Adrien-Luc Sanders – Entangled Publishing
Meet Adrien-Luc Sanders!
Senior Editor at Entangled Publishing!
Adrien-Luc Sanders is the Senior Editor for the Flirt and Ever After lines at Entangled Publishing, and the author of From the Ashes (Entangled, 2012). He occasionally posts useful things on Twitter under the #editortips hashtag, but can more likely be found telling horribly unfunny jokes and exchanging recipes for liquor-based desserts. He loves snow, hates when people call him Adrienne, and thinks 31 is never too old to still chase fireflies.
First question:
Eggnog or Mimosas? Are you old enough to drink?
Eggnog. I hope I’m old enough to drink. Do I look old enough to drink? Wait. Don’t answer that. I still get carded all the time. It’s so silly half the time I give up and just stay sober. Designated driver’s the life of the party, right?
We’re also taking pictures with Santa, did you bring a gift for him? (Maybe a new release or a pretty book cover…)
I’ve got a few copies of our new releases, the first books to launch on our Flirt and Ever After lines, Ros Clarke’s All I Want For Christmas and Faye Robertson’s Holly’s First Noel. They’re both sweet, adorable holiday romances, great quick reads, and–hey wait. I thought Santa was supposed to bring me gifts. I’m totally not sitting in his lap. No way.
Please enter. Drinks are served by the elves in the corner.
Last time I took a drink from a short guy with pointy ears, I woke up three states away with my underwear in my back pocket, no memory of the last seventy-two hours, and a goat in the back seat of my car. I think I’ll stay over by the refreshment table.
What’s your favorite holiday and why?
Chinese New Year. I have a lot of good memories wrapped up in that holiday, plus there’s just so much culture and tradition inherent in it, and this subtle sense of hope that comes with bringing in the lunar new year during the early budding days of spring. It’s like a breath of fresh air reminding you to refresh and restart. A very noisy breath of fresh air, but still.
That, and I just love the parades, costumes, music, and fireworks. It’s all so delightfully gaudy.
Did you ask Santa for anything good?
Hm…a new graphics tablet, Final Fantasy XIII-2, a real release date for Final Fantasy Versus XIII, books, more books, even more books, a stable 1TB laptop hard drive, the new Asus Eee Transformer Prime tablet, an autograph from Diane Duane, maybe a solid night’s sleep…
What’s your favorite place to spend the holidays?
Anywhere my mother-in-law isn’t. You think I’m joking? I’m not.
I don’t really travel much for the holidays, but I think the time I had the most fun was when my husband and I spent New Year’s in Niagara Falls. It was a total impulse trip and I can’t believe we just hopped up and drove over the border just for the hell of it, but we had a great time and I’d love to go back some day. And our tour bus driver made sure we understood the proper way to pronounce “kilometer.” Repeatedly.
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
Learning my grandmother’s recipe for the holiday stuffing she’d serve with the ham every year. Of course, once I knew what was in it I’d never eat it again, but it was never Christmas if my grandmother wasn’t in the kitchen cooking the food that even to this day, permeates my impressions of what makes Christmas. Most of the time the kids were in the way, but sometimes she’d let us hover while she showed us how she made the stuffing, the gumbo, the cornbread that always had that sweet aftertaste we could never figure out until we watched her pour the bourbon in the batter. I think it’s impossible for any family to have a holiday gathering without some kind of conflict, but it always just seemed to vanish when my grandmother was in the kitchen working her magic.
Do you have personal resolutions for the New Years? Anything interesting?
Um…finally get ahead on my work schedule? (Stop laughing.) Be a little more consistent eating healthy and exercising? (Seriously, stop laughing.) Really, my only goals for the next year involve working my butt off to build the Flirt and Ever After lines. I’m not sure what Liz slipped into my punch, but she’s got me addicted to this company and caught up in all these crazy awesome ideas.
Wait, there is one thing. I’m going to learn to crochet something more complicated than a double chain. Really. I am. What? You’ve never met a guy who crochets before?
…probably because we suck at it.
What do you do and how did you get into this industry?
Well, like my bio said, I’m the Senior Editor for Entangled’s Flirts and Ever Afters, which are two lines of novellas and novelettes that recently launched. I’m really not quite sure how I got into this, honestly. It just happened on its own. I used to be an animator, and then I ended up writing about animation for About.com / The New York times. Writing led to editing, editing led to clients, client success led to more clients…and suddenly years later I ended up working for a few digital publishers before joining Entangled. It just kind of grew on itself. I never meant for my career to turn out this way, but I’m glad it did. It’s more satisfying than animation ever was.
What do you love about your job?
Definitely the author’s reaction on launch day. I mean, it’s fun when we get through galley proofs and they’re so relieved and so happy that it’s off for those last few touches before releasing into the wild. But something about the way authors light up when they see their book up for sale, when they see the end result of what they’ve been slaving over for months to polish it into something truly amazing…I love it. It makes me grin like an absolute fool, to see how happy they are.
What type of stories do you love best?
Antiheroes, without a doubt. Any genre, any time period, any heat level, give me antiheroes–male or female, I don’t care–and I’m in heaven. I love stories that explore the character development inherent in writing an antihero, especially when it involves themes of redemption or even the danger of further damnation.
That said, though, I’m kind of an omnivore as far as books are concerned, so even though I love antiheroes I could easily say “everything” is a close second. I don’t care about a book’s label. I just care that it’s amazing, and the characters and storyline grip me to the end. Make me fall in love with the characters and the world, make me catch my breath and clutch on to the book the first time our h/h’s hands touch, and I’ll read a story about anything.
Like fly fishing. Yeah. If you can make me sit through a book about fly fishing, you’re a damned good writer.
I’ll find a submission about fly fishing in my inbox next week. I know it. I know it, and in that moment I’ll regret this.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Diane Duane, C.S. Friedman, Victor Milan, Lisa Mantchev, Ally Condie, Richard Adams, Brian Green, Joe Hill, C.J. Cherryh, Anne McCaffrey, Julian May, Kelley York, Robin McKinley, Nora Roberts, Heather Graham, Clive Barker, Jane Austen, Guy Gavriel Kay, Byron, Charles de Lint, Shirley Rousseau Murphy, Orson Scott Card…um, tell me when to stop any time now, ’cause I can keep going for days.
What advice would you give aspiring authors?
Read widely. Read everything. Every book has something to teach you, whether you’re learning from the author’s style and structure or absorbing the information presented on the pages. Some will show you how to do things right. Others will show you how to do things wrong. But they’ll still show you the English language in action, and teach you about writing in a way that’s as instinctive and natural as breathing. That’s not something you can force. When it’s forced, it shows.
Read, and then write. Write even when you screw it up. Write when you don’t know what you’re doing. Write when you do know what you’re doing. Write until you hate the words, and keep writing until you love them again. Make a mess. Do stupid things, stumble, fall on your face, and get right the hell back up and keep writing. Close your eyes and just hit the keys. F*** it all up, then go back and do it again, right this time, and keep doing it until you know the inner workings of your craft like an unlit hallway you’ve walked so many times you can slip through unerringly in the dead of night.
You can take as many classes as you want on plotting, pacing, character development, voice…it’s all just pointers, things to mark off on a checklist. It’s useful, but it’ll never substitute for the ingrained inner knowledge that comes from reading, writing, and taking what you know in your gut to craft a book that will not only make you happy, but sell.
Are you working on anything fun right now?
Right now we’ve got sub calls out for a Valentine’s and Anti-Valentine’s collection, and I’ve been getting a few cool stories that make for a really fun opposition when positioned against each other. There’s also our geek sub call, which a lot of people seem really excited about. I’m just about bouncing in anticipation on that one, as I just adore geek-centric stories.
Links:
http://www.entangledinromance.com/2011/12/03/call-for-submissions-valentines-day/
http://www.entangledinromance.com/2011/12/03/call-for-submissions-geeks/
Any big projects for 2011?
~laughs~ I just signed on a few weeks ago, so not quite yet–but I am plotting. Oh yes indeed, I am plotting. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
What news would you like to share with your readers?
Keep an eye out on the Entangled Flirt and Ever After lines; we’ve got more special sub calls coming soon, and I’m looking to sign a few really great titles very soon. Don’t shelve that novella; send it to me, and maybe my next big announcement will be your new contract. 
Where can readers find you?
- Twitter: @smoulderingsea
- Facebook:
- Website: http://www.kowloonbynight.com
- Others:
Thank you so much for joining us at Romance Author Hotspot!
Prize: Free copies of the launch books from our Flirt and Ever After Lines, Ros Clarke’s All I Want For Christmas and Faye Robertson’s Holly’s First Noel
Tweet
December 24th, 2011 at 9:08 am
Look’s like you stay busy:) Happy Hoildays
December 26th, 2011 at 9:14 pm
Thank you; same to you!
December 24th, 2011 at 10:14 am
I’m a reader, not a writer, but I enjoy reading about the writng process. I’d love to win copies of your launch books. Sounds like your line will be a lot of fun.
mcv111 at hotmail.com
December 26th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
So far it’s been awesome. Tons of fun stories coming in, and working with Liz, Heather, and the associate editors has been amazing. Hope you’re having a great holiday season, and thanks for commenting!
December 24th, 2011 at 11:35 am
I really enjoyed the interview. I love Chinese New Year too. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
December 26th, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Happy Holidays to you as well! Always glad to meet others who appreciate Eastern holidays; what’s your favorite part of the Chinese New Year?
December 24th, 2011 at 11:49 am
Enjoyed the interview, laughed when I read the part about being able to sit through a book about flyfishing! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
December 26th, 2011 at 9:23 pm
…what’s funny is I’m not joking. I once sat through a book about the technicalities of properly pruning bonsai trees because it was couched in such an amazingly beautiful story that took the tediousness out of it.
December 24th, 2011 at 11:52 am
I have an Asus laptop… with the i5, which I’m sure is out of date alreayd.
It has wood panel on the top and I swear, it’s the best thing I ever bought…even if it’s not a MAC. Or maybe especially because it’s not. LOL 
Great cover on HOlly’s first Noel.
Enjoy your new year–the western one–with a decent night’s sleep.
December 26th, 2011 at 9:27 pm
Ohhh don’t tempt me. I have one of the first-generation Eees that I use when I need portability, as my newer Samsung tablet is actually crappier even though it has more space and power. I upgraded my Eee with a larger solid-state drive taken out of a USB thumbdrive and wired into it, and it’s still going strong. The Transformer Prime is just making me drool.
December 24th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
Hi Adrien,
I enjoyed the interview. I love following you on Twitter, especially for your editor tips. It’s great to have an active editor who wishes to help writers.
Best of luck in the new year.
Audrey
December 26th, 2011 at 9:34 pm
It really makes me happy to know I’ve been helpful on Twitter, even when I’m being silly. And I’m always glad to hear from you, both when you comment on Twitter and on my blog; you’re always very positive and encouraging, both to me and to other writers. I hope you had a wonderful holiday.
December 24th, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Great interview – happy holidays! I’m going to go write a book about vampires fly fishing now.
Actually, I do know how to fly fish…
December 26th, 2011 at 9:35 pm
…oh dear. Which means you’ll actually get it right and know all the little technical details.
…
I am terrified right now. Yet vaguely intrigued.
December 24th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
Hi, Thank you for the interview. I hope you have a great Holiday Season.
~Brandy
brandyzbooks at yahoo dot com
December 26th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
Thank you; I hope you had a wonderful holiday as well. Take care.
December 24th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
I once attended a Chinese New Year’s celebration which included the Dragon Dance and all. It was great! My husband had become friends with a Chinese mnn and he invited us to the party.
December 26th, 2011 at 9:41 pm
Oh, I love the Dragon Dance. It’s at once primal and majestic, feral and stately, and you just get so caught up in it.
December 24th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Two of my favorite desserts are bourbon balls and wine cake.
)
December 26th, 2011 at 9:43 pm
Mmm. You have good taste. I love blue raspberry vodka snowcones, and angel’s food cake with a champagne-infused caramel glaze.
December 24th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
MILs can be scary. Just sayin’
It was good to meet you. Have a great Christmas, and I hope you get some of the stuff on your wish list.
December 26th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Mine was actually shockingly well-behaved for the first time since I’ve met her. And no liquor was involved. I think I spent Christmas in the Twilight Zone.
I didn’t get anything on my list, but I did get an awesome steampunk wraparound watch from my husband. Hope you had a wonderful holiday and got everything you wanted!
December 24th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
Great Interview! As an aspiring author I love to get advice from other authors. Thanks! Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
tabithablake at ymail dot com
December 26th, 2011 at 9:48 pm
You’re welcome. It’s always weird straddling both sides of the editorial desk, but I’m always glad to help. Happy Holidays!
December 24th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
The new lines look like a lot of fun!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
December 26th, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Thanks, and same to you!
December 24th, 2011 at 4:52 pm
I love Chinese New Year! Never actually been to an actually parade but I see them on TV all the time around that holiday. lol.
So very glad you joined Entangled! I’m loving the company and the stories! And I’m very glad to be a part of it. And no fly fishing story from me, but I do love that you love Final Fantasy! It’s changed so much from the older ones, but it’s still one of my favorite RPGs.
December 26th, 2011 at 9:56 pm
Another Final Fantasy fan! <3 I started with VII in high school, backtracked and played all the older titles, and I've been hooked ever since. It's evolved so much, but I find something to love in every one, and even in games like Kingdom Hearts that just feature characters from Final Fantasy.
Thanks so much for inviting me here. Sorry it took me a few days to respond, since I've been laid up, but the response has been overwhelming and awesome. So glad to meet all these new people!
December 26th, 2011 at 10:38 pm
I LOVE Kingdom Hearts! The second one anyway. Gosh, you make me want to go play instead of work or write. Not good…
Glad you’re having a great time! And seriously people are just dropping in and out so whenever you have time. We’re partying till New Year’s day. Lots of time to hang out here!
Thanks so much for coming!
December 26th, 2011 at 11:41 pm
KH2 rocked. And I admit, with a great deal of shame, that Riku makes my heart flutter. ~facepalms~
December 24th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
I love the setting off of firecrackers during Chinese New Year, too. The lucky money is even better.
December 26th, 2011 at 9:59 pm
~grins~ …I admit a slight mercenary fondness for little red envelopes.
December 24th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
Chinese New Year IS amazing with all its colors and dancing and fireworks. I ADORE fireworks and wish we had them for every holiday. Your Santa list has one or two items similar to mine and I’m pulling for you to be on the Good List to get your wishes.
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
December 26th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
Oh, me too. I was so sad when they stopped having fireworks at Navy Pier every 4th of July. Luckily, I have neighbors with a penchant for illegal fireworks.
…well, lucky until they burn half the block down… ~coughs~
I hope you got everything on your wishlist!
December 24th, 2011 at 11:00 pm
You are a busy bee!!! I like Chinese New Year too.
Happy Holidays! Hope you wishes come try.
December 26th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
Thanks, same to you!
December 25th, 2011 at 12:49 am
Loved the interview! Very orginal, good job!
Adrien, I get carded all the time too, and I’m like practically 30 already! *sigh*
December 26th, 2011 at 10:10 pm
Isn’t it maddening? I’m almost 32, and I’ve had people think I’m a senior in high school. My husband’s younger than I, and everyone thinks he’s older. They tend to defer to him when we’re out, and it makes me insane.
Though I think you and I will both be grateful for the way we look when we’re 50.
December 25th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
Really enjoyed the interview. Hoping you get your wishes. Happy Holidays.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
December 26th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
Same to you; Happy Holidays!
December 25th, 2011 at 2:53 pm
hope every one is having a merry Christmas. thanks for sharing
December 26th, 2011 at 10:30 pm
Hope you’re having a happy holiday as well!
December 25th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
Merry Christmas everyone! I’m a budding writer so I appreciate the honest writing tips!
kakuchouakisame_19@yahoo.com
December 26th, 2011 at 10:31 pm
Good luck with your writing; trust me, I know how it is.
Hope I’ll get to read something of yours one day. Happy holidays!
December 25th, 2011 at 11:09 pm
Excellent post, Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
klmc_37@yahoo.com
December 26th, 2011 at 10:38 pm
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well!
December 26th, 2011 at 12:55 am
Great interview!!!
Entangled is definitely going places…
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!!!
Lisa
December 26th, 2011 at 10:41 pm
Hey Lisa! Good to see you here. Entangled is definitely growing in leaps and bounds; I’m glad to be on board and glad to get to work with everyone, including you.
December 28th, 2011 at 9:36 pm
Awww thanks!!! I’m hoping to steal a tiny bit of time to polish a Geek Story I have in mothballs on my harddrive…
Comic-Con, a guy from JiffyLube who is dressed as Aragorn from Lord of the Rings meets up with a water sprite sprite princess who just happens to be the real thing… Such a fun story!
December 28th, 2011 at 9:57 pm
…I absolutely have to see this, and not just because Aragorn is insanely hot. That sounds hilarious. And I love cons, so that’s a great setting.
December 26th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
Loved the interview! I am so glad for people like you that love your job, and turn out such great works from truly amazing authors that we may never know without you!
I hope you have had an amazing holiday season!
December 26th, 2011 at 10:44 pm
Same to you!
I really do love doing this. I love writing, too, but nothing compares to working with authors to hone their writing and help them bring something they love to an audience who can love it just as much.
December 26th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Hi Adrien and RAH ~ what a great bash! I’m sticking with Eggnog this morning since I indulged in a little too much “punch” last night.
Loved reading this interview and getting to know Adrien better. My family only eats stuffing at Thanksgiving, but now I’m thinking we’ll have to have it for Christmas too. Your grandmother’s sounds amazing. And I love how food can evoke such a special memory.
Best wishes in the new year!
December 26th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
~coughs~ …yeah, that punch… ~shifty eyes~
I loved my grandmother and her cooking. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen “Soul Food,” but that’s practically my family (right down to the craziness and yelling). I miss her a lot, but my aunts and my mother try to revive her memory at the holidays by cooking with her recipes. It’s almost like she’s there…and yelling at us for putting too many onions in the gumbo. ~laughs~
December 26th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
Nice to meet you, Adrien-Luc!! I hope both your lines are fabulously successful, as well as your future projects. Happy Chris-Han-Yul-Za!
DragonStar1974 )AT( Aol.com
December 26th, 2011 at 11:02 pm
Chris-Han-Yul-Za…~dies~ That’s epic. One way to cover all your bases. Happy non-denominational (or denominational) holiday of your choice as well!
December 26th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
Snort – funny stuff about accepting a drink from a short guy with pointy ears. I hope if you get any submissions about fly fishing that they are riviting.
drainbamaged.gyzmo at gmail.com
December 26th, 2011 at 11:05 pm
If I get any submissions about fly fishing, I may kick myself. A week or so ago I made a joke about how if someone submitted a story with goats and actually made it funny and engaging I’d snap it up…and within days there was a hilarious story in my inbox with goats as the central theme. ~facepalms~
Happy holidays!
December 26th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
Hi Adrien! I really enjoyed your interview.
Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! Happy New Year or Holdays!
kscathy@yahoo.com
December 26th, 2011 at 11:21 pm
Thanks! Hope you have a happy holiday as well!
December 26th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
Hey Adrien, great interview. I may give the flirts line a shot. I have a couple of R’s from you guys but I know to keep trying!
cheers
Liz
December 26th, 2011 at 11:22 pm
Oh, please do! You never know when the next time might be the charm. I hope to read something from you soon!
December 26th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
Great interview! You have a fun sense of humor!
Congrats on the new line. Id love to read one of your books. The cover to Holly’s First Noel is cute! Thanks for sharing! Happy holidays!
shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com
December 26th, 2011 at 11:26 pm
Isn’t the cover awesome? Heather does our covers, and she always knows the right note to hit. I hope you end up reading Holly’s First Noel; Faye’s sense of humor and comedic timing are amazing. She’ll make you laugh until you cry.
December 26th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
Thank you for giving us a peek into your life. Loved the interview and can not wait to check out the books in your line. Marie
December 26th, 2011 at 11:38 pm
Thanks! We have some awesome stories coming out in spring of 2012, so keep an eye out!
December 26th, 2011 at 11:13 pm
Hi Adrien-Luc! Great interview! You are so funny!
Congratulations on your position at EP. I signed with EP just a short while back, and it’s been a great experience. Can’t wait to see what 2012 holds for Entangled. Wishing you the best for the year ahead!
December 26th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
Same to you! Glad we’re on board with the same company. I’ve had a great time with Entangled, and I’m glad to hear you have as well.
December 27th, 2011 at 12:09 am
Hi, I hear so many good things about Entangled I had to come over from my party room to say hi. Anti Valentines sounds fun! It’s nice to meet you but I have to run back or I may be out of punch.
December 28th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Thanks for dropping in! Don’t mind me sneaking after you, it’s not like we’re…uh…out of punch in here and planning on stealing yours, nope, nuh-uh, not at all…
December 27th, 2011 at 12:59 am
What a great interview ! Love the fact that as an aspiring author I can learn from your spirit. Happy holiday to you
December 28th, 2011 at 9:03 pm
Thank you, and best of luck with your writing!
December 27th, 2011 at 1:05 am
Thank you for the great interview & the giveaways. I love that your fave part of your job is the authors reactions on launch day! That would definitely be a positive thing, even if they are nervous.
Happy holidays!
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
December 28th, 2011 at 9:06 pm
I think every author gets a little stage fright on release day – but when the five-star reviews start rolling in, they just light up like Christmas. It’s awesome.
December 27th, 2011 at 2:01 am
Congrats on signing on with entangled, I’ll keep my eye out for the new releases
sugerlady@aol.com
December 28th, 2011 at 9:08 pm
Thank you.
I hope you find something to love in our Flirt and Ever After lines.
December 27th, 2011 at 4:47 am
Hi Adrien! Just wanted to say hello and thank you for those lovely compliments about Holly’s First Noel
I love all Entangled’s calls for submissions – there just aren’t enough hours in the day to meet them all! But I hope to have something out to you in the New Year 
Best wishes for 2012 and I hope whoever wins the copy of Holly enjoys likes the story 
December 28th, 2011 at 9:11 pm
Hey, Faye, thanks for dropping by! I know anyone who wins Holly’s First Noel will love it. Everything you write cracks me up, and I can’t wait to see something new from you. Wishing you the best in 2012!
December 27th, 2011 at 11:01 am
Wonderful interview, and a pleasure in meeting you here…*S* I just found Entangled a couple of months ago that lead me to authors I haven’t read before..and that is the best part of it all….*S* I love finding new authors and publishers that I haven’t read before, and their delightful books. Living in the middle of nowhere literally..the interior of Alaska, I am forever behind in catching up on the ones missed but ever so happy when I find them…*S*
Wishing Entangled all the best this coming year, and wow has my “gotta have asap” list increased real fast…*S*
Thank you for the great Holiday event..and Happy New Year!
Darcy
pommawolf @hotmail.com
December 28th, 2011 at 9:13 pm
I’m a bit jealous, I think; Alaska is so beautiful, and if I wasn’t already living in the city of my dreams, I think I’d have run away to Alaska a long time ago.
I’d recommend some Entangled books to read, but I’d just end up recommending all of them! (Though right now I’m totally engrossed in Hushed by Kelley York, and it’s absolutely amazing.)
December 28th, 2011 at 9:37 pm
I just finished Hushed and it really is amazing!!! Loved that book!!!
Okay I’m through stalking your comments… For now! LOL
December 28th, 2011 at 9:59 pm
STALKER! ~points…and runs screaming~
Oh. Wait. No. Hi.
December 27th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
Great interview. You have such an awesome personality! I already have many Entangled titles on my TBR list.
msgabby(at)gmail(dot)com
December 28th, 2011 at 9:15 pm
…if I have a great personality, does that mean I’m not the prettiest girl at the prom?
(I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist. I’m sure you’re facepalming right now.)
On a more serious note, though, I hope you enjoy the Entangled books on your list, and hope you have a happy holiday!
December 27th, 2011 at 2:53 pm
What do you think makes a good editor? What is the one skill that all editors must have?
December 28th, 2011 at 9:33 pm
I don’t think there’s any one skill that makes a good editor, honestly. It’s a combination of things, starting with the ability to question everything. A book has to fit together seamlessly; the reader should never have to stop to question anything unless it’s something leading them deeper into the plot’s intricacies, so an editor needs to be the one to ask all those questions making sure that everything makes sense–whether it’s the positioning in a combat scene or the chemical composition of a synthetic biological compound or just the lovers’ poses in a romantic scene.
There’s a certain sensitivity involved. In a way an editor is the princess in The Princess and the Pea. Where a beta reader or crit partner might not mind that little bump in the narrative, the editor minds. The editor fidgets and twitches and goes crazy until it’s removed, and can’t live with it until everything is perfectly smooth from cover to cover.
Then again, in order to be able to question everything, you need to be rather widely-read. You need to be able to recognize genre tropes, but even more, you need to have the knowledge base necessary to recognize incorrect world details and bad plotting. This can mean something as simple as knowing the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion (and which one is applicable in standard real-world discussions of nuclear technology), or something as complex as understanding the wiring diagrams of a 1969 Pontiac GTO’s dashboard. It may even involve properly using descriptions of reaction mass-based propulsion in fictional space travel technology. You can’t know everything, but having a base frame of reference will let you know what you need to research in order to keep your authors from losing the reader’s trust with gross inaccuracies, plot holes, logical fallacies, or just plain mistakes.
It goes without saying that you also need to have a strong understanding of style and grammar, and understand the variations in what’s applicable for different genres. You also need to have a broad vocabulary, and an understanding of nuance and tone in that vocabulary so you can help your authors stop dancing around with a jumble of “close enough” words and instead find that one word that encompasses their meaning perfectly.
You also need to know when to give authors free rein, and when to rein them in. Sometimes you’ll need to teach authors things. Sometimes you’ll need to accept that certain things are a part of their style and voice, and the story won’t be the same if you push them too hard to conform.
The list really could just go on and on. A musician’s grasp of rhythm, flow, and timing; a psychologist’s understanding of the human mind and motivations; a drill sergeant’s determined ruthlessness, contrasted with a parent’s tough love and nurturing; a friend’s encouragement and comfort; a mad scientist’s erratic sleeping habits; a day trader’s ability to take smart, calculated risks.
All of those things are essential to being a good editor, yet every editor’s different, and I think every editor would give you a different answer.
I’ve written a novel myself, so I think it’s time for me to hush.
December 29th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
Thank you for your honest answer. Do you think that there is a college class or degree program that makes you a better editor or is it more something that you get better at the more you do?
By the way, if you haven’t been to the Anime convention in Baltimore, that is a must! There were so many amazing people in costumes and so much to buy!
December 29th, 2011 at 8:43 pm
This is such a wonderful reply. It makes me realize what a tough job editors have.
Audrey
December 27th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Nice interview. You sound like a lot of fun where an author can really s t r e t c h the limits
December 28th, 2011 at 9:35 pm
Shhh. I’m only pretending to be fun for the party. I’m actually an author’s worst nightmare. Really.
Don’t tell, okay?
December 28th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
Aw shucks *snaps fingers*
December 27th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
Ooo… Very nice interview!
December 28th, 2011 at 9:36 pm
Danke much!
December 27th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
I’d have to agree that if someone could fascinate me with fly fishing, that would be impressive. I think the writer has to have some interest in it..
December 28th, 2011 at 9:37 pm
Or they could be so bored by it they’re determined to find a way to make it interesting.
December 27th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
Ohmagawd Adrien, that was the most entertaining interview I have ever read–no kidding, bar none. I want to know what you did with the goat in the back seat of the car. If you ever decide to give up editing and writing, you would make a superb stand up comedian. Lordy. Ya know, I think I want to write a book about fly fishing just to see if you would like it. I also love your hair. Your advice to aspiring writers was most excellent–write and read–until your eyeballs fall out and your fingers fall off.
December 28th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
Well. You like my hair. I do believe you are currently my favorite person on the planet. No real reason, honestly. It’s not like I can be bought with flattery or anything. It’s all about your charm, wit, interest in fly fishing, and excellent taste in humor.
Let’s not discuss the goat. Let’s just say he won’t be talking any time soon. Not if he knows what’s good for him.
December 27th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
This is a popular place to be. I’ve heard great things about you and Entangled. In my geek girl blog post (Dec. 4) we talked about the geek submissions at Entangled.
Loved this interview– love the Dragon Dance too.
Happy Holidays, Adrien-Luc.
December 28th, 2011 at 9:42 pm
Thanks so much for the shout-out, Kaye, and I hope you’ve had a wonderful holiday as well.
December 28th, 2011 at 9:47 pm
P.S. By the way, I checked out your earlier blog post, and…ohhh, my. Daniel Jackson. ~fans himself~ I watched Stargate just for him. Well, and because Samantha Carter rocked. Oh, who am I kidding, I love the entire SG-1 team.
December 27th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
Fantastic interview. Love the bit about learning what your grandmother puts in her stuffing and how you won’t eat it now. Sometimes those things are better left a mystery.
Oh and alcohol infused cooking? I’m going to have to follow you. I need to expand and cook more than Bailey’s cupcakes. (Though they are quite tasty)
December 28th, 2011 at 9:48 pm
…Bailey’s cupcakes? I’ll trade you that recipe for my recipe for almond amaretto crepes.
January 2nd, 2012 at 9:48 pm
I think that could be arranged. Bailey’s cupcakes are a must have in the office on St Patty’s day. I’ve been threatened with death if I fail to bring them in.
Amaretto crepes…yum
December 27th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
I love your sense of humor lol Just wanted to say hi and nice to meet you
December 28th, 2011 at 9:48 pm
~laughs~ Hello, and nice to meet you as well. I hope you’re having a great holiday season.
December 27th, 2011 at 8:18 pm
Great sense of humor indeed. Also wonderful advice for writers…
December 28th, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Glad to be of service, and happy holidays!
December 27th, 2011 at 8:35 pm
It sounds like you are in just the right place. Only those who are very lucky get to do a job they love and enjoy. It makes for a better product coming from the publishing houses when you are serious about your job, but don’t take it or yourself too seriously. Enjoyed the interview.
librarypat AT comcast DOT net
December 28th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
I think when you love your job, it’s hard to really take it overly seriously, just because it makes you happy–and that happiness tends to infect everything you do and lend a certain light-heartedness. Granted, I’m not exactly a rainbow glitter farts and sunshine kind of person; I’m actually pretty cynical. But even in my wost mood, I’m always happy when editing and helping authors refine their work. I guess even cynics have their one moment of joy.
December 27th, 2011 at 9:51 pm
I love Chinese new year. The colors, the sounds it’s brilliant!
Happy Holidays!
Mary
mary_reiss @ hotmail.com
December 28th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
Isn’t it? I can’t wait for the next one. I plan to spend it in Chinatown this year, and I’m dragging my husband whether he wants to go or not.
Hope you’re having a happy holiday season!
December 27th, 2011 at 11:06 pm
I’m so excited to find your website and read all this cool stuff. As a writer, I’m soaking all this up like a huge sponge!!!
Happy Holidays!
Patti
December 28th, 2011 at 10:06 pm
I’m so glad it’s helpful! Since I started off as a writer myself, I know how frustrating and confusing things can be, and I always loved finding blogs and such that helped me sort things out. If I can pay that back by helping others, that makes me happy.
December 27th, 2011 at 11:25 pm
Love Anne McCaffrey, Guy Gavriel Kay and Orson Scott Card among so many others.
And I seriously need to play FF XIII so I can get FF XIII-2! But, I’ll confess, I just placed Platinum for SCII and I’m laddering when I’m taking a break from revisions. XD
(Pssst – I so love KH 1, 2 and Chain of Memories)
Congrats on the upcoming release of From the Ashes and thanks for the fun interview.
December 28th, 2011 at 10:12 pm
I have a friend who would love you. She’s always so sad that no one knows who Guy Gavriel Kay is, let alone enjoys his works, so she’s always happy to find other fans. Orson Scott Card…sometimes I hate myself for loving his works, as he’s such an outspoken homophobe. But I try to divorce his works from his personal ideals, as the Ender series is just brilliant.
If you decide to play FFXIII, make sure that:
1. You have a lot of time, and
2. You have a lot of patience.
The gameplay is very linear up until the last few chapters, but the story is extremely convoluted and most of the time makes almost no sense, as it’s a constant jumble of “so you know that thing you thought was happen? YOU JUST GOT PLAYED, BIOTCHES. Or…did you?” There’s not as much freedom to wander in early chapters as you find in older Final Fantasy games, and not as many side quests or games–again, until you get to the last few chapters. Once you’re finally free to deviate and explore, you can spend months just trying to complete all the side missions, unlock the trophies, and max your crystarium/leveling grid. And all the characters are pretty much copies of the most beloved archetypes from previous games, but there’s still emotional investment in them even if by chapter ten you’ll be sick of the story itself. A lot of people hate the game. A lot of people love it. But then you can say that of pretty much any FF title. I hate XI/XIV, while other people swear by it. But then WoW is my MMORPG of choice, even if I’m dreading the upcoming Pokemo–er, I mean Mists of Pandaria expansion.
…
I’m sorry, I believe you’ve unlocked the “make the game geek ramble” achievement.
December 28th, 2011 at 10:13 pm
…happening, not happen.
December 28th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
Ding! Achievement!
I’m delighted, actually, to get such an objective run down for FF XIII. People seem to either love the side quests and mini games or hate them. I’m usually a play it through once for story line, then play it through again for all the side quests kind of person, at least I did that for FFX, KH and KH2. Confession, I still haven’t gotten through FFX-2. I’m actually planning to play through BioShock as research for one of my WIPs. The game does a lot for my mindset and mood, setting the tone for the story.
WoW and StarCraft II are my MMORPGs of choice. I’m trying very hard not to get sucked into any others and I am a bit…meh about Pandaria.
Ender’s Game is one of my all time favorite books, but I truly do compartmentalize Orson Scott Card’s personal statements from his works. And then there’s Guy Gavriel Kay’s Fionavar Tapestry. *sigh* Really enjoyed those
December 28th, 2011 at 12:18 am
Smart interview , have a great new year
December 28th, 2011 at 10:14 pm
Same to you!
December 28th, 2011 at 12:42 am
I really loved the interview, especially about reading everything, some things will teach you what to do, and so what not to do. =D Thank you for the chance to win!
December 28th, 2011 at 10:17 pm
Thank you! It’s really the best advice I can give. So many people want an easy answer to the “how do I write well?” question, and for me there’s really only one answer: see how it’s done. Though it also gives you an idea of what you do and don’t want to write, too. I may love reading historical fantasy, but I’d never try to write it, for an example.
December 28th, 2011 at 2:13 am
I wish you luck on your christmas list..especially the sleep!! LOL!!! You do stay busy!! I hope you emjoy your holiday though!!
viajeradelmar@aol.com
December 28th, 2011 at 10:20 pm
I ended up sleeping more than I wanted to while recovering from an injury, but you know what? I’ll take it. Better than none. ~laughs~ Now it’s back to work, though. Looking forward to 2012; I hope the year brings you many great things, too.
December 28th, 2011 at 3:01 am
Very inciteful interview. I feel like I know you. lol
December 28th, 2011 at 10:22 pm
Thanks so much, and happy holidays!
December 28th, 2011 at 10:00 am
It’s so nice to meet you! Every question you answered is so honest and refreshing! I must also say the advice you give to writers is amazing and something to be held onto!
Happy holidays
December 28th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
Glad to be helpful, and happy holidays!
December 29th, 2011 at 7:17 am
Thank you
December 28th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
Nice Interview. I can’t write worth a darn, cut appreciated the advice for writers. I like the sound of the launch books and would like a chance to win them to read.
Thanks for the contest
Have a happy New Year!
December 28th, 2011 at 10:24 pm
We can always hope the lottery gods are kind to you.
Happy holidays!
December 28th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
Sounds like the year has been busy. Loved the post and I will have to keep my eyes out for the books. They sound great.
December 28th, 2011 at 10:26 pm
We’ve been getting a lot of great subs for the Valentine’s/Anti-Valentine’s, so keep an eye out for that in February. I’m somehow not surprised that the Anti-Valentine’s subs outnumber the Valentine’s subs three to one. I think people miiiiiight be just a little tired of hearts and flowers and perfect romance.
December 28th, 2011 at 3:39 pm
I love geek books! I’m so glad to see you’re putting something together just for me!
Can’t wait to see what else you’ve got coming!
December 28th, 2011 at 10:27 pm
Just send me your wishlist, and we’ll use that for all our future sub calls. ~winks~
December 28th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Wow! Hi and nice to meet you.
You sound like me when someone asks “Who is your favorite author?” All I can think is “I have to pick?”
I teach my students about Chinese New Year. They love the dragons and I always bring them food. I like for them to see what goes on outside their own little worlds.
At least you can do a chain stitch. I want to learn and I have no one to teach me.
I had to laugh when you said you get carded. Until I was about 45 (even with my silver hair) I was carded. Just chalk it up to good genes.
Grandmothers and cooking-that’s where I got my love of cooking and apparently so did my younger son-he’s a culinary student.
I think you and I would get along just fine. LOL
December 28th, 2011 at 10:35 pm
Oh man–I have silver hairs scattered everywhere (conveniently hidden in that pic) and I still get carded. It’s ridiculous.
You sound like so much fun; I love meeting a kindred spirit. I’d teach you to crochet if I could; the little old lady who lived across the street from my childhood home taught me. I was a latchkey kid, and if my mother was going to be home after dark, I’d go stay at Miss Mary’s house and she’d keep me busy with a crochet hook and yarn scraps. Sometimes I think hands-on is the only way to learn…because god knows I can’t decipher the books with these numbered diagrams and bad photos and weird terminology with no freaking definitions. I know I’m a bit dense sometimes, but not that dense. I should be able to figure out how to make a quilt square or something.
I could’ve gone on for pages about my favorite authors. Just looking at my shelf (and not even touching my Nook, which is just freaking stocked) I could rattle off tons more, like Keirsten White, William Gibson, China Mieville, Paolo Bacigalupi, Suzanne Collins, Chaim Potok, Carlos Fuentes, David Weber, Cherie Priest, Cheryl Rainfield, Steven Erikson, Michael Crichton….see, I’m going on and on again. Who are some of your favorites?
December 29th, 2011 at 12:54 am
**Danger Will Robinson** OMG! There’s that whole “I have to chose?!” thing. Geeze…I could go on for days but I’ll try to limit the list of favorites. Suzanne Brockmann; Laurell K. Hamilton; Marion Zimmer Bradley; Vicki Lewis Thompson (Nerd series); Jennifer Ashley; Donna Grant; Charlotte Vale Allen; Diana Gabaldon; Cathy Yardley; J.L. Langley; Janet Evanovich; Jennifer Crusie; Billie Letts; Gregory Maguire; Heather Graham; Sally MacKenzie (Naked series, my younger son was staring at my book shelves one night and said “How many of those naked guys are there?, I love my kids);Michael Crichton; Kathy Hepinstall; Aldous Huxley; Robert Newton Peck, Lois Lowry and Rodman Philbrick (I teach, I read to kids, I like the books); Neil Gaiman; Mark Twain (I just got The Autobiography of Mark Twain, I was so excited). Ok, so I’m a nerd and I like romance, its who I am.
Don’t blame me for that loooong list. You asked.
I don’t know how to crochet but I do counted cross-stitch, needlepoint, beading and some quilting. I have many talents.
December 29th, 2011 at 1:19 am
Oh! Oh! Oh! One more thing—You love bad jokes too! Yes!
December 29th, 2011 at 12:25 am
Hey
I’m working my bum off at the moment on a story for your Geek-girl call. Looking forward to sending it soon
Cait
December 29th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Hey, I have this story about fly fishing…just kidding..I meant golf…BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA The fly fishing thing is going to stick in my head. I just know it is. Guy is fly fishing…is attacked by a rogue shapeshifter and is then rescued by a crazy fox shifter chick…yeah, that’s it.
I don’t get carded anymore and I’m kind of bitter about it, so enjoy it while it lasts:)
Happy New Year’s!
December 29th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
Loved your interview! You have a great sense of humor!
Happy Holiday!
December 30th, 2011 at 2:27 am
I’m a de Lint and McCaffrey fan as well. So glad her son is carrying on the Pern books.
December 30th, 2011 at 9:33 am
Adrien, your humor is like my hubby’s…love it!
books4me67 at ymail dot com
December 30th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
Woot! Thanks for the terrific interview–looking forward to learning more about Entangled and reading more in the coming year!
Best wishes for much joy and continued success in 2012!
f dot chen at comcast dot net
December 30th, 2011 at 2:12 pm
I love the designated driver comment. I like to think that the designated drivers aren’t considered the party poopers. Great interview.
jessangil (at) gmail (dot) com
December 30th, 2011 at 8:19 pm
FUN interview! Have a safe and Happy New Year!
December 30th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
wow ilove the info you give and wish i new sooner about this contest i love to read
December 31st, 2011 at 11:37 am
Great interview! Happy New Years!
December 31st, 2011 at 5:49 pm
What a great interview. I’m a fan of several of your authors (*waves at the FFnP crowd*) and recently finished Rosalie Lario’s most recent novel (Yay, Ronin). I look forward to perusing your novelette/novella lines. And hope to submit something for your Geek call for submissions (what a great concept).
Happy New Year,
-a-
January 1st, 2012 at 1:28 am
Thanks for the giveaway & have a Happy New Year!
elizabeth @ bookattict . com
January 1st, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Happy New Year! Thanks for the giveaway!
beckerjo at verizon dot net
January 2nd, 2012 at 10:30 pm
Hey everyone! I wanted to thank you all for stopping by, and post the winners of the Flirt and Ever After giveaway books. I really enjoyed getting to talk to all of you, and the chance to get to know you!
Now the winners, chosen by random lotto:
All I Want For Christmas:
1. Tamsyn
2. Gabrielle J.
3. Jessica Lee
Holly’s First Noel:
1. Rebecca Zanetti
2. Joder
3. Renee Bennett
And one to win both:
Emily Tardy
Congrats to the winners! If I don’t email you by the end of the week, you can email me at adrien-luc(at)entangledpublishing(dot)com to claim your prize.
Thanks, and I hope 2012 is amazing for all of you!
-Adrien