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Answers posted August 28, 1998

Q: I've been reading, loving, and collecting your books for about the last ten years. One of the things I like best is the fact that they're good for more than just the first read. I can put one down then pick it up a couple of months or a year down the line and enjoy it just as much as the first time I read it. My question is do you ever go through your old books (the ones you've written) and maybe think to rework something in it, flesh it out a little or even take something out? I've seen in a few of your interviews where you say that your favorite book is always the one that you're working on, but do you ever look back? (Jolenna)

A: Glad to hear I'm good for a second read! That kind of comment always makes my day. But to answer your question, no, I never think about going back and reworking old books. I can only get excited about my current project, whatever it happens to be. Just the way my brain is wired, I guess.

Q: Hi, Jayne! I have finally thought of a fun question that I've never seen asked as of yet. Do you get gifts from fans? If so, which one is/was your favorite, one that was just so "dead on"? (MargieB)

A: Dear MargieB: I rarely get gifts from fans, thank heavens. I'm sure you can understand how awkward it would be to receive gifts from people you don't know. My agent has instructions to return to sender any package of value. I much prefer letters and e-mail!

Q: Jayne, I Thee Wed is scheduled for release in spring 1999. How long does it take for a book to be published after you have finished it? Thanks, (Geri)

A: Dear Geri: After I turn in a manuscript to my editor, it takes nine months to a year for it to appear in print in the stores. During that time there is an editing process, cover art work, marketing, printing, shipping, etc. It all takes time. The process can be hurried if there is a reason to do so, but publishers prefer not to be rushed.

Q: Dear Ms. Krentz, First of all, I think your writing is wonderful. I am a romantic at heart. I love your books. I love the Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle. My question is when will you write more? Thanks and keep writing. (Michele)

A: Dear Michele: Don't worry, there will be more; lots more if I have my way! Glad to hear you're enjoying the books.

Q: Hello Jayne...I want to tell you that I LOVE your books! I read them constantly! Also, my first name is Jayne, spelled the same way as you...I thought that was interesting (that's actually why I started reading your books). My question is when is a new historical romance coming out?? I love your Amanda Quick novels. I have always been fascinated with that period in time. It has always intrigued me and I was wondering when another one was coming! Thanks (Jayne Ashley)

A: Dear Jayne (Great name, huh?). Never fear, another Amanda Quick book is in the works. You can find advance information about it elsewhere on this site. Cissy (the webmaster) has posted some details. The title is I THEE WED and it will be out in the spring.

Q: I just reviewed the list of books, it shows that The MacFadden Books were published in 1979, but I have two books which contain the same stories as part of a trio of complete love stories in each. They were called "Encore Romances" which were also were published in 1979 by Kim Publishing, New York.

Book #104
Rosa Del Rio by Casey Bent
Emerald Morning by Katherine Lee
Queen of Hearts by Jayne Castle

Book #106
Vintage of Surrender by Jayne Castle
Whisper In the Wind by Lillian Crawford
Winter Wine by Suzanne Simmons

A: Dear Regenia: Okay, for you collectors, here's the inside info: The MacFaddens were published first but they were later repackaged in the 3-book format and sold as "Encore". Hope that clears up some of the arcane details.

Q: Hi, Jayne. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our mail to you. When I was first introduced to your books, a patron at the library where I work (yes, I'm a librarian, too) gave me a bag full of Krentz and Quick books and I went totally wild. That patron has moved away and I'm trying to find the name of one of those books. It was about a long-haired woman who is on vacation with her little dog when she runs into trouble and turns to a grumpy CIA agent for help (there was microfiche in the dog's toy, as I recall). I can't seem to find any of your books from before 1986. Did you change publishers? Could you tell me the title of this particular book? Any help you can provide would be great. (Catherine)

A: Dear Cathy: Aaaargh. This is a little awkward -- but I don't recall that plot line! I've used plenty of long-haired heroines, ex-spies, dogs, vacations and hidden microfiche but I don't recognize that particular story. Could be I'm losin' it (I've had my suspicions for a while now). If you (or someone else who cruises through these questions) knows the title of that book, please tell me! As to your other question, yes, I worked for several other publishers before 1986 including Silhouette and Harlequin. Cissy (the web master) has a complete list elsewhere on this site.

Q: Dear Jayne: I am a big fan of yours and am always excited when I find a re-release of one of your older books. Right now I am reading The Waiting Game. In one of the books I've read recently there was a reference to books you wrote under the name of Stephanie James. Are any of these books still available? What genre were these books? (Annette)

A: Dear Annette: Yes, indeed, I wrote under the name Stephanie James (a pen name I made up using my brothers' names, Stephen and James). Those books were published by Silhouette and are now out of print. You can often find them at used book stores and on-line sites. Cissy has a number of sources listed elsewhere on this site.

Q: Hi Jayne, I re-read SEDUCTION last weekend and it reminded me of something I've wondered about. Are you/did you write Anne Silverthorne and Gideon Daregate's story? I seem to remember going through all the books once before looking for one about them and not finding it. If you haven't written it, will you? I think they make a great couple and would love to read it. I'm looking forward to FLASH. (L.J.)

A: Dear L.J.: Actually, at one time, I did have plans to write Anne and Gideon's story, but those plans got canceled by my editor who felt that "sequels don't sell." Which only goes to show, I suppose, that editors don't know everything! I have no plans to go back now and write the book but don't worry, I will always enjoy working with heroes and heroines like Anne and Gideon.

Q: Hi Ms Krentz. I just wanted to ask if you have any novels due for release under Amanda Quick. I purchased With this Ring as a hardcover and was just wondering when the next one due.

P.S I stumbled onto the fact that you write under more than one name a couple of months and ordered Grand Passion it was a really great book. I wish my husband would fix the loo with such ease. (Josephine Daly)

A: Dear Ms. Daly: The next Amanda Quick book is I THEE WED. It will be out in the Spring. In the meantime, there are a lot more of my historicals listed elsewhere on this site which can all be ordered on-line. Enjoy! Meanwhile, I'm so glad you found Grand Passion. There was something about that loo scene, wasn't there? I must admit that I got a kick out of writing it.

Q: Does it bother you that Romance writers seem to get less credit for having books on the best sellers list? I am forever hearing about John Grisham, but I read that your books consistently beat his. Krentz often comes up against the Quick titles. (Kimberly)

A: Dear Kimberly: It bothered me enough that I edited a nonfiction book titled DANGEROUS MEN AND ADVENTUROUS WOMEN; ROMANCE WRITERS ON THE APPEAL OF THE ROMANCE NOVEL which was published a few years ago by the University of Pennsylvania Press. If you're interested in the subject of the bias against romance fiction, you might enjoy picking up a copy. Interestingly, the changing view of romance novels has become a major field of scholarly research -- a hopeful sign, I think.

Q: Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask for an autograph for our wall of fame but I couldn't find any other place. Our little bookstore started a wall of fame for our customers favorite authors. Could you please send us yours to add to it? Thank you . (Becky Smith, manager, Town Crier Bookstore)

A: Thanks for asking for the photo. The best way to get it is to write to my publisher, Bantam Books, in New York (address is inside a current copy of one of my books). Contact the publicity department there. They should be able to get you a picture. I would be honored to hang on your wall. Please say hello to everyone at the store who enjoys my books. I appreciate their support more than I can say.

Q: Dear Jayne Ann, I have just read Sharp Edges, and loved it my only question is how could you write an entire book centering on the art glass culture in the Pacific Northwest and Not mention Dale Chauily (I am not sure of the spelling) or the Pilchuck School of glass. Was this a deliberate exclusion? Also will the new "Curtain" books to come feature male prisms and female talents? (Teri Anne)

A: Dear Teri Anne: Good question. Believe me, I deliberated long and hard about those references. In the end, I decided not to make them because I generally try to avoid inserting real (living) people into my books. You will notice that I almost never mention dates, the names of sitting presidents, current movie stars, etc. There is a reason for that. I've learned the hard way that such references tend to "date" the books very quickly. I decided that there is so much important glass art work being done in the Northwest now that it was not necessary to mention a specific artist or school. It was a tough call for me. As for the next "Curtain" books -- when they appear (which will not be for some time) they will feature a new world with new paranormal rules.

Q: I would just like to apologize for the question I submitted on 8-14. It concerned whether you ever looked back at your old stories and did something new to them. I just went through the FAQ's and saw the answer when given to a similar question. Thank you for the good stories and all the "get away" time they've provided me. (Jolenna)

A: Dear Jolenna: No apology necessary! I'm just glad to hear that you're enjoying my books.

Q: Hello Jayne! I sure love your books! Been collecting the really early ones for awhile now...its a lot of fun. My question is; did you see the movie they made of The Waiting Game? I know you have no control over what they do to it (that must be really annoying!) But why would they bother to buy a book and then use almost nothing from it? It seemed like they just used the characters' names and that's it! Do they just want the title to lure poor unsuspecting viewers? I recall the same thing happening to Julie Garwood's For The Roses when Hallmark made it into a movie. Is this a conspiracy against romance writers?! How do you feel about your work being handled this way? Nosy but devoted, (Kathi)

A: Dear Kathi: You should have seen the bulletin board on this site the morning after The Waiting Game first aired! Everyone (including me) was complaining. But the truth is, that's the way it goes when books are made into films. The problem is that books and films are two entirely different kinds of media. They have different demands and different expectations. Every author who has been through the experience will tell you that the film never matches the book. Why Hollywood buys the books to make into films in the first place is one of the great mysteries of the modern age. But once they buy the rights, there's nothing the author can do to stop them from changing the story. And in this case, I didn't even have any say over whether or not to sell the film rights -- the publisher did it. Ah, well, that's the way it goes. Luckily, I have no great interest in having my books made into films.

Q: You have said you will not write any more in the Shield's Lady and Gift of Gold/Fire lines but is there a reason why? I enjoyed them so very much and am VERY disappointed. ( It doesn't stop me from reading everything else you write however!) (Dorinne)

A: Dear Dorinne: Don't get me wrong, I love writing paranormal elements into my stories and will continue to do so. If you enjoyed Shield's Lady and Gift of Gold/Fire, I hope you've found my Jayne Castle futuristics -- I think you'll enjoy those, too.

Answers posted August 21, 1998

Q: I, too, go through your many books too fast. However, I reread them almost as voraciously as I read them the first time. I wonder if you'll ever give Anthony Tiles from Mistress his own story. His character although brief was intriguing. Thanks for the hours of enjoyment, (Denise)

A: Dear Denise: At the moment I have no plans to write Anthony Tiles' story, but never fear, I, too, am intrigued by that type of hero. Look for another dark, mysterious lead in my next Amanda Quick, I THEE WED next Spring.

Q: Dear Jayne, In the book Green Fire you told the history of the ring that the heroine wore. Have you ever considered writing books to go into more detail on these stories? Love all your books and look forward to your new releases under any name. (Nancy)

A: Dear Nancy: Sometimes a little bit of a legend is better than the whole story. But I do love legends in general and I also love "lost civilization" stories. I'll be using a little of each in my next two Amanda Quick books...

Q: Another question. We have an eye disease that runs in our family, so I have been trying to collect your books on unabridged audio tapes (just in case the disease strikes). I have 4 of your Amanda Quicks and about 10 of your Jayne Ann Krentz. Do you know if anymore are going to be done. I've gotten them from Recorded books and Books on tape. I'd also recommend them to all your readers because it is fun to listen to them on the way to and from work, it's a wonderfully relaxing way to deal with traffic. (Nancy)

A: Dear Nancy: I am so sorry to learn of the eye disease in your family. Please know that I am thinking of you and wishing you the best. As for your interest in the unabridged books, I'm not sure of the status of individual titles, but as a general rule, we always sell the rights to the audio publishers if they want them so, yes I think there will be more titles available.

Q: I adore all your books, but am having trouble finding them. How can I receive a complete list? Also are you planning to write more Jayne Castle books? I love the futuristic plot line. Thank you.

A: Check elsewhere on this site for a complete list of my books. Cissy (the webmaster) has posted all of the titles. She has also listed some places where you can find out-of-print stuff. As for the futuristics, I'll get back to them eventually. I love them, too!

Q: Love your work!! Sorry to hear the movie disappointed you...:( I haven't seen it yet, but my sister has it taped. In any case, I have a different kind of question for you. I've noticed your reference to your budgie 'Ferd' in an older book. Is that short for Ferdinand? Is Ferd still around? Just how old is he/she? I'm a bird lover, so it got my curiosity going. :) (Tilly)

A: Frank and I are also bird lovers. Nice folks, hmm? As for Ferd, the budgie, that was his entire name. I am sorry to say that he is no longer with us. We had him for ten years and really bonded with him. Because of him, we learned a lot about the amazing nature of a non-human intelligence. Pets have so much to teach us, don't they?

Q: I would just like to say that I love your books. You are one of my favorite authors and I hope, someday, to be as popular and talented as you. I love your sci-fi books and hope there are more! Maybe Rafe? Where did you get the idea for St. Helens and everyone's psychic abilities? It's a neat idea and I would love to write about them! Thanks!

A: Thanks for your letter and good luck in your own writing. As I have said before, if you are interested in writing romance -- including paranormal romance -- I suggest you check out Romance Writers of America. They have a website, a monthly newsletter, chapter meetings, etc. Very useful stuff for aspiring writers.

Q: As you can guess by my e-mail name I am a big fan of yours. Once a year I re-read all your books. I am lucky I can always find something new and exciting each time I re-read books.

Is there any way that you can come to a book signing in Northwest Florida. Obviously I have no idea what arrangements and financial situations this would entail but I would do almost anything to get you here.

Questions:

1. Have you written under any other names than the ones listed below?

a. Jayne Anne Krentz
b. Jayne Castle
c. Stephanie James
d. Jayne Bentley
e. Amanda Glass
f. Jayne Taylor
g. Amanda Quick

2. Are there any plans to reprint the MacFadden novels and the romance novels you wrote before you joined Harlequin, I have everything else.

3. Have you considered a sequel to Gift of Gold and Gift of Fire? This time the prime characters could be Jonas and Verity's children(?).

4. When you wrote as Jayne Castle you penned some books with the heroine Guinevere Jones. I really liked that series. Any plans to write another series like it?

5. Under the name of Stephanie James or Jayne Anne Krentz you wrote a novel that involved the Clayborne jewels; your novel just involved one of the jewels, I believe it was a bracelet. I waited a year to see if you were going to write stories concerning the rest of the jewels since they were suppose to have some supernatural powers. (Regenia)

A: Dear Regenia: Thanks for your note. I'm glad you're enjoying my books. At the moment I have no plans to do a signing in Northwest Florida but if things change, I'll keep you posted on this site. In the meantime I think you'll find the answers to all of your questions elsewhere on this site under the section headed "Frequently Asked Questions." Write back if I missed any!

Answers posted August 14, 1998

Q: Ms. Krentz, First, I absolutely love your futuristic novels and I am very happy to hear that you plan on writing more. But to get to my question, I have noticed that in a lot of your newer books you use more "everyday Joe" type of names. Is there a reason as to why you have begun doing this or is it a subconscious act? Thank you, (Jennifer)

A: Dear Jennifer: You noticed, hmmm? Truth is, I've used up most of the more exotic names that I like, although I'm always on the lookout for more. But lately, some of the solid old standbys sound very good to me. Don't know if that's subconscious or what. More likely its just that, because I haven't used them, they now sound exotic!

Q: I, too, belong among your legion of fans. We met at the very first RomCon a zillion years ago and I've watched your career skyrocket, and cheered you on. I've purchased and read all of your books, except Shield's Lady, which I'm working on acquiring.

My favorites are your Amanda Quick books but I buy and read everything you write. Will there be anymore of your flower books?(that's what I call them). I've just read Orchid and loved it. Take care and stay safe. (Mary T. Knibbe Sr.)

A: Dear Mary. I remember that RomCon. Amazing. So, you were there, too? Things have sure changed, haven't they? I'm glad you're enjoying the Amanda Quick books. As to the flower series, I eventually plan to do more "Curtain" books under my Jayne Castle name, but it may be a while. Stay tuned....

Q: Jayne, First, I want to say that I love your books both as Krentz and as Quick! I was curious as to what happened to your "quartets" of titles for Quick? After AFFAIR, I was waiting to see what other "A" title you came up with. Seeing your next Quick title, I think I see the new trend!

Also, I'd like to say that as someone who is working in a library and is 3 weeks away from getting her MLS, I LOVE your portrayal of librarians in your books! I am an avid reader of romances and a staunch defender of the genre. In my library (and with my husband) it is a known fact not to talk down about romance books to me or I will give you a blistering lecture! I'm starting a collection of romances with librarians as main characters! Besides PERFECT PARTNERS and MIDNIGHT JEWELS, do you have any others with librarians as main characters?

Keep up the great work! I always look forward to your new books and even to re-releases that I may have missed the first time around! (Stacey)

A: Dear Stacey: I love your idea of a collection of books featuring librarians as main characters. Wonderful. Maybe you should post on the bulletin board at the JAK website asking for titles by other authors. The crowd that gathers there is very well read. I, myself, will no doubt use librarians again in the future. As I always say, libraries are a hallmark of a civilized society.

Q: This is a question (really 2 since I just read the last set of questions and thought of another one) and a cheap request for another librarian heroine.

1. I know you aren't blasé about getting published even though you have had success. But do you celebrate like some of your fictional writers?

2. You have mentioned in several of your responses that cooking and good food are interests of yours, but many of your characters like good junk food. What is your favorite junk food? Pizza, tacos, chocolate or something more exotic?

3. How about another librarian heroine? With all the technology in the field today maybe you could work in a computer wizard who has traced back a connection to a terminal in an academic library? The image of library employees can use all the bolstering it can get. My favorite example of the low opinion of librarians is from It's A Wonderful Life where in the parallel life, poor Mary is doomed to be a librarian.(Anna)

A: Dear Anna: Don't worry, as I just said in the question above, I'll be using more librarians in the future. As to celebrating when a book comes out, yes, I do, but usually in a quieter way than one of my characters would! Good fiction is always a little over-the-top. That's what makes it fun.

Q: Dear Jayne, Quite a few of your older books are being re-released. Are there any plans to re-release the books you wrote as Jayne Bentley (i.e. Moment Past Midnight, etc.)? I would really enjoy reading these books, but they are extremely hard to find and very expensive when you do find them. Thanks, (Jennifer)

A: Dear Jennifer. No plans to re-release the Bentleys but if it happens, I'll let you know at this site. Thanks for your interest.

Q: Hi Jayne! I've been a fan for years and have always enjoyed "escaping" with your books. It's a little like Christmas when I unexpectedly find one of the older ones! My question for you is about deadlines. In reading the FOJ board I noticed remarks about working under tight deadlines. Working in an industry where the deadlines are decided for me and are ALWAYS unrealistic I guess I just assumed that you would be able to set your deadlines to match your writing pace. Is this not the case? (Wendy)

A: Dear Wendy: The truth is, when you sign a contract the deadlines always look waaaay out there. Plenty of time, you think. But sometimes life catches up with you. Every author works differently. Personally, I get tense if I get behind so I try to stay on top of my deadlines. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

Q: Hi Jayne, I love ALL of your books, you are the greatest writer but I especially enjoy you "Jayne Castle" books. When will there be another? I can't wait. Thanks. (Carman)

A: Dear Carman: Glad you're enjoying the Jayne Castles. (Castle is my maiden name, by the way). Yes, eventually, there will be more but it will be a while. In the meantime I hope you enjoy my Krentz and Quick books.

Q: Hi Jayne - I've really enjoyed reading your futuristic books and I was wondering how you went about creating the settings for the stories. It must be a lot of fun to create not just the physical world but the society as well. I certainly hope you plan more books along this line! (Jean)

A: Dear Jean: You're absolutely right. The great joy of writing the futuristics is the task of creating an entire world run by my rules and resonating on my chosen themes and philosophies. Wonderful fun.

Q: Dear Jayne... I am a huge fan of your romances but somehow or another, I'm only able to find the some of your romances in the bookstores of Singapore (mostly Pocket And Warner). Is there some way to get hold of your other romances besides through the internet?(no credit card)And why on earth does it take so long to get new books on the bookshelves of Singapore? I'm still waiting for Sharp Edges and With this Ring and trying not to bite off all my fingernails in the process.... (WJ)

A: Dear WJ: I'm sorry you can't find my books in Singapore. Unfortunately, I have no control over how the books are sold world-wide. I can only hope that foreign publishers will want to print them and publish them in other countries. Thanks for your interest, though. I'm very glad you found this site. At least we can stay in touch here.

Q: What is the Guinevere Jones series? Where would I be able to find the titles I checked in Books In Print and none were listed like that. (Martha)

A: Dear Martha. The Guinevere Jones series was a four-book mystery series I did featuring a character named Guinevere Jones and one named Zachariah Justis. The titles were: The Desperate Game, The Sinister Touch, The Chilling Deception and The Fatal Fortune. All are out of print now. But don't worry, I'm doing plenty of romantic suspense in my new books -- FLASH has a juicy blackmail scheme and a murder to liven things up.

Answers posted August 7, 1998

Q: I'm on a quest to own every single book you've written and the Library lists a Krentz, J. as author of Somebody's Baby but I don't see that on any book lists of yours. Did you write it??? (Charmaine)

A: Nope, I didn't write Somebody's Baby. (Wow. That was an easy question to answer)

Q: I love your books. You are probably the only author that I search out. You can imagine my surprise when I found out that you even more pen names (other than Amanda Quick). First question is, what did your publisher say when you decided to make With This Ring a longer title then all the others? It surprised me and I wondered if anyone else was surprised too. My next question is, have you ever done a time-swept? You would be very good at it since you have such a grasp of the Old English period. That's all that I wanted to say for now. I can't wait for your next Amanda Quick novel and I plan on looking for the other names too. (Renee)

A: I changed my Amanda Quick title pattern because it had gotten to the point where I couldn't remember which book was which! I figured that was a sign that I'd probably done enough single-word titles. Hey, I pay attention to signs like that. As to time-swepts, I have no plans to do one. Thanks for your interest in my Amanda Quick novels.
--Jayne

Q: I've been reading your books since McFadden (I own the originals minus the last two - PLEASE REPRINT). Anyways, I was going to preorder Flash from Barnes and Noble and they list a paperback version for $7.99. Is this the same book? And I know you don't like doing continuing characters but your first Amanda Quick novel really left me hanging with the secondary characters. And as for a source for names, you should also check out birth announcements. (Linda)

A: I have sent at least three messages to Barns & Noble begging them to correct the information on FLASH. But they have not responded, sad to say. Guess they're busy at that site. For the record, FLASH is a brand new hardcover which goes on sale the first week or so of September. It is not a paperback, as B&N says. Be interesting to see if they sell it for the paperback price of $7.99 though, won't it? Let me know if you manage to buy it for that price! Thanks for the tip on birth announcements.
--Jayne

Q: First off, I enjoy all your books. But, unfortunately, I go through them too quickly! So, I'm forced to read others. My question is have you ever considered doing a straight sci-fi/fantasy novel with the romance part as a secondary plot? Along the lines of Guinevere Jones in the 30th Century? Thanks. Keep up the great work!

A: I like a combination of sci-fi-fantasy and romance but I don't know that I'd want to do one in which the romance did not have equal billing. Face it, at heart, I'm a romance writer.
--Jayne

Q: Love your books!!! You are one of the few authors whose books I eagerly await. Thank you for providing a wonderful escape to my busy life. I've noticed that you like to travel. Although I live in California, I'm from Kenya and was wondering if you've ever been to Africa or plan to? (Matilda)

A: Dear Matilda: I have never had the opportunity to travel to Africa but all my life I've seen wonderful, exciting pictures of it in books and magazines and on film. Maybe someday I'll get there. Hope you're enjoying California!
--Jayne

Q: Your many novels make it clear you write quickly, but I'd love to know (roughly) how long it takes you to write a book. Does one type of book (e.g., a contemporary or a futuristic) take longer for you than another type? Or does it vary more according to specific research you need for some books and not for others?

Also, I know you start with an idea and a detailed outline, but what about research? Is that something you do ahead of time, or do you start writing and then work on research issues as they come up?

Is it the two main characters which are your startpoint, or a particular problem/conflict, and then your characters? I heard P.D. James speak a few months ago, and was surprised to learn that for her, the location comes first. I'd be very intrigued to know how it works for you.

Thanks for your many wonderful novels; if I don't have them all, it is pretty close. You have a true gift.

A: Every author puts his or her books together in a unique way. No two authors work quite the same way. I do two books a year with time off in between for travel and research. I do preliminary, background research before I start a book, but I don't worry about specifics until I'm into the book. The reality of writing is, you don't really know which questions need to be answered until you start writing. So I do a lot of research as I go along, usually at night, preparing for the next day's work.

Q: Obviously, I am a big fan. That said, I know that most writers get writers block after their first few novels. What inspires you on a book-to-book basis? Also, I was wondering what significance the symbols of Serendipity and Rendezvous hold for you since they appear in one way or another in a number of your works. (Sera)

A: Dear Sera: I've never actually had to deal with writer's block, thank heavens. It's not as common as you think. Most of my friends have never had to worry about it, either. For many of us, the problem is not thinking up new ideas for stories; it's shutting them off for a while so we can take a break! That does not mean there aren't other kinds of writing problems, such as the angst I feel worrying about whether I'm growing and evolving as a write. I often fret about sounding fresh to readers without sacrificing the things they've come to love and expect in my work. Stuff like that can hang you up sometimes. But that's not quite the same thing as writer's block.