How long did it take for you to get published and what was the journey like?

LMG: I started actively seeking publication in 2001. A bit daunted at first, I kept on writing and submitting. Of course, when you submit, you get responses. Most of the responses I received were rejections. And those hurt me so much in the beginning. So much so that I would stop writing for weeks at a time, sometimes months. I did begin writing again, though which eventually led to the publication of my first novel.

Tell us about your call story?

LMG: Well, it was actually an “e-mail” call – and I was at work. When I saw it, at first, I didn’t even want to open it. Anyone who tells you that opening a letter, or an e-mail, is easier than hearing “the call” over the phone has never received an e-mail like this! The good thing about an e-mail is that you can actually read it over and over, which I did. After I read it, I wanted to run screaming down the hall at my office. I contained myself only with great effort. I went outside instead and just paced. Then, I called my son. That night my sons and I sent to celebrate with Mexican food and margaritas!

For those who aren’t familiar with your work, tell us what you write and who you write for?

LMG: I write contemporary romance for the woman who has lived a little. The Wild Rose Press, who is my publisher, has a nice category for these stories – The Last Rose of Summer. Not that my heroines are on their last legs, but they’re at their most beautiful and poised for the next adventure in their lives. My stories also have a definite Latina flavor.

How long does it take you complete a book, start to finish?

LMG: Writing TOO LATE FOR ROMANCE? took me a year. However, I’ve written rough drafts of books in a few weeks.

What’s your take on self promotion? What have you found to work the best for you?

LMG: Every author needs to self-promote, even the ones published by the big houses. What works best is networking, actually meeting people face to face and telling them about your work. Joining writer’s organizations helps, too.

What do you think of social networks? Are you on any of them?

LMG: Social networking is good as well. You get to really know people, what’s important to them and what they like. Having a common interest like writing, and reading, leads to important connections.

How about blogs? Do you read them? Write your own? Guest blog? What do you think works best? And do you have any favorite blogs or blog posts?

LMG: I like blogs. I read several on a daily basis. I’ve tried to write my own, but it’s very time-consuming. Guest blogging is good as well and I need to do more of that.

What’s your opinion on having an agent? Do you have one currently?

LMG: If I want to sell to a big house, I’ll get an agent. I don’t have one currently, but getting one is on the back burner, simmering.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve been given?

LMG: Join a critique group that’s tailored to your needs. After all these years, I think I’ve finally found one.

Do you have any advice for new writers?

LMG: Keep writing! Through thick and thin, through rejections, through life’s problems. Think of writing your stories as a career, a way to make a living from your writing.

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