Ruth Ryan Langan

Ashes of Dreams
Ruth Ryan Langan, author of more than 80 books

You’ve written more than 80 books, did you expect when you started you’d be so prolific?
    I couldn't have even dreamed such a thing. All I wanted was to write the story playing in my head and perhaps see it published. (Visit Ruth's web site, www.ryanlangan.com for more information about her work.)

Tell us why you chose the romance genre and what aspects of it appeal to you most.
    I loved mysteries, and thought I'd like to write one. When my daughter bought me three paperback romances for Mother's Day one year, I fell in love with the genre, and never looked back. I love that the stories, in order to be successful, must be character-driven. Plot is important in a book, but the only way to hold a reader's attendion is by creating characters that matter.

Authors often fight the discouragement of rejection, how long did it take your first book to sell?
    I was a closet writer before my family found out what I was doing. After that, my husband became my biggest booster, telling friends, (and even strangers) that his wife was writing a book. I still remember the dubious looks some people gave him. And I believe to this day that part of my persistence was the need to justify his belief in me.
    Rejection is painful, no doubt about it. It really hurts to be told that your baby isn't beautiful. I've suffered my share of rejection.
    My first published book was actually the third book I wrote over a five year span. After selling that book, I never tried to re-write the first two, probably because they needed too much work. But I will always be grateful that those two books gave me a chance to learn my craft.

How did it feel to finally succeed?
    Getting that phone call from an editor in New York, telling me that she wanted to buy my book, was such a high. I'd say it's right up there with the birth of a baby. Fortunately for me, my husband and our five children were all home when the call came in, so we were able to celebrate together. I remember watching my joyous husband phoning almost everyone we knew with the news. He probably even phoned a few people we didn't know.

How do you go about the writing process, physically and mentally?
    I've often spent 8 hours a day, 7 days a week writing until the current work-in-progress was completed on deadline. But my usual schedule now is about 5 hours a day, 5 days a week.
    I begin the day by 9 a.m., reading through 50 to 100 e-mails from readers and friends. I answer some, and set aside the rest for a later response. After that, I fix a cup of tea and get to work reading what I wrote the previous day. I always try to end my work day with action or dialogue for the next scene or chapter. That way I'm immediately caught up in the action or dialogue, and I'm ready to keep going without having to re-read a lot of my previous work.
    I may stop at noon for more tea and a sandwich, which I eat at my desk. I work straight through until around 4:30.
    I'm extremely disciplined. With over 85 books I've never been late on a deadline, nor have I ever asked my editor for an extension on the contract. Whether I'm writing 6 books (as I did last year) or 1 (which I decided to do this year in order to take some time traveling with my husband) I remain really focused. (I suppose being the mother of five taught me that.)

Your latest book is set in the 1890s. How much research is involved, in background as well as in creating your characters?
    All my books require research, whether contemporary or historical. I remind myself that whatever setting I choose, and whatever era, somebody reading my book will be an expert, and will see any glaring errors. Of course, historicals require some specialized research. Clothing, mode of travel, customs. When I first started, I spent long hours at the local library, finding books to answer any and all questions. Now, with the Internet, I can do my research right from my office. God bless progress.

Do you identify with your heroines? Are there characters to whom you’ve felt particularly close?
    I do identify with my heroines, but then, I identify with the hero, with the secondary characters, and even the villains. I believe that is an essential part of the writer's craft.

How would you describe the women in your novels? Do they have any character traits in common?
    I always want strong characters, but my heroines have to be true to their era. Not all women defied tradition. Many of them simply worked within the confines of tradition and tailored it to suit their needs.
    In my current release ASHES OF DREAMS, my heroine is holding her family together while pursuing her late husband's dream of raising thoroughbred horses on their hard-scrabble farm in Kentucky. Besides the physical strength needed just to get through her day, there is a rare inner strength that she can tap in times of despair. It's that inner strength of character that challenges me as a writer.

After so many books, how do you sustain your love of writing? What keeps it fresh for you?
    I simply love what I'm doing, and I hope it shows. Every book presents its own set of challenges. Every situation is different. Every character new and fascinating.
    I do think that by writing both contemporary and historical, I have the chance to grow and stretch, and to use a different voice. Contemporary stories are crisp and perhaps witty. Historicals are more flowery in style and dialogue. I love action, drama, suspense. I love painting my characters into corners and watching them find a way out.
    I learned early to create fascinating characters, and then let them take over the book to write their own story, while I try to keep myself out of the way.

What’s next – do you plan to continue writing indefinitely, or are there other dreams on your horizon?

I enjoy a lot of things. Gardening (I love digging in the dirt and seeing things grow.) Singing (I recently joined my church choir, because I love singing.) But as for my writing, I hope to continue to do it until I leave this earth. It simply satisfies me in a way that nothing else can. I love hearing from my readers. A note, an e-mail, telling me that they loved my latest book, is all the impetus I need to start back to work. Until the day it stops bringing me so much pleasure, I intend to write.