Alexandra Penn
Alexandra Penn was a museum kid. The daughter of a photographer and a Scuba diver, she spent her teenage years in the field: Penn has worked with Smithsonian archaeologists, NASA software engineers, volcanologists, and photographers. She also managed to fail Algebra II with a passing grade, which she's a little proud of.
Her work is both a love letter to and an intense criticism of the academic world.
She has been bitten by a shark, she watched the final shuttle launch from the fire escape outside Launch Control, and she has been a certified diver since age twelve. She likes dogs, long walks on the beach, and socialized medicine. Also books.
Penn is one of two Directors of The Writers' Rooms, an editor for hire, an amateur linguist, and a Taurus. Her work has received many accolades, including an Honorable Mention in the Writer's Digest Annual Contest 2017.
She spends all her free time on Twitter.
Author Interview
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My most recent work is the third book in The Letter Mage series. The Letter Mage is a series I’ve been describing as “Gay Hogwarts in space with a little His Dark Materials thrown in for good measure”. It’s about a kid who lives in a contentious lunar university, and while trying to get the departments to stop throwing rockets at each other he accidentally turns into a supervillain.
“Book” is a bit of a misnomer, though: The Letter Mage is actually a serial on Patreon. A new installment comes out monthly, and every four installments I put out a collection. The Third Quarto was just released last month.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Marketing is by far the hardest part of turning this into a career.
I’m introverted and a little asocial: all the free marketing these days involves social media, and that’s just not something I mesh well with. I’m fairly active on Twitter and Instagram, but nowhere near active enough to build a new following from those crowds. I love personal appearances, such as cons and signings, but those are expensive and harder to come by.
I’m actually currently in the process of planning a small-town book tour in the Midwest! If you know a small-town library that allows sales and is currently looking for more LGBT diversity, send me an email or message me on social media.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Finding time to be an artist. Between running The Writers’ Rooms, working as an editor and teacher, and marketing, actually sitting down to write can be something I need to schedule. Lining that up with inspiration is near-impossible.
Second-most-difficult is research. I get mired down in technical details and worldbuilding far too easily. This is less of a problem in The Letter Mage, but in another of my works-in-progress I’m definitely walking a fine line between research and writing.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
It’s actually something I’ve already given up: living close to family. A few years ago, I moved from Washington, DC to Iowa City. Being closer to the university opened up a lot of doors for me professionally: this is a small area, and a lot of big names travel through it pretty regularly.
It was a great choice, career-wise! I’ve had the luck to join some incredible endeavors, my books are doing well, and I’ve made some amazing friends. But I definitely plan on returning to the East Coast someday—my family and I have always been close. I miss them from the bottom of my heart.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Publishing The Letter Mage has definitely transitioned writing from a hobby to a career. I have deadlines, and the book now pays my bills. My writing has also improved drastically over the past year, in that I’ve been publishing something once a month and therefore getting a truly massive amount of practice.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I honestly don’t know the number. I have a few from way back in high school that I’m planning on revisiting—one that starts out as Chosen One urban fantasy and ends up being post-apocalyptic when the Chosen One misses her chance, and one that’s more contemporary about a suicidal teenage author whose characters save her life. I have an entirely-finished novel about a bookstore which is abducted by aliens, but given that I know the owner of the shop it’s based off of I need to edit that desperately before it sees the light of day.
I’ll also occasionally happen upon lost fragments of stories on my computer that aren’t more than a line or two long, some of which I remember and some of which I don’t. There’s a document called moustachepoems.txt in my Dropbox that surprises me every few months—I always promptly add to it and forget about it again.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I do! I read every single one of them. Good ones make my day. I’ve had a few that make me tear up and blubber like a child.
With the bad ones, I ask myself a bunch of questions. First, do they talk about anything I can improve on legitimately, or is it just “lol this sux”? Looking deeper, what can I get out of that review? Do I want to take it at face value, or are they legitimately missing something that I could make clearer?
And second, has anyone else had the same critique? Or is it one person with off-the-wall criticism? Because if it’s just one person, unless you 100% agree with their comments it’s probably not worth listening to. If several people all have the same criticism, it’s time to re-examine.
Don’t get me wrong, bad reviews can still put me in a funk. I deal with that by going to the gym and working off the anger, or drowning my sorrows in making art other than writing.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
All the time. There’s a huge endgame twist in The Letter Mage that people have all the information they need to figure out. No one’s figured it out yet.
Most of my secrets are hidden under unreliable narrators. There are a few places where a secret appears in the form of an inconsistency in the story, when it’s actually a product of inconsistency in the person telling the story—I love to let my readers make assumptions.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
The indomitable Erin Casey and I are close friends! Not to mention the community of The Writers’ Rooms—which is incredible and supportive.
I’m overall a pretty solitary person, but my community is just incredible. I’m lucky to have them.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
You’re not 100% wrong about college being unnecessary for the career you want to pursue, kiddo: maybe spend your time submitting stories and writing rather than just talking about what you want to do with your life, though.
Also: take business classes. Take a ton of business classes. They’re amazingly helpful in the years ahead.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
First, never pay for publishing. With the one exception of print-on-demand, money should always flow toward the author. They’re not doing you a favor by printing your book, you’re doing them a favor by letting them print your book. You made the product.
Second, make sure your work is finished and polished.
Third, take time to learn the business. Make sure your work is protected and make sure you know what a contract means before you sign it. If there’s no contract involved in something, rethink your choices. When I work as a freelance editor, even short jobs get a contract. I’m actually working with my grandmother as a client right now, and even she gets a contract. There is no reason not to cover your butt in case something goes wrong.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
There’s no one right answer to this. Market your books in a way that’s authentic to you. There’s so much advice out there on how to do social media, conventions, newsletter swaps, internet advertisements—and not a lick of it will matter if it’s inauthentic.
Try to be unique and genuine, and the marketing will follow.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
Well, it’s a tie. 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea by Jules Verne and The Sign of the Seahorse by Graeme Base were both equally-requested for my childhood bedtime reading.
I’ve always had, um, eclectic taste.
Learn more about Alexandra Penn:
https://twitter.com/AlexPenname
Leona Bushman / LJ Bushman
USA Today bestselling author Leona Bushman is a crazy writer taught by dragons and known as Dragon Queen of the North. She loves to write and paint, even when her muse tries to muck things up. She chases after the three out of the five children still at home, and sometimes after the other two and the grandbaby around her freelance editing jobs. She has many hobbies like SCA, painting, quilting, sewing, and gardening. Or, as one blogger succinctly put it, Leona Bushman is a whirlwind made of sheer will with a dash of clumsy to keep her grounded.
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Yes. *beat* Oh. Now? Of course.
Darkest Valentine, a dark romance set in early Victorian/late Regency era, is one of my best works. Ever. It was a huge stretch creatively for me. I am writing the sequel…after I write the others which I’ve committed to a group project. Slow Fever is out this month, a re-edited/written horror story. It’s a dark romance…turns out I’ve been writing dark romance longer than it’s been popular. LOL My first work, Ulfric’s Mate, which is now self-published, is also dark by some standards. LOL
I have one in the Enduring Legacy series, written by multiple, extremely talented authors, called A Hunter, a Witch, and a Shrew, on preorder now, due out October. It’s set in the 1600s, and I am adoring the story. I love doing medieval stories. And I have a pre-order box set I’m in, Wings of the Wicked, which is available on pre-order now to be released in January. And I have Darkest Death, sequel to Darkest Valentine, cover ready, which I hope to have out by Thanksgiving. Um… yeah. Sorry, went off on a tangent. I also am supposed to be writing short sequels to Demons and Wraiths and sequels for my publisher…
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Working around my day job and my family and keeping my sanity. And the marketing process, getting my name out there. I SUCK at marketing myself.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Getting enough time to write.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
I have given up my sanity to be a better writer. LOL What little I had left after having 5 kids…
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Forced me to look at what I wanted out of writing. If I’d make it a career or hobby. As a career, I’m pushing to make myself better.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Erm, I don’t have time to count them all. I love to write all the things, just like I read all of them. All the genres from non-fiction to Stephen King and everything in between.
Will you tell us about them?
As my first accepted book was romance, that’s where a lot of my focus hit. But I lurv Sci fi. I have one sci-fi romance, but I have quite a few sci fi stories started. LOL Seriously, about 20 or 30 actually started, more with ideas written, 15 more just in the War of the Weres series, and 15 more in the War of the Weres Chronicles planned……….*whimpers*
7. Do you read your book reviews?
Yes. LOL I’ve not had too many yet.
How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I try to apply them as necessary. So far, I’ve only had one on an old book that I just didn’t know what to do with. Otherwise, I lap up the good, learn from the bad if there is something to learn, and ignore the rest.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Yes. And a couple of Easter Eggs. *grins* and no… I am not telling you which where. :D I hope to go down in history as “Did you know…”
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Holy… Authors are some of my best friends. They all help me because they help me realize my goals are achievable and encourage me when I’d rather drop into depression. One of the first authors, though, that I met and had a connection with (many years ago now…She may remember me because I’m friends with her brother…) is Linda Lael Miller. I can type insanely fast when I’m in the groove. I mean insanely. I only test out like 79 wpm on a test when I’m copying words that I don’t know for work tests. But when I’m writing on my own? I’ve written around 3k words in one hour when hyper focused on a story. I kept getting told that writing fast means no quality. Linda wrote at least 5k words a day every day, minimum 5 days a week. No one can accuse her of writing bad quality. It made my writing stretch and grow as I lost that fear of not being a good writer just because I can type fast.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
DON’T STOP WRITING.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Believing the sort of “advice” like that above. People’s abilities are so vast and completely dependent on life experiences and schooling and natural talent, that falling into the trap of you must do x or must not do x can be debilitating. Ie marketing. I’ve seen people tell others if you can’t market, then you shouldn’t be a writer. I call bull.
Just because someone can write, doesn’t mean they can read market trends. (Doesn’t mean you can’t, either. As I said, people’s talents are vast and varied.) Don’t listen. Don’t listen when it’s all negative. Find constructive people who will tell you what’s wrong without killing your dream. Find constructive people who will encourage and teach, not slam and abuse, tear you down. That is the worst trap.
We believe the lies, the negative because it feeds our fears. That is the trap in a nutshell.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
Erm… *shifty eyes* With help? LOL For me, I just…keep helping other authors and hope for the same. I have recently hired someone to take care of my websites and other stuff related. Why? Because I suck at marketing. LOL She *just* put my USA Today bestselling author status on my website. (I just hired her and gave her the passwords lol). It has been almost a month, and I still hadn’t done it. That’s how much I suck at it.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
Hmmm It’s a toss up between Dorothy Sayers’ Lord Peter Wimsey books, Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple books, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and Dune. They have all had continuing and profound influences on my writing. And yes, that’s what I was reading as a child. 10 years old. By the time I was 12, I’d read all of my mother’s Agatha Christie books (loved Hercule Peroit as well. LOL) all of the Narnia books, as many of the Dune series as I could get my hands on and moved on to Isaac Asimov and RA Salvatore etc.
Social Media:
Leona Bushman can be found solving mysteries, exploring space, making art, and loving dragons and other creatures of the supernatural at these places:
Twitter: @L_Bushman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLeonaBushman
Facebook artist page: https://www.facebook.com/LeonaBushmanArtisteExtraordinaire/
Website: www.leonajbushman.com
Blog: www.lbushman.blogspot.com and www.lbushman.wordpress.com
Newsletter: http://madmimi.com/signups/374285/join
Complete list of books:
Murder by Succubus
Luck of the Draw
Winds of Fire
Death’s Car, a serial
The Ulfric’s Mate: War of the Weres, Book One
The Midwife’s Moon: War of the Weres, Book Two
Magic and Weres
Pirating Christmas
Bearly There, War of the Weres Chronicles, Book One
Fox in the Wolf Den, War of the Weres Chronicles, Book Two
Darkest Valentine, Darkest Series, Book One
Slow Fever
Demons and Wraiths
Zombie Infestation
Cerisa’s Quest, Quest for Riverhand, Book 1
Fight of the Sorceress
Masked Pain
Over a Dead Body
Coming Soon:
A Hunter, a Witch, and a Shrew, Enduring Legacy
Darkest Death, Darkest Series, Book two
Panther’s Hunter, War of the Weres, Book Three
Shakyra Dunn
Shakyra Dunn can't stray away from the impression that there is always an adventure around every corner! When she isn’t playing the role of the Creator, she is marching through the worlds of her favorite video game characters or taking drives around her city to see the sights. Born in Chicago, Illinois, she currently resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, striving to experience more than the little town.
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
-As of August 9th, I’ve set up the preorders for the sequel to my YA fantasy novel “The Final Lesson.” This marks the official end of not only the duology, but my first completed series! The book continues to follow Leilana Erovina on her journey to become a Warlord and help to secure Adrylis’s fate alongside Prince Rem, Solus, and Sien, but looming behind them is a night where all shall fall.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
-My biggest challenge has to be marketing to the right people, but I think that’s something that every author struggles with. It’s also hard for me to focus on keeping up with my writing projects due to a nightly job commitment, but soon that will change!
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
-I’m easily distracted. “Oh look, Candy Crush-Gotta write. *Roommate calls for me as I start* Ughhhh…” But once I’m out of distraction mode, writing becomes a cinch!
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
-Honestly? Just give me a full week of absolutely nothing there to bother me and I can be completely disciplined without any trouble. Kill my social life. Just for a bit.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
-When I first published, I was really clueless about what it really took to be a successful writer. Foolish little me didn’t have an editor, and I was even silly enough to not have the book description on the very first print because I thought Amazon printed it on for me. My process of writing increased to diligence on every single point of every moment in my writing. I kept on my toes about each word, each sentence… and so far, it seems to be paying off.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
-Unpublished and half-finished? Where to begin… I have about three that I’m working on, two of which are novellas, and one that is a standalone novel that’s going to be roughly 100,000 words called “Gravekeeper!” Gravekeeper is the story of a seventeen-year-old boy named Elijah Beren that ends up becoming entangled with a new girl in his tourist town of Aliseum and embarks on a journey to become a scion of death called a Gravekeeper.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
-I always read book reviews. When they’re good, they make me elated. When they’re bad, I first have to take a walk to breathe and keep myself from crying or getting too anxious, and once the hurt is over, I swing right back into my work.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
-Let’s just say that there are always connections to other books from other worlds that I’ve written.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
-I have SO many friends that I’ve made since becoming published. Amazingly, I even became friends with Adelle Yeung, a voice actress that I’ve admired since I was about 15 years old that also writes in the YA fantasy genre. I never imagined that I could interact with such incredible people. It really helps you see a new world from the outside in to have other writers in your circle.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
-“You’re going to mess up a lot, but you’re going to push on and become better and better as long as you believe that you’re capable.”
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
-Not having a proper editor or the right information before taking the next step. I know that was my issue.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
-I’ll tell you when I find out.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
-JUST ONE?! Well… “A Series of Unfortunate Events” is the main reason that I decided that I wanted to become an author. It has such a rich story, intriguing characters, but an unfulfilling ending, and it inspired me to want to make better stories with solid conclusions compared to that.
Social Media Links
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SeerofWords
Twitter: www.twitter.com/shakyradunn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakyradunn.author/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15350089.Shakyra_Dunn
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01H1BAPWS
Website: https://authorshakyradunn.wordpress.com
REVIEW BLOG: http://burningmasses.shakyradunn.com
Mailing List: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/q5i2w4
AUTHOR GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1660970617537336/
Freelance Services: https://www.facebook.com/TheAdventureLog/
Jolene Buchheit / JoJo Bartlett
Jolene Buchheit Bio
Jolene spends her days in high school classrooms and hallways harvesting material for her Young Adult novels. She is always willing to discuss vital issues like which is the best peanut butter or whether Katniss should have ended up with Gale or Peeta. Personally, she is committed to helping teens become independent adults and showing them how to find a way to focus on the positive, especially when life gets hard. At home, Jolene loves to cuddle with her husband, two kids, three cats, and dog–sometimes all at once–while reading her favorite books or repeatedly watching movies based on them.
Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoleneBuchheitBooks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beejolene
Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Jolene-Buchheit/e/B00WZ6MUTG/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1534570348&sr=1-1
JoJo Bartlett Author Bio
JoJo Bartlett loves soft blankets, the color blue, and laughing so hard she snorts. She's never met a chocolate chip cookie she didn't like. If you ask her husband or two kids, they will tell you she considers being called "weird" a compliment. Should the opportunity to participate in shenanigans with JoJo ever be presented to you... seize it, with both hands (or however many you have).
Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoJoBartlettBooks/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/JoJo-Bartlett/e/B07BBS3C21/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1534570034&sr=1-2-ent
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My most recent book is Who’s on First Date? By JoJo Bartlett, my pen name for books with adult material in them. It’s a sports romantic comedy about a recently heartbroken girl who spills beer at a hockey game all over the professional baseball player who was scheduled to make an appearance on the ice. A series of unintentional miscommunications and false assumptions lead to hilarity as the two continue to bump into each other. Who would have thought spilling beer, dumping popcorn, and rubbing a guy’s abs with napkins would lead to so much trouble?
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
My initial response to this question used to be “finding time to write”. After talking to many friends who write several more books than I do each year, I figured out what works best for me. I make sure to open my document every day and add at least five words. It keeps my story in the front of my mind and forces me to think about how I want the next thing to happen.
Now my response to this question is just old-fashioned self-doubt AKA “impostor syndrome” when I think I’m just faking it. As if I’m not a real author because nobody is knocking down my door offering a publishing deal, or I get bad reviews, or I don’t have as many readers as I think a “real” author would. Practically every writer has rejections from agents/publishers, bad reviews, and those loved ones in their lives who have never read their books. However, I have signed with a publisher and more recently got a request for a full manuscript from the Harlequin Romance subsidiary, Carina Press. I also have way more positive reviews than negative ones and at some point, I may learn to stop reading them. Reviews are not my report card, if someone didn’t like it, that’s okay because I didn’t write it for them. In the grand scheme of things, I have made many friends from letting my stories go out into the wild. And that is what makes me a real author: I write, edit, and release my stories for anyone to read.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
The yada yada yada. Every time I sit down to write a new story it’s because I have an idea for the perfect meet cute and I know how I want the story to end. A girl has a wicked crush on her nerdy, college geometry teacher’s assistant. Yada yada yada. She discovers there is so much more to like than how cute he is and how passionate he is about math. So that middle part is where I doubt my ability to keep people interested in the story. So far, I’ve managed to figure it out every time, but it would be nice if just once, I came up with the yada yada yada first.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
I would love to give up my full-time job even though I love it, so I could go back to substituting when I want to. Working at the high school gives me a lot of material and keeps me up to date on how teenagers relate to one another. However, being there full time leaves me without as much time to write.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Oh boy, the truth is I don’t even talk about my first book anymore. It needs to be rewritten, because I didn’t find my writing voice until I was about 75% through writing it, but I didn’t know that until my second book was done and I looked back. However, I don’t want to go back and work on it when I have so many new stories in my head wanting to get told.
After my first book I learned to always hire a content editor, a line editor, and utilize beta readers (who weren’t my friends) to get honest feedback before I hit the publish button. I have also learned that marketing matters and have tried to improve my skills there.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I’m currently working on Trial by Escape, the third book in my young adult urban fantasy series with Greek elements. It features the conclusion to the story while navigating an escape room type entrapment and deciphering the Sirens’ boobie traps. (Can I say boobie?)
This past week I have finished two rough drafts on co-written projects. The first is the project Carina Press wants to see again in full about Jacqui who decided to release her NYT bestselling science fiction books under a man’s pen name. Now that it is being made into a movie, she is under contract not to reveal who she is until the studio does. The only problem is that the man who is hired to play the lead thinks he knows the books better than anyone and they obviously butt heads a few times as they start to fall for one another.
The other co-written project is Blackened Magic, the story of a down on his luck warlock who sells a luck spell to a struggling college student before finals. Except he makes a mistake and now she has the dark death and destruction spell battling within her that his cartel is expecting him to deliver. Unfortunately, his usual methods of extracting a spell don’t seem to work on a human like they do on other warlocks, so her life is in extreme danger and he is her only hope.
Releasing soon is another cowritten project with my two best friends. The Three: Of the Woods is a tale of three women who are strangers until they each receive an invitation to Ireland to hear the reading of a will which grants them the ownership and responsibility to care for a castle with special circumstances. The magic of the castle and surrounding areas introduces them to a class of sexy men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting the magical beings the castle and surrounding woods contain. As each woman’s powers begin to develop and their lives begin to intertwine, there is a variety of responses to their changing lives. None of them could have predicted what gives them the power to protect and serve.
My NaNoWriMo project will be to write book 2 in the sports romantic comedy interconnected standalone series. Tentatively titled, Pass, Set, Hit on Me about a professional women’s beach volleyball star who flirts dangerously with a stranger at a bar who ends up being the personal trainer her agent hired to help her recover from a shoulder injury.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Yes, I read them. I deal with good ones by sharing them. The bad ones take more self-talk. I remind myself that I wrote my books for myself and the people who love them. There is no way to write a book that pleases everyone who reads it, and I won’t be the first author to prove that wrong. And that is okay.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Yes! I have several characters who make appearances in more than one book, even if the worlds are completely different. Since my books all start in or near Cedar Rapids, I can make it work. Also, I put in subtle references to some of my favorite TV shows, movies, and books. I love when people are reading my books and they message me to quote a line I used and ask if I did that on purpose.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
My friend and author Emily Cyr reads everything I write before I publish them. She is always challenging me to write more interesting sentences or to make a funnier joke. My adult scenes are better because she coaches me on making sure all five senses are included.
I’m cowriting a book with Cassie Leigh who has helped me be more intentional with the purpose of each chapter. She has also taught me to be patient if a scene isn’t coming to me.
I have so many author friends that I’ve made over the years and I love knowing they have my back. Terry Maggert who has taught me about Amazon marketing and author branding, Martina McAtee who is a major proponent of writing diverse books, Quinn Loftis who told me she loved my book and now I make sure everything I write would make her smile, and Kristina Circelli who edits my books and offers content suggestions.
The indie book world is friends I haven’t met yet, which is one reason why I love doing book events.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Don’t wait so long to start!!
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Trying to figure out how to do everything when they haven’t finished a rough draft yet. Write the story, then get help on what the next step is. If you need help getting the story out of your head, ask for help with that. I’ve had so many people say to me, “I’ve got a great story idea, you should write it.” No, thank you. I am too busy writing my own stories, get busy writing yours.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
For perpetual sales, I’ve had the most success using Amazon marketing. For a new release, my return on investment is best when I do a blog tour with people who can post reviews. I feel my greatest weakness as an author is marketing, which I didn’t even know was part of the deal when I started writing.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
I remember the first book I ever read completely on my own. It was a gift from my English teacher Godmother and I would hide in the closet with a flashlight to read it after I was supposed to be in bed. It was called Snow by Roy McKie and P.D. Eastman. I don’t remember what it was about, but I was so proud I could read it on my own that I’ve never forgotten what the cover looked like. Later on in my younger years, I devoured all the Babysitter’s Club, Sweet Valley High, and Lois Duncan books I could get my hands on.
Leslie Kung
Leslie grew up barefoot in the hidden urban wilds Chicago, sharpening sticks with a pocket knife, keeping her siblings and her imagination close. She took the role of Storyteller from a young age, continuing a family tradition of oral narration, creating visual arts of all sorts, poetry, and fiction. Growing up was probably the worst thing she ever did, but she survived it, and now tells off-the-cuff, wildly epic bedtime stories to her three amazing children. She writes science fiction, fantasy, romance and more.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My story about a far future WOC war vet amputee with flawed, experimental bionics is featured in the Dark Space anthology from Elm Books. The entire collection is science fiction that centers disability, so I highly recommend picking up a copy.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
I have one of the toughest jobs in the entire world currently: being a full-time single parent to three remarkable and complicated young children. It’s almost the same as admitting that my biggest barrier as a writer is the whole “not writing at all” thing. I’m honestly so fatigued and busy most days, I can’t even afford to feel impostor syndrome. It’s hard to find time to write, and whatever time I do get is often punctuated by more interruptions than sanity can withstand.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Easily the answer to this question is FOLLOW THROUGH, and then REVISION. Namely that the follow through does not happen. And neither does revision, unless I somehow luck into a situation in which I may actually be published, in which case I attempt to follow through AND revise. See the answer to question 2, if you need more details.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
I could put some wine and gluten free bread pieces out for the sly ones in hopes of gaining a few hundred words per day. If I were to give up something practical that might make me a better writer, it would probably be forced insomnia. I almost wrote “K-dramas” here, but I couldn’t justify it. K-DRAMAS MAKE ME A BETTER WRITER, DAMNIT. *shakes fist*
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I haven’t yet reached this milestone, but having my first story published in a collection really galvanized me, made me proud of myself, and gave me a touchstone of accomplishment to mentally come back to every once in awhile, regardless of how little current progress is being made. I think taking chances and saying yes instead of no can help anyone reach the kind of experiences and accomplishments they remember for the rest of their lives.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I have dozens upon dozens. The longest running story, and the most committed I’ve been yet is to a story that melds science fiction and fantasy, but feels like an adult Epic High Fantasy. The Twinborn Saga takes place in a world where magic is real, and it is those who are born as twins who have the highest chance of having any special gifts. There are sword fights, assassinations, mobs in the street, and the taste of political upheaval and acid smoke in the air. I should probably revisit and continue writing!
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I read all of my reviews, and since I’m such small beans, I haven’t even seen a bad review. I’ll pop open a special bottle of wine in celebration when I get my first random bad review. I’ll consider it another milestone.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Yes. By which I mean, pretty much just me so far. *stares awkwardly into camera blankly*
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I’m friends with you, Erin! You’re an inspiration because of how hard you work, and the spark and fire and passion you have for your stories and supporting other writers! I’m friends with so many local authors, and when I see them is pretty much the only time I get to write anymore. Alex, Betsy, Will, Greg, Eliza (and so many more)....I don’t have all their social media links, but I’m sure that I can make their names highlighted in blue as hyperlinks via the magic of computers. They inspire me (you inspire me) every single day.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Keep going. And stop reading Wheel of Time before it dissolves into disappointing goo and you rip your hair out for years. Just re-lax. CHILL OUT. And keep writing. There will always be someone who writes so well you want to quit. Don’t you dare quit. Keep going.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Probably getting ahead of themselves. Don’t ePublish a book before you’ve had many sets of eyes, lots of red pen chicken scratch, and several rounds of self editing as well as professional (if you can). Try to set up good habits. Allow yourself to set projects aside and come back later.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
It hurts that this is the truth, but...spending actual money on editor fees, spending actual money on cover design, spending actual money on some marketing help, and the rest is just treating self promotion as AT LEAST a part-time job. But I only know these things from a limited range of experience, so take it with a grain of salt.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
My favorite childhood book is probably The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. Aslan is my dude. And THAT was a weird sentence.
Social Media
www.patreon.com/ArtemisRising
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLHKung
Eliza David
Eliza David is the erotic romance author of eleven self-published novels, including the Cougarette series. She was born and raised on the noisy South Side of Chicago, but now lives in quiet Iowa City, one of the renowned Cities of Literature. A member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA), Eliza also maintains a local literary presence, serving on the Iowa City Public Library’s Board of Trustees, moderating the romance writing group at the Writers’ Rooms, and serving as an annual headlining author at the Iowa City Book Festival.
In addition to writing the naughty words, Eliza is a blogger as well, having served as a contributing writer for Real Moms of Eastern Iowa, The Good Men Project, and Thirty on Tap. Toward the close of 2018, Eliza will be featured in three upcoming anthologies: Best Women's Erotica: Volume 4, The Sexy Librarian's Dirty 30: Volume 3, and Cleis Press' Erotic Teasers. Her next project, The Lamar St. Jon Experience, is currently out for query.
When she’s not writing, working full-time, or raising two children with her loving husband, Eliza enjoys reading throwback Jackie Collins, acting out on Twitter, and indulging in the occasional order of cheese fries.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work? My latest novel, The Follow 2: Blocked, was published in February. It was the sequel to my story about King Smith, an A-list R&B singing sensation who privately battles a sex addiction. Meanwhile, he finds himself falling in love with Shauna McIntyre, the woman on his team who handles his online public image. This duet of stories juggles a romance laced with themes of mental health, celebrity, and social media. It’s been my most well-received releases of my 11-book self-published career – very proud of the tales of King Smith!
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer? I am a voracious reader, always have been. So, when I’m wrapped up in a great book, my writing can fall to the wayside. (I know, BAD WRITER! J)
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process? Definitely the dreaded middle of the novel. I’m a plotter so I always come to my WIP with an outline locked and loaded. I tend to treat my outlines as roadmaps – if I get lost, I use it. Eventually during the writing process, your characters do whatever the hell they want to do and soon, I find myself lost in the middle. A part of it is fear as well. I’m a reader of romance and I like to think that I know how fellow romance readers think. Once I get preoccupied with those thoughts, the writing slows. That middle gets murky and it takes every bit of will inside of me and my pen to pull through to the end.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer? My ego. After indie publishing eleven books, I’ve come to know my readers. This causes me to go into writing the next book thinking, “Will my writers dig this? Am I letting them down?” I realize a lot of that is ego and a fear of failure. It blocks my creativity. Letting go of ego and just letting the pen go is the only way for me to enhance my craft. It’s something I have to remind myself of every time I open the laptop.
5. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones? Ah, the reviews. LOL! I have a love/hate with reviews. I love to get them because we writers need them, good or bad. We need the good ones to keep us motivated to write. We need the bad ones to see where we need improvement. Both have to be quality reviews. In fact, being a writer has taught me how to give better reviews as a reader. “This book sucked” or “I loved this book”, while they may both be honest reviews, doesn’t help me. Tell me why it sucked. Get specific with me about what you loved about the book. Was it the characters? The plot? The love scenes? I encourage all readers to let loose in review – give writers what they need to get better.
7. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find? In my Cougarette series, there’s a mention of Prince in each of the six books. He was mine and my MC’s favorite musician.
8. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer? This question reminds me of one of the first author friends I made when I was working on my first book. I was so new to the process and she was an excellent resource. Cut to me finishing the first draft of The Cougarette (my first novel). I sent her my draft, as she was going to review it and post it on her blog. She DMd me and said, “I won’t be featuring the novel on my blog.” I DMd back and asked her what I could do to improve it. She never replied and I was quite devastated. I published the novel after an additional self-edit and it’s still sitting at 4.5 stars. Later, I learned that the author friend who had been so eager to counsel me and then refused to give me feedback was going through her own creative & personal struggles at the time.
That exchange taught me to never take anything personally. Sometimes, it’s not about you. Thankfully, I’ve cultivated supportive and beneficial writing communities both off and online since then. I’m just grateful that I didn’t let that unfortunate exchange hinder me. I’ll never know whether or not her brushoff was truly about the content of the book but I know who my people are now and how to find them – and that was priceless. (Thank you, girl!)
9. What are common traps for aspiring writers? Repeat after me: ‘No first draft – including mine – will be perfect.’ I think all writers could use that reminder, but I really struggled with that reality in the beginning of my writing career. I often remind myself that my first draft is simply me telling myself the story.
My writing mantra? “You can make it pretty later.”
10. What’s the best way to market your books? While social media is a great vehicle, the best way to use social media to push books is to be yourself. Don’t become human spam. You’ll lose followers quickly! Converse with readers online about something other than your books. You are a human being and your readers (current and potential) deserve to see that side of you as well.
You can follow Eliza on:
o Website: http://ElizaDavidWrites.com
o Blog: http://www.elizadavidwrites.com
o Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/elizadwrites
o IG: https://instagram.com/writegirlproblems/
o Twitter : https://twitter.com/elizadwrites
o Amazon Author Page : http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00S3T495M
o Google+: https://www.google.com/+ElizaDavidWrites
o Goodreads Profile/Blog: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12419007.Eliza_David
Amelia Kibbie
Amelia Kibbie is an author, freelance writer, and secondary educator. She was born, bred, and corn-fed in the great state of Iowa, but her heart is divided between France and New Orleans. Amelia’s short stories have appeared in several anthologies, including the pro-human sci-fi collection Humans Wanted and My American Nightmare: Women in Horror. The literary journals Saw Palm, Quantum Fairy Tales, Wizards in Space, and Intellectual Refuge have featured her work. Rustle, her first (and probably only) volume of poetry is available on lulu.com and amazon.com She also blogs for the parenting website mom.me and at akibbie.wordpress.com.
Amelia’s most recent publication is through Running Wild Press. Her short story, an LGBT historical romance called “Idylls of the King” appears in their second anthology of short stories. “Idylls of the King” is the story of two boys shipped away from London to avoid the Nazi bombings in WWII as part of a program called Operation Pied Piper. James and Arthur, along with their classmates, move into the manor of the Baroness, Lady Barlow. However, their woes and worries follow them there; James is relentlessly bullied and Arthur does not speak because of his stutter. It’s up to the Baroness and her war-veteran butler, Mr. Marlin, to help the boys realize that they are just as important and legendary as characters from the King Arthur myths.
Amelia has spent 12 years in public education. Her current position is as an instructional coach and interventionist. Working with students who struggle is her calling. She lives in Iowa City with her husband, two-year-old daughter, and three spoiled cats. They share the condo with a shy ghost. Her most recent obsession is Wonder Woman and the music of Dead Can Dance and Lisa Gerard.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My most recent publication is a short story in the post-apocalyptic anthology Enter the Rebirth. Rebirth is actually the third book in a trilogy of short story collections dealing with the apocalypse. The first one featured stories of the cataclysmic event itself, the second stories immediately following the event, and the third has tales of societies as they rebuild. My story is about a world ravaged by a disease that began and mutated in livestock. Very Iowa, I know. Some animals are infected carriers, and the most vicious are dogs. But the story doesn't revolve around that so much as two towns of survivors discussing how they might merge their settlements. Someone in the negotiations wants in both villages to change drastically in ways the other leaders aren't expecting.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
My issue is time. I have a full-time job and a three-year-old. It's very hard to find consistent time to write and still keep the house livable, exercise, cook healthy meals, etc.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Probably getting feedback and editing. Though, every time, that does get easier, and I am so grateful for beta readers and editors who give me feedback. It just takes a few minutes of fuming before I realize how valuable their comments are.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
I assume that means something I actually enjoy or cherish. Because I have plenty of things I'd be happy to get rid of! I guess if you want a tough decision, I would trade my cats for being able to write better. I would miss them a lot, and I do love them to pieces. But I wouldn't miss the shedding or the litter box.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I've mostly published short stories. When my story "Duck Pond" won a writing contest and was published in a literary journal, I realized that yes, I can do this. There are people out there who want to read my work and identify with my characters. One thing that really changed my writing process was working with bigworldnetwork.com, which is a site that specializes in serialized fiction. They limit their weekly installmenst to ten pages, and I realized that was the perfect length for chapters. I used to write these long, chapter-less books where I didn't plot out where I wanted the emotional high points to be. Thinking about writing like I was planning out a season of a TV series revolutionized how I plan my stories.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Oh my Lord, I have WAY too many! One I do plan to finish is called "Retinue of Lost Ones" which is a YA supernatural story. It centers around a kid who not only sees ghosts, but he can control them and make them do things. He meets a girl who has an angry spirit following and tormenting her, and he has to figure out more about his powers to understand how to get rid of it. I also have an LGBT historical paranormal romance that involves werewolves. When I turned 30, I decided that if I was ever going to make it as a writer, now was the time. So I wrote a novel called Cultbreakers. I queried that around and had some great and encouraging feedback. Technically I'm on draft three, but I have so many other projects I'm not sure that one will ever see the light of day. Maybe as a self-published piece. It's a historical paranormal thriller that takes place in an alternate past. An heiress tries to solve the ritual cult murder of her sister.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
All the reviews I've read come from anthologies, so it's easy not to take them too personally unless they mention your story by name. No reviews I've read have mentioned my story specifically, which is good in some ways, and bad in others. When my own solo novel comes out, I'm sure it'll be a completely different ball game.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
That is a great question! Yes, I do that all the time. There is a Bob's Burgers reference somewhere in Idylls of the King (the novel in progress, not the short story). I actually can't remember where it is, but it's there. Totally not fitting with the time period or the tone of the book, but it's so subtle pretty much everyone is going to miss it. I also obviously have a lot of Arthurian references in that story, some of which you'll have to look very hard to find.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
It's been a true honor and a pleasure to get to know everyone from the Iowa Writers' House and the Writers' Rooms. I am friends with many online and have even met a few in the flesh. I'm part of some extremely valuable Facebook groups that are always full of camaraderie and good advice. The thing I never realized about other writers is that they are always willing to help if you have a question or a problem with something to do with the world of books. I have also met incredible people who just happen to be writers, people I've learned so much from about life, and who I can count on when things get rough. I didn't know how much I needed a writing community until I found one. The encouragement alone is priceless.
Celebrity name drops: My sister-in-law works with Tim Johnson's brother (he wrote Descent which was a recent bestseller). I met him once. I used to work with Heather Gudenkauf's (The Weight of Silence) sister as well. Also one time Anne Rice "liked" a comment of mine on Facebook. Well, that, or her assistant did. So that makes us pretty much besties.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
I would tell her to get her head out of her ass, honestly. I used to take feedback and constructive criticism SO PERSONALLY. I could have perfected my craft long ago if I was willing to have my work read by beta readers etc. and actually taken the feedback. Also I used to get jealous when other writers found success. Over time, though, I realized that a success for one of us is really a success for all of us, especially us little guys who are querying and self publishing and working day jobs. There is enough success for all of us if we have the right combination of luck and grit.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
I think a big one is getting stuck on a particular fandom or story archetype, or even a genre. It really limits you if you will only write one type of story. Also young writers often write solely for themselves, which is fine, but as you mature you realize that the market is a thing, and some of the weird crap you're interested in has a very niche audience. Also a lot of early writers aren't reading nearly enough. They're so focused on their own worlds that they aren't absorbing the master works of writing out there, and that is one of the best ways to improve your craft.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
Yikes, I pretty much suck at this. I really, really enjoy going to author events and selling books, mostly because I like talking to readers about my work, and because you get to hang around other writers and creative people all day. There's a frenetic energy I really like. It's super draining, because I'm actually just a huge introvert who’s good at acting like an extrovert. But I always come away feeling exhausted but fulfilled. I mean, I haven't successfully marketed crap. I'm breaking even most of the time!
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
That's a really hard question. How can you choose just one? I definitely loved the Redwall series as a tween. When I was a kid, I was really into books that featured a substitute home or a secret space that was unconventional and private for the characters. For example,The Family Under the Bridge, The Boxcar Children, and The Secret Garden. I think I really gravitated toward having somewhere to go that was my own space, like a hidden fort or something. We lived in a small house growing up, and even though I had my own room, it wasn't private. You could hear everything because the walls were paper thin, and there was a one inch space underneath my door. The all-time best book I ever read as a kid, though, was "Do I Have to Say Hello?" by Delia Ephron. It's a hilarious book written in the second person and it's all about manners. So it asks you a question like, "You're at a fancy restroom, and you have to go to the bathroom -- what do you do?" and then offers you multiple choice answers, most of which are hilariously wrong, like "a. stand up on your chair and shout 'I HAVE TO PEE!'" I credit a lot of my humor to that book. Meaning that my humor is juvenile. That's probably how I managed to teach 7th grade for 10 years.
Social Media:
Amelia Kibbie -- Author and Freelance Writer
@AmeliaKibbie
Instagram: hollycat83
Brian K. Morris
Brian K. Morris is a freelance writer, independent publisher of novels and comic books, vlogger, occasional actor, and former mortician’s assistant. A professional writer for over 20 years and full-time since 2012, Brian specializes in genre-blending fiction, mixing contemporary fantasy, pulp action/adventure, horror, and humor.
Brian currently lives in Central Indiana with his long-suffering wife, Cookie, no children, no pets, and too many comic books.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Just try and stop me.
My latest book, The Haunting Scripts of Bachelors Grove began as a short book tied to a Kickstarter campaign. This was to be a thank-you gift for one of the pledge levels for a comic book I helped write and edit. Well, there's no project I can't complicate so what was going to be a small book with four of my comic scripts and a new horror prose story turned into a memoir about my time writing for small press comics as well as three new horror novellas. I doubt I'll ever learn.
My newest publication is an all-ages comic book, The Ghostly Tales of Spencer Spook # 1. My good friend Ron Frantz bought the '40s comic book IP from its owner and entrusted me to do the comic. My artistic partner, Eric S. Hawkins did a great job on the comic and we have some great variant covers by Eric, Scoot McMahon, Ken Wheaton, and Ty Templeton, all four of whom have professional comics credits that we all could merely aspire to.
And currently, I'm writing a sequel to my 2015 book featuring my fantasy heroine, Vulcana, entitled The Prometheus Frame-Up.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Time management, mostly. Aside from that pesky "balance of life" various HR departments talk about, I not only have to create new product for my own imprint, Rising Tide Publications, but I also write for other publishers too such as Silver Phoenix Entertainment, ProSe Press, TwoMorrows Publishing, GCD Publishing, Lion's Head Press, and others.
In addition, since I'm as small as small publishers can get, I handle the business side of Rising Tide with my wife's help. But I come up with most of the promotional plans, supervise the editing process, book personal appearances, and handle the 1,001 things that all business people must during the course of their 16-hour business day.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
This won't sound like I'm a suffering artist, but I actually enjoy the process of crafting a story, regardless of the medium -- novels, novellas, short stories, comic books, audio plays, stage plays, etc. -- from start to finish. Yeah, I even enjoy the editing process. There's something very wrong with me.
In fact, the challenges of each format add to the enjoyment of storytelling for me. Can I give the editor what they want to publish and what my audience wants to read? Also, can I do it within the framework of the format and editorial edicts? Most of what I do is because I want to challenge myself creatively. Again, something is wrong with me.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Well, I already gave up a full-time nine-to-five and also the time vampire I call Television to do this. I also gave up people who didn't believe in me and who try to kill anyone's dream of being published.
5. How did publishing your first novel change your process of writing?
My first book was for the late Amazon project, Kindle Worlds. My first book, Bloodshot: The Coldest Warrior, was based on a popular comic book, of which I happened to be a fan. To do that book, I stopped writing fiction by the seat of my pants and actually worked out the story from an elevator pitch, to ensure I had a decent concept, to a full outline with all main plots and subplots. I can't imagine reverting to my pantser ways ever again. I doubt my nerves could handle the strain.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I have enough unfinished works to choke a good-sized landfill. I'm not totally joking as that's where most of those manuscripts wound up. In fact, my first novel that I wrote between my freshman and sophomore year in college was so gawdawful that when I moved to Indiana, I made certain the manuscript was destroyed. My reputation, such as it is, couldn't handle a catastrophe of that magnitude.
No surprise, I can't give you an accurate count. But I figure if I never revived those concepts, either I got the story out of my system or they weren't tales worth telling to begin with.
Of course, this doesn't count the recently-written stories that are winding through the piplelines of other publishers. I figure I did my share of the work so I won't rush them with theirs ... well, not much, I hope.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I honestly wish I had more reviews! Most writers of my acquaintance tell me that they also get a lot of compliments, but a frighteningly small percentage of those turn into Amazon or Goodreads reviews. I don't think a lot of our loyal readers realize how helpful even a two-line review can be to us. Even two and three stars are useful, believe it or not.
But don't write in text speak. "U suk B" helps no one.
I love seeing good reviews because my sometimes-bloated ego will accept nothing less than total adulation most days. Please add that I'm grinning when I say that. Seriously, when any review goes into why they did or didn't enjoy my work, that's quite useful. I can take that criticism, positive or negative, and if it improves my work, I can endure the soul-crushing pain of rejection. I'm smiling again, by the way.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Heh, very rarely. My Art Director, Trevor Erick Hawkins, keeps on me to plant some Easter Eggs. He knows I use multiple inspirations for my stories and he would totally fanboy if I gave in to his urges. I mean every novel, every TV show, every bar of music I've ever crammed into my skull winds up in my work somehow. I'm striving, however, to not let all my influences show, at least not blatantly. It annoys Trevor, but I sleep better at night.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Wow! We could be here all day answering this one. I have a number of great friends who are writers and I apologize in advance if I've omitted anyone, which I have. Now pardon me while I flex my name-dropping muscles.
I travel around, and network with, a number of writers -- mostly from the Midwest -- such as Amy Hale, Cathy Jackson, Kenny Sills, Monica O'Leary, Jeffrey Allen Davis, Sam Phillips, Molly Daniels, Ron Frantz, Jason Nugent, to list but a mere few. We trade tips on possible good places to hold signings, push each other to try new things in terms of our writing and our marketing, and generally make each other laugh when we need it most. The best part is we pull each other up when the inevitable depression and negativity grind us down.
Of course, I'm enjoying interacting with my new Iowa friends, now online but as close as my heart. You all rock!
I'm also acquainted with some considerably larger name writing talent, but I'm not sure MY dropping their names will fill them with pride. However, I hope to BECOME the name that people drop.
10. If you could tell your younger self about writing, what would it be?
Be glad you didn't take that job as chauffeur for that Mafia Don, Brian. They shoot the driver first, you know.
Seriously, I'd tell me to work harder, to focus more, don't let the everyday world grind you down, and the harder you work, the better it gets. Oh, and the technology will catch up to what you want to do. But forget about the flying cars and the warp drive washing machines.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Hope you brought a lunch. This could take a while too.
Too many writers have no business plan or even a design for it. I think you need one to assess your strengths and liabilities as an entrepreneur, which you are. Too many writers have no idea what they're going to write, when they'll write it, how they'll edit or market their work, or even if they're going to self-publish or seek a publisher. A business plan keeps your business focused.
Also, too many writers think they can write a book, no second drafts, they instantly sell the film rights and retire. This is a marathon, not a sprint. I can remember reading short fiction by Stephen King in these sleazy men's magazines of the early Seventies, not long before he became THE Stephen King. Too many writers don't want to think about the time and sheer WORK this business takes, work that doesn't end when you finish the first draft.
But what I believe a lot of writers don't understand is they'd get more writing done if they stopped watching television or playing video games every night. I never got my time playing Halo to put money in my pocket so I stopped doing it. Instead, I turned games and DVDs into a reward for getting stuff done.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
Relentlessly and frequently. When you type "THE END," you've accomplished something that a lot of humans never even start. BE PROUD OF THAT!
Social media has become a very inefficient way to promote, but it's still the best way, especially if you have a finite budget. Study Guerrilla Marketing and get creative in your approach to getting the word out about your work.
Network, do a lot of personal appearances, and always have faith in your product.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
Okay, here's a terrifying glimpse into my psyche. My favorite book from my misspent youth is Frankenstein by Marry Shelley. It spoke, and still speaks, to being different, to be alone in a world full of people. Plus, from it's inspiration, one can find new stories, both poignant and humorous.
Social Media:
Website: www.RisingTide.pub
Twitter: www.twitter.com/BrianKMorris
Instagram: www.instagram.com/briank.morris
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briankmorris1956 (personal)
https://www.facebook.com/RisingTidePublishing (publishing/writing)
CJ Bower
Reading and writing have always been a part of CJ’s life. Ever since she can remember, she’s been putting pen to paper, creating complex characters in rich environments. She lives in Western Wisconsin with her husband and fur-baby. When she’s not working or writing, she enjoys baking, cake decorating, and of course, watching NASCAR. She picked up her first piping bag at age fourteen and started decorating full-time at age twenty-three. Using the experience she’d gained while working in her family’s bakery, along with her love of racing, she created the setting for her first series of novels.
Follow her on social media and her website. She loves hearing from her readers.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My most recent release was in 2016. I had three books come out that year but, regretfully, nothing since. My third one, Icing the Competition, is book two of my Caked With Pleasure series. The whole series revolves around three best friends who work at Jacqui’s bakery in Charlotte, NC. Persephone Williams falls for Jacqui’s boyfriend Nick’s best friend Shawn Sheldon at the time he’s planning his wedding to someone else. His marriage fails, and the two reconnect at a party they’d been invited to by Jacqui and Nick (the couple from Book 1, On Track with Icing). The same six main characters are featured throughout the series, but a different set of characters take the main stage in each one.
Book two was a novella in the In It to Win It anthology, titled Love in Victory Lane about a female racecar driver who falls for her crew chief at the beginning of her rookie season in NASCAR.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Probably making time to just sit and write. And when I do finally make time, the words don’t always flow when I need them to. I’ve also discovered that I suck at setting goals and deadlines for myself. I’ve discovered that it inhibits my creative process.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Being a night owl having to get up for a day job. I’ve discovered I do my best work between one and five in the morning. The house is quiet and no one is making demands on my time. It’s easier to think when my husband is asleep. However, I have a day job that starts at 8:30, so I can’t stay up that late.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Working my day job. I would love to be able to live off of my book sales, but unfortunately that won’t be an option unless my books became wildly popular or if I ever win the lottery. Though I’m sure many of my fellow authors feel the same way! Okay. Let’s be realistic here. If I could give up anything, it would be the housework. Instead of washing dishes or doing laundry, I could spend that time writing.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
It really didn’t. I still write as much as possible when the creative energy is flowing. If I’m not feeling it or if writer’s block has set in I focus on something else until I’m able to start working again.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Completed, unpublished books? Just one – I Crosse My Heart from my CityScapes series. It’s about a college kid from Texas who moves to La Crosse, WI to play baseball with the local summer developmental team (fashioned after the Northwoods League and the La Crosse Loggers), and he ends up falling for a local girl.
Half-finished? Too many to count! But my current works in progress include another in the CityScapes set and the third of my Caked with Pleasure series. Stuck in a Rut, part of the CityScapes set, is about a professional photographer from New York City who travels to Wyoming and spends a week traveling with a wagon train along the Oregon Trail from Fort Laramie to South Pass. Along the way she finds direction in her professional life, and she also falls for one of the cowboys helping out with the wagon train.
Book Three in my Caked with Pleasure series is called Knotted Up with Passion. By popular demand from my readers, Camille finally gets her story. Honestly I’m under more pressure with the third one than I was the first two, because I’ve set a high expectation for my readers that I’m obligated to live up to. And I’m kind of scared that the book has fallen way short of the mark.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I read all reviews, to be honest. I love the good ones, of course, but the bad ones I use as a learning experience for the next one. It’s like working a regular job. Can’t correct the mistakes if I don’t know which ones I’m making. But one thing I learned from the experience of my fellow writers – you’re never going to please everybody. It’s physically impossible to do so, because every reader has different tastes and opinions. I have no problem with someone who doesn’t like my work. But at least give me a reason why. Is the opinion based on the quality of writing? Or was it just one particularly annoying character that ruined the book?
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Some. There are a few Easter eggs planted between On Track with Icing and Icing the Competition that hint to Knotted Up with Passion. It’s easier to put stuff like that in books that are part of the same series than it is for ones that are completely stand-alone. I’ve also modeled some of my characters after people I’ve met in real life, including friends and family!
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer? I love hanging out with Ashlynn Monroe. She and I are a part of the same critique group. On Track with Icing probably would never have gotten published if she hadn’t nudged me toward one of the publishers she’d worked with in the past. I have also gotten to know Ella Jade, Michel Prince, Beverly Ovalle, Michelle Shriver, Shelly Small, Linda Rae Sande and Suzan Tisdale. I’ve connected with many others via social media but there are too many to list!
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Write first, edit later. And never give up. Don’t be afraid to go after your dream just because someone tells you that you can’t do it, or they don’t want you to.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
I can’t speak for other writers. But my own experience? Let’s see. Probably trying to follow every piece of writing advice I’ve ever been given. Another one is understanding that this is an actual business, that publishers are using their money to put my books out there and it’s my job to remain professional to not only protect my own brand, but theirs as well.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I have yet to find the best way. But I’ve heard over and over to just write more books. The more my name gets out there the more chance I have of reaching a wider audience. Since I currently only have the three, it’s not as easy. But I do post in a number of Facebook group posts and I attend intermittent book signings, mostly local due to costs since I’m still trying to get my name out there.
13. What is your favorite childhood book? That’s a tough one. There are a few that I couldn’t get enough of. Charlotte’s Web, Boxcar Children and The Mouse and the Motorcycle were ones that I would read over and over. I was (and still am to this day) a fan of Roald Dahl.
Social Media:
www.facebook.com/CJBowerauthor
www.CJBowerauthor.wordpress.com
Joanne Salemink
Joanne Salemink is a recovering journalist and former high school English teacher. She currently divides her time between caring for her family, part-time jobs, and training to become a superhero. Joanne lives in West Branch, Iowa with her husband, their two children, and one cat. She blogs all about that and more at Sandwichmomonwry.blogspot.com. Scout’s Honor is her first novel, and she is threatening to write more. She recently had an essay selected for inclusion in an anthology edited by Allia Zobel Nolan and a team from the University of Dayton's Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop. Laugh Out Loud: 40 Women Humorists Celebrate Then and Now…Before We Forget was published in April, 2018.
Like the protagonist in Scout's honor, Salemink did, in fact, once have a candy apple red Honda Rebel motorcycle. She may have cried a bit when she sold it, and may still be on the lookout for another.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Scout's Honor is my first novel. It came out in January of this year (2018). It's the story of a middle-aged, Midwestern housewife who's life has fallen apart. Rather than continue to slog along and accept the status quo, she decides to kick-start a new life. Guided by a 90-year-old woman with a penchant for pole-dancing and a vintage Indian Scout motorcycle (hence the title), Julie sorts through the wreckage, buffs out the bumps, and rediscovers romance. It's filled with humor, drama, romance... and a motorcycle!
I also had an essay included in Laugh Out Loud: 40 Women Humorists Celebrate Then and Now... Before We Forget, which was published in April, 2018 in cooperation with the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop. Oy, with the laughs already!
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Finding time to write! There's always something else that needs to be done. I haven't turned that corner yet where I can believe that writing is my vocation, so I let other things take priority. (Dealing with word processing programs is another problem, but that's a “me” thing.)
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Writing the “rough” draft. I like to have each chapter pretty well shaped up before I move on. I still go back later and hack and chop, but I need to feel like I have a good, solid foundation before I can continue. This slows down the writing process, but I tell myself it speeds up the editing.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Housework! But that's probably not an option :) I'm not sure if it's a matter of “giving up,” but I think I would be a better (more efficient) writer if I could overcome my need for perfection (or somewhere close to perfection), and my Olympic-grade ability to procrastinate.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
In some ways it boosted my confidence – I had never done anything of that length or magnitude. On the other hand, it made me more self-conscious about my writing – I tend to get sucked into wondering how people will react to a situation or word choice instead of just telling the story the way I “hear” it. I'm learning to trust my gut. (Then there's the specter of impending doom when I think about formatting the finished product for publication. Technology. GAH!)
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Oh my goodness! I have piles of notebooks and folders filled with notes about story ideas. I'd like to write about a small town newspaper editor and juxtapose what actually gets printed in the paper with what she would like to print, or the stories behind the stories. I have an idea for a murder mystery … involving a small town newspaper editor and an Isabel Bloom sculpture. Then there's the one about the farming community that finds producing illegal drugs to be more profitable than farming.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I get really nervous when people tell me (in person) “I read your book...”, so I don't actively seek out reviews (although I should). That said, so far (almost) everyone has been very kind and has managed to find at least one thing to comment positively on!
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
YES! There are a lot of Iowa-based references, particularly in places and names. Some people have picked up on them. There are also a few inside jokes that might be there just to entertain me.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I can't believe how fortunate I have been to meet so many wonderful authors at workshops and book fairs! They have all been generous with their time and gracious in answering questions. On top of that, I've learned so much from reading their works, whether it’s a novel, short story or blog. When I read something that is well written – something that gives me goosebumps or creates a strong mental image or just rings true – I try to reverse engineer it and try to figure out how I can apply that to my writing. A little name dropping: Katrina Kittle (The Blessings of the Animals) has an infectious energy and enthusiasm, Karen Musser Nortman (Time Travel Trailer and Franny Shoemaker series) practically held my hand and guided me through publication, Elizabeth Stuckey-French, Erik Therme, Kimberly Dalferes, Gianetta Palmer, I could go on and on (and gladly would!).
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Believe in yourself. Take a chance. Tell the story you want to hear. Study your spelling words!
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
For me personally, one trap is thinking my writing has to be perfect, and perfect the first time! I also think writing becomes more difficult when you try to please a certain crowd or follow a trend. Billy Joel (my hero) said he doesn't/didn't try to write hit songs or try to guess what the listeners wanted, that he writes to please himself. I think when you write about what moves you, that comes across – there's a joy, an honesty that comes from just being yourself.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I wish I knew! I'm still learning. I figure try everything, something's bound to work! Book fairs are exhausting for an introvert, but also a great way to meet other authors, so it's a win even if you don't sell. As a reader, I'm more likely to pick up a book a friend has recommended to me, so word of mouth is important, too (as are good friends).
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
Just Only John by Jack Kent, and the Little House on the Prairie series (of course) stand out. When I was in high school I discovered C D B! by William Steig, which may or may not be a childhood book (and I may or may not have been a child), but I think it's a good example of how to think outside the box and make reading FUN!
And on that note, I want to say N-Q for letting me ramble on and on!
Social media links:
Blog: Sandwichmomonwry.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Joanne-Salemink
Twitter: www.twitter.com/JoSalemink
Kristine Plum
Kristine Plum lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with her husband, son and canine children. Her childhood was spent on a family farm in rural central Iowa with animals, especially puppies!
Kristine has been interested in history and the supernatural as far back as she can remember, and her imagination has always been wild. Her interests led her to degrees in History, Spanish, Music and Education from Cornell College, whose atmosphere helped to open her mind beyond the bubble of her small town upbringing, and helped further shape her into the person she is today. She passed on her aspirations of owning a “living-history” castle-museum in Europe to be a high school Spanish teacher.
She has been blessed to have the opportunity to travel within the United States and to Europe multiple times. Spain and Italy hold special places in her heart.
When she’s not spending time with her family or grading Spanish tests, Kristine enjoys watching reruns (or dvds) of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Friends, and Hallmark Christmas movies, as well as reading. Her husband would say, “When isn’t she reading?” She enjoys different genres but prefers those with a little darkness.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Book 1 in The Maiden Series (The Maiden: Revelations) was published in 2017. It is a paranormal story about a powerful witch, leader of a world-wide coven, who finds herself questioning everything she has believed about herself after encountering a sexy vampire of whom she can’t seem to rid herself. It falls into the romance category, but I sometimes struggle with that label. There is romance, and the relationship between Ryen and Cash is a constant thread throughout the whole series, but to me it’s more a story about Ryen and her journey of self-discovery and coming to terms with all of the revelations about her past and future.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
There’s always self-doubt, whether or not I’m capable of writing something worthy of being published. Sometimes I feel intimidated by writers with English degrees. I struggle with balance also. My day job of teaching often bleeds into my evenings with papers/quizzes to grade or lesson plans to make. On top of that, I want to be a good wife and mother. My writing tends to get pushed to the back burner. My husband usually understands when I need to take some creative time, but my six year old doesn’t understand. My solution is often sacrificing sleep to get up before everyone else… I also suck at computer programs, so formatting is not my forte!
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
I’m a perfectionist, so I want the best product as soon as I put my hands to the keyboard. I’m not someone who can just put the words down and easily come back later for revisions. Unfortunately, this leaves me staring at the computer or getting frustrated with my characters. My first book came out fairly easily, but I scrapped and restarted the second one four or five times before I was happy with where it was picking up in the story. Editing is also difficult for the same reasons. I’m constantly rewording sentences, wondering if they sound better this way or that way. In the first book, it was hard for me when my initial vision changed. I started writing separate scenes as I imagined them. As I sat down to write the whole book I worked chronologically. Thing changed and evolved and I had to revise scenes I had previously been in love with because the story had taken on a direction of its own.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
My soul! LOL! I already give up sleep, sanity and time with my family!!! If I could afford to stay home and make writing my primary job, I totally would.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Publishing is so permanent. There’s no going back or changing something (at least not easily). It has made me much more intentional and even more OCD than I was before. It’s the worst when you are working with a series, and something comes up you’d like to go back to clarify or add.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Book 2 in The Maiden series (The Maiden: Rising) is due out December 1. It’s in its very final stages of editing, and I have a cover design artist working on the cover still. This installment will bring new dangers and challenges for Ryen, and cause growth whether she likes it or not. You’ll also get to see where things lead with her and Cash.
Book 3 is already started, picking up right where book 2 ends. When you read the end of book 2 you’ll understand why I couldn’t just stop there.
After the Maiden wraps up, I may or may not do some novellas about some of the minor characters. I’ve had some reader requests, and it would be fun to tell a little more of the other stories. We’ll see.
There’s a stand-alone paranormal story in its beginning, journaling stages. All witches, no vampires in this one. It’s a story I’ve been developing as long as Ryen and Cash, maybe longer.
I also have an idea for a possible YA thriller inspired by a dream I had a couple years ago, and the freakiness of walking around inside a school at night when no one else is there.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Yes!! I love reading reviews. It makes me so happy to read/hear that other people are enjoying Ryen and Cash’s story and not just me! I got a message from a reader on my birthday and it made my day. To know people are messaging me or waiting for my next book like I wait for my favorite authors is a crazy cool feeling. Some of my favorite comments have been from people who don’t normally read paranormal, but say they totally forgot about the characters being witches and vampires because they were wrapped up in the story.
I try to take anything constructive I can out of the bad ones. Not everyone likes everything. I haven’t been head over heels about every book I’ve read, so that’s normal. I have a beta reader who is constantly frustrated with Ryen and her inability to make decisions about her personal life. I love it!! She’s supposed to be frustrating.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Sometimes. There’s a Friends reference in The Maiden: Revelations. One of my friends caught it because we are both Friends fans.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I have met SOOOOO many amazing people through my participation in the I.O.W.A author event and the social media groups I’ve been introduced to through that one event. Terri and Dana opened doors for me that I wouldn’t have even known how to find. Ursla, at M and M Books has also been a great connector for me between other authors and readers. In the world of social media they are my “friends”, but I’m not to the “see frequently/hang out with all of the time” stage with any of the super cool people I’ve met yet. I’m just this “one book self-published” girl in a world with multi-book published authors. I stand in awe of everyone. Wanting to feel like I’m in the same caliber as them pushes me to do better.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
You have a crazy imagination. Use it! Don’t let the pressures of the world stuff your imagination and ideas down inside of you. Share them. The world can never have too many stories or books. And also, pay more attention in English class!!
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Getting ahead of yourself. Worrying about publishing before the story is ever on paper. Losing the focus of your goal, sharing your story. Sometimes publishing and marketing is so daunting you forget your why. Try to do something related to your book every day. Write, journal, research, market, edit, whatever it is.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
No clue! If you know, please tell me. Making a personal connection with readers, face to face, has been the most successful for me. Getting your book into the hands of people who will recommend it to others?? As a reader, Amazon does a great job on Facebook suggesting books for me, especially free downloads and the first book in a series... My “to read” shelf (both physical and digital) is mountains high! If I could figure out how to make that work to my advantage as an author without spending my entire savings/maxing out my credit card, then I’d have answers for you.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
In elementary school, I read “Wait til Helen Comes”. It’s still a favorite and one I recommend to my nieces and nephews. In middle school, I read L.J. Smith’s series “The Secret Circle”. I try to reread them once a year!
Jed Quinn
Born and raised among the rolling cornfields of Iowa, Jed Quinn spends his days as a professor of history, volunteering as a school board member, keeping up with his five thoroughly enjoyable and oftentimes punctual children, caring for his charming yet demanding shi-tzu Benji, and stepping into random wardrobes trying to find his way into Narnia. He has traveled the globe extensively in search of wild adventures, ideas for his books, and exotic and frightening things to eat. Oh, and he'll totally crush you at Uno, so bring it!
Quinn is the author of Orchard, a YA novel about a woman who awakens to learn she is part of a small band of vampires tasked with protecting our world. The sequel, Cove, was released in 2016 and the third novel, Violet, comes out summer 2019. He is co-author, with Michael Koogler and Jaren Riley, of The Krypteia Conspiracy, about a secret organization attempting to hijack the end times and overthrow God.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
I’m working on a series called Orchard. My last published book was Cove, which was the sequel. I’m currently working on the final book in the series, Violet. Fingers crossed it comes out soon!
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Where to start? There’s a question later that gets to this as well, but my biggest problem is that I run into a situation in a book I can’t resolve so I move on to another of my brilliant ideas. Time is another problem. And it takes me a long time to work out plot points. So yeah, the fact that I’ve ever finished anything is sort of a small miracle.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Probably pushing through when writer’s block hits. The daily grind. I get ideas constantly, so trying to find one that I can finish is always the most important. If I can’t work out how it will end and the main points within the beginning of the process I just have to let it go. It’s SO important to know your limitations.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
The easy answer is poverty. Realistically, I’d give up my hope of writing the perfect novel. That book that is all things to all people. That thing that completes me. Maybe I’ll get there, but I think I spend way too much time taking something that is pretty good and trying to polish it until it shines brilliantly. I need to let some of that perfectionist streak go so I could get some more books finished!
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
It made it real. I always just wrote for myself, with this pipe dream that I would publish something. I didn’t think I’d ever actually do it, though. So, when it happened, it was like the fairy tale suddenly became true. And that put some pressure on me early on to keep that going, to build on that and sell more books. I’ve enjoyed getting to a middle point where both the harsh realities of the publishing business and the fairy tale of having books out there are both real.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
A million. I have a collection of short stories about people who have had horrible experiences in their lives. A book about a family who has a shared vision of them entering a green portal. A book called the Family Samurai about a family who struggle to work through suddenly becoming wealthy and famous. Wow. I never realized how important family is in my books, but most of my books center around families. So, I just learned something in this interview about myself and my books. Sweet!
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Yes! All of them! Good and bad. Good ones make you feel great, and bad ones either hurt or don’t. When you get a bad review that complains about how the book isn’t what they wanted, you can let that go. I got one complaining about how they really didn’t like my take on vampires, and I was like, then go read something else. Not in a bad way, just that everyone gets to like what they like, and if mine doesn’t do it for you that’s just fine. The ones that complain about your plot or call out flaws can be painful, but if you use that to get better, then sometimes those can be the best ones!
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Oh yes! I’m a historian during the day, and I pack so many little references in my book. You wouldn’t know it unless I told you, which I suppose I am, but the main plot point of Cove is based on Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn. I love adding bits of knowledge about locations and historical events, even if its buried pretty deep!
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
So many! We have such a vibrant community here in Iowa. I’m not going to list any, as there is no way I could include all of them. I’ve written a series of books about the end times called The Krypteia Conspiracy with my friends Mike Koogler and Jaren Riley. That was fun writing with other authors, but you have to have the right group. I’ll tell you this, though, writing is a solitary endeavor and its difficult to finish a project so any support you can get is so important. Lean on your friends and let them lean on you. It’s the only way any of us get through this!
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
To just go for it. Don’t wait. Don’t listen to people who say you can’t do it. Be bold! Of course, me today could handle hearing that advice still!
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
I’ve touched on this, but taking on too many projects, thinking every word has to be perfect, and thinking you can do it alone. Pick something you’re passionate about, do your best, and enjoy the process!
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I’m still working on this! Just hustling! Getting to book fairs, engaging on social media, and perhaps most importantly you have to keep producing. Nothing sells your old books like getting a new one out there.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
The Chronicles of Narnia. It’s always been Aslan for me. The first book I ever wrote was fan fiction about the mouse Reepicheep. If I could write something like that, well, that would be amazing.
Social Media:
Beth Hudson
Inspired by authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien, Lloyd Alexander, and Madeleine L’Engle, Beth determined to become a writer when she was still in grade school. That path meandered through an attempt at astronomy, a linguistics degree, and a brief flirtation with anthropology, but during it all, she worked on her writing, producing numerous short stories, and even completing two (unpublished) novels while in high school and college. Since deciding to focus on her writing, she has published a number of fantasy short stories (and a lone science fiction piece) in various magazines and anthologies. The Herd Lord, a novella about a war among centaurs, was published in 2011, her first full-length novel, Etched in Fire was released in 2015 by Alban Lake Publishing, and her short story anthology Seeing Green came out in July 2017. Etched in Fire’s sequel, A Gift of Flame, is being released by Alban Lake Publishing in the Fall of 2018. Beth’s ideas are sparked by music – Celtic folk, classical, and classic rock – and she sings, plays guitar and harp, and writes songs as well as dabbling in jewelry-making and other assorted crafts. But it is her sons, Dylan, David, and Alex, who keep her striving for excellence, so that she can make them proud of her.
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
A Gift of Flame is the sequel to my fantasy novel Etched in Fire, and though in many ways the two books have different tones (largely due to the life-changing events that happen to Maelen, my main character, in the first book), they both deal with similar issues – how people get through terrible things. In Etched in Fire, Maelen is caught in the middle of an occupied city, and it changes how she sees everything. In A Gift of Flame, she is obsessed with vengeance, and trying to find someone to teach her magic when she stumbles into a deadly situation that escalates from some seemingly ordinary bandit raids into a threat to the realm. During this time she is trying to control her magic and forge new relationships, even though she is afraid to get too close to people because of how many she has lost.
My friend said to me, “This is a book about women,” and though I hadn’t consciously intended it that way, I think she’s right. The women in the story each react to the unfolding situation in completely different ways, and the contrast between their reactions is a good part of the story’s tapestry.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
After writing for forty-plus years, I’m pretty comfortable with the technical end of writing, but, as I fight clinical depression, it can be very tough to actually get myself writing. Sometimes it is very hard. I do it anyway, because it’s worth it, but I’ve spent years training myself to remember that no matter how badly I feel something came out on the page, I can go back and revise – which I can’t do unless there’s something already written.
On the practical end of writing, I have problems with marketing, marketing, and marketing. I have a great deal of trouble reaching out to other people to get them to promote/buy my books. This is true both of my small press traditionally published works, and my self-published anthology. I also don’t have reliable transportation, which is a major handicap in going to author events, signings, etc.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Two things. The first is finding something unique to say. I don’t mind using classic elements, but I don’t simply want to repeat the same stories over again. I don’t have any trouble finding inspiration as such, but I need to feel a story is worth writing in order to want to write it. The second is that, somewhere in the middle of any given work, whether short story or novel, I start to be utterly convinced that everything I write is terrible, and that no one will ever want to read it. This can make it significantly harder to write, but I’ve learned I just have to push through to the end, so I can start to make sense of what did and didn’t work.
4. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
It really didn’t. I’d spent enough years working on my writing and sending things through the rejection mill that when my short stories started getting published, I decided I was finally doing something right. I still try to improve as much as I can, and I don’t want having some limited publishing success derail that. If I can write something better this year than last, that’s what I want to do.
5. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Oh, my, that’s a question and a half. I wrote a children’s book in third grade that my dad luckily got me not to send off to a publisher’s. It was about sentient planets, and owed a great deal to Greek mythology. When I was in seventh grade, I wrote a twenty page science fiction story which I got to read to my English class. It was horrible, but I was very proud of it. I spent years developing the world around that story, including writing a language, creating detailed maps of everything from vegetation to rainfall, working out mineral structures that don’t exist on earth, creating spaceships, and writing reams of poetry for it. I even came up with a touch screen computer before any were ever on the market! None of its iterations has ever seen print, but it’s still something very important to me.
When I was in eighth grade, I wrote The Trouble with Jumping, my first full-length novel. It was a science fiction novel about teleporters. My general idea was that I could make it longer by adding a new sub-plot when I needed to stretch things out. As a result, it was a chaotic mess full of poorly developed characters. I re-wrote it twice, the third version in my first year in college. By then, I had begun to understand that the problem with it wasn’t that my writing skills needed improvement at that point, but that my world view when I started it was that of an eighth-grader, and that I really couldn’t fix it in a way to make it a mature, adult book. I don’t regret abandoning it, but I learned a lot in the process.
In college I started two books: The Roots of Healing, and The Masters of Dragon Castle, both fantasy. The second was my first experiment in writing a set amount of words per day, and it worked very well for me. It still wasn’t a great story, but it had some interesting and unique things about it, and I might someday go back and look to see if I can salvage some of it.
The Roots of Healing was a different matter. When I started it, I had just begun to develop my adult style, also writing it with a certain number of words per day. It wasn’t strong writing, but there were things in it that I wanted to explore more fully, and which helped move me into a more mature style. It’s a rather divided work, because I stopped writing for a while post-college, when I was in the middle of it. I picked it back up several years later, by which time my style had matured significantly, and so halfway through, the writing gets a lot better. At some time I would like to re-write it. I did write and sell a short story which takes place a number of years before the novel but in the same world, and I was quite proud of it.
Other books I’ve written that haven’t been published: four books in a series from the same world as Etched in Fire and A Gift of Flame, one of which I am in the process of revising for a self-publishing project; several partly-finished novels that I want to write now that I have more ability to match my ideas; and tons of short stories, some of which are related to my novels, some of which are not.
6. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I’d be tremendously happy if I could get reviews; it’s one of the perpetual issues with the small press/self-publishing industry. I don’t read my rejection letters, other than to assure myself of what they are, because I already struggle with enough self-esteem issues that something of that sort can send me into a tailspin about how I’m really talentless. It doesn’t help my writing to be told that someone doesn’t like it, it just makes me more afraid to write. So I try to completely ignore that end of the process when I can.
7. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I might have been known to stick in a couple of Easter eggs for my friends.
8. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I am friends with a number of published and unpublished writers. Currently I’m in a workshop with both, and it’s tremendously helpful. Useful feedback is crucial to being able to improve, and writers understand the process in a way that people who haven’t spent as much time obsessing over their words do. Other indie writers in particular are helpful in letting me know what opportunities are available for signings and sales in the local area, which is also helpful. I also appreciate such things as a big-name writer of my acquaintance being willing to announce on Facebook that he’s had a rejection letter (pointing out that it happens to everyone), and a number of people who’ve had some real success in the field demonstrating how to be decent human beings who don’t think they’re better just because they’ve gotten to a place few of us reach.
9. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Just keep writing. It’s worth it.
10. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
The single biggest trap I see is publishing before one’s writing is ripe. Because self-publishing has become so easy and relatively inexpensive, it’s easy to start putting finished projects out there that haven’t been allowed to blossom into what they are capable of becoming. The biggest problem with this is that if someone achieves success right away, their writing may never get to the point where it would have if they had worked harder to get there. (I’ve seen this problem with traditionally published authors, too, so it’s not just a self-publishing problem). I’m not saying that there aren’t plenty of good self-published authors out there – I’ve read a number of them – or that self-published authors don’t work on their craft – many of them work very hard on it – but that rush to publish is, IMHO, a mistake.
11. What’s the best way to market your books?
I would love to know the answer to this question!!!
12. What is your favorite childhood book?
Just one? I mean, if I had to pick, it’s The Little Prince by Antoine de St. Exupery, but I also passionately love the Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, A Wrinkle in Time and others by Madeleine L’Engle, a number of Heinlein juveniles, problematic as they are, a ton of Andre Norton books I remember fondly, and almost everything I ever found by Alexander Key.
Social media:
· http://firedrake1.wixsite.com/etchedinfire
· https://centaurspace.weebly.com/
· https://www.facebook.com/etchedinfire/
·https://www.facebook.com/groups/1319403234872211/ (Dragonsmark)
Cath Schaff-Stump
Cath Schaff-Stump writes speculative fiction for children and adults, everything from humor to horror. Her YA Gothic fantasy The Vessel of Ra is available from Curiosity Quills. Catherine lives and works in Iowa with her husband. During the day, she teaches English to non-native speakers at a local community college. Other recent fiction has been published by Paper Golem Press, Daydreams Dandelion Press, and in The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk. Catherine is a co-host on the writing and geek-life fan podcast Unreliable Narrators. You can find her online at Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, @cathschaffstump, cathschaffstump.com, and unreliablenarrators.net
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
In August, 2018, my novella The Ground is Full of Teeth came out from Paper Golem Press in a collection of novellas called Alembical 4. I share the book with Travis Heerman. This novella takes place in a small Iowa town in the 1970s, about a young teacher interacting with child abuse and a town that seems to condone it. I call it my Southern Iowa Gothic werewolf novella. It is semi-autobiographical, and I will let you guess which parts are autobiographical. The novella is horror, and very literary.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Time is always a challenge for me, as it is for writers with day jobs, although I have recently shifted some of my job responsibilities, so now I have more time to write. The other challenge is expecting writing to be a linear climb, like most other careers. It most definitely is not, and that can be frustrating. All you can do is keep writing and publishing as you can.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Sometimes my first drafts have nothing, literally nothing, to do with my revised drafts. I feel like I might be wasting some time there, but if I don't go through the phase of clearing out the bad ideas, I seldom get to the good ones.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
My children. Wait. I don't have children. I wonder if that worked...:D Honestly? I guess time again, because the only way to become a better writer is to practice.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I tend to think and write in series, so publishing my first book made me think about the sequels to my book. By the way, this is not a recommended practice in traditional publishing. You aren't supposed to write a sequel until someone tells you they want one. Which is why for some projects I will be self-publishing. Also, I try now to do more advance planning than I used to do. Not outlining, but I use the planning method in Lisa Cron's Story Genius which is all about the emotional impact of a novel.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I have a book about trolls in Decorah, Iowa which is a YA fantasy. It's going to get a major reworking.
Blood is Thicker than Water is a serial I wrote about a group of Victorian monster hunters. It's not a book I plan on publishing.
I have written the sequel to The Vessel of Ra, which was not picked up by my publisher, so I will be self-publishing The Pawn of Isis after I write a few more books in the series.
Finally, I have a middle-grade series about the intrepid vampire killer Abigail Rath. The first book Abigail Rath Versus Blood-Sucking Fiends is being perused by a couple of agents, and the second book Abigail Rath Versus Mad Science is almost completed.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I do read my book reviews. It's hard not, especially when you're new to publishing, and it's novel. And it's interesting to see what people think. I don't let them affect me one way or the other, because people are entitled to their opinions about my work.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Yes. I do tuckerize characters (using the names of people you know as characters) and I do put in-jokes in my books that people who know me will catch.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Man, I know a lot of other authors! I've attended a couple of high end Science Fiction and Fantasy workshops (Viable Paradise, and Taos Toolbox), and some of my teachers have been John Scalzi, Elizabeth Bear, Stephen Gould, Laura Mixon, and Stephen Gould. I also know some writers who later made good, like Lauren Teffeau, Kate Heartfield, or E. C. Meyer. And I hang out with Jim C. HInes and Caroline Stevermer. These folks have taught me a lot about craft and how to manage a writing career.
But my main writing peeps are the students I attended Viable Paradise with, and the folks who come to Iowa for Paradise Icon at Icon in October. These are the writers who critique most of my work, and they push me harder to write better.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Writing is mostly about luck, not about skill. Still, luck cannot happen without skill, so write, practice, educate, and get better at your craft. Send stuff out and get thick skin. You will get rejected, whether you deserve it or not. And realize writing is not about what others think. It's about making art you are proud of, because the only thing you can control is the quality of writing itself.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Thinking they are bad writers because of rejection. Rejection has almost nothing to do with the writer when they get to a certain skill level. Even very famous writers still get rejected!
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
Wow. I think the best advice is shoot wide. I have an online presence, I'm part of a podcast, I attend conventions, I have launch parties, I go to book shows, I tell people about my books, I have readings...I guess the answer is there is no magic bullet, so do what you like and what you have time for.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
Hard question, but I'm going to go with The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. Yes, I was *that* child.
Social Media
Website: cathschaffstump.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cathschaffstump
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cathschaffstump/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2936329.Catherine_Schaff_Stump
Unreliable Narrators: http://unreliablenarrators.net/
Skye Malone
Skye Malone is a fantasy and paranormal romance author, which means she spends most of her time not-quite-convinced that the magical things she imagines couldn’t actually exist.
Born and raised in the Midwest of the United States, she dreams someday of traveling the world — though in the meantime she’ll take any story that whisks her off to a place where the fantastic lives inside the everyday. She loves strong and passionate characters, complex villains, and satisfying endings that stay with you long after the book is closed. An inveterate writer, she can’t go a day without getting her hands on a keyboard, and can usually be found typing away while she listens to all the adventures unfolding in her head.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My most recent published single work has been Desire Me, the second book of the Demon Guardians series. This series is a New Adult paranormal romance. The second book finds the heroine, a half-succubus named Cait, faced with a new threat from the rulers of the demon world—and an uncertain alliance with a hidden faction of vampires and demons that might save her from the Houses if it doesn’t get her killed first.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
I struggle with focus, usually, owing to ADD. One of my primary coping strategies is music, which I almost always require to write. Sometimes, the louder the music, the quieter and more cohesive my thoughts. I compare it to giving a rowdy kid a toy and sending them off to the corner to play with that. Quieting my mind enough to lose myself in a story is a victory. I celebrate every day I accomplish that.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Not getting caught up in all the things I could do or that someone says I should do, in regard to marketing or storytelling. There is a lot of noise out there these days, trying to sell indies on all the one-hundred-things-you-should-be-doing-right-now. I find it can be overwhelming, especially when I am just trying to get the story down.
4. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
My process became more streamlined once the first book was done, and I shifted from being a full-blown plotter to more of a hybrid plotter-pantser (plotster? panter?). I still have plans and notes for a whole series, but I also am more comfortable moving forward without every single scene and detail known—which has often led to exciting discoveries and unexpected directions for me while I’m writing the books.
5. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Sometimes… :) It might be a name that has a hidden meaning or locations that certain people in my life will be familiar with or that will bring back good memories for them. I love that kind of stuff, though I try not to make it so obscure that no one can figure it out. Where’s the fun in that?
6. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I’m friends with a number of authors, too many to list here! They’re all so helpful in one way or another (shout-out to JC Lillis for beta-reading my latest book; you rock). My local chapter of the RWA has been amazing for feedback, advice, and for new opportunities to learn. I’ve loved meeting with them ever since I joined the RWA.
7. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
To breathe. To relax. To trust yourself, because it’s going to be okay. You got this.
8. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Not striving for the happy medium by either trying to be perfect or else not taking any input at all. I see aspiring writers either nitpicking their story to death with tweaks and changes but never actually publishing or, conversely, I see them not taking the time to have the book read by beta-readers in their genre and then edited well because the writers think they don’t need that. I think writers need to aim for the middle ground instead, where they get the editor and the feedback but are also willing to press on that final button to publish.
9. What’s the best way to market your books?
For me, right now, the best thing I can do is finish and publish the next book. Then market that through ads on Amazon, Facebook, BookBub and various mailing lists. Then finish the following book. Rinse, repeat (until something changes and those advertising venues are replaced by something else, anyway!).
10. What is your favorite childhood book?
Oh wow, I loved so many. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card is one of my all-time favorites, though I haven’t read it in years. Mercedes Lackey’s series, The Last Herald-Mage, was fantastic too (and the first time I recall reading an LGBT main character!). Illusion by Paula Volsky. The Symphony of Ages series by Elizabeth Haydon. The list goes on. :)
Social Media:
Any inquiries may be directed to Skye Malone’s contact page at www.skyemalone.com/contact.
Follow Skye Malone
Amazon | BookBub | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads
Books by Skye Malone
The Demon Guardians Series
New Adult Paranormal Romance
o Touch Me (Demon Guardians #1)
https://books2read.com/touch-me
o Desire Me (Demon Guardians #2)
https://www.books2read.com/desireme
The Awakened Fate Series
Young Adult Paranormal Romance
o Awaken (Awakened Fate #1)
https://www.books2read.com/awaken
o Descend (Awakened Fate #2)
https://www.books2read.com/descend
o Return (Awakened Fate #3)
https://www.books2read.com/return
o Abide (Awakened Fate #3.5)
https://www.books2read.com/abide
o Arise (Awakened Fate #4)
https://www.books2read.com/arise
o Become (Awakened Fate #5)
https://www.books2read.com/become
o Rebirth (Awakened Fate #6)
https://www.books2read.com/rebirthbyskyemalone
The Kindling Trilogy
Young Adult Urban Fantasy
o Kindling (Kindling Trilogy #1)
https://www.books2read.com/kindling
o Ignite (Kindling Trilogy #2)
https://www.books2read.com/ignite
o Wildfire (Kindling Trilogy #3)
https://www.books2read.com/wildfire
KM Ryant Hutzel
Karen grew up on a small family farm near Spillville, Iowa.
Life on the farm was always an adventure for a small child – especially with six older siblings!
There were always creative ideas to be explored and stories to share.
In 2013, Karen began writing children’s books to capture some of those creative stories still running through her head…
Because of her own curiosity as a child, Karen offers books that are exciting to read with surprise endings!
Children use their imagination and wide-eyed wonder as they read – they can’t wait to discover how the story ends. Then there are always plenty of giggles!
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My most recent published work is “Fenella and the Enchanted Forest”. This book teaches the lesson that friends can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and it is what is on the inside that counts, not what is on the outside. I believe this is a truly important lesson for children (and adults) to learn. Fenella won a 2018 Purple Dragonfly Award in the Cultural Diversity topic.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Whereas writing is a full time job / career for some authors, writing for me is my hobby, so sometimes finding the time to write is a challenge.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
I like to write stories that keep children interested until the end, either with a bit of suspense or surprises throughout the book. I think sometimes the most difficult part is to ensure that my stories will keep the attention of the child, so that they are excited to read it over and over again.
4. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
When my first book was published, I had proven to myself that I could do this. It gave me the confidence to continue with my second and third books.
5. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to take a chance – if you fail, at least you tried.
6. What’s the best way to market your books?
I market my books through Amazon and other online sites. I also attend author events / book signings and have given presentations at several schools. Word of mouth / friends / family and social media are also good ways to market.
7. What is your favorite childhood book?
One book that I still remember from my childhood is titled “Pretzel” by Margaret Rey. It is about a little dachshund that grows to be the longest dachshund in the world. Most admire him except for the little girl dachshund across the street. She does not care for long dogs. However, one day Greta needs rescuing and the only dog long enough to save her is Pretzel. I think this book again instills in me that it is not what is on the outside, but what is on the inside that is the most important and sometimes we have to prove that to others.
Social Media Links:
Karen is featured on the Iowa Center for the Book website www.iowacenterforthebook.org/authors/browse/karen-hutzel
Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/kmryanthutzel
Contact information: kmrhutzel@gmail.com
Ann/Ana Morris
Ann Morris (English books) Ana Morris (Spanish books)
I am an award-winning bilingual children's picture book author. I write my own stories in Spanish and English. I believe this makes my message available to readers of the native language as well as learners of the other. My mission is to promote interest in reading for children and their parents, positive adult role models, and an opportunity to learn as well as to participate in the learning process.
I am open-minded and culturally fascinated. I'm amazed by how cultures and languages affect and reflect people's beliefs and attitudes. I trust in peaceful resolution. Diplomacy succeeds so many times where quarreling wastes time and energy.
I am an educator and will always wish to assist people to help themselves, no matter their origins. Languages provide us with tools for communication that enable that empathy and work.
I truly believe that we need to concentrate on our commonalities to preserve this treasure we call Earth for our children.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My very most recent published work is “G Is for Ghana”. I wrote it pro bono for a mission sponsored by Acts2Collective in Asikuma, Ghana, West Africa. I have long followed my sister’s involvement in supporting this mission from States’ side, but I had never actually visited. This year I had the opportunity to visit and wanted to take something that was part of me that would touch them.
G Is for Ghana is an alphabet book that I did completely by myself. As it is for a mission, there are religious references, which is appropriate for them. I used photos of the people and places there plus clipart, which they have really appreciated. I took enough copies for the school and presented them to the Headmaster. He has told me the students love the book. Any proceeds from book sales will go to educational causes for this specific mission in Ghana.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
My personal challenges are budget and time. I schedule my own events, do my own promotion and marketing, promote my own books, and work with my hybrid publisher, Mascot Books. I always have ideas!
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
For example, the new book I am completing? This one will be about my granddaughters, and I want it to be very special to them as well as to me. I have done so many drafts that I have lost count. I put that project on the back burner and work on another one. Finally, I had the bright idea do write it in rhyme. That way it would be different from my other works, and I’ll provide the illustrator with photos and images for them to be able to present the story correctly.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
I can’t give up anything! I’m retired and my parents live nearby in Assisted Living. They actually get precedence over everything else. Okay. If I had to give up something, it may be some of the shows. I have been doing less, but that’s where my exposure really lies! Or maybe drop a membership, but those are all important, too! I can’t give up my work for the homeless or my work with Ghana, so those may be the two areas to consider eventually…memberships and fewer shows.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
My first book was the easiest one I’ve written! All of my books are based on real experiences with some tweaking, but that one was about a special day with my youngest son and me when he was at least 30 years younger. He still remembers the actual experience, too. Maybe it taught me that not all stories flow that easily. Some require more thought, time out, and tweaking than others.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Goodness! That IS a question. I’m finishing “Love, Grandma” now, I have “The Very Particular Puppy” done in English (until the editor gets it). I have another Mommy and Mikel book untitled so far, but written in English and begun in Spanish. It’s about a very eventful day when we went to the Iowa State Fair…in the rain. I have my first chapter book begun, and it might become a series. I am never at a loss of something to write.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I definitely read my book reviews. I love to hear what people thought of my books. So far I’ve been fortunate to have favorable reviews for all of my books. There was one that stands out in my memory about my first book. It was written about an experience over 30 years ago, so I raised my eyebrows and chuckled when the reviewer wondered why we didn’t simply use our smartphones to learn the answer to our question. She apparently didn’t read the dedication. I review a lot of books, too, so I know each reviewer has their own expectations, and I cannot possibly please everyone. If I feel good about the book and hear positive feedback, that’s all I need.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I don’t intend to hide anything, but I have been told that I write on a multi-level. Children will learn or pick up on some things, and there are things adults will catch. I think that’s important, since many times it is an adult reading to the child. I appreciate when adults notice that.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I belong to many author and writing groups on social media. I’ve even met one. I also interact with authors I meet at events. I belong to a local writers’ group. I had an author friend who was my main mentor and cheerleader, but he recently passed away. There are others that I can discuss issues with, too, but his passing was a loss. I try to help others who come to me with questions.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Listen to the advice and experiences of others, but ultimately, make your own decisions. Research things better than well before making a big decision. Join writers’ groups and learn to review books before you start to write.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Not listening to others’ experiences that could help them avoid problems. Taking suggestions or criticism too personally. Expecting a publisher to automatically pick them up. Expecting big chain stores to carry their books. Thinking having published the book is the end of the road.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I have several social media hosts where I participate and have a decent following. I have a website that I keep updated. I visit schools and teach a class on writing children’s books. I have my books on consignment in several locations, as well as out of town locations. I participate in blogs, interviews, personal interviews (I’ve been interviewed on 2 different Spanish radio stations), and I’m always open to new ideas.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
Cleo. I cannot find it now, but it was about a basset hound. After that, the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I read a lot of books and loved them.
Social Media:
Website: www.authorannmorris.com
Facebook professional page: https://www.facebook.com/AnnMorrisChildrensAuthorLanguageConsulting/
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-ana-morris-7313a345/
Google+ profile: https://plus.google.com/u/1/107304045969789474245?tab=mX
Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00C8G2V8S
SCBWI profile: https://www.scbwi.org/members-public/annana-morris
Mom’s Choice Awards page: https://store.momschoiceawards.com/index.php?entry_id=2382
Pinterest page: https://www.pinterest.com/annanamorris/
Gravatar (Word Press ) page: http://en.gravatar.com/2000annmorris
YouTube videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBEqb3flEc9GmjonlIEFYJQ/videos
Aaron Bunce
Author Aaron Bunce started his academic career in criminal justice, but eventually connected his life-long love of literature with his passion for writing. After finishing his debut novel, Within, he attended Southern New Hampshire University’s English and creative writing program. He released his second novel, Before the Crow, in April 2016, and graduated later that same year with a B.A in Creative Writing, with emphasis on fiction. The third book in his Overthrown series, A March of Woe, will release wide in print and digital formats March 1st, 2018, and is destined to be the most exciting yet.
2018 will also mark the release of his fourth novel, Unleashed, a sci-fi thriller set on a mining station floating in deep space. Aaron prefers darker, grittier stories, detailing the struggle of flawed, relatable characters set against fantastical backdrops. Beyond writing, Aaron is the owner and chief editor of Autumn Arch Publishing. For more information on his fiction, social media, future titles, and author events, visit him online at www.Aaronbunce.com.
For more information on his publishing company, visit www.Autumnarchpublishing.com.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
I released A March of Woe, the third novel in my Overthrown series this March. It continues the story I started in Within (which will soon be re-released with a new cover and title), and Before the Crow. There will be six volumes in this series, so this marks the halfway point for me in the overall story arc. I had a blast writing Woe, which isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy writing the first two, but this particular story featured some fantastic action sequences as well as some really surprising character decisions (yes, they even surprise me sometimes!)
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
I face several. Firstly, I have a tendency to write long books. Before the Crow is the only one so far that clocked in below 150k words. They also feature a lengthy list of characters, so keeping their voices all distinct and separate in my mind can, at times, be tricky. The longer books means I am not able to release as often as I’d like, so sometimes readers might think I’ve slipped into a period of hibernation. I also have a full-time job and a family, so finding the time to sit down and write, uninterrupted, can be a challenge.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
I like to use the “plantser” style of writing, which utilizes only a very loose storyline. I write by the seat of my pants the rest of the time and let the story take me where it wants to go. Every so often, a character can lead me off the rails, so I have to backtrack and get things headed in the right direction again. A tighter storyline might structure the process a little, but I’ve found that it puts a dampener on my creativity.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
I’d say reading, but that is tied so intimately to writing that I’m not sure you can delineate where one ends and the other begins. So with that said, I’ll go with “my job”. I would definitely give that up, which would probably afford me even more time to write. That sounds like a win win!
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Considerably. I wrote Within in 2013, when self-publishing, a. k. a independent publishing was in its infancy. I wrote fast and sloppy, just desperate to get a project finished, with less thought on the process afterwards. It meant that I had to spend a lot more time in editing and revision. It also changed my view on finances. I balked at the cost associated with certain aspects of publishing, namely cover art, editing, proofreading, and formatting. Many indie authors refuse to spring for the big items, namely editing and good cover design, which in my opinion are crucial to not only making your book look like they belong but also read that way, too. Since starting, and through some painful lessons learned along the way, I write slower and more deliberately, have developed a list of designers, proofers, and formatters I trust, but most importantly, I’ve learned that I cannot stop learning.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I started writing a book years ago-a story about angels and demons and the battle between heaven and hell. It is rough and painful to read, as first novels usually are, so that one will never see the light of day. I have a book that is almost complete-The Delving, which is the first book in a new, supplementary series to my Overthrown novels. I also have a half finished werewolf story, Savage Dawn, which I hope to have out in 2019. Additionally, I have been working on A Prince of Orphans, Overthrown #4, and a sci-fi horror novel, with the working title, Infection, a post-apocalyptic story set in underground bunkers after a theoretical WWIII, as well as a fantasy story featuring a mirror that serves as a portal to another dimension. I have a lot of irons in the fire.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I wish I could say no, but I do. I have since the beginning and find that the positive feedback and criticism drive me. I only wish that people who leave low star ratings would also take the time to write reviews to support them. At some point I will probably stop reading reviews if only to dedicate more time to active writing projects.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
There are a few, yes. Mostly they are characters that are inspired by people I’ve known. None of it is malicious, but usually lighthearted stuff that will give some people a chuckle, or a moment of fond remembrance.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I have been fortunate to create a sizable list of author buddies-thanks mostly to signing events and conventions. The author community is fantastic. They are supportive to no end, and not only help me stay on top of new and upcoming events but also provide that competitive support that keeps me writing. We push each other, but aren’t really in direct competition. The most memorable experience I’ve taken away might just be my first ever convention. I got to mean “The Forever War” author, Joe Haldeman. He told me a story about how he, Arthur C. Clarke and Robert Heinlein were at a science fiction convention, sharing a smoke on the patio and talking about their works in progress. It was just a matter-of-fact story for him, but for me it was three of the science fiction authors I grew up reading. Three men I revered and do to this day. It was amazing.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
“Invest the time to learn marketing.” And I mean the broad concept. I didn’t understand marketing concepts when I first started to write, but if I’d taken the time to learn a little here and there, it would have made the journey a lot smoother. It boils down to, what genre/market does your book belong in? What does the story need to be? And what does it need to look like? They seem like simple concepts now, but back then I had no clue. I zeroed in on an image I wanted to use as a cover as well as what I thought was a cool thematic title. Little did I know, I was missing the mark, and actually making my book skew horror in both cover and title. Those two things made marketing and in person sales of my first book difficult and are the reason why my first Overthrown novel is re-releasing with a new title and cover very soon.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
First is scope. Some new authors are considering way too many things before they ever sit down to start writing their books. They are thinking about what they want their cover to look like, what publishing avenue to pursue, and how they will get people to read their books. This is way too much to consider at first. The number 1 battle any aspiring author needs to tackle is telling their first story-what they want that story to be, how they want to tell it, and who they want their characters to be. It comes down to narrowing focus, setting tangible goals, writing small. Brick by brick.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I haven’t cracked that code yet, but I feel like I’m making strides. It comes down to making your book look appealing, sound intriguing, and getting it in front of the right people. I know, it sounds easy, but it is the greatest challenge any author will take on. Book blogs, professional reviewing services, Facebook pages and groups, as well as Amazon and Google ads are all good methods to get your project out there, and hopefully attract some of the right attention.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
I had a lot, but the most memorable was “Red Planet” by Robert Heinlein. My dad as a science fiction fan, so naturally that is where I started. Red Planet was the first science fiction book I read cover to cover, and it changed me. After that I couldn’t read enough. I guess you could say it was the proverbial “uncorking” of the bottle.
Social Media:
M.L. Williams
I am an ex-journalist who retired after 39 years of battling deadlines to venture into the world of science fiction. I live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I spend time reading, writing and enjoying my role as Grandpa. Seers of Verde: The Legend Fulfilled is my debut novel, published in March, 2016. Return of the Earthers was released in November, 2016. — M.L. Williams
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
MW: My most recent work is "Cornfield Chronicles," a non-fiction collection of short stories about my adventures growing up on an Iowa farm. In 29 short stories, I saunter down memory lane to revisit the farm where I grew up. Some of the tales are humorous, some are sweet and a few are nostalgic.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
MW: Like everyone else, finding a respectable block of time to write. Trying to ignore all the distractions life can throw at you.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
MW: Actually coming up with names of characters and places, such as other worlds or countries. It is interesting when I'm writing and need a minor character to interact with the main character and come to a halt because I can't think of a name. I usually pull up Google translate and find words in a different language that may describe the new character.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
MW: That's a tough question. Probably wouldn't hurt to give up a couple of bad habits that take up valuable time. They will only be revealed either through torture or a couple of beers.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
MW: I learned to be better organized. Take notes on the characters I was using for later references. Double check names of characters and places so there is no duplication or accusation of copying from someone else.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
MW: Right now, I am working on two projects. One is based on the creation story of a New Mexico Pueblo people and its effect on the world's history. The other is my fun project, an adult sci-fi action adventure, where I letting my ID loose. If I publish that work, it will probably just be an ebook under a pen name.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
MW: Once in a while I will peek at a review. I am learning to appreciate the good one, learn from those that offer legitimate criticisms and ignore the others. If you don't believe in what you're writing no matter what anyone else says, you shouldn't be writing. The worst review I got was from a troll. It actually made me laugh and shook me out of a funk.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
MW: The only secrets I hide are the names of characters. I have based many characters on friends and family and created jumbled versions of their names. It's interesting when they read the story and don't recognize themselves or their spouses or friends.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
MW: I have made quite a few friends with other authors through signing events, workshops and meetings. I try to pick their brains for advice and, if possible, read their work. My main inspiration to start writing fiction came when I attended a reading with three local authors. One has become a good friend.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
MW: Develop better work habits and make time to write.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
MW: These may not be traps per se, but marketing and offers from so-called hybrid publishers are hard to navigate. One of the hardest things is trying to figure out what to do with your book once you're done writing.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
MW: That's the $10,000 question. I've had pretty good luck on social media -- mainly FB -- for my nonfiction book. My sci-fi set does OK at signings and is selling better through digital platforms. I have a publisher who has taken over the digital versions and have seen a nice increase in sales.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
MW: Guess this counts as my childhood. One of my brothers gave me the Lord of the Rings trilogy when I was in junior high. I fell in love with the story. A little later on, I read Slaughter House Five during my freshman year in college and was intrigued by his imagination and sarcasm.
Social Media:
Website -- https://mlwilliamsbooks.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/mlwilliamsbooks
Twitter: @MLWilliamsinCR
Instagram: ml_doc_williams
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mlwilliamsbooks/
Geoff Habiger and Coy Kissee
Author Names: Geoff Habiger and Coy Kissee
Author Bio: The writing duo of Geoff Habiger and Coy Kissee have been life-long friends since high school in Manhattan, Kansas. (Affectionately known as the Little Apple, which was a much better place to grow up than the Big Apple, in our humble opinion.) We love reading, baseball, cats, role-playing games, comics, and board games (not necessarily in that order and sometimes the cats can be very trying). We’ve spent many hours together over the years (and it’s been many years) basically geeking out and talking about our favorite books, authors, and movies, often discussing what we would do differently to fix a story or make a better script. We also loved playing games, generally role-playing games, but also board games and card games, and would spend hours talking about why a particular game was fun or not, and what made the games fun to play. Coy lives with his wife in Lenexa, Kansas. Geoff lives with his wife and son in Tijeras, New Mexico.
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Our most recent work is our novel, Wrath of the Fury Blade, which just recently won the New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards for Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Book and Best eBook. Wrath is a police story set in a fantasy world. Constable Inspector Reva Lunaria must stop a serial killer who is using a powerful magic sword to kill prominent citizens in the city. On a normal day, this might be a routine task for Reva. However, she’s just been saddled with a new partner who is not up to her standards and has to deal with the “assistance” of the King’s secret police – the Sucra – who have their own agenda.
2. What personal challenges do you face as writers?
Geoff: Actually, finding time to write. I work a full-time job, and I am senior partner in a publishing company, so finding time to actually do writing on my own material can be hard. I am lucky that I can write almost anywhere so I tend to do a lot of writing when I am waiting for my son at his martial arts training.
Coy: Time is always the biggest challenge. Having a job takes up a lot of time that I would rather spend working on our novels.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Geoff: Getting from the idea stage to the first draft. I have lots of ideas for stories, but getting them out and making a little bit of sense in a first draft is difficult at times. I can also stumble wanting to make sure all the little details are right first, so I spend a lot of time doing research for something that is really a small part of the story instead of actually writing.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Geoff: Writer’s block. (grin) I mean, I’ve already given up sleep and a meaningful social life, so why can’t I give up something that will help me out? ;-) Seriously, I’d be willing to give up my day job to become a better writer. Being able to focus on my craft all the time, as opposed to just when the moment is right would be a big help. Plus I’d be able to spend more time learning (and doing) the hard stuff like marketing. (So if anybody out there wants to become a patron and give me a yearly stipend to cover my mortgage, utilities, gas, food, insurance, etc. I’m willing to talk.)
Coy: Wait, you think that we need to become better? Yeah, so do we. I think if I had to choose only one thing to give up, I’d 100% give up not winning the lottery. That would allow me a lot more time to practice.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Geoff: Other than forcing us to step into high gear right away to get the next book out our writing process hasn’t changed a lot. I still focus on putting out a first draft and then hand it over to Coy for his critique and the first major edits. Once that is done we will sit down together (usually over Facetime) and go through the book together, often reading aloud, to make sure everything is working.
Coy: You can apparently never do enough proofreading and editing. I now make multiple passes through sections, reading through multiple chapters to gauge the flow of the narrative and see how we can improve the pace or continuity.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Geoff: Completed? Just two – both are the sequels to our first books. Untouchable is the sequel to our first novel, Unremarkable. Unremarkable is the story of Saul, an everyman who gets caught up in the events of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929. Saul then finds himself suddenly in the cross-hairs of “Bugs” Moran, Al Capone, and the Feds and each group wants something from him. While that’s bad enough, Saul then learns that vampires are not just the stuff of myth and legend. Untouchable continues to tell Saul’s story as he has begun working for Eliot Ness and tries to take down Al Capone.
Our other work in process is Joy of the Widow’s Tears which is the next Constable Inspector Lunaria adventure. An ancient necklace, purchased as a gift by sailors in a far off land, takes possession of an elf, compelling him to spread the faith of Dreen, the god of pain and suffering. As he begins to build a deadly undead army, Reva’s life becomes more chaotic as her boyfriend, Aavril, returns from a trade journey with upsetting news. As Reva deals with events in her personal life, she must also try to stop the undead from taking over the city.
Beyond those two books, I have several other ideas that I hope to work on, including more genre-blending with a fantasy/spy thriller series, a historical military/supernatural story, and a YA series of mysteries.
Coy: I have one project in the works, which I am the primary creative writer for, but I’d rather keep the details to myself on that for now.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Geoff: I read them all when I get them. The good ones I repost and share as widely as I can. The bad ones I just try my best to ignore. I know that not everyone will like what I write, and bad reviews are part of the business. I just wish more people who read and like my books would post even a short “It was great” or “I really liked it” review just to counter-balance the bad ones.
Coy: I read them all, and I try to see bad reviews as constructive criticism whenever possible, if the reviewer is generous enough to provide any details. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I respect everyone’s opinion regardless of whether or not I agree with them. I have to admit that there’s a lot of pride that I feel when we get a really positive review, but that’s offset by the disappointment that I feel when we get a negative review.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Yes, we have a few Easter eggs in our books. In Unremarkable there are a couple of winks and nods to older vampire films and the vampire mythos in general. In Wrath we make references to Dungeons & Dragons lore, mentioning some of the early adventure modules developed for the game and name dropping Gary Gygax who was one of the creators of the game. Without D&D, Wrath may never have been written as the setting for it came out of our D&D campaign world.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become better writers?
Geoff: I am friends with several authors – you can’t throw a rock in NM without hitting an author. My “best” writing friends include indie authors who write in several different genres, including Sabra Brown Steinsiek (Romance), Eric Michael Craig (Science Fiction), Zachry Wheeler (Science Fiction), Jessica Smith (writing as A.E. Lowan – Urban Fantasy), Ricardo Victoria (Science Fantasy), and Angella Cormier and Pierre C. Arseneault (Horror and Supernatural). With all of them I use them as a sounding board, running ideas past them to get their feedback, and using them as beta readers for our books and short stories. They provide great feedback and a lot of constructive comments. They also provide great ideas and suggestions on how to market and promote our books, and they are a wonderful support network to just talk about writing and geek out with.
Coy: Geoff. That’s pretty much it.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Geoff: Start writing sooner and stick with it. I have been writing stories since I was in high school, and even took a writing course from Sci-Fi author Lee Killough when I was in college, but I was always too hard on myself and never applied myself to the craft like I should have. So I gave it up for a long time and now I realize that was just time wasted when I could have been writing and developing my craft.
Coy: The winning lottery numbers are…
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Geoff: Thinking that you have to “write every day”. I think that’s a myth and it can lead people to stressing out over their work because they are not always writing. Writing fiction is an art, and sometimes you need to step away from your work to let your mind relax and recover. I have found that by writing periodically, once or twice a week, I am usually more productive because I know that I’m not forcing myself to write. This keeps the writing enjoyable since I can step away if I’m not in the mood, or the ideas just aren’t there. By doing this I will usually find solutions to stubborn parts of my story, or a sticky plot point that I wouldn’t have discovered if I’d forced myself to write.
Coy: Try not to get bogged down in an attempt to make everything perfect the first time. Or the second time. Or the third time. Once the words are in place, it’s much easier to fix them than it is to build new ones.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
We don’t think there is one best way to market a book. It takes many different approaches, and even then you may not find results. For us it starts early, with sending out books to reviewers to get good feedback and reviews that we can use to promote the title. It involves doing newsletter mailings with special pricing for the book. We use websites like freebooksy.com and manybooks.net to send out ebook promotions. It also takes searching out bloggers, vloggers, interviewers, etc. to help spread the word and get your story out there – not just about the book, but about who you are as a writer. And it takes doing in store book signings, appearances at conventions, and other places to meet the public and tell them about your book. We don’t think any one of these is the “best” way to market, but all of them taken together can give you the best chance of success.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
Geoff: The Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books. Yes, I write fantasy and speculative fiction now, and I have read many books in many different genres. I read a lot of fantasy as a kid, and then moved to science fiction in high school. But Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is my favorite because I read them with my mom and they were some of the first books that I read all the way through by myself, so there is some sentimental attachment there. Plus, they are just a lot of fun.
Coy: The Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators series by Robert Arthur, Jr. I identified a lot with the Jupiter Jones character, and I really liked the idea of a close-knit group of friends that got together and solved mysteries. They’re a more serious version of the Scooby-Doo gang.
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HabigerKisseeAuthors/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TangentGeoff
Website: https://www.habigerkissee.com/
William Schlichter
William Schlichter has a Bachelor of Science in Education emphasizing English from Southeast Missouri State and a Masters of Arts in Theater from Missouri State University. With eighteen years of teaching English/Speech/Theater, he has returned to making writing his priority. Recent successes with script writing earned him third place in the 2013 Broadcast Education Association National Festival of Media Arts for writing a TV Spec Script episode of The Walking Dead.
His full-length feature script, Incinta, was an officially selected finalist in the 2014 New Orleans Horror Film Festival. Incinta received recognition again by being selected as a finalist at the 2015 Beverly Hills Film Festival for a full-length feature. Incinta has advanced in several other script contests, including most recently being an Official Selected finalist in the 2016 Irvine Film Festival. His next life goal would be to see his film transferred from the pages to the screen.
Writing has always been his passion even through traveling, raising twin children and educating teenagers. While he specializes in the phantasmagorical world of the undead and science fiction fantasy stories, William continues to teach acting, composition and creative writing.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
SKA: Serial Killer’s Anonymous follows seven confessed murders who decide to stop killing. They form a self-help group, meet in the dark and discuss their killings in attempt to find a way to quell their urges. Only one of them is lying to the group.
It’s a dark thriller and in part some of the murders are biased on real serial killers. I used a lot of my research for the movie script I wrote and had so many more ideas I wanted to explore and couldn’t fit it into one film. This book explores the minds of the killers.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
I had to consider this question for a while. I have always wanted to be writer. And I have always worked towards my goal. I am a terrible speller, but spell check has assisted in correcting that issue.
I think finding the time to write all the stories that bounce around in my head is such a challenge. You have to stay focused on one project at time. Many times I write when I should be doing other work. This is a problem when I should be grading papers. Also protecting my writing time. You have to write every day. I try for 1000 words a day.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Catching my own mistakes. I write fast and tend to skip words. Sometimes it’s where to go with a story I get an idea and I write. It might be a great first chapter, but I have no idea what else to do with it. Picking a story idea to follow can be difficult.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Nothing. When I became a father that put a cramp in pursing being an author. The needs of my kids came first. I would never trade those years. But now my girls are adults, I have shifted back into full swing towards achieving my goals as a writer. Besides years of experience and I did write which only makes me a better author.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I almost always worked on my Silver Dragon series. I would rewrite and write the next installment. My goal was to have that series published. Now that I am published, I have opened myself up to other story ideas I have outside my SD universe. I have written thrillers and have a fantasy story in the works. I even have an outline for a political thriller.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I have two unpublished about to be published, the third installment of both No Room in Hell and Silver Dragon Chronicles to be released in 2019. I wrote half of No Room #4 for Nanowrimo 2018. My current Fantasy Detective story is about ¾ complete and I made some decisions about the main character and wrote a novella of his earlier life. I don’t know what will become of it, but it really helped me to shape the character. I have books four, five, six and part of seven for my Silver Dragon Chronicles written. They must be rewritten and some of the changes I made to the cannon must be fixed before they are ready to go to an editor. I have a short story that is accepted for an anthology. I could follow it up with a novel. I have several more chapters of a half dozen book ideas I want to write including another standalone serial killer novel.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I do read them. Many times one person likes a part of the novel another person bashes the same part. I am just happy they wrote a review. Most people don’t. In my own book and movie choices I don’t follow what most critics say. I go and see a film or read a book and decide for myself. If they read my work. I hope they like it enough to read the next one, but if they don’t that’s okay too. Even when they don’t like it the work held value enough for them to write down their feelings. Which is something I keep trying to get my students to do. I don’t say bashing doesn’t bother me, but I don’t dwell on it. I have a story to tell, and I’m going to tell it the best way I can.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I do have one intentional Easter egg I insert into every novel.
My editor also pointed out I tend to have a character with a limp and she made a few other notes on tendencies I have. So now I change those up just to mess with her. But I didn’t realize I had some writing quirks until she pointed them out. Makes me wonder how many other authors don’t realize they too add in the same elements in each book and don’t think about it.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I am friends with lots of published and unpublished writers. I am part of a writer’s group in Warrensburg, Missouri. We meet twice a month and share writings. Such immediate feedback helps to improve my work. I recommend finding a group and attend or attending a creative writing class or two. You don’t need a degree, but I learned a lot from a terrible writing teacher once. I learned what not to do.
I have other author friends I will shoot questions to when they come up, and I am shocked when they do the same. I feel I have no idea what I’m doing and yet people seek me for advice. I know I teach creative writing and composition, but I still feel I have so much to learn. I do find editing student papers also helps me catch errors in my own work. You should never write in a vacuum, but you need to share your work with people who won’t be ‘yeah it was great’. You need honest criticism or you won’t improve.
My fellow writer Susanne Lambdin is great and honest. We have done writing panels together at comic cons. We have different styles and yet complement each other. I seek advice from her. Most authors are willing to share their knowledge if you just ask. Find an author you want to write like and ask them what they do. And read. I read as much as I write. Most authors do.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Don’t get married.
And after that. It would be to have taken those screenwriting courses sooner. I earned my Master’s Degree in 2013 and picked up some techniques I really feel helped me polish my writing. I share those with my students wishing I had known this information when I was in high school. I believe I would have been published sooner.
Most importantly, never give up the path to success is not a straight line. I told my first grade teacher I would write a novel and I have.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Through teaching writing, the biggest trap (and what makes them hate me) is the inability to let go of what they have written. The beginning author writes a chapter. They spend weeks, months or even years perfecting this chapter. It’s the most beautiful piece of writing they will ever create. And it doesn’t serve the story and must be cut. They take it as a personal attack or they feel they wasted their time. They have not. Every time they write and rewrite they are getting better at it. But sometimes no matter how good a paragraph seems it doesn’t fit into the story and must go. And they can’t let it go. When you cut your work to the bones and still tell a good story it is ready. I recently read a freshman effort by a published author and he spent pages beautifully describing this Victorian home and it had nothing to do with the story. It destroys the flow of the book and many readers won’t keep reading. The worst offence was we never returned in the book to this home.
It hurts, but cut the unnecessary bits.
One other area is the outline. I write the last chapter first. I like to know where my characters will end up. I then do a basic plot outline. And this is where some writers and comp teachers get upset. I am not married to my outline. It is not a stone-cold road map it is a suggestion. If my characters need to go in a different direction, then I follow. If they toss the map then so be it. Sometimes we get back to the final chapter. Sometimes I have to rewrite to match the direction the character traveled. But I don’t get upset because I didn’t stay true to my preplanning. If anything it was a direction that wasn’t meant for those characters.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I have found doing comic cons and bookstore signings is the most effective way to market myself. There are 15 million books on Amazon and no one will find you by simply being published. I go out, I meet people. I set up a booth and I speak to people about my work. I now have people who come to shows to get the next one. It moves me every time someone wants to read my work and I hope I never lose that feeling.
I also get myself on horror podcasts and do panels at comic cons about writing. I put myself out there.
I treat the marketing part as business. And putting a face on my product really sells. I invest in a book show, set a sales goal, and sell books. I could do some online marketing and spend the same amount and not sell anything. I have a large UK Twitter following and don’t see any UK book sales. But I do comic cons and book lovers come to my table. Since I write horror, I attend horror shows and meet horror fans who would never discover my work through an internet search.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
I read so much as a child. And unlike movies which I will watch repeatedly I am a read a book once kind of person. My grandmother would read Bugs Bunny's Carrot Machine to me when I spent the night at her house. But the Choose Your Own Adventure books. I read every one I could get my hands on. And there were all flavors for a while. Even the Dr. Who one.
Social Media:
https://sandmenandzombies.com/
https://www.bhcpress.com/Author_William_Schlichter.html
https://twitter.com/wmschlichter
https://www.instagram.com/wschlichter/
https://www.facebook.com/wmschlichter/
Jenn Thompson
I’m a mother of three, (6 if you count my husband, dog, and cat) who loves reading and writing. For years I wrote and published poetry, finally giving novel writing a try. I just wanted to write. I was sick of reading about over done vampires and werewolves. The battle over who was better, Edward or Jacob; vampire or werewolf, I’ve read it all before. I wanted more out of my paranormal romance, something that hasn’t been touched in a while. The world needs a break from the normal and what better way than a whole new playing field?
Need more? I love all kinds of music, my favorite color is blue, and yes; I love Batman!
If you still need more check out my links below for up to date information on The Vilincia Coven series. As well as all the crazy things I write about, and do!
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
The Watcher is about a coven of witches, protecting humans from the darkness, and their future god. If he should die before he turns 18, his legendary magic powers are up for grabs. Cole goes through a lot of self-discovery, and falls hard for the girl sent to keep him safe. He becomes determined to change her fate, and his, to save her too.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Slowing down my vision enough to word the details, info dumping, and grammar is one of my mortal enemies.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Getting the mood just right to write. With 3 kids, life happens, and moods change. So, setting my work area, and timing, just right, is a must!
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
While I am a book nerd, I am also a DC nerd girl too! That being said, I would give up all my DC memorabilia to become a better writer.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
It changed me drastically. I went at it without even thinking about the little things like an editor until that first bad review. It melted me, completely broke my heart. It took me 6 years to recover from that and publish The Watcher. I also took on the role of VP of a small publishing house during this time, giving me a better look into traditional publishing. This pushed me to be a huge advocate for indie authors and books. So, I started a non-profit to help get those indie reads to the reader wanting more than the next big trend. (Yep, there’s my IABE plug, you knew it was coming!)
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
7 total. The one I’m into now is my NANOWRIMO project. It’s what happens when Adam and Eve seek revenge on God for being banned from heaven and deemed immortal. Forced to walk earth to the end of time.
Present time- Addi, daughter of powerful lawyer Adam Morrison, never really liked her father. After all, he left her and her mother, when she was just 6. Years later she learned of her half-sister, who happened to be her age. Now 19, Addi discovers her sister has been spending too much time with her boyfriend. Add this to bad weather, and Addi learns how valuable her life truly is. And how her father destroyed it.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I do read reviews. Now that I’ve had 10 years in the writing/publishing game, I take them as constructive critiques, and remind myself, my books are not for everyone.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
If you know me well enough, you’ll be able to find the character that matches you. I take a lot from my friends’ personalities and put them into my characters, because they are amazing people, and they make me want to be a better me!
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Tons! But I do have a few honorable mentions! Gina Dickerson writes AMAZING NA paranormal fiction that is to DIE for! She gives me a reason to keep writing and is always willing to listen! Lu Whitley, who writes NA fiction as well, has been an amazing friend. Cassy Albee is full of amazing ideas, she writes in many genres, and is one of the owners of NeoLeaf Press. She picks me up when I feel down, and has a beautiful soul.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Don’t try to be what you think others want you to be. Follow your dreams, don’t wait!
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Oh there are so many! Vanity Presses, POD services, pay to publish presses. Most of the ones I’ve encountered are out to make money from authors and readers. Then they will charge higher royalties to make yet more off of authors. It’s like paying to have a job, who does that? For better ways please check out the IABE blog. I have a lot of low cost and free resources for writers, authors, and readers!
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
Social media! The trick is, knowing how to do it right! Know your audience, and keep up with marketing trends. Try everything, no matter how silly it seems. It might just get you the attention you need.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
OMG ANYTHING by R.L. Stein!!!!!! I loved the spooky and creepy as a kid, and still do to this day!
Social Media:
instagram is @jenn.tho.9
Brooke O'Brien
Brooke O'Brien is the Author of the Heart's Compass series and the recently published Tattered Heart duet.
Growing up Brooke always had a love of writing; she started out writing poetry when she was young and began journaling her thoughts as she grew older. Diving headfirst into a good book has always been therapeutic for her. Now her two passions have collided.
Brooke believes you can cure any bad day with chocolate or by going on a long drive with the windows down and the music turned up! She's found that's when her characters talk to her the most! If she's not reading or writing, you'll probably find her spending time with her family and friends, watching Hawkeye football or NBA basketball, going to the movies, or collecting signed paperbacks.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My recent book I published was the Tattered Heart duet back in March 2018. It's a Brother's Best Friend/Military romance. Book 1, Torn, takes place when Ryan and Maverick are 18 years old. Tattered takes place 4 years later.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
There is never enough time in the day to do all the things my brain thinks up. Sometimes it's hard to balance a full-time job, two children, and writing. I love it though and I wouldn't have it any other way.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
It used to be editing as I wrote, however I stopped doing that. It slowed me down and caused me to overthink everything. I've found I enjoy the process soooo much more when I just write where the wind takes me (with an outline, of course). I'll go back and tweak things afterwards.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
This is an interesting question! I'm not sure I'd like to think of it as "giving up" something, but I'm committed to improving my writing with every book I write and taking on new challenges along the way.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
YES! So much YES!
I'm typically a pretty organized person. I make lists and I take great satisfaction in crossing things off. I'm orderly and need structure to calm my chaotic mind.
With my debut Where I Found You, I pantsed this book. If you're new to this term, it means you just fly by the seat of your pants. You don't outline, you just go in and write what the characters are telling you. I have NO IDEA what I was thinking (well, I had no idea what I was doing anyway) but after a lot of revisions to make the story fall into place, I've learned I need to outline or it's a mess.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
2 - Until I Found You is Book 3 in my Heart's Compass series. It's currently being edited and will be released on February 15th. The other one is a Heart's Compass Novella, titled Now That I Found You. It's releasing on March 15th.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I do! I appreciate constructive criticism. In fact, one of my beta readers I sought out after she gave me some very honest feedback on my debut. It was good feedback and a fair review. She's now one of my closest friends in this community.
I appreciate the good ones - It's the fuel I need at times. The bad ones are never easy, but I take them in and move on. Not everyone will connect with and love the same books in the same way.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Yes *grins*
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I have a few author friends I've connected with throughout my writing career. Some of them are there to just chat with me about life and writing, others really challenge me in a business sense. Sometimes they give me those honest chats that I need and I love them for it.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Keep going!
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
I don't know if I'd call it a trap, maybe more of a hurdle, but just the fear of people reading your writing and thinking you suck. We all feel it - even the most successful authors have doubt. It's important for you to know you're not alone. If you're an aspiring writer, there are groups out there where you can network and find your own tribe. Having people in your corner in every phase of the process is helpful and important to get you to the end result. It's worth it!
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
Well, I'm learning it's important to know your audience and who your targeted reader is, and make sure your book cover and blurb fit with the genre you're marketing. Sometimes what you love doesn't always market well. That's a hard pill to swallow.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
All of them! ;) Umm... I loved reading Goosebumps.
Social Links:
She LOVES to interact with readers! Keep in touch with Brooke by following her on Social Media and join her exclusive Reader Group:
authorbrookeobrien.com/followbrooke
Subscribe to Brooke's newsletter and, as a thank you, you'll receive a FREE BOOK sent directly to your Kindle:
Aaron Shaver
Aaron Shaver is unashamedly a product of the TV generation.
He found his love for storytelling at a young age through books as well as cartoon shows on Saturday mornings and preachers on Sunday mornings.
Aaron earned his undergrad in theatre and a master’s degree in public relations. Which means he’s always telling a story. And sometimes, they are true.
He and his wife, who performs and teaches theatre locally, reside in the Nashville area with their wild clan of four children. Their house is a very loud house.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
This is my debut novel called Furious: The Berserker Heritage. It’s the first in an urban fantasy series I’m writing for fans of Norse mythology. A young husband and wife and their 4-year-old boy are living in the city and trying to make ends meet. But, they find themselves running from vengeful trolls who want something that belongs to their family. Along the way they meet berserkers, a troll hunter, and an Appalachian hide-away that is full of trolls and humans living side by side in secret.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Time is the biggest challenge. For me, I have to balance a full-time job and a wife and 4 children that I love. So, writing and marketing happen in the early morning or late night hours.
3. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Netflix! I love it but it sucks away so many hours. Unfortunately, we are also living in a “golden age” of television and you can find so much good material for writing inspiration. So, it’s really hard to just say no to those hours spent watching TV.
4. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Two things changed after I published Furious. First, I realized that I am a plotter; I like to have already planned all the plot points, threads, and twists before I really start writing. Second, there was a mind-set shift. I proved to myself that I really could write a novel… it didn’t seem so impossible anymore because I had just made it possible. Now, it’s even easier for me to imagine doing it again and again!
5. How many unpublished or half-finished books do you have?
I have one half-finished book as I’m currently working on the sequel for Furious. But, man oh man, I have at least 4 different ideas in my head for series that I want to write and publish including a supernatural thriller involving angels and demons, a space-pirate adventure for fans of Firefly, and a vigilante justice thriller. So many ideas, so little time.
6. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I have read my reviews… fortunately they’ve all been 5 stars so far. But, I know that a professional mentality needs to avoid reading the reviews. Authors need to get feedback from their editors and other trusted author/friends. Reviews are meant for readers – not authors.
7. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Well, I’m kind of new to being an author myself and I actually don’t have many other author friends. I’ve just started to reach out to my fellow authors at Wordcrafts Press to see what I can learn from them. But, I have several long-time friends who just happen to be in story-telling industries like narrative marketing or copy writing… and my wife is a published playwright too. So, I’m surrounded by folks that know how to craft a good story.
8. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Start earlier! Start earlier! I just published my first novel 8 months ago. I wish I had started this series 8 years ago.
9. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Every writer needs a good editor. So many aspiring authors want to tell a story they are passionate about but often aren’t prepared to take any criticism. Spend the money on a good story editor or find an objective friend who works in a story-telling field and let them be brutally honest about your work. You would rather take the advice of a professional editor now than hear about it from 1 and 2 star reviews later.
10. What’s the best way to market your books?
For new or first-time authors, think small. Find your niche. And think out of the box. Paid ads on Facebook or Amazon may be a strategy to try after you’ve built a series. But if you’ve got only one or two books, start with Facebook groups that have similar interests coinciding with your book. For me, I’ve started following Instagram accounts and Facebook groups focused on Norse mythology and Viking lore. I like and share and re-post their stuff and, every once in a while, I remind folks that I wrote a novel they might like and provide a link to the Amazon page.
11. What is your favorite childhood book?
There’s a series by Bruce Coville called My Teacher is an Alien. I remember that being the first chapter book I devoured and had to get the next one immediately. That series also deals with a side character that starts out as a bully and has a redeeming arc. I think it was the first time a book made little 9-year-old Aaron see life from someone else’s perspective.
Social Media:
Contact Aaron at aaron@gentlemanbard.com
Website: www.aaronshaver.com or www.gentlemanbard.com
Rebecca Entel
Rebecca Entel’s novel, Fingerprints of Previous Owners, was published by The Unnamed Press in 2017. Her short stories and essays have been published in such journals as Catapult, Guernica, Joyland Magazine, Literary Hub, Electric Literature, Cleaver Magazine, and The Madison Review. She is Associate Professor of English and Creative Writing at Cornell College, where she teaches multicultural U.S. literature, Caribbean literature, creative writing, and the literature of social justice. She also sometimes teaches fiction workshops for Catapult and the Iowa Writers’ House.
Interview
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My debut novel, Fingerprints of Previous Owners, was published by The Unnamed Press in 2017.
At a Caribbean resort built atop a former slave plantation, Myrna works as a maid by day; by night she trespasses on the resort's overgrown inland property, secretly excavating the plantation ruins. Rapt by the crumbling walls of the once slave-owner's estate, she explores the unspoken history of the plantation— a site where her ancestors once worked the land, but which the resort now uses as a lookout point for tourists. When Myrna discovers a book detailing the experiences of slaves, who still share a last name with the majority of the islanders, her investigation becomes deeply personal, extending to her neighbors and friends, and explaining her mother's self-imposed silence and father's disappearance. A new generation begins to speak about the past just as racial tensions erupt between the resort and the local island community.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
One major challenge is that my job takes up a lot of my time, including most nights and weekends during the school year. So finding time to devote to my writing (without sacrificing my personal life and health) is a major challenge.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
I write in a very fragmented way; I tend to begin with small details or scenes, and it takes me a very long time to put all the pieces together and see the big picture. This isn’t a problem in terms of the quality of my writing in the end – lots of writers proceed this way – but It’s hard not to feel frustrated by the time and inefficiency of the process sometimes. I’ll never be a fast writer.
4. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I don’t think my process changed much, but my confidence in my process changed, and that helps me push through the low points that always come with a long-term project.
5. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Good question! Most people don’t know that a writer’s “first book” is often not their first book. I have a short story collection that has never been published as a book, though many of the stories have been published. I also have uncountable shorter pieces that have either not been finished or not published, mainly short stories and some poetry. My doctoral dissertation was never published as a book, though I have published some pieces of it in articles. I made the conscious decision not to spend the years needed to turn it into a book so that I could devote that time to my first novel. There’s only so much time.
6. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I have read the reviews, though I understand the advice not to. For me the most important thing to remember is that every reader can’t have the same exact reaction to your work. There are people who absolutely loved my book, and others who weren’t into it at all. It’s hard, of course, when you see someone post a low rating or a review that seems unfair/uninformed on places like Goodreads, but ultimately there’s nothing you can do about it, and thinking about it won’t help your writing in any way. It’s probably best to stay away from them. Personally, though, I did find that the professional reviews that came out before my book came out – by reviewers who really seemed to “get” the book – helped with my nerves about the book launch. But I don’t think any reviews play a role in your actual writing.
7. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I wouldn’t define them as “secrets,” but I did choose every little detail deliberately, so careful readers (or those rereading) will notice more and more small details that connect to larger aspects of the story.
8. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Someday you will write things you couldn’t ever have imagined writing right now.
9. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Two traps I see lots of people falling into:
1. Not understanding how hard the process is and giving up on a project when your work needs more revision or you’re not sure how to work through something. Talk to other writers. Finding out that what you’re going through is all part of the process and not a failure (of you or the work) can be the best way to get out of or avoid this trap.
2. Trying to write a book-length work as the first thing you ever write is probably not the best way to go for most aspiring writers; you end up giving up. I’d compare it to trying to run a marathon if you’ve never run much or at all – you need time to train, to work up to the larger goal.
10. What’s the best way to market your books?
This is a tough question that depends on how you’re published, what kind of books you write, and what your goals are. But I think one factor that applies to all writers is that making genuine connections with people is an important part of long-term marketing. You never know when a connection – with another author, with a member to a book group, with a librarian, with a teacher – is going to lead to more readers.
11. What is your favorite childhood book?
I have so many! I’ll go with the ones I remember taking out of the library over and over again: Noisy Nancy Norris by Louann Gaeddert and Elizabeth by Martha Alexander.
Social Media
Website: rebeccaentel.com
Twitter: @rebeccaentel
Instagram @rebeccaentel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccaentel
Marion Mavis
Marion Mavis was born and raised in Ontario, where her love of fantasy novels sparked from a young age. As a graduate from Trent University, Marion spent most of her life both reading and studying literature. Her debut title The Supremacy Witch is the first installment of the trilogy. For more information, visit www.marionmavisauthor.ca
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My debut The Supremacy Witch is a young adult fantasy novel that was published on October 21, 2018. It’s about a young witch named Evelyn Emmerich who was raised not knowing the full potential of her magic until she finds herself banned from her own coven. Through her journey she meets many new witches, both good and bad, who all seem to have their own personal agendas with her. She has no choice but to make uncertain alliances with corrupt witches who turn out to be the least of the realm’s problems. The Supremacy Witch is the first installment in the trilogy Keepers of Magic, and the second book The Shadow Witch is set to release in late 2019.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
The most obvious answer for me would be scheduling in the time to write, edit, rewrite, and edit again. There is so much that goes into not only writing a book but publishing one as an indie author, and life can be busy enough on its own. I love every aspect of writing even though things do get complicated and I can get easily stressed when I fall behind or stuff doesn’t go according to plan.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
I’d have to say the most difficult part of my artistic process is planning. I am without a doubt a planner through and through - I have storyboards that are color coded, dozens of notebooks that have character descriptions, timelines, magical laws and research, I even have Excel spreadsheets of all the important information I need on hand. This of course leads to many hours and nights spent planning everything which in turn means a lot of work. Regardless of how tedious and strenuous this process may be, I think it works out in the end because it definitely helps with structuring my fictional universe.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Is my sanity an appropriate answer? Haha, but in all seriousness, I think I would without a doubt give up any and all hours I could to work towards perfecting my craft. There is such a stigma around authors and the writing community where people believe writing novels is just a hobby, when in reality it’s so much more than that. I’ve had many people ask me “what do you really hope to achieve with being a writer?” as if it's an impossible task to be an author these days. Even though the odds may be against me, I don’t think I could ever stop trying to be a better writer. It’s a part of my identity and always has been.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
This is such a fun question! Publishing The Supremacy Witch was such a special thing and I love sharing this story. I had actually been working on the manuscript for many years, and it has gone through many revisions (by many, I truly mean MANY). However, in the beginning of 2018 I finally decided that I wasn’t going to continue to wish and wonder if I’d ever become a published author - I was going to do it myself and my own way. Of course, I was faced with many challenges along the way, all of which has undeniably changed the way I write. Not everything was a lesson to be learned though. I’ve made so many important connections with editors and readers who I will use in the future. Now, with the second book well on its way to being published, my experiences helped formulate a structured outline down to the very day!
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I guess right now The Shadow Witch is an unpublished book that is going to be released later in 2019. I don’t want to give many spoilers about it being it’s the sequel to The Supremacy Witch. What I can share is that it’s a continuation of Evelyn’s journey and she faces many new challenges as the most powerful witch to have ever lived in the realm. It also takes a darker turn than seen in the first book, which was so much fun to write.
In terms of other unfinished projects, I don’t have any actually written, although I have started to plan other books and series which I will be working on after Keepers of Magic is finished. This series is only going to be a trilogy, but I do have a secret project related to Keepers of Magic that I want to write. Additionally I have another YA historical fantasy I’ve started writing ideas about as well as an Arthurian legend retelling.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I know so many people have said its unwise to read book reviews because sometimes they can hurt your heart, but I do admit I read every single one of them! I’ve actually shared all of the reviews for The Supremacy Witch on my Instagram - they can be found in one of the Highlights sections on my page.
Every author loves to see four and five star reviews pop up for their books because it just makes us smile knowing that someone else in the world has enjoyed our words and worlds. However, “bad” reviews are also very important for an author because it offers real and honest criticism that can quite possibly make you a better author in the long run.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Yes! The Shadow Witch actually has a couple of these little secrets which I’ve purposely put in because I thought it was funny. If you’re interested in knowing some, I’ve included an animal I’m absolutely terrified of and a Disney reference too.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I have made so many friends over the past couple of years that I’ve really connected with in the writing community and indie author world. So many of us are all in the same boat so it’s nice to be able to reach out and help each other, offer wisdom and just be there for each other. RaeAnne of The Lavender Prose is definitely a writer I’ve formed a close bond with, and not just because she’s my beta reader! We can go back and forth over things from both our stories and she’s definitely one of my biggest writing cheerleaders. She’s helped so much with The Supremacy Witch and I’m super excited to read her feedback on The Shadow Witch!
Real talk, Bethany Atazadeh who is the author of The Number Series has so much information she’s made available through her newsletters, Authortube account, and even on her Instagram that I think is just so amazing. In fact, I’m using her publishing plan template to help keep organized for The Shadow Witch!
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to do it yourself! I know it’s scary and overwhelming, but I promise you it’ll all be worth it.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Self doubt is probably the most common trap that I’ve seen. The thought that your work is not good enough, or that people won’t like it. I know from experience that I suffered from self-doubt for years, but I finally realized that I just need to write the story the way I want it to be, and if some people don’t like it that’s ok too.
I think another really common trap for aspiring writers is waiting for the “right moment.” For most of us who are indie authors, there was no right time to start the publishing process. I could’ve been waiting for years if I continued to think like this. I talked it over with my partner and worked out the finances; sure we ate grilled cheese some nights but his continual support is what kept me going. For those reading this, if you need a sign to convince yourself to publish your story here it is. Just do it! The world needs your book.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
Ugh, marketing is like my worst enemy. It’s so different for everyone and I know personally I struggle with marketing even today as I work on publishing my second book. The best way I’ve found to market my book is through the community I had already established on social media. With Instagram and Twitter I built an audience who were actually interested in The Supremacy Witch before it was even published. Sure, it’s small right now and I don’t have nearly as many sales as other authors I know, but you have to start somewhere!
I’ve also found that posting reviews is a great marketing tool because it allows potential readers to see what others have said about your book. It’s also free to do so which is a plus.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
I have a few! The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is the first book I can remember reading many times. I lost my original copy from when I was a kid but my sister managed to find the same edition I had a couple years back. Speaking of my sister, we were obsessed with the Warriors book series by Erin Hunter. My dad used to take us to Chapters all the time so we could get more books and she and I would sit in our beanbag chairs and read for hours. My love of paranormal and fantasy started with Kelley Armstrong’s The Darkest Powers trilogy. I not only loved her books because of the fact they had magical elements, but because I learned Kelley was a Canadian author and I dreamed to one day be published like her.
Tricia Saxby
Tricia Saxby is a contemporary romance author who enjoys writing witty and independent heroines who find love with sexy heroes who can take their sass and give it right back. Tricia works as an MOA but in her spare time, she enjoys baking, watching HGTV, camping and playing with her fuzzy kids Gimli and Oreo. With the mountains of Kamloops, British Columbia right in her backyard, Tricia goes hiking with her husband and two sons; the beauty of “BC’s desert” a sight to behold.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
A Secret to Forgive is book one in my Fashion World reunion series. This is Karen and Leo's story and takes place in New York City. Karen is new to NYC and interning at one of the top fashion magazines. She has the boss from Hades which gives it a bit of Devil Wears Prada vibe. Then Leo walks into the picture as the new Fashion Week photographer and they are forced to work together. This journey of theirs takes them on a rollercoaster of bad memories while trying to get along. In the meantime, Karen has to deal with workplace bullies and Leo is haunted by a ghost from his past. They need each other to heal, but will they realize it before it's too late?
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Finding time to write is the hardest. I work full time as an MOA which makes my writing time restricted to evenings and weekends.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Writing a synopsis and pitch. So much time goes into it yet when you read examples it looks so easy. You really have to get down to the bare bones of what your story is really about. Not, it's a romance. That's too vague. Karen and Leo's story, for example, is about believing in yourself (Karen) and being able to forgive yourself (Leo).
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
The first thing that comes to mind is my full-time job but as it's my main source of income I can't do that... yet.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I'm trying to build a readership now, so my goal is to keep the books coming. I am more determined than ever to always have a project on the go. So, in short, I am now writing every day and not just when the mood hits. I want this to be my life. My career. Have to put in the time to be successful.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I have one half-finished. It's not part of my reunion series and a bit different. It's still a romance, but I'm taking it on the road with my hero who is a semi-truck driver. This book is in honor of my uncle who passed away a few years ago. He drove semi's his whole life.
I have two unpublished. Wrote them in my teens - pen to paper. Who knows where they'll end up.
Book three of my reunion series is in the plotting stage, and I'll be starting a Christmas story this month.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I've read a few. Thankfully, they've been good so far and bring a big smile to my face.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I haven't yet.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I'm friends with a few Harlequin authors. One even mentored me for a year which was amazing! Their enthusiasm for their writing careers and answering any newbie questions I have has been invaluable.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Just get the first draft down. Leave the inner editor locked in a cage until round two. That has been my chant while writing book 2.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Procrastination, trying to write like someone else, letting rejections bring you down. I didn't write for years because an editor I hired pretty much told me I had to rewrite my whole book. (One of my unpublished manuscripts that might get a dusting off and some new life one day). I can admit now that book was never in editor ready shape, but boy did I ever suffer from lack of confidence for a very long time after that.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
A blog/website, Facebook, Goodreads, Bookbub.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
Clifford the Big Red Dog and The Hungry Caterpillar. I know you only asked for one, sorry! ;)
Social Media Links:
www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomtriciasaxby
www.bookbub.com/authors/tricia-saxby
Facebook @triciasaxbyauthor
Twitter @triciasaxby
Instagram tricia.saxby
Tamara Rokicki
Tamara Rokicki is a Dark Urban Fantasy & Paranormal author. She is also the owner and founder of The Otherworld Community, a vibrant literary platform for indie authors and readers. Her mission is to connect authors and nurture readers, by creating services, clubs, and resources that bring them together in a loving and kind manner.
Her love for writing began at a very early age, together with her love for reading. Struggling with an anxiety disorder since a young age, Tamara relied on books and the shelter they provided from her daily struggles. She has been published in Anthologies, wrote as a columnist and acquisition editor, contributed to magazines and local publications, and taught writing workshops at local libraries. Born and mostly raised in Italy, she developed a deep appreciation for different culture and traditions, and this love often shows itself in her fictional work. She now lives in sunny Florida with her husband, three daughters, and three naughty mini-schnauzers.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
I'd love to! I have two major books recently published. One is The Dark Palace, which was released in December 2018. It is the second book of The Ashar Prophecies Trilogy, by far my favorite book I've written. The Ashar Prophecies is a dark urban fantasy that many readers have deemed as "a reinvented vampire genre with a refreshing change of pace." The series focuses on psychic vampires, a new breed that feeds on human energy in order to survive. This series has been a long ten years in the making, went through several drafts and story changes, even being a dark angel draft at one point! A few years ago, during my research, I was introduced to the world of psychic vampires, an underground faction that believes energy is the core of their existence. My creative mind went to work immediately, crafting a story around these mysterious and fascinating people. Adding elements of witchcraft and some of the traditional blood vampires lore, I gave life to The Ashar Prophecies.
The second book is A Hauntingly Romantic Winter. This is a collection of short stories I've published through my community, The Otherworld, in November 2018. The storybook is an adult-themed fairytale collection, where several authors contributed their stories. (link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0999679627/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0) The process of publishing this anthology both humbled me and fascinated me. I had the pleasure to work with some truly talented authors, and the stories are magical, dark, empowering, heart-breaking, and absolutely marvelous.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Comparison and impostor syndrome. It's very easy to look at another indie author and wonder why they may be more successful than you. I tend to look at others and see their great accomplishments, and often wonder if I am making progress, or if I'm as good as them. I've become better at stopping and looking at the whole picture. I remind myself that it's all about my own, personal journey, and that it doesn't matter about other people's level or accomplishments. I only have control of myself and my career, and as long as I'm being authentic and working hard, there is no need to compare myself.
As far as impostor syndrome, I often can't believe the success I've had in building an amazing community and publishing my books. Part of me often wonders, "Who am I to think I'm an author? Maybe I'm not that good at all, and it was just luck? Or Do I really have something to offer?" Again, with a lot of self work, I've learned to stop these thoughts when they first begin, reminding myself I am worth it, I am talented, and that I can and will leave a mark in the world.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Sticking with one project at a time. My brain is SUPER creative, and literally never stops thinking about the next story to write, or next idea to implement in my community. Sometimes, it gets to be very overwhelming. I love my creative drive and passion, but I need to learn to slow down, and focus on one thing at a time.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Sleep, lol! Which is something I've already started to do. I get up at five in the morning so that I can get more writing done. I find that the extra two hours on the early morning produce my best writing. I credit the quiet and dark house, where I can focus all of my attention on writing instead of everyone else.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
It took me nearly ten years to publish my first book, The Forest House. That is something I will NEVER do again. I am a believer that everything in life happens as it's meant to, and when it's meant to. But I do believe that often we are our own worst enemy. I procrastinated for many years, trying to find the "right" time to write; the "right" inspiration; and the "right" people to help. Truth is, there is no perfect timing, but just the time you're willing to put in. One mistake I've made with my first book was writing without an outline. I hate outlining because I feel it obstructs my creative flow, however, it also sacrificed ten long years, when I could have published sooner. Once I realized I needed an outline, I wrote and published The Dark Palace within six months.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Oh my...too many to count! There are probably at least a dozen books I started writing and never finished (again, I didn't outline, hence the reason they're collecting dust!) One that jumps to mind is a steampunk novel I began writing two years ago. I actually wrote a good amount of chapters, and I hope to finish the book one day. The story focuses on Petro, an adopted girl who lives with her father, a renowned inventor. The novel focuses on herbal magic mixed in with a steampunk flare, and Petro's quest to find her biological mother while the town goes through a mysterious ban from using magic. When her father disappears one day, she must embark on a journey to find herself, save her father, and find out why magic is suddenly being siphoned from a neighboring kingdom.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I do read them, but I'm not fanatical about it. Sometimes, months go by where I completely forget to check my review. Luckily, I haven't dealt with terrible ones, but here's my approach when I deal with reviews: I value them, I respect them, and I move on. Good or bad, I try to remember that I did something most people only talk about and then never do. Publishing a book is no small feat. It takes guts, energy, sweat, and tears. I try not to let one bad review strip all of that away. I look at it this way: have you ever loved a movie that someone else hated? Did it make you like the movie less? Did you get mad about it, or did you just brush it off as someone having a different taste and opinion than you? It's no different when you're an author. There are always going to be people that don't like your work. It only means that the book wasn't written for them, and that's okay.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
It's not really a secret, but I do have some elements of anxiety in my series. I thought it was very important to write a fictional character who was meant to be very powerful, but that ultimately felt broken due to her anxiety disorder. I never really promo my book as such, but I really did want to craft a character who could be strong, whole, and empowered, even when they felt their anxiety made them weak. Mental health is very important to me, and I hope to send the message that you can still accomplish great things, and are an amazing person, despite what you perceive to be a flaw or weakness within yourself.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I am so blessed with many author friends, and the list is long. Thanks to my community, The Otherworld, I have the chance to know many indie authors who inspire me every single day. A few that come to mind are Whitney McGruder, who recently debuted her book Destiny Seeker, and is a very humble and sweet person. Celeste Thrower, whose debut story was published in the anthology, is someone who inspires me every single day with her sweetness, her ethics, and her kindness. There are other special author friends who have helped my writing with their support: D. Fischer, Audrey Hughey, Jackie McCarthy, Ashley McLeo, Danika Stone, Erin Casey, Carol Marshall, and Lexi Aidyn. These ladies are hustlers and are making a name in the indie author community, and I'm proud to know them.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Get your butt in a chair and write! Stop the excuses and stop wasting time. You got this. Now write! My younger self, as you can see, needs some tough love.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
When I talk to newer authors or aspiring ones, I always find they're modeling their writing after other authors. They believe that in order to be liked or successful, they need to write just like some writer they look up to. It's fine to look up to them, because role models give you the confidence and inspiration to learn and grow. But you shouldn't want to write just like them. You are a unique individual, with your own story to tell, in your own voice. Readers don't want a copy cat. They want an authentic writer who is so confident and at peace with themselves, that it shows in their work. If you really want to be successful, write from the heart, be yourself, and don't compare your writing to others.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I'm still trying to learn the whole marketing process, but in my experience, there are different ways to promote your work, and what works for one author may not work for authors. Personally, building a tribe and camaraderie has been the best way to showcase what I do and who I am. Being authentic and trying to connect with readers on a human level, not only helped market my books, but also introduce me to some great people who became my friends. So far, the best platform to reach readers and build a rapport with them, has been Instagram. A rule of thumb I try to follow is the 80/20 approach. I try to educate, connect, inspire, sympathize, befriend, and advise as my most authentic self 80% of the time. The remaining 20% is dedicated to marketing my books. I find that connecting with others without the pushy "buy my book" gimmick, is a much better experience for both the reader and myself.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
I was an avid reader, and so many books touched my heart. But one, in particular, is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. It was the first time in my life a book caused such strong emotions within me, to the point of tears. The characters imprinted in my heart, and long after I'd finished the books, I continued to think about their lives and the message embedded in the novels. To this day, Little Women, is the one book that gives me goosebumps just thinking about it, reminding me of my childhood days and the pivotal moment when my love for reading created a long-lasting effect. I credit that feeling, the shivers down my back while remembering a powerful book such as that one, with my decision to write and make an impact in readers' lives.
Social Media Links:
Tamara's website: www.TamaraRokicki.com
The Otherworld Website: www.TheOtherworldCommunity.com
Instagram: @tamara_rokicki_author
Facebook: @tamararokickiwriter
Tabetha Waite
Tabetha Waite is the multi-award winning author of the historical romance Ways of Love Series. Her debut novel, “Why the Earl is After the Girl,” was published in July of 2016 and won the 2017 Best Indie Book Award in Romance and the 2018 Second Place Feathered Quill Book Award in Romance. She is a certified PAN member of the RWA. When she’s not writing, Tabetha is reading as true bookworms do, or checking out any antique mall she comes across. During the school year she works as a lunch attendant at the local community college. She is a small town, Missouri girl and continues to make her home in the Midwest with her husband and two wonderful daughters.
You can find her on most any social media site, and she encourages fans of her work to join her mailing list for updates. www.authortabethawaite.wix.com/romance
Interview
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
On February 1, I released the fourth book in my historical romance, Ways of Love Series called, “Who the Marquess Dares to Desire.” Here is the tagline; ‘A man bent on revenge. A woman with a shadowed past. Together they must face down a common foe.’ This book seemed like it took forever to release because I was transitioning between my small press publisher to indie, but I feel it was worth the wait. Drayven and Clara are two of my favorite characters!
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Self-doubt! I’m sure many authors face this hurdle. It’s so easy to second-guess yourself and your writing, especially if you get a review that is less than complimentary. I just remind myself that being an author isn’t going to be without its share of insecurities, but I try not to let it define me. I write for the personal enjoyment of it and for my readers who enjoy my stories.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
The dreaded writer’s block! Sometimes my characters like to leave me hanging, and when that happens I don’t try to force the words. I just take a break, watch some period dramas, do some reading, and eventually I’ll get back on track.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Working! Haha I am fortunate to be able to find time to write as I only work at my day job part-time, but I will rejoice for the day I can be a full-time author.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
On so many levels. I was rather ignorant of the whole publishing process until I signed with Etopia Press. I learned a LOT during the two years I was with them and will be forever grateful for the experience that I can now apply to self-publishing.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I have another historical series that I intend to rewrite and release someday. The first book is completed, but I wrote it several years ago, so it needs some work. I also wrote a historical paranormal, but that has been set to the side for the moment as I work on other committed projects. This year I signed up for two spring anthologies - one is part of a ten author series called, ‘The Fortunes of Fate.’ Later this year, I plan to release the final book in my Ways of Love series, as well as a Victorian Gothic, as well as another Christmas anthology. Busy times ahead!
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I used to read all my reviews, and while I will still occasionally skim through them, the less than savory ones can sting. I try to tell myself that I’m learning from those criticisms, but unfortunately, they also allow that vicious self-doubt to creep back in. That’s when I go to my Capt. Jack Sparrow Facebook meme that says, ‘You are the worst author I have heard of. But you HAVE heard of me.’ It always makes me smile.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I do! I added my birthday in my first book. However, I share the day with a fellow reader who easily caught it and mentioned it to me. We had a good laugh over that one. I’ve done similar things in other books too, whether it was a dream I had, or possibly a life experience, I try to share a little part of me in every story I write.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Annabelle Anders has been absolutely fantastic! She beta reads for me and has been a great supporter of my self-publishing journey. I seem to constantly go to her for advice! I adore Margaret Locke too. I met her in person at RWA in Denver in 2018 and it was like we’d known each other forever. I talk to quite a few other authors, editors, and cover designers on social media, and each conversation is special to me. It’s so nice to remember that you’re not alone on this crazy journey!
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
“Don’t get discouraged. Keep writing. It only takes ONE person to believe in you.” It was what I always told myself. I still do it now.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
NEVER pay to get your book published unless you are self-publishing. A true publisher will never ask for upfront payment. And sorry, but there’s no easy answer or foolproof plan. Just like any other business it’s trial and error. Not everyone is going to like your writing style and that’s fine. Just have fun doing it.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I’m still working on that myself! Haha Again, I don’t think there’s a specific answer there. Bookbub is great, of course, and cross promotion is good if you don’t have the funds to purchase an ad. Network on social media and start a website and offer a monthly newsletter. More than anything, readers like to know that you’re a REAL person, interact and go to signings. Kindness goes a long way. Just offering a smile to someone may be all it takes for them to pick up your book.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
It’s hard to pick just one, but a specific story comes to mind, probably because I still have the original book from my childhood. I just couldn’t ever let it go. The pages are coming out and it’s seen better days, but it was one I always loved. It’s a fairytale about Easter called, “The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes,” by Du Bose Heyward. It’s about a poor mother bunny trying to take care of her children, but who is chosen to deliver eggs on Easter. That’s all I’ll say, but I highly recommend it.
Social Media Links
https://www.facebook.com/TotallyTabetha/
http://www.twitter.com/@TotallyTabetha
http://www.instagram.com/tabetha.waite
http://www.linkedin.com/tabethawaite
http://www.pinterest.com/tabethawaite
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15485251.Tabetha_Waite
J.S. Strange
J.S. Strange lives and writes in south Wales, United Kingdom. His first two novels were published in 2016 and 2017, and at the end of 2018 he signed with Panther Publishing, a Welsh publisher of mystery, crime, thriller, paranormal and horror fiction. His new novel, Murder on the Rocks, is publishing with Panther Publishing on March 1st, 2019. A cosy murder mystery set in Wales, Murder on the Rocks is written by a Welsh author, and published on ST. Davids Day, the date of Saint David's death. Murder on the Rocks features a leading gay male detective, something that was important for Strange to write about.
Interview
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Murder on the Rocks is my first foray into writing murder mystery novels. I like a classic whodunit, and I have always read crime fiction. I started out writing for the crime genre, and found out it fitted better into murder mystery. It features a leading gay male detective, as there seem to be few gay protagonists, though of course they do exist and are out there. There should just be more! Murder on the Rocks sees private investigator Jordan Jenner return to work after the death of his mother. His first case is the murder of a writer in a prestigious writing group. Jordan has to solve the murder of the writer, but discovers his mother is related to the murder in some way.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
I face a lot of challenges as a writer. I have a full time job, eight hours a day, an hour away from where I live. I work odd hours, five days a week, including the odd weekends, so time is a big issue. When I do have days to write, life gets in the way, or I get distracted, or before you know it the day has gone and I can’t find the time to write. I tend to properly get into writing in the morning, and struggle to start in the evening. It’s a weird process!
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
The difficult thing to do is to keep a story exciting. On my last two horror novels, I was complimented on keeping up the suspense and twists. It was easy to do in a dystopian zombie apocalypse world. But writing murder mystery, trying to appeal to adult readers, and following real life situations is quite a challenge. I have to keep the story believable, whilst keeping people entertained. On another side of things, what’s difficult about the process is keeping the momentum going. If I miss a morning opportunity to write, I can’t properly get into what I’m writing.
4. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Well, my first book was a zombie novel set in London. It took four years to write. It gave me confidence as a writer. When I published it, I was 21, dreaming of instant success and a film deal. I still do dream of that, but I’m a lot more aware to the writing process as a whole, the importance of editing, the importance of promotion, and the reality of a book fading to obscurity quicker than a tweet that goes viral. I took advice from reviewers and beta readers, seeing what worked and what didn’t work. I picked up books that were about writing, and I generally began to appreciate writing as something more serious than just fun. Although, I still write for fun! I really enjoy it!
5. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Yes. I have a few. I have one about a haunted hotel with nuns that never made sense. I have one about a stalker of a film star who has returned home after divorcing his husband. I got towards the end and then just stopped. A new idea came and I couldn’t match them up again, but I might go back to it and redraft eventually. My zombie series was supposed to be three or four books long, but I lost the motivation after book two, because I found it really difficult to write – second book syndrome is definitely a thing – and so book three of the Winter Smith series, my zombie novels, has so many drafts. I don’t know if book three will ever happen.
6. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I do read my book reviews, and I appreciate every one I get. I appreciate people that can offer constructive feedback and give me the time. Most reviews I’ve had have been helpful and favourable. I always enjoy reading people say that I have a talent, or enjoying something I’ve wrote. I have had one or two bad reviews, and a horrible rejection, and it knocked me. I doubted myself big time. But then I tell myself it’s one or two reviews that have come from a whole list of good reviews, so I try and balance them out. It hurts to get a bad review, but writers are sensitive souls.
7. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I do! And telling what those secrets are would be the wrong thing to do. I’m currently writing the sequel to Murder on the Rocks, and there is a character based off an ex. In the first Winter Smith novel, I included my friend’s name. But there are other things in the book that are for people to read and pick out that know me, or would understand why they’re there.
8. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I’m not friends with enough authors. I’d like to be! I’d love to be able to feel as though I could talk about my writing with people without showing off, or sounding like I’m being big headed. I’m actually planning to join a local writing group soon. I do have friends who are authors, so we have bonded over mutual interests and writing. They’re horror writing twins from Cardiff, and we they’ve been a massive help to me with my writing, offering advice, and showing support when the times have got tough. I envy their following and their fanbase, but other than that, they’re great people to know.
9. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Writing becomes very frustrating. There are plenty of rejections – more than J.K. Rowling ever had – and you’ll feel like giving up. Don’t. You haven’t sold millions, you haven’t become a traditional bestseller yet, but don’t stop what makes you happy. You’re improving each time. Don’t be afraid. Try new things. Keep that naïve optimism.
10. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Over thinking and over complicating their story or plot, and worrying about what people will think when they read it. Trying to be like someone else is another flaw. Write what you want to write, keep at it, and know your genre.
11. What’s the best way to market your books?
My ways of marketing vary. I use social media heavily. I don’t pay for adverts, though I might do for Murder on the Rocks. You have to have an online presence, but not necessarily a website. Follow as many writers as you can on Twitter, join plenty of writing groups on Facebook, and take as many opportunities as you can find. Make promotional material, whether that be posters to share on social media, or videos. Do everything and try anything. Murder on the Rocks has already generated a buzz, which I’m proud of, but I’m hoping to keep that buzz going after publication. We’ll see what happens!
Social media links:
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JackSamStrange
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackSamuelStrange
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jsstrange
Eva Seyler
Eva Seyler was born in Jacksonville, Florida. She left that humidity pit at the age of three and spent the next twenty-one years in California, Idaho, Kentucky, and Washington before ending up in Oregon, where she now lives on a homestead in the western foothills with her husband and five children, two of whom are human.
Eva cannot remember a time when she couldn’t read, and has spent her life devouring books. In her early childhood years, she read and re-read The Boxcar Children, The Trumpet of the Swan, anything by Johanna Spyri or A A Milne, and any issues of National Geographic with illustrated articles about mummified, skeletonised, and otherwise no-longer-viable people.
As an adult she enjoys primarily historical fiction (adult or YA) and nonfiction on a wide range of topics—including, but not limited to, history, disaster, survival, dead people, and the reasons people become dead. Audiobooks are her jam, and the era of World War One is her historical pet.
When Eva is not writing, she is teaching her human children, eating chocolate, cooking or baking, wasting time on Twitter, and making weird shrieky noises every time she sees her non-human children.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Thanks so much for having me!
My debut novel, The War in Our Hearts, releases on this coming Sunday, the 24th of March! I’ve been fascinated by World War One for a couple of years now and been bummed by the fact that although there’s a glut of great stuff about WWII, WWI has nowhere near the selection of novels to choose from. So I decided to try to remedy that by writing the book I wanted to read!
Here’s the back cover copy:
France, 1916: Estelle Graham faces a nightmare. Expecting to meet her beloved husband and bring their newly adopted daughter home to Scotland, she instead finds him gravely injured and unconscious in a casualty station. As she fights for his care, she takes solace in his journals and letters.
In a farmhouse in Somme, Captain Jamie Graham is forever changed when he meets young Aveline Perrault. Both of them broken and walled off from the cruel and cold world around them—made even crueler and colder by the Great War—the pair form an unlikely bond. She finds in him the father she never had, and with her love, he faces the pain from his own childhood.
Discover the depth of love and faith in the face of brutality and neglect as they learn to live while surviving World War I.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
My verbal communication skills are a bit of a handicap. I can write like crazy, but ask me to talk about my work with unscripted spoken words, and I become about as eloquent as Foley on Remember WENN.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Sometimes I get overwhelmed right as I’m almost done, when there’s just one more major thread I have to weave in to make the arc solid, and I sort of shut down for a bit trying to avoid it. I’m dealing with this right now with one of my WIPs—there’s just something not quite RIGHT about it yet, and trying to lay a finger on what it is is making me want to tear out my hair.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Oh man, I don’t know. I like all the things! It would have to be something I’m not super attached to. Maybe my teacup collection.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
It definitely has given me more of an idea of what’s expected with grammar and punctuation standards. I know now what kinds of quirks I’ll be expected to change, so I can turn it in with those changes already made to save everyone’s time.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I have four books in varying stages of completion, three of which have working titles using the word THING, because I hate titles argh.
-Thread of Scarlet is a slightly fictionalised memoir about a drastic family move across the country that completely changed the entire trajectory of my life. I keep setting it aside as low priority, but I will finish it one of these days.
-The Belgian Refugee Thing is another WWI-era book about (surprise) Belgian refugees, which I am a bit stalled on until I can do more research.
-The Patagonian Thing is my favourite of my unfinished books. It’s set in post-WWII Argentina, about a butterfly-obsessed policeman who goes to Lago Viedma in Patagonia with his eight-year-old son, only to have his orderly Explore disrupted by the intrusion of a mentally unstable, runaway mistress of an escaped Nazi war criminal. It’s very close to being done, but I’ve set it aside temporarily to finish———
-The Prohibition Kids Thing, which is a middle-grade novel set in 1925 Oregon that I’m supposed to turn in by May. So it’s my focus for the moment. I’m about halfway through writing it. It’s about two ten-year-olds, George and Louise, who do things together like hop freight trains to Salem to get away from their weird parents, and perhaps even some bootlegging intrigue for good measure. I’m really excited about it. It’s totally different from writing for adults, but a fun change of pace.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
So far I’ve only had glowing reviews, but I’m also oddly unconcerned with the prospect of bad ones. I left so many embarrassingly narrow-minded one-star reviews as an Opinionated Young Person myself that I’m not going to let myself be bothered by a few nay-sayers as an adult.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
If I told, it wouldn’t be a secret, would it? ;-)
There is at least one sort of subtle thing I can think of in TWIOH, with enough hints to figure it out if you are paying attention. I did that on purpose, leaving a wide open window for the observant readers to take off running with fanfiction. There might be two subtle things, but I can’t think what the other one is at the moment.
I do have a habit of connecting all my stories, though. All three of my current fiction WIPs (from question 6) have a connection of some sort to TWIOH, but none of the books will be dependent on any of the others, nor are they really even related. I hope my readers will have fun looking for the more obscure connections!
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I’m very shy about befriending Famous Successful People(™), so mostly I just follow them on Twitter and admire them from afar, but it is fun to interact with them about their books, if that’s their jam. Hilary McKay, Gwen C Katz, and Elizabeth Wein are all wonderful people to chat with in the Twitterverse, and not just about books! Although I love all their books too.
I can guarantee you, however, that were I to spot them in the wild somewhere, I would do the human equivalent of the cartoon trick where you become 2D and ooze away along a wall or something to avoid detection.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Dear 1990s Eva,
It’s okay to write stories where Dad isn’t a raving abusive lunatic.
Love, 2010s Eva (who definitely did not resort to her own raving abusive lunatic dad trope in The War in Our Hearts, nope, not her. Nope. *shifty eyes*)
P.S. oh by the way someday you’ll be published!!!
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Taking up the first offer they get, probably. It’s not always bad to do that! Just make sure you research the agent/publishing house (in my case it’s a small press and I have no agent), and get someone, or multiple someones, to look over any contracts before you sign.
And never underestimate the value of beta readers/critique partners, either. One of my beta readers gave me some feedback that really made The War in Our Hearts go from good to great. I believe I’m a good writer, but critiques and discussion with betas help SO MUCH with stuff you simply can't see because you're so immersed. Having already gone through that process gave me a manuscript that required no major changes when it went through my publishing editor.
(By the way, if you're looking for a critique partner/beta reader, follow @Megan_Lally on Twitter. She hosts match-ups every few months, and I found some great betas through that!)
12. What's the best way to market your books?
Find friends whose enthusiasm and verbal communications skills exceed your own and get them excited so they will talk to people about your book for you.
Or plaster buy links and constant allusions to the fact that you wrote a book all over social media. Subtlety will get you nowhere, right?
I have applied both techniques in my (admittedly limited) experience, and time will tell how well they work.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
I had a whole sequence of books I obsessed over over the years, but one of the earliest ones I remember was The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White, when I was about 8 or 9. As an adult, I think I understand why that one spoke to me so much. I had selective mutism, which meant I found it physically impossible to speak to most people, and had to express myself via other means besides speech. I started writing/making up stories probably about the same time, and aside from a complete break from writing from 2009-2016 (it's a long story), I've never stopped writing/making up stories since.
Social media links:
Website: www.evaseyler.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorevaseyler
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_eva_seyler
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theevaseyler
Nancy Gallegos
Nancy Gallegos started to write at the age of 7, creating drawings and short stories for her grandfather. Since she was little she developed her creativity by doing short stories and comics. Nancy has a major in Psychology and her minor is Literature. She has a masters in Health Psychology. She likes to write mostly Fantasy and Young Adult. Her hobbies are writing, listening to music, reading, watching series and studying.
She loves animals, has a Pomeranian and a orange cat, and her birthday is December 3rd.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work? My debut novel was "A chance for porcelain hearts" it's a young adult romantic novel. And in a few weeks I'm going to publish my second book called "Mystery in Bonsai gardens.” It’s a fantasy ya.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer? The common daily life challenge of an author ... writer's block. But I have discovered some techniques to reduce it.
3. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer? I would like to study a writing master degree or course to improve my craft.
4. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing? I learned many things. The importance in having betareaders and proofreading it. Also I improved my world building.
5. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them? The one I will publish soon has a sequel I'm currently working and I think I'll do a trilogy or maybe 4 books. Other books that are WIP or brainstorm are like 5. I try to concentrate on one first though.
6. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones? I read them sometimes. Feedback is always good to improve.
7. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find? Yes. I wrote many Easter eggs. My books are connected in some way.
8. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer? Yes , the writing community is so welcoming. They have given me tips , feedback, and betaread my stories.
9. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be? Keep going and don't give up even if things get hard.
10. What are common traps for aspiring writers? Not believing in our craft.
11. What’s the best way to market your books? Twitter, making quotes and illustrations
12. What is your favorite childhood book? Harry Potter.
Social Media Links:
Marian Thorpe
Writer of non-magical historical fantasy for mid-teens and up. The Empire's Legacy series explores gender expectations, the conflicts between personal belief and societal norms, and how personal definitions of love and loyalty change with growth and experience.
The world of Empire's Legacy was inspired by my interest in the history of Britain in the years when it was a province of the Roman Empire called Britannia, and then in the aftermath of the fall of the Roman Empire. In another life, I would have been a landscape archaeologist, and landscape is an important metaphor in the Empire's Legacy trilogy and in all my writing, fiction and non-fiction.
I live in Canada for most of the year, England for the rest, have two cats, a husband, and when I'm not writing or editing, I'm birding.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Empire's Exile is the third book in my Empire's Legacy trilogy. Set in a world reminiscent of northern Europe after the decline of the Roman Empire, the series follows a young fisherwoman, Lena, as she reluctantly becomes a soldier. In Exile, she and a companion, Cillian, have been exiled for violating the terms of a truce. They face physical and personal challenges to simply survive the first winter, and when circumstances force them to leave the village that took them in, they travel east, looking for the fabled, lost city of Casil. By chance, they meet travellers from their lands, also seeking Casil in hope of military support for the war raging at home. But what will the cost of that support be?
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Age is catching up with me! Hand and wrist and shoulder pain are a problem, even with using ergonomic keyboards and a large screen.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Now, three books and a WIP into this world and my characters' stories, it's deciding which of many directions I could go in the next installment. I have the WIP and two further books planned, under the series title Empire's Reprise, but there are many other stories I could tell.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
What I do give up: time. I used to also be a graphic artist, but except for the occasional birthday card, I don't do much now.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
My editors were outstanding, and taught me how to take a first draft and turn it into a polished manuscript. I use everything I learned from them in developing my stories.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Oh, heavens. Three, I think. One from when I was in high school, two others. The first was a literary novel; the second was a paranormal romance, and the last was a crime novel. The only interesting thing about them is they all dealt, one way or the other, with the themes I still write about: the conflicts between love for an individual and love for one's land.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I do. With bad ones I find something in it to laugh about, and good ones I react to as almost any writer does, with a sense of satisfaction that I've written something that gave someone pleasure.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Not secrets exactly, but an inside joke or two, and there is always something my husband has suggested that gets included in a scene just for him. In the current WIP he wanted a football (soccer) game, so it's there.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Many! I belong to two writers' groups in my home city, and the discussions we have, whether formally part of the program or over lunch, have been invaluable.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Have more confidence; write, submit, learn to deal with rejection, learn to take advice, write some more.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Listening to all the people on social media who want to tell you how to write.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I have an odd demographic: although my protagonist is 17 at the beginning of the trilogy and only 25 at the very end, my readers are largely over 50. My oldest is 98. Those readers – who prefer paperbacks – I reach through my local bookstore, and by word of mouth, and some print advertisement. Twitter is proving useful to find a younger audience, and my e-book sales have gone up noticeably since I began interacting there.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
I'm not sure I can answer that. I read voraciously and indiscriminately as a child. The book – novella, I suppose – that first made me realize the power a writer has over the reader was The Dragon in the Clockbox, by M. Jean Craig. Was there ever a dragon's egg in that box?
Social Media Links
Website: https://www.marianlthorpe.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/marianlthorpe (@marianlthorpe)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marianlthorpe/
Amazon Author Page: https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/books
Terri Jones
Terri Jones is an author from Nashville, TN. She loves character-driven stories and the psychology of what makes people tick. She's a Southern girl and drawn to stories set in the South and the people that inhabit the area. Although, any resemblance is entirely coincidental. Terri is working on her next novel. When not writing, she enjoys hiking and exploring with her husband and two boys.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My most recent work is a novel called The Homecoming. It’s the first book in a new series set in White Oak, a fictional small town in East Tennessee at the foot Monteagle Mountain. The protagonist, Autumn, has graduated from college, but she has to sneak out of town and ends up back living with her parents while trying to sort out her life. She reconnects with her brother’s childhood best friend, Daniel, who has grown up and turned into a hunky Green Beret whose deployment is imminent. The novel follows Autumn’s journey through a turbulent year in her life where she finds the strength she needs to not only survive but go after what she wants.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Time. I have a family, and I still have to hold down another job. While I have more time to write than I did when I wrote my first novel, it’s tricky some days to carve out the time to put my butt in the chair and hands on the keyboard. It can be a challenge while mentally taxed to get into the creative zone.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
The most challenging part of my artistic process is gaining the ability to write when there isn’t inspiration. For writing books to be a business, you cannot simply wait for inspiration to strike. I’ve worked to train myself to write when I sit down no matter if I’m feeling like it or not. Sometimes what comes out is garbage, sometimes it’s okay. But, what you cannot do is edit a blank page. I’ve found that there are times when things come out that I wasn’t anticipating and the story goes in a beautiful but unseen direction.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Coffee… no that wouldn’t work. I’m not sure. Time is an important commodity for me, and I give that up routinely to read/study writing to become a better storyteller.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
It took me ten years to write my first book. I worked a full-time demanding job and had two babies during this time. So, I ended up writing on my 30-minute lunch break until completed. A friend that I worked with read each chapter and kept demanding the next one; who pushed me to finish it. I put it away and forgot about it until after I was laid off. Becoming unemployed became the catalyst that sent me back to writing. Publishing that novel made me realize that if I wanted to make my living as a novelist, then I had to write faster and write even if I didn’t feel inspired.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I’m sure there are some old, long-forgotten scribbles in notebooks somewhere. The only thing I’m working on right now is book two of my White Oak series. Book two tells the story of two minor characters in The Homecoming, where their love story starts. I’m super excited about it as I had not intended the male character to become a leading man or to fall in love with a friend- she had a boyfriend at the start of the novel. But, their storyline developed naturally, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I have. I tell myself not too and that I’ll stop… but the curiosity gets the better of me. I try not to let either good/bad reviews get to me. Anything negative, I examine and decide if they have a point. Is there something to work on? I understand that not everyone will connect with my writing- I’ve read well-written novels that I didn’t care for so I cannot possibly think that everyone will love mine. It’s fine that’s why there are so many books out in the world.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Not really, there are a couple of names here and there that pay homage to my ancestry or a nod to a close friend.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Sadly, not in real life. There are some writers on social media groups that have become friends and are willing to lend advice or support.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Don’t buy it when people tell you that writing is a cute little hobby, but you need a “real job.” And grow a thicker skin. My first college writing assignment came back marked up with red ink, and it destroyed me. I gave up for a while and that was the worst mistake of my life.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
A common trap for aspiring writers is believing that they must write everything perfectly the first time. Nope. Some people might be able to put out great first drafts, but the vast majority of us suck at first drafts. The first draft is merely getting the ideas out, the polishing and magic come later- in some cases after many rounds of editing. Don’t wait for inspiration to strike.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
That’s the million-dollar question. I’m still figuring that out.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
I was obsessed with Laura Ingalls Wilder and her books.
Social Media Links
Facebook.com/terrijonesauthor
Twitter.com/terricjones
Maria Vermisoglou
Maria Vermisoglou is a fantasy and fairytale author who loves throwing her heroes into impossible situations, drawing inspiration from travels and…the ceiling.
Her first book, The Cursed Girl was published in 2018 and surpassed her expectations with a second place award in the TCK Awards.
When she’s not writing, she loves enjoying a ride on the fantasy dragon, but a book can also be exciting along with a cup of tea.
She’s currently residing in Crete as a librarian and battling supernatural creatures from overcoming the world.
Second place winner in the First Annual Indie Awards as the Favorite New Female Author. Nominated as the 2019 Top Female Author by The Authors Show.
You can find more about her upcoming series at https://maraki2311.wixsite.com/creativequill
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My most recent work is The Kingdom of Sand and Wishes Boxset. It's an Aladdin retelling and I collaborated with some other authors for that. It was my first experience in collaboration and it was so wonderful. My story is the last of the boxset and is set in Spain and there's a djinn called Alyssa who...Wait! I'm not supposed to tell you that! You have to pre-order it to find out what's in store for the heroes and the evil magic lamp.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
I was born in Greece and somehow, I managed to write and publish an English book in 2018. I didn't know how things worked on the other side of the ocean and even now that I have more experience, I still don't know a lot of things. The most challenging though is marketing and writing. Nobody knows what works in marketing, you just try and hope for the best. Writing has many challenges since every story is different. But it's the challenges that make the stories unique.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Trying to get the story to talk to me and of course, procrastination. I am not a planner and let the stories talk so when they stop talking, I'm lost. But I have yet to face a writer's block which is good but I have faced a story's denial, revenge, and so many other funny things. Procrastination is the enemy of every writer but when I want to write, I try to minimize the distractions.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Technology. Yes, technology has helped us in a lot of ways but it's also bad in more than one way. As a writer, I tend to check emails and social media and not write. If social media didn't exist, every writer would have been happier in terms of writing.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
My first book opened the gate for new connections, adventures, and stories. While it's not the best as I write much better now, it will forever be my favorite story.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Too many to count. I'm just going to name a few. I have a story about a mannequin who after a turn of fate, her glass window breaks and she walks free. She travels the world, meeting legends and supernatural beings. Sitting on the pile for a while is a story about a genius who experienced bad things from an early age and is a runaway. Fortunately, the story made it to the writing stage and I hope to finish it this year. Beware the Violet was a short story until it decided it wanted its own novel. Can you believe that? Lastly, Aladdin's story inspired some Red Riding Hood story so I'll be writing about Red chasing demons. I think I'll stop here. The rest...
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
The first time I got a bad review I was really hurt but with time, I realized it didn't matter. Everyone can't like every book but for writers, bad reviews hurt because it's personal. An author has poured tears and sweat to his/her book so a part of their soul is in it. I always read reviews good and bad and the good always make my day shine like the sunrise.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
In my first book which is a part of a series, I have hidden clues and smart readers might find them and then they'll know what will happen next in the series. Maybe...
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I have lots of author friends but I can't possibly name them all. They're too many and I wouldn't be doing any justice if I only named a few. Every writer has helped me in his/her own unique way and I have learned a lot of things. Not only about writing but sometimes for life. I love how supportive our Indie community is and having writer friends makes me feel weird among the weirds. They understand, help and the best? We don't even know each other! It's a wonderful feeling!
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Don't worry so much. It will be just fine. As long as you dream...
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
There are a lot of traps but for me, vanity publishers and publishers who offer to self-publish for you is one of the most dangerous traps for young writers. These two are only after the money and writers never see a penny. It's sad that such things exist but aspiring writers must be careful. Research first!
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I have no idea. Posting your book in social media groups is a good marketing technique as well as ads.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
I am an obsessed reader so I can't possibly pick just one but I'll give you one of the books that changed my life: Harry Potter. If it wasn't for J.K. Rowling, I would still hate books and I would have certainly never considered to become a writer. I owe her much!
Social Media:
Website: https://maraki2311.wixsite.com/wonderpen
fb page: www.facebook.com/thecursedgirl16
instagram: @portal_to_the_unknown
Art by Sophie Cohen
J M Ralley
J M Ralley grew up in Dudley, West Midlands, England. Working as a veterinary nurse leaves her little time for writing and relaxing.
She has a passion for rabbits and has been known to breed and show them. As well as writing she enjoys, chocolate, reading, taking long walks in the countryside, photography and craft fairs.
Author Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My latest book is the second in the Romancing in Scotland series. They are standalone books, so previous ones don’t need to be read.
This story revolves around Katie. A young lass who is setting up a flower nursery. During a delivery she becomes involved in a car accident and wakes in a strange house. A man is with her and asks Katie her name. And this is where things begin to go wrong for Katie, when she discovers she has amnesia. With no other reason not to believe Angus, he informs her they are married.
When the police have no leads, Katie’s parents hire Finlay, a private investigator. Returning to a place he never wanted to see again, wasn’t on the cards. After making the mistake of peering at Katie’s photo, he knows he is lost. The picture enchants him and off to the borders he goes.
If you want to know how things turn out – you’ll have to read the book. On preorder now.
As I love Scotland and try to visit once a year, I had to write a series based there.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Time is the biggest challenge. Working full time, I’m usually tapping away early mornings and late evenings. Sometimes into the early hours of the morning, if it’s a weekend. Setting deadlines are troublesome as I know I’m going to come close to not making them.
To try to overcome this, I don’t set up any preorders until the final edit is back from the editor. This allows me enough time to make those final checks.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Writing the blurb – the bit that you find on Amazon and the back of the book. Writing a 60,000 word novel is easy but ask any author and writing the blurb makes us cry. We need to condense our book into two or three small paragraphs, in such away we don’t give too much away and lead the reader into wanting to pick the book up.
I usually do this when the manuscript goes to my editor. The book is complete. I’m not going to make any drastic changes, (I hope), and I’ve time to write several blurbs and to mess around with them.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Easy. I’d love to work part-time, (wouldn’t we all?). However, as a new author this isn’t a possibility, even if it would allow me to write quicker and get those books out faster.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
My first book went out self-edited. A really bad mistake. But editors don’t come cheap and I wanted to know if the story was any good first. My reviews came back better than I thought. So, now, I’m re-vamping Persecuting Abi and have an editor.
I’ve learnt such a lot since then and my writing has improved. With help from other authors/readers I’ve picked up where most of my faults were and I can now fix them. My descriptions have improved, and so has my style of writing. I’m happier with what I produce now.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Where to start. I’ve four more Persecuting books, centered around other members of the LAPD and Dragon Security. This is a dark psychological romance thriller series and not for the faint-hearted.
I’ve also got another crime series set in Devon, England. Another area I love and have spent a fair bit of time there. It’s at a complete first draft stage and awaiting editing. My plan is to do a crossover with the Persecuting series with book two. However, I need to write two more persecuting books first. Bringing the total to seven.
There is a standalone series set in New York, about an FBI’s daughter. Again, it’s at a complete first stage but I’m not happy with this plot yet.
I’m writing the first draft for my first paranormal/fantasy book. A standalone centered around horse shifters. It’s going well, but my characters keep changing the plot.
There are three more Scottish fantasy books plotted – I have the covers already for them. Based on Mull, Iona and Sky. They will be standalone. Each will involve my main characters having to break a curse. Again, I have the first few chapters of the first done.
I am in the process of editing this year’s Christmas release. This is more erotic/BDSM based and has now turned into a trilogy, based around three brothers. Each will contain a strong plot.
And last but not least, I’m planning a big fantasy series. This will have vampires, witches, angels and shifters. Each book will be one story, but another underlying story will join them together. I have the first couple of paragraphs done for the first book and the first three book outlined. However, these will not be released until I have the first two books written and ready to go. Probably in 2021.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Yes, I do. So far, I’m missing that dreaded one/two-star review. It’s the reviews that have helped me grow as an author. I don’t mind the criticism. If there are any problems, I’d rather know. However, I do a happy dance with every complimentary review I receive and reply to most of them. I like to thank those who take the time to review.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Those who know me, know I like rabbits. I’ve kept them as pets for thirty years. In my Romancing in Scotland series there will always be a rabbit present.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Since I began writing I’ve discovered several Facebook groups. I’ve made several friends from other Indie authors and we all live in one main group. We have a messenger group, but I also messenger a couple of them separately. These include Maya Daniels – she writes fantasy. Ann Robinson – erotic writer and A S Mcgowen – I love her centaur agency series.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Go for it and don’t be scared. And more than anything else, don’t waste twenty years with a story in your head. Get it down on paper.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Once you release the writing ideas, they don’t stop. Don’t try and work on too many books at one time, get the plots down and concentrate on a couple of books. Otherwise, you’ll never complete a novel.
Don’t fear criticism – it’s all helpful. Feel free to ask for help – we all need a helping hand at times. And if that dreaded writing block hits you – get outside and watch the world go by. Note down what you see and describe what is happening. Long walks in the countryside can clear your mind and get you back on track.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I’m still learning this. I have a marketing man on Facebook now who helps. I am in several groups and on twitter, where I can promote, and I do craft fairs. I haven’t attempted paid ads yet, but I know that is the way to go.
Word of mouth is the best and I plan to leave a book somewhere, when I go on holiday. And yes, it’s to Scotland, so I have the perfect book.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
As I’m rabbit mad – Watership Down. Easy
Social Media
Website – jmralley.ccom
Facebook – www.facebook.com/jmralley
Twitter - @jmralleyauthor
Dreama Tipton
My name is Dreama Tipton. I have been writing since I was 16 years old and thanks to the love and support of my wonderful husband, I have been able to make my dream of being a writer come true. I love being outdoors and I love all things animals. I have 2 fur babies of my own and I foster many animals in need. I have 2 beautiful little girls whom light up my world. I am an Air Force wife and currently reside in California.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My most recent book and first book that I just released is Appalachian Huntress. It’s about a woman named Harley Mathis who has always been on her own until a sexy alpha werewolf named Blake Hawkins shows up on her doorstep injured and asking for help. She feels a connection to him and realizes he looks familiar. Blake finally tells her that he is the one she has been dreaming about. He explains to her that they are having shared dreams, because she is his true mate. As they grow closer and find comfort in each others arms, they work together to win back his pack and home.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
My personal challenges as a writer is making sure I find time to write and focus on my writing. Being a military wife and a mom of two can make it hard sometimes but with the love and support of my husband I make time for what I love, which is writing.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
The most difficult part of my writing process would be working through writer’s block. I can be writing like a mad woman, putting everything down that I wanted to say but then out if no where I’m hit with writer’s block and it’s hard to push through it. Sometimes I have to take a break, or even start a new book so that I can come back refreshed.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Right now there isn’t anything I’d give up. My family are what push me to do my best. My life may be chaotic at times but I wouldn’t change a thing just to make my writing easier.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
One thing that has changed in my writing after having Appalachian Huntress published, was having an editor who gave me much needed feedback to make my book better. She recommended I change my point-of-view and I did and Appalachian Huntress is so much better because of it.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Well, I have 3 books coming out this year that will be in the same world and series as Appalachian Huntress. I also have 2 books that I have written of a vampire romance series that I look forward to publishing in a few years.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I do read my book reviews, good or bad doesn’t matter. I love hearing what people have to say about my book. I take what they say and see what I can do next time to make things better.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I haven’t really hidden any secrets in my book. The only thing I had in it was where Harley from Appalachian Huntress was curled up next to a fire and reading "Cycle of the werewolf" by Stephen King (I have always been a huge Stephen King fan).
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I am friends with my most favorite indie author Evangeline Anderson. She is an amazing author, and a huge inspiration to all indie authors especially me. I take notes from her all the time, the way she handles her fans, her writing technique, etc.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to push through everything that comes your way. You will have your ups and down but in the end it will all be worth it.
11. What’s the best way to market your books?
I’m still working on ways to market my books, but if you stay strong and run book ads, stay active on your social media and your website and even run a book trailer, it will eventually all pay off.
12. What is your favorite childhood book?
My favorite childhood book would be the Harry Potter series. I didn’t start reading until I was 13, and once I began reading I couldn’t stop. Harry potter was and is my favorite series of all times. Filled with love, passion, and strength.
Social Media:
Erynne M. Napier
I just turned 47 years old and I am a mother of two and grandmother of two. I have been writing ever since 4th grade. I currently live in Des Moines, Washington (near Seattle).
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My latest published work is Phoenix From the Flames. It's the sixth and final mainline novella in my Phoenix From the Flames series. This story, like the others that I have written and continue to write, is set in my fantasy world of Palatia Royale. This matriarchal world is a Greco-Roman style civilization with Medieval elements. This particular book continues the story of Kressida DePandora who is the rightful Damisaá (Queen) of her world. After the suspicious death of her mother, she went into exile with her husband, Emmanuel Kristoból (King of Dreo Indpenedencia) and her children. For the future of her family, not to mention her country, she has to confront her father who is chasing her across the world, trying to kill her.
All of my stories are separated into three series ... Dawn of the Phoenix, Before the Phoenix, and Phoenix From the Flames. Each of these series has 6 main-line books; the first five have different pairings of protagonists. The sixth book has the same pairing as the first book and wraps up the storyline. Each of these stories has their own plot line, but these plot lines link together to continue an overall storyline. I also have other stories which I call Adventure Novellas that, again, have their own storyline, but they also contribute back-stories and other details about the world in general.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
I would have to say the biggest personal challenge that I have as a writer is finding the time to write. As much as I would like to spend every waking moment writing, I also need to work to support my writing habit.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
You mean aside from running out of Kleenex? Seriously, though, I think that finding the time to write is my greatest difficulty. That, and trying to focus on work, rather than my stories. Normally, it takes me roughly 4 hours or so to write a chapter and 40 hours for each novella.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
If I could, I would give up my job in order to have time to write. I have found that just by writing, my stories get better.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
When I published my first book, it gave a legitimacy to my writing. Rather than writing to just be writing, it gave me the possibility of actually making money with my writing.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
The more that I write, the more stories come to me. I think at this point I have just as many unwritten books as I do written ones. As to actually started books, I only have one that I'm working on. However, I do have other novellas that have rough plot lines hammered out and are ready to go.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Yeah, I read the reviews and I know that there will be those who love my stories and others who might be offended by my work. Beyond that, I would be looking for ways to improve my writing ... how to organize my thoughts better, perhaps use different language, items like that.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Only all the time. I like using foreshadowing between novellas as they tend to tie my stories together. I also put a lot of Easter eggs in my writing just to make the reading all the better.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I actually don't know any authors that I'm friends with. However, when I was in the 4th grade, my teacher had me go to an assembly with a wonderful author named Pleasant DeSpain. He greatly inspired me to pursue my writing; I still have the ditto that he handed out those many years ago.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
I would tell myself not to give up on writing. Whereas when I was growing up there wasn't this idea of self-publishing, now self-publishing has helped me to at least get my books out there.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
I think that writing for the market might be a common trap. Also, trying to write out of what one has experienced might be another. Certainly, a writer might be able to overcome these, but, I prefer to write from the heart.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I haven't really found a way to do marketing. I'm part of the starving writer group. That, and I have to work, so time is very limited.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
I don't really have a favorite book. I have favorite authors ... Walter Farley (author of The Black Stallion series) and Marguerite Henry (author of Misty of Chincoteague). Yeah, I was really into horsie books.
Social Media:
Savanna Roberts
Savanna Roberts lives in Park City, Utah with her wonderful husband and their snuggly cats, Chip and Queso. She has a fetish with socks and a psychotic obsession with coffee. She began writing seriously when she was ten years old, after she completed a short novel involving scavenger hunts and deceit. When she's not writing, her passions include collecting Nutcrackers, burying her nose in a book, or falling down Pinterest wormholes.
Interview
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Absolutely! My most recently published piece is a modern fantasy romance novella set in Paris. What if every 1,000 years the Greek gods and goddesses are reincarnated in human form to complete a task on earth? And what happens if the god of peace and goddess of chaos meet up by chance and fall in love? I loved working on this story because not only am I a huge fan of Greek mythology, but my husband took me to Paris for our honeymoon. Every single place described in the novella was a place I visited, and I was able to use memories and my honeymoon trip pictures for reference!
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
This is a great question. I would say I have two big challenges. First, while I want my writing to become a full-time deal, it's not financially viable right now. Because of that, I have to work writing in whenever I can around my other two jobs. My other biggest challenge is really just discovering my own writing style. I feel like I have a pretty good handle on how I want to write and how I want to say things, but it's always scary to put yourself out there, you know? Especially with the knowledge that family and friends may not like what you're saying. It's a process of growing up and allowing yourself to write exactly how you feel without apologizing for it.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Outside of editing, the most difficult part of my process is marketing. I'm a self-published author, meaning not only do I have to do everything myself, but I also have to prove to people that I'm just as good as the authors who get contracts with big-name publishing houses. Also, since the marketing world is always changing, it's hard to keep up with all of the different strategies. I have made it a goal to consistently study marketing and learn new techniques to see what does and doesn't work for me. In the self-publishing world, you have to be willing to constantly learn and try new things. While that does make it difficult, it's also one of my favorite things about it.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Perhaps this one is just an easy answer, just because I mentioned it above, but I would give up one or both of my other jobs in order to become a better writer and put more focus on my writing career. Again, I'm not to the point where that's financially viable yet, but once it is...man! That's the first step I'm taking. Haha.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
This is another fantastic question. Publishing my debut novel, Smoke and Mirrors, was honestly terrifying. I deemed it my "grown up" book. I had just moved out and gotten married, and with this book, I was exploring how I wanted to write and how I wanted to say things as an adult. There are so many things I wish I had known prior to publishing my debut novel that I know now, and there's a lot about my writing that has changed since getting published. I think the two biggest changes were first, marketing. I thought I had done a good amount of marketing for my debut novel, but after studying marketing more in-depth, I realized I hadn't. Thus, since Smoke and Mirrors, I've been actively working on marketing my books in different ways, and I've seen a lot of success with that. The second thing is that I attended a self-publishing conference and was told that if you want to make a livable income off of your writing, you need to be self-publishing at least three books a year. At first I was daunted by the idea - who wouldn't be? But after publishing my debut and getting such great feedback from people, I realized that I wanted to be sure people didn't forget me, my name, or my books. I wanted to be sure I was providing them with novels that they could enjoy, and once I realized that, I decided that I would put in the extra effort and work to try to churn out two to three books per year. It's a challenge, especially with working around my other jobs and also making sure I'm spending time with my husband and not holing myself up in my office every night, ha! But I'm figuring out ways to make that work, and I'm really excited about that.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Oh, wow. I have dozens of unpublished books - most of them unpublished because I wrote them in middle school, haha. Half-finished books... I actually don't have very many of these, if any, anymore. Back in middle school and early high school, I would try to write 4-6 books at a time, and I would end up with multiple half-finished manuscripts. Part of growing up and realizing I wanted to make writing a serious career, though, forced me to focus on one story at a time. Right now, I have two unpublished books simply because I'm in the process of editing them to get them publishing worthy. It's a fantasy duology with lots of political intrigue and a ragtag bunch of characters trying to navigate through it all. I can't wait to share it with everyone!
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I used to read my book reviews, but I'm trying to get into the habit of not reading them, haha! I don't mind when people give me a low review. I know that my writing isn't for everyone, and I can respect that. That being said, I also feel like it's detrimental to a writer to read every review they get - good or bad - because it can start wearing on their self-esteem. They can get in their head and start being afraid to write because of bad reviews. For those reasons, I'm trying to stop reading my own on Goodreads and/or Amazon. I can respect people not liking my books, and I can accept constructive criticism for sure, but I don't want to reach the point where I'm getting in my head just because someone gave my book one star. Hopefully that makes sense!
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I wouldn't say I hide any secrets in my books, no. Sometimes my writing does reflect what's going on in the world or in my own life at the time, but I try to make it cohesive to the story plot, or I just remove it altogether in the end. I don't like sharing secrets about myself and my life on social media platforms, so if details or events in my life happen to make it into a story accidentally, they're normally covered up expertly to flow with the story, and nobody knows otherwise.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Truth be told, I don't have a ton of author friends. Instead, I have a lot of reader friends, haha! But I do have a few that really push me to be a better writer through the critiques they give me and the times they help me brainstorm through a plot. Avrie, my sister-in-law, is fantastic with encouraging me to keep at a story even when it gets hard, as well as helping me brainstorm and think through themes in my book that I may not have known were there. Krissa and Rachel are my two beta readers, and while they don't write as actively anymore because they have other interests, they're always there to lend a hand and keep me on track. Also their critiques are fantastic and help me see flaws in my story that I wouldn't have without their extra eyes. Cherise pushes me like crazy, but in a good way. She always makes me want to put forth the best I possibly can. Finally, my wonderful husband Bryce, who is an author as well. He is the best when it comes to critiquing. He doesn't let anything slip past his nose, and even though he nitpicks sometimes, my writing wouldn't be half as good without his help.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
I would tell my younger writing self to be more open to constructive criticism. In this business, you have to have a thick skin, and when I was in middle school/early high school, the truth was...I didn't have one. I took everything way too personally and I thought authors that were supposed to be my friends were attacking me. It wasn't until I was 16/17 years old that I was able to see the difference and move past that childish thinking. I would also tell my younger writing self to write for myself and not care what other people think. I almost stopped writing because of a tactless comment someone made about my writing, and it took me months to realize that I didn't need to care about what others thought. I just needed to move forward with the gift God gave me, regardless of the haters.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Common traps for aspiring writers: getting in your head and being afraid to write or put yourself out there because of what others will think of you, believing your book doesn't need any edits because you're a "flawless writer", and not being open to constructive criticism and thus putting a book out in the world that could be made so much better if you would just listen to your critique partners. (Assuming you have healthy and helpful critique partners, of course, but that's another topic entirely.)
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
This is a hard question just because I'm still studying marketing, but as a YA author, I've found marketing my books on Instagram and getting in with the writing/reading/Bookstagram community there has been my best marketing strategy. Not only do I get to meet fantastic authors and readers and make new friends, but I can also share about my books with them. The genuine support and excitement they share with me about my writing is overwhelming. Also, book giveaways. They are great for getting honest reviews as well as getting people to read my stories. Free books are the best!
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
My favorite childhood book is actually a series - The Hardy Boys series. They were my favorite books growing up and they really inspired me to become a writer (even though I can't write mysteries worth anything!).
Social Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/booksbysr
https://www.instagram.com/booksbysr/
https://booksbysr.com/ (this link here is for my website where people can find my blog, newsletter, and books)
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18591056.Savanna_Roberts
Allie McCormack
Allie McCormack is a disabled U.S. military veteran, now pursuing her lifelong dream of being a writer. A long-time member of Romance Writers of America, she has lived all around the U.S., as well as a year in Cairo, Egypt as an exchange student and a year working in a hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. After a somewhat nomadic life, she settled in Tucson, Arizona with her two rescue cats. You can visit Allie’s website at www.AllieMcCormack.com.
Allie says: "A writer is who and what I am... a romance writer. I write what I know, and what I know is romance. Dozens of story lines and literally hundreds of characters live and breathe within the not-so-narrow confines of my imagination, and it is my joy and privilege to bring them to life, to share them with others by writing their stories."
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My most recent novel is SwanSong, the first of a contemporary multicultural romance series, Sons of the Desert. The first series is built around 4 brothers, sons of an Arab diplomat and an independent American artist. Khalid, the eldest, is a professor of Arabic literature and language, and takes a position as visiting professor at University of California Santa Barbara. He’s intrigued by the lovely bellydancer he sees one evening at a smoky café downtown. He pursues her, unaware that she, too, had been raised in a world of wealth and privilege, and fled to the small coastal town to escape it.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
My biggest challenge, I hate to admit, is procrastination. I’m disabled and so I can write full-time, but it’s absolutely amazing the variety of distractions my brain can come up with when I need to sit down and get some work done, whether it’s writing or revising. I also have chronic pain issues, and am constantly having to work around that, but really, it’s the procrastination issue that is the biggest challenge. Another challenge is the kitten I got a few months ago who feels that petting him is a better use of my hands than typing, and he’ll either drape himself across the keyboard, or just walk from the desk onto my chest so I have to leave off typing to hold him!
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Coming up with just the right words to convey emotions, to get across to the reader what the character is experiencing.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
I’d definitely give up procrastination, if I could! LOL!
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
It gave me a confidence that I had lacked in the years that I spent writing up to that time. When I published Truck Stop, my first book, it was an incredibly emotional experience... “OMG! I did it! I really did it!” I became in that moment, a Writer in my own mind, rather than just someone who’d always wanted to write. It didn’t only change my process of writing, it changed ME.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Um (counting on fingers)...
• 1 unpublished that’s being released June 4th; A Gift of Jacinth is the 2nd in my Wishes & Dreams paranormal romance series. Jacinth is a 900 year old Djinn (genie) who agrees to help out her magic vessel’s owner by temporarily acting as nanny to his two young children.
• 2 finished books that need one more pass of beta readers and revisions before I can publish them; One is A Cat for Troy, the 3rd in the Wishes & Dreams series, the second is Castles in the Sand, the next book after SwanSong in my Sons of the Desert series, about the youngest Al Mansour brother.
• A trilogy that’s written and I’m working through beta reader feedback now. It’s a 16th century paranormal romance in an Arabian Nights type setting, in a fictitious desert city set between the Persian Empire under the Saffavids to the west and the budding Moghul Empire in India to the east. It features Djinn, vampires, mages, shapeshifters, with the occasional demon, angel, nymph in walk-on parts. I’ve had a TOTAL blast with world building with this one.
• Two spin-offs from Sons of the Desert series
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Absolutely, I do! Not that I get many, but still. The good ones, I whoop it up and feel that wonderful glow of having done what I set out to do. For the bad ones, I call to mind all the popular books that I absolutely hate, and the wonderful books I love that others don’t, as a reminder that reading is an intensely personal experience, and NOT everyone is going to like all books, just as I myself don’t like all books. It’s an irrefutable fact. It doesn’t necessarily make me feel any better, but it does keep me from beating myself up and/or losing confidence in my writing ability.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
No.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I have loads of friends who are authors, but my very best writing buddy is Jennifer Bradshaw, and we help each other. For one thing, we call each other on procrastination, and hold each other accountable for productivity. We share info on resources, and when one of us is stuck or has some problem, the other drops whatever they’re doing to help talk it through.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
You ARE a writer, and you CAN do it. You CAN finish a book, and go on to finish many more.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
• Nay-sayers, those who’ll undermine whatever confidence they may have.
• Listening to way too much advice from way too many people, lots of it conflicting, which will have them spending their time trying to figure out what’s the right way to proceed, rather than just sitting down and writing.
• Listening to those who insist you have to have web presence, social media, website, blog, to be accepted as a writer before you’ve even written your first book. I’ve seen writers who’ve never finished their first book, because they’re in this huge time-suck of all the things “people say” they have to do to be a successful writer.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
Ugh. If you find out, PLEASE let me know!
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett :)
Social Media:
Website: www.alliemccormack.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllieMcCormackK/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllieMcCormackK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliemccormackk/
Blog: www.alliemccormack.com/MyBlog
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/alliemccormack
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Allie-McCormack/e/B00JJG8ULM/
J. Webb Garrett
J. Webb Garrett is a science fiction and fantasy author who grew up surrounded by the corn and soy fields of a tiny Central Illinois town. The only child to a loving single, working mother who instilled in them a love of fiction and fantasy. From that bloomed a love of storytelling, prompting J. Webb to make up their own stories with friends as they were growing up. Many, many hours were spent running around their grandparents' farm waving sticks around pretending to be epic knights, elvish warriors, and super-powered cyborgs.
An independent author, J. Webb Garrett graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Masters in English and creative writing. Their first published full-length novel was NEON Calico, with The Eye of Balor and Curse of the Black Dog published the following year.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My most recent work is titled Curse of the Black Dog, the second book in an urban fantasy series titled The Morríghan’s Song, following The Eye of Balor. Both books follow Morgan, a reincarnation of the Irish goddess The Morrighan, a deity associated with crows, fate, death, and war, as she seeks to understand who she is and how she came to be. In this book, she encounters a black dog, a barghest, and is bitten, suffering its curse. With her deific powers further limited due to the curse, she has to delve further into the supernatural world to find a way to reverse it.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
The greatest personal challenge I face as a writer is believing in my own work. I am always comparing myself to others, specifically to some of the great writers of our time, and feeling as though I come far short of them. I often have to remind myself "authors are not in competition with each other," which helps me to focus on simply telling my own stories and not worrying about how I compare to others.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Inspiration seems to come to me in either a flood or a drought. While I seek to write every day, not every day is a mad flurry of fingers on a keyboard as I struggle to get all my ideas on paper. There have been many days where it has been a challenge merely to get a few sentences written, much less the 2000 word goal I always set for myself.
4. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Publishing NEON Calico showed me I could be an author, I could get my work published. Since then, it has been far easier for me to complete projects. Until NEON Calico, I would rewrite and rewrite and rewrite the same material and never see it finished, never finish a draft. I would doubt myself, or come up with a different idea, and switch gears entirely. There is one book I have yet to finish which has seen more than 10 different versions at this point because of my not being able to finish a project. This has changed, and hopefully, that book will see the light of day later this year.
5. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Aside from the book mentioned above, an epic fantasy I've had rolling around in my head for more than a decade now, the only other half-finished project would be the original version of what later became The Eye of Balor. In the first version, Morgan herself wasn't even a character. Jess, her best friend, was the title character, and her personality was far different than it is in the published version. She was something of a combination of who she is now and Morgan, all wrapped up into one character. Once I came up with the idea of Morgan herself, I did an early version which saw about 25,000 words. In this version, she was only just discovering her deific status and it was more about her struggling with it, only in this version I realized she wasn't accomplishing anything herself and was utterly dependent on others throughout, so I changed the story to make Morgan herself more independent and self-sufficient.
6. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I read reviews for my books all the time. The positive ones are the biggest inspiration boosts I've ever had. Knowing there are people reading my books, and liking them, is a huge push for me to continue writing and giving them more stories to enjoy. I also read the negative ones, and while they can hurt, I see them as necessary. They help me to learn, to become a better writer. Well, the well-written critiques do. Ones that read, "This sux and I didn't like it," I ignore, as they don't tell me anything.
7. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Cameos. In NEON Calico, characters appear who will mean nothing to most readers, but my close circle of friends will know who they are. In The Morrighan's Song, I set the books in my hometown, so there are lots of locations I use which are important to me for various reasons, though these are typically public areas, so it's not like others can't go and visit them as well.
8. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I've made a great number of author friends over the past few months. These include J.M. Brister, Andrew C. McDonald, and Matt Whiteside, as well as others. Our main goal is to encourage one another, to have a place to vent and to share, to express ourselves creatively and personally. They've been such a fantastic source of encouragement, and they help deal with a lot of the emotional and mental hardships that come with being a creative author.
9. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Trust in your work. Don't worry about making it perfect on the first draft. Let yourself make mistakes. Once you finish a project, then you can go back and make it shine.
10. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
There are so many traps aspiring writers can fall into. Self-doubt is a big one, as is the infamous "writer's block," and these are just on the creative side of things. Once you actually have a book in hand you want to start selling, there are so many obstacles which will attempt to block you. To these writers, I would tell them, as above, trust in your own work. Believe in yourself. Find a writer's group or anyone else who will believe in you and your work for you. These help to encourage you to move forward and never stop writing. You've got stories to tell, and no one else can tell them but you.
11. What’s the best way to market your books?
I've found I reach a great audience through Twitter, through Facebook ads, and Amazon's various services through KDP.
12. What is your favorite childhood book?
ElfQuest by Wendi and Richard Pini. It is what started me on the path to writing by introducing me to the power of storytelling and fantasy.
Social Media Links:
Facebook (@jwebbgarrett)
Twitter (@J_WebbGarrett)
Brittany L. Coley
Brittany L. Coley is a freelance writer native to Indianapolis, Indiana. She earned a Bachelors Degree from Indiana University in 2017. She writes creatively for Notes On Life, a blog of short notes based around social justice issues, as well as random jots about life. She hosts a podcast of the same name that can be found on Google Play, iTunes iHeart Radio and Spotify. She is a homeschooling mother of four. Exceedingly Above is her first published work.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Exceedingly Above is a memoir I started writing in 2014. At the time, my children were in foster care. I was also having personal faith struggles in my walk with Christ, because of the injustice I felt I had faced while going through that process. As time passed, I continued to face issues that prevented me from writing, but as I worked through the healing process, I wrote more. I finished my manuscript on New Years Day 2018, keeping the promise to myself that I would not go into 2019 without the book being done.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
The personal challenge I face as a writer is fighting against what I perceive as society's judgment of me for choosing to follow what I feel is my calling, versus providing for myself and my children. As a single parent, choosing to write versus working to make enough money is a tough choice.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
The most difficult part of my artistic process is giving myself the permission I need to get into my creative space. It involves shutting others out for an extended amount of time.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Not sure how to answer this one!
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Actually, publishing my first book helped me get a grasp on what my process is. I learned not to be so hard on myself!
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Sure! I have two unfinished books. One is about American racism and the importance of redefining it, and the other is a book about raising boys to be men in a world that is increasingly anti-Christian and anti-male.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I paid two people for a review of my book, so I am not sure if the feedback I've received is unbiased. But I've only received good reviews so far.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
This is an excellent question! Absolutely I do. I hide the information in plain sight but write it in a way that only those who know, KNOW. I have yet to hear anyone point out those "secrets" in their review of my book, but I am confident that one day, I will.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I do not have any other friends/associates who actually write seriously. This has been something that has made my writing journey more lonely and difficult.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Nothing. Looking back, I think I may have failed to learn the lessons and appreciate the process and struggle I had to embrace had I known it would lead to writing a book. I would have focused on the wrong things.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Not sure I have enough time in the game to answer this question.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I'm still trying to figure this out. Facebook has been working for advertising so far. If I could pay someone to do it for me, I would!
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
I loved Nancy Drew as I grew up. It was my first introduction to mystery, my favorite genre to this day. As a younger child, I loved the Berenstein Bears, as well as Amelia Bedelia. That girl couldn't catch a break!
Social Media:
INSTAGRAM: @bcoleysmiles
TWITTER: BrittanyLColey
Website Link to book: BrittanyLColey.net
Bharat Krishnan
My fantasy book, Oasis, is now available. It's got magic, weird animals, mythical demons, and more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JFG7BZ5
From 2006 to 2016, I was directly involved on 17 political campaigns across nine states on behalf of the Democratic Party. After ten years of working in politics, I tried to explain how the country went from Barack Obama to Donald Trump in Confessions of a Campaign Manager: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KED1OAM/
Please tweet me @bharatkrishnan9 if you're on Twitter, and please sign up for mailing list below - it's filled with free pieces of my work and reading recommendations for both fiction and non-fiction.
https://mailchi.mp/3cbb0c50571e/may-this-email-find-you-well
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
I published my first novel, Oasis, last year. It is about two brothers who find themselves on a quest for redemption in the middle of a desert war. I would say it’s a coming-of-age tale, set against the backdrop of a magical desert with an almost exclusively Asian cast and animals/magic with Eastern influences.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Time is always a big challenge. We all have lives and, for the most part, day jobs to deal with so finding the time to actually sit down and be disciplined about your writing is one thing that sets great indie authors apart from just decent ones. I am definitely in the decent column right now, but I can see myself growing already from book one to book two (I’m currently working on book three).
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Again, probably the time factor.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
My life is pretty awesome right now. I wouldn’t give anything up, and I think I have all the tools necessary to continually up my game in a disciplined, systemic way. It won’t be as fast as others, but I’ll get there.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
It made it so much less scary! Once I had my stuff out there and started getting feedback and started paying more attention to other indie authors, I gained the confidence necessary to sit down and decide I wanted to do a lot more of this (writing).
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I’m currently working on a collection of Hindu mythology that I hope to publish this year. I’m also working on a novella about a bunch of Indian-Americans who try and pull off a heist in NYC.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I read every single one. What I write is just for me. I obviously am flattered that people actually buy my work and enjoy reading it, but the writing is for me and no one else. So when I get a bad review, if it’s valid I appreciate it because it will inform my future writing and if I don’t think the critique was valid I let it just slide off my shoulders. This answer would be different if I wrote full-time, but that’s not the case here.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I love doing this! In my novel, one of the secondary characters has a bow he names Ekalavya. That is an easter egg people who’ve read the Mahabharata would know.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Shaylin Gandhi has an extraordinarily beautiful book coming out soon called By the Light of Embers that I have to plug here. We’ve developed a friendship over a few months and she’s helped me with my novella. It’s so hard to find a good beta reader, and befriending authors is essential to that process.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Start writing earlier. I didn’t get serious about my writing until I was 27 and I wish I’d started in high school.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Talking about how great their story is instead of sitting down and actually writing and editing it.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
Social media is good. You gotta build your mailing list. I don’t have a website which a lot of people would say is a mistake, but the mailing list and finding people on Reddit is working for me.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
Great question! The Animorphs book series was the OG YA novel series and was lightyears ahead of its time.
Social Media:
Instagram (@bharatkrishnan1213),
Twitter (@bharatkrishnan9)
S.E. Rose
Romance author, S.E. Rose, lives in the DMV. And if you know what that means, then you know where she lives. She currently resides with her husband, two children, and always at least two cats and usually other random creatures her children decide they need. While she works at a desk during the day, her evenings and weekends are devoted to writing and editing her romance novels. She loves all things wine, coffee, tea, and dark chocolate; that’s right, dark chocolate. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, traveling, going to concerts, and reading.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Well, my newest book came out on March 24th. It’s a romantic comedy that takes place at a destination wedding. Cue a whole bunch of wedding disasters and toss in some romance and that pretty much sums up the book. It’s a quick, fun read, that I hope makes my readers laugh. I came up with the idea while at a destination wedding with one of my best friends. And some of the funny scenes are based on things that actually happened while we were there.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
For me, time is a challenge. I’m a mom and I also have a full-time career. I write on weekends and evenings, which can be difficult when the kiddos have activities or need help with homework. I think most working parents can relate. Sometimes you just want to relax after you’ve worked and parented all day. I try to write for at least 30-60 minutes a day, and I’m getting better about it. My family and friends have to come first, and sometimes that means my writing takes the backburner.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Editing! I edit before I send to my editor. Once I finish writing a story, I’m so amped up about it, that I just want to get to the readers. So for me, having to read through it 3-4 times, is difficult.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
I guess I’d give up watching TV. Mostly because it’s a time suck for me. But I think it would actually make me even more productive. Although I admit, I’m a sucker for HGTV and would miss it!!
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I think I realized just how many weeks I need to put together a finished, polished book. I was able to work on my first series without publishing, so I took all the time I needed. Once you publish and you have readers, it’s important to figure out a game plan for publishing each year. I’m getting the hang of it, slowly.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
LOL! Uhhhhh, hold on, I’m counting. I have about twenty books in either outline form or started. I really want to do a romantic comedy about Thanksgiving. I had planned on it this year, but some other projects came up that I just couldn’t pass on, so maybe in 2020. We host Thanksgiving at our home every year, and there are just too many funny moments to not share them in a book.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Cringe…yes. It’s hard to read reviews. As an author, you pour your heart and soul into a book, so the bad reviews are especially hard to swallow. If there’s legitimate critique, then I do take that seriously as I always like to improve my writing. However, they are never easy to read. The good reviews do make me happy. I mean, come on, it feels good anytime someone compliments you, even when you’re like me and don’t handle compliments well.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Actually, yes. I have a few little winks to friends and family that only they would catch. And in my Portentous Destiny Series, I actually made a clue contest and put a clue in each book. No one’s figured it out yet. (There’s a post on my website blog about it, if you are interested in trying to solve the mystery.)
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I’ve become friends with quite a few, mostly romance authors. Shout out to my tribe, Krista Sandor, Ashely Hastings, Emma Renshaw, and Lynne Leslie. They’ve been with me since before I published, and they always act as my own personal focus group for ideas. They are the best!
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
You will have to learn more about marketing and advertising than you ever thought possible.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Trying to do what others are doing. If there was a guaranteed formula for success in the writing business, everyone would be doing the same thing.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
That’s a tough one. Learn about advertising, whether on Amazon, Bookbub, Goodreads, Facebook/Instagram, or Twitter. I’ve also found newsletter swaps useful.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
Any of Roald Dahl’s books. Danny Champion of the World or The BFG might be my two favorite.
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorserose/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SERosesReadersGarden/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/seroseauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seroseauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17720618.S_E_Rose
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/S.E.-Rose/e/B07BB1ZJK7/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/s-e-rose
Podcast: https://kissandtellromance.podbean.com/
Book+Main Bites: https://bookandmainbites.com/SERose
AllAuthor: http://serose.allauthor.com/
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtFdeENgpUzZkQTIM1ItYsA?view_as=subscriber
Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/seroseauthor
Eric Malikyte
Eric Malikyte was raised on a healthy diet of science fiction, fantasy, and a fear of the unknown. Thanks to shows like Sightings and The Art Bell Show, Eric developed a mixed interest in the sciences and the paranormal. He lives in Northern Virginia, where he spends time working odd hours and talking to his cat while he writes his novels.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Echoes of Olympus Mons is a cosmic horror novel set on Mars. It's basically as if Andy Weir's The Martian and H.P. Lovecraft's At the Mountains of Madness had a baby.
Olympus One colony students Hal Leon and Akio Sato have made history. Their invention, a camera that images dark matter, has had its first successful test; but what it reveals may put human life on Mars in jeopardy.
The strange animalistic silhouettes hidden in the dark matter web appear to look to the sky at some invisible threat before they’re wiped away, like fading images on a video tape.
That is, until something else appears in the dark matter web, and colonists start dying under grisly circumstances. Does the dark matter camera somehow hold the key to the mystery?
Once they see you nowhere is safe.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
I face challenges all the time. My life is full of them. But, those challenges have shaped me, and they've made me a better and more honest author. Storytelling is one of the few places where things can go terribly wrong in just the right way.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Finding time to write or illustrate all the things that are bouncing around in my head. I wish day light savings wasn't a thing, and that days were 48 hours long.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Time. At the end of the day, that's really what it takes. Time, humility, and the ability to look introspectively.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I took two years to write Echoes, it took 9 drafts to get it right. The biggest thing I took away from it was my voice. I feel like this is the book where I really found my voice as a writer. Even the short stories that I published on my patreon helped to get me there, but this is the book where I felt like everything really came together.
I wrote a book back in 2011, and it was terrible. I'll never release it, but it taught me so much about the process. Echoes is actually the third book I've written, the second book is coming soon after more developmental edits are completed. Weird, right?
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Just the two I just mentioned, and a first draft of an eldritch fantasy book which is meant to kick off a four book series. There are a few short stories and scene fragments that never went anywhere too.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I do. I have a thick skin, so as long as they're honest, I don't mind learning from them. That being said, you can't please them all.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I do. Or do I? I guess you'll just have to read them to find out.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
D. William Landsborough (who just launched his first book) has been massively supportive and has taught me a great deal about editing and self-editing. He's been there from day 1 of my patreon, beta-reading through my madness. Then there's Chris Fox (more recent, but hopefully he's okay with me mentioning him as a friend), his 5000 Words Per Hour and other books have transformed my creative process. Made it more streamlined without sacrificing quality.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Don't stop. Just keep writing. Write as many stories as it takes. You have them in you, you just have to sit down and look for them.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Over tinkering. We all do it, or did it. Toiling away at that 20k manuscript until it's "perfect." This is murder to the growth of a writer. You grow through experience, your failures, learning from them, not from perfecting one piece. The biggest lessons I've learned are from my mistakes.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
That's a heavy question. I'll get back to you when I've figured it out.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny. I read the first series every year.
Social Media Links:
Odin Oxthorn
A chronically bored spooky creature, Odin dabbles in a strange array of interests to keep their wandering brain in check. When not writing under the influence of caffeinated drinks and sugary snacks, Odin can be found escaping reality with video games or getting their fingers tangled in a mess of threads and needles.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Sure! Sleepless Flame is a mission-style cyberpunk thriller featuring a nonbinary protagonist. The story follows Nara, an alien war criminal turned mercenary who is trying to live a quiet life. It gets complicated when the heir of the largest biotech company (which also happens to have a sizeable bounty on her head) interrupts a heated conflict she was dealing with in the dangerous underground. Now she is stuck with a starry-eyed admirer and a hefty ethical choice.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Trying to find the best methods to keep productive. I find myself easily distracted, so when I block off large chunks of time to focus on writing, I find my brain trailing off elsewhere.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Translating combat scenes from plays in my head to words that can convey the actions for a reader to understand.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
It gave me a clearer idea of how to structure phases of editing, and the timing for all the lovely business side of things. I have a better understanding of my abilities and how long it would reasonably take me to complete a work.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
-nervous cackling- Uhm. Well. Let’s give it a nice round number of 20. I am working on five other books in the Sleepless Flame series. A trilogy from one of the supporting characters. Splinter stories from other secondary characters. That’s just *that* universe. I have other works in other genres including a medieval horror and a dieselpunk.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I do read my reviews, but I have the understanding that this is the reviewer’s space, not mine. Bad reviews happen, as well as readers who don’t jive with the work you are presenting. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and you just have to know that you can’t please everyone.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
There are a few puzzle pieces that require the context of the whole story to understand, but as for Easter eggs? Not really.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Bruh, just spit it out. A lot’s gonna hold you back.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Being stuck in your own head and getting overwhelmed with the tasks required to publish a book.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I have yet to discover this myself. A lot of it is luck, a lot of it is networking. It is hard to make yourself known. Just be patient and make friends with the community. You will find a lot of kindred spirits there to help you out. Just don’t forget to return the favors too.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
I read C. J. Cherryh’s Chanur’s Legacy pretty much constantly in middle school. I also read a lot of nonfiction when I was little. Mostly books on animals and science. (I retained absolutely none of that information and still to this day have no idea why I was fixated on them.)
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/OdinsMusings/
https://www.instagram.com/odinsmusings/
Misty Hayes
Misty Hayes has always had a thing for escaping headfirst into fantastical books. This is what led her to start writing her own adventures down. As someone who has spent a long career in law enforcement, Misty has a love for strong female protagonists. She also directs short films and claims to have been bitten by the traveling bug (not to be mistaken for a radioactive spider).
When Misty isn't filming or roaming the planet, or diving into another novel, she's spending time at home in Texas with her myriad of nieces and nephews in tow.
The Blood Dagger Series is a high-octane Young Adult Paranormal trilogy.
Follow Misty for more information on her series.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My most recent published work is Volume Two in my Blood Dagger series. The Watchers is a high-octane paranormal YA thriller. If you like witty heroines, unconventional relationships, and friendships that can withstand the grave, then you'll probably like this story. I like to compare it to the CW's Supernatural and Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series (Shadow Hunters).
Here's the synopsis:
Eighteen-year-old Corinth Taylor didn't sign up to become a Watcher—an elite warrior destined to restore balance to the human race—he was chosen.
Corinth can barely control his own hormones . . . much less the deadly blade. And to make matters worse, his best friend, Larna, just so happens to be the very thing he's supposed to eliminate.
But when vampires and slayer find a common enemy, Corinth knows it's his innate calling to hunt evil down. And evil has a name: Gabriel Stanton. The enigmatic vampire who escaped their capture, has plans for Corinth, Larna, and Alastair . . . and it's a threat they'll never see coming.
When the line between good and evil gets crossed, devastating consequences start to happen. As Watcher and vampire worlds collide, Corinth must decide where to place his trust: with his old allies or his killer instincts. An upstart slayer. A clan of vampires.
What could go wrong?
It's only the end of the world.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
There are a ton of challenges that come with the job. Marketing, for me, is one of those challenges. There are so many great stories out there and to gain momentum or an audience is pretty incredible in and of itself. What makes my story any different? Making yourself stand out. It can be tough, but once people hear and appreciate your voice and writing style, it makes all the difference in the world.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Outlining. I am definitely one of those people who like to fly by the seat of their pants when they write, but my next series is going to be much more intricate. There will be more books in the series and I want to make sure each one leads seamlessly into the next. I want to knock people's socks off.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
My day job. Writing doesn't quite pay the bills just yet for me. I am fairly new . . . I am working on Volume Three now. Even though I love my full time job, it takes a lot of time away from my passion of writing. I'd love to be able to devote every waking minute to it.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I think I was able to streamline it more. I also think gaining a following helped a lot. When you start getting people craving your next book, it helps motivate you to move your butt.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
At first, I was going to say zero, and I felt all good about myself, but then I remembered that's not true. I actually started my next series of books, a few chapters, but it's in its infancy for sure. I spoke about them above, it will be a planned seven or eight book series with a fifteen year old protagonist. Think War Games meets Ready Player One. It'll be action-packed and adventurous. But that's all I can share for now.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Oh man, unfortunately. I mean, most of my reviews are stellar (I love my readers). But with more exposure comes more criticism. Good reviews get me pumped up. I oftentimes use them in my advertising. The only bad reviews are the ones that aren't helpful in any form. Most of the time, I can learn from feedback; it helps me grow as a writer. I really am lucky in the respect that I don't have a lot of bad reviews. But recently I got a 1-star rating on both my first and second volume (from the same person), but they didn't leave me a review to let me know what they didn't like about the book. This isn't necessarily helpful to me in the long run. With those ratings, tend to take them with a grain of salt and move on pretty quickly. There's not much I can do about that - my book won't be for everyone. Now to make myself listen to this advice.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Easter Eggs! It's more like movie/pop culture references or homages to things I love.
9. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
I would tell myself to stop sweating the bad, and stay with the positives - to remember why I started in the first place. It's easy to get bogged down and feel negative for not doing a better job than you think you should be doing.
10. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Getting into the mindset of thinking this is going to be a fast path to anything. Stay true to yourself and your writing and don't do it for anyone else. Have patience.
11. What’s the best way to market your books?
Set a budget and start small. See what works best for you. Word of mouth, Facebook ads, AMS, author appearances . . . hard work. I'm still working on all of this myself. Keep writing and putting books out there.
12. What is your favorite childhood book?
There are far too many to count. If I had to pick one, I would say Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.
Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBloodDaggerSeries/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mistyhayesofficial/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MistyGH_
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/MistyHayes
AllAuthor: https://allauthor.com/author/mistyhayes/
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/mistyhayes
Dean Peterson
Dean Petersen grew up obsessed with watching and making horror movies. After completing a BA in film studies he continues his passion for story telling through writing. When not wrangling his wild children or producing promo videos to pay the bills, he enjoys writing ghosts stories and tales of mysteries being solved by ordinary people who have many strange problems.
Dean’s newest novel is coming out on August 10th. Check it out at https://www.sastrugipress.com/books/the-burqa-cave/
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Anna Schutz is a serialized audio book that is free to all listeners. It's the story of a suicidal private stationed in Germany who becomes obsessed with the ghost of a white-clad specter seen running through the woods on a foggy night. His need to learn everything about, "the white lady" often sighted on his post, leads to a tunnel under his barracks, an abandoned clinic once used by the Nazis, and a decades old murder still unsolved.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
I'm still trying to improve my knowledge of the the mechanics of writing, but more importantly I'm trying to get my descriptions and my characters' inner monologues to contribute to the action rather then becoming a distraction.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Usually I know where the story starts and mostly how it ends, but it's coming up with the plot points in between that is the hardest part for me. I try to work those things out while I'm running or driving or in the worst case scenarios, when I lay in bed at night with my eyes wide open trying to figure out a plausible chain of events.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Like all writers, what I am giving up to become better is time. I could be doing side video gigs to make more money, I could be spending more time with my kids. However, I'm a better dad and happier person when I've been able to write a little everyday and I'm hoping this will all pay off in more ways in the end.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Because my first published work was a podcast read by me, I learned how important it is to read your work aloud. You not only are more likely to see silly little mechanical mistakes, but I started to notice when descriptions were too long or when the real action of my stories was being hindered by unnecessary details. I know reading your stuff aloud is something writers are supposed to do anyway, but publishing this way really hammered it home.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I have at least half a dozen unpublished works. I value those more than lots of the other things I own because I worked so hard on them and they cannot be replaced with money. I have one about two veterans who start photo-documenting a ghost town in the remote mountains of Wyoming. The quiet, abandoned place starts to soothe their PTSD symptoms, but as their love of the site grows they begin to converse with the ghosts of people who once lived there. I have a coming of age story about a teenage boy who's obsession with making slasher films leads to a forgotten reel of 8mm footage in a thrift store and the unsolved mystery of, "The Groves Massacre House."
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I only have one real book review that I know of. Peter Blakey-Novis of Red Cape Publishing was very kind (read review here). I'm not sure how I'd deal with the negative ones. I hope if they say anything that really points out an area to improve in, I'd try to implement those changes and shake the rest off.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Sorry I don't have any Easter Eggs or things like that in my work. Anna Schutz was inspired by my being stationed in Germany with the US Army. (watch the background video here) For anyone else that was stationed overseas or who lived with someone who was, you might notice some fun commonalities that would be especially poignant for you, but that's all I got as far as that goes.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Through my work as a videographer I've gotten to interview some great writers. One of them (I'd prefer not to say who) told me "this is a business, I don't wait around for dreams or things like that to inspire me." That taught me how even though what writers do is artistic, we should treat it with the professionalism and dedication that other people selling a product do. I know that sounds unromantic, but it definitely made me think more about the importance of a work ethic and the fact that writers are producing products (books) even if we don't want to look at them that way.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
What would I say to young me? Start sooner! Pay careful attention to that really boring part of English class in which they tried to teach you about the mechanics of grammar and punctuation. Also read more!
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Traps? Waiting for inspiration. Believing you need a computer in front of you to write -I've had ideas die as the hard drive was firing up, so now I keep my little notebook everywhere I go and I write in it whenever I have an idea or whenever I have a free moment.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
Marketing? I'm sorry, I'm still trying to learn myself. One problem with self publishing is it also involves a tremendous amount of "self-marketing." Mostly I've tried sharing the podcast with different podcast fan groups on Facebook. As mentioned above, I also made a background video about where the ideas for Anna Schutz came form and put it on YouTube. I haven't enjoyed this aspect of it. Like all writers, I feel we should be spending more time creating new material than trying to sell it. I will try harder on my next work to get an agent or a publisher that can help more with the marketing as I've really wasted a lot of time trying to market in the dark.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. I liked Ramona Quimby by Beverly Cleary and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume. Oh, and Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar.
Social Media:
Podbean: https://keystrokesamidthecobwebs.podbean.com/e/anna-schutz-chapter-1/
YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Gi4p9olCD4&list=PL7lgrCMuFrqb7ViqdnVlZlBNRTajUw-7j
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/keystrokes-amid-the-cobwebs-podcast/id1443628823
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Keystrokesamidcobwebs
J.L. Spears
J. L. Spears has always had a passion for creative writing, particularly fantasy and steamy works. Nora Roberts and J. K. Rowling are two of her writing role models. The idea for The Starlet of Passion, her debut novel, was hatched in 2014, but was put on the back burner until the story formed more clearly in her head. Within that same time frame, she created a Word Press blog entitled Diary of a Married Blind Woman. In said blog, she shared her experiences in the areas of both blindness and marriage. In 2017, her blog became a youtube channel centered around blind parenting. At the end of 2017, she placed third in a Braille essay competition orchestrated by the National Federation of the Blind. By day, she teaches Braille to blind adults. By night and on weekends, she spends a majority of her time with her husband, son, and other immediate family in her area. Book two of The Starlet Series is already in the works. Singing is a separate hobby of hers.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My Debut novel is entitled The Starlet of Passion. It is book one of a trilogy on which I am steadily working to complete. It falls under the genres of fantasy, erotica, and romance. The trio of friends at the center of the series, two straight women and one gay man, are all age thirty, but are all looking for different things in their love lives. Melanie is simply seeking passion and adventure in her intimate life. Alana seeks a man who is marriage material. Greg seeks a man that can be found in a standard atmosphere. Prior to leaving for a summer vacation, Melanie is christened with magic that not only shows promise for passion, but will expose all of them to a world amongst the stars that delivers both beauty and pain.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Being that I am not fully sighted, describing rooms in an intricate fashion can be challenging. My solution? I tend to use my other senses to set scenes, but still provide a layout that will trigger one’s imagination.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Sometimes getting in the mode to write for a long period is difficult. Seeing as I have a full-time job and have a toddler at home, when a few spare moments come along, the spark of motivation is not always there. When it is, I get a lot done.
4. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
During the editing process of my debut, I wanted to do as much independent work as possible. I spent hours bouncing back and forth between my computer and my closed circuit television (a magnifier for those with limited vision) checking indents and other visual errors. I wanted to pull my hair out. In the end, I handed the manuscript over to a couple of different people to look it over for errors. From here on out, I will spell check on my own, but leave the rest of the editing to a professional.
5. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I am nearly done with book two of The Starlet Series. Aside from that, I’ve started other romance stories in the past but feared that the endings would be too corny. That said, I put them to rest.
6. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Being a seedling in the world of publishing novels, I have read my book reviews, but probably will not continue to do so should my books attract more readers as I publish more of them. Thus far, my debut has received one bad review. While a lot of what was said was a matter of opinion, I have that individual to thank for pointing out errors that have since then been corrected. While I was sad initially, I knew logically that not everyone will like my work. Good reviews are always a nice sprinkle on my day.
7. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I wouldn’t call them secrets, but items that may not seem relevant might just be in the next book of the series.
8. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I am still working to become established in the world of writers. Twitter has been a pivotal source for advice and fun amongst the writing community. Even in the early stages, the level of support and honesty from those I’ve encountered has helped me to better myself as a writer and will continue to do so as I grow as a writer
9. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
If you have an idea, don’t let it go. The Starlet of Passion started to hatch in 2014, but was put on hold partially because of different life events and partially due to uncertainty of where I wanted to take the story. It wasn’t until 2018 that I picked it back up.
10. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
If you are like me, you will want to be published sooner rather than later. This anxiety can cause important things to be overlooked. In my case, it was grammatical errors.
11. What’s the best way to market your books?
I am still trying to figure that out, truth be told. Marketing is difficult. Twitter once again has come into play here along with word of mouth.
12. What is your favorite childhood book?
If I have to pick one, it would be The Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Kushman. I wasn’t necessarily a child when I read it, but young enough. Had I been picking a series, I would say Harry Potter all the way.
J.C. Paulson
J.C. Paulson thinks a mystery can — perhaps should — also be a love story.
Switching from fact (journalism) into fiction (novels, mostly) later in life, it seemed a natural thing to combine the two. Evil versus good. Hate versus love. Think Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane, and a host of cozy mystery couples — not that her first two novels, Adam's Witness and Broken Through, are very cozy.
A long-time local journalist at several newspapers and for magazines, Paulson wanted to reflect her community and her country back to herself and to others through her stories. Hence, her novels are profoundly placed in her home city.
She believes that changing the world (for the better) would be nice, too: Fiction allows us to swallow the bitter pills of social injustice and still be entranced, entertained and entangled in their solutions.
A rabid reader of mystery novels, J.C. Paulson has long admired the works of Dorothy Sayers, P.D. James, Louise Penny and Ann Cleeves. She lives in a rambling bungalow on a quiet street in the middle of Canada with her husband, Ken, a goldsmith. And so, she often wears a tiny golden replica of her first murder weapon around her neck.
She is presently working on book three in the Adam and Grace series, Fire Lake.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Broken Through, published in fall 2018, is the second book in my Adam and Grace series. It was inspired by the experience of a friend, whose neighbour was more than likely murdered. I took the incident and twisted it into a serial killer thriller that explores how hate develops, how love endures, and how we as a society could do so much more to protect women and girls.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
I think I’m like many writers who battle self-esteem, impostor syndrome and the nagging feeling we’re not much good at this. I’ve written for a living all my life, but fiction can be intimidating and frightening, sometimes. It bares your soul and your shortcomings. I also find I am perpetually short of time. So-called ‘real’ paying work still must come first.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
The plot! The characters more or less manage themselves, do what they need to do, stroke along on their own. I always begin with a plot outline, and I know where and how the novel ends. Getting there is not quite so easy. Plots are tricky things, and mysteries come with their own issues. Are there clues? Does the reader know who the villain is too early in the story? The plot hole is my nemesis.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
There’s a tough question. I wish I could say the ‘other’ work, but that’s not feasible. Neither can I say sleep, nor food, nor love. Perhaps almost everything else.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
It actually didn’t change my process of writing very much; it did change my process of marketing, though. I’m much more aware of needing to find beta readers, launching pre-sales, starting the buzz well ahead of time, that sort of thing. It’s the publishing/marketing I really had to learn about, but the process of writing, at least the first draft, is much the same. I’m used to having editors, for example, so that’s always been part of it.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I don’t have any unpublished books lying about. I’m a little more than half-way through the third book in this series, Fire Lake, which thematically deals with war veterans and PTSD. (And advances the love story between Adam and Grace). I’ve started a fourth, which is not in the series but will be in the universe, going back several generations. You could call it a western, I suppose. (I have a fifth slightly more steamy book next in line; then the fourth in the series, which will be about a murder on our campus.)
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
AUGH! REVIEWS! So hard to get, yes? And so hard to swallow when they are bad. So yes, I read them. Sometimes I learn from them. Sometimes I cry myself to sleep. The usual.
The good ones, though: sometimes I post them on Twitter or Facebook and then run around the house squealing with joy.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Not really; not on purpose. Oddly, I’m finding that some readers feel that they’ve found secrets, and some pop up even though I didn’t write them intentionally!
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I have so many author friends whom I have met on Twitter, largely, and Facebook, although less so. Their support is incredible, their knowledge wide, their intelligence amazing. I’ve learned so much from them all, from how long a book should be to whether you should be using the Oxford comma to how to improve your style. I have several author friends lurking about my city and region including Amy Jo Ehman, Regine Haensel, H.P. Bayne, William Robertson and others.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Start sooner. Yes, you can do it. Yes, it’s hard work, but it’s worth it. And yes, you must write constantly. Daily, whenever possible. Stop doubting yourself. Fling your emotions and your verbs onto every page.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
See No. 10. And find yourself an editor. Some think publishing without fresh eyes on the piece is a good idea. It rarely is.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
If I knew that! Sigh. I might be rich, famous and selling zillions of books.
However, for what it’s worth, it’s a huge effort and it’s multi-pronged. Locally, regionally, even nationally if possible, meet with readers. Do launches and signings. Be sure your book can be found on as many sites and in as many stores as possible (hard work!) Be active on Twitter, particularly, and grow a community. Develop an email list and stay in touch with readers. Write a blog, if possible. Definitely have a website! Also try to create a street team, that will read you, review you, support you. Then give them something meaningful back. And the list goes on . . .
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
Gone with the Wind. As an adult, I have some difficulties with the novel’s themes – and to be honest, I did even when I was younger — but as a child I was swept away by the epic nature of the work. It completely transported me into a different and frightening world. While I didn’t and don’t agree with some of the author’s racial views as expressed in the book, in a way that was a good thing, as well. I also learned to question what I was reading.
Social Media
https://twitter.com/joanne_paulson
https://www.facebook.com/jcpaulsonauthor/
https://www.instagram.com/paulson.joanne/
Website
https://www.jcpaulsonwriter.com/
Winnie Winkle
Winnie Winkle is a fabulous Central Florida broad who swills bourbon, likes dogs and cats, and practices yoga, but not with any degree of grace. Supporting live local music is a pretty big deal to Winnie, so if you pass a gravestone that admonishes, 'Go see the band and hit the tip jar', it's probably hers. But, since she's not dead yet, she'll keep penning fun stuff to rock your reading chair.
Winnie lives in Florida and splits her time between South Daytona Shores and the Mount Dora area. She prefers writing beach-side as much as she can because, if we’re baring our souls here, the ocean is a mighty muse and there’s only so much that coffee can do.
Winnie writes for the series "The Worlds or Magic, New Mexico" in the paranormal romance/sci-fi romance genres. She also writes speculative women's fiction and fantasy.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
“Raining Magic” released March 19th. It’s the third in my “Messing Up Magic” series and pulls all the threads from the first two books together. I love this book! It is a paranormal romance, with a touch of sci-fi. The story caps with a fantastic fight scene that was a blast to write. I write strong female characters and love putting them into relationships with strong men and making the sparks fly!
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
As an indie author, I have to wear a bunch of hats. It’s challenging to maintain a balance between writing, marketing, managing advertising, and personal appearances. Some days can be stressful, but I would not change a thing. This is my purpose and I’m grateful to live a creative life as a full-time author.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
I’m a pantser (which means I write my stories without a lot of outlining and planning) until I reach the ⅔ point of the story. Then I plot the ending and pull all the bits together. That’s a different style of creating, and for me, transitioning from one to the other can slow my pace for a day or two. But, once I’m on track, the endings are satisfying writing.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Writing pulled me away from my former corporate life, and within that, I shed most of the old trappings of that lifestyle. For me, this meant downsizing and selling my home, moving to the beach to write full time, and changing what I perceived as important. So there isn’t much I haven’t adjusted or relinquished in refining my craft.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Finishing a novel changed me in terms of how I regarded my skill set, and publishing filled me with the confidence to set an aggressive schedule for the next year with the goal to publish four books, and so far, I’m on track to produce that. It’s important to write well and at a pace that makes sense, but the act of publishing is the call to the world, “I created this”. It is addictive.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I have a speculative women’s fiction completed that I feel will be published, but I want to go back and work on it. It’s a story of grief, ghosts, and redemption. It may be 2021 before I’m happy with the final product.
I have ⅔ of a contemporary fantasy completed that has strong commercial potential and finishing it will be my 2020 project. It will be a three-part series, set in the south, about a family of extraordinary women and the ways they change the world.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I read them but weeks often go by between checking. Most are kind, a few constructive but if the review is bad, I hope it offers a reason. Otherwise, the author learns nothing.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I tuck references for friends and family in my books. They are my rocks and I hope they enjoy finding them.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Oh, boy. I’m fortunate to call many authors cyber friends, and a few friends in person. Conferences are great spaces to connect and talk with other writers but at this stage in my emerging career, we often yank marketing strategies over writing ones. I try to attend writing workshops to work on craft. I’ll be in North Carolina this spring for one.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Start now and don’t grow discouraged. You have many books within and they are waiting for you to find the courage to begin.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Not seeking help with editing.
Thinking a beta reader wants to read your first draft (they don’t).
Not reading your story out loud all the way through, at least once, and editing it ruthlessly before passing it to your betas.
Not investing in a good editing program. I use ProWriting Aid.
Forgetting to network on social media to connect with writers, designers, and betas.
Not understanding how publishing works. (If you plan to publish traditionally, it will take 3 years to publish. If you publish as an indie, the curve for building your brand is steep. Prepare to wear a lot of hats.)
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I use social media, conventions, advertising and make public appearances for signings. I’m still in my first few books, so my brand building is ongoing and fluid.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. I admire Buck as an author and an adventuress.
Social Media:
Join my newsletter at https://www.wwinkle.com
Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/winniewinkle11
Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/WinkleWinnie
Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winniewinkleauthor/
Visit Magic, New Mexico at https://magicnewmexico.com
Steve Stred
Steve Stred is an up-an-coming Dark Horror author. Steve is the author of the novel Invisible, the novellas The Girl Who Hid in the Trees, Wagon Buddy, Yuri and Jane: the 816 Chronicles and two collections of short stories; Frostbitten: 12 Hymns of Misery and Left Hand Path: 13 More Tales of Black Magick. He also released the dark poetry collection Dim the Sun.
Steve always has a number of works on the go and enjoys all things horror, occult, supernatural and paranormal.
Steve Stred is based in Edmonton, AB, Canada and lives with his wife, his son and their dog OJ.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My most recent release is my Novella ‘The Girl Who Hid in the Trees.’ It’s an urban legend, coming-of-age horror story that follows Jason and his friends as they try and figure out just what’s creeping in McConnell’s Forest. It’s pretty gruesome and it’s a really fast read. I’ve had a lot of feedback that readers were able to read it in about an hour!
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Time. There’s always the challenge of money for covers and editing and then there’s the struggle with getting your release seen when there’s SO MANY fantastic books out and coming out, but for me it’s time. I do all of my writing on my work breaks and lunch breaks so I need to focus and use it efficiently.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
I don’t think I do have a difficult part. Maybe it’s the way my brain works or I process how I want the story to unfold, but for the most part I don’t struggle with any specific areas.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Huh, good question. That’s something I’ve never been asked before or even thought about. Maybe I’d give up a bit of sleep to be able to write more? That’s if I could get some writing done at home haha!
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
It made me more efficient. I’ve self-published everything and now I have a pretty good idea of how long it’ll take to prep the finished product for release.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
A bit of a loaded question, simply because of the way I operate! I have three more releases planned this year, all are “done” just in various stages of “done.” I’ve already begun working on four releases for 2020 and four releases for 2021. As I mentioned before, I try to be efficient and organized. This stems from my years as an athlete and having both short and long term goals laid out and the stepping stones to get to each of the goals.
As for the rest of my 2019 releases;
End of June release – The Stranger. Full-length Novel, firmly in the horror genre. Currently with a sensitive reader due to a character who is a bit of a bigot. Want to make sure I wrote him effectively. The story follows a family that goes on a camping trip and nature isn’t too fond of them. I’m still awaiting cover art and I still have to do final copy edits.
October release – Ritual. Novella. This one’s a grisly demonic release, following Brad as he is prepped to open the black heavens and allow the congregation to ascend. Art work is done, I need to go through it one more time then it’ll go to my editor.
December release – Piece of Me. Full-length novel. This is related to two short stories I’ve released (For Balder Walks and Poppa?) Essentially a winter horror type novel, where a woman waits for her husband and son to return from a hunting trip. She’s optimistic they will but there’s creatures that live in the dark that come out at night. Then on one of her food searching trips she spots another person and things unravel from there. Awaiting art work, need to go through it again and then off to the editor!
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I read every single one and on Goodreads I will always comment thank you. I know reviews are for readers, but for me personally reviews are for me as well. I only write to release the books I want to read. That fact anyone else reads my stuff is mind blowing! But if I see a consistent trend, then I want to use that trend to better myself. As an example – my latest The Girl Who Hid in the Trees, one consistent thing I’ve seen in the reviews is that some of the characters didn’t have a lot of depth. Perfect. Now I can work to make sure in my future releases that I work to make that part better. As for good or bad ones, if you love it great! Hate it, great! Not everyone likes everything and that’s ok. All I ask is for details either way. I’d always prefer a 1 star and this etc etc etc is why I didn’t like it than a 5 star review with no details. Someone will buy a book from a 1 star review with reasons versus a 5 star without.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Yes… kind of. I interlock most of my releases in some form or another. I have a reoccurring creepy character in a lot of my work. I just think it’s a neat little tidbit for people who enjoy my stuff. Then there’s other things that no one picks up on. For example, and some folks won’t have even got this reference until they read this – I have a novella called Wagon Buddy. It’s about Scott, a bullied kid who develops an imaginary friend, his wagon buddy. This friend wears a long black cloak and a mask to hide his rotting face. He won’t tell Scott his real name or where he hails from. Wagon Buddy is also in The Girl Who Hid in the Trees. It’s the creature that plays the bone piano. So there, maybe I just blew some people’s minds haha!
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I’ve connected with a massive amount of authors out there through social media and there’s so many that I’m comfortable messaging and know when they get a chance they’ll message back. It’s been very cool to develop those relationships. As for friends, I’d say the ones I’ve developed the most with and communicate with the most would be David Sodergren (who also does my copy editing), Mason McDonald (who also does my cover art), Andrew Cull, Justin M. Woodward, Brian Bogart and J.H. Moncrieff. They help me become a better writer in a few ways. First – they themselves are world class writers. So to see their output and read their works, makes me step up my game. Second – they take the time to answer any of my questions, no matter how odd it is haha! Third – feedback. They tell me if somethings working or something isn’t. It’s invaluable.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Readers will come, reviews will come, just keep your head down and keep writing! When I first started out I really, really struggled to get any reviews. Now I know that’s just the way it is!
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
I think there’s a few. The first is the idea that you need to have gone to University and received a degree in English Literature or Creative Writing to write a book. You don’t. The second is the idea that you need to write for hours and hours at a time or write each and every day. You don’t. Write when you can. Set aside 15 or 20 minutes each day and just put your phone away or turn the TV off or whatever and write. If it’s only 100 words, that’s 100 words more than you previously had. I wrote a complete short story (Abraham, Look to the Sky) via email to myself one night, when my son fell asleep on me and I had my phone. It can be done. I think the third is that you’ll write a novel, send it off to a publisher and they’ll send you a massive cheque back for a book deal. I think we all need to find the best avenues for our product to be released and if that’s trad it’s trad if its self-pub then go that route. Self-publishing does not mean it’s bad, poorly edited, or not worth your time. For many of us it’s the most efficient and feasible route.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
All of it haha! I’ve found way more success with directly connecting to readers by interacting and showing them not only my writing life but my real, family life. I personally don’t push my books all day every day. I also work really hard to help promote everyone, because I think everyone deserves to succeed. I’ve tried some paid ads, Facebook stuff, Amazon stuff etc etc, but for me – I’ve always had the best success with interaction and word of mouth.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
I don’t really remember any specific book from when I was little. I read a lot of books when I was younger and I started reading Stephen King when I was pretty young, around ten or so. I grew up reading a ton of the Little Golden Books, as well as The Hardy Boys and Archie comics. My grandparents lived down the road from us and they still had the books my mom and aunts and uncle had read, so I had a pretty good collection of Hardy Boys and westerns. Then our neighbour Patti Moody had a vast Stephen King collection even back then, so I was able to borrow those once I was deemed old enough to read them!
Social Media:
Stevestredauthor.wordpress.com
Twitter @stevestred
Instagram @stevestred
Facebook – facebook.com/stevestredauthor
Kristin Ward
Kristin Ward has loved writing since middle school but took thirty years to do something serious about it. The result is her Best Indie Book Award-winning novel, After the Green Withered, followed by the sequel, Burden of Truth. She lives in a small town in Connecticut with her husband, three sons, and many furry and feathered friends. A SciFi geek to the core, she is fueled by dark chocolate and coffee and can be heard quoting eighties movies on a regular basis.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
The premise of my debut novel, After the Green Withered, came about while I was conducting research for a graduate course I wrote in environmental education. As I researched earth’s history, the seedling of an idea took root. I wondered what the world would look like if drought encompassed the planet and water became the global currency. How would mankind adapt to the myriad of changes that disaster would perpetuate? What would it mean for the face of our country? What would life look like for a generation born in the aftermath?
The story of Enora begins following the prologue, an essential part of the book as it lays the foundation for the society my main character lives in. She is a young woman on the cusp of adulthood, wrestling with the limited choices available in her rigidly managed community. When Enora is thrust into a role within the entity that controls everything, from water credits to borders, Enora is faced with startling realities that force her to confront who she is and what she ultimately stands for.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
The biggest challenge I face as a writer revolves around time. Working full-time and raising three sons has an enormous impact on the hours available for writing stints. Now that I really think about it, how is it that the workday can crawl by like molasses, but writing time goes by in a blink? I think I need to analyze this because there’s some weird time warp that seems to creep into my world at the most inauspicious moments! I usually end up snatching small chunks of time in the evenings and on the weekends. This is assuming that the laundry pile isn’t glaring menacingly at me, and that my three sons are occupied. Oh, and the dogs aren’t repeatedly dropping large bones with a loud thunk at my feet in an effort to entice me into a game of fetch. Time. Yep. The struggle is real!
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
The most challenging part of the process is editing. I am fortunate to have an absolutely amazing editor, David Taylor of thEditors.com. He provides incredibly detailed feedback that helps me fulfill my vision of the story I want to tell. But, I have come to realize that no matter how many rounds of editing my manuscript goes through, there will be errors. I think typos are like dust bunnies. They are either multiplying or hiding in the cracks and crevices of a book I write.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
I would give up my day job if I could write full time! But I think you’re asking for a true sacrifice. In that case, I would give up story ideas that I have felt inspired to write if it meant that I focus on genres that would enable me to expand on my writing abilities. I will never master the art of writing. There is no such thing as mastery in my mind because there is always more to learn. I can always better my craft!
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Writing and publishing my first book was an amazing journey that was many years in the making. A catalyst for me came in the form of an article I read in December of 2017. I had been giving more time to writing during the fall (Laundry be damned!), but hadn’t set a deadline for the first draft. As I browsed news articles, I came across a startling piece about the water crisis in Cape Town. After three years of drought, Cape Town’s water supply was predicted to run out in April of 2018. I looked at my husband and he said, “You need to get your book finished!” My story is relevant and I have a message to share. So, I buckled down and finally published in May of 2018.
I jumped straight into the sequel after publishing my debut novel. Due to my procrastinating tendencies and the knowledge that readers would need to read the rest of the story sooner rather than later, I had to give myself a deadline and stick to it. The result is that the first book took five years to write and the sequel took five months. I have taken these experiences and shaped my current process around them. Determining a realistic timeframe is essential for me and I have taken that to heart with my current work in progress.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
There are many stories swirling around in the miasma of my brain. But I am focused on one of those ideas for my next book. I am currently writing a YA scifi-fantasy titled Rise of Gaia. Interestingly, this book had gone through a series of iterations in its initial inception as I developed the story concepts. I recently revealed the cover. This was an intense process with a designer who worked incredibly hard to bring my vision to fruition. Rise of Gaia is coming out this year!
Here’s a blurb to get you acquainted with the premise:
Beneath rock and soil, trees and oceans, she lies.
Under concrete jungles and poisoned rivers, she slumbers.
She is Mother Earth.
And mankind has turned its back on its mother.
The visions begin on Terran’s seventeenth birthday. Horrifying images pummel her brain, while a voice commands her to see beyond the world she thought she knew and into the heart of it. Gaia has awakened, brought to consciousness by the greed of a species that has tainted every aspect of her being in a tide of indifference. With this awareness, comes rage. Gaia calls upon her children to unleash her fury, wreaking vengeance on humanity.
Terran will emerge in a world on the brink of collapse, to face a being whose wrath is beyond imagining.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I have a terrible habit of reading my reviews! It’s like the fender bender on the side of the road. I just have to look. The reviews readers compose that reflect a deep connection to the characters and story are truly elating. It is the words they write which are profound. As an author, my ultimate goal is to write someone’s favorite book.
However, I have my share of low reviews and ratings. I suppose the toughest pill to swallow are the two-star ratings because there is no text review to explain the low score. As a writer, constructive criticism is an important part of the process. So, when I stop sobbing into a glass of wine and really think about the comments, I can apply them to my craft. Just kidding. Sort of.
On a serious note, reviews are incredibly important to authors. I encourage all readers to leave a thoughtful review!
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Yes! Some place and character names have special meaning. Those readers who figure them out will see the connection these names have with the context of the story or the characters within it.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
There is a huge indie community on Facebook and Twitter. I have made numerous connections with these amazing people and love the ability to bounce ideas off of them or get advice. I find this community to be an inspiring bunch, always ready and willing to lift you up and help you grow as a writer.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
I would tell myself to stop wasting time dreaming of writing a book and just write it! In the past, I spent a great deal of time starting stories that would end up sitting on my computer collecting a figurative film of neglect. I have learned to focus myself and set deadlines, which is what enabled me to finish my first two books.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
A big decision any writer in today’s market needs to make is whether to go indie or traditional. Publishing your book can become a reality for anyone who truly wishes to attain the goal of authorship. Some writers may feel overwhelmed by the choices out there or the market itself. My advice is to do your research and find the path that is right for you. Walt Disney said it best, “If you can dream it, you can do it!”
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
Marketing is part of the book industry that I went into with an embarrassingly naïve perception. Before publishing, I hadn’t understood the intense amount of work and time marketing entails. It’s been quite a learning curve! I have found that social media is a great way to make connections but I do struggle with getting my book in front of readers in this over-saturated market. Thankfully, I have met many wonderful writers, bloggers, and podcasters who offer various platforms to get the word out. In addition to some paid, I participate in newsletter swaps, guest interviews on blogs and podcasts, book magnet opportunities, and my own marketing attempts.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
That’s a great question! If we go way back, my top two favorites are The Wump World and Ferdinand. Both of these books have themes that are close to my heart!
Social Media:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kristin_ward_author/
website:
https://www.writingandmythreesons.com
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D2X7YSY
Twitter:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/KristinWardAuthor/
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18149425.Kristin_Ward
Buy Links:
After the Green Withered
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D2X7YSY
Other Retailers:
https://books2read.com/u/m2volo
Burden of Truth
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JQ2DRGX
Other Retailers:
https://books2read.com/u/3nYa98
Kindle Unlimited duology:
Barbara Even Streif
Barbara has lived in Iowa all of her life and has always had a lifelong love of reading. For the last twenty-one years, she has been reading to her "kids" as a childcare provider. Barbara is married and has two grown children of her own. She currently has two grandchildren and one on the way.
She has had three children's picture books published so far. The titles are:
I Love, Love, Love to Read, Read, Read
Money Doesn't Grow on Trees, or Does it?
Molly on the Move
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My most recent is my third children's book entitled: Molly on the Move. It is the story of a girl who has to move often due to her father's job.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Not having enough time to myself in order to focus on writing because I have a full-time job.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
The most difficult part of the process is dialogue between characters. I prefer writing in the first person.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?’
I would be willing to give up my full-time job or just work part-time in order to devote more time to writing & marketing.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Publishing my first book was very exciting and gave me encouragement & incentive to continue on with a second book.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I have about twenty more children's stories written. Of course, they all need revisions & might not be accepted by publishers. I would love to handpick & publish at least eleven more in the future. So far I have one book published per year. I would love to do two books per year. All of my stories are for kids ages 3-7 and have a good message and a happy ending.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I have only had the first and second book reviewed so far through the Telegraph Herald. They always gave me a positive review. Of course, I've had personal comments that were not so favorable and hurt my feelings, but you have to be tough and realize that you can't please everyone. And never give up.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
The only "secrets" would be that each story might be based on or inspired by a family member. Therefore, I always use different names. But my family recognizes themselves.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
The first author who helped me get started was Fran Kennedy who critiqued my work and gave me a book titled "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg.
I have become friends with author Linda Degree Deutmeyer when we joined the same writing group. She took the time to read all of my stories and gave me feedback on each one.
I also have been lucky to meet Heather Gudenkauf and Mary Potter Kenyon who give excellent talks and advice.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
I would tell myself not to be afraid to share my "written words" with others and also don't give up your dreams.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Common traps to watch out for: When browsing the internet, be careful of fraudulent publishers who only want your money.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I'm still trying to figure that one out. It is not easy to get your books in stores. Selling on Amazon is fine, if people know you are there. You can try selling at fairs, shows, markets, but the cost of a booth or table is expensive. You would have to sell a lot of books just to break even.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
My favorite childhood books were: "Little House on the Prairie" and "Nancy Drew Mysteries".
Karen Stockwell
Before she could write her name, Karen Stockwell was making up stories and songs she shared with her family. The urge to write stories continued as she grew. But things changed after a fourth-grade teacher saw her potential as an artist. Private art lessons followed. At Western Illinois University she graduated with a B.A. in Art Education and a minor in English. Afterward she continued to take art classes in drawing, painting, and printmaking and exhibited her work at art fairs and galleries. In hopes of breaking through an artist block, she completed an M.A. in Art History at the School of the Art Institute. Eventually her longing to be creative again was satisfied by writing poetry, which she shared at open mics. After several attempts at writing a novel, she dug in and completed Dreams of Darkness and Light, a tale of one woman’s personal and spiritual transformation through her dreams. Taking place in Oaxaca, Mexico and Chicago, it is populated by artists and writers. Her second novel, The Ballad of Sam and D. Lila, is a comic romance about two musicians based on Stockwell’s brief experience as a singer/songwriter. Finally, Everyday Mysteries is a collection of her poetry.
Karen Stockwell’s interests in art and writing have come together through her choice of characters and through illustrating her books. In recent years she’s become a fiber artist and has published articles on her work in Belle Armoire and Altered Couture magazines. She and her husband Clinton live in Chicago and Galena, IL. Her books are available at Amazon, her Etsy shop (stockwellcottage), River Lights Bookstore in Dubuque, IA and Hello Galena in Galena, IL.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Everyday Mysteries, my third book, is a collection of my poetry. It’s a compilation of work I wrote during my open mic days in Chicago in the 1990s/early 2000s, poems written for my novel Dreams of Darkness and Light, and recent work. I divided it into eight sections with themes like “The Creative Journey,” “Stories of Travel,” “Love, Lost and Found,” and “The Angry Poems.” I’m also an artist and did the marbling art that appears on the cover and the section openers. The poetry shows a wide range of my work, so I’m sure there’s something in there for everybody!
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
I’m also an artist and so my energy is torn between that and writing. I take art classes, do fairs, and have an Etsy shop. There have been times when I was mainly focused on my writing and would stay up past my bedtime on a week night. I’m retired from full-time work now and am still grappling with time management.
I also suffer from carpal tunnel, which is worse in the morning. I’m sure I’m a candidate for surgery, but I am trying to avoid it. I take breaks while I’m on the keyboard when it bothers me.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Lately I’m writing in a disjointed way because it’s keeping me going. In other words, I’m not following a linear plot. I’m working on the parts that interest me the most first. The ones that are less interesting will need to be researched. Eventually I’ll stitch the whole thing together, like a giant quilt, then fill in any missing pieces. I’ll have to go back through the whole thing and make sure I’m consistent throughout. I haven’t worked like this before, so it is challenging.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Time badly spent, which is mostly watching the news on cable. If there was a conference, writer’s group, or workshop that I think would be helpful, I would be happy to do that instead. Not much of a sacrifice, but it would definitely take some discipline. I’m not willing to give up my art, though. I see art as play and writing as work.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
It gave me more confidence in my fiction writing. And it established a roadmap to follow when bringing a novel to completion.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
First I have to say that I like the challenge of variety and so I’ve worked on different genres. I’m driven by my own curiosity.
I have two books in progress. I’ve done a bit of work on both and couldn’t decide which to focus on. But I’m currently committed to the one that’s furthest along. It’s futuristic and is set in a world dealing with climate change issues. My heroine is an Asian woman who was sold as a child and is trying to make a new life under some scary circumstances. This is my third attempt at writing this story and it’s very different than the other versions. It would be the first book in a trilogy.
The other book deals with time travel. It has a female protagonist from the late 1800s who purposely lands in our time. Like Claire in Outlander, she has a conflict between love interests in different times. Other than that, it isn’t anything like Outlander.
I also have a partially finished novella about a painter dealing with forgiveness issues. That one is told through journal entries. And missing in action is a long short story / novella about an armed robbery based on my own experience. It only exists as a typewritten manuscript, not a file. I hope to come across it one of these days.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I do. I wish there were more of them! The good reviews are affirming. The negative ones can be helpful if they’re specific and let me see a way to improve my writing. If they’re mean, they’re more a reflection of the reviewer than my work. Or so I tell myself.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
In my second novel, The Ballad of Sam and D. Lila, I included a specific gallery in Galena, IL where my hand dyed scarves and books are sold. One of my characters bought a scarf from there. It was a hidden shameless self-promotion. A friend who read the book said he laughed out loud in two places, and that was one of them.
9. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
“Don’t be discouraged or distracted from your original goal of being a creative writer.” My parents meant well, but they kept advising me away from creative writing and it took a while to get back to it. I never intended to be an artist, but my fourth-grade teacher told my folks I had potential. That excited my mother who loved art and I was soon taking private lessons. Then they thought I should take journalism in high school because that was a practical form of writing. I worked on the school paper and yearbook, but it hurt my creative writing. It’s a very different form. I still struggle with not filling my prose with too many “facts” when I’m writing a description, for instance.
10. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
It’s easy to write by “telling” rather than “showing” action in fiction writing. But “showing” is much better writing. It’s a skill that needs developing, as does writing dialogue.
Most writing is editing, I’ve found. You write your draft, but then you edit like crazy, especially after other people have read it and given comments. You also need to give distance to the writing in order to have a fresher look at it, such as putting it in a “drawer” for a few months. But some inexperienced writers think they can do one draft and they’re ready for a publisher. It’s a whole lot more work than that.
If you want helpful feedback on a manuscript, don’t give your draft to a family member or close friend. They’ll tell you it’s great. Instead find a beta reader who you know will give you honest and useful feedback. It feels good when a friend tells you it’s fantastic. But the real world won’t be so forgiving.
11. What’s the best way to market your books?
I’m still trying to figure that out. I have a website and a Facebook page that I post to occasionally. I had a publicist for a while who wrote and distributed my press releases with some success in the Galena area, but none in Chicago as far as I could tell. I like doing book signings, readings, and author fairs. I think the personal connection is powerful. Author interviews like this one are great opportunities, so thank you!
12. What is your favorite childhood book?
I remember two, one fiction and the other poetry: Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry and A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson. Both had wonderful illustrations.
Social Media:
Website: karenstockwell.net
Instagram: @karendstockwell
Facebook: Karen Stockwell, Author, Artist, Journalist
Etsy shop: etsy.com/shop/stockwellcottage
Cindy Koepp
Originally from Michigan, Cindy Koepp combined a love of pedagogy and ecology into a 14-year career as an elementary science specialist. After teaching four-footers – that's height, not leg count – she pursued a Master's in Adult Learning with a specialization in Performance Improvement. Her published works include science fiction and fantasy novels, a passel of short stories, and a few educator resources. When she isn't reading or writing, Cindy is currently working as a tech writer, hat collector, quilter, crafter, and strange joke teller.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Mindstorm: Parley at Ologo is a tale about Thomas McCrady, a negotiator with a not-entirely-pristine past who needs to come to terms with his own prejudices. On an assignment to help a planet write a peace treaty, war breaks out again. Thomas is able to grab his partner Angela and escape, but she dies as a result of her injuries. He blames one of the doctors, Calla Geisman, a psionic medicine specialist with a genetic quirk that limits her psionic abilities. Shortly afterward, he is given an assignment to negotiate another peace treaty. There's concern about potential biological warfare causing a plague, so a doctor goes with him. The one assigned? Calla Geisman.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
The ubiquitous problem: time. I work a full-time "day job" as a tech writer for a major bank so I can pay the bills and maintain medical insurance and other benefits. I also work on a contract basis for a few small presses and alpha-read for one writer's series.
Somewhere around there and other obligations, I find time to write.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Finding the assistive tech to use to dodge around some chronic injuries and disabilities. I think I have a pretty good arrangement now, but it's not foolproof ... especially when I'm in the later editing stages when working on paper is not nearly as efficient as working on a computer.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
No. Idea. Gonna have to pass this one.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
My first published book was Remnant in the Stars. It was published by Under the Moon, a small press run by Sam and Terri Pray. Neat people! Terri was the editor. I learned a /lot/ of stuff from her during the edit process of all 3 of the books that came from Under the Moon.
It didn't really change my overall process, but I did gain a lot of craft knowledge.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Unpublished and will never see light of day (without a major overhaul): 6? 7? They're all fanfic (or derived from fanfic), so ... yeah... my amusement only. 3 of them were specifically written so I could learn how to write a sword fight competently. As a result, they're a little light on real plot. (Incidentally, a short story based in that same mutated fanfic world ... after a whole lot of further mutating ... became Mindstorm).
Unpublished and coming soonish to an online bookstore or author event near you: 3
Animal Eye: Animal Eye is a GameLit tale, meaning it takes place inside a game where the game mechanics and stats matter. A bird and her boy help a dog and his baron restore the balance a foreign country starts producing murderous maniacs. At the moment, I just finished the Round 1 edit and sent it back to the publisher, Bear Publications. It's up to the editor now to find more goofiness that needs fixing.
Into the Open: Urushalon 2: Into the Open is science fiction set in 1965 in the (made up) Texas coastal town of Las Palomas. It's the sequel to Like Herding the Wind. It picks up pretty close to where part 1 dropped off. Amaya and Ed now have to prepare for a meeting of 3 human governors and an Eshuvani nobleman. Unfortunately, Amaya is still working with outdated equipment and an extremely unhelpful boss while helping Ed at the Las Palomas PD defend against well-equipped criminals. Just to complicate things, she was born on the opposite end of the socioeconomic strata and has little knowledge of how to interact with Eshuvani nobility. I just receive the first round editing notes from the publisher. I need to address those and send it back to the publisher, Lumen Anime.
Suitable Arrangement: Suitable Arrangement is fantasy. It's the sequel to Lines of Succession, published by Under the Moon press a few years ago. Five years have passed and Elaina should have married and started her adult life. Unfortunately, the scars she received from the assassin have turned away the suitors who had been interested in her before the battle. In a neighboring country, where Elaina's mother came from, the noble family in charge of an area was wiped out in an attack, leaving no clear succession. There are 4 distant heirs, but none of them meet the requirements to take the job. The queen sets a deadline for the potential heirs to meet the requirements so she can choose the one who impresses her the most. One gives up. One already has plans in motion that will meet the requirements before the deadline the queen imposes. The other two need to figure out how to become eligible, and Elaina has the key. This tale is still being drafted.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Sure. First off, I'm flabbergasted I got one. Getting a review is like pulling teeth with a sledgehammer. Oy.
Good ones? Mini-celebration, happy dance, share on social media. That sort of thing.
Bad ones? If it contains constructive comments (I hated it because ___ ), I consider whether the review has a valid point. If so, what can I learn to do differently. If not or if the bad review is useless (this story sucks!), whatever. Not my intended demographic, maybe? Reviewer had a bad day?
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
From time to time. Mindstorm has some Easter eggs in the names of some of the characters. Remnant in the Stars and The Loudest Actions have another goofy play on the pilot's last name and what the engineer says when she hollers out to the pilot.
Most of the stories have at least one character with my wacky sense of humor.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I'm pals with writers in the Realm Makers group, IABE, Spoiled Rotten Readers, and a few other groups. I can get feedback or ideas or take advantage of expertise I don't have. Hopefully, I contribute as much as I get.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Be teachable, but remember that opinions are like eyeballs. Everyone has a couple, and some of them are better than others. You cannot and should not try to implement them all.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Adhering too hard to The Rules. New writers get whacked over the head with several versions of The Rules. There's usually something worthy to them, but if good writing could be totally codified, it'd be boring.
“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist” -- attributed to Pablo Picasso
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I haven't figured that out yet. I've tried a whole /pile/ of different things. The results of those attempts have been too variable. I have yet to find The Thing that works for me consistently.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
I don't remember being a kid, actually, so I can't say what my favorite book was when I was a kid. I did teach kiddos for 14 years, and my favorite little kid book was Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems. One of my favorite older kid book is Malted Falcon by Bruce Hale.
Social Media:
FB: http://facebook.com/KoeppC
Website: http://ckoepp.com
Joleene Naylor
Joleene Naylor is the author of the glitter-less Amaranthine vampire universe, a world where vampires aren't for children. Comprised of a main series, a standalone prequel, and several short story collections, she has plans to continue expanding with a trilogy and several standalone novels.
In her spare time, Joleene is a freelance book cover designer and for-fun photographer. She maintains several blogs, full of odd ramblings, and occasionally updates her website at JoleeneNaylor.com. In what little time is left, she watches anime, plays PokemonGo, and works on her crooked Victorian house in Villisca, Iowa. Between her husband, family, and pets, she is never lonely, in fact, quite the opposite. Should she disappear, one might look for her on a beach in Tahiti, sipping a tropical drink and wearing a disguise.
Interview:
1.Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Tales of the Executioners, Volume 2 is a collection of fourteen short stories staring the vampires’ elite “police” force. It continues to weave the underlying narrative of The Guild’s evolution, and the fate of the key players, including the dark master Malick. Stories can be read as stand alones, or in conjunction with the Amaranthine series.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Time. There is never enough time to do all the writing I want, all the promotion I need, and still be able to read, network, take care of all the “adult” stuff and work on renovating my house. I need a time turner.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
It varies per book. With the one I’m working on now, it’s getting the rough draft out, because I don’t have a lot of plans for it, which means I spend a lot of time staring at the computer screen. There’s also a lot of research involved because my vampires are on a Route 66 road trip that I’ve never been on, so I have to look a lot of stuff up. That gives me a chance to procrastinate and read 500 web pages instead of actually writing.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Marketing! That would mean I could quit all social media, stop networking, and save so much time and money. No more website, no more blogging, no more trying to find money to buy advertising. All that effort could be devoted to the books and they’d come out so much faster, and probably better. But then there would be zero sales, so…
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I’ve gotten better at self-editing because when I run through it now I think “What would Carolyn say? What would Sharon say? What would Chris, Steve, or Donna say?” So I try to catch those mistakes that they usually point out to me. They’ve been finding fewer issues, so I think it’s working.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I have the one I’m working on now, and then there are some old ones that will never be published or finished. Wednesday’s Child is my favorite of all of those – I wrote it as a teenager, so a lot of it is stupid because I didn’t know how things worked, but the characters were based on people I knew, so I have a real attachment to it. The most tragic is Devil’s Niece, which was about – you guessed it – the Devil’s Niece trying to help bring around the apocalypse. I call it tragic because I wrote it when I was in junior high, but it had a sex scene in it so I got embarrassed and threw it away. I’m sure the whole thing was horrible, but it would have been fun to reread later in life.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Sometimes. When I think of it, or run into one. Good ones, of course, make me happy, and bad ones always deflate me a little, but it’s life. I got used to them when I published the 101 Tips for Traveling with a Vampire. A friend and I put it together back in 2009 for fun when the market and ebook expectations were different – it really is just a list of 101 tips for traveling with vampires. Despite the description saying it was just a little one-off funny thing, 60% of people have since thought it was a full novel and so really chewed it up in the reviews.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Oh yeah, there are always inside jokes, but they tend to die in editing. For instance in Ashes of Deceit:
[they] stopped in front of a battered door that was labeled “Supplies.”
She frowned. “What’s in there?”
Originally they just stopped in front of an unmarked door, she asked, and Jorick replied, “Supplies.” – a nod to the movie UHF (because, of course, there’s a surprise hidden inside the closet) but it got fixed in editing when some of the betas didn’t think it fit.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Sadly most of the authors I’m friends with have thrown in the towel or are on hiatus because of the shifting market and general fatigue. We’d been doing this since 2009, so it’s been a minute. C.G.Coppola is still writing though, as are Gabriella Messina, Amber Naralim, and Roger Lawrence.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
That success is not measured in dollar bills, no matter how much society tries to brainwash us. I still struggle with that concept.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
The “you must do this/be this” list. Every writing blog has a different one, but they all mean the same thing: “If you don’t follow this list of advice and make x number of sales you are not a REAL writer!” I’ve talked to so many writers that feel bad about themselves - some so bad that they never take the leap to publish – because of these circulating lists of must do’s. The point of indy publishing was to be independent, to do whatever we wanted, however we wanted to do it, not to have to follow some guidelines and beg people to legitimize us. Despite what a lot of people want to say, I think the whole industry has suffered because of this, leading to legions of cookie cutter books, cookie cutter plots, and same-old characters that lack imagination but are “safe money earners”, thereby making the authors “legitimate” and marking them as “serious”. I’m not saying that writing to market is bad, exactly, but I’ve seen too many writers pushed to do it because they feel trapped – if they don’t, then they’re failures and looked down on by their peers because sales data and following those rules are all that matter. I’ve also watched a lot of authors who start out optimistic, fold up and quit because of it, and it’s sad. Who knows what great stories we’re missing because of it?
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
The best marketing tool is one that doesn’t feel like it’s too much work. If every time you blog or tweet, or post, you think, “Gee, I hate this,” then you’re going to fall off of doing it, and your lack of enthusiasm is going to show through. At the moment I think the most effective are flat out paid advertising in book newsletters because people are reading that newsletter looking for a book, but I hear that the effectiveness of it is starting to wane, so…
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
It’s a toss up between Panda Cake and Jillian Jiggs. I still have both mostly memorized.
Social Media:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/joleene.naylor
twitter - https://twitter.com/joleene_naylor
blog - https://joleenenaylor.wordpress.com/
fb page - https://www.facebook.com/joleenenaylorbooks
website - http://JoleeneNaylor.com
Heather 'Byrd' Roberts
Heather 'Byrd' Roberts is a Chicago-based poet, performer, teaching artist, and author. Her first chapbook, 'Mahogany: A Love Letter To Black,' was published in 2016. Byrd’s work focuses on the intersectionality between form and freedom. She uses her experiences as a black woman in a variety of spaces to shed light on issues of privilege, love, and familial relationships. Her work unlocks the opportunity for invisible voices to be heard. Byrd’s work will appear in CAGIBI’s journal in July, she was a semi-finalist in the 25th Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Award, and was part of the Poetic Forum Collective from November 2014–December 2016. She is a 2019 Swarm Artist Resident and is the 2019 St. Lou Fringe National Artist of the Year. Byrd is currently the Senior Education Programs Manager at Young Chicago Authors. Her favorite words are balloon and bubble.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
"Mahogany: A Love Letter To Black" is my chapbook published in 2016 and is a culmination of hard work and celebration. This book is a journey. It's about black girl growth and self-liberation. A love letter to the imperfections while exploring what it means to love and be loved by Black through history, past lovers, sacrifice, freedom, and the love of my grandmother and mother. It is the first drop of ripples through my history as a black woman.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Great question. Honestly, it's believing in my own work at times. I'll write something, read it out loud, and then think nothing of it, close my notebook and go on about my day. It's not until it sits, I forget about it, and come back to it that I realize the message in my genius. Other times, my artistic family will take time to explain the importance of my own message. They remind me when we are in the thick of chaos, we don't necessarily realize the gem in our sandstorm.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
The most difficult part of my artistic process is juggling. I never understood the benefits of residencies or alone time in the mountains until I got older. The more responsibilities I have the more discombobulated my mind becomes. The need to separate from everyday worries to get into the right headspace to write has been challenging for me.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
My day time job Hahaha
Until I can make this a reality, I can give up my negative self-talk while creating. It is a mind shift but possible.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
As a performance poet, I didn't take much stock in what a poem looked like on the page. I was writing to speak it so how it looked didn't matter. Once I published, I realized the importance of line breaks and the presentation of a piece when I am not there to recite it for the reader. I began to pay more attention to form and the story it tells along with the story being presented in the poem. #Growth
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Ha, I'm sure I have several but I can share with you information about my forthcoming book. I will keep the title a secret but this book is gathering snapshots of my life growing up with my mother and Bada (my grandmother), who unfortunately suffered from a severe stroke when I was 8 years old. The two of them are polar opposites and you have a chance to witness the contrast and chaos this presented.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I have realized my work is not for everyone and this is okay. The world will continue rotating and another day will come. It's not a surprise to me when a bad review rolls in. Everyone has an opinion, and I didn't write the book for everyone. To each their own.
I am more focused on the positive reviews. The moments when a reader or audience member is changed, when they realize they are not alone, or when what they have been trying to vocalize for years has now been articulated. This is one of the best feelings in the world.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I have fewer secrets and more lessons hidden in my book. There are historical references lodged within a poem and if you aren't paying close enough attention you may miss it. All of these nuggets add to the story being told.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I surround myself with other authors. Fortunately, my job allows me to be surrounded by all types of artists from Tara Betts to Jamila Woods to the former National Youth Poet Laureates, Kara Jackson and Patricia Frazier. I also seek out collectives where I have been able to produce amazing shows, build phenomenal partnerships, and have found my artistic family for life.
Being around other authors and artists allows me to be a spectator in a world where I am constantly creating. This is important when working on ways to develop new entry points for poems, hear sounds we never considered to utilize, and witness the magic of words in action. All of this rejuvenates me and allows me to tap into an effective creative flow.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Don't doubt yourself. Your genius is uniquely yours, own it!
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
"It's not fair to compare your beginning to my middle." ~Lisa Nichols
Falling into this trap is so easy. Trust me, I know. I did it for years. It's unhealthy and honestly exacerbated my imposture syndrome until I became completely stagnant. I no longer felt worthy of creating or performing. I always felt as if I had more work to do before presenting it to the world. We will also have more work to do but the question we need to ask ourselves is, what needs to be shared now? How can my NOW benefit someone else's movement? We will always have more to learn. All we can do is make sure you are actively working towards a goal and the results will come.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I self-published so I am still learning the best way.
Right now, I am using my performances as a launchpad. It is an opportunity to sell my books and merch while giving audience members an opportunity to hear the poems live.
I am not above suggestions. Feel free to send me tips :)
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
"Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale" I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! I had a chance to see myself in the story. Representation is so important.
https://www.amazon.com/Mufaros-Beautiful-Daughters-African-Picture/dp/0140559469
Social Media:
Derek McEldowney
Derek McEldowney is a half-mad author & illustrator residing somewhere in northern Colorado. He has claimed to have been writing since he was 16, but the world has seen little of his work since then. He has drawn influences across decades of writers and artists, including: Edgar Allan Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, Neil Gaiman, Clive Barker, Jhonen Vasquez, Shawn Coss, and Bill Watterson.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
My most recent published piece is a heavy revision and rewrite of my first novel. It's a psychological horror story that follows a lonely artist attempting to pursue a new romance, while simultaneously losing their grip on reality.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Being new to the industry and having virtually no network. Being social can be difficult for me, even over the internet, so I don't exactly have much of an audience anywhere. Trying to establish a strong presence out of nowhere feels like an uphill battle, but one that seems to get a little easier to handle with every mile passed.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Depression. It makes starting one of the most difficult parts of the entire process. I'm slowly teaching myself to get through it; to remind myself why the stories excite me. When I'm excited about them, it's easier to start and run with it.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
I suppose video games. I enjoy them quite a lot and find them very relaxing, but they can easily eat up my time and prevent me from working on projects.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I feel like my process didn't really change until I did my rewrite and revision after the initial publishing. I really got into a flow of doing things that I hadn't before. It felt natural, it felt - actually productive. That and, once you've done it, it feels manageable to do again. The first 50,000 words you write feel like a bumbling mess. but afterwards you think to yourself: "50,000 words? Yeah I can do that again."
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Of the things I've actually started to write, probably about 3. The very first thing I started writing was an anthology of interconnected short stories set in a fantasy world. I started writing it when I was 16. I honestly don't think I'll ever finish or publish it. Another came a few years later, I might still come back to it one day, but if I don't I'm ok with that. The last one I intend to finish; it's the sequel to my first novel.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
So far, every single one. There aren't many, so I'm still excited to read them all. Whether it’s good or bad, I always want to get to the "why." Because that's where you can actually learn from what you've done. "Why does one section of the story resonate well with people, and the rest doesn't?" That sort of thing.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Maybe....
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
None really. I don't socialize very easily, and I'm still trying to talk with and get to know people in the industry. I try to read a lot of interviews or lessons writers have given and take every bit of knowledge I can to heart. So I do see a lot of authors as very helpful to me and my process, they just don't know I exist.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Start sooner, and don't slow down. Write down every single idea and follow through, no matter how terrible, even if no one ever sees it.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Losing interest. Everyone has a story within them they want to tell, but few put forth the effort to start and fewer still the effort to finish.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I'll let you know when I find out.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
Wow, um... this is harder than I thought it would be. I didn't really "get into" reading and writing until I was a teenager. I'm going to have to cheat on this one and say Calvin & Hobbes. I collected all of the books and read them many times over ever since I was a kid.
Social Media:
Douglas Daech
When Douglas Daech was growing up in the 70’s, sci-fi television and his generation came of age together. The Bionic Man expanded young minds and showed all of us what future technology could do, while Von Daniken piqued everyone's curiosity by showing us past marvels in “Chariots of the Gods”, he started telling stories. With that goal in mind and the beat up old paperback found in his basement, titled “Think and Grow Rich” he was convinced he could do anything!
John-Boy Walton was the one who led him to write. The TV character's smooth voice, full of 20/20 wisdom and confidence drew Douglas into the Walton family story. Every week a new adventure entertained us all, and those weekly segments of life guided Douglas to write. Similar to John-Boy’s family, his was large too. As the second youngest of eight kids, he fancied myself to be the writer of the family. Just as in the Walton's, all of the kids grew up and went their own way. Some became chefs, truckers, medical workers, factory workers and more, while Douglas continued to write, trying to be the story teller, and thanking John-Boy every time he started a new adventure.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
"Twenty Twenty" is a story about a camera that can see into the past. The photographer who finds the camera is challenged with the question of what to do with it. Should he use the magic camera to help others, or use it for personal gain. The main character is a person with a traumatic past, and with the help of the camera learns the truth behind his pain and heartbreak. This leads to a new love and a brighter future. It's a fun book to read with some paranormal magic and romance.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
The biggest challenge is managing time. There is always so much to do, and writing takes so much time. You can't neglect your family, but once you get caught into writing a story, it's hard not to think about it and put time into it. Both my wife and child demand a lot of attention, so some times writing has to be put on hold.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
The hardest part of writing my books has been the final editing. I work it over and think it's fine, but Beta Readers and my wife, the editor, find countless issues with it. Sometimes I agree with them with, others times I don't. The rewrites from the original version to the final version is a painful process. Once that is done, the layout is always challenging me. Page numbers drive me crazy because I can never get them to start in the correct place!
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
That's easy, my shyness. I'm a wallflower in a crowd. I shy back and people watch. I'm not very talkative unless it's in the written word. I'd give that up in a heartbeat. With that gone, I would be a better writer and a better promoter of my work. I would not be worried about personal appearances and book talks.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
My first book was a collection of short stories. Several of the stories had been rejected by magazines and my confidence was waning. I liked what I was writing, but couldn't get others to read it. After my short story collection, "Time Travel and Dimensional Journeys," was published on smashwords, people started reading it. It was getting good reviews and continued to download. When the count rose to over a thousand my confidence was back and I moved on. I had a lot of stories to tell, and worked on them with a lot more seriousness knowing people would read what I wrote.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Other than "Haunted Rescue" which will be published soon. It's in final editing with my wife bleeding all over it in red ink.
I have two other stories hanging on the wayside. "River Spirit" is about a river haunted by a murdered woman. She takes revenge on men, like her killer, who abuse women. It's in outline right now and has a bit of work yet.
The Game of Life is my story. Growing up without parents and living with an aunt and the mean uncle. (Everyone has a mean uncle). I joined their family with six kids and rarely felt like part of it. I've got a few chapters of my life written but it's hard to face some experiences. It may never be finished.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I read all the reviews and wonder who wrote them. When I read a bad review I try to see what the reviewer is saying, and not be offended. If it is something I can correct, and want to correct, I may do a rewrite. But, I never have yet. Reviews are like opinions and everyone has one.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Many of my locations and some of the names relate to real places and people. As I write, I see the scene with those people in mind. They may recognize themselves, but the story is fiction. Steve never really fought a vampire, but in my imagination he did. Also, the places in my books are often real places. I pull details from my memory and make my stories more realistic.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Dave Norem, from my writers group in Clarksville TN, has read many chapters with the group and made helpful comments. Tammy Gach, a writer and friend from Michigan has Beta read and reviewed some of my work too. Critical eyes from experienced writers help make my work easier to read, and more understandable.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Write more and get it out to the public any way you can. Don't be afraid to indie publish, its not a defeat, it's a start!
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Try to be realistic. Don't think your book will be a best seller and don't be crushed if it does not make the top ten list. Write because you like to write, and want to share your stories. Dreaming the big dream is fine, but stay out of the trap of being depressed when it doesn't happen overnight. It may never happen so enjoy the journey wherever it takes you.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
Most people say an email list is the best marketing tool, but it's hard to get a quality list that's big enough to help. So start collecting emails of friends and readers now! Really! Facebook and twitter are ways to get your message out but the list is king. Let people interested in you know what's happening with your writing.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" was one of the first books I read cover to cover. I love the story and the movie too. It was while reading that book I fell in love with the written word. I discovered ink and paper could take you to another place and time.
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/writerdaech/
douglasdaech.yolasite.com
amazon.com/author/douglasdaech
Lois Strachan
When Lois Strachan became blind at the age of 21 she realized she had a choice – to go home and give up, or to go out and see what life still had to offer her as a blind person living in a sighted world.
Lois is an author, speaker, blogger, accessible travel podcaster, disability consultant and sometime rock musician who uses her story to demystify blindness and show the world that disability does not mean inability. She is the author of a series of illustrated children’s books, “The Adventures of Missy Mouse” which help children understand that a visually impaired person is simply a ‘normal’ person who uses different techniques to accomplish tasks. Her memoir, “A Different Way of Seeing: A Blind Woman’s Journey of Living an ‘Ordinary’ Life in an Extraordinary Way” was published in 2016.
Lois lives in Cape Town South Africa with her husband and a houseful of dogs, one of whom is her guide dog, Fiji.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
A Different Way of Seeing is part memoir and part 'how to' manual, in which I share personal stories of things I've done since becoming blind to show people that a visually-impaired person can live a full and productive life using the tools and techniques that are available to us.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Logistically, as a totally blind author, I need extra assistance to manage the visual aspects of writing - everything from proofreading to layout and cover design. As someone who is ridiculously independent, I find it hard to trust others to interpret my wishes the way I'd intended them.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
I struggle with the length of time it takes to work through the process. I love the activity of writing, and enjoy reworking the manuscript to mold it into a better version, before sending it to an external editor to work their magic. But the process from there seems to always take longer than I'd anticipated.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
That's a hard question to answer... maybe reading as much fiction as I do in order to concentrate more particularly on my craft. But that would be a tough ask!
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I learned a huge amount from publishing the Adventures of Missy Mouse series. My approach became far more professional and strategic when looking at producing and marketing my memoir.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I have two. The first is a fictionalized version of the story of losing my sight. I think it was a therapeutic way for me to address the anger and grief I felt at losing my sight. I doubt I'll ever seriously consider publishing it.
I'm currently working on an updated version of A Different Way of Seeing, before converting it to an audio book.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Yes, I read all my reviews. I think reviews are a great way to learn about what does and does not connect with readers. Bad reviews are an opportunity to learn.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
no
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I follow a number of authors from different genres to learn how to improve the way I write and market my books. I've become friends with a number of authors whose books are similar to mine and welcome the opportunity of engaging with them about the way they tell their stories and share their content. I also welcome their criticism of my work to stop me becoming blinkered because I'm too close to what I write.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
You'll learn from every step of the process - even if you make mistakes, everything will work out okay!
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Feeling that they do not have a story worth sharing; being too scared to start. And trying to make every sentence perfect right from the start, rather than just enjoying the process of seeing the story evolve.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I started writing as part of my motivational speaking. For me, writing and speaking are very interconnected and are great ways to market each other.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
Phew, there are so many answers to this. One that stands out for me is My Friend Flika, by Mary O'Hara.
Social Media:
Website: www.loisstrachan.com
Twitter: @LoisStrachanZA
Facebook: www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker
Joanna White
Joanna White is a Christian Author and fangirl. Hunter and Shifter are the first two books in her debut series, called the Valiant Series, published by Christian publisher Ambassador International and there are more to come. In December 2019, one of her short stories was featured in Once Upon A Yuletide, a Christmas fairy tale anthology by Divination Publishing. Dark Magi, Book One of the Republic Chronicles came out in November 2019. Glimpses of Time and Magic, a historical fantasy anthology, also featured one of her stories. The Crystal Heist was her most recent release, in August 2020.
She graduated from Full Sail University with a BFA in Creative Writing For Entertainment. Ever since she was ten years old, she's been writing stories and has a deep passion for writing and creating stories, worlds, characters, and plots that readers can immerse themselves in. In 2020, she reached her personal goal of writing a million words in a year. Most of all, Joanna loves God, her family, staying at home, and being a total nerd.
To stay updated and find out more about her novels, where her inspiration comes from, games, giveaways, and more, visit her website at: authorjoannawhite.com.
Interview:
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
Volcano will be released on March 23rd and is the first book in my new Calamity's Hope Series. It's a story about a famous YouTuber named Liam who lives his live recklessly. His channel is based on thrill-seeking, which is what he lives for. But a recent injury has kept him from doing the things he used to and now, his views are down. So, his best friend Julia decides to take him on a vacation in Hawaii to try to help him. But neither of them expect the volcanos there to erupt - let alone to face the worst eruption in history and it's heading right for them.
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
I have a huge problem feeling insecure in myself and my work. I always write the kinds of books I want to read, but sometimes, I feel insecure that anyone else wants to read them. It's hard to market as an author as well and get readers in front of my books, which is the area where I struggle the most. Marketing is harder than people would think.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
For me, it's definitely pressuring myself to get things done. You always hear about how authors have problems with procrastination, but I kind of have the opposite problem, especially since I did the million word challenge in 2020. It's like I constantly have to be writing and putting out books, and when I don't, I feel... inadequate almost.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Money and a social life, haha. Even though I've pretty much already given those things up, lol!
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Well, Hunter, my first published book, was published years after I wrote it. So, it didn't really impact my writing process directly, but I did learn that I really prefer to have book series' fully written before I publish them. The stress and pressure of having to write books that readers are waiting on is a bit too much for me to deal with.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
Oh goodness, a TON! I have been writing since I was ten years old, so I have 65 fully written novels. I have only published five of them. Some are fanfictions, others are terrible that I wrote when I was younger and will never see the light of day. I used to write contemporary Christian novels - basically a character is going through something tough. Through it, they would fall in love and discover God and He would help them through the hardship. Then, I wrote the Valiant Series which had 17 books in it and started delving into Christian fantasy.
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Yes, I read all my reviews. I think reviews are a great way to learn about what does and does not connect with readers. Bad reviews are an opportunity to learn.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Yes, probably. Personality quirks of mine or my close family members that I throw in there. Details about my hometown or aspects that I've experienced. Maybe a few easter eggs from my Valiant Series to my Republic Chronicles - and there will be more to come in the Republic Chronicles.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I am friends with many authors - Ariel Paiement is one of my oldest author friends and she pushes me to become a better person, not just a better author. Allen Steadham is a Christian author that I admire because he adheres to his beliefs and really ingrains his stories with the truth of God and who He is and I hope to achieve that with my own writing, so I look up to Allen a lot. Then, there are my critique and idea buddies - Joshua Reid and Michaela Baker. I have so much fun chatting and working ideas with them. Then, of course, last but certainly not least is Daphne Self. I would not be where I am without her and the Valiant Series wouldn't be what it is without her help and hard work.
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Take it more seriously and keep on writing. Don't give up or get discouraged when things seem to slow down on reads on wattpad or with sales. God will work everything out in His time according to His will. Always, always, always follow God's inspiration because your stories are nothing without Him.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Procrastination is the number one. There are some days I have to sit my butt down and just force myself to write. Sometimes, I'll get into the scene and other times it feels like a drag. But if any writers actually want to get any writing done, then they need to sit down and actually write.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
Stay updated on what currently works. Right now, it's Facebook groups and ads if you can afford them (which I can't) but that is bound to change, so just stay updated on the market and what works and what doesn't.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
I have so many, haha. My Heart Is In The Ground: The Diary of Nannie Little Rose is one because it's the touching story of a Native American girl forced to go to a white man's school and it broke my heart when I was younger and made me want to impact people the way that book impacted me. After that, I absolutely loved The Mortal Instruments Series by Casssandra Clare and it remains my favorite fantasy series to this day.
Social Media:
My website: authorjoannawhite.com
My facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/jwwarriors
My Instagram: instagram.com/authorjoannawhite
