The author of over 120 books, Amanda Quick (better known to some by her real name, Jayne Ann Krentz) has delighted and enchanted readers since the late 1970s with an amazing variety of novels under several pseudonyms. Fans of futuristic romance know her as Jayne Castle, and readers of contemporary fiction devour the novels she writes under her own name. But it is with the historical romances she writes under the name of Amanda Quick that Krentz first established herself as a steady resident of bestseller lists across the country. The winner of a RITA Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America, Quick is one of the most widely-praised writers of romances.

Fort Worth, Texas: I am a recent convert to your books. I'm an avid listener on Recorded Books. Since you've written 120 of them, can you release them all to be recorded onto tape?
Please, oh please, say yes!
Keep writing and thank you for your time.

Amanda Quick: Thanks for inviting me. I'm delighted to be here. I love these online chats. Don't have to put on the pantyhose and heels! Fort Worth: In response to your question I'm eager to put as many books into the audio format as possible but the choice isn't always mine to make. It's a matter of contractual rights and clauses. I agree with you though, Recorded Books does a fantastic job!

Boston, Massachusetts: What advice would you give for people who are interested in starting a writing career?

Amanda Quick: First, I'd advise you to examine closely the type of books you like to read, yourself -- mystery, romance, science fiction, whatever -- and then make a stab at writing that type of fiction. Most of us are drawn to a particular type of fiction because the conventions, archetypes and themes of that genre speak to us in elemental ways. As it happens, we usually write that type of fiction best because we have an intuitive understanding of how it works. Second, you might want to consider joining a writers' association such as Romance Writers of America (you can find them online) to take advantage of their journals, newsletters and chapter meetings. It helps to meet with other writers because they are the only ones who really understand what you're trying to do! Good luck!

Springfield, PA: Hi, Miss Krentz! Just wanted to let you know how much I've enjoyed your books. Do you have any plans to visit the East Coast anytime soon, specifically the Philadelphia area? Sure would like to meet you in person. Thanks, Jo March.

Amanda Quick: Thanks for your interest. Funny you should ask. As it happens I'll be on a major tour from January 15 - February 15 and you can bet there will be some East Coast locations, although at this point I can't tell you yet which cities. Feel free to check out my website at the end of December to get the tour schedule (www.amandaquick.com).

Palm Beach, Florida: Jayne,
I've read about a dozen of your books written under the name of Jayne Anne Krentz. Obviously, by the number I've read you can see that I've enjoyed them. What will I find that is similar in the Amanda Quick series? What will I find to be different?

Amanda Quick: My books all have some things in common: a certain world view, lead characters who share my own value system, an emphasis on the ancient, heroic virtues such as honor, courage and determination and a love of good food! I write romantic-suspense under all my names so you'll find a strong element of mystery in most of my books. My next Amanda Quick historical, in fact, is the start of a new series featuring a pair of sleuths named Lavinia Lake and Tobias March. I hope you'll give them a try. The title is Slightly Shady. It will be out in the spring.

Scottsdale, AZ: Jayne, your books often have paranormal elements that you generally treat as SF, but which could equally well be treated as fantasy, and have been so treated by other writers. Do you like reading fantasy at all; if so, who are your favorite writers? Are you interested in writing fantasy as opposed to futuristic/SF?

Amanda Quick: I grew up on the early Robert Heinlein, Andre Norton and Nancy Drew so you can see where I'm coming from! I enjoy using paranormal elements in the books not only because it allows me to do some interesting plots but also because those elements can be used to add mystery and depth to the relationships.

Alexandria, VA: I can't imagine how you have written so many novels in so many genres (over 200?) and kept them fresh, Your talent and creativity just amaze me. Where do you get the inspiration for your novels and characters?

Amanda Quick: Sometimes I can't believe it either! Long ago, I made it a rule to never look back. (You never know what might be gaining on you). But in truth, the problem isn't how to keep on writing; the problem is how to stop! Writing for me is like any good addiction -- a love/hate relationship. It is a compulsion, not a choice. I don't think I could cease dreaming up new stories if somebody paid me to stop.

Philadelphia, PA: How do you begin a new book? Do you have an outline or just sit down and create as you go along?

Amanda Quick: I start with a strong sense of the themes and ideas that I want to work with in the story. I do have a very rough outline that usually takes me through the first fifty pages. After that it is useless because things happen in the writing process that change the story. The finished book never looks much like the original outline. But I think the uncertainty is part of the lure for me as a writer. If I really knew what was going to happen at every step of the way before I wrote the story I would be bored.

Mechanicsville, MD.: When will your next book coming out ?? I love them so much, once I start one I can't out it down until it's finished (much to my husband's dismay!!). I've even gotten the Recorded Books versions so that I don't miss any time "reading" on my travels to work. Your characters are so unforgettable & I get attached to them I don't ever want your books to end.

Amanda Quick: The Recorded Books versions are great, aren't they? I think the audio editions of a book are interesting because the story actually takes on a different feel in that format. That's probably why a lot of folks now buy both versions of a book. Something to do with the ancient storytelling traditions, I suppose, when we all sat around campfires and listened to the stories, rather than read them. My next Amanda Quick book is Slightly Shady. It will be out in the spring. In January you can watch for my new Jayne Ann Krentz hardcover, Lost & Found.

Houston, Texas: Was Madeline Deveridge a master of Vanza too in "Wicked Widow?" I noticed she had a rose tattoo on her shoulder blade.

Amanda Quick: Madeline had a love/hate relationship with Vanza. She had been raised in a Vanza household but she stuck to the scholarly aspects of the art and disdained the physical exercises.

Washington, DC: Are there any movies on the horizon? If so, which book?
Thank you! I love your books!!!!!

Amanda Quick: No films on the horizon. Frankly, I'm not sure my books would make good movies. They depend too much on relationships and emotions rather than action. I think of films and books as two distinctly different media with different requirements, conventions, etc. Which is probably why so many folks are always disappointed in the film version of a book that they loved.

North East, MD: Will you continue to write books with a Vanzagarian theme? Will we ever see a book that unites some of the characters from these books?

Amanda Quick: I don't plan to return to the Vanza theme but doing those books gave the the inspiration to start a new series in which you will, indeed, see plenty of continuing characters. The first book in the series will be out in the spring -- Slightly Shady.

Prince Frederick, MD.: What inspires you ? How do you come up with such brilliant stories ? You make it so easy to be transported into one of your books and there's never a dull moment.

Amanda Quick: Thanks! Glad you're enjoying the books because I think it would be physically impossible for me to stop writing.

St Louis, MO: Just wanted to say hi. I've been an avid reader of yours for some years now. First discovered you as J. Castle and have managed to collect all your other names except for J. Bentley. Keep up the good work. Genie.

Amanda Quick: Appreciate the positive feedback. Yes, there have been a lot of pen names along the way! Occasionally I get a little confused, myself. When I do book signings I always glance at the cover to make sure I'm signing the right name. At the moment, though, I'm sticking with the three basics: Jayne Castle (my birth name) which I use for the futuristics, Jayne Ann Krentz (my married name) which I use for the contemporary novels of romantic-suspense and, of course, Amanda Quick for my historical romantic-suspense novels. Of the three, Amanda Quick is the only one I got to choose for myself. I did that by walking into a bookstore and checking out the shelves in the romance section to see where there might be a vacancy. At the time there weren't a lot of folks in the Qs.

Wilmington, DE: Delighted to be able to chat with you. My question regards your usage of pseudonyms: What led to your decision to employ this method? I would imagine the "distance" you in effect create from yourself is fun and liberating. I think we'd all enjoy doing that! Thank you.

Amanda Quick: Actually it doesn't really matter to me which name I'm writing under because I never think of using a different voice for the different books. To me, my voice is always the same, although readers sometimes tell me that I sound different in the Amanda Quicks. I think that's because I use a slightly more formal version of the language in order to pick up a Regency feel.

Washington, DC: Amanda, would you please tell me a bit about the process you use when writing a novel?

Amanda Quick: It is next to impossible (okay, make that absolutely impossible) to describe how a story takes shape. It is the oddest mix of fantasy and logic. Synergy in action, I guess. Both are entertwined in such a way that they feed off each other. One doesn't get very far without the other.

Fredericksburg, VA.: How long does it take you to complete a book ? Do you ever experience writer's block ? I can't imagine that you do because your books are too incredible !! I love the Vanza theme, but I am anxious to read your new sleuth series.

Amanda Quick: I generally write two --and sometimes three -- books a year, depending on time and contractual obligations. The key for me is that once I start, I prefer to keep going in a white hot heat rather than take time off in the middle of the story. Writing, for me, is a mad juggling act. It is easier to keep characters and plot points in the air if I don't stop!

North East, MD: Can you give us a hint about this new series you are writing? BTW, I love the title!

Amanda Quick: Glad you like the title Slight Shady. I think it suits the book because both the heroine, Lavinia Lake, and the hero, Tobias March, come from somewhat mysterious backgrounds. Lavinia Lake is a brilliant practitioner of mesmerism (read: hypnotist) back in the days when the art of hypnotism was born and no one knew much about it. Due to an unfortunate incident with a client she has been obliged to reinvent herself as a private investigator in Regency England.

Arlington, VA: Ms. Quick,
I'm a major fan, and I'm curious to learn what it is about the Regency period that appeals to you so.

Amanda Quick: The Regency period works well with the kind of characters I like to write -- folks who rely on their wits, who enjoy verbal sparring and who have a sense of adventure. The Regency era was a time that, to me, feels uncannily like our own in that people were excited about the dawning wonders of science and were optimistic about the future. It was also an era in which women exercised a great deal of independence and freedom and were quite willing to be very vocal about it!

Los Angeles, California: Who are some of your favorite authors and what other genres do you enjoy?

Amanda Quick: Just give me a good story -- any good story! Other writers I read? Elizabeth Lowell, Robert Parker, Stella Cameron, Dick Francis, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Laurell K. Hamilton...the list is pretty long.

Pittsburgh, PA: Two questions, if you will. I'm an aspiring novelist, and I'd like to ask you for your thoughts about attracting the attention of publishers. Plus, when did you know you wanted to be a writer? Thank you for your consideration.

Amanda Quick: Ah, the unanswerable question: How to attract the attention of a publisher. I don't know. But I can tell you what a lot of editors say: Make the first page of the manuscript so interesting/exciting/fascinating that they feel compelled to turn to page two. And then make page two so compelling that they turn to page three.... You get the point, I'm sure. Don't bore them with long cover letters describing your book or convoluted outlines or extensive summaries. Send them the first fifty pages or so of the manuscript and let them read it.

A strong voice is everything in this business. At the beginning of a career it can cause you problems because it makes editors a little nervous. But in the end it is what makes you or breaks you as a writer. The worst mistake a writer can make is to bore the reader. Readers will forgive anything -- two-dimensional characters, stupid plots, a style that breaks all the rules -- if you write the book in a storytelling voice that weaves a spell.

Port-au-Prince, Haiti: Ms. Krentz, I have been a fan of your historicals since college, and have just over the last year discovered your contemporary novels, which I read avidly. I enjoy them and feel great reading them so much that I finally got down to business and started writing a novel. I am specifically interested in understanding how you develop the male characters in your novels: they share so many similar qualities.

Amanda Quick: Good luck in your writing project. As for the male, characters, I give them the masculine qualities I admire most: integrity, honor, courage, intelligence, compassion. Come to think of it, those are the same qualities I give my female characters!

Los Angeles, CA.: Are you a history buff or have you done a lot of studying to make your Quick novels so unique and informative ? I love them !!

Amanda Quick: I graduated with a degree in history from the University of California at Santa Cruz. I have also enjoyed some great trips to England to do some research. Yes, indeed, I am a history buff. Oddly enough the other non-fiction (or semi-fictional depending on your point of view) areas I enjoy are evolutionary biology and psychology.

Wildwood, MO: Do you believe in the concept of "soulmates?"

Amanda Quick: Nope. I do believe it is important to search for a mate who shares our own personal value system, however. After that, it takes work to forge a successful relationship.

Honolulu, HI.: Have you been to London or the places that you write about in your novels ? Where is your favorite place ?

Amanda Quick: My husband, Frank, and I are museum buffs and English museums are true Wonderlands! We have spent a lot of time in them. A while back we spent two weeks in London and never even left the city -- just worked our way through the museums. Did the same thing in Oxford a couple of years ago.

St. Louis, MO: Is there a chance of your doing a book tour in the Midwest any time in the near future?

Amanda Quick: My January-February tour schedule will be posted on my web site at the end of December. I'm sure I'll be somewhere in the Midwest!

Miami, FL: When writing about paranormal phenomena or in the science fiction genre (as in After Dark) do you rely on existing material or rather how much is your phenomena based on existing "prototypes" or parapsychology? By the way I love your books!

Amanda Quick: I invent the paranormal stuff but a lot of the inspiration for it comes out of the traditions of parapsychology and fantasy. There is a long history of the paranormal in western culture and I make use of it to add depth and interest to some of my plots.

Amanda Quick: Thank you so much for attending the chat today. I had a great time. This is a nice way to meet readers I may never get to meet in person. And I want to thank Recorded Books for their wonderful audio editions of my novels.

Moderator: Our thanks to Amanda Quick, RecordedBooks.com and all who participated.