Cristal Ryder has written numerous compelling, emotional and sexy stories for Ellora’s Cave and Sybarite Seductions among others and this fall she’s publishing her first book with Harlequin E. We’ve asked her how she’s reached this point, and she’s shared some of her experiences with us….
7 questions for Cristal Ryder
What got you interested in writing?
I talked a lot when I was a kid (and told I still do!) which led to reading and then the desire to write. I also paint and sketch so an artistic nature was part of me.
What has been the most useful thing you’ve done to get to this point?
Never give up. Keep writing, keep trying, keep submitting and most important keep learning. Always give yourself another goal to strive for.
What is the one thing you wish you’d learned sooner?
Oh, geeze, how do I pick just one thing? So many things I’ve learned over the years. To relax and go with the flow. That is both a life lesson and a writing lesson. I learned that if you’re trying to put a square peg in a round hold, it’s not gonna fit no matter how hard you try to jam it in. So take a step back, regroup, look at the peg from another angle and it either needs to be thrown away or you have to find that square hole for it.
Which book or blog or site or conference or contest would you recommend for new writers?
I think Romance Writers of America is a good place to start. Find a local chapter as there is so much knowledge and support. From there you will broaden your reach. Being around like minded people is very helpful
What drew you to Harlequin?
It’s been a goal for over thirty years. Harlequin has been around a long time and I hope for a lot longer too. Around 1983 I asked for and received Harlequin’s guidelines. They came in a big envelope, photostated and crooked on the page. I didn’t understand much of what it said and was frightened off. How I wish I had dug in and figured it out. Just think, if I had I could have had a writing career that began thirty years ago. Oh, the possibilities!
Then in 2001 I started to follow the Writing Round Robin on the website. I entered a couple and was chosen as a chapter winner for the story Thin Ice, by Debra Webb. I was over the moon on that and thought to myself, maybe I do have the chops to write for Harlequin. Then in 2003 had a request for partial for Superromance, life got in the way (divorce and stuff) which threw me off my path. And here I am all these years later. So back to the second question above, never give up!
What did you do when you got the call?
I was at the day job on lunch and writing when my cell rang. It was a Friday in late October. And guess what? The person that told me I won the Writing Round Robin contest all those years ago was who made the call to me that day. It was just great! Apparently there were a whole slew of eavesdroppers listening to the call too – you know who you are 🙂 – and then after we hung up my twitter exploded with “welcome to the family” tweets. Needless to say it was difficult to work the rest of that day.
What is the quick pitch for the book?
SHE WANTS IT is a contemporary adult romance that sizzles! It’s coming out this fall from Harlequin E.
A woman used to being in control must learn to let go and let her new lover give her her ultimate fantasy. Torn between loving and leaving the talented chef, she soon learns he’s just as talented in bedroom as he is in the kitchen. It isn’t long before a whole lot more than food gets fired up under the hot Florida sun.
Follow along with Cristal’s adventures through her website, her Facebook page, on Twitter as @CristalRyder and through her blog and her Goodreads page!
Thank you, Cristal, for sharing your experience and insight. We’re looking forward to seeing just how you mix intense emotion and sexy fantasies this fall!
5 replies on “7 Questions for Cristal Ryder”
Wow, how awesome to see this 🙂 *happy dance*
Sounds like it’s going to be a fun story! How many books have you written? do you think your social media outreach helps you?
Will be looking for the book!
Hi Sheila,
Thanks! I have thirteen books written and available. One in edits with Sybarite and SHE WANTS IT coming soon with HarlequinE. Three previously published books rights have been returned and might be self pubbed.
I’m in the middle of finishing another for HarlequinE so keep your fingers crossed they like it 😀
I certainly hope social media works, I’d love to meet more readers.
Thanks so much for dropping in and commenting!
Cristal
Congrats !!!!!! Wonderful things happen to those who never give up!! Way to go girl.
Thanks Cindy! so glad you stopped by 🙂
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!