2009 Romance Writers of New Zealand annual conference. I immediately clicked with Melissa; she’s great fun and has loads of  editorial experience having been an editor with HMB for over 17 years, which is what I thought I’d need. I pitched two stories to her and she liked both of them. Melissa asked me to submit the first three chapters of both stories and the rest is history. She offered representation and I accepted.

2.  How long did it take from the time you received an offer from the publisher until you saw your book in print?

Kensington made the offer on January 2010…and my book hit the shelves on February 22, 2011.  There wasn’t much editing to do…it just takes that long.  Because I sold my first completed book, I didn’t have another one completed, so there is a bit of a gap until my second book due out in April 2012.

3.  How much input did you have in the name of the book, the cover art, the release date, the back cover copy, the pricing of the book and whether or not it became an e-book?

Well, Megan (editor at Kensington), Melissa (I call them my M&M’s – sweeties), and I discussed title. My book had a working title of Lord of Wicked, but it had already been used. We settled on Invitation to Ruin, and I selected Invitation to Scandal as book two, which was accepted. Ultimately it was Megan’s decision.  As to the rest of it I have no input, which is fine by me. The graphic art/marketing department at Kensington does my covers.  The advertising/marketing department writes the back cover copy…then pays for ads.  I write.  We all do our jobs…and I get to concentrate on writing.

4. What do you think of self-publishing?

I’m self-publishing a few novellas in 2012, mainly to fill the gap between my traditionally published novels. Like anyone producing a product, you have to evaluate all distribution channels. I’m not saying I’m leaving the traditional publishing model, but  I shall explore all avenues open to me in order to build my career. However, I’m very pleased I took this path to publication as it has given me great exposure and other promotional opportunities. My RT Best First Historical Nomination would not be happening if I’d self-published.

5. What is your favorite part of writing a book?

Plotting the book. I could plot stories all day. They swim in my head until I almsot feel as if I'm drowning in them. 

I always say writing  a book is  made up of 1/3 plotting, 1/3 writing, and 1/3 editing.  I do an extensive plot before I start to write. Thinking up the story and visualising the charactes and their journey to the HEA is the fun part. The hard work is the writing and editing.

6.  What was your call story like?

It's pretty short and sweet really! I finished a book and submitted a query (you can read it under For Writers) to both agents and editors in November 2009.  Everyone I submitted to asked for the full manuscript (no synopsis and no first three chapters).  In January 2010 I signed with Melissa my agent, and three days later got a call from Megan Records, with Kensington Publishing in NY, offering me a two book deal. I was very pleased I'd signed with Melissa, because I could hand over the contract negotiations to her!

7.  I’m a new writer and am wondering how to get started.

Committment. Like anything in life, writing is hard work. At my very first conference, Paula Eykelhof (Executive Editor with HMB) told me it takes on average five years and five completed manuscripts before you sell.  It's a craft that can be learned, but your imagination needs to be engaged as well. Sit down and write something.  That’s the most important thing.  Then, join a writer’s group (I like Romance Writer’s of America), take some classes and maybe find a critique group or partner.  Good luck!

8.  What do you think of writer’s conferences?

I love ‘em.  I went to my first confernce in 2006 knowing not a single person. And now I have loads of new friends, critique partners, and people to bounce ideas off and to ask for help when I need it. I always learn something at each conference.  And I LOVE workshops.  The cocktail parties are fun and I enjoy seeing my online friends in person. Getting up at the annual prize giving, or seeing your friends getting up to receive a contest award is simply thrilling - almost as thrilling as getting offered a contract.

THE INVITATION TO..... REGENCY SERIES

I've had many emails asking me if my Invitation to Ruin book is a series and will there be more books...

The answer is yes - it is a series, and yes there will be more books.

Invitation to Ruin is book one, Invitation to Scandal, due out in April 2012, is the second book in the series.

1.  Will Anthony's brother, Richard Craven, get his own story?
Yes - hopefully Kensington will pick up the option, if not, I promise I'll self-publish it. Invitation to Passion....

2.  Why did you decide to write Regency historicals?
I love historical romance. My favourite authors are Stephanie Laurens, Anna Campbell, Nicole Jordan, Gaelen Foley, Judith McNaught, Lorraine Heath... and so many more. I love the alpha rake who owns the world, but who is tamed, and captured, by a woman who must fight the odds to live her life the way she wants it.

3.  Your stories are usually dark and the villains evil - why?
I like to write realistic plots or should I say, I like to keep it real. Times were very hard in the early 1800's and those that abused their position and power usually didn't hold back.

4.  Why did you write a series?
I wrote a series because I like to read a series.  I like staying in touch with the characters if it’s a good book. I like staying in their lives.

Personal / Questions I don’t like
(So you don't see me having to say no - I hate saying no!)

1.  Will you read my book and edit it?
No.  As much as I’d like to read your book and edit it, I’m really busy writing my own books.  And I have a critique partner, an online critique group and a book club.  And a life that is busy even without the writing.  I recommend you join RWA (Romance Writers of America) or your local RM assocation, and then join an online chapter with a critique group.  They’re awesome.
Please don’t email me your book. 

2.  Why won’t you share the secret of getting published?
If I knew a secret, I’d tell you.  The secret is that there is no secret.  Write a really good book.  Then write an intriguing query letter.  Then hope that it lands on the right desk at the right time with someone looking for a good book.

3.  Will you send me Melissa’s email?
No.  But you can contact her through The Knight Agency website.

4.  Will you put in a good word for me with your agent?
No.  That makes me uncomfortable and might make her uncomfortable.  Send her a query letter.  She reads them all.

5.  I have a great idea for a book–do you want to co-author it with me?
I fly pretty well solo, so I'll have to pass.  When you become the next JK Rowling you can always tell me it was my 'biggest msitake'.