AboutCathy Clamp Expertise I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery.
Experience I'm a USA Today bestselling author of romance fiction in the Tor/Forge Books paranormal romance line. Along with a co-author, I've published eight novels (combination of mass market and trade softcover) since 2003, and have contracts for six more books through 2009.
Organizations Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America.
Publications Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing
Education/Credentials My educational background is limited to real life experience of publishing novels commercially for the past five years.
Awards and Honors USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Book Buyers Best Award for Paranormal, 2007, Romantic Times Best Werewolf Novel, 2006, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Best Historical Chronicle Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.
Question I am currently working on a piece of writing - romance - and am using Greek mythology heavily in my work. However, the more I research, the more I realize a lot of my ideas do not fit in with the mythology. How far can I stretch ancient myths to fit my work? How historically accurate should I be? For example, parentage of particular nymphs, the timeline, etc.
Thank you so much for your help
Answer Hi, Zoe!
Stretch them as far as you like! Just make your *characters* aware of the current myth---then have them tell the reader (probably through dialogue with other characters) why the myths are WRONG and the version in your book is RIGHT. Readers love that sort of stuff. Just make it logical and don't jump around between pantheons (like, don't call one character Jupiter---a Roman name, and another Aphrodite---a Greek name.) You'll be fine and the more you play around with the mythology, the better people will like it. :)
