I was interviewed by Freya’s Bower Check it out

http://freyasbower.com/blogs/authorinterviews/2009/12/03/interview-with-sassy-sipe-aka-ronna-gage/

Interview with Sassy Sipe aka Ronna Gage

Just Ask by Sassy Sipe

We’d like to welcome Sassy Sipe to our interview blog this week. A very talented author, Sassy writes as herself and under her pseudonym, Ronna Gage. Her Freya’s Bower work includes Just Ask, a sweet romance, Afternoon Delight, a BDSM contemporary erotic short, and Tell me a Lie, a sizzling contemporary erotic short.

Welcome, Sassy.

Thank you for having me.

FB: I’m not sure where to begin. Perhaps I should ask how you switch gears from sweet romance to the hot shorts that you write. Many people don’t realize just how hard it is to write a realistic sex scene or to keep romance sweet.

Sassy: The sweet romance ‘Just Ask‘ was actually my first attempt at a short story. I focused on the ‘love’ not the sex fact. I wanted to bring out the closeness of the relationship, to show how it built to friendships, lovers, and partners.

Afternoon Delight is a wild romp in the afternoon. This story explains how after years of marriage you sometimes don’t know your spouse because of the lack of communications. The insecurities some have to tell and show that sensually, wicked side, even to their husband. Reasons vary from person to person, but it seemed logical–at my age–to base it on the possible rejection.

FB: Bliss, the heroine for Just Ask, is a woman most of us can relate to. All of us have had our moments of being tired. What’s wonderful is the surprise her husband of 16 years has for her. This is a very sweet story. It’s also very touching, laced with moments of reality and comic relief. (The son is great.) Is there a little bit of you in Bliss?

Sassy: Yes, Just Ask is based on a true story. The night my husband proposed to me after 16 years of marriage.

FB: Now, that’s just sweet. (sigh) Would you marry your husband again if he asked? And would you have a medieval wedding?

Sassy: I did say yes, LOL. And we are planning a medieval wedding. Which isn’t easy at all.

Afternoon Delight by Ronna Gage

 

FB: Maudi and Sean’s story in Afternoon Delight is completely different. Well, not completely. They are a happily married couple, but their story is naughty. (grin) I love me a good naughty story. LOL Do you think it’s helpful to insert a little naughtiness to keep a relationship strong for that many years?

Sassy: Yes, it seems after a certain amount of time, some couples want to keep it fresh and experiment. Some have a midlife crisis and look around. I say let’s find that naughtiness in ourselves and introduce it to the marriage. Who better than our trusted mates to experience a new side of your personality.

FB: I agree with you 100%. If there was a second story after the Afternoon Delight, what new escapades do you think Sean and Maudi would get up to? Would the like bondage be a little more, um, intense? (grin)

Sassy: Yeah, I think so. In the bondage experiments I think focusing on the bond of trust would be the key. Even in someone you trust with your life, the vulnerability of surrendering control can be a big step.

FB: Absolutely. I haven’t yet. (grin) Tell me a Lie doesn’t tell the story of a married couple, but one just finding each other. Like the others, there is a thread of poignancy laced through it. Perhaps it’s because the three stories show the fears of each person, fears that most of us have experienced at one time or another, that I found them to be so engaging. What was it about Ford that made Ava want to trust him, especially after Rick?

Sassy: Ford, captured her attention first in a coffee shop, and then in the bar. Her soul purpose was to go and get laid, no strings attached. But after the night, he seeks her out, using his influence as a detective to find her. Neither could foget about the one night stand because they want much more.

FB: Do you relate more to any one of your characters than the others?

Sassy: To all of them in a way. Like Bliss, I found my alpha male husband to still be the man I would marry in a heartbeat. To Maudi’s personality I gave the desire to come forth with my fantasy to my husband. Building on something strong to get something unbreakable. And finally Ava’s personality, I lent her the bravery to go for it with no strings attached. I couldn’t leave it at: Great I did it that ends it. I had to have a happily ever after.

FB: Do you prefer writing shorts to longer stories?

Sassy: Longer stories. I love detail.

FB: Are there any other genres you’ve considered trying?

Sassy: I have written a paranormal, Mystic Journey. I sent it to a friend of mine to go over and give her opinion and feedback. She liked it so much she offered a contract.

FB: What else are you currently working on?

Sassy: I am currently working on a couple of things. First off, I am writing a novel about high school sweethearts, Rae Anne and Landy, who are reunited after ten years. Thing is, she thought he was killed in Operation Desert Storm in 1990. He is told she’s decided to begin her life without him, being the wife of a soldier wasn’t for her.

Reunited by fate, because her husband dies, she decides to take a sabbatical on the open seas. Her appointed captain….Landy. Stranded on an uninhabited Island, they must face the truth and realize they still love one another.

Tell me a Lie by Ronna Gage

 

Second, I’m revamping another story for Freya’s Bowers consideration. Send Her to Me. This is a cute story about a couple, Carter and Kelli, who meet, fall in love, and have a secret between them. Once that secret comes out, she leaves. Carter realizes he messed up badly and works to win her back. Problem is, she is seeing another man. He finds them at a bar one night. He must make a choice. Does he ruin her reputation, beat up her new lover and get revenge? Or, does he love her enough to see her happy and let her go.

FB: I look forward to seeing that, Sassy. Now for some fun questions:

What about writing life/being an author took you by surprise?

Sassy: To put it on paper was harder than just telling the story to my friends and family. What I see in my head and put on paper don’t always match. But after much criticism, tools of the trade from groups, and working as a submissions editor, I’ve learned a lot.

FB: Where did your journey as a writer begin?

Sassy: I have been telling stories all my life. Giving my family and friends little tidbits of ideas. One day I thought, why not write them down and preserve them. Then Bam, I had some thing to work with. After five years, lots of lessons, and reading other authors style of work, I formed a style all my own.

FB: If you could be any man, living or dead, who would you want to be? Why?

Sassy: I guess I would want to be my husband, Ron. My true alpha male, my romance hero in real life, and I would teach him a few things.

FB: If you could French kiss any of the following men for charity, which would it be: Viggo Mortensen, Brad Pitt, Antonio Banderas, or George Clooney? Or is there another man I didn’t mention, as they are so many French kiss worthy men? (grin)

Sassy: I don’t date or French kiss other men. It would annoy my husband.

FB: My husband wouldn’t like it either, not even for charity. LOL Any last words? Um, for the interview, that is. (grin)

Sassy: I would like to say to new authors, If you believe in yourself, and work hard, your dreams can come true. But this is a VERY competitive business. Mediocrity won’t do. Don’t depend on your editor to ‘fix’ your work. Their job is to make what you’ve written the best possible release it can be. It’s all on you.

Just Ask by Sassy Sipe

Afternoon Delight by Ronna Gage

Tell me a Lie by Ronna Gage

 

Freya’s Bower books by Sassy Sipe/Ronna Gage:

COMING SOON MYSTIC JOURNEY BY RONNA GAGE

MYSTIC JOURNEY
My first ever paranormal has been signed by Noble Romance publishing.
I am very excited to share the news.

This story deals with two couples. Lady Serena Willard and Derek Boydington AND Dr. Sabine Williams and Det. Drake Boyd.

Serena and Derek live in Renaissance England under King Henry VIII’s rule. She is a noble woman of society, and is accused of witchcraft and eventually executed.
Derek is a poor man looking to change his station in life to marry the woman he loves. Trouble is, he finds out that she is to be executed for witchcraft. Too late to save her, Derek lives his life in shame as he in a weak moment married a woman to save her reputation. Unable to stand a loveless marriage, or a life without his beloved Serena, he joins the king’s army to spy for the King.

Sabine and Drake live in present day Fort Worth. She is a Doctor, with recurring nightmares in which she can’t explain, but feels the suffocating bindings around her throat.

Drake is a Detective. His life is less than perfect. He fears dying alone. Their chance meeting happens when Drake is shot in a drug bust gone bad. He spends days in a coma recovering from his wounds. Sabine never leaves his side. She is compelled to stay beside him in his hour of need. Something about him is familiar. But she can’t place where she’s seen his face.

He walks in a misty cloud on some beach in a death stroll. He must atone for his sins. The heavenly mother was sent to help him Right the wrongs in his life. Problem is, it’s not his life he must correct in Renaissance England….but another man who looks just like him.

Release details to come

www.nobleromance.com

Other Ronna Gage Books

www.freyasbower.com

www.bookstrand.com

www.allromancee-books.com

www.fictionwise.com

Detailing a Story

Writing is  a very tedious process. After many years and stories, an author will be able to automatically write a story in a matter of weeks, instead of months, and make details count.  If you are new to this craft you will soon , if not already, realize just how tedious it can be.  So, I would like to share some hints to help you along.

In my daytime job, I am a teacher. I teach 7th and 8th graders. I love this group of children. They can be so wonderful creatures. One minute, they have all the knowledge in the world. They can handle any problems that come along,  fight thier way to the top. BUT, when they have a situation, like writing, that challenges their abilities, right away these bright, confident,boys and girls begin to doubt themselves and almost give up. As a teacher, I get to have that one moment of “I told you so!” Then I get to work.

I go over the poster in my room. The Steps of Writing!

1. Rough Draft- this is where the main ideas, the characters’ involvements, the plots begin. This is just the beginning. Where your idea forms, and you implement your research and your report or story together.

2.Second Draft- This is wehre you fill in the details paragraph by paragraph. (I ask a few basic questions that help to bring out such information.)  Sensory assessments *What does it look like? *What does it smell like?  * What emotions does the character react/act with, to the scene or other character?s around them, *What does it feel like in the scene? Is it hot, cold, warm, cool. These are great context clues to a paragraph. What is detailing any way? Clues to give the reader the idea of a season, a texture, a smell…sweet, savory, stinks…etc.

Editing- This is where you check for spelling words, usage of vocabulary, repeated phrases, crutch words, making sure the research fits the situation realistically.

Critiques- I added this one for manuscript writers like us. It is not in my classroom, although I am thinking of using this step. Astudent can get good feedback from a critique if it is done properly.  Basically, this is where you send it to your critique partner or group for thier views, opinions, and suggestions. A good diverse group will be beneficial here.

Final Draft- The end result.  This is the draft you send out to offer a publisher.

Some wonderful tools to use in your craft!, A dictionary- Of course. Thesaursus, grammar book usage, You can go to a librayary or bookstore in your area to get a great handbook. I suggest personally the Avoid Writer’s Hell handbooks by Faith Bicknell Brown. I use mine alot. Editing Bootcamp by Michele Bardsley. She has an official web page in which she helps authors in need.  I will add this to the bottom.  

Michele Bardsley’s Official Web Page   http://blog.michelebardsley.net/

Faith Bicknell Brown  http://faithbicknellbrown.com/

Avoid_Writer’s_Hell Yahoo Group  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Avoid_Writers_Hell/

ATTENTION: this is an adult group with adult content i.e. erotic romance and erotica manuscripts, excerpts, etc. Please don’t join if you are under the age of 18.

Wild Child Publishing www.wildchildpublishing.com

Go to the home page, on the left margin look for Resourse Links,  Inside is a host of wonderful tools for your use.

Noble Romace Publishing  www.nobleromance.com

Blog Tab, Jill Noble, the Sr.Editor for Noble Romnace write’s blogs to inform of new sites, new techniques, and other pertinent information for the new author.

If you are targeting a particular publisher, chedk thier home page for writing tips and resourses.

And of course, My own little set up!

www.ronnagage@yahoogroups.com

I try to encourage writers to get help from one another. You are more than welcome to drop by, check us out, and give a hand. I WILL WARN YOU! If you writing needs work, we will let you know. Sometimes it is not nicest way, but we will not give you false hope. We point out the weak points, make suggestions, and yes, we will give you a guiding lnk to help. 

This is a competitive business. Only the GREAT get published. With that said, Good Luck to all.

Sassy

Too Hard to Get Past?

Too Hard to Get Past?

 

I have built a reputation as a hard ass submissions editor. I take pride in that one. My husband and son say I’m hard to please. What do they know?  Apparently, a lot.

 

Why am I so hard to get a manuscript passed? Is it the power play? Is it revenge? Is it not enough to do during to day? Well, let’s ponder these things one at a time.

 

Power Play….

 

Yes, my position does hold a certain amount of power. I am the first person to contact an author about their ‘dream’ manuscript. Whether it is a rejection or a considering notice, it is me who delivers this news. I will let you in on a secret…. I hate giving rejection notices. I remember when I got mine. Trouble was, I had no idea why they rejected me. Was it mechanics? Was it grammar? Show not tell? WHAT? So frustrating as an author. That is why I now critique a small amount of submissions before I send to the author. I try to give them a direction in which to work.  I would love to offer contracts, considering letters or even a contract.  But I can’t. I have to be honest with the author.  If the writing needs work, I tell them so and give them links to help. Either to the home page, the critique groups I know are around, or even an editor taking in ‘students’ at her group. I try to help out when I can.

 

To answer my question about power play…no, that’s not it! 

 

Revenge then?

 

Revenge for what? Because I was rejected? LOL I take that as an opportunity to realize I had to find help. So, I joined a critique group. I then put out a notice. “I NEED A CRITIQUE PARTNER!”  Several people answered. Ava James, Sydney Bernier—my two critique partners—Jodi Olson—my co moderator on ronnagage@yahoogroups.com, All responded and we worked together to hone in our crafts. Best decision I made

So revenge isn’t the answer.

 

Too much time on my hands? LOL. I work 2 part time jobs outside the house. I have plenty to do.

 

To answer my own question. I am hard to get manuscripts past because this business is so fickle. One day you are in, then the next you’re out.—or vice versa!

 

This business has no time for half assed thoughts put down on a piece of paper and call it a manuscript. You don’t just wake up one day and say…Hmmm! I want to write.  It isn’t that easy. You have to work at it. Learn everyday new tips on editing, how to structure a sentence, develop a plot… a character…. a believable and realistic story line. This takes time…. energy and effort.

Then you do a grammar check, spell check, have buddies look at it, have a teacher friend look at it, maybe even a newspaper editor look at it. The manuscript is now polished and ready to go.  You send it to me.

 

 I look at it and ask questions about this character or that setting. I make suggestions to rephrase to make the flow go easier…. In the process you get a rejection.

 

“All that work for no reason.” You say. Then you cry, scream, throw a tantrum, wonder what is wrong with your writing? Maybe even curse me with voodoo magic. (Thank goodness I haven’t bee hit.)

 

This is where I would say, ”IN this industry, you have to have a thick skin. Rejection is part of it. Take another look at my notes.”

 

 Suddenly, you get up, dust yourself off, and take another look at my suggestions. “Maybe, she’s on to something here!” you say. You take on a new attitude…I am a writer! So, you sit down and rework your manuscript.

 

In the end, I am not that hard to get past.  I am the one who is willing to give you an inside view of what I’m looking for and make your story better. I am your future….the reader….your biggest fan….the one buying your books. 

 

 The End!

 

 

Here are the names of some groups that maybe able to help with your manuscript.

 

Novel Sisterhood—A critique group.

Avoid_Writer’s_Hell—A class conducted by a publishing editor.

Ronna Gage—my own group

Erotic Romance Workshop—Name says it all

Romance Writing Class—Name says it all.

 

Supportive groups to just relax and get comfort, pats on the back or whatever!

Your Publishing group!

The_Gage_James_Gang on Yahoo

Hea2 Happily Ever After Group!

 

You can Google, Yahoo, AOL search more critique groups or writer’s groups.

Tell Me A Lie

When you meet someone that piques your interest, the heart and mind argue for control, and it can make you sick. You can’t sleep, can’t eat, feverish passions leaves you feeling chills through your whole body, you can’t swallow for the large lump in your throat, and you feel wet in the most secret places.

You take matters into your own hands and cure what ails you…. go straight to bed and sweat it out.

 

 

RELEASE DATE:

March 24, 2009

www.freyasbower.com

 

BLURB

      The heart and mind sometime battle for what is our best soul mate. When the battle heats up, we take matters in our own hands dare to play the game.

 

Hello world!

Hello world,

This is my first blog and thought I would say hello. I am an editor for Freya’s Bower Publishing and Wild Child Publishing.  I wirte romance novels.

My family consists of me, my husband of 19 years and our son. We help each other with our dreams and support one another with our choices. Just a really hip family.

Gotta go back to work. Talk at you soon. Sassy