Thursday, April 06, 2000
Romance writer wants to protect her craft
BY JIM KNIPPENBERG
The Cincinnati Enquirer
So what we want to know is when does Lori Foster sleep?
The 41-year-old romance writer has already published four books this year and is under contract for five more. She writes monthly for Painted Rock, twice a month for Romance Writer's Report and four pieces a year for Writer's Digest.
Oh yeah, and a husband and three kids, two of them middle schoolers who need to be shuttled to track meets and wrestling matches.
“People ask that all the time, about sleep. I guess the answer is not often. But I write fast, so that helps.”
Come this weekend, she'll sleep even less, thanks to the ninth annual Enchanted Words Writing Conference, thrown by the Ohio Valley Romance Writers of America.
It's come a long way since 1992, this conference. Back then, it was a handful of local writers sitting around talking. This year it's 150 aspiring writers; 24 authors signing books; a gaggle of agents and editors sharing tips; two days of workshops on everything from sex scenes to autopsies.
Foster will conduct one on sexuality in the novel: “Too many people think "the more sex the better.' Wrong. That's just porn. But sex woven into relationships, into the idea that love does last, that has its place.”
So here's Foster now, at home in Hamilton, fresh from pitching a fit: “I just got the cover from hell from Harlequin (her publisher). It's the kind of cover that gives romance a bad name.”
Kind of outspoken, 'eh? Let's try a few other hot buttons ...
I don't like the term "bosom heaver' because ...
It has nothing to do with romance. Romance is about relationships, not heaving. Same goes for "bodice ripper.' That comes from those silly covers. In reality, knees don't buckle, you don't swoon and your clothing doesn't suddenly just disappear.
Every romance needs ...
Emotions, more for men than women. I like male-driven books — I live in this house dripping with testosterone — because I like seeing what makes them tick.
Romances don't need ...
More idiots who have never read one writing about how bad they are.
When I run out of ideas ...
I never do. Ever. My problem has always been too many. Right now I'm scheduled in to 2003 with all the ideas in place.
In 25 years, the romance novel will be ...
Keeping up with the times. Think of the difference from 20 years ago — today they're more sensitive to child abuse, domestic violence, drugs, homosexuality, women's roles. I expect them to evolve even more.
The smartest thing another writer ever told me ...
Jennifer Cruise told me, "protect your voice.' I took it seriously and I know a lot of editors thought I was a pain, but I don't want them changing my words just to be changing them.
I'll gain this weekend ...
I just like to network and have fun, meet fans, talk to colleagues. I won't go to a lot of conferences because I just end up doodling — drawing monster heads in my notebook.
One thing about this industry that still surprises me ...
Is how willing people are to accept things. Like this lousy cover I'm fighting. People say, "There's nothing you can do, go with it.' I don't think so.
Enchanted Words is $60, Friday and Saturday at Holiday Inn North; call 459-8303.
Knip's Eye View appears Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Have an item to report? Call Jim Knippenberg at 768-8513; fax: 768-8330.
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