I've always been a writer, and simple things inspire me. But what pushed me to complete my first novel, a middle grade story which is not published, was stress. I felt I needed a way to channel my anxiety, and having a writing goal really helped me.
What’s the hardest part for you in publishing and marketing your own books?
Did you start with the idea of doing a series? Or did that come later?
I did not start with the idea of doing a series, but the second book I wrote, Christmas on Maplewood Mountain, lent itself naturally to a small-town romance series, which now has six titles.
Your books are independently published. Did you do the formatting and cover design, or did you hire others?
I currently use two fabulous cover designers, and although I've hired out formatting in the past, I now use Vellum to format my books.
Your books are independently published. Did you do the formatting and cover design, or did you hire others?
I currently use two fabulous cover designers, and although I've hired out formatting in the past, I now use Vellum to format my books.
The hardest part in publishing and marketing, for me, is organization. I'm naturally disorganized, and I have to really push myself to create a system for each release. I'm still working on this!
What is the hardest part of writing for you?
I love starting a new book, but once I'm about one third to halfway in, I start doubting myself. I wonder if the story is hitting the right beats and if my direction is compelling. To address this, I usually go back to the beginning to read through and look for any weak spots.
What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
The best encouragement I've had was when my husband said he was going to take over marketing for me, so I could focus solely on writing. He told me he thought I could really do it. His confidence was the ultimate encouragement.
We have all experienced writer's rejection. How have you learned to write past it?
I read the good reviews of my books and sometimes even read a bit of my current project. It helps to remind me that what I'm writing is enjoyable reading, even to me!
What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
I think everything I've done and learned has been part of a greater process, and although I've made many mistakes, I wouldn't go back or hope to know something sooner. It could have changed my direction for the worse, after all. Ultimately, I feel good about where I've been and where I'm going.
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
It's important to gather tips from a variety of sources, but you have to accept your own process, too. Maybe you won't write every single day. Maybe you won't run sales or freebies. Maybe you don't need to plot your story. Whatever works for you is what you ought to do.
What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
My next release is The House that Christmas Made, coming this October. This is the finale in my four-part, small-town saga. It's women's fiction, complete with holiday cheer, Christmas romance, and a snowy mystery.
Every single one of the women on Apple Hill Lane has been withholding a dark secret. And it's not what you think.
Jude Banks has held it all together. Her divorce. Her lonesomeness. Her past. Until now.
Quinn Whittle never told her daughter the truth. But that didn't stop Vivi from digging around.
Beverly Castle holds the key to the town's deepest, darkest secrets. Will she share?
Annette Best knows something, and she's desperate to tell all. Until one of her own neighbors is implicated in the truth.
Now that sounds like it's got a lot of intrigue wrapped up in it. Tell me about the other books in the series.
The stories are about four women who find friendship right next door. Each story includes a bit of romance, secrets and mystery, family ties and of course the friendships. These stories are best enjoyed in chronological order as follows:
The House on Apple Hill Lane
The House with the Blue Front Door
The House Around the Corner
The House that Christmas Made
That's all for today's interview. To learn more about her books, use these links.
Twitter: @elizabethbromke
What is the hardest part of writing for you?
I love starting a new book, but once I'm about one third to halfway in, I start doubting myself. I wonder if the story is hitting the right beats and if my direction is compelling. To address this, I usually go back to the beginning to read through and look for any weak spots.
What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
The best encouragement I've had was when my husband said he was going to take over marketing for me, so I could focus solely on writing. He told me he thought I could really do it. His confidence was the ultimate encouragement.
We have all experienced writer's rejection. How have you learned to write past it?
I read the good reviews of my books and sometimes even read a bit of my current project. It helps to remind me that what I'm writing is enjoyable reading, even to me!
I think everything I've done and learned has been part of a greater process, and although I've made many mistakes, I wouldn't go back or hope to know something sooner. It could have changed my direction for the worse, after all. Ultimately, I feel good about where I've been and where I'm going.
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
It's important to gather tips from a variety of sources, but you have to accept your own process, too. Maybe you won't write every single day. Maybe you won't run sales or freebies. Maybe you don't need to plot your story. Whatever works for you is what you ought to do.
What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
My next release is The House that Christmas Made, coming this October. This is the finale in my four-part, small-town saga. It's women's fiction, complete with holiday cheer, Christmas romance, and a snowy mystery.
Every single one of the women on Apple Hill Lane has been withholding a dark secret. And it's not what you think.
Jude Banks has held it all together. Her divorce. Her lonesomeness. Her past. Until now.
Quinn Whittle never told her daughter the truth. But that didn't stop Vivi from digging around.
Beverly Castle holds the key to the town's deepest, darkest secrets. Will she share?
Annette Best knows something, and she's desperate to tell all. Until one of her own neighbors is implicated in the truth.
Now that sounds like it's got a lot of intrigue wrapped up in it. Tell me about the other books in the series.
The stories are about four women who find friendship right next door. Each story includes a bit of romance, secrets and mystery, family ties and of course the friendships. These stories are best enjoyed in chronological order as follows:
The House on Apple Hill Lane
The House with the Blue Front Door
The House Around the Corner
The House that Christmas Made
That's all for today's interview. To learn more about her books, use these links.
Twitter: @elizabethbromke
Website: https://elizabethbromke.com/
Great interview. Thanks, Chris, for bringing these books and this author to my attention. Will definitely give them a read.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judy and Chris!
DeleteThanks for stopping by. Enjoy the books.
ReplyDelete