Noodler of the Month: Dani Collins

Q. Tell us a little about your writing journey so far.

A. Many detours, but very scenic. I knew when I was checking Harlequin Presents out of the high school library that one day I'd like to write romance. I started in my early twenties, and I've spent the years since writing around children, work and other family obligations. Moderate successes have kept me motivated: some chapter contest wins, a couple of Golden Heart finals and, last year, the American Title contest. This year, I received the gift of time when my husband took a job in a new town and I had to leave mine. Darn! I'm finally treating writing like the career I'd like it to become, and it's wonderful. I don't regret all those years when I might have seen only fifteen minutes of writing time in a day (or week) because I wouldn't be as grateful and determined to maximize this opportunity now. However, given it all to live over again, I think I'd attend fewer workshops and conferences and just write the darned books.


Q. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received from another author?

A. "I'd move that wedding so it was right under the hero's nose." Nancy Warren said that in her critique of Hustled to the Altar, about a million years ago. Not only did it help me shape the story into a contest powerhouse, but I looked at conflict in a whole new way after that.

Then there's every post I've ever received on the JCW list. In fact, any time a writer shares their process, I learn something.

Oh, and most recently, something Bob Mayer said at the RWA National Conference in Reno: What's in your head doesn't count.

Q. If you could spend an hour picking the brain of anyone, who would it be?

A. Madonna.

 

Q. What do you feel is your best strength as a writer?

A. Perseverance. Then dialogue, humor and a lack of false modesty.


Q. Is there a type of book you'd love to write that you haven't?

A. No, my great weakness is that I'm drawn to start almost anything, no matter how ill-equipped: Regency, fantasy, suspense, humor.


Q. What, in your opinion, are the three writing books that no writer should be without?

A. G.M.C. by Deb Dixon; Getting the Words Right by Theodore A. Rees Cheney; and whichever book speaks to you when you're stuck, even if it's your own notebook.
 

Q. What is your writing process like?

A. I'll try anything once, including writing by the seat of my pants, but I have more success if I outline first. Sometimes that's very detailed, played against the hero's journey, or a Swain/Bickham matrix worksheet I made for myself. Sometimes it's just a list of scene ideas. Once the draft is finished, it's revise, revise, revise.


Q. Other than writing and reading, what other activities do you enjoy?

A. Walking and Pilates. I'm a fair-weather runner, but it doesn't fall under the heading of "activities I enjoy." I love movies and cooking, and hanging out with smart people.


Q. What is your dream vacation?

A. Something obscenely expensive and luxurious, in a hot climate, with massage on tap and fancy food prepared by the Iron Chefs. No crowds, but lots to do with the kids. And a to-be-read pile full of my favorite authors.

To read last month's Noodler of the Month article, click here.

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