Interview with Pam Labud

by

Rosemary Goodwin

Today, I have the privilege of interviewing Pam Labud whose book, Strong Arms to Hold Me, is now available from Wings ePress:

How did you come up with the story for Strong Arms to Hold Me?

I have always loved westerns. Shows like Gunsmoke and Bonanza were the ones I watched with my Dad. I had read several western romances and one of them was a book by Patricia Potter and I was hooked. Plus, westerns are really interesting because they are a part of our heritage and anyone can pick one up and totally relate to it. And who doesn't love Louis L'Amour?

Do you get your characters from real people or are they all imaginary?

I usually get character traits and motivations from real people and then the characters seem to grow out of that.

How long have you been writing and what inspired you to write?

I have been writing since age thirteen. It started when I dreamed up imaginary stories in my head while I was mowing the grass or doing chores for my Mom and Dad. It would keep my mind occupied and the work would go a lot faster.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Okay. I'm in my forties, married with two daughters, a pre-teen and just barely teenager. I've been a registered nurse for over twenty years and have had a very rewarding career in critical care. I love reading and movies and besides writing romance novels, I write screenplays as well. My ultimate dream is to write my books and then make them into movies one day.

When do you write? Everyday? Evenings?

I write anytime I get the chance. Between sleep and working my other job, while I'm in line picking my girls up from school. It can be in the early morning or late at night. I have no set schedule, but I do try to write every day.

Do you use an outline or do you “allow” your characters to write the book?

I started out writing by the seat of my pants with a general outline in mind. I always knew where I'd end up. But, as I become a more experienced writer, I do a basic outline and then allow the characters to grow from that. I've found it keeps my writing from wandering off into other story lines and so forth.

In the writing world, who is your idol and why?

I have several, the first being my friend and critique partner, Marlene Noles. She is a very talented author and has taught me to be a better writer. Also, Melynda Beth Skinner who writes Regency romance. She is a hard worker, a great writer, and a true friend. Then there is Diana Gabaldon, who is one of the most fascinating authors I've ever read and Mary Jo Putney, whom I met a couple of years ago, who has a great talent and contributes so much to the genre.

Do you consider yourself a romance writer or more of a mainstream writer?

I'm definitely a romance writer and screenwriter. Although I read mainstream sometimes, and I've enjoyed those books immensely, I'm really stuck on the hero/heroine ending up together in a committed relationship. I'm all about happy endings!

What advice would you give an aspiring writer?

Don't give up. It takes a really long time to write a book, even longer to write a good one, but writing is something that grows out of you. Listen to your critique partners, enter contests, and stay true to your heart. Published or not, that is the most important thing.

What do you do for just plain fun?

I love to read, read, read. I also like to watch DVD movies, too. You can learn a lot about story crafting from both, and everything you read or watch adds to your experience and your idea file. I also love to visit historical sites whenever I can. I think it's totally fascinating to see how people lived in other times.

Do you have another project in progress? Can you give us a hint as to what it is about?

I have another Wings novel coming out in December--A Regency historical titled: THE MAD EARL. I also have several things going on at the moment. I am working on marketing another manuscript and a couple of screenplays. I have about three different novels I'm working on--a Regency Historical, a Regency paranormal, and another western romance. I also have another screenplay in the works. On top of that, I've just finished a proposal for a screenplay that will be a remake of an old movie. Lots and lots of fun!