Anne McDonald: I'll open in prayer, go over protocol and introduce tonight's guest.

Lord, thank You so much for blessing our lives. Please be with us tonight and especially bless our special guest. Let our conversation bless You and others. Help us to apply what we learn to our writing. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

Protocol reminder: when the floor is open to questions, please raise your hand by typing ? for questions, ! for comments. And to keep us from stepping on each others' toes, please type GA when you have finished typing. 

Anne McDonald: Tonight, I pleased to introduce award winning author Nikki Arana. She just recently sold the movie rights to one of her novels. Nikki, welcome. 

* Annie leads the applause 

Nikki Arana: Thank you so much for having me. 

* DragonRidingMouse applauds 

Undercoverangel: Welcome

Nikki smiles sheepishly

 

Anne McDonald: Nikki, could you tell us a bit about yourself, your book series and your new release?  

Nikki Arana: I started writing in 2003. My first book was The Winds of Sonoma. It was based on the story of how I met my husband. It was followed by 2 more books and that made my first series. I then wrote a stand alone book and it was released last June.

It was also based on a true story.  

While working on these books I have become VERY knowledgeable about women's fiction and commercial story structure. I now also do editing for authors and clients referred to me by agents. 

Anne McDonald: How much of your series is reflective of your life, and how much is fictionalized? 

Nikki Arana: The first book, Winds, is very close to exactly what happened. The other 2 books in that series are fiction.  

Undercoverangel: How many books have you written  Nikki? 

Nikki Arana: I have 4 books in bookstores and I am just finishing my 5th book. The working title is Fear No Evil. 

Anne McDonald: Nikki, how did you flesh out the characters in your books? Do you have a specific routine you go through?  

Nikki Arana: Hmm. I was just thinking today about how I flesh out my characters. I start with knowing what they look like. Yep, real basic. Then I think about the situation they are entering into. Then I start probing into their past deep wounding and thinking about what motivates them. My characters are very complex and reveal themselves as the story deepens. 

Barbara: Do you work from an outline or are you a seat of the pants writer 

Nikki Arana: That is such a difficult question. I am most certainly not an outliner. Though I do so wish I was. But I always know the big pieces going in. It is the journey from piece to piece that happens as I write. 

Jood117: Which do you enjoy writing more, fiction or non-fiction?  

Nikki Arana: I am currently writing my first non-fiction book. To me it is not a creative process like fiction is. I must say that I love the creative aspect of fiction. It is like communing with a living thing. 

Anne McDonald: What is the hardest part of writing for you? 

Nikki Arana: When I am writing, everything else in my life comes to a halt. I have tried doing other significant things like selling real estate while writing a novel, but it doesn't work. I become consumed with the story and don't want to be bothered with real life. 

Dragon Riding Mouse: What does your writing space look like? 

Nikki Arana: I started writing when my youngest son left home so his room became my office. It is quite large with lots of windows.  It is painted a very light green and has several big work tables in it. Lots of reference books and a big cozy chair. I could live in here. In fact, my husband would probably say I do!  

Guest237: Did you use an agent to sell the film rights for your books? 

Nikki Arana: Yes. The way it worked is my literary agent, Natasha Kern, partnered with a film agent, Intellectual Property Group. They negotiated the contract. 

Leanna: I'm going to cheat and ask two questions at once. :) How long (on average) does it take you to write a novel? and Do you write straight from the beginning to the end or do you skip around? 

Nikki Arana: It takes me about a year to write a novel. At least 2 months of that is simply thinking. I'm serious. I sit in that big chair and think. When I start to write I have the major part of the plot in my head. No notes. I just carry it there. That is one reason it takes me so long. As the plot evolves and changes I have to rethink it out to the end, modifying as needed, straight through. When I finish a chapter, 90% of the time it is what goes to the publisher.  

Undercoverangel: Are your movies based on your books? Or are they a different story altogether?  

Nikki Arana: The film rights that were sold were for The Winds of Sonoma with an option for the other 2 books in the series. But, just because the rights are sold there is no guarantee the film will be made. I gave them l year. If they don't start production, I get my rights back. But I still get to keep the option money. I have learned SO much about the process and about making films from books that I am now very seriously considering writing a  screenplay next.  

Spitfire: What is your primary method of writing? (i.e. laptop, notepad, palmpilot, stone tablet and chisel)  

Remade Gold: (papryus) 

Dragon Riding Mouse: (lol) 

Remade Gold: (soap) 

Jood117: (very funny spitfire) 

Undercoverangel: (quiet guys!) 

Nikki Arana: I have a desktop in my office. I am very disciplined and going in my office means I will work. 

Jood117: What production company/who bought the rights?  

Nikki Arana: It was a small independent who will look for distribution through Hallmark, Disney or FoxFaith. 

Anne McDonald: Will you have any say in the script if Winds of Sonoma goes to film?  

Nikki Arana: No, I've sold my rights and have no say.  

Undercoverangel: Do you find it hard to write the story, fiction and nonfiction?  

Nikki Arana: Could you clarify the question a little, sorry. 

Undercoverangel: I mean, do you often hit a writers block, get stumped on what to say next. Sorry.  

Nikki Arana: I have to say I don't believe in writer's block. I believe that when I get stuck it is because at some level I know I am off track. It never fails, if I go back and start reading the text something will show itself as needing correction or development. I believe it is the Holy Spirit gently getting my attention. 

Guest237: Will you have the option to review the script even if you can't make changes?  

Nikki Arana: I was told that they would send me the script when it was written. But the writers strike held it up. 

Anne McDonald: How many hours a day do you write?  

Nikki Arana: At least 6 most days.  

Jood117: Would you loose any money if part of the agreement made it so that you're the screenwriter?  

Nikki Arana: No, in fact if you negotiate that they pay you. I had other deadlines.  

Anne McDonald: Could you tell us more about your latest release?  

Nikki Arana: As I Have Loved You was inspired by my oldest son's first serious relationship. It was an incredibly tragic but inspiring story. It was a case of a young Christian man, age 22, getting mixed up with the wrong girl. I mean wrong in every way you can think of. I can't tell too much because there are many twists and turns for those who haven't read the book. And most all are true. 

Dragon Riding Mouse: What is the most fun part of writing for you? 

Nikki Arana: Getting in touch with deep emotions that I would never reveal to anyone.  

Spitfire: How do you handle disappointment if the movie doesn't turn out the way you hoped (i.e. parts left out, book not followed, story changed, etc.) 

Nikki Arana: I made a conscious decision when I sold the rights to look at the movie as "their" movie. I have emotionally distanced myself from it. If I am disappointed the only way anyone will ever know is by reading the book that will undoubtedly follow : )  

Guest237: Would you have done anything different when you negotiated your film rights?  

Nikki Arana: I'd say no. I was so lucky to have a very seasoned film agent do it. I see now the wisdom in much that she did. The most important thing I learned was not to get excited and to be prepared to walk at any moment.  

Dragon Riding Mouse: How do you get inspired to write? (i.e. music, background sounds, pictures, objects, etc.) Are there any other things you do to help you write? (clean office, open window, tea, etc.) 

Nikki Arana: I usually read something inspirational like Oswald Chambers thoughts, or certain passages of the Bible. I spend a lot of quiet time with God. And often I spend time with the characters, thinking about their suffering and how there are real people in the world today suffering in the same way. That always gets me motivated to write on and show how God is always with us. No matter what it may look like at the moment. 

Anne McDonald: As an editor, what are the most common problems you see in manuscripts?  

Nikki Arana: I work mostly with writers who have tried to submit and can't get interest. Without a doubt the most common problem is their novel doesn't have commercial story structure. You need to have an internal and external story to get noticed.  

Miralee: Did the movie company stumble across your book or did your agent submit it to them? 

Nikki Arana: I actually am the one who got the book in front of them after hearing they had an interest in that kind of story. Then I turned it over to my agent when they showed interest. 

Jood117: Do you recommend having an agent?  

Nikki Arana: Absolutely. Today the market is very, very competitive. The most important thing an agent can do for you is tell you if your ms is ready to submit. Most newbies don't get professional editing before they start submitting because it is so expensive. 

An agent can tell you if you need a professional and direct you to the kind of editor you need. So important. Having a great agent will make or break your career. 

Anne McDonald: Could you explain "commercial story structure" for those not familiar with that term? 

Nikki Arana: Many people think of writing as simply telling a story. Often with baby writers that results in them "reporting" a series of events that happened in the life of one or more characters. That results in what is called episodic writing. You have to have an internal story. The real story you are telling.  

An example would be the book of Hosea. Some would say it is the story of a man who marries a prostitute. It is really a story of God's love for Israel. That's the internal story.  

Dragon Riding Mouse: My friends and I are writing a fantasy story together that we think would make a pretty good book. Any tips on getting it published someday, aside from writing (or re-writing) it in the appropriate style and format?  

Nikki Arana: Do you mean tips because it is a fantasy? Not sure of the question, sorry.  

Dragon Riding Mouse: well, we are working as a group (about 7 or or so us), and we want to know how we can get a story that was written as a group, under several POVs 

Nikki Arana: You are right to be concerned. If you e-mail me privately I will give you some information about that. 

Dragon Riding Mouse: (thanks) 

Jood117: How long did it take to get your rights sold? 

Nikki Arana: The negotiations took 3 weeks. It was fast. 

Nikki Arana: I just wanted to say that I will be teaching at the RWA National Convention in San Francisco. If any of you are going I would love to meet you. 

Anne McDonald: Where can everyone get the information about the Romance Writers convention?  

Nikki Arana: I have a link on my website: www.nikkiarana.com under Meet Nikki 

Anne McDonald: thanks, Nikki. Tonight, Nikki has generously donated an autographed copy of As I Have Loved You for tonight's drawing. DRM, do your stuff  

* Annie rolls a drum across the stage 

Dragon Riding Mouse: the winner is......... 

Dragon Riding Mouse: JOOD117! 

* Dragon Riding Mouse watches the fanfare play 

KC: Congrats 

Jood117: Dude... AWESOME. 

Miralee: Wahoo Jood! 

Barbara: Hey, Jood, congratulations 

Anne McDonald: congrats, Jood 

Jood117: Thanks Nikki! 

Undercoverangel: Congrats Jood! 

Nikki Arana: Thank you all so much for having me.  

Leanna: Congrats! 

* Dragon Riding Mouse does a Snoopy dance 

LaShaunda: congrats Jood 

Remade Gold: Hehe. 

Barbara: Thank  you, Nikki, enjoyed it. 

* Annie breaks out the homemade ice cream and DRM's birthday cheesecake 

Remade Gold: Sorry I didn't say much. Wanted to tell you I enjoyed Winds of Sonoma.  

KC: Thanks, Nikki. 

Dragon Riding Mouse: thanks so much, Nikki! 

Miralee: Yes, so did I. Thank you! 

Anne McDonald: Thanks so much for coming, Nikki, we need to get you back soon. 

Nikki Arana: I do so hope to meet some of you face to face.