tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45238940088099010922024-03-17T23:04:23.714-04:00Christine L. Henderson... Reading and Writing BooksDrop in to find new books to read, learn publishing trends, and get great writing and publishing tips from published authors.
Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.comBlogger967125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-90236191531747249932024-03-15T11:53:00.000-04:002024-03-15T11:53:02.453-04:00The Elements of a Cozy Mystery: Author Interview with Shannon Symonds<p style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Z60hYDWqMX5qhL_KFRbHqiuASK-fpPU_96ciJjQTd4PXfhAJIaDG2Ssm5XLDv6x2VdUIJKyH_cIwqr4ELMEzDMF2SzZ-fJHFzqe6GBgc4RnwDue-pzZAWQKoqstdm6mL_JEOJZvG_Gh3_u-DmJ1cTGQk7Sqquw8N7_PUvEFwi6rZwpWsqBvf_qIoT-g/s1500/Symonds1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="995" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Z60hYDWqMX5qhL_KFRbHqiuASK-fpPU_96ciJjQTd4PXfhAJIaDG2Ssm5XLDv6x2VdUIJKyH_cIwqr4ELMEzDMF2SzZ-fJHFzqe6GBgc4RnwDue-pzZAWQKoqstdm6mL_JEOJZvG_Gh3_u-DmJ1cTGQk7Sqquw8N7_PUvEFwi6rZwpWsqBvf_qIoT-g/s320/Symonds1.jpg" width="212" /></a></span></b></div><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;">How do you go about plotting your mystery? Do you pick the victim or the murderer first? What do you think makes for a perfect murder mystery?</span></b><p></p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I love plotting. I begin with the characters. If you don’t love the main character, and aren’t hooked on page one, you probably won’t read on. I create a character relationship map with the main character smack in the middle. Then I create a small community around her. I always make a minimum of three love triangles for motivation. When I see a clear motive, the victim and killer become obvious. I create a minimum of 5 red herrings using the relationships on my chart. I try to create flawed, three-dimensional, characters. </span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I use a program that I have loaded with the basic outline of most great mysteries. Once I have an outline, I reach out to my kids! My kids include two medical examiners, a nurse, a detective, a veteran, and more! I share the plot with them and they give me ways to spice it up. <br /><br />I had no idea I was creating a fun think tank for murder when I was raising my kids! </span><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; outline: none;"><p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMj9waou6D9H3XIRu7p4GKrzCLZZIZuPg108B_IID3LD_y9Nx-oNGitfQTy9Y3-h41hXaC1wboRTQjnsE-SFJHqkpjH3E4ijpNTfLMpshFTWBARfM81wY4TbItHuG4f-NXtd6sx5X-pZSvV6P3hoic6SNRIh3d4HgNSai_AqM53rnQfMcC1a5XkyL_Wg/s1500/Symonds2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMj9waou6D9H3XIRu7p4GKrzCLZZIZuPg108B_IID3LD_y9Nx-oNGitfQTy9Y3-h41hXaC1wboRTQjnsE-SFJHqkpjH3E4ijpNTfLMpshFTWBARfM81wY4TbItHuG4f-NXtd6sx5X-pZSvV6P3hoic6SNRIh3d4HgNSai_AqM53rnQfMcC1a5XkyL_Wg/s320/Symonds2.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></b></div><b style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;">What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?</span></b><p></p><p style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"></span></p></div><div style="outline: none;"><p style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: black; outline: none;">I</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: black; outline: none;">n th</span><span style="font-size: small; outline: none;">In the beginning, my sister was my greatest inspiration. She walked with me through the entire process of writing and finding a publisher for my debut novel. Sadly, she passed from cancer. I was able to show her a copy of the book the last day I spent with her. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;">After my first novel was released, I learned the incalculable value of good reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. I care about what readers think. I read each and every review. Good reviews bring me great joy. </span><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;">Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?</b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">I recently had a blast connecting with The Cozy Mystery Tribe's book club. I spent the day with their facebook group and gave away books! It was so fun and my sales were excellent. I find Facebook takeovers and getting to chat with reader's fun and a great way to get my books out there. </span></p></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?</span></b>Everything! When I wrote my first book, I knew nothing about the process. From the second my publisher accepted, I began learning at an overwhelming pace. Marking your book matters. I am still working on ways to reach readers and have fun doing it.</span><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; outline: none;"><p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmToeOsv_ddU98Ja9ZqwRdH9bF8HeBOLYuleM854kLa3zB0dDBpWNBKn0sXUzBBTeNW2mZEgrg7ajHeDRVctTOqoPbZH33fkdSCb-V9Zt9hmKYJ4Sbp-8sVJ0_6mPYZwlF1t-3pQ4H8xeCli5L-YOA5rz-PlkPiykhuzxNBGZUt9_NJ35w1JBjfRKpAM/s1500/Symonds3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1001" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmToeOsv_ddU98Ja9ZqwRdH9bF8HeBOLYuleM854kLa3zB0dDBpWNBKn0sXUzBBTeNW2mZEgrg7ajHeDRVctTOqoPbZH33fkdSCb-V9Zt9hmKYJ4Sbp-8sVJ0_6mPYZwlF1t-3pQ4H8xeCli5L-YOA5rz-PlkPiykhuzxNBGZUt9_NJ35w1JBjfRKpAM/w200-h299/Symonds3.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></span></div><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;">What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?</b></span><p></p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 13px; outline: none;"><p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Just write! Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone has a story in the<b style="outline: none;">m</b>, I believe. If you want support in the process, reach out to Storymakers conferences or writer's groups in your area. </span></p></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; outline: none;"><p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; outline: none;"><b style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180;">Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?</span></b></p></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I love strong heroines, flawed and real people. Some of the greatest women in history had difficult experiences, but went on to find joy and change the world, like Maya Angelou or Oprah. I hope that when you read my books you see yourself in the pages, and stay up all night turning pages.</span><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; outline: none;"><p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b style="outline: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;">Wha</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;">t i</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;">s the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?</b></span></span></p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 13px; outline: none;"><p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">Book 2 in the <i>Balefire Bay Series </i>is due out in April. I still have to have a cover made, finish the book, and find a new copy editor. So! Cross your fingers and pray for an April launch. </span></p><p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">In book 2, Ivy is settling into living in Balefire and happy, when Xander's mother returns with an entourage of friends and family. Her name is Rhoda. Just as Ivy tries to get acquainted with her, Rhoda reminds her that she is just an employee. Is it any wonder someone is murdered? </span></p><p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;">John Ivy and Balefire at the Saturday Market and help Ivy solve the mystery of the Cinnamon Roll.</span></p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 13px; outline: none; text-align: left;"><p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.96px; margin-bottom: 8pt; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><i></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20NA1R30XdyFbPQ6i6pVp9FWgNay40qlqbHy776Ge1qlggBfMfrqFdfLQYLxnaB_dReaqZ-KI37Uu9splFqKbR_NhO5VrBvGhn0J-1UpEY9eQ4huGxhxX_h6Gaepg1xtDtmJ9wK7sU6sDcPubG4LYmKaUgNnRgnlRhIGu4_F_Sk-H_hPvixo6P6cuw4E/s1500/Symonds4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="938" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20NA1R30XdyFbPQ6i6pVp9FWgNay40qlqbHy776Ge1qlggBfMfrqFdfLQYLxnaB_dReaqZ-KI37Uu9splFqKbR_NhO5VrBvGhn0J-1UpEY9eQ4huGxhxX_h6Gaepg1xtDtmJ9wK7sU6sDcPubG4LYmKaUgNnRgnlRhIGu4_F_Sk-H_hPvixo6P6cuw4E/s320/Symonds4.jpg" width="200" /></a></i></b></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; outline: none;"><b style="outline: none;"><i>I love the fun titles of cozy mysteries, and their stories. If you'd like to learn more about Shannon's books, here are some links to get you started.</i></b></span><p></p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 13px; outline: none; text-align: left;"><div style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Website: </span><a href="http://shannonsymonds.com/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" shape="rect" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">http://shannonsymonds.com/</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Instagram:<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/shannonsymondsauthor/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" shape="rect" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://www.instagram.com/shannonsymondsauthor/</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">FB Author page:</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/shannonsymondsauthor" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" shape="rect" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://www.facebook.com/shannonsymondsauthor</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Amazon:</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B06Y5X6BYN" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" shape="rect" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B06Y5X6BYN</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Goodreads:</span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16539647.Shannon_Symonds" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" shape="rect" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16539647.Shannon_Symonds</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Twitter:</span><a href="https://twitter.com/shannonsymonds7" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" shape="rect" style="color: #196ad4; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://twitter.com/shannonsymonds7</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <br /></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">BookBub: </span><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/shannon-symonds?list=author_books" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" shape="rect" style="color: #196ad4; font-family: georgia; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://www.bookbub.com/profile/shannon-symonds?list=author_books</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; outline: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 13px; outline: none;"><p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.96px; margin-bottom: 8pt; outline: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">And here's a bonus for my readers</span></b></i><span>, leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive a copy of one of </span><span><span>Shannon's</span><span style="color: white;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">eB</span><span style="color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">ook, </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Booked for Murder</i>. </span><i style="color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </i><span style="color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next</span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tuesday!</span></span></p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 13px; outline: none;"><p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.96px; margin-bottom: 8pt; outline: none;"><br /></p></div></div>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-13149070736100967092024-03-12T11:53:00.003-04:002024-03-12T11:53:54.669-04:00 The Indie Author's Writing Life: Author Interview with Chelsea Kong<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpuopEhGepVm73vcFvYvulr0h2ElF51c6xFCwpsv2-dLd07M2UChiLS2LaP3N2Fy8Gx4CHDnMVqY99PSpwpChKNK_-2xaH3jmfYiQuP9wF_xGaMwZUTS8YyeQ7YWV5l5Xi2wHIaHUTN_yuGcdivY2y0EHvf4-mJjwxHZhXnHeM_6Ib3pUcuzbg6dIHJY/s1500/C%20Kong1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpuopEhGepVm73vcFvYvulr0h2ElF51c6xFCwpsv2-dLd07M2UChiLS2LaP3N2Fy8Gx4CHDnMVqY99PSpwpChKNK_-2xaH3jmfYiQuP9wF_xGaMwZUTS8YyeQ7YWV5l5Xi2wHIaHUTN_yuGcdivY2y0EHvf4-mJjwxHZhXnHeM_6Ib3pUcuzbg6dIHJY/w308-h308/C%20Kong1.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>I am amazed by the number of books that you have listed in a pre-order status. How long does it take you to write and get a book ready to be published?<br /></span></b></span>Each book is different. The children's books are quicker to write than books for adults and teenagers. I do everything myself, so the process is a lot quicker. I can finish a children’s book in a few days from the writing to the design and then I also self-publish. I don’t use a publisher. </span></div><div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I use Canva to create the layout, design, and various sources for graphics. Sometimes I have to do research to write my books and I use grammar sites to edit my work. I publish through KDP. Youth and adult books can take me months to a year to write. <br /><span style="font-size: 9pt;"> <br /></span><b><span style="color: #800180;">One of your upcoming books is about an eaglet. That grabbed my attention as I’ve been watching an eagle’s nest in a nature preserve near our house. What made you choose that topic?</span></b><br />Eagles are fascinating. I enjoy watching them especially when they soar. I heard about eagles having to pull their feathers and sharpen their talons. They soar rather than fly and have sharp vision. As a Christian, eagles are symbolic of the gift of prophecy. My sister got me interested in watching videos of eagles. I have been watching different eagle families raise their eaglets. They change over days, weeks, months, and years until they reach adulthood.<br /><span style="font-size: 9pt;"> <br /></span><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-FYxJ6PJ9nPsodu6txtgAIkoQk6sGp5v57_MBmKdbAirSrpmqqwqKd9Qls4MMlmmS6sOuSNiy92iCIzdyPwIXVfWN5doPu3q0tP0rHGm4Ew-faeg3vUtj_IK6cnh-Q6tjYybgL4qYBOr57eWyeZ16BML2EsVtyXjVqinSEWYygkiQInoZXaG4e1860Q/s1500/C%20Kong3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-FYxJ6PJ9nPsodu6txtgAIkoQk6sGp5v57_MBmKdbAirSrpmqqwqKd9Qls4MMlmmS6sOuSNiy92iCIzdyPwIXVfWN5doPu3q0tP0rHGm4Ew-faeg3vUtj_IK6cnh-Q6tjYybgL4qYBOr57eWyeZ16BML2EsVtyXjVqinSEWYygkiQInoZXaG4e1860Q/w294-h294/C%20Kong3.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>You are an indie author. Other than writing, what other parts of the process do you personally do? What do you hire others to do?</span></b><br />As an indie author, I have a tight budget, so I don’t have as much freedom to hire somebody to do work for me. There are free resources that I can use, so I don’t really need to hire others. For one book, I hired a publisher to redesign it, but most of it was my own work. It was too expensive, so I chose not to continue to use one. I hired a few illustrators to design book covers before I found out I can design them in Canva. </span></div><div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I've used my own photos for certain books.. My sister also did illustrations for a few of my books. Most of the time I use graphics available on various sites including Canva. I've illustrated some of my books. I did most of the artwork for my first collection of puzzle books. </span></div><div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I've tried to do audiobook recording, which I found is not that simple, so I only did a few. You need to get the audio perfect for Audible to accept the files. That took me a lot of time, so I decided I did enough. I use Grammarly and ProWritingAid to edit my books. I've hired a few marketers to promote my books, but I've learned to sell more by self-promoting.<br /><span style="font-size: 9pt;"> <br /></span><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMDysvsuvBvICfiJbjU5JeN-m1bHI-87vPfme-MvEPWVnmjzynD1vGkgUcRi1BYtrMg2XitD0WE_VxsoomTSw9PkalE1pc6acfAwvCsseKTBia0zwzrOwq6La2uLmdCaa6kKPsho1SIEvf-ifU_dRUeXf6_UzbJAat1F9f8ReYDyJ1IKqSZctDAFgscg/s1500/C%20Kong2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMDysvsuvBvICfiJbjU5JeN-m1bHI-87vPfme-MvEPWVnmjzynD1vGkgUcRi1BYtrMg2XitD0WE_VxsoomTSw9PkalE1pc6acfAwvCsseKTBia0zwzrOwq6La2uLmdCaa6kKPsho1SIEvf-ifU_dRUeXf6_UzbJAat1F9f8ReYDyJ1IKqSZctDAFgscg/w300-h300/C%20Kong2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?</span></b><br />I would have liked to have known I could use Canva to produce my books with Grammarly and ProWritingAid to edit them. I started with a small local print shop to print and sell my books before I realized I had made a mistak<span style="background-color: white;">e. </span>I could have learned more about book design and layouts. </span></div><div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I also learned that Barnes and Noble is great as an additional publisher, but i</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">t turned out that IngramSpark is better.</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt;"> I use Amazon mostly due to its benefits.</span></div><div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"> <br /></span><b><span style="color: #800180;">What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?</span></b><br />Brainstorm and research. Use Canva, ProWritingAid or Grammarly, and if you don’t have the budget for an illustrator Canva and free image sites will work as long as they can match with your book’s topic. I chose to use photos more than illustrations for that reason. I use Freepik, Pexels, Pixabay, and Unsplash.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?<br /></span></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">You need inspiration to write. When I write faith books, I am inspired and I spend time to receive the ideas. I spend time in the scriptures, prayer, and singing. You may need to go and enjoy nature or focus on topics that you are passionate and knowledgeable about.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzo2S60AgJ9Po9K2GRitHp24t8az9_B2ApBeJ7iVXUfoyG7Gr-Zs4gzdmwwJlUqxNzPGUciP0gNWvrGWR8aZgY3Hh7qdZ8n-WdfFCoc9oIoY4NqntBqdDTToTkm2ky0Mk7j16Ufd-wt-mrdYNSGIMan0jPBUtXAJsPS90QwKW20bsd5RVSKCg03HB2X0/s1500/C%20Kong4.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzo2S60AgJ9Po9K2GRitHp24t8az9_B2ApBeJ7iVXUfoyG7Gr-Zs4gzdmwwJlUqxNzPGUciP0gNWvrGWR8aZgY3Hh7qdZ8n-WdfFCoc9oIoY4NqntBqdDTToTkm2ky0Mk7j16Ufd-wt-mrdYNSGIMan0jPBUtXAJsPS90QwKW20bsd5RVSKCg03HB2X0/w301-h301/C%20Kong4.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?<br /></span></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">My next book for release this year is <i>Proverbs 31 Woman. </i>Proverbs 31 Woman is excellent in everything!<i> </i>The book will teach children how to be a woman of excellence as a mother and a wife. They will learn how to become a God-fearing woman. This book includes activities to help children to practice what they learn.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><b><span style="color: #800180;">That's all for today's interview.</span></b> If you'd like to learn more about Chelsea's books, here are some</i> <i>links to get you started.<br /></i></span><a href="https://chelseak532002550.wordpress.com/" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://chelseak532002550.wordpress.com/</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Chelsea-Kong/author/B0917WRPNR">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Chelsea-Kong/author/B0917WRPNR</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/chelseakong/">https://www.instagram.com/chelseakong/</a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><a href="https://twitter.com/fundankanshin"><span style="font-family: georgia;">https://twitter.com/fundankanshin</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/chelsea.kong1"><span style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.facebook.com/chelsea.kong1</span></a><br /><a href="https://deref-mail.com/mail/client/etlfJL-hjBw/dereferrer/?redirectUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchelsea.kong1" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/chelsea.kong1</a></span></div></div><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"></span></span></p><div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #800180;">And here's a tip for my readers...</span></i></b>Get some of her books for free by using this link. <br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://chelseak532002550.wordpress.com/books-for-sharing/">https://chelseak532002550.wordpress.com/books-for-sharing/</a></span></div><p style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 8.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: left;"><br /></p>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-47029047512848067872024-03-05T10:48:00.001-05:002024-03-05T10:48:24.974-05:00Making Learning Fun: Author Interview with Kim Ann<span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipwsazns97Qfua_szU_F2NC9eG2wry7SmJxSWegY6G8KSm9bNPVCHHyPW1G-WCP-ycots-p0pHLUQ-dKGrYk18idIEbrPxgBdyGKv1IdpIF3DQvqPgtc07LqqBJY1ERycxbyjPawgvkY1tQFO486b1_z9JsUhg1fwibz63MbeOal6AMs8pifZGcpkQGU/s1500/kimAnn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipwsazns97Qfua_szU_F2NC9eG2wry7SmJxSWegY6G8KSm9bNPVCHHyPW1G-WCP-ycots-p0pHLUQ-dKGrYk18idIEbrPxgBdyGKv1IdpIF3DQvqPgtc07LqqBJY1ERycxbyjPawgvkY1tQFO486b1_z9JsUhg1fwibz63MbeOal6AMs8pifZGcpkQGU/w269-h269/kimAnn1.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>You’ve now published 16 picture books, but what made you decide to start writing the first one? And why did you choose children’s books as your genre?</span></b><br />I have always enjoyed writing and reading. A few years back I began writing magazine articles but wanted to do more. I have a special needs son that loves picture books and so after reading so many books to my own children, I was inspired to write my own children's books. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">You have your own publishing imprint, Lucky Four Press, where you publish with another author. How did that collaboration come to be?</span></b><br />Lucky Four Press, LLC, is my publishing company. Three years ago I met another children's book author in a Facebook group. After working together on different aspects of our own separate businesses, we started helping each other. This led to us deciding to write a series of affirmation books together. We publish them under my imprint. Yobe has her own imprint -- byyobeqiu.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVceh_7CmIaoZw2E4w8GnjRZEHd0wRa1oVcRpQcBpPjb8fX2yk-vliGI2pQWfXmjGW7L9O-592WyWFjPtWmpPABwh9GEJlPQCAufM1U5GXkFUPZZj9B8xxgJSwIIP-AmKopTm0jIO5J2SZRibp3rzUO5r58otRzv0xge65j2FCJAlaly8GGSiQo81I_I/s1500/kimAnn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVceh_7CmIaoZw2E4w8GnjRZEHd0wRa1oVcRpQcBpPjb8fX2yk-vliGI2pQWfXmjGW7L9O-592WyWFjPtWmpPABwh9GEJlPQCAufM1U5GXkFUPZZj9B8xxgJSwIIP-AmKopTm0jIO5J2SZRibp3rzUO5r58otRzv0xge65j2FCJAlaly8GGSiQo81I_I/w265-h265/kimAnn2.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>Other than writing, what other parts of the process do you personally do? What do you hire others to do?</span></b><br />I am responsible for the sales and marketing of my books. This includes outreach to schools, stores, and libraries. I also do my own shipping and advertising. I have a favorite illustrator, editor, and formatter that I hire to help me. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">What tips could you share about choosing an illustrator?</span></b><br />Make sure you outline exactly what you want out of the project. Have the illustrator you choose sign an agreement to the terms beforehand. Look at instagram for #illustrators, as well as reach out to illustrators whose work you already like. <br /><b><span style="color: #800180;"><br />What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?<br /></span></b>So many things. But I wish I understood how much work it is and how much money it will cost upfront to publish a book. Also the importance of hiring a great editor. I used mediocre editors early on and ended up making corrections later down the road. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfI_2wmg86Bl3HUtkZiDV67IXFeEZRO0G-Muk3zvfonQsGwj9Bjw4QJAr8f3rfGAyHJxCquMgnd1iI3W1cqF2Rw3qtV3aLJXmPs17vxZQuivJmUOviU9PWxwGJwDDUSDcluTNTfQ0ujmpKHBXZt055PfmCkgzDsoA_sgqqHq-d2dRqlkUY_OvwhwuxYk/s1500/kimAnn4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfI_2wmg86Bl3HUtkZiDV67IXFeEZRO0G-Muk3zvfonQsGwj9Bjw4QJAr8f3rfGAyHJxCquMgnd1iI3W1cqF2Rw3qtV3aLJXmPs17vxZQuivJmUOviU9PWxwGJwDDUSDcluTNTfQ0ujmpKHBXZt055PfmCkgzDsoA_sgqqHq-d2dRqlkUY_OvwhwuxYk/w275-h275/kimAnn4.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?</span></b></div></span></b>Whenever possible, write the books readers want to buy and not necessarily what you want to write. There are so many books out there and it is much easier to market if you know your audience from the start. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?</span></b><br />When you are first starting out try not to edit or censor yourself in your first draft. Brainstorm your thoughts and ideas before you start to edit. You never know what great material might be in those first drafts. <br /> <b><span style="color: #800180;"><br />What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?</span></b><br />The next book is <i>Ten Little Sea Turtles, </i>which is part of my Counting Book Collection. It is a factual story about sea turtles in a fun counting book style. The story begins with hatchlings and follows the turtles along their journey to adulthood. The illustrations are amazing too. <br /><br /><b><i><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizA1TvO5Qb8thY7EQgZOPvaAnHzStQ3OW-pz8QSAuzwp5xd_MaB6rvVWQfn4YMZ5HGyE2RUE2unOuL9uSy2CRvFzr4abOwAeojel66dFD6FHJk8Ldc87Rw0syFrk2HJFwOao2JmRvo4gOgdIZlIHn9DXd-KyVoJaXwlmkvMuI2wTRu9M2GAYHM0KN11fg/s1500/kimAnn3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizA1TvO5Qb8thY7EQgZOPvaAnHzStQ3OW-pz8QSAuzwp5xd_MaB6rvVWQfn4YMZ5HGyE2RUE2unOuL9uSy2CRvFzr4abOwAeojel66dFD6FHJk8Ldc87Rw0syFrk2HJFwOao2JmRvo4gOgdIZlIHn9DXd-KyVoJaXwlmkvMuI2wTRu9M2GAYHM0KN11fg/w270-h270/kimAnn3.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>That's all for today's interview. </span></i></b> If you'd like to learn more about her books, here are some links to get you started.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Website: <a href="https://authorkimann.com/">https://authorkimann.com/</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKimAnn/">https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKimAnn/</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Instagram:</span> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/authorkimann/"><span style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.instagram.com/authorkimann/</span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Amazon Author Page: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07R965196">https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07R965196</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">And here's a bonus for my readers</span></b></i><span style="background-color: white;">, leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive a signed copy of </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;"><i>Ten Little Starfish</i>.</span><i style="background-color: white;"> </i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tuesday!</span></span><br /></span><div style="color: #26282a; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><br /></div></div>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-84156045814111766432024-03-01T15:46:00.000-05:002024-03-01T15:46:50.780-05:00Writing From the Headlines: Q&A with Carmen Amato, Suspense Thriller Author<div style="margin: 0in; outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizw2Hp2IYsVm3OwMsvLr58UBk3Cn7qLB-86R_u78DYm48TVbsO6f9BouRd7nXc7hpz7XkWiy1Q5rOSA-ij17AIItGToIL0tVG7hIDQDDxEdzKFAFqC5lRkgCcRg-y3TDg5_LnDy2YOLa2j9oz-CnB9guNxoUBS2CIKvsHyhb0_5pyfNVXjA0JxnxgwFjI/s1500/c%20amato2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="984" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizw2Hp2IYsVm3OwMsvLr58UBk3Cn7qLB-86R_u78DYm48TVbsO6f9BouRd7nXc7hpz7XkWiy1Q5rOSA-ij17AIItGToIL0tVG7hIDQDDxEdzKFAFqC5lRkgCcRg-y3TDg5_LnDy2YOLa2j9oz-CnB9guNxoUBS2CIKvsHyhb0_5pyfNVXjA0JxnxgwFjI/s320/c%20amato2.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>Carmen Amato</b></span><span style="color: #800180; font-weight: bold;">You’ve now published two book series and a few stand alone books, but what inspired you to write that first one?</span><br /></span>My first book was the political thriller THE HIDDEN LIGHT OF MEXICO CITY. After living there for several years, I wanted to expose Mexico’s social disparity and gender inequality. It’s baked into the culture in so many ways and was often a topic of conversation with expatriate friends who hailed not only from the US but from all over the world. We saw Mexico’s social ladder for what it is: virtually impossible to climb.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in; outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />THE HIDDEN LIGHT OF MEXICO CITY is both a Cinderella story and an exposé of how drug money reaches the upper levels of government. It was longlisted for the 2020 Millennium Book Award. After 17 books, it’s still my favorite.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in; outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180;">Your Emilia Cruz series features a strong leading female detective. How did you research the workings of a police force to make it believable?</span><br /></b>I was a US intelligence officer for 30 years, focusing on counterdrug issues for a large portion of my career, so I knew how Mexican police services operate before beginning the series. There are significant differences between US and Mexican law enforcement and judicial systems. Even more startling is the amount of corruption of civil authority in Mexico, which affects how a crime gets investigated. There’s just so much drug money swimming through the system.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in; outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIIq7JP4M4i9gMKcq0OxROkYI1GfyGACszu4NVGzHwAaojGaPxiUYU4auBnQibp8WKmU3_uCqBPBF2sGxtiGKPHmF9KSFl8yp2lF1kx3ayVAWcI6VbdIeqe0Ji2WHCFAD7WsiSYuqKHm_hyphenhyphenDbBvwyjKscZ7fzCSGXWBmOmV7ye34p4vhbQTnoVF-drQU/s1500/c%20amato3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="985" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIIq7JP4M4i9gMKcq0OxROkYI1GfyGACszu4NVGzHwAaojGaPxiUYU4auBnQibp8WKmU3_uCqBPBF2sGxtiGKPHmF9KSFl8yp2lF1kx3ayVAWcI6VbdIeqe0Ji2WHCFAD7WsiSYuqKHm_hyphenhyphenDbBvwyjKscZ7fzCSGXWBmOmV7ye34p4vhbQTnoVF-drQU/s320/c%20amato3.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>How do you go about plotting your books? </span><br /></b>I often start with a real crime that makes it into the news, such as the 2014 mass disappearance of 43 students from the city of Iguala, not far from Acapulco, which became the basis for the 6<sup style="outline: none;">th</sup> Detective Emilia Cruz novel, 43 MISSING. I keep a file of printouts and old newspaper stories, such as a story in <i style="outline: none;">The Miami Herald </i>about a random shooting of a taxi driver in Honduras that led to the latest book in the series, NARCO NOIR.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in; outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0in; outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180;">What do you think makes for a perfect murder/suspense story?</span></b><br />As for a perfect murder mystery, I think it has to contain multiple elements: more than one suspect, a few red herrings, and a protagonist who is a complex, layered individual with a fatal flaw or two.<br /> <br /><b style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180;">What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?</span><br /></b>Early in my writing career I had the good fortune to be part of the Mexico Writers group on Facebook. Members were all writers either living in Mexico or writing about Mexico.<br />This was a wonderfully supportive group for many years. I hope that every writer finds a similar community.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in; outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbGmGgjCDlAA9jVpYFBfGw89dD0O77448h79sJyyqxIHBFtl1_Kosz6RsbajGuYNQzYMuVExTn9hT7OIjVQZN7wf4WJuz8v5pr57keEd-5VJeT9wbU23SvYsUJF6mQaCXGpvxgpvnvSuPJvpZeh6c17Qbfv01YM_o66iULR602y3TV8tNXxlIy1BXBls/s1500/c%20amato1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="947" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbGmGgjCDlAA9jVpYFBfGw89dD0O77448h79sJyyqxIHBFtl1_Kosz6RsbajGuYNQzYMuVExTn9hT7OIjVQZN7wf4WJuz8v5pr57keEd-5VJeT9wbU23SvYsUJF6mQaCXGpvxgpvnvSuPJvpZeh6c17Qbfv01YM_o66iULR602y3TV8tNXxlIy1BXBls/s320/c%20amato1.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?</span><br /></b>Without a doubt, a consistent newsletter has been my #1 most effective marketing effort. Now in its 7<sup style="outline: none;">th</sup> year, every other Sunday the Mystery Ahead newsletter delivers my top secrets/latest news, an excerpt of what I’m writing now, and a book review of a mystery to read while waiting for my next book. The 3-part format is the secret. Readers always know what to expect.<br />Most readers subscribe through a link in the back of my Kindle ebooks.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in; outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />This year I’m also distributing Mystery Ahead via Substack, which reaches a fresh audience. Find it on that platform today: <a href="https://mysteryahead.substack.com/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" shape="rect" style="color: blue; outline: none;" target="_blank">https://mysteryahead.substack.com/<br /></a> <br /><b style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180;">What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?</span><br /></b>The book in my head won’t be on the page until the 3<sup style="outline: none;">rd</sup> or 4<sup style="outline: none;">th</sup> draft. Sigh. I’m not the speediest writer.<br /> <br /><b style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180;">What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?</span><br /></b>Fall in love with the writing process. Write because the story needs to get out.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in; outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqGTKvCuUOLZ_IOCA8N6GO90KcrtcjegjFBzhG3x03GqAsK1dRQYiZEYxC7aqY9cU2v0VcwNyQ3rx51B5CnujkQRLzxVGKGy0JgjA_nyYmP53jIDGaXw4dymD9u7HWaqsr41fqiGOuLDy-Dv7cIO7bMVDnwiP2FjZTuSmfWw2ShIWIdwPs3EUSUKaK2I/s1500/c%20amato4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="985" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqGTKvCuUOLZ_IOCA8N6GO90KcrtcjegjFBzhG3x03GqAsK1dRQYiZEYxC7aqY9cU2v0VcwNyQ3rx51B5CnujkQRLzxVGKGy0JgjA_nyYmP53jIDGaXw4dymD9u7HWaqsr41fqiGOuLDy-Dv7cIO7bMVDnwiP2FjZTuSmfWw2ShIWIdwPs3EUSUKaK2I/s320/c%20amato4.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?</span><br /></b>Find a role model whose stories you admire, study what makes it resonate, then try to write something of equal or greater quality. Be ruthless in your quest to give readers the best product you can.<br /> <br /><b style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180;">What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?</span><br /></b>VIVA ACAPULCO, the next Detective Emilia Cruz mystery is slated for a summer 2024 release. As city elections near, two violent murders in Acapulco lead Emilia to Washington DC where she is stalked by killers determined to make sure she never makes it home alive.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in; outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />This is the first book that takes Emilia out of Mexico. She’s got no money, no identification, no friends and is on the run in unfamiliar territory. She has survival skills, but will they be enough?<br /> <br /><b style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i>That's all for today's interview.</i> </span><i><span style="color: #800180;">Hope you enjoyed learning about Carmen's</span></i> <span style="color: #800180;"><i>books, I know I did!</i></span></b></span></div><div style="margin: 0in; outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjP7AcoAIw_2_IQgCVnUljSz9FrnVHmbU-gBJnSxeHbyiA3B87U67xvigWqL1d5rUZAOSPpGzo2RdNyjNvynuHQ7mC2Ul45sg_dcZAOlbUOycG8podzQpf5SHO_1kyd21E8HhGPaRldtAzwPBu02a7hkWtknTrEzvteywnunqHDoGbPVP1xf1URZSmOs/s300/c%20amato5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="205" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjP7AcoAIw_2_IQgCVnUljSz9FrnVHmbU-gBJnSxeHbyiA3B87U67xvigWqL1d5rUZAOSPpGzo2RdNyjNvynuHQ7mC2Ul45sg_dcZAOlbUOycG8podzQpf5SHO_1kyd21E8HhGPaRldtAzwPBu02a7hkWtknTrEzvteywnunqHDoGbPVP1xf1URZSmOs/w135-h197/c%20amato5.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>Here's a special bonus </i>she's offering </span>to get you started on loving her books<br /></b>You are invited to grab a free copy of the Detective Emilia Cruz Starter Library. Two novellas and an exclusive Who’s Who Guide to the series. <a href="https://carmenamato.net/starter-library" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" shape="rect" style="color: blue; outline: none;" target="_blank">https://carmenamato.net/starter-library<br /></a><b>P.S. Find my Top Secret(s)</b> here: <a href="https://carmenamato.net/links" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" shape="rect" style="color: blue; outline: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1; outline: none;">https://carmenamato.net/links</span></a><br /><b>Website:</b> <a href="https://carmenamato.net/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" shape="rect" style="color: blue; outline: none;" target="_blank">https://carmenamato.net<br /></a><b>Instagram:</b> <a href="https://instagram.com/authorcarmenamato" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" shape="rect" style="color: blue; outline: none;" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/authorcarmenamato</a> @authorcarmenamato<br /> <b style="outline: none;"><i><span style="color: #800180;">Here's another bonus for my readers...</span> </i></b><span style="outline: none;">Leave a short comment on this post and you'll be entered to win a free eBook of</span><b style="outline: none;"> </b>THE HIDDEN LIGHT OF MEXICO CITY!<span style="outline: none;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><p class="yiv7933398290MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; outline: none;"></p><p class="yiv7933398290MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; outline: none;"></p><p class="yiv7933398290MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; outline: none;"></p><p class="yiv7933398290MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; outline: none;"></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none;"><p class="yiv7933398290MsoNormal" style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: Oswald; outline: none;"></span></p></div>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-29985447975983495912024-02-27T10:53:00.000-05:002024-02-27T10:53:16.967-05:00Read and Be Curious: Author Interview with Ronaldinio Stickley<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGF5d-yEpMU5q0nm7eQ3AiC8lDVo3Ufn1EoEj9yhOSbF2Vg2AIlNJfKftgXX2aFmnvr2djNH9hcUNG9ROtcVOIHMkXRlJkYK4fj6aS2AvMpNlPRluajTChJngiv3gMpm2gvc8EpEHY2h54qfmcLNEqTgmCbTM0rIb55sB-KHAm1UUmoDf-MD0YpAdQpO0/s1500/stickley.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGF5d-yEpMU5q0nm7eQ3AiC8lDVo3Ufn1EoEj9yhOSbF2Vg2AIlNJfKftgXX2aFmnvr2djNH9hcUNG9ROtcVOIHMkXRlJkYK4fj6aS2AvMpNlPRluajTChJngiv3gMpm2gvc8EpEHY2h54qfmcLNEqTgmCbTM0rIb55sB-KHAm1UUmoDf-MD0YpAdQpO0/s320/stickley.2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: 700;">You’ve now published 3 picture books, but what made you decide to start writing the first one? Will there be more books in this series?</span></span></div><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> My first book, </span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;">Reunited After the Storm </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">loosely told my own story of adoption during the 2010 earthquake. It was a story I already knew because I lived it. I knew for a while I would some day publish a book and figured I needed to learn the process of doing so. I would publish the stand alone book at nineteen years old, after my first year in college.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #800180;">You’re an indie author, which means you’re in charge of everything from writing to publishing and marketing. Other than writing, what other parts of the process do you personally do? What do you hire others to do?</span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Aside from the illustrations, printing, and shipping I am in charge of everything. I am the marketer, social media manager, accountant, and more. This includes creating A+ content on amazon, posters for vendor shops, running my youtube channel, and outreaching to schools or libraries. I may consider hiring someone to run ads on the books in the future.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMsUfoVKD9JGsXPmIHo60zJMiyRuiHORMnlEnvSXIUQUe85UB133lcaQle20HubqPtrAbpvdD8tlo0ymt2WY_spOZ05pTTRgTUAccMTnSJJFO_YmtrJIlIswX-I3tp0ZyN1qPA778BInTY1Kr1LcmZoJ9eoNTmcnWvWy1zU4OaSVb61oVuxBqThGFpCI/s1000/stickley3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="625" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMsUfoVKD9JGsXPmIHo60zJMiyRuiHORMnlEnvSXIUQUe85UB133lcaQle20HubqPtrAbpvdD8tlo0ymt2WY_spOZ05pTTRgTUAccMTnSJJFO_YmtrJIlIswX-I3tp0ZyN1qPA778BInTY1Kr1LcmZoJ9eoNTmcnWvWy1zU4OaSVb61oVuxBqThGFpCI/s320/stickley3.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;">What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?</span></span><p></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> I wish I had a better sense of marketing directly tied to Amazon KDP, specifically how to have a successful book launch. I have a business background and marketing but there is specific information one must learn when using Amazon self-publishing. The first 30 days are crucial in having a successful book. The more books you can sell and the more reviews you can get in this period will help your book get ranked to create organic sales.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?</b></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> As simple as it might be, you have to read and be curious. Essentially this means do not let go of your passion you once had as a child when it came to reading. The more you read the more understanding you have of tone, language, and structure. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;">Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?</span></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Writing does not stop at the last period or your first copy in your hand. Writing is rather continuous, you must tell others of your work despite the want to be humble. Challenge yourself to create exposure for your books rather it be through facebook groups, local libraries, or nearby vendor shops.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglppfcGHUavDQAWDmi9E0dvOgmivglpxTW3EXxTguezCEPLqL5-tXpYsS3-8fJDMPvuLFzYpJrM0FWOubBZ0mrtUDIZqLkyksw7kv9JoWlzqVRcFAM_LlXd_HT4Qa-GHZf8v8GPRHGD7RuI_EfJmQL8QwCqX6f6Z3HJzH6xU-mdTfFPT3BbHKroyVG_Nw/s942/stickley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="766" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglppfcGHUavDQAWDmi9E0dvOgmivglpxTW3EXxTguezCEPLqL5-tXpYsS3-8fJDMPvuLFzYpJrM0FWOubBZ0mrtUDIZqLkyksw7kv9JoWlzqVRcFAM_LlXd_HT4Qa-GHZf8v8GPRHGD7RuI_EfJmQL8QwCqX6f6Z3HJzH6xU-mdTfFPT3BbHKroyVG_Nw/s320/stickley.jpg" width="260" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><br />What is the next book coming out? </span></span><p></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I am still working on the next book and have not yet decided on a release date. The book however will continue the series of emotional regulation for children as the last two books have done. </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><i><b>That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Ronaldinio's books, here are some links to get you started.</b></i></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: georgia;">Facebook:</b><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083327599897&mibextid=LQQJ4d" style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083327599897&mibextid=LQQJ4d</a></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Youtube:</b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@stickleycreations"> </a></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@stickleycreations"><span style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.youtube.com/@stickleycreations</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></a></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Amazon: </span></b><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ronaldinio-Stickley/author/B0B39K2FNJ">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ronaldinio-Stickley/author/B0B39K2FNJ</a></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">And here's a bonus for my readers</span></b></i><span style="background-color: white;">, leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive a PDF copy of </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">Ronaldinio's </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;"> </i><span style="font-family: georgia; vertical-align: baseline;">latest book, </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;">The Marvelous Mood-Mending Meadow. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tuesday!</span></span></p>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-10796099223985904312024-02-23T16:00:00.001-05:002024-02-23T16:00:00.265-05:00Writing Historical and Contemporary Novels: Author Interview with Scott R. Rezer<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0in; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlvbVTY8gPou7RalOSng2RLQCrj-0rmxWAlIiBBEpAiSaWjWGJqZt6QpYnQnDVZT2tEHMx4FFxhIqjPbZ7B46YD7u9mRxUDefZO6-vnWmM7NnpsfW7zE446P3uWsl2eSNwRvWTvD8Ymrukg5GGEG03qo6Df4pRmfXmMJSr_IDijuolbA676WYZXZ3XZ8/s1500/S%20Rezer%206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="940" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlvbVTY8gPou7RalOSng2RLQCrj-0rmxWAlIiBBEpAiSaWjWGJqZt6QpYnQnDVZT2tEHMx4FFxhIqjPbZ7B46YD7u9mRxUDefZO6-vnWmM7NnpsfW7zE446P3uWsl2eSNwRvWTvD8Ymrukg5GGEG03qo6Df4pRmfXmMJSr_IDijuolbA676WYZXZ3XZ8/w219-h349/S%20Rezer%206.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>Your earlier books were historical stories set an Old Testament times. Recent books are contemporary stories with a dual timeline to the past. Why the change in genres? </b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0in; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222;">Well, two of my earlier novels are
Biblical Fiction based on Noah and the Flood and the succeeding generations,
and I am still in the process of finishing that series up with a two-part novel
about the Tower of Babel in the near future. It was supposed to be out this
year, but life got in the way. But the change to contemporary fiction with dual
timelines was because of my wife. In 2022, she underwent a second surgery for
cancer in two years, and I wanted to gift her with something lighter and easier
to read.</span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span style="color: #222222;">I had planned to eventually venture into </span></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;">contemporary Christmas
stories and this seemed like the best time to do it. In a nutshell, these
novels are like love letters to my wife. Did she love them? Of course she did!
But now that I have switched over, I am having a hard time wanting to go back
because these are so much easier to write! But I will. Eventually. I can’t
leave my Biblical characters stranded in the Mesopotamian desert forever
awaiting my return! But for now, I am parking in the contemporary camp as long
as my wife keeps enjoying them. Which may be a while!</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span style="color: #222222;"> <br /></span><span><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwCLl5UnxqfBs3u7zjVaq2IfmzIKX9E5gZbW4w5o5PmCQ7LvEPsuI-ohohNoMUeB6xd-bsm3k_z9T_iUyDVEeDX74vrI3qjlZQMcZRXD6DzMJ-WKrWe0XsiqjsQhGZCVrmiYBXhQHgw_KSCz9T-gXmXV-sz6pjt6q-kS-Iwc86PNSKC_59x3ENpBhvjg/s1500/S%20Rezer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="962" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwCLl5UnxqfBs3u7zjVaq2IfmzIKX9E5gZbW4w5o5PmCQ7LvEPsuI-ohohNoMUeB6xd-bsm3k_z9T_iUyDVEeDX74vrI3qjlZQMcZRXD6DzMJ-WKrWe0XsiqjsQhGZCVrmiYBXhQHgw_KSCz9T-gXmXV-sz6pjt6q-kS-Iwc86PNSKC_59x3ENpBhvjg/s320/S%20Rezer2.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>How do you go about doing research
for your books? </span></b></span><span style="color: #373e3e;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #373e3e;">When it comes to research, I read and
read and read. And then, I read some more. I have a whole library of books.
Also, with the advent of the internet, it has opened up a world of tech
journals and scholarly articles from which to glean background information for
my settings and characters, so I have piles of photocopied stuff.</span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span style="color: #373e3e;"><br /></span><span style="color: #373e3e;"><o:p> <span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">What’s one of the most unique facts you’ve discovered in doing your research?</span></b></span><span style="color: #373e3e;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #373e3e;">I’m not sure about unique—I’d rather say amazing.
While spending hours and hours of painstakingly researching my second Civil War
novel, <i>Love Remembreth Not,</i> based on my 2nd great-grandfather,
a Confederate soldier, I found a record in the official records of the war that
when he had deserted the army just before the end of the war, he did so in the
company of an Black woman, inferring she was probably a slave, and that he may
have helped her escape. It’s impossible to know, but it made for a poignant
scene in the story!<br /></span><span style="color: #222222;"> <br /></span><span><b><span style="color: #800180;">What’s the best encouragement you’ve
had in your writing?</span></b><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222;">Hands down, kind words from fellow
indie writers. Great reviews are important, but when authors take the time to
personally tell me something, it means the world to me. Recently, since we are
on the subject of my newer Contemporary Fiction, a friend messaged me after
reading my second Christmas novel to tell me, <i>This is your genre</i>.
His words, and his continued support behind the scenes, have given me the
confidence to move forward in this endeavor. You just can’t beat that kind of
encouragement.<br /></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji45hWenK7Whh4M5urJUkDErVoGvOLuA8mQWSqadyq-GzaSKjtFjgWLzqEMKnudyoj7CuP99nsx6B7uSKM9GmHLCMQsshvhqXtCFxH2ppKxNJMYSBaEAqkj6pIk6-NzNf8Vgw8cZUe2NezjUfe96MI9B-uDxqkE_uGohngr541XHla4pOV2l3ZFCdIMjA/s1500/S%20Rezer3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="940" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji45hWenK7Whh4M5urJUkDErVoGvOLuA8mQWSqadyq-GzaSKjtFjgWLzqEMKnudyoj7CuP99nsx6B7uSKM9GmHLCMQsshvhqXtCFxH2ppKxNJMYSBaEAqkj6pIk6-NzNf8Vgw8cZUe2NezjUfe96MI9B-uDxqkE_uGohngr541XHla4pOV2l3ZFCdIMjA/s320/S%20Rezer3.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>Marketing is the biggest key to
making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced
more sales rather than just clicks?</span></b></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222;">To be honest, I’m still trying to
discover what works. I’ve tried Facebook groups, but for me they don’t work.
For others, it does. So I would have to say it depends on the author, the time
they are willing to devote, and the genre of your work—and whether or not
people know your work. Some genres just sell better. A writer friend recently
told me I needed to have a newsletter, so that is one avenue I’m pursuing this
year. We’ll see if it helps. My problem (or is it one?) is that I am a
multi-genre writing. I write what interests me, so it’s hard to nail down a
specific set of devoted readers. Hopefully, a newsletter will help me reach
those readers. Also, for this new contemporary series, I entered the two books
into Kindle Unlimited, and so far it has helped reach a wider audience. <br /></span><span style="color: #222222;"> <br /></span><span><b><span style="color: #800180;">What do you know now about writing
you wished you had known sooner?</span></b><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;">I wish I had known that writing is
the easy part. It just is. I almost never have writer’s block. The hard part is
getting an audience. It takes time and effort. <br /></span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span><b><span style="color: #800180;">What is the best writing advice
you’ve received or could give?</span></b><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;">Don’t quit. Ever. Just keep writing.
And never, ever, be afraid of killing your darlings. Unless your wife
objects—strongly. I did that once and she made me write the character back into
the story! Turns out she was right. It made the story better. But honestly,
always do what is best for the story. So don’t fall in love with your own
writing or cleverness so much that you’re unwilling to change something. You
and your readers will appreciate it later, even if they don’t ever know!<br /></span><span style="color: #222222;"> <br /></span><span><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlW0fQQIEtetC5otuZTjh21VseBfNXk_-YHeGY962zCNTdNa7ExujCW41QEPjqB6qqsRQfpl7nN-WXSMTq9luz7QeeAYE7I3OURdPEN5mWPr13feXeUyPRkmCTefY5-bpovRurx7nx7yITiequqWK8fEtNdHr9KsL58bB0LYp7soO3qmTzqSomjTiO9c/s1500/S%20Rezer4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="940" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlW0fQQIEtetC5otuZTjh21VseBfNXk_-YHeGY962zCNTdNa7ExujCW41QEPjqB6qqsRQfpl7nN-WXSMTq9luz7QeeAYE7I3OURdPEN5mWPr13feXeUyPRkmCTefY5-bpovRurx7nx7yITiequqWK8fEtNdHr9KsL58bB0LYp7soO3qmTzqSomjTiO9c/s320/S%20Rezer4.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>Are there any other points about
writing you would like to add?</span></b></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222;">To any aspiring writers out there,
write because you love it and can’t imagine yourself doing anything else. The
moment writing becomes a chore or a have-to-do-it thing, it will suck the life
right out of your writing. If you are trying to get rich from writing you might
consider a different avenue. There are some fortunate writers who have managed
to succeed in that pursuit, but the vast majority barely squeak by. If it’s
meant to be, it’ll happen. Just don’t make it the be all and end of your
success. I would rather receive a great review from someone who was touched by
my writing than make a ton of money. Probably not something you hear every day
from an author, but for me, it’s the truth.<br /></span><span style="color: #222222;"> <br /></span><span><b><span style="color: #800180;">What is the next book coming out? Can
you give me a short synopsis?</span></b><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;">My next book is entitled, <i>Hear
the Bells Ring</i>, my third contemporary/historical Christmas novel. I plan to
have it out before summer. It's a</span><span style="color: black;"> dual-timeline story that begs the
question of whether it is possible for love to be so strong that it can reach
across time.</span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span><b><span style="color: #800180;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4EKpPM48UVLtZnNnpi_OTZWGP8n9nBd6EZwXh8btn7YMyZTON9RiiA-SG04yp6XLbHEfK4MtSZOH1-3gycE-NxP5f749T6QvNnUcKhnt9bHWDdX3UYWQbtG_jGB5TIaR2-fHB9BKdmjmWvLD-pia9ClqqrJsfs9ncloGNTKrRyktwTwnAIRgq8dv1cE/s1500/S%20Rezer5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1290" data-original-width="1500" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4EKpPM48UVLtZnNnpi_OTZWGP8n9nBd6EZwXh8btn7YMyZTON9RiiA-SG04yp6XLbHEfK4MtSZOH1-3gycE-NxP5f749T6QvNnUcKhnt9bHWDdX3UYWQbtG_jGB5TIaR2-fHB9BKdmjmWvLD-pia9ClqqrJsfs9ncloGNTKrRyktwTwnAIRgq8dv1cE/w270-h233/S%20Rezer5.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><br />That's all for today's interview. </i>If you want to learn more about Scott's books, here are some links to get you started.</span><br /></b></span><span style="color: #222222;">Website: <a href="https://scottrezer.weebly.com/">https://scottrezer.weebly.com/</a></span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span style="color: #222222;">Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Scott-R.-Rezer/author/B002BRESGM" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Scott-R.-Rezer/author/B002BRESGM</a></span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span style="color: #222222;">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3114168.Scott_R_Rezer">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3114168.Scott_R_Rezer</a></span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/randolph.scott.31337">https://www.facebook.com/randolph.scott.31337</a></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span><b><span style="color: #800180;"><i>And here's an added bonus.</i> Check out these free eBooks on Amazon and you don't need to be a KU subscriber!</span></b></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Beneath the Broom Tree (St. Ninian's Sanctuary Christian Small Town Romance)</span><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Broom-Tree-Ninians-Sanctuary-ebook/dp/B01LW0JLQZ" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Broom-Tree-Ninians-Sanctuary-ebook/dp/B01LW0JLQZ</a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Below the Surface (An Inspirational Christian Suspense)</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Below-Surface-Inspirational-Christian-Suspense-ebook/dp/B08PW3VZY1">https://www.amazon.com/Below-Surface-Inspirational-Christian-Suspense-ebook/dp/B08PW3VZY1</a><br /></span>
<div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div></div>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-52945190776806297422024-02-20T12:23:00.000-05:002024-02-20T12:23:08.484-05:00The Factors Involved in Putting Together a Picture Book: Author Interview with Kelly May Harris <span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJB5w9KCwB_N5WzwMxo-n6vslQwvq5vvlr-kIevmjXCBA8tETkbFtWBecsMB4WXs6XSWIW_geYGDh04Xe3m2_0KSS0lYj55cPY9E0DwBkwrORFY_RpcqFNd6qdKoJOWM0CjHH0wVsEHMzl2VX1hWBH65XO9up5x5pU0ohaWsLF7Tp1U6c0bJ_VOVqoq1g/s1250/K%20harris1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJB5w9KCwB_N5WzwMxo-n6vslQwvq5vvlr-kIevmjXCBA8tETkbFtWBecsMB4WXs6XSWIW_geYGDh04Xe3m2_0KSS0lYj55cPY9E0DwBkwrORFY_RpcqFNd6qdKoJOWM0CjHH0wVsEHMzl2VX1hWBH65XO9up5x5pU0ohaWsLF7Tp1U6c0bJ_VOVqoq1g/s320/K%20harris1.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>You’ve now published 4 picture books under your name, but your first one was co-published with another author, Linda Goldfarb. What did you learn in working with Linda, that helped you in publishing your next books?</span></b><br />The fast answer, I learned I didn’t have the skill set, patience, or desire to self-publish. I say this in jest but it takes a whole different ability to navigate self-publishing. <br /> <br />Truthfully, the power of story has always fascinated me. Not just any story however, a real story, the kind that moves people through the power of the Holy Spirit. Years ago, I began going to a Ladies Bible Study with Linda Goldfarb leading the class. I was drawn to her use of story in her teaching. In time God moved. He opened the door to a mentorship and a friendship which Linda and I still treasure today. <br /><br />I came alongside Linda in her business and together we published two Lovey Mouse Books. <i>Lovey Mouse in The Night Before Christma</i>s and <i>Lovey Mouse in an Easter Story</i>. Sitting with Linda during the process of publishing <i>Lovey Mouse</i>, I gained insight, information, and familiarity which indeed helps guide my writing today. From the language, to the process, and the follow through, it is safe to say the average person has no idea what all goes into getting the book in their hands onto the shelf. <br /><br />Most of all though, I believe the biggest thing I learned from Linda Goldfarb is the Holy Spirit uses transparency to transform lives and I was given the blessing to witness her faith in action as she navigated being the author, speaker, and podcaster she is. <br /><br /></span><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QMjyq6wc-Vx5pLT5pLkucP_VlYhK6VTQiLBXxYIkhPUXuDGZ98J2Bee0oGV99qAswt6foEFkpubYXcm65nPJk5riCetd4Qz0lTYRYMwzgaSYgLqil24gRU1BBe9TVDkhBxSPdBAQhMiN5SB8lY-is7AMhyH8WBFjaz15fEAG7ChVsOcoF8hILTid8No/s1360/K%20harris5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="907" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QMjyq6wc-Vx5pLT5pLkucP_VlYhK6VTQiLBXxYIkhPUXuDGZ98J2Bee0oGV99qAswt6foEFkpubYXcm65nPJk5riCetd4Qz0lTYRYMwzgaSYgLqil24gRU1BBe9TVDkhBxSPdBAQhMiN5SB8lY-is7AMhyH8WBFjaz15fEAG7ChVsOcoF8hILTid8No/s320/K%20harris5.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Dave O’Connell is the illustrator you've used for your picture books. How did that collaboration occur? What is that process like?</b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"> </span></b>Actually Dave O’Connell was presented to me by my publishing company EABooks and it has been a great joy to work with him throughout the process. Dave is a man after God’s own heart and shares the passion for children that I do. <br /><br />Our initial project was a double book project inspired by the journey I had with my daughter Kayla throughout her medical diagnosis, hospital stay, and ultimately her promotion to Heaven from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. <i>God is Always Chasing After You</i> is a series of letters to the reader that share our journey as we lived out our lives for Christ in that journey. Each letter is accompanied by a <i>Smiles to Share </i>section containing a children’s story or poem along with questions geared to help families going through hard times such as illness or death to simply have something else to talk about. Then there is the<i> Smiles to Share</i> book which is the same stories accompanied by Dave’s colorful illustrations. <br /><br />Every interaction will vary between author and illustrator. For us, Dave reads the text then he and I chat on the phone. He, “picks my brain” to understand the goal for the project. Sometimes we brainstorm a little, but then he utilizes his God given imagination to sketch out a map of what the illustrations might look like. While I have had a few specific requests, mostly, I ask Dave to let his imagination run free. Once the map is agreed to he begins working on each piece and sends them my way when they are completed for approval. Truth be told, I’ve really enjoyed seeing my stories come to life through his imagination.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXz6xAY4XRZpzb8EUsoPK21n6IiblxpyvkqlEhhy8hGrmZTnHP5A080ReodQB4tnFflx3KAgzsed7RmCbjA1t-NAINAsw-iPEsFuyMXNDFOmM8wdF3SXi-lLQhr-YPCCIOVxpetlx8YQpjm0jhlEWrnq3JlpBJOsRjrAVShJHjhyux68AbzntTCPCD0mQ/s1000/K%20harris3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXz6xAY4XRZpzb8EUsoPK21n6IiblxpyvkqlEhhy8hGrmZTnHP5A080ReodQB4tnFflx3KAgzsed7RmCbjA1t-NAINAsw-iPEsFuyMXNDFOmM8wdF3SXi-lLQhr-YPCCIOVxpetlx8YQpjm0jhlEWrnq3JlpBJOsRjrAVShJHjhyux68AbzntTCPCD0mQ/s320/K%20harris3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You’re an indie author, which means you’re in charge of everything from writing to publishing and marketing. What do you hire others to do?</span></b><br /> I purchased a package from EABooks Publishing that included many great services. However, the process began long before submitting the text. Many of my stories had been reviewed by fellow authors from my writers critique group. They are a test audience and helped me iron out any issues they saw with my work. Then before I decided to move forward with the story, I had to decide if the story lined up with my mission as an author. </span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Once I've determined a story lines up with my mission, I release it to EABooks who reviews the story. From there Cheri Cowell, the founder of EABooks, suggests the package she feels best suits my needs for each project. Payment and paperwork are all worked out. <br /><br />In each case, their editor reviewed my text and sent revisions. I can accept or reject these edits and do any rewriting needed. This was a bit discouraging because often things that made perfect sense to me as I wrote and revised were not as clear to the editor -- who truly acts as a pilot reader for the book.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUgTnZCeg-BPZNhXMQ5t10mz4jUnOioG_e3df8NeSULosFCMz9fhHTQ04mVMm9iPp_2YcWvX3deH0n9xLI2TzgeSnEj-VaxhNG4pLVBB2EXHIG867gCVRKCFeZJ9BkpGZZSFId-qhLxD9koCXJWRmK-W6232r_s-bvyjGsK1fKM2q58veIETMo650nhA/s1250/K%20harris2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUgTnZCeg-BPZNhXMQ5t10mz4jUnOioG_e3df8NeSULosFCMz9fhHTQ04mVMm9iPp_2YcWvX3deH0n9xLI2TzgeSnEj-VaxhNG4pLVBB2EXHIG867gCVRKCFeZJ9BkpGZZSFId-qhLxD9koCXJWRmK-W6232r_s-bvyjGsK1fKM2q58veIETMo650nhA/s320/K%20harris2.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>Once the text is good to go it went to the illustrator. In turn, the illustrator sends his files to the designer who formats the book and fits it together with all of the requirements for publication. Next, author proof copies are ordered and reviewed with revisions submitted. Once approved the designer makes the book go live to publication. <br /><br />The next step is the marketing journey. The publishing package I purchased included some assistance in learning to navigate the marketing piece. There are many options for marketing from networking, to pitching the book, in person presentations, social media presence, building a platform and advertising. I will be spending most of 2024 marketing these books and building my platform. <br /><br />Currently I participate in a monthly market days event. This gives me a way to connect with my community and in essence provides me a store front for word of mouth type advertisement. It also allows me to hear the feedback from parents and readers to possibly inspire the next project. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?</span></b><br />Honestly, I wish I had known sooner to just trust the timing from God. I wanted to push trough years ago and did a great deal of wheel spinning in my own power. But when God’s timing was in place, He opened the doors each step of the way. <br /><b><span style="color: #800180;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jcYcqHyin_40iGFjp1EFHzeWa4dJM2C43Cblp_zWq4mCOrxDygwaURVHMpcwGxSNCY05nKMsP3ckFzPyFtjdZZpaAhFQzjr2TkzI3lMLSAhQoLzQlYYr4yg-7iI2grKU1Myl7IjDtmrDegX3yT4g8YeiG1nRYcsa0hAsHSFUnvFhU6CXnEUUGwlIw8c/s1250/K%20harris4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jcYcqHyin_40iGFjp1EFHzeWa4dJM2C43Cblp_zWq4mCOrxDygwaURVHMpcwGxSNCY05nKMsP3ckFzPyFtjdZZpaAhFQzjr2TkzI3lMLSAhQoLzQlYYr4yg-7iI2grKU1Myl7IjDtmrDegX3yT4g8YeiG1nRYcsa0hAsHSFUnvFhU6CXnEUUGwlIw8c/s320/K%20harris4.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?</span></b><br />Spend time ironing out a mission statement and writing goals. Allow time and prayer to earnestly figure out the mission and audience God has called you to serve in. A mission statement and goals, as it does for any business, will help as you move forward in knowing the best next steps and allow your yes to be yes and your no to be no in each decision you have as an author. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?</span></b><br />There is far more to writing than just putting ink to paper! If you’re curious about it, plan to attend a writers conference or workshop just to get a feel for what all is out there. <br /><br />At the same time if you feel you have a story, go ahead and write it. Draft out the story, just get it out onto the paper. Editing and revising the work can come in time and it is always possible that you are the intended audience for your writing.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">What is the next book coming out? Can you give me some details? </span></b><br />I just released <i>The Skunks Run Amuck </i>this month. Here are the details.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Some people like planning. They like the idea of knowing
what's coming and have a clear path ahead. Truth is this world comes up with
stinky situations. Thankfully love comes between us and protects us. In this
playful story, a boy stands witness to the power of love, but is he aware of
all the trouble? As the illustrations add an untold story a boy learns the benefit
of listening.<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><i>Treasure Hunt</i> will follow in April or May and be a bit of a different vibe. It was written in response to the felt need for books that help families talk about death. <i>Treasure Hunt </i>will face the topic of grief and loss head on as the main character journeys through a family gathering after her sister went home to be with Jesus.</span></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #800180;">That's all for today's interview. </span></i></b>If you'd like to know more about Kelly's books, here are some links to get you started.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Website:</b> <a href="https://kellymayharris.com/">https://kellymayharris.com/</a> Here you'll find free downloads of coloring pages as well as a matching game that accompanies each of the stories within <i>Smiles to Share</i>. <br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Amazon Author Page:</b> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kelly-May-Harris/author/B0CMDJZ79V" style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kelly-May-Harris/author/B0CMDJZ79V</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">And here's a bonus for my readers... </i>Use this link to get a free eBook of children's short stories to read at bedtime. </span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bedtime-Stories-Adventures-Dreamers-Collection-ebook/dp/B0C6NFP3CK"><span style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.amazon.com/Bedtime-Stories-Adventures-Dreamers-Collection-ebook/dp/B0C6NFP3CK</span></a></div></div>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-14987195566053848122024-02-17T09:57:00.003-05:002024-02-17T09:57:34.847-05:00Discoveries as You Write: Author interview with Rebecca Velez <div style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #800180; font-size: 16px;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-zu_zd-zGk0xL6UieHQjNkuF_RXVFAO9HbumRpKsZnimq6nCJcrRiyzcf_ie7DtOTLdB-BsH_C5L12-_sxK8Ehnq7444aDFOUqKVxKuHWLmeNYJhK3722W5Od8aMRdNZGOteRaWqwvDdx1JQuyL12qI2-k3OoWK87bTSJhtBdHE-GVqwDO7MuEyyrjE/s445/R%20Velez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="279" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-zu_zd-zGk0xL6UieHQjNkuF_RXVFAO9HbumRpKsZnimq6nCJcrRiyzcf_ie7DtOTLdB-BsH_C5L12-_sxK8Ehnq7444aDFOUqKVxKuHWLmeNYJhK3722W5Od8aMRdNZGOteRaWqwvDdx1JQuyL12qI2-k3OoWK87bTSJhtBdHE-GVqwDO7MuEyyrjE/s320/R%20Velez.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>Your first three novels were historical fiction set in Old Testament times. Since then you’ve written books outside of Biblical times.</b></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"> What made you decide to switch genres?</span></b><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Esperanza Ranch</i> is a contemporary fiction novel about a group of young women recovering from PTSD. It began as a writer’s prompt and took on a life of its own.</span></div><p class="ydp6f9d60e2MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">My favorite genre to read is historical fiction, so other than Esperanza Ranch, I’ve written in that genre. The idea for my new series was sparked when I lived in New Braunfels, Texas, which was foun, ded by a German prince, the only American town to be founded by European nobility.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 9pt;"></span></span></p><div style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #800180;">How do you go about doing research for your books? What’s one of the most unique facts you’ve discovered in doing your research?</span></b><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">I do a lot of research online. It’s much easier to research now than when I started in the mid-1990s. Email makes it easy to reach out to potential sources, too. Of course, I still learn a lot from books. My favorite way to research is in-person. I visited the living museums of Hessenpark in Germany and Heritage Village in New Braunfels to see how people lived in the 1840s.</span></span></div><p class="ydp6f9d60e2MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p class="ydp6f9d60e2MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p class="ydp6f9d60e2MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">One funny tidbit I learned was that doctors thought the speed of train travel—up to 30 mph in the mid-1800s—would be bad for your health.</span></span></p><div style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_gmHwUvZralivJnxb4uDpZpRiGSufxDWcfcAu3PKppXL8e7ZTBlB-gJBqAJDySXlIDf5ZoECG-ygwwveQvonOFk17nY72ROFaTlpROH1iyOWZKc07HYLC2Z3V6-axKFVmiyvjGKQuAY28BohF75qGNG_crbN9M_jrgXCBy55vmHIyV-Al5Qiatf7CMY/s1500/R%20Velez2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="943" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_gmHwUvZralivJnxb4uDpZpRiGSufxDWcfcAu3PKppXL8e7ZTBlB-gJBqAJDySXlIDf5ZoECG-ygwwveQvonOFk17nY72ROFaTlpROH1iyOWZKc07HYLC2Z3V6-axKFVmiyvjGKQuAY28BohF75qGNG_crbN9M_jrgXCBy55vmHIyV-Al5Qiatf7CMY/s320/R%20Velez2.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?</span></b><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">A reader wrote on FB that my first novel <i>Such a Time as This</i> was one of her favorite books.</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?<br /></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Interacting on the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction FB group has brought in the most sales for me.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">I was a journalism major in college. I wish I’d been taught about contracts, taxes, and marketing your books, the business side of writing.</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?<br /></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> “Butt in the chair,” or as Nike would say, “Just do it!”</span></div><p class="ydp6f9d60e2MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">I’m a planner, so I try to plot out my books, but they never go the way I originally imagine. Sometimes I have to glue myself to the chair and push through.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 9pt;"></span></span></p><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 9pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?<br /></span></span></b><span style="font-family: georgia;">In a nod to my heritage, I’ve gifted Annika’s family with a two-hundred-year-old antique passed down through my family. It’s a cabbage-shaped sugar bowl that traveled from Virginia to Missouri by wagon and has the scars to prove it. My mother would have liked its inclusion in my latest novel, but like Annika’s Mutter, mine has passed away. She died in 2022 while I was writing this book. An avid reader, she always supported my writing and read my drafts. I miss her and dedicate <i>A Place for Annika </i>to her.</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 9pt;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96tZtIGOSbzPMRSZ-Z-TkznGw4ayXnv9VPHof_CLldLY4x7mEU8eB-eGAbe_KfXo-0knzaTbqmWEgVUPFyvfZxmJjvc0fywG4HekWNIE4palHW2NyaH3guicd5dUVee4H1niMvi7bLkTewUEJBD5me7NbyF6y205v5m8w7Mvolxu3cI395wZogtCG8FQ/s1500/R%20Velez3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96tZtIGOSbzPMRSZ-Z-TkznGw4ayXnv9VPHof_CLldLY4x7mEU8eB-eGAbe_KfXo-0knzaTbqmWEgVUPFyvfZxmJjvc0fywG4HekWNIE4palHW2NyaH3guicd5dUVee4H1niMvi7bLkTewUEJBD5me7NbyF6y205v5m8w7Mvolxu3cI395wZogtCG8FQ/s320/R%20Velez3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">You just released <i>A Place for Annika</i>. Can you give me a short synopsis?<br /></span></span></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Since her mother died, Annika’s life in Hesse has deteriorated. At seventeen, she’s nearly old enough to marry and establish a happy home of her own, but her plan to marry the farmer next door is dashed.</span></div><p class="ydp6f9d60e2MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Nursing a broken heart and bruised ego, Annika takes a job as a seamstress in the city. Professional success and a suitor make her dreams seem within grasp. But Annika comes to realize she needs more than a handsome husband to fill the void in her life.</span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="ydp6f9d60e2MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8.25pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #800180;">That's all for today's interview.</span></i></b> If you'd like to learn more about Rebecca's books, here are some links to get you started.</span></p><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8.25pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Place-Annika-Rebecca-Velez-ebook/dp/B0CSF7R63K">https://www.amazon.com/Place-Annika-Rebecca-Velez-ebook/dp/B0CSF7R63K<br /></a></span><a href="https://rebeccalvelez.wixsite.com/rebecca-velez-books"><span style="font-family: georgia;">https://rebeccalvelez.wixsite.com/rebecca-velez-books<br /></span></a><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-velez-53392036/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-velez-53392036/<br /></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rebeccalynnvelez/">https://www.instagram.com/rebeccalynnvelez/</a></span></div><div style="color: #26282a; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">And here's a bonus for my readers</span></b></i><span style="background-color: white;">, leave a comment on this post with your name and we'll pick one reader who'll receive an </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">eB</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">ook of </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><b>A Place for Annika</b></i><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: medium;">.</span></span><i style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </i><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Friday!</span></span></div><p class="ydp6f9d60e2MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8.25pt;"><br /></p>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-72338806412856584622024-02-13T12:39:00.000-05:002024-02-13T12:39:53.319-05:00The Business of Writing Books: Author Interview with Picture Book Author, Andrea Coke<span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiny0zYYOMvklVqjH6IdWA09J3MSiaieKWKrW1ODbHeQMBJTS2rBmXZMhdr3tMGvYiEiy8T3ZyDEj3bKaPDVLqINJdqbwGudBH9AuoAVv4LqnjiVSI_Ouq6ZtYx4k7QaEJQqbjihzbdSWWUaBAc7HKxgJWo04ZvU9Udv8QDtWwbHfosahfE8XehSydDwH8/s1500/A%20Coke1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiny0zYYOMvklVqjH6IdWA09J3MSiaieKWKrW1ODbHeQMBJTS2rBmXZMhdr3tMGvYiEiy8T3ZyDEj3bKaPDVLqINJdqbwGudBH9AuoAVv4LqnjiVSI_Ouq6ZtYx4k7QaEJQqbjihzbdSWWUaBAc7HKxgJWo04ZvU9Udv8QDtWwbHfosahfE8XehSydDwH8/s320/A%20Coke1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You’ve now published three picture books, but what made you decide to start writing the first one?</span></b><br />During the lockdown, this crazy, impossible to accomplish idea popped into my head - attack my "someday, maybe" list. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">We all have one. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">That list of things you know you want to accomplish but have put off way too long. I call it the “Someday, Maybe” list.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />I obsessed about all the things I regretted not doing. So I dusted off some old journals and <i>Molly Morningstar, A Doll for Me</i> was born. My daughter inspired this story. When she said to me “I wish I had a doll that looks like me.”, it broke my heart.<br /><br />This story was my way of honouring those who’ve been underrepresented in children’s literature.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">You publish as an indie author, but you’re not an illustrator. How did you go about finding an illustrator? What advice can you give in going through that process.</span></b><br />Finding an illustrator can be difficult but it’s something you want to get right. Do your research - read lots of children’s books to see what style of illustration appeals to you. Before I consider an illustrator for a project, I buy a copy of a book they’ve previously illustrated to see how they interpreted the author’s story. Are the illustrations flat? Do they show nuance, feeling, emotion? A single sketch only tells me one thing. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJUFK2VfcnPfCMrlX52Z-2nZYtuvFEooR86s5lN5hGreBdYEBQxA9uUhV394vXY191x6u0-sJ8P_h7AFKPblWnk3z6rqrlAKgzpPmKG1mnc5kxD_uDStLctzhOMEgVvSN3DKii5OJEswQMHILsfpexedphj0p3jT0e9DvgfZowDPAFKmqPCKXdueP-7k/s1000/A%20Coke2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJUFK2VfcnPfCMrlX52Z-2nZYtuvFEooR86s5lN5hGreBdYEBQxA9uUhV394vXY191x6u0-sJ8P_h7AFKPblWnk3z6rqrlAKgzpPmKG1mnc5kxD_uDStLctzhOMEgVvSN3DKii5OJEswQMHILsfpexedphj0p3jT0e9DvgfZowDPAFKmqPCKXdueP-7k/s320/A%20Coke2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Whether your illustrator is new or experienced, you need to develop a relationship with them, have an explicit contract and treat the experience as something you both want to see succeed professionally. <br /><br />When I saw the artwork of M. Fernanda Orozco, my illustrator, for my Molly Morningstar series, I followed her on social media. I knew right away that her style was what I was looking for. I told her that one day, I hoped to work with her. When my manuscript was ready, I reached out. And because we had a relationship, I trusted her ‘to tell’ my story.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">One of your books, <i>Molly on Ice</i> was included in Canadian Children's Book Centre's newest edition of the Best Books for Kids & Teens. How did that come about? </span></b><br />Early in the year, I submitted copies of my story for consideration to the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC). They informed me in November that <i>Molly on Ice</i> was selected for inclusion in their magazine. The selection committee, which is made up of educators, booksellers and librarians from across Canada, handpicks new books they think will appeal to children. As a new author, it was an honour to have my book included with other great Canadian books.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?</span></b><br />I wish I understood how important and intense marketing is. Writing the story is the easy part. Getting people to know about your book, otherwise known as marketing, is the hardest part. Late nights, lots of tea, expensive mistakes and a steep learning curve - that has been my experience. Don’t believe anyone who says self-publishing is the ‘easy’ way. It’s a business, your business, and you need to treat it as such. <br /><b><span style="color: #800180;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrI6K_Ok0mE6f0tzWfMCK-Yes7B0q_ezfvp5ZPn6TDyc6ERIEL95ZKZ4vXhOOA9kF_k3pYj2lI2e8Prk9f2Lcwjz310P6oXsbgFvoCFG32WD3WrtacT6P9aLj-t4hPzIchYRCyITaissOAXXB57bBK1t5U49DofwvGzmAYB8hyphenhyphenphiIpZnc3HJv4r7wtE/s1250/A%20Coke3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrI6K_Ok0mE6f0tzWfMCK-Yes7B0q_ezfvp5ZPn6TDyc6ERIEL95ZKZ4vXhOOA9kF_k3pYj2lI2e8Prk9f2Lcwjz310P6oXsbgFvoCFG32WD3WrtacT6P9aLj-t4hPzIchYRCyITaissOAXXB57bBK1t5U49DofwvGzmAYB8hyphenhyphenphiIpZnc3HJv4r7wtE/s320/A%20Coke3.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?<br /></span></b>Know your ideal reader. A mistake many self-published authors make is thinking their book is for everyone. It’s not. Focus your marketing efforts on who the book is for.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Find those in the author community who can help mentor you. Join author groups and writing communities. But weigh the information you receive - someone who hasn’t sold any books may not have the best advice for marketing. Finding people who don’t just make promises but actually show you the steps to achieve what you want, is priceless.<br /><br />Laurie Wright is a children’s book author and marketing expert. She advised me to stop searching ‘how to sell your book’ and instead develop a marketing strategy to make my book brand stand out and attract my perfect readers. No more ‘Google University,’ as she calls it. I’m grateful for her advice.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?</span></b><br />Let’s start with the truth: I had no business publishing a book, yet I did. I’m an educator, speech pathologist, wife, busy mom of four - what did I know about setting up a website, uploading books to online platforms, etc? Nothing. <br /><br />I can’t explain how my debut book won an award for best picture book. And was named one of Kirkus Reviews best Indie books of 2022. All I know is that being an award-winning author was impossible, until it wasn’t. I know it sounds cliche but here’s the truth: we have the potential to achieve what doesn’t seem possible.<br /><br />As an author, you don’t need to follow every publishing trend or gimmick. You are the only one who can tell your stories. My journey, timelines and achievements might look different than others – and that’s okay! The best gift you can give yourself as an author is to stop comparing yourself to others. Learn from them but don’t copy them. Be yourself. That’s where success starts.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02W1oZ73f76qriy110e4u1zBcLFd-5syeKO04hJZyEUPO4Cb4nti8EvfmH5iYXagsSboE5aPhIl_wGxcng18fCqpAOm8ldyHLJioMX2yeudScpMUXFogIm2DhP4DnZL3OaOhW3HncQmh1sQJqh_osooKSZdt6kQnWMkEcacWCQkTipSS6U-JhcV3bYig/s1500/A%20Coke4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02W1oZ73f76qriy110e4u1zBcLFd-5syeKO04hJZyEUPO4Cb4nti8EvfmH5iYXagsSboE5aPhIl_wGxcng18fCqpAOm8ldyHLJioMX2yeudScpMUXFogIm2DhP4DnZL3OaOhW3HncQmh1sQJqh_osooKSZdt6kQnWMkEcacWCQkTipSS6U-JhcV3bYig/s320/A%20Coke4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>What is the next book coming out? Can you give me some details? </span></b><br />Three more books in the Molly Morningstar series are planned. Book 4, <i>Music Show Surprise</i>, is coming in spring. When Papa’s big day arrives, Molly Morningstar takes charge, creating surprises and laughter at every turn. My awesome illustrator is currently doing her magic with the illustrations. We’ll release the remaining books next year. <br /><br />I’m also very excited about a new project under development. It’s a picture book that’s more than just a story —it's a fun intro into the magic of music, the wonders of STEM, and the richness of Caribbean culture. I can’t wait to share more!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b><i>That's all for today's interview. </i></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">I can relate to so many of </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">the comments Andrea made in this interview that fit </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">in my own writing life. Thank you for your honest assessment. I think you made a great choice in your illustrator, too. Writing is a business and you constantly need to adapt to how to pursue it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I hope you'll check out Andrea's links, which I've included below.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/abcbooknook">https://www.facebook.com/abcbooknook</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/abcbooknookinc/">https://www.instagram.com/abcbooknookinc/</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Amazon: </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Andrea-Coke/author/B09DYZ3MFR">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Andrea-Coke/author/B09DYZ3MFR</a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Website: <a href="https://deref-mail.com/mail/client/Pz5G2Ms3NIg/dereferrer/?redirectUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.abcbooknook.com">www.abcbooknook.com</a> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Linktree: </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://linktr.ee/AndreaCokeAuthor">https://linktr.ee/AndreaCokeAuthor</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">And here's a bonus for my readers</span></b></i><span style="background-color: white;">, leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive an ebook copy of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Molly on Ice,</i> a fun story that helps children learn that making mistakes is okay.</span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;"> </i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tuesday!</span></span></div><div><b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;"></b></div>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-19548710766530724492024-02-09T11:30:00.001-05:002024-02-09T11:30:00.135-05:00Don't Write to the Curve: Interview with Publisher and Author Jennifer Conner<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdUPMoPmakZdl_MQb6lsT3hj-ckIRbBfeL9bfbFcdwADlXQrRJXr9VM6C4vq1hEtBROgLE3UTv1k0MAvnsia_RABotjF2jc5djjYDs-OFeEagW5-ZKLhH1d0En02CJsAHcXZrk9-HvBTV95RkyVPjHfeldZy5kczGroBynNvB5q1D0JRQ6K7gGyC1CGs/s1500/J%20Conner1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdUPMoPmakZdl_MQb6lsT3hj-ckIRbBfeL9bfbFcdwADlXQrRJXr9VM6C4vq1hEtBROgLE3UTv1k0MAvnsia_RABotjF2jc5djjYDs-OFeEagW5-ZKLhH1d0En02CJsAHcXZrk9-HvBTV95RkyVPjHfeldZy5kczGroBynNvB5q1D0JRQ6K7gGyC1CGs/s320/J%20Conner1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #800180;">Amazon lists you as having 105 published titles. How many books did it take before you could do this as a full-time career? </span></b><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The writing profit is always up and down for us mid-list authors. Most of us, if you want to make millions it's not going to happen. I write because I love to write and tell stories for readers.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>I noticed that several of your early books were book sets with other authors. How did those book sets come about? </b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Many of those early book anthologies were fun and I am still friends with many of these authors. That includes Angela Ford who lives on the other side of the country in Nova Scotia. We have written at least 8 books together but had never met in person. I flew there last September and we were able to meet in person and go to the Titanic museum! How fun is that! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But, anthologies can be difficult for bookkeeping and royalty payouts, breaking it up. And if one author wants to leave the anthology it's a lot of work. We have started doing more boxed sets with just that author instead of boxed sets with multiple authors.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Besides writing, you also publish books for other authors. When did that come about? </span></b><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">When I started seriously writing in around 2007 I had won 3 national writing contests, and got a one on one with a big publishing house. After 6 months, all that I got back one line that said "there is no such thing as a bikini barista". That was when I knew I had to take my career into my own hands and started Books to Go Now book publishing. I wanted myself and others to be treated with respect. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwe6U3MJxW_Yo63Q4AU9aTuAvMYhLKvYBZZP9L-XyKTtXQhNFSfbHpBsZt915ZUtAzoUXAZpiAFrZTGFHjjHqqYQYyEgA0Eain92O654P25gVIUW59timepJYNxwgGrNnXpwAtekuuLJQ0XzV1kM9yVAXevJqcfRPsUUr5_Y9U1HvudDVsMn-W1gdy5Yw/s1500/J%20Conner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwe6U3MJxW_Yo63Q4AU9aTuAvMYhLKvYBZZP9L-XyKTtXQhNFSfbHpBsZt915ZUtAzoUXAZpiAFrZTGFHjjHqqYQYyEgA0Eain92O654P25gVIUW59timepJYNxwgGrNnXpwAtekuuLJQ0XzV1kM9yVAXevJqcfRPsUUr5_Y9U1HvudDVsMn-W1gdy5Yw/s320/J%20Conner2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>What will make you pass on a book submission (besides not being in your genre list)? </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Mainly it's purely written material and not the genre that we look for. BTGN mainly publishes shorter novella length. If it's 150k works we won't accept it, but we are open to all genres from sweet to sexy. We have carried 300 authors and 4000 titles over the years.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">I noticed on your publishing site that you are looking for short Christmas stories of 10k to 15k words. What’s your tip for completing a story in that short length? </span></b><br /></span><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">BTGN takes short books in all genres. You need to learn to write a tight story line which helps when you move into longer works. Get in, tell your story, and then wrap it up. Do you need 600 pages to tell that story or can you tell it in 150? I read a lot of other authors and genres, many I think can cut out a bunch of stuff that is not needed. Also, make sure that it is edited and not a mess when you send it out. </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your own writing? </span></b><br /></span></span><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Don't give up. Don't listen to negative feedback (especially online). Get into a IN PERSON critique group. I have been with </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">my critique group</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> for 14 years. We write all different genres and add to the ideas of the others books even if we don;t write that. If you need to correct something in your story ask them why, don't let them tell you your story or writing sucks. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitteIbMvYBU7YYLSn7oWhouQPVjbb1H-N32B5qdNxwodXxwYaVodlyCy3xjy3sHr1ly3oegYs0WMmwmyA-YS7iiBZawcGMnIFJOYvYxX86sxHEwzLePYDELhOCPVuPv5h6z4Az_-PRCL2Tab530DGpQPkUVpvs9Rr8v57G2nMyKSCsR1fibTuSpi84nv0/s1500/J%20Conner3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitteIbMvYBU7YYLSn7oWhouQPVjbb1H-N32B5qdNxwodXxwYaVodlyCy3xjy3sHr1ly3oegYs0WMmwmyA-YS7iiBZawcGMnIFJOYvYxX86sxHEwzLePYDELhOCPVuPv5h6z4Az_-PRCL2Tab530DGpQPkUVpvs9Rr8v57G2nMyKSCsR1fibTuSpi84nv0/s320/J%20Conner3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>One of the best examples I've heard was from Debbie Macomber who lives down the road from me. She was called out by an agent at a BIG writing conference who told her not to give up her day job and she might as well stop writing. She has now sold well over 200 million books. Guess it was a good thing she didn't listen to that twit.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks? </span></b><br /></span><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Bookbub if you can afford it. Facebook ads but learn how they work first. Online presence. Branding of your titles if it's a series. It's an always changing field listen to other authors as to what works. One thing that worked last year may not work now.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner? </span></b><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Again, don't listen to negative people. They want to tear you down to feel better about themselves. Put your best forward with a professional product. Get into an in-person critique or writing group.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give? </span></b><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Get a professional book cover and a good editor or you will look back and regret your early works.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsle_suY8_qg3c0y_5vVi31f_WP3ZXS1_yRR4pd_JkWpfQKAeI1T1V70UA0IY2QzOB14bkOyXdOo6MGy9U7ftRC22Jv_xg0uEQDjMQXmHc8nXhcgktlCyJjsI52IIQS37_zfpepveVATvW8oZC26G3cv-4BRvYQQrkCKYjgPfZZwzDbqhOuMRiqjtyifY/s1500/J%20Conner4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="940" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsle_suY8_qg3c0y_5vVi31f_WP3ZXS1_yRR4pd_JkWpfQKAeI1T1V70UA0IY2QzOB14bkOyXdOo6MGy9U7ftRC22Jv_xg0uEQDjMQXmHc8nXhcgktlCyJjsI52IIQS37_zfpepveVATvW8oZC26G3cv-4BRvYQQrkCKYjgPfZZwzDbqhOuMRiqjtyifY/s320/J%20Conner4.jpg" width="201" /></a></div><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Are there any other points about writing you would like to add? </span></b><br /></span></span><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Write the story you are passionate about and don't write to the curve. Don't write the next <i>Fifty S<b><span style="color: #800180;">hades </span></b></i><b><span style="color: #800180;">or<i> Hunger Games,</i> it's already been done. Write what you want, it will show.</span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>I’m intrigued by your newest book <i>Diamond in the Rough</i>. That cover looks like the poster for an animated movie. What made you decide on such a unique cover? <br /></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">I thought that the cover design from Romance Novel Covers Now was fun and I liked the vibe of it. I thought it summed up Darian and Kassidy. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Can you give my readers a short synopsis? </span></b><br /></span><span style="color: #0f1111; line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">A modern workplace romance about a piece of antique jewelry that can break a heart, save a business, and bring love.</span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #0f1111; line-height: 14.2667px;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="color: #0f1111; line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Darian Laird's girlfriend just broke up with him by text. Rough. This isn’t the worst of it. It wasn't his fault that he had to come back to London to run Laird's Custom Jewelers after his father became ill. This forces him to leave his dreams of owning his own business in the rear-view mirror</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #0f1111; line-height: 14.2667px;">He orders his jewelry designer, Kassidy, to melt down the antique engagement ring he'd bought for his ex and make it into something to help save the business. Kassidy and Darian have known each other since they were kids, and she doesn’t take orders well. When she learns the history of the beautiful ring, there is no way she is going to destroy it.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="color: #0f1111; line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Maybe the setting for love could be sparkling right in front of him.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6qyiamV7VMSm1gqqI6X1akQ6l4VCFai6qQDa3LaBcwyH_WH9IZmBo326N0nDo7gHnK-FxpdCBQ01nGWtZvE00FXpIzGbsgiJIvSzLk8CGQk2e8X4lfzDkTB8LXiS9czVvwFk4AVljqrbPMPEu6PSV56ES6-Up3j2gPJ1h1diT2CVtuEkvESeDxmBTDY/s1500/J%20Conner5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6qyiamV7VMSm1gqqI6X1akQ6l4VCFai6qQDa3LaBcwyH_WH9IZmBo326N0nDo7gHnK-FxpdCBQ01nGWtZvE00FXpIzGbsgiJIvSzLk8CGQk2e8X4lfzDkTB8LXiS9czVvwFk4AVljqrbPMPEu6PSV56ES6-Up3j2gPJ1h1diT2CVtuEkvESeDxmBTDY/s320/J%20Conner5.jpg" width="213" /></a></b></span></span></div><span style="line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b><i>That's all for today's interview. </i>If you'd like to learn more about that book or buy it, here are some links to do so.</b></span></span><p></p><div style="line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0f1111; line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Apple: <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/diamond-in-the-rough-for-valentines-day/id6476630032">https://books.apple.com/us/book/diamond-in-the-rough-for-valentines-day/id6476630032<br /></a></span></span><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: georgia; line-height: 14.2667px;">Barnes and Noble: <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/diamond-in-the-rough-for-valentines-day-jennifer-conner/1144712573">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/diamond-in-the-rough-for-valentines-day-jennifer-conner/1144712573<br /></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #0f1111; line-height: 14.2667px;">Kobo: </span><span style="color: #0563c1; line-height: 14.2667px;"><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/diamond-in-the-rough-for-valentine-s-day-1">https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/diamond-in-the-rough-for-valentine-s-day-1<br /></a></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #0f1111; line-height: 14.2667px;">Smashwords: </span><span style="color: #0563c1; line-height: 14.2667px;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1512234">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1512234</a></span></span></div><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 15.5467px;"><span style="color: #800180; line-height: 16.96px;"><b>Here are the links to all her other books and her publishing company.</b></span></span></span></p><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 15.5467px;"><span style="line-height: 16.96px;">Website: </span></span><a href="https://www.jenniferconnerbooks.com/">https://www.jenniferconnerbooks.com/<br /></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Books to Go Now: </span><a href="https://deref-mail.com/mail/client/ulCMKYnAeVs/dereferrer/?redirectUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fbookstogonow.com%2F" style="font-family: georgia;" target="_blank">https://bookstogonow.com/</a><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><i>And here's a bonus for my readers.</i> </span></b>Leave a comment on this post. Make sure it includes your name. Next Friday, we'll choose 5 winners who will get e-book copies of <i>Rescued for Christ</i></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>mas : Sweet Holiday Short Stories - Dog Tags for Christmas and Christmas at Central Bark</i></span></div>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-54467093819377279692024-02-06T11:30:00.002-05:002024-02-07T10:17:38.312-05:00There Is a Place in This World for Your Story: Author Interview with Lauren Ranalli <div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #800180;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtnuDrahfLvIN9iejxLOj__g5JqXY4r96zVBFuWHy-lycPDrf4zYc1KG9Tza1GnoTYxdbeL48Y_0i8zIsEfdsC13R8vF1ssCjOkGWFbzvwu1E4Ixw4EuWEunFXDRw29ydpg9uoiR_pxTZQnX0K5-9fIwE52uidjY4zASORt1Y2jnXcnmBqv9lIk706wQ/s786/Ranalli1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="786" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtnuDrahfLvIN9iejxLOj__g5JqXY4r96zVBFuWHy-lycPDrf4zYc1KG9Tza1GnoTYxdbeL48Y_0i8zIsEfdsC13R8vF1ssCjOkGWFbzvwu1E4Ixw4EuWEunFXDRw29ydpg9uoiR_pxTZQnX0K5-9fIwE52uidjY4zASORt1Y2jnXcnmBqv9lIk706wQ/s320/Ranalli1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></b></span></span></span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #800180;"><b>What made you decide to write your first novel? Was there a book/author who made you think, I could do that? <br /></b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">My oldest child was born in December 2011. We're an inter-faith family and being a December baby, he received lovely Christmas books from friends and family. On one of my early outings with him, I went on a search for Chanukah books to add a little balance to our bookshelf. I couldn’t find what I wanted in the store, so I checked online, and at our local library. </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The stories I initially found seemed to all fall on opposing ends of a spectrum. On one side there were stories such as “Elmo Celebrates Chanukah” and on the other side was “The History of Chanukah and the Maccabees”. Neither of these really resonated with me (no offense to Elmo or the Maccabees). I wanted to find a book that was a better reflection of my own family traditions and cultural experience. This inspiration began my journey to write my first children's book, <i>The Great Latke Cook Off.</i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #800180; line-height: normal;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKvLoRf6VAMJcOT_GyD_MH0fwMOjujrDQXOrcyqKo8TIbZTI74yqW70uG3li0wK34bgw3twXedMWdSmfS5MdCEQd4esovgha3k1stP9yI8X9Wv8aQy1-nBZPrsDWm8-_uZbQNFHbdz96eZ2QxTlDgeIm9Eenm36mzZpZvGkKVIjK7sS0zkHlS-ZyGdIY/s1500/Ranalli2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKvLoRf6VAMJcOT_GyD_MH0fwMOjujrDQXOrcyqKo8TIbZTI74yqW70uG3li0wK34bgw3twXedMWdSmfS5MdCEQd4esovgha3k1stP9yI8X9Wv8aQy1-nBZPrsDWm8-_uZbQNFHbdz96eZ2QxTlDgeIm9Eenm36mzZpZvGkKVIjK7sS0zkHlS-ZyGdIY/s320/Ranalli2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></b></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #800180; line-height: normal;"><b>You’re an indie author, which means you’re in charge of everything from writing to publishing and marketing. Other than writing, what other parts of the process do you personally do or hire others to do? <br /></b></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: normal;">I've been very fortunate in working with incredible illustrators since that is a skill I definitely don't have! And outside of the physical printing of the books, I manage all other aspects of my author business. This includes marketing and promotion, shipping my books (I choose to do this because I love to sign each copy!), scheduling author events, and- now that my business has grown- offering coaching and trainings for other self-published authors. </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #800180; line-height: normal;"><b>What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing? <br /></b></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: normal;">Seeing all of the incredible reader reviews is always so rewarding! I recently had a teacher tell me that her classroom gave my book, <i>Let's Meet on the Moon </i>one hundred thumbs up" and that made me smile 😊 I've also been fortunate to win a number of awards for my children's books, which is always encouraging and validating. It makes me incredibly grateful. </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #800180; line-height: normal;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQmte0unostI3-CIAx_0v-ceKGAfj9eRPTrjFeqT3W4GNmJ2nf7kp85bkrVFw0kfz09Mc0cxPPeiGNpJb2jJaMTw3u_dlOEPIvASqqWu8SEH7LlkkUrhoYBVaBzBjy6TuR3eJgUviieUrzeHaPjd4Nl3wdZdSGI5Sj3SRaL5njpI2-WbKjQM1J6v8jvM/s1500/Ranalli3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQmte0unostI3-CIAx_0v-ceKGAfj9eRPTrjFeqT3W4GNmJ2nf7kp85bkrVFw0kfz09Mc0cxPPeiGNpJb2jJaMTw3u_dlOEPIvASqqWu8SEH7LlkkUrhoYBVaBzBjy6TuR3eJgUviieUrzeHaPjd4Nl3wdZdSGI5Sj3SRaL5njpI2-WbKjQM1J6v8jvM/s320/Ranalli3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></b></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #800180; line-height: normal;"><b>Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks? <br /></b></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: normal;">Email marketing is by far my most successful marketing tool! I think as a self-published author it's incredibly important to have a successful website and to build your email list. Social media is also a great asset, but I mostly use it to help build awareness and promote my website rather than trying to do direct sales from a social platform. Plus getting in front of readers and various author events is so important- and can be so much fun. </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner? <br /></span></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">I wish I had known about self-publishing sooner. For the longest time I assumed you needed an agent and a publisher before your book could be out in the world. That belief held me back from even getting started for a number of years. But once I discovered the vibrant self-publishing community, I went on to publish four successful books in 5 years! </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #800180; line-height: normal;"><b>What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give? <br /></b></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: normal;">Book lovers are always looking for more books. So when you start to doubt yourself, remember that there is a place in this world for your story!</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #800180; line-height: normal;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn57FAWST9f90wACkkRB6mNqDz5LOVVgWUmsgfhyqX55v3BRQl5wXD7LtG_njwX11C25W1-279j8O6fcODEeWnMvIgczm6ZegYfhpRUdWMWhZpTgHmOY6ipMKyi5aqOBHtPnzopBhaYYDjymL_Mm0xP4XMcjufPb2KZK2AaagI3JeUiYsZnXPxOvPsli8/s1128/Ranalli4.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1127" data-original-width="1128" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn57FAWST9f90wACkkRB6mNqDz5LOVVgWUmsgfhyqX55v3BRQl5wXD7LtG_njwX11C25W1-279j8O6fcODEeWnMvIgczm6ZegYfhpRUdWMWhZpTgHmOY6ipMKyi5aqOBHtPnzopBhaYYDjymL_Mm0xP4XMcjufPb2KZK2AaagI3JeUiYsZnXPxOvPsli8/s320/Ranalli4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></b></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #800180; line-height: normal;"><b>Are there any other points about writing you would like to add? <br /></b></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: normal;">Self-publishing doesn't mean going it alone. Reach out to others in the field to help you along the way! I'm happy to chat with you so please feel free to contact me. </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #800180;"><b>Tell me about your latest book<br /></b></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: normal;">My latest book, <i>Snow Day at the Zoo, </i>was just released in November 2023. It's about a zookeeper's children who go on a whimsical adventure while taking care of daily chores after they have been snowed in with their favorite animals. This rhyming story is so much for young readers and animal lovers. </span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 15.5467px;"><span style="line-height: 16.96px;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Are there any other points of writing you would like to add?</span></b><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 15.5467px;"><span style="line-height: 16.96px;"> If you're interested in becoming a self-published author, I've put together some of my favorite (free!) tips in <i>The Self-Publishing Guide: 5 Resources to Get You Started</i></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 15.5467px;"><span style="line-height: 16.96px;"><i><b><span style="color: #800180;">That's all for today's interview.</span></b> I you'd like to learn more about Lauren's writing, here are the links to get you started.</i></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Website: <a href="https://www.laurenranalli.com/">https://www.laurenranalli.com/<br /></a></span><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Her website features free coloring pages for each of her books<br /></span><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Free self-publishing guide</span>: <a href="https://www.laurenranalli.com/guide"><span style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.laurenranalli.com/guide<br /></span></a><span style="font-family: georgia;">Amazon Author Page:</span> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3ALauren+Ranalli"><span style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3ALauren+Ranalli</span></a></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #800180;">And here's a special discount from Lauren...</span></i></b> Buy any of her print books and Lauren will give everyone a 15% discount. Just use the code </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">THANKYOU15 </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">online at checkout.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #800180;">And here's another bonus for my readers... </span></i></b>Here's a free eBook to inspire and challenge children to reach for their dreams and not give up. </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Big-Heart-Educators-Guide-ebook/dp/B088D129DC/" style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.amazon.com/Lotti-Big-Dream-Charly-Froh-ebook/dp/B0BP2QPN69</a></div>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-47252697979171518892024-02-02T12:01:00.001-05:002024-02-02T12:01:00.140-05:00Laughter, Suspense and Love: Author Interview with C.L. Rain <div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #800180;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyr4uV9Y4Q_uhbHT6pyjCiKkpkEMie_mBxyZDVhBov8ACort_LAwicBFregbEOUsVpuVW32mL_dSTvv6Od6_bmExUX4W6a-cr1VRxe7Vb3s3SZ7igNUJQNKEvB1AdOeLVsTCl-aU9sM4hfT-E_tL-zrj6n-gOggwKDeCKBpr_Gt21mdGuGP3qHq5S24BA/s1500/cl%20rain1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="940" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyr4uV9Y4Q_uhbHT6pyjCiKkpkEMie_mBxyZDVhBov8ACort_LAwicBFregbEOUsVpuVW32mL_dSTvv6Od6_bmExUX4W6a-cr1VRxe7Vb3s3SZ7igNUJQNKEvB1AdOeLVsTCl-aU9sM4hfT-E_tL-zrj6n-gOggwKDeCKBpr_Gt21mdGuGP3qHq5S24BA/s320/cl%20rain1.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>What made you decide to write your first novel? Was there a book/author who made you think, I could do that? </b></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #333333;">I've always had an active imagination going all the way back to my earliest memories. My degree is in media studies with a screenwriting emphasis. I love storytelling! So, I just decided to tell my own stories and put them on paper so I wouldn't forget the awesome storylines I create. It just went from there.<br /></span></span> <br /><span style="color: #800180; line-height: normal;"><b>You’re an indie author, which means you’re in charge of everything from writing to publishing and marketing. Other than writing, what other parts of the process do you personally do or hire others to do? </b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: normal;">I do everything except my editing, graphics and book covers. I outsource that. But the reader engagement, marketing concepts, relationship building with other authors and industry insiders, social media etc are all me.<br /></span> <br /><span style="color: #800180; line-height: normal;"><b>What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing? </b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: normal;">I don't lose, I learn. If I try something and it doesn't work, that's not a loss. Learn from it and try again because you only have to be right once. Thomas Edison said "I have not failed. I just found 10,000 ways not to make a lightbulb. I only needed to find one way to make it work." or something like that. But the concept is, don't be afraid to try.<br /></span> <br /><span style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRlJhGTBNEc3mbwbNH_Wuy1PirsqZ99d0wWPAx4J7wtWTRI5iMeoAsxUOsskhD18CfKO_Ah8g8zZbyNGULF0KsAdfAHQizx0BMSRP7WaKWX-BOekhFlZSK9OgEGfdn9f3GxliTSX4EM7x2U_WYxpgQOSW3JQjKq1bCxbBbOL4IR_0K_ymIdDF-6ae6Fs/s1300/cl%20rain2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="832" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRlJhGTBNEc3mbwbNH_Wuy1PirsqZ99d0wWPAx4J7wtWTRI5iMeoAsxUOsskhD18CfKO_Ah8g8zZbyNGULF0KsAdfAHQizx0BMSRP7WaKWX-BOekhFlZSK9OgEGfdn9f3GxliTSX4EM7x2U_WYxpgQOSW3JQjKq1bCxbBbOL4IR_0K_ymIdDF-6ae6Fs/s320/cl%20rain2.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?</span></b> </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: normal;">For me, so far it's been Facebook. Between takeovers and ads, those have been the most successful for me to date.<br /></span> <br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner? </span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Pick a lane and stick with it. People told me I should write in one genre and stay there, but early on I experimented. It took me a while to hit my groove and figure out where I experience the most enjoyment writing that can also have a sustainable reader base. I wish I'd found my action romcom niche sooner.<br /> <br /><span style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give? </span></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: normal;">Work on your craft. I've seen a lot of authors who have said they're just the best thing since sliced bread, but when I read their stories, it's not. Continually work to get better and never settle for where you think you are.<br /></span> <br /><span style="color: #800180; line-height: normal;"><b>Are there any other points about writing you would like to add? </b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: normal;">Don't take it personally. Expect negative reviews. Not everyone is going to like or love what you put out. Just keep going and the people who love it will follow. <br /></span> <br /><span style="color: #800180; line-height: normal;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7nRYjV0bIuZOpQh37rjtZ35XeC6rZ10rV685I5x4aZbd-hbYRYIlipNPsbrKKnaBvu_0HXSk3JmEeVf7SNT81EetSZuyq2FnrAKe2jz84LCK114hOPIDVBEX5XjRJ7yry1FBMzZ1Bdw8keQZGbwJIs4_q6CQiOrRHUVUntukgLseWbrVl9vESFxhIE4/s1500/cl%20rain3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="938" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7nRYjV0bIuZOpQh37rjtZ35XeC6rZ10rV685I5x4aZbd-hbYRYIlipNPsbrKKnaBvu_0HXSk3JmEeVf7SNT81EetSZuyq2FnrAKe2jz84LCK114hOPIDVBEX5XjRJ7yry1FBMzZ1Bdw8keQZGbwJIs4_q6CQiOrRHUVUntukgLseWbrVl9vESFxhIE4/s320/cl%20rain3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis? </b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: normal;">I released my newest book last month. It's called <i>Bullet & Blaze. </i>If you can picture a mix of <i>Mission Impossible</i> meets <i>The Tourist</i> then you have the idea. An international law enforcement agent tries to track down the assassin who killed her protectee while she was protecting him. It's an action-thriller rom-com that is full of laughs, suspense, angst and all the feels that will have your heart swooning as you race through the pages. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 15.5467px;"><span style="line-height: 16.96px;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><i>That's all for today's interview. </i></span></b>Here are the links to find more about this author's books.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 15.5467px;"><span style="line-height: 16.96px;">Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.L.%20Rain/author/B0CP8LBP6Z/allbooks">https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.L.%20Rain/author/B0CP8LBP6Z/allbooks</a></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Goodreads: </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/38435929.C_L_Rain" style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/38435929.C_L_Rain</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 15.5467px;"><span style="line-height: 16.96px;">Facebook: </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094640120717">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094640120717</a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/clrainauthor/">https://www.instagram.com/clrainauthor/</a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Bullet & Blaze: </span><a href="https://books2read.com/u/mYDQrp" style="font-family: georgia;">https://books2read.com/u/mYDQrp</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">And here's a bonus for my readers</span></b></i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #800180;">, </span>leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive an e</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">B</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">ook copy of </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">of <i>Bullet & Blaze</i>! </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Friday!</span></span></div>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-52750935992162642452024-01-30T10:48:00.000-05:002024-01-30T10:48:40.274-05:00Engage Your Readers and Buyers: Author Interview with Erin & Kent Barnard<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxaCiA7HbS0wa0_KtrHIU2JzWl3TKPxz7Koy9fK-KuVVRgPRMaHJo-v0y32IL4kdxMBSxgybC9WMAXxlp-iauCnsRi4Q33P4Ajj6CE_LVpRMKVnQxN_zZmtO2ATnyI_e-rWuwFTujTi9me1ibR9yEMAMOeTZx9Uu-_eDna4RL3jkiXLpsmzvpn2aRFfU/s1500/Seabear1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1150" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxaCiA7HbS0wa0_KtrHIU2JzWl3TKPxz7Koy9fK-KuVVRgPRMaHJo-v0y32IL4kdxMBSxgybC9WMAXxlp-iauCnsRi4Q33P4Ajj6CE_LVpRMKVnQxN_zZmtO2ATnyI_e-rWuwFTujTi9me1ibR9yEMAMOeTZx9Uu-_eDna4RL3jkiXLpsmzvpn2aRFfU/s320/Seabear1.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>Today's interview features two authors who work as a team to create picture books for children. I hope you'll enjoy reading both sides of their story.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>What made you decide to start writing picture books?<br /></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Erin:
</b>I've always loved drawing and writing stories. I created my first picture book
on my own when I was six in the first grade. My first degree was in Animation, so
you can see the resemblance between the two. Picture books are like an animated
feature - just compressed into 32, 40, 48 pages.</span></div>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><b>Kent:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>I
grew up in a reading house, even though we read a lot of comic books, we also
read virtually everything else around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While working at a big book store in Cincinnati, I met Loren Long, we
talked each time he'd come in, and I got the itch to write a picture book. I
was doing the Storytimes each week, and loved reading to the kids so how hard
could it be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*(that answer is
below!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many years later, I was inspired
by one of my Storytime kids to write <i>Mom Needs a Dinosaur! </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(He is now a sophomore in high school!)</span><span style="mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">As a husband and wife team, how do you go about writing, editing, and
formatting?<br /></span></b></span><b style="font-family: georgia;">Erin</b><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>:</b>
This is a very involved question! I will try to make this short, for your sake
[you're welcome]! Kent wrote </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">Mom Needs a Dinosaur!</i><span style="font-family: georgia;"> and I did the rest.
For the </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">Rhino & Dino </i><span style="font-family: georgia;">series, I'll usually have an idea how a
manuscript will end, but I start at the beginning and work myself through. I
find that I know the characters so well, that I know exactly what each would
say in the given circumstance. This makes writing for them very
easy! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdazqxcprLBV4IGFFOFzpw-DV2xB-j2uIQBEImbKFIIcTK-zOA2H1wrWyt9lxX5wlRt70xMSjHS0vSEUUDaF5VzfvPF9OgR2zWMHYcdoYwjwsG_CTTkqakBOpwV97cDbUCCVpUgnNpjsUr_c63Z6YzDydPii4CzBTrJqHlbqRvmlUhNpl1geuZoGG4570/s1500/Seabear2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1150" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdazqxcprLBV4IGFFOFzpw-DV2xB-j2uIQBEImbKFIIcTK-zOA2H1wrWyt9lxX5wlRt70xMSjHS0vSEUUDaF5VzfvPF9OgR2zWMHYcdoYwjwsG_CTTkqakBOpwV97cDbUCCVpUgnNpjsUr_c63Z6YzDydPii4CzBTrJqHlbqRvmlUhNpl1geuZoGG4570/s320/Seabear2.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>Then I'll start drawing in the same way, from beginning to end. Again,
knowing the characters means I know how they'll act and react so drawing that
is easier than characters I wouldn't know. Probably 90% of the drawings you see
are the first ones I did. Occasionally I'll try drawing a different pose or
exaggerating my first drawing even more to make it funnier. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> I always save </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">the covers</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> for last. By the time the book
is done on the inside, I will know what is best to represent it on the outside.
For editing, I brush the story with a fine-toothed comb many times throughout
the process and Kent will go over it a few times for me as well — which is
terrific because he catches little things that I miss. After that, I'll send the
draft to a few people in my life that are really good at giving me honest
feedback. With their input, Kent and I go over it again until it's just right.
For formatting, I have created templates the size of each book's cover and
interior pages that allot for things like the spine, hinges, foldover, bleed
and safety margins.</span></div>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Kent:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span>Since I have a full-time library director
job, Erin has been amazing at doing all of it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I do some editing, mostly she bounces things off of me and I give an
opinion, but Erin is a real workhorse!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We could not have come this far without her ability to learn new things
(as frustrating as that has sometimes been!).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">You publish as an indie author. How much of the book do you do yourself?</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"> </span></b><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Erin</b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>: </b>We
do everything except print the books. We don't have or pay anyone as staff -
it's just Kent and I mainly... but my mom, Terri, our friend Linda, and Kent's
daughter, Kate, are great at helping us sell.</span></div>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b>Kent:</b> </span>Erin
should really say she does everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
worked in sales as one of my jobs over the years, so that helps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I retire, I will be able to help out a
lot more, especially on sales and marketing, it takes a lot of face time to get
into bookstores, and we do the delivering ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMM2loQD7IDYsHSM_8agBthitssvMN7aLAc6XUHkHzQGEGhcl_ltEsBFBfzW9AwB0bgwjnaKaqoossqQEg2XESAa51hKxjOxzNEy-UNLzUeW2fwTGRlG1jYUv1fZX2dOUeEJ6yeE5PozMHg3b5KI4hQKmuIF785jKaCtgYXM0wvEiwirv5HEcsz-5reZQ/s886/Seabear3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="680" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMM2loQD7IDYsHSM_8agBthitssvMN7aLAc6XUHkHzQGEGhcl_ltEsBFBfzW9AwB0bgwjnaKaqoossqQEg2XESAa51hKxjOxzNEy-UNLzUeW2fwTGRlG1jYUv1fZX2dOUeEJ6yeE5PozMHg3b5KI4hQKmuIF785jKaCtgYXM0wvEiwirv5HEcsz-5reZQ/s320/Seabear3.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>What was the hardest part of putting together your books?</span></b><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Erin</b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>: </b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Doing all of it myself. It can be a lot of pressure. Would I be happy to get an
agent to shop manuscripts around for me and editors that have handfuls of
people to do the formatting so that I can just author/illustrate stories? You
bet! I'd be ecstatic! But until then, I love doing what I do so I just keep
doing it.</span><span style="font-family: georgia; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Kent:</b> There
was <b>a lot</b> of learning about writing and rewriting and rewriting (ad
infinitum).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every single word in a
picture book has to be the right word, the best word you can use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even when we went to publish the second
edition of <i>Mom Needs a Dinosaur!</i>, I changed a word, because when I read
it out loud at Storytimes, I always used that word, not the one in the book!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><b><span style="color: #800180;">What’s the best encouragement you’ve had from
readers?</span></b><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Erin</b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>:</b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> That
kids who adore series like the <i>Elephant & Piggie books</i> love our <i>Rhino &
Dino books</i> even more and read them over and over. In some cases, every night. It's
also encouraging when parents tell me that their children learned to read using
my books.</span></div>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b>Kent:</b> </span>My
librarian peers tell me that kids love our books and parents tell me their
kids want the same book read to them over and over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many kids (and adults) love dinos - and
they know more now than I did at their age!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Erin draws them, she makes them correct anatomically because she
knows kids will notice!!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing
source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?<br /></span></b></span><b style="font-family: georgia;">Erin</b><b style="font-family: georgia;">:</b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Talking
to people. Particularly Kent and Terri. Both are extremely personable and
likeable people and this is great for selling books. Word of mouth by parents
who love our books to other parents and friends too.</span></div>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Kent:</b> Word of mouth so far, but we will be making a
concerted effort to get out there and visit indie sellers when I retire.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #800180;"><b>What do you know now about publishing you wished
you had known sooner? <br /></b></span></span><b style="font-family: georgia;">Erin</b><b style="font-family: georgia;">: </b><span style="font-family: georgia;">That
most of the companies that write book reviews like the New York Times and
Kirkus charge a lot of money for their reviews and that some don't even allow
Indie books for consideration - only the biggest couple of publishing houses.
So readers may think they're finding out which books are the best, but they're really
not because the results are skewed.</span></div>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b>Kent:</b> </span>There
is still a huge stigma that self-published books are not quality books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, in many cases this is
true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found out, when we did <i>Mom
Needs a Dinosaur!</i>, that the quality of print on demand picture books is not
where <b>we</b> need it to be - so we make sure we get a good printer with
quality paper and always hardcover, they're just better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another big problem is distribution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have found that some of the big
distributors do not want anything to do with self-published works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand where they are coming from, but
one of the first things we hear at a bookstore is "Is it in
Ingram?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to answer no, but
we tell them we are only an hour, or two away, and we can replenish them that
day, if they need it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?</span></b><br /></span><b style="font-family: georgia;">Erin</b><b style="font-family: georgia;">:</b><span style="font-family: georgia;"> If
you think you're going to start writing picture books because they're small and
easy... don't. Picture books are deceivingly difficult to put together. Since
they're only a few hundred words, each word is vital. You will agonize over
every single word. Ensure that each word is working the hardest that it can for
you. Is it the best word that you can use? Is there a better word? A funnier
word? Can you shorten up the sentence? Can you delete it and show it in the
illustrations instead?</span></div>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">From
an illustrator's point of view, don't contact an illustrator to do your
illustrations until after your manuscript is finished, proofed and edited like
crazy to the best of your ability, and the most polished that it can be. Otherwise
you look like a rookie and you're wasting their time. Is that the way that you
want to start a work relationship? Sure, you'll find someone to illustrate for
you, but they won't be a professional and the work will be subpar. If you don't
care about making your story awesome, why should they? Your project will just
be a paycheck to them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you're a writer planning on getting an
agent and publishing your book through a publisher, don't even hire an
illustrator. The editors will hire an illustrator whose style they want to see
matched with your story. This is their job. It's up to them. The exception is if
you're an author/illustrator. Just please be honest with yourself. If you're
not that great at drawing, leave 'em out of your submission and just turn in
the words. But if you're an awesome artist, by all means, submit your book with
both.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b>Kent:</b> </span>"Edit,
rewrite, repeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then set the book
aside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then do it again. Until it's the
best gosh darn book it can be."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jerry Apps told me that during one of our talks at our library, which is
in his hometown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">It's best to find a critique group who will look
at your work and give you honest critiques of your work like friends, family,
librarians , teachers, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>Always save every copy you have made. I have a
book which I liked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I got
disillusioned with it and scrapped it to start over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After trying to start again, I realized the
first couple drafts weren't bad, but I had lost them</span><span style="mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Are there any other points about writing you would like to add? <br /></span></b></span><b style="font-family: georgia;">Erin</b><b style="font-family: georgia;">:</b><span style="font-family: georgia;"> There
is no wrong way to write. Everyone has a different method. Do what works for
you... and keep at it! The more you write, the better you'll get!</span></div>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b>Kent:</b> </span>Loren
Long told me after reading a book I wrote: "What people don't understand
is that when an author writes a book, and it's assigned to an illustrator -
that book is now just as much the illustrator's as it is the author's."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me that because I wrote that book
like a screenplay, thinking the illustrator needed to know every detail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don't.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDB_XJWg8S1CPSzQg-nCkJwH8HvOwDijUhEoBoDHPhNVQBa_IUTbIIX_1CgUvC-YNbwwnjkPb7OLxQDTLWwiT2qcbCf7AcRGi3Pdy3xfkmy48EMSQKgcg_MOImNjvDHoLTmQ7oMOTPNXm4OJhmtWV8wds-rLldYuYLzYx1yBPXz0-OWPmAH-XFku0mjM/s1650/Rhino%20&%20Dino%20Snazzy%20Jazzy%20Cover-page-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1275" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDB_XJWg8S1CPSzQg-nCkJwH8HvOwDijUhEoBoDHPhNVQBa_IUTbIIX_1CgUvC-YNbwwnjkPb7OLxQDTLWwiT2qcbCf7AcRGi3Pdy3xfkmy48EMSQKgcg_MOImNjvDHoLTmQ7oMOTPNXm4OJhmtWV8wds-rLldYuYLzYx1yBPXz0-OWPmAH-XFku0mjM/s320/Rhino%20&%20Dino%20Snazzy%20Jazzy%20Cover-page-001.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>What is the next book coming out? Can you give me some details? <br /></span></b></span><b style="font-family: georgia;">Erin</b><b style="font-family: georgia;">: </b><span style="font-family: georgia;">I
have 2 unpublished picture books finished, another fully drawn out that I'm
coloring, rough drafts of a chapter book and a graphic novel, and many
notebooks filled with manuscripts and ideas. One is a very interactive picture
book that I've already tested out on some classes. The kids cracked up so I
hope it comes out next! (You didn't hear this from me, but there's a drawing of
the main character on my secret page on our website). Subscribe to our
newsletter by writing us at editor@seabearpress.com! This is the easiest way to
find out what is coming next!</span></div>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b>Kent:</b> </span>We
have several things in the works, Erin has a couple of books ready to print,
and more after that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We haven't decided
which direction to go in, since we have a lot of books in our house to sell!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="margin-bottom: 8.25pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><i>That's all for today's interview.</i> If you'd like to learn more about their books, start with these links. <br /></span></b></span><div style="margin-bottom: 8.25pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Website:</b><a href="https://www.seabearpress.com/" target="_blank"> https://www.seabearpress.com/<br /></a></span><div style="margin-bottom: 8.25pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Facebook:</b> <a href="http://facebook.com/seabearpress">facebook.com/seabearpress<br /></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Amazon: </b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AErin+Kant+Barnard">https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AErin+Kant+Barnard</a></span></div></div></div>
<p style="margin-bottom: 8.25pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #800180;">Here's a bonus for my readers. </span></i></b>Leave a comment on this post and I'll pick one winner to get a PDF copy of </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <i>Rhino & Dino Snazzy Jazzy Activity
Booklet</i>? A winner will be chosen next Tuesday.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></p>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-18300412251142361922024-01-26T11:14:00.000-05:002024-01-26T11:14:23.100-05:00Writing with Purpose: Author Interview with Joi Copeland<span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLi8NsJ9aK7U98WMI1AqlTb88v6mFmFpOpyuhQvDn3C4b0RBfN3akLBVUt5I1A-OXI-7bA03aYhrwhu76FQLkCrL_xOXLyiytuN3_DziCl8T0tA_rx3cTR3Y9X6VPePDb02baS53fiBwJ0DNZreQt4Nj2EPvyaicMw_bu4vXZfgIIQfYxyyJ2JRjSchY/s1500/Copeland1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="971" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLi8NsJ9aK7U98WMI1AqlTb88v6mFmFpOpyuhQvDn3C4b0RBfN3akLBVUt5I1A-OXI-7bA03aYhrwhu76FQLkCrL_xOXLyiytuN3_DziCl8T0tA_rx3cTR3Y9X6VPePDb02baS53fiBwJ0DNZreQt4Nj2EPvyaicMw_bu4vXZfgIIQfYxyyJ2JRjSchY/s320/Copeland1.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>What made you decide to write your first novel? </span></b><br />When my family first moved to Colorado, I was homeschooling my kids and working at Old Navy. I had a lot of free time on my hands since we lived with my sister and brother-in-law and their two sons. My husband, sister, and brother-in-law suggested I start writing since I’ve always wanted to be an author. It was a contemporary book that I first wrote and continued in that genre for several years. Then I started writing historical.<br /><br />It’s actually a funny story why I started writing historical books. My first one was <i>A Christmas Home for Hannah</i>. I was asked to join a multiple authors project. I researched the topic and wrote the book. When it published, I decided I’d never write historical again because I don’t enjoy research. Then I received several emails asking me when my next book would be available! 😊<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">You’re an indie author, which means you’re in charge of everything from writing to publishing and marketing. Other than writing, what other parts of the process do you personally do or hire others to do?</span></b><br />I’ve hired out the cover artist and editing. Other than that, I do the marketing and publishing. Soon, my husband will start doing the covers.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyH0RzQnUB50Zu3OpjpTtMUP2rvS7MkQi_yg1l-uaElhK9YOR3kjvn6D_MlXjhPKg_oSi8MVjtdHqReRYB86pupvjoy-bYoqEQdieEh6ZHXYdGkLUBPyN8EJl0BeShY_DOIOb9UXBwBR5CkA-Eg55xKuZ7FmpaT5ImSzEtATJ5hlaJ9FCaPgn5FsnPGQ/s1500/Copeland2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="971" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyH0RzQnUB50Zu3OpjpTtMUP2rvS7MkQi_yg1l-uaElhK9YOR3kjvn6D_MlXjhPKg_oSi8MVjtdHqReRYB86pupvjoy-bYoqEQdieEh6ZHXYdGkLUBPyN8EJl0BeShY_DOIOb9UXBwBR5CkA-Eg55xKuZ7FmpaT5ImSzEtATJ5hlaJ9FCaPgn5FsnPGQ/s320/Copeland2.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?</span></b><br />The best encouragement I’ve had is that my books draw others closer to the Lord. That’s my goal for writing. To draw others to Him and encourage them in their faith.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?</span></b><br />Newsletter swaps with other authors. That has been a huge blessing in the marketing area.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?</span></b><br />Writing is more than writing. There’s marketing, promoting, researching, learning about the craft of all of those areas. It’s a lot of work. But so worth it!<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?</span></b><br />Have a newsletter, a website, and a mentor. All three are important!<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?</span></b><br />Writing is a joy! I absolutely love it! I’m so thankful to my author friends and readers who encourage and challenge me.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mXLtJR4r4I3EHvyjGW8xV58e2rqJy-QZYPYgGjO5wvsrGU5aZon52wcJmyAZ01uHZglslmeDTye9eu6nmlLOLVgPWLa_CerNfIH_FdxM7zot32gx6ryKCe7-IvWEc-Ig9nLDaoTiINoDcCvznW_yhpC6scMdZ4bQCEGz3WY4-DzIrlmKCj91dinlxEg/s1500/Copeland3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="938" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mXLtJR4r4I3EHvyjGW8xV58e2rqJy-QZYPYgGjO5wvsrGU5aZon52wcJmyAZ01uHZglslmeDTye9eu6nmlLOLVgPWLa_CerNfIH_FdxM7zot32gx6ryKCe7-IvWEc-Ig9nLDaoTiINoDcCvznW_yhpC6scMdZ4bQCEGz3WY4-DzIrlmKCj91dinlxEg/s320/Copeland3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?</span></b><br /><i>A Match for Malachi</i> comes out March 1st. Malachi seeks the help of a matchmaker, who winds up matching him with someone who appears to be all wrong for him and he wrong for her.<br /><br /><b><i><span style="color: #800180;">That's all for today's interview. </span></i><span style="color: #800180;">If you'd like to learn more about Joi's books, here are some links to get you started. </span></b><br /><a href="https://www.instagram.com/booksbyjoi/">https://www.instagram.com/booksbyjoi/<br /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Joi-Copeland/author/B005IH4T5C">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Joi-Copeland/author/B005IH4T5C<br /></a></span><div><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joi-copeland"><span style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joi-copeland</span></a></div><div><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=joi+copeland&qid="><span style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=joi+copeland&qid=</span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="https://joicopeland.com/">https://joicopeland.com/</a></u></span><br /><br /><b><i><span style="color: #800180;">And here's a bonus for my readers. </span></i></b>Leave a comment on this post and you'll be entered to win and you'll be entered in the giveaway for a free eBook of </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>A Match for Lief. </i>One winner will be chosen next Friday. So write that comment now!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-33549532547659138382024-01-23T10:30:00.003-05:002024-01-23T22:18:19.052-05:00Introducing my Good Friend and Debut Picture Book Author, Kris Tarantino <div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_F-yxUGbmaheW9TAfd2F1IEQPWT9YEe2t9aUXlWgzOgm_TsErFz6YOhEcfCFHkjBApy_dFrdDexntxttkNHmAsCVM324AtQ5mJA_9ajBLd9BwxDklo2CGXJvsgrIdiiBZ4Nh_NZxBMHADfArTz-har63D5AMThL6DeLM5CacDAGDmJ72GMQB_oGO_bc/s1500/Kris%20T.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_F-yxUGbmaheW9TAfd2F1IEQPWT9YEe2t9aUXlWgzOgm_TsErFz6YOhEcfCFHkjBApy_dFrdDexntxttkNHmAsCVM324AtQ5mJA_9ajBLd9BwxDklo2CGXJvsgrIdiiBZ4Nh_NZxBMHADfArTz-har63D5AMThL6DeLM5CacDAGDmJ72GMQB_oGO_bc/s320/Kris%20T.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Today's interview is with an author who has been a great critique partner of mine that I've known for years. I've always been a fan of her writing and pleased to introduce you to her debut children's picture book, so please read on...</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>How
did you come up with the story idea? </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The
idea for </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">Be My ValenSLIME</i><span style="font-family: georgia;"> came together after years of experiencing
people who repeatedly demonstrated a lack or void of love and kindness. I found
myself saying, </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">This doesn’t feel like love. What’s love anyway?</i><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Then the
idea of exploring </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">What’s love anyway</i><span style="font-family: georgia;"> kept rolling around in my head,
which led me to 1</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Corinthians13, the love chapter of the Bible. And
I thought what better way to get down to the kid-level on the topic of ‘love’
than with the opposite kind of character—a mash-up of monsters (typically
viewed as a nasty unloving group). But they all couldn’t be monster-y. Then
Snoodle burst on the page, along with the fun title, and the rest was history.</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As
I developed the story, I knew I wanted it filled with humor and heart. So, the
funny rambunctious monsters who “DON’T DO Valentine’s Day” provided the chaos
and silliness, and the kind, patient, forgiving Snoodle provided the heart-part
showing kids the application of love.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">The
story brings together the definition of everyday love on a kid-to-kid
friendship level in an easy-to-understand narrative that shows children how
their words and actions—knitted together with love—can influence others in a
positive, healthy way.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>What was the
manuscript like when you sent it in? </b></span></p><div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The story of the
manuscript goes like this—I met both my agent and editor at an online Christian
writer’s conference (Covid time). During my One-on-One with the editor, I chose
to spend my time pitching her as many of my stories as time would allow. I
wanted to gauge her interest on each story because we all know that writers are
only allowed to send </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">one</i><span style="font-family: georgia;"> manuscript to a faculty member post-conference.
It turns out she was looking for holiday books and lit up when I pitched </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">Be
My ValenSLIME.</i><span style="font-family: georgia;"> She asked me to send her the manuscript post-conference
(which I did). And then said they </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">only</i><span style="font-family: georgia;"> work with agented authors. </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">Gulp</i><span style="font-family: georgia;">.
I told her I was working on that.</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Post-conference,
I signed with my agent. Hooray! As this was happening, the editor got back to
me and said there was internal interest and would I be willing to revise and
resend? Then reminded me that they </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">only</i><span style="font-family: georgia;"> work with agented authors. I
replied that yes, I’d be happy to do an R&R, and told her I just signed
with an agent!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;">My agent and I
went through two months of revisions. We also put together a 15-page Book
Proposal. After the R&R and Book Proposal were sent, the editor said she
took it to an acquisitions meeting. The group was very interested, but no
offer, yet. They wanted to see more storylines developed with Snoodle and the
monsters. There was talk of making this into a picture book series, maybe, no
promises. Did I hear that right? A possible series?!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I had to think of
6-8 additional story summaries. I’d never done this before, but I was
determined to try. So, after another 4 weeks, the series ideas were done and
sent. Shortly after that we received a formal offer! Even though the offer
ended up being for one book (and not a series) the acquisitions group still
thought a series was a future possibility.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouIkFMz-7d4xQzsY0pDaBwHZAlCTfaQXgV2XpFE6aeuGqUisy2qjocry1_NlwIUZhKRoCw1mnG_VY73sKTEbGS7etYS_0M5vp4IlQnJ4BgjaxSiiwMUq0n9BpZuOoRI3l-LEYeXNVHo72NoFPvbNRc8B5XKYGIQF9YUJFQJ_QW1YYvDdmGk2yyCevgvo/s1080/kris%202.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouIkFMz-7d4xQzsY0pDaBwHZAlCTfaQXgV2XpFE6aeuGqUisy2qjocry1_NlwIUZhKRoCw1mnG_VY73sKTEbGS7etYS_0M5vp4IlQnJ4BgjaxSiiwMUq0n9BpZuOoRI3l-LEYeXNVHo72NoFPvbNRc8B5XKYGIQF9YUJFQJ_QW1YYvDdmGk2yyCevgvo/s320/kris%202.png" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;">How many of
your book pitches were sent to your publisher before they picked up this story? </span></b><p></p><div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Be My ValenSLIME
was the </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">first</i><span style="font-family: georgia;"> story they saw, but I've sent out dozens more to other publishers before this one was accepted.</span></div><div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;">You’ve written numerous picture books. Is this the one you thought would be picked up first by a
publisher?</span></b></div><div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Yes! I knew I hit
on something—the hooky title, love, slime, valentines, Snoodle who loves
everything, and her grumpy monster friends.</span></div><div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;">How much of
the story changed during the editorial process? </span></b></div><div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><a name="_Hlk148101582" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At the editorial kick-off meeting with
my editor, I learned there were <i>more </i>internal discussions about the
monsters. The original story that sold had Snoodle (the main character) and
groups of other non-specific monsters. My editor asked that I develop a few of
the monsters and give them personalities and character traits. Enter in—Iggy,
Zee-Zee, and Fleck. </span></a><a name="_Hlk148531121" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There were other changes to the story
as well. Overall, w</span>e went through three rounds of revisions over two
months. </a><a name="_Hlk149030182" style="font-family: georgia;">M</a><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">y editor’s vision ultimately made the
story <i>much </i>stronger!</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148101582;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk148531121;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #800180;">You’re not the
illustrator. Did the illustrator meet or exceed your expectations?</span> </span></b></div><div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Cori Doerrfeld exceeded
my expectations! </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Once
the manuscript was ready for art, my editor asked me to put together a list of
illustrators who I thought would be a perfect fit for the story. I was shocked.
Afterall, it’s well-known in the industry that the author doesn’t pick the
illustrator, the art director and editor do. </span></div><div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I was honored and delighted they
asked for my input, even if they decided to pick someone else. So, I poured
over all my favorite picture books and put together a list of illustrators,
including why I liked their style, and how it could best fit Snoodle and her
monster friends.</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">And
here’s the cool part. My editor put together a list, </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">too</i><span style="font-family: georgia;">. And Cori Doerrfeld
was on </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">both </i><span style="font-family: georgia;">of our lists! How amazing is </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">that</i><span style="font-family: georgia;">? I love it. And, it
turns out that one of Cori’s favorite things to draw is… you guessed it—monsters!
</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Cori
created the perfect monsters! I couldn’t be happier. As soon as I saw the rough
sketches I shouted, “Yes! These are awesome!” Snoodle was adorable. And the
other monsters were each distinctly different, so kids could easily remember
them.</span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">Are you working on a second book?</span></b><br />I’m always working on several picture book manuscripts, including one with these monsters.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #800180;">What
promotions will your publisher provide? </span><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 115%;">I
have an awesome marketing and P.R. team at WaterBrook/Random House. Their plans
include advertising, giveaways, social media platforms, online marketing,
academic/library marketing, a pre-pub campaign, valentine’s campaign,
influencer and outreach, and various planned publicity. They also created a
‘Sneak Peek’ of the first six story spreads, which are on my website–</span><a href="http://www.kristarantino.com/" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">www.kristarantino.com</span></a><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 115%;">.
In addition, they are working with Cori on creating coloring book art and
bookmarks.</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a name="_Hlk149120680"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">One special P.R. event will be held
through the Writing Barn in Austin, TX. Cori and I are doing a <i>free</i> Zoom
<b><i>Book Birthday Interview</i></b> in late January with Owner & Founder,
Bethany Hegedus. Bethany is moderating a 1-hour Zoom event, <i>free</i> for
anyone interested (hopefully your readers get the Writing Barn emails!) I’ll
read the story and talk about the writing process. Cori will talk about
character creation and her illustration process, and anything else Bethany asks
us. There will also be Q&A and a book giveaway.</span></span></a></p><div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><a name="_Hlk148533443"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></a></div><div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><a name="_Hlk148533443"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Describe any marketing/promotions you did for this book.</span> </b></span></span></a></div><div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><a name="_Hlk148533443"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I<b> </b></span></span></a><a name="_Hlk148533443"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">contacted several author bloggers (like you, Chris </span></span></a><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">😊</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">)
for interviews, which include a book giveaway. In addition, I joined a picture
book launch group – <i>The BusyPB’s</i>. I also contacted author friends and
asked them to post reviews on Goodreads, B&N, and Amazon. I put together an
Influencer list for my publisher. And I booked author visits at schools. </span></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;">What the best
writing advice you could offer?</span></span></b></p><div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Perseverance
is #1. In addition, learn your craft. Draft new story ideas. Love revision.
Surround yourself with other kid-lit writers. Ask questions. Be open to
critique feedback. Attend writing conferences. Listen to kid-lit webinars.
Submit your work. Embrace R&R’s. Stretch into new directions. And one more thing
– </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">Be ready for a little luck</i><span style="font-family: georgia;">!</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a name="_Hlk148534735"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></span></a><span style="font-family: georgia;">My debut book was
published 13 years after I started writing, 8 years after I became serious
about writing. It will happen!</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b><i>That's all for today's interview</i>. I hope you will check out Kris's website, there is a lot of good info there on writing and all the promotions she has scheduled. Her book is available as an eBook and Hardcover on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/be-my-valenslime-kris-tarantino/1143233114">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/be-my-valenslime-kris-tarantino/1143233114</a></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Be-My-Valenslime-Kris-Tarantino/dp/0593579453">https://www.amazon.com/Be-My-Valenslime-Kris-Tarantino/dp/0593579453</a></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><b>You can also find it on Christianbooks.com, Aslan Books, The Twig Book Shop, Book People, Hudson Booksellers, and WaterBrook.</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Kris's Website:</b> <a href="http://www.kristarantino.com/"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">www.kristarantino.com</span></a><b><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><i>And here's a special bonus for my readers...</i></span></b>Leave a comment on this post with a question for Kris or simply say you'd like to win her book. Next Tuesday, we will choose one lucky reader to get a <b>hardcover copy</b> of her book. So what are you waiting for? Do it now!</span></p></div>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-66269298386258550972024-01-19T16:22:00.000-05:002024-01-19T16:22:40.405-05:00Mixing It Up with Multiple Genres: Author Interview with Vikki Kestell<span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMEu4ZIVapNTmhJi9Ei3FfbSbd-Lnq845RcnzHBgD-pkCGaoZjC7fPb9m0gGBSXPJk-T_m-9xvZwjzp0qNITCSGdTFFWMVdhuuDETmMv9nc719_KiEFVmo7j5bSDPaO-VJHfUsaEHpKLhk0PhqRHTYpjsMIJr64UUM96VLNle0mF0_beYeETqNjaL1Ms/s1500/kestell1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="971" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMEu4ZIVapNTmhJi9Ei3FfbSbd-Lnq845RcnzHBgD-pkCGaoZjC7fPb9m0gGBSXPJk-T_m-9xvZwjzp0qNITCSGdTFFWMVdhuuDETmMv9nc719_KiEFVmo7j5bSDPaO-VJHfUsaEHpKLhk0PhqRHTYpjsMIJr64UUM96VLNle0mF0_beYeETqNjaL1Ms/s320/kestell1.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>You have definitely proven yourself as an author with multiple books in different genres that you have published. What inspired you to write that first book? </span></b><br />I wrote my first book, <i>A Rose Blooms Twice</i>, during one of the darkest periods of my life. It was 1987-1988. I had a notebook and wrote in it everywhere I went. In three months I had a complete story—and was amazed. <br /><br />I didn’t publish that first book until 2012—twenty-five years later. I would say to new indie authors that this long wait proved to me that our great God never wastes anything. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">At what time did you think you could make a career of it? <br /></span></b>It was after I’d written and published three additional books in the series that I started thinking, “I could do this full-time.” <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">You’re an indie author, which means you’re in charge of everything from writing to publishing and marketing. Other than writing, what other parts of the process do you personally do or hire others to do? </span></b><br />I have, on occasion, used cover designers, but design most of my own covers. The only part of the process I always contract out is the proofreading. I have two dear team members, Greg McCann and Cheryl Adkins, who see my writing as I do: as ministry. They have been with me for more than ten years. I not only value their work and input, I know I could not do this work without them. They are truly heaven-sent! <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEOBtHONdOGo1ErrrHkV3TQVOq1Q4a57Oc56qZEwnA0Z-TaiTTCrwOrM_8m36NvmiWF6xROHa7Bi1_p5kIuL5Hl67bUf9rAqwCRrkFNKemJQrLZHXr0GrJEDs2vy-rt6YcnFMpgCZnT4a2QQF0imlSTyog1TpytP-9onvSpUcwDkCAmOk5hBRpjB4X7A/s1500/kestell2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="971" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEOBtHONdOGo1ErrrHkV3TQVOq1Q4a57Oc56qZEwnA0Z-TaiTTCrwOrM_8m36NvmiWF6xROHa7Bi1_p5kIuL5Hl67bUf9rAqwCRrkFNKemJQrLZHXr0GrJEDs2vy-rt6YcnFMpgCZnT4a2QQF0imlSTyog1TpytP-9onvSpUcwDkCAmOk5hBRpjB4X7A/s320/kestell2.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>How do you go about doing research for your books to make them believable – especially when the storyline is tech related? </span></b><br />I have a five-book spy series, Laynie Portland, but my first thriller was <i>Stealthy Steps</i>, book 1 in my seven-book Nanostealth series. At the time I conceptualized <i>Stealthy Steps</i>, I worked for the Department of Defense’s Nuclear Weapons School on Kirtland Air Force Base here in Albuquerque. Among other things, the school taught military personnel how to respond to nuclear or dirty bomb attacks. <br /><br />Part of the school’s instruction was conducted in the old Manzano Weapons Storage Facility where much of the nation’s nuclear stockpile was once stored. The Manzano facility is composed of a labyrinth of tunnels and hardened warehouses carved into a small mountain located on the base. The first time I set foot in the tunnels I thought, “This would be a great setting for a book!” <br /><br /><i>Nanostealth</i> relies upon a strong science/technology “backbone.” Plausibility makes for good sci-fi; emerging real technology makes for great sci-fi. So much of the technology of this series is both emerging and plausible, which makes for a very suspenseful storyline! <br /><br />My husband Conrad and I worked together on many aspects of the research on <i>Stealthy Steps</i>. It was a totally new and enjoyable experience for the two of us to throw around plot possibilities and come up with new twists and new terminology. We even took field trips to determine exactly where my heroine would go under the Air Force base’s perimeter fence and how she would defeat the PIDAS (perimeter intrusion detection and alarm system) and enter the tunnels. Those field trips were fun! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuqdSsabSBjx4_4K2fILNyOO7H4fUGyhVpx4r3f31JB4gHsK3pSBlBvgpnlQkaRnouarDEtWzoQ3nAJpIbOSsLoMONkOkcrjFW_21pwF-dcx0Yg862Hbwm29UH5Dqrt7zGU6t1O3PqYzwaWKfoq5jjq5O2mUf4khGvhYPzqbsCK0OKqr8K4qeL53W50E/s1500/kestell3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="971" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuqdSsabSBjx4_4K2fILNyOO7H4fUGyhVpx4r3f31JB4gHsK3pSBlBvgpnlQkaRnouarDEtWzoQ3nAJpIbOSsLoMONkOkcrjFW_21pwF-dcx0Yg862Hbwm29UH5Dqrt7zGU6t1O3PqYzwaWKfoq5jjq5O2mUf4khGvhYPzqbsCK0OKqr8K4qeL53W50E/s320/kestell3.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>I also did many online searches on the Manzano weapons storage facility (particularly looking for maps) and asked questions of old colleagues who would have more information than I did. After a few calls, I was referred to the head office in DC. (Translation? I asked too many questions about classified stuff.) <br /><br />Because of the online searches and the questions I asked, because I used to hold DOE and DOD security clearances, and because of our visits to the base perimeter (which is under video surveillance), my husband and I started to wonder when the FBI would show up at our door to ask what we were doing. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing? </span></b><br />The wonderful reviews and emails from my readers! So many of them have read and re-read my books. An author knows she’s “done good” when her readers re-read her books! <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks? </span></b><br />For several years I made the first books in my series free and bought BookBub Featured Deals to advertise those free books. However, the market has changed since COVID. At first, people who were quarantined read more and bought more books. At this point, however, I believe the economy has impacted enough readers that they can no longer afford to buy as many books. I still offer free books (<i>Stealth Genesis, Laynie Portland, Spy Rising, and A Rose Blooms Twice</i>). I hope they are a blessing to new readers. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpu7GkB-MD_akQQNV8lLe4DW1nLrSBAgPfAODhcDJA8gatk-NweUQfF9teAgwzhkq-_caVkRwQA1VaHpoKflElfrss5Qbs9u06bzuGlWHhOVbYGloUlBM4_hPzVvvEZ30TGgNIUctUTED8Fe_-0IcpVm7dov1cEBW_-KZF1P0_o6uWieRy1ksZFGcfURc/s1500/kestell4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="971" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpu7GkB-MD_akQQNV8lLe4DW1nLrSBAgPfAODhcDJA8gatk-NweUQfF9teAgwzhkq-_caVkRwQA1VaHpoKflElfrss5Qbs9u06bzuGlWHhOVbYGloUlBM4_hPzVvvEZ30TGgNIUctUTED8Fe_-0IcpVm7dov1cEBW_-KZF1P0_o6uWieRy1ksZFGcfURc/s320/kestell4.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give? </span></b><br />My best writing advice is this: Pray. Pray each day before you begin to write. Ask the Holy Spirit not only to lead and guide your writing but also anoint it with his power. Submit all your plans to him, and let him lead you. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis? </span></b><br />I’ve just started a brand-new series, <i>The Tahoe Mysteries (A Miss Finch Novel)</i>. The first book, coming out later this year, is <i>#1 with a Bullet</i>. Here’s the short synopsis: <br /><br />Diminutive Miss Finch is never what people expect. Sooner or later, she upsets the proverbial apple cart. And around her? Pretty much everyone ends up off-kilter—including and especially those she’s investigating. <br /><br />Investigating? Yes. Although BD Finch (BeeDee Finch) is many things, she is also an investigator. The private kind. And when Miss Finch arrives on the south shore of Lake Tahoe for a summer of rest and recuperation? Not only do things not go as planned, but “things” go strangely awry. <br /><br />Dangerously awry. Prepare yourself for . . . <i>The Tahoe Mysteries</i>. <br /><br /><b><i><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc7nM1bl15xJkQR48dhreZtKbk-Cu9URlXVCHA6l91K7C5XX9uLZdUSjBDHuzvIq7znzT6dKWm2ZAFjDRAKSiKwTxU1Cfs0RiM_yz6OoLdG1ByE3NrM-ykUtFPFZYlP-HJUAKqSJDUZceL_whCKiFM4VGbd67BgsMNpbX_e2NG6O_kQaMABsdRFis3ZI/s1500/kestell5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="938" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc7nM1bl15xJkQR48dhreZtKbk-Cu9URlXVCHA6l91K7C5XX9uLZdUSjBDHuzvIq7znzT6dKWm2ZAFjDRAKSiKwTxU1Cfs0RiM_yz6OoLdG1ByE3NrM-ykUtFPFZYlP-HJUAKqSJDUZceL_whCKiFM4VGbd67BgsMNpbX_e2NG6O_kQaMABsdRFis3ZI/s320/kestell5.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>That's all for today's interview</span></i></b>. If you'd like to learn more about Vikki's books, check out the following links.<br />Website: <a href="https://www.vikkikestell.com/">https://www.vikkikestell.com/</a> <br />Amazon (for the Nanostealth series): <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074CB3PRG">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074CB3PRG</a></span><div><b style="font-family: georgia;">Links for the free eBooks mentioned in this post:</b></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Laynie-Portland-Spy-Rising-Prequel-ebook/dp/B07Q2BRL2L">https://www.amazon.com/Laynie-Portland-Spy-Rising-Prequel-ebook/dp/B07Q2BRL2L</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Blooms-Twice-Prairie-Heritage-ebook/dp/B007FGI91Y">https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Blooms-Twice-Prairie-Heritage-ebook/dp/B007FGI91Y</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stealth-Genesis-Nanostealth-Vikki-Kestell-ebook/dp/B0BTDYMPDM"> https://www.amazon.com/Stealth-Genesis-Nanostealth-Vikki-Kestell-ebook/dp/B0BTDYMPDM</a><br /><br /><br /></span></div>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-53490503869906215692024-01-16T12:31:00.000-05:002024-01-16T12:31:13.982-05:00Writing the Story is Only the Starting Point: Author Interview with Ashly Curren<span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9MVSaXGM4Su418hz7ADa2av65ZnAJH_zuHzK5O1pFx8WZb7OtliphBOo-tO8U00w_vNV2UyKToUuxYswi1acXP7VMUpskhgQm-fQdUKBef5xAMTWJ-qbLusQ_wWqZmyfuOdAkwzUV9V74cpoZ81AF7lUQVybW0dDyljtwdywNMV-5ZRe7MniIIK561I/s1360/a%20curren1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1292" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9MVSaXGM4Su418hz7ADa2av65ZnAJH_zuHzK5O1pFx8WZb7OtliphBOo-tO8U00w_vNV2UyKToUuxYswi1acXP7VMUpskhgQm-fQdUKBef5xAMTWJ-qbLusQ_wWqZmyfuOdAkwzUV9V74cpoZ81AF7lUQVybW0dDyljtwdywNMV-5ZRe7MniIIK561I/s320/a%20curren1.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>You’ve now published two picture books, but what made you decide to start writing the first one? </span></b><br />My mom always told me if I ever had a good idea I should write it down, so in 2019 I had an idea for the butt chin book. My entire family, myself included all have “butt” (or cleft) chins. It was something I was so self-conscious of growing up. This idea to write a book to help kids find confidence in their flaws, specifically their chins, </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">popped into my head several times before I finally wrote it down. I remember shrugging it off at first – thinking not every random thought that pops into my head is brilliant, but at one point I remember googling “butt chin books for kids” and found nothing – so I finally wrote the idea down. A few weeks later I sat down and wrote the first manuscript for “A What Chin?”</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b><span style="color: #741b47;">You publish as an indie author, but you’re not an illustrator. How did you go about finding an illustrator? What advice can you give in going through that process. </span></b><br />I generally have an idea of what I want my illustrations to look like in my head. I am a big picture book advocate, with elementary age kids – so we read a lot of children’s books. Then I started the hunt – I searched illustrators on Facebook, Instagram, and google illustrators from my favorite kid’s books. Ultimately though, I found my illustrator on Instagram and connected with her via email and zoom before finalizing a contract. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #741b47;">What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?</span></b><br />When I published my first book I thought – I have a completely original, million-dollar idea. I really thought once I got it out in the world it would just take off and I would be the author of a very popular kid’s book. I think a lot of us writers ,who believe in our stories, think that – but I wasn’t prepared for the marketing. That is the real key to success. <br /> <br /> I also wish I had known that a lot of “expert advice givers” are just marketer’s themselves – not all of them can guarantee results, I myself am the only one that can guarantee my own success. I spent a lot of money with my first book that I did not need to “consulting” “experts” that had no pay off in the end.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #741b47;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievTYVwQBbe8v-SQYWnJfUDTipH7MQvXYnNKjJxgKHbOp9t0k69zOcElDoEq-4drfDfqq7MzzxQALBaIZX3LFwLnIcy3dfTVeDuTLn3bJbESP322I9NKLTyCWA8oZLINzNaOVGYfg7q0fsqibDobGriQOwUthnpbl08QEWzpj6FIHAXz7jtKiUqjvtb1M/s1500/a%20curren2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1116" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievTYVwQBbe8v-SQYWnJfUDTipH7MQvXYnNKjJxgKHbOp9t0k69zOcElDoEq-4drfDfqq7MzzxQALBaIZX3LFwLnIcy3dfTVeDuTLn3bJbESP322I9NKLTyCWA8oZLINzNaOVGYfg7q0fsqibDobGriQOwUthnpbl08QEWzpj6FIHAXz7jtKiUqjvtb1M/s320/a%20curren2.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give? </span></b><br />Write something every day – It’s so true that if you write every day your stories get better, and your imagination is more vibrant. The second story I published was put on hold several times prior to publication. When I paused the timeline, I stopped writing because I wasn’t sure when I would be able to publish another book. It’s hard to get those creative juices rolling once they're gone. <br /><b><span style="color: #741b47;"><br />Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I think writing and storytelling are different . Sometimes I think the best books are not written by the best writers, but they’re from the best story tellers who know who they're writing to. So don’t compare you’re writing abilities to others. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #741b47;">What is the next book coming out? </span></b><br />I have a few manuscripts that I would love to push forward but nothing currently is in the works to release just yet. <br /><br /><i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">That's all for today's interview.</span> </b></i>If you'd like to learn more about Ashly's books, here are some links to get you started.<br />Website: <a href="https://acpublished.com/">https://acpublished.com/</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Amazon Author Page: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ashly-Curren/author/B08QZ7VQRH">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ashly-Curren/author/B08QZ7VQRH</a><br /><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited</span></i></b>, you can get both those stories as eBooks for free!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Want to get a free eBook, but not subscribed to KU?</span></b> Here's a link to a free eBook on Amazon. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bear-Long-Hair-Bartholomew-Childrens-ebook/dp/B0C4JTK3LV">https://www.amazon.com/Bear-Long-Hair-Bartholomew-Childrens-ebook/dp/B0C4JTK3LV</a></span></div>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-52754609436924945942024-01-12T12:04:00.002-05:002024-01-12T12:04:43.008-05:00Writing Action-Packed Thrillers: Author Interview with Bill Best <div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2D8J0hlNu2P4srLWzIlsLhs2-aIMD_GpKpkqqmbN2vWS9ZfR3oIo0ugj5YxCf15A1pJjiWnTePaF2xflvHc_nrOasOZ6BrxmC9qP3D9OD3do4yV7dP2pZUtqw8vGDQjTKYvNIM9xR4aWkCVPuKEMHxlXjsVXbUDJXhOsb9EmhbB6d6G7Eu77LtO5mRc/s1500/b%20best1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2D8J0hlNu2P4srLWzIlsLhs2-aIMD_GpKpkqqmbN2vWS9ZfR3oIo0ugj5YxCf15A1pJjiWnTePaF2xflvHc_nrOasOZ6BrxmC9qP3D9OD3do4yV7dP2pZUtqw8vGDQjTKYvNIM9xR4aWkCVPuKEMHxlXjsVXbUDJXhOsb9EmhbB6d6G7Eu77LtO5mRc/w226-h340/b%20best1.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>You have now published multiple thrillers, but what inspired you to write that first book? </b></span></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>Growing up, I devoured every Science Fiction book in the libraries. And, yes, comics. Then there was Star Trek, Star Wars, and similar TV shows and movies. As an adult, I occasionally wondered, what about a Christian “superhero?” How might that work?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><br /></span><span>I began writing toward the end of my other careers. I served in the Air Force for 30 years, the first 9 on Active Duty and the remaining 21 as a Reservist as I helped start and then continued on staff with a Christian radio ministry. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Had you planned on your books becoming a series?<span style="color: #134f5c;"> </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>A trilogy was always my plan. It started with what later became Book Two, the story of a near-retirement engineer who helps design a prototype hypersonic manned interceptor. When a nuclear missile threatens the United States, the only hope for intercept is Guardian. The intercept fails due to sabotage. Roger creates an EMP by collapsing the ion drive’s supermagnet and safely detonates the missile far off the east coast. Roger and Guardian survive the nuclear blast. but they were somehow transformed. They are now transdimensional, invisible to the world. Roger can walk through walls. A devout Christian, he is now clearly in the world but not of it.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><br /></span><span>That covers the first two novellas! Then, I worked through a prequel, which I later rebranded as Book One. It goes back years earlier to introduce a second main character to the series. Jennifer is a college grad whose priorities are getting what she wants and partying. That is until she witnesses a murder. </span><span>Roger and Jennifer become the first of many members of an “end times team” who risk everything to hold off the ultimate, prophesied evil as long as possible</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxslLGffJ0sJxa6FBsw5EQBeuP7kTCZoRIErQORpa0w13l-9i626X6e_2NwpcQnC-fTQUAMe16cHGl9wvw6pRR8oMS-5dp9aGK98tj422X0YySA62Bs1OA2EGzOcboFo3rbOJxhxFiGMPTeFIoQPz7wWFIzQfGhhJAi70QhbOOwtLuYRBLKPywBz6Qe0/s1500/b%20best2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxslLGffJ0sJxa6FBsw5EQBeuP7kTCZoRIErQORpa0w13l-9i626X6e_2NwpcQnC-fTQUAMe16cHGl9wvw6pRR8oMS-5dp9aGK98tj422X0YySA62Bs1OA2EGzOcboFo3rbOJxhxFiGMPTeFIoQPz7wWFIzQfGhhJAi70QhbOOwtLuYRBLKPywBz6Qe0/w227-h342/b%20best2.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>That finishes books one and two. Book Three (released last November) has the team fighting the likely Antichrist and the clandestine One World Peace Now organization who are on the verge of global domination. Amazingly, it was released just a week before the latest war in the Middle East began!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><b>You’re an indie author, which means you’re in charge of everything from writing to publishing and marketing. Other than writing, what other parts of the process do you personally do or hire others to do? </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>I depend on editorial help and book cover designers. My website, emails, formatting, marketing, and virtually everything else? For now, it’s all me!<br /></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"> <br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><b>How do you go about doing research for your thrillers to make them believable – especially when the storyline is action packed? </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>That comes from my years of reading, my military background, working with engineers, and asking a lot of questions from folks who know more about certain things. And from invaluable feedback from beta readers!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Your series is subtitled <i>End of the Sixth Age</i>. What does that mean? </b><span><br /></span><span>The series title is finally explained in Book Three by a persecuted pastor. He and his wife are driven underground when their lives are threatened. He begins blogging, drawing a huge following as he simply and clearly explains some key Biblical fundamentals. He starts by going through what he describes as the six ages from creation through where we are now, in the so-called church age:</span></span><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">ONE Adam to Noah</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">TWO Noah to Abraham</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">THREE Abraham to David</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">FOUR David to Christ</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">FIVE Christ through the Apostles</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">SIX Church Age after Apostles through the Tribulation(SEVEN: The Millennial Reign, and then the final age would be eternity with the new heavens and earth)<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"> </span></span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6q1wSa9Hdc9xLmW0-Ubj_J8lkltmoxhiDdSecP92Wb7Y5TRwS_oBuipr8RCOPahgeZwVabSI6pm1fE4AIg7Y_7Q4XJn7IT33uzMobgPPuMWWs31S_NN8GxUmvUq2HV9hUStKpIX7dv2KaTLpfkDUYqZdfOCXk7Q_RJDQbbIse4d0PemJlKllDzqfW_qw/s1500/b%20best3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6q1wSa9Hdc9xLmW0-Ubj_J8lkltmoxhiDdSecP92Wb7Y5TRwS_oBuipr8RCOPahgeZwVabSI6pm1fE4AIg7Y_7Q4XJn7IT33uzMobgPPuMWWs31S_NN8GxUmvUq2HV9hUStKpIX7dv2KaTLpfkDUYqZdfOCXk7Q_RJDQbbIse4d0PemJlKllDzqfW_qw/w229-h344/b%20best3.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing? </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">From other writers! Don’t expect instant success. Focus on the basics: A good story, good editing, great cover, and a compelling “book blurb” But realize that there’s a whole lot more. You have to do your own marketing. Try to keep a good balance.<br /></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"> <br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><b>Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks? </b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>Experts recommend focusing on building your email list, especially with those who are interested in your </span></span>specific genre. I tried numerous things that failed miserably. What almost doubled my list over the past year is participating in Book Funnel<b> </b>newsletter promos. Do this after you have at least 2 books in a series (I have three). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Offer your first eBook for free in the promo. Each person who downloads your ebook, will be added to your email program. At a minimum, send a personal email to each new reader, preferably offering your second book at a discount. Provide anything else you can to your email list to keep them interested, without overwhelming them. Those who stay with you are the ones you most want to have engaged when you release a new book. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"> <br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><b>What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner? </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">I wish I had written the first two novels in my series <i>before</i> publishing. Many will disagree and say to just “get it done.” But at the very least, I should have finished an entire novel and not tried to begin by marketing individual novellas.<br /></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"> <br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><b>What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give? </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>Count the cost. You may be a terrific author. But remember, if your goal is “best-selling author,” selling involves marketing. There are millions (yes, MILLIONS) of books languishing on Amazon. Get a website and a domain. Buy an email management program. </span></span>Use writing and formatting software followed up with a good editor and a book cover designer. Make sure this is something you really want to do, and can do so for months (years?) without making a profit.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"> <b><br /></b></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><b>Are there any other points about writing you would like to add? </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>Start with your genre. Make sure your intended genre is even drawing that many readers. Brainstorm many </span></span>different ways your storyline could be presented. Use a program like the outstanding Publisher Rocket marketing analyzer. Select the storyline you’re comfortable with that has the best chance for success. Science Fiction? Thriller? Espionage? Romance?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"> <br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhKAzi5nRssJjqvPGMtSENbnLRrZBo9GpE2-imJSbPxz07C1ZIgUgI0KHlUt0wlBUqwjkYs-w2Oq3-55S6xqIo7Ns9-3fd4AxTtOco_FIhgPid0jYCoFhmDtCPjon57baG0NJd-hDUb0jr2koVK9mu_QKvDtI8duISiaHu5z3ZirYC62N5kpS7zVLTvI/s1024/b%20best4.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhKAzi5nRssJjqvPGMtSENbnLRrZBo9GpE2-imJSbPxz07C1ZIgUgI0KHlUt0wlBUqwjkYs-w2Oq3-55S6xqIo7Ns9-3fd4AxTtOco_FIhgPid0jYCoFhmDtCPjon57baG0NJd-hDUb0jr2koVK9mu_QKvDtI8duISiaHu5z3ZirYC62N5kpS7zVLTvI/w234-h351/b%20best4.webp" width="234" /></a></div>What is the next book coming out? </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>Honestly not sure. Do I start a new series? Do I add another book to my trilogy? My series</span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> is science fiction from a Christian, prophetic perspective. It leads up to the Tribulation. I am praying about an “epilog” novel from near the end of the 1,000-year “Millenial Reign” of Jesus Christ, with flashbacks to the actual end of the Church age. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I also feel the Lord leading me to narrate and produce longer scripture videos. I have many 30-second videos on YouTube (link below). Unlike most other narrations I've heard, the long ones I have in mind would be grouped by topic such as Praise, Salvation, Godliness, Repentance, and Overcoming. These would be FREE for use in devotions, meditation, memorization, and even for going to sleep. I’d love to hear from your readers whether there would be interest in these!<span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"> <br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><i><b>That's all for today's interview. </b></i>If you'd like to learn more about Bill's writing, here are some links to get you started.<br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><b>Website:</b><span style="color: red;"> </span><a href="https://www.billbest.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://www.billbest.net/</span></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Email: </b><a href="mailto:Bill@BillBest.net" target="_blank">Bill@BillBest.net</a><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><b>Facebook</b><span style="color: red;">: </span></span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ColBillBestAuthor" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ColBillBestAuthor</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><b>YouTube:</b></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf-Is8RPcwPOiGIIoyaUBtA"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf-Is8RPcwPOiGIIoyaUBtA</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="color: #800180;"><b><br /></b></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><b>And here's a tip for my readers...</b> </i>Get a free eBook novella that introduces the series by using this link:</span><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia;"> <a href="https://www.billbest.net/free/">https://www.billbest.net/free/</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i>And here's another bonus...</i></b>Write a comment on this post about what interests you about Bill's books. We'll randomly pick one name to receive an eBook of <i>Five Score and Ten. </i>Do that now!</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><p style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 8.25pt;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 9pt;"></span></p><p style="font-size: 12px;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 9pt;"></span></p>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-44438914436994779352024-01-10T20:14:00.000-05:002024-01-10T20:14:26.801-05:00Be Choosy in Finding the Right Illustrations: Author Interview with Kelly Louise Jarris <span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-vgGyTXdDeU1LJAd-p3yC8PEjItG3Sn51jUBg6Z7zYOVn2YrZDBW56nw8P2zWnLLhZChT2QsE1XjnDlFWBcLRe7VK-XlHlghbdOx0wXRRLjwKVgznz9bduxHu5d0cyLgB2p1cdDEJ2Lxdu36CADBuXabUypnf4c4upuCUBAkMLFvmFaFajoGgjDzVOk/s1000/Jarris1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-vgGyTXdDeU1LJAd-p3yC8PEjItG3Sn51jUBg6Z7zYOVn2YrZDBW56nw8P2zWnLLhZChT2QsE1XjnDlFWBcLRe7VK-XlHlghbdOx0wXRRLjwKVgznz9bduxHu5d0cyLgB2p1cdDEJ2Lxdu36CADBuXabUypnf4c4upuCUBAkMLFvmFaFajoGgjDzVOk/s320/Jarris1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You’ve now published four picture books, but what made you decide to start writing the first one?</span></b><br />I have always written and had published articles here and there but once I had my children the love for kids books became more important. I decided to do a children’s book writing course in Melbourne that got the ball rolling and the motivation I needed to begin my first book.<br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">You publish as an indie author, but you’re not an illustrator. How did you go about finding an illustrator? What advice can you give in going through that process.</span></b><br />I usually source the illustrators from chatting with other fellow author’s recommendations. I've built up such a wonderful network of publishers, established authors and book shop owners who I can now call friends. Word of mouth is really important. <br /><br /> With the process, I sometimes like to pay for one sample of work first just to see if it’s the style I’m after and to see if we would work well together. I’ve had instances where the folio has been amazing but the illustration sample is not what would work with that particular project. It’s important to get it right from the start to save time, money and stress. I’d also highly recommend getting a clear contract written with timeframes , cost and expectations so that it runs smoothly. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSenncVHLHhyhYSNk9dQRBixvBGFJyKQI7DbqrjSfQxat5dWLP5lV8-oxGdrFJIpw3CFOAgvwDcsd1IRHIRZ-cYTYuPVHFAxg6ds_tibUJ9V90rJ1-CREH_PiPQ4bB4mApR4AhWaFo8KoNuY4Ehw0L2PkoG7Oe25I4O83avOl-dOhnYUAq6JEPMO7eyo/s1360/Jarris2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSenncVHLHhyhYSNk9dQRBixvBGFJyKQI7DbqrjSfQxat5dWLP5lV8-oxGdrFJIpw3CFOAgvwDcsd1IRHIRZ-cYTYuPVHFAxg6ds_tibUJ9V90rJ1-CREH_PiPQ4bB4mApR4AhWaFo8KoNuY4Ehw0L2PkoG7Oe25I4O83avOl-dOhnYUAq6JEPMO7eyo/s320/Jarris2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known </span></b><br />Find industry professionals who you can learn from, have your best interests at heart and want to see you shine. If you can find the right ones… They are invaluable. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?</span></b><br />If you are doing this as an indie publisher, and are doing a rhyme book make sure to get an expert editor in rhyme to look at your work. <br /><br />This may seem obvious to some but If you are submitting to traditional publishers, find out the type of books they publish and the themes they gravitate towards. What might not work for some may work for others. <br /><br /><span style="color: #800180;"><b>Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?</b></span><br />Rejections are all part of the job. Never give up, keep submitting to publishers and keep writing. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">What is the next book coming out? Can you give me some details? </span></b><br />The book is called <i>The Postman’s My Mate</i> and is about a little boy called Charlie who lives in the outback on a farm. The postman delivers him a very large parcel that he can’t open until his birthday. Charlie and his animal companions use their imagination to guess what’s in the box. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN5TOkR-xledFg9APIHmHflNAb6JUU74kGNP7Kp0HjgmQdwos6C7Np8nfassXy0l4iOVo_iKmHzAqihI5zShqCaFNCn8D3_6f-xFV497VFnYn8QDXgeGc22Hsk9uYOE7MvSgAzsnKjTaLyO5iVdJhmfIJsp0KKDUIUa7Hb_SwJvNuy0ECp9ulkALjO4Y/s1360/Jarris3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1292" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN5TOkR-xledFg9APIHmHflNAb6JUU74kGNP7Kp0HjgmQdwos6C7Np8nfassXy0l4iOVo_iKmHzAqihI5zShqCaFNCn8D3_6f-xFV497VFnYn8QDXgeGc22Hsk9uYOE7MvSgAzsnKjTaLyO5iVdJhmfIJsp0KKDUIUa7Hb_SwJvNuy0ECp9ulkALjO4Y/s320/Jarris3.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>The book covers themes of friendship, recycling, diversity and imagination. This one is my all time favourite book to work on. <br /><br />I love to give illustrators creative freedom as well and working with the very talented Natalie Herington has been fantastic. It’s all done In watercolour and her amazing landscapes and Australian animal characters are perfect. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">It should be released soon in 2024. Keep an eye out for it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #800180;">That's all for today's interview. </span></i></b>If you'd like to learn more about Kelly's wonderful books, here are some links to get you started.<br /></span><a href="https://kljbooks.com/" style="font-family: georgia;">https://kljbooks.com/</a></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Kelly%20Louise%20jarris">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Kelly%20Louise%20jarris<br /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/s?k=kelly+louise+jarris&crid=1OGIO3JZQG6D9">https://www.amazon.com.au/s?k=kelly+louise+jarris&crid=1OGIO3JZQG6D9</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #800180;">And here's a bonus for my readers... </span></i></b>Leave a short comment on this post saying which of the covers you like best that are on this post (or what you like best about her books) and you'll be entered to win a free eBook of hers. We'll choose ONE winner next Tuesday!<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Here's another opportunity for a free eBook, but the time frame is limited. Just click on this link to get a free picture/comic book: <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Stick-Stone-Go-Beth-Ferry-ebook/dp/B09ZYGHMFL">https://www.amazon.com.au/Stick-Stone-Go-Beth-Ferry-ebook/dp/B09ZYGHMFL</a></span></div>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-30929437177945848152024-01-05T10:30:00.001-05:002024-01-05T10:30:00.133-05:00Finding Your Writing Niche: Author Interview with Marisa Masterson <span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_WIrKBY-WXYhjTN7ZJZTMrw78jeFCCDL9RgSfN1_pBTqPGtbX6p6aW9EWx8P8MpzCeq0ZFnT0FFwF3UURqhTA27W2hEBG2FUfs78yCqqbUANiRM113G_Aem_ze63Kpgs5Vie5XRSZvhvBbKQTb5jCSJrE_zSW-ei-zqaJNQyyz7WaPWoa91Jkn561II/s1500/Masterson1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="994" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_WIrKBY-WXYhjTN7ZJZTMrw78jeFCCDL9RgSfN1_pBTqPGtbX6p6aW9EWx8P8MpzCeq0ZFnT0FFwF3UURqhTA27W2hEBG2FUfs78yCqqbUANiRM113G_Aem_ze63Kpgs5Vie5XRSZvhvBbKQTb5jCSJrE_zSW-ei-zqaJNQyyz7WaPWoa91Jkn561II/s320/Masterson1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>What made you decide to write your first novel? Was there a book/author who made you think, I could do that? What made you choose to write historical romance? </span></b><br />I had a great deal of encouragement from other indie authors. Cyndi Raye especially told me I could write a book and should. Christine Sterling mentored me, chapter by chapter. She has a talent for teaching new writers. <br /><br /><span style="color: #800180;"><b>You’re an indie author, which means you’re in charge of everything from writing to publishing and marketing. Other than writing, what other parts of the process do you personally do or hire others to do? </b></span><br />I have a team of volunteer beta readers. They are my cheerleaders as well as ladies who put in the time to read my books and make them better. I also employ an editor and someone to format my books. <br /><br /><span style="color: #800180;"><b>What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing? </b></span><br />When I reached one million page reads in Kindle Unlimited with my book, <i>Ruby’s Risk</i>, I was ecstatic. It told me that readers did enjoy what I write. Leaving reviews is also important. Reader reviews have kept me writing new books. <br /><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OzHt53Ehrq6ssiYeCdT55pSsg3vkj1-jclaEGtIc2dcZtr9KPtwHe_cvkq410SeQZNvSVETy4jT4RGATHG1vxa48lmyeq4tNbRO4H2qx8ylR52iMwVZAXI4uxhhP-5MFXGapADaC6Thyphenhyphen94ASB20-VMfNN6skiojkWmplWC5pp_Zepod5js2DeikJGY4/s1500/Masterson2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="938" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OzHt53Ehrq6ssiYeCdT55pSsg3vkj1-jclaEGtIc2dcZtr9KPtwHe_cvkq410SeQZNvSVETy4jT4RGATHG1vxa48lmyeq4tNbRO4H2qx8ylR52iMwVZAXI4uxhhP-5MFXGapADaC6Thyphenhyphen94ASB20-VMfNN6skiojkWmplWC5pp_Zepod5js2DeikJGY4/s320/Masterson2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks? </span></b><br />I employ someone to make my Facebook ads. She has helped me turn those clicks into sales. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner? </span></b><br />What I love reading is not always what the readers want. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give? </span></b><br />Imagine where you want to be as an author and hold on to that. Keep it in your mind and don’t get discouraged. Also, do not compare yourself to other authors! <br /><b><span style="color: #800180;"><br />What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?</span></b></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">My next book is <i>A Journey for Patience: The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride, </i>which has a release date of February 20, 2024. Here are the details.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3ybovupfkppe7bwd5kVqIMgJS3E9VThRZPkF5HjRtkLAkzLjtanjxoLjyFH_od1af7mjEiRR-uRalzhaRzL8upvmU_gkxJcptBjo3me_X40cZRklEpeSKdXZWp7EIcufthxnzTX1ebrTeZHuZDhfRuKmsrErMrHlWbh8PztCrrPydMKk6ozTlqF3Dvg/s1500/Masterson4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3ybovupfkppe7bwd5kVqIMgJS3E9VThRZPkF5HjRtkLAkzLjtanjxoLjyFH_od1af7mjEiRR-uRalzhaRzL8upvmU_gkxJcptBjo3me_X40cZRklEpeSKdXZWp7EIcufthxnzTX1ebrTeZHuZDhfRuKmsrErMrHlWbh8PztCrrPydMKk6ozTlqF3Dvg/s320/Masterson4.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Patience needs to recover a map to find where her father buried his money. To get it, she must reach her uncle. Two things keep her from traveling on the wagon train that will take her to Fort Collins and to her uncle who is stationed there. The wagon master refuses to take on an unmarried woman with no father. The second is her younger sister.<br /><br />HOW DOES THIS DETERMINED WOMAN BECOME A WIFE HEADED TO CALIFORNIA INSTEAD OF TO COLORADO? <br /><br /><i><b><span style="color: #800180;">That's all for today's interview. </span></b></i>That new book sounds like an intriguing story! If you'd like to learn more about marisa's books, here are some links to get you started.<br /><a href="http://www.marisamasterson.com">www.marisamasterson.com </a><br /><a href="http://www.bookbub.com/authors/marisa-masterson">www.bookbub.com/authors/marisa-masterson </a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/marisa.masterson.33" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/marisa.masterson.33</a> <br /><br /><b><i><span style="color: #800180;">And here's a bonus for my readers... </span></i></b>Click on the link below to get a free eBook from Melissa </span><a href="https://bookhip.com/HCVRRXT" style="font-family: georgia;">https://BookHip.com/HCVRRXT</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">.</span></div>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-80359996502892938082024-01-02T10:30:00.001-05:002024-01-02T10:30:00.136-05:00 Mysteries for MG Readers: Author Interview with Jill Chapman <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xLEECE4xYnBlgWia1m9KdDq1oNp2SSvaGOv-g2f01On67Fo3Xr32XrYNpGMfDSFtw8NA5_Z1vs5vIumvxzuWvHSyI0b2jIGd9UxMa8xSOAVvCIvnkF_FwVWFKw_l7byJwN9cfSD0NHkoKFe2nDm-uJq9yaCWROjqCCG3lj7c7zbvbZO5DTFpMlkfdos/s1500/chapman2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="994" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xLEECE4xYnBlgWia1m9KdDq1oNp2SSvaGOv-g2f01On67Fo3Xr32XrYNpGMfDSFtw8NA5_Z1vs5vIumvxzuWvHSyI0b2jIGd9UxMa8xSOAVvCIvnkF_FwVWFKw_l7byJwN9cfSD0NHkoKFe2nDm-uJq9yaCWROjqCCG3lj7c7zbvbZO5DTFpMlkfdos/s320/chapman2.jpg" width="212" /></a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>You’ve now published two MG books in your Bomb Squad series, but what made you decide to start writing the first one? Will there be more books in this series?<br /></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>The Bomb Squad</i> began with a writing prompt but soon morphed into something entirely different! Bryan, his three friends, and his dog Max find adventure everywhere. The idea is to give children exciting, family-friendly books that portray true friendships. <i>The Bomb Squad</i> has the boys solving a mystery in their neighborhood. </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Off the Grid</i> is book two of the series. Bryan and his friends go camping, and the rain causes all kinds of challenges. The third book in the series, <i>Seaside SOS</i>, will be released in the fall of 2024. The boys take off with their families for a Florida vacation. They discover a mystery and are determined to solve it before they must return home.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>Your publisher is Elk Lake Publishing. How many publishers did you pitch to before you were approved by them. </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I belonged to a fabulous writer’s group called Serious Writer. They provided an opportunity to pitch directly to agents and publishers in an event they hosted. I pitched </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">The Bomb Squad </i><span style="font-family: georgia;">to Deb Haggerty from Elk Lake Publishing, and she asked to see the manuscript. Before that, I had pitched to a few agents, but the manuscript wasn’t ready. Both agents gave me great critiques and some excellent advice. Elk Lake Publishing is a traditional, royalty-paying, print-on-demand publisher. I feel blessed to work with the wonderful people there</span></div></div><div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKjuzOBuXQZdCM5E74sOYxP_6Ss7y5VlchtjCZ2FoU5jPS_3whypSaOgDIY97QxQQR-dGUdbSex3vgCZjGBt2JHUMue-s0ydIapgLyTtF4nYVRgW_yaaim3i1HIObKoldjFm34Oaa6uAL68uAWCZilL22lQDB-K8FF0vnOjykkmJQ5_uGjB9Nw1L96X4/s1500/chapman2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="994" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKjuzOBuXQZdCM5E74sOYxP_6Ss7y5VlchtjCZ2FoU5jPS_3whypSaOgDIY97QxQQR-dGUdbSex3vgCZjGBt2JHUMue-s0ydIapgLyTtF4nYVRgW_yaaim3i1HIObKoldjFm34Oaa6uAL68uAWCZilL22lQDB-K8FF0vnOjykkmJQ5_uGjB9Nw1L96X4/s320/chapman2.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?</span></b></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Like most writers, I wanted to know all the answers before I began. I’ve learned that professionalism doesn’t mean you have to know it all. If you have a weakness, there are people who can help you. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Don’t let fear keep you from putting your work out there for others to see. I know it’s hard! The other advice is not to compare yourself to others. Comparison steals your joy! Be yourself and realize your journey won’t look like anyone else.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Write as often as you can. Get it out of your brain and on paper. The writing process is layers and layers of work. For me, anyway. Writing, editing, rewriting, whining, and writing some more. The biggest enemy of writing is the desire to be perfect the first time out.</span> <span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWShkl0184GiUFiadXJQHzqSzoVaAunfBXL5ochfGwnvK0VYRNLXJYLzToMPsAugzJdqBfqpPhUCEEU22DjRw3Sl_y1ZluhjRzvp6eV-v2ylJrNlwYrSYKHSvvwmIoF3JsoxdsdsDPCNd1n4Ho_-bcYtlY21jLFzDAPMZg6BcP2agUeB6kAOlVvSiEXC8/s1500/chapman3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWShkl0184GiUFiadXJQHzqSzoVaAunfBXL5ochfGwnvK0VYRNLXJYLzToMPsAugzJdqBfqpPhUCEEU22DjRw3Sl_y1ZluhjRzvp6eV-v2ylJrNlwYrSYKHSvvwmIoF3JsoxdsdsDPCNd1n4Ho_-bcYtlY21jLFzDAPMZg6BcP2agUeB6kAOlVvSiEXC8/w133-h200/chapman3.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>What is the next book coming out? Can you give me some </span></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">details? </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Seaside SOS</i> is book three of The Bomb Squad series. This manuscript is in the editing phase with Elk Lake Publishing at this time. Tentative release will be in the fall of 2024.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #800180;">That's all for today's interview</span></i></b>. If you'd like to learn more about Jill's writing, here are some links to get you started.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Website: <a href="https://authorjillchapman.com/">https://authorjillchapman.com/</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Book Trailer: <a href="https://authorjillchapman.com/the-bomb-squad-book-trailer">https://authorjillchapman.com/the-bomb-squad-book-trailer</a>/ </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Instagram: </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/author_jill_chapman/" style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.instagram.com/author_jill_chapman/</a><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorjillchapman" style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.facebook.com/authorjillchapman</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #800180;">And here's a bonus for my readers: </span></i></b>Here's a free eBook giveaway. It will only be available for a short time, so download it today. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Oceans-World-Educators-Guide-Discovery-ebook/dp/B0BGZG65KQ/">https://www.amazon.com/Oceans-World-Educators-Guide-Discovery-ebook/dp/B0BGZG65KQ/</a></span></p></div></div>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-67403443569497132032023-12-22T14:30:00.002-05:002023-12-22T14:30:43.134-05:00It's Beginning to Read Like Christmas 2023: Wishing You a Merry Christmas<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwISvVrO8VH4gDV4k99AFeRwZurOUcGDPV1t7UEABuRWzmzD4ZMq13jSh3_jzFTgGKf0L6aXYptadC5Eyo7Idvj8vHc6brsZHl5aAeGo8M2n7cQaRtS8-yKC_6OJ26QyIJI9RaFSX_oblLVaybySyghQasyl5HNBG53ODe1WnvEv3BoGgGtgN06-jh4pI/s1350/Twas_the_Day-cover-6x9-300dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwISvVrO8VH4gDV4k99AFeRwZurOUcGDPV1t7UEABuRWzmzD4ZMq13jSh3_jzFTgGKf0L6aXYptadC5Eyo7Idvj8vHc6brsZHl5aAeGo8M2n7cQaRtS8-yKC_6OJ26QyIJI9RaFSX_oblLVaybySyghQasyl5HNBG53ODe1WnvEv3BoGgGtgN06-jh4pI/w133-h200/Twas_the_Day-cover-6x9-300dpi.jpg" width="133" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">It's been a busy Christmas blog
posting for me this year. I started my first post about Christmas books
back at the end of October. Since then I've done two postings a week introducing
you to various authors and providing many opportunities to easily get free
books in the process. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I've also been active with the
Facebook group, Clean Christmas Romance Readers. I participated in their 25 Days
of Christmas online party where games were played, favorite traditions about
Christmas shared, and eBooks were given away. I also was a part of their
Christmas in July promotion. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">And of course my biggest writing
project of the year was working with 11 other romance authors to create a box
set of Christmas themed novellas. I’ve enjoyed getting to know them through
online chats and getting additional tips on writing as </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouKlZcD7ximYlmJ5Zssah_LVjdGGIMURb2Yn71Mi7zx-kydBzZRucml8ny6oGttbamEqxa41XijTC2qSUj2dtJodSJJAFI-eWMOWicZkTXWTu8l_38k5hM_jjGxOw1VNZ5Z22I8WSVL0lLfzyBe1YCPHhKxejSOibSfflE_kNvyh1ttUsIlyeyoUVSK8/s2048/box%20set%20image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1672" data-original-width="2048" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouKlZcD7ximYlmJ5Zssah_LVjdGGIMURb2Yn71Mi7zx-kydBzZRucml8ny6oGttbamEqxa41XijTC2qSUj2dtJodSJJAFI-eWMOWicZkTXWTu8l_38k5hM_jjGxOw1VNZ5Z22I8WSVL0lLfzyBe1YCPHhKxejSOibSfflE_kNvyh1ttUsIlyeyoUVSK8/w200-h163/box%20set%20image.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">well. I'll be working
with a few of them again with a new Christmas box set for 2024. I just started
the book for that one but only have 3000 words of a rough draft so far. My
early stages of writing usually have me playing in my head with several
different plot lines. I know how I want my book to finish, but I've got to decide
which of those plot line routes I'll be taking.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I also have another Christmas book
in the final edit. It’s a time travel Christmas romance. I'm not sure if I want
to do that as a standalone book or try to place that in another box set with
other authors. I had a lot of fun doing the research for that book which starts
in the present day and goes back to 1955. That book tells the tale of a young
woman who's too much of a workaholic. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4ppJwZ5cx0br18lqQ9FFLuzKlNjypsSsvQNQzo3PvSa_zbt30W0WBJdqGEynvnb1E7YFGKvFS6Htj4MqYto5haxuHj1FzgYpr16sC6R8tQOZSJ2mZ6zM6ZtyunkIw1_OOoFTRxfIRwEflDkFCO582ysnb6toGvpUf_VaeVvIqT_I4Au3YBPSQ29mw_o/s2000/Let%20Santa%20Fly-redo%20Cover-10-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4ppJwZ5cx0br18lqQ9FFLuzKlNjypsSsvQNQzo3PvSa_zbt30W0WBJdqGEynvnb1E7YFGKvFS6Htj4MqYto5haxuHj1FzgYpr16sC6R8tQOZSJ2mZ6zM6ZtyunkIw1_OOoFTRxfIRwEflDkFCO582ysnb6toGvpUf_VaeVvIqT_I4Au3YBPSQ29mw_o/w133-h200/Let%20Santa%20Fly-redo%20Cover-10-17.jpg" width="133" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">She’s transported back to 1955 by Santa and
gets to spend time with her beloved grandfather who died when she was young and
learns through her time in that era of the importance of valuing friends and
family.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">During this year, I’ve published a
number of books. I hope you'll check them out on Amazon. I've written fun books for kids, sweet romances, devotionals for families, and even a cookbook. Here's the link so you can find them all and see what's coming next as well. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Christine-L.-Henderson/author/B09L2Y7XNP</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-indent: 0in;">I'm personally not participating
in any eBook giveaways at this time, but I’m still going to point to some
others as a special Christmas gift.</span><span style="font-family: georgia; text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia; text-indent: 0in;">Here's an assortment of free eBook reads from romance, to mystery, to thrillers. Some are Christmas themed and some are not. </span><a href="https://books.bookfunnel.com/christmas_stories_for_leads" style="font-family: georgia; text-indent: 0in;">https://books.bookfunnel.com/christmas_stories_for_leads</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Merry Christmas and all the best for the coming New Year!</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGqIAG8Fqy0q9xjY8MT-U7B0827Wwcrn5tGrgEn9MAGEUs-6anTHlQddooNT8Ycba3nm0IL0_Blo06qFCizQ1SQdpGucTIKNtIxFo-fCi_BLGsPL36Jp2Mj932mDuWQ_3MVlYTN9MudXho9-AekYdFpr8GKPPME1idZrUEa4JodQjEnGHAcjB7MkQ8kg/s1748/Keep%20on%20Writing%20and%20reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="1748" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGqIAG8Fqy0q9xjY8MT-U7B0827Wwcrn5tGrgEn9MAGEUs-6anTHlQddooNT8Ycba3nm0IL0_Blo06qFCizQ1SQdpGucTIKNtIxFo-fCi_BLGsPL36Jp2Mj932mDuWQ_3MVlYTN9MudXho9-AekYdFpr8GKPPME1idZrUEa4JodQjEnGHAcjB7MkQ8kg/w529-h108/Keep%20on%20Writing%20and%20reading.jpg" width="529" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br /></p>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-54130653221502845612023-12-20T11:14:00.001-05:002023-12-22T11:37:31.235-05:00It's Continuing to Read Like a Christmas Romance 2023: Author Interview with Cindy Flores Martinez<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGtGyv4qeHXVORyXDDQ9kU-BtswJbO85y_wM-p13Uyw85mbwINGkUqtjumo-yw0HlZbY605IP6_Iccpd29Xiqh84L8XsOXsuyBjTpL6Hs1c1PIVR_IIMS5N1B1cW1eCbrum9H5cNbseX2VoK5CcEc1nPTXcL52MKh9qoZx7DUNM1Xg571KxkBv4ERoQM/s1500/CF%20Martinez.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="938" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGtGyv4qeHXVORyXDDQ9kU-BtswJbO85y_wM-p13Uyw85mbwINGkUqtjumo-yw0HlZbY605IP6_Iccpd29Xiqh84L8XsOXsuyBjTpL6Hs1c1PIVR_IIMS5N1B1cW1eCbrum9H5cNbseX2VoK5CcEc1nPTXcL52MKh9qoZx7DUNM1Xg571KxkBv4ERoQM/s320/CF%20Martinez.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>How
did you come up with the idea for your Christmas book? Could you give a short
synopsis on the book for my readers?</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><i>Mia’s
Gift </i>is part of the Inspirational Romance series, <i>Small-Town Christmas Wishes</i>, which
I created a few years ago. The idea came to me all of a sudden. Sometimes I
pray for ideas when I need them, and they just come to me. Sometimes they
happen when I’m not even looking for them. The series and my story came about
that way.</span></div>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;">My
story, <i>Mia’s Gift</i>, has been republished as a second edition. I wanted to
rewrite it for years because it wasn’t fully finished by the publishing deadline.
The first edition was more like a draft. Earlier this year, I suddenly felt
inspired and began writing. I spent the summer removing scenes, rewriting
scenes, and adding new scenes. I hope it’s a better story now.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><i>Mia’s
Gift </i>is about a cupcake shop owner named Mia who unexpectedly receives a letter
from an old high school friend, who has passed away. In the letter, Mia’s
friend asks her to become a secret angel in her place. Mia decides to try and
grant a wish for the man she has feelings for and his fifteen-year-old niece,
who are in desperate need of a miracle. Mia discovers that making the wish come
true is a lot harder than she ever imagined.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">What
are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?<br /></span></b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;">My dad
grew up in Mexico and my mom’s parents were from Mexico, so when I think of
Christmas traditions, I think of Mexican traditions. When I was growing up, we followed
the popular tradition of enjoying a Mexican Christmas family dinner together on
Christmas Eve, which included homemade tamales, champurrado (Mexican hot
chocolate) and polvorones (Mexican wedding cookies). We would then open gifts
at midnight. My dad is no longer alive, so I treasure those memories.</span></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">What’s
next in writing for you? </span></b><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;">I’ve
been writing my next book on a very part-time basis. This time, the lead
character is a teenager, and like all my previous lead characters, she’s
Mexican-American. I’m not sure when the story will be published but I’m trying!</span></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">What’s
the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?</span></b><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;">The
best writing tip I can share is not to create publishing deadlines or pre-orders
for your stories. Give yourself enough time to write and rewrite. Otherwise,
you might publish something because you have to and not because it’s the best
story it can be.</span></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">What
do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?<br /></span></b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;">There’s
so much I’ve learned. The thing that stands out above the rest is how important
it is to study and practice writing before publishing a story.</span></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Any
last words or tips?<br /></span></b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;">My
advice for anyone who wants to write a book is to keep reading and writing.
It’s the only way to become better at it.</span></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6y9zcdIai6z4Y0nj5WpC59nWwC1UvDkiSZ0PgwCiJkmo899Hk0XJoKkh0TG9bzknxUhP0KnKoTLLcfXGRjzOWCNDN_VljjpHAaMID-bf0R6x4lsV_ADx27rTQJ8dqAEmC8-HD4pljj7kmnPGM-2xqCfPVdMA1Ze6FtrvFYxZEdIH79zn1_G3hnK3Wek/s345/CF%20Martinez2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="345" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6y9zcdIai6z4Y0nj5WpC59nWwC1UvDkiSZ0PgwCiJkmo899Hk0XJoKkh0TG9bzknxUhP0KnKoTLLcfXGRjzOWCNDN_VljjpHAaMID-bf0R6x4lsV_ADx27rTQJ8dqAEmC8-HD4pljj7kmnPGM-2xqCfPVdMA1Ze6FtrvFYxZEdIH79zn1_G3hnK3Wek/s320/CF%20Martinez2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Are
there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about?<br /></span></b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;">Yes,
there are several books in the <i>Small-Town Christmas Wishes series</i> that were
written by different authors. I think your readers would enjoy them!</span></div>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;">Like Cindy, I'm looking forward to having tamales on Christmas Eve, but mine will be bought from our favorite Mexican family restaurent. However, I will be baking a few dozen </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;">Mexican wedding cookies for our church's sweet treats after the Christmas Eve service. </span></p><p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">That's all for today's interview. </span></b></i><span style="color: #222222;">If you'd like to learn more about Cindy's writing, here are two links to get you started. </span></span></p><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #222222;">Website: </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.cindyfloresmartinez.com/">https://www.cindyfloresmartinez.com/<br /></a></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;">Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mias-Gift-Small-Town-Christmas-Wishes-ebook/dp/B07X9GFHL7">https://www.amazon.com/Mias-Gift-Small-Town-Christmas-Wishes-ebook/dp/B07X9GFHL7</a></span></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">And now for a Christmas treat for my readers... </span></i></b>Here is a link to an assortment of Sweet Christmas romance stories that cover a whole range of sub-genres from contemporary to historical romances. These free eBooks are only available through 12/31, so make your choices now! </span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://books.bookfunnel.com/stuffyourstocking/5pbr3uc8pi">https://books.bookfunnel.com/stuffyourstocking/5pbr3uc8pi</a></span></span></div><div style="background: white;"><br /></div><br />Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-51595797668542437012023-12-15T12:10:00.000-05:002023-12-15T12:10:10.733-05:00It's Beginning to Read Like a Sweet Chritmas Romance 2023: Author Interview with Jess Hansen<div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 9pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJE-FNoLhyphenhyphenv-h653XnYhuusiZDg6DtLO-wPGX2Hfql7EqwhyphenhyphenijRLf9D4U2mjquAHu8loPaw2BzajQCrXBIKcN-hmLJBUN014_yXmMl68K3iQhNWUfvjEPllY1KbDWkd5CowQaco2gD4aSsrI5R0aeXjmyn4GCjAEhdArjUj9MyDzVG9juiakIIGTGCow/s1500/J%20Hansen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="938" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJE-FNoLhyphenhyphenv-h653XnYhuusiZDg6DtLO-wPGX2Hfql7EqwhyphenhyphenijRLf9D4U2mjquAHu8loPaw2BzajQCrXBIKcN-hmLJBUN014_yXmMl68K3iQhNWUfvjEPllY1KbDWkd5CowQaco2gD4aSsrI5R0aeXjmyn4GCjAEhdArjUj9MyDzVG9juiakIIGTGCow/s320/J%20Hansen1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>What made you decide to write Christmas themed books</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">? </span></span><span style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Could you give a short synopsis on the books for my readers?</span><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline;">I honestly love the feeling of the Christmas season. The music, the lights, the gathering of family and friends… it is a magical time of year when anything is possible. </span><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline;">As a small-town girl myself, I love small-town romances. Pairing my love of Christmas with small-town romances seemed like the perfect combination!</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 9pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline;">All of my books are categorized as clean and wholesome romance, so they are appropriate for any age to read. That is important to me because I have a teenage daughter who is a voracious reader. Finding positive stories without adult content hasn’t always been easy for us. When I started writing fiction three years ago, it was my goal to create lighthearted happy-ever-afters for everyone. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 9pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline;">My Christmas series, <i>Heartwarming Holidays</i>, has </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">warm holiday feels all wrapped in a cozy small-town romance</span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;">. </span><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline;">An interconnected series of novellas, this list is short and sweet and filled with holiday joy! My newest release is </span><span style="color: #222222; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;">Mistletoe Wishes, A Sweet Christmas Collection</span><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline;"> that includes all of the beloved stories of my readers’ favorite couple: Melanie and Tom. For these best friends to more, it all started on Christmas Eve. The collection includes an exclusive bonus short story that everyone has been waiting for: a wedding!</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 9pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02pEYLshAQZ75f50A7H5-xR5E7Kx0203PNQOUyo-R_dOWTK9srSHKUl92cXAU-oZ0XGst7q3t2B5XGnoaThzjuW01eFm5G-phD95qulRSMn3Uaofx0P_WHoRPTXnOA00oNTqWdZSl1ck9ZTsF9k3bh0r9THyqiHik0qEVfF5jPn-TxrkAFmCbDtWTns4/s1500/J%20Hansen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="938" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02pEYLshAQZ75f50A7H5-xR5E7Kx0203PNQOUyo-R_dOWTK9srSHKUl92cXAU-oZ0XGst7q3t2B5XGnoaThzjuW01eFm5G-phD95qulRSMn3Uaofx0P_WHoRPTXnOA00oNTqWdZSl1ck9ZTsF9k3bh0r9THyqiHik0qEVfF5jPn-TxrkAFmCbDtWTns4/s320/J%20Hansen2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?</span><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline;">In our small-town, Santa rides up and down every single street just after dinner on Christmas Eve. Pulled by a wagon, our local fire trucks honk and blow their sirens to announce his arrival in their mini street parade. When my daughter was small, they used to stop and say her name in front of our house. Now that she is older we still stand outside anxiously awaiting his arrival and wave. Inside we always have a fire burning in our fireplace, holiday music playing and a few last minute cookies in the oven. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 9pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">What’s next in writing for you? </span><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline;">So much! I have a brand new Christmas series debuting soon. <i>Clayton Avenue Christmas</i> is a series trilogy of three generations of women living on Clayton Avenue in the sweet small-town of Holly Oak. <i>The Hope of Christmas </i>is up first! </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 9pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline;">Here is a little glimpse:<br /></span><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline;">The small-town of Holly Oak is brimming with holiday spirit. The cobblestone streets of the downtown are bathed in twinkly lights with music streaming from each decorated storefront from Thanksgiving through the New Year. Sounds of the season feel like a warm hug in the chill of winter air. While historic town bells hang from every lamp post on Main and Commerce Streets. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 9pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIs8RLNiL8dgBALAG7lpx_09Df29PJ9fPpkV5v6om7ZcvxfWAo7-Ewlr-uSMi-Xulfot4lPup_jPjGEGeAD99aRNkaN0ll7nT-xwh3k2S8wW8q49lc5ekaVeimK9gmaFNby31Lku7ncH4ujVF4MeI4C-KDnTDW1izOe_V7GmvjLjJBd-vrIbiRpDr2Go/s1500/J%20Hansen3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIs8RLNiL8dgBALAG7lpx_09Df29PJ9fPpkV5v6om7ZcvxfWAo7-Ewlr-uSMi-Xulfot4lPup_jPjGEGeAD99aRNkaN0ll7nT-xwh3k2S8wW8q49lc5ekaVeimK9gmaFNby31Lku7ncH4ujVF4MeI4C-KDnTDW1izOe_V7GmvjLjJBd-vrIbiRpDr2Go/s320/J%20Hansen3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Perhaps the most jolly street of all is Clayton Avenue. One of oldest streets in the town, the homes are decked out with colored light displays that glisten in the darkness of early evening. <br /></span><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline;">The Fairchilds have called Clayton Avenue home since the fifties. Rose Fairchild grew up there in the thirties and purchased a home next door to her parents after she got married. She raised her daughter, Lily Anna, there and then her grandchildren, Sadie Lynn and Frankie. The house now belongs to Sadie and with it all of the traditions of the holiday season. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 9pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Clayton Avenue Christmas </i>is a sweet trilogy of three generations of Fairchild women. Filled with hope, memories and the light of the holiday season, this series is worth cuddling up with!</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 9pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?</span><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;">Write every single day. It isn’t always easy juggling all the hats of motherhood, marriage, and the things life throws at us; but putting down a few words every day is so important to keep the creative juices flowing. </span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 9pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcmdXKPKKD_fMkbeBPJsN0EP33u2n54-_Q1YPtZfJPPV8Ck-PVZq0SiCbMTuWzcwBpGPU2k6BGzGuskpDrIpRydz7loNga8TUZFHZbbxdS0-r0ZRlBInnoRIonNRNzN0J3q6F5u0shV20p-8Rid7LQIH3tzfxGbfWkjyoaQzIguCnJBBKgzVjJvA-nVM/s1500/J%20Hansen4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="938" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcmdXKPKKD_fMkbeBPJsN0EP33u2n54-_Q1YPtZfJPPV8Ck-PVZq0SiCbMTuWzcwBpGPU2k6BGzGuskpDrIpRydz7loNga8TUZFHZbbxdS0-r0ZRlBInnoRIonNRNzN0J3q6F5u0shV20p-8Rid7LQIH3tzfxGbfWkjyoaQzIguCnJBBKgzVjJvA-nVM/s320/J%20Hansen4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?</span><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; vertical-align: baseline;">It is okay to make mistakes. As an Indie Author, especially starting out I thought everything had to be perfect. Ha! Few things in life ever are. Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow! </span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 9pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Any last words or tips?</span><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; vertical-align: baseline;">Thank you so much for having me! I am so excited to share my love of books, sweet romance and Chritsmas with everyone! </span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 9pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about?</span></b><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; vertical-align: baseline;">My <i>Sweet Summer Landings series</i> is a collection of summer love stories. Each novel features a different couple ranging in age from YA to Later in Life. </span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 9pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: georgia; vertical-align: baseline;">The Landings is a charming small town where each season is more beautiful than the last. Lapping tides, landing waterfowl, and the call of tree frogs in the distance provide an ongoing romantic soundtrack. Relax into this little coastal village in the Mid-Atlantic. Enjoy perfect seasons, swoony first kisses and heartwarming happily ever afters in this sweet romance series.</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 9pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6JT6O8EjuQA22-y-ZNuhoktTA9KL8Hh1IObeQPYmsnFV7qu9I9FtHgHRG97PtEOahgJAyrS8_TpRiucES_u1Vh4_HTqlP31xlyDl6PIvtHcI2_Y3pS348OERU2NWXydPsMRPIsUaH_O25n_6Xoi6yDQ5rmAQzA8R_hh1lBoKqZq9_c5pmgxIGD8G9uM/s1500/J%20Hansen5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="938" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6JT6O8EjuQA22-y-ZNuhoktTA9KL8Hh1IObeQPYmsnFV7qu9I9FtHgHRG97PtEOahgJAyrS8_TpRiucES_u1Vh4_HTqlP31xlyDl6PIvtHcI2_Y3pS348OERU2NWXydPsMRPIsUaH_O25n_6Xoi6yDQ5rmAQzA8R_hh1lBoKqZq9_c5pmgxIGD8G9uM/w125-h200/J%20Hansen5.jpg" width="125" /></a></div><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">That's all for today's interview. </span></i><span style="color: #222222;">Jess has many more books than just the Christmas ones and here's how you can get all their details.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"></span></div><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 9pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Facebook Reader Group</b>: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/cleanromance">https://www.facebook.com/groups/cleanromance<br /></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><b>Bookstore:</b> </span><a href="https://books2read.com/JHansen" style="font-family: georgia;">https://books2read.com/JHansen<br /></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>W</b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>ebsite:</b> <a href="https://jesshansenauthor.com/">https://jesshansenauthor.com/</a></span></p><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 9pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: georgia;"><b><i>And here's a freebie for my readers...</i> </b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #222222; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Moonlight and Mistletoe</i>: A Short & Sweet Christmas Romance is free to read for a limited time: </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://books2read.com/u/4jNz6o">https://books2read.com/u/4jNz6o</a></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 9pt; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523894008809901092.post-23417408053821414072023-12-13T10:30:00.001-05:002023-12-13T10:30:00.131-05:00It's Beginning to Read Like Sweet Christmas Romances 2023: Author Interview with Karen Liszewski<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSuY8qoOjfdbq1Gj9XiL3YLNeuDGYf4IW-XYodQXJ_gTIoKYCfd9pbUVUDyMFCFc7uVHOuryyLJFtkhtPfPec-3mEiF_-b1sS1bNLobC5hAH0XHb9gl8X_C9H9D5PcF6NZs8bj07-FVjm0GpzjNRDKIHrBHyQg0nrSbT_Op1A8i_kRo3Dax44EjwXPA8/s1500/Lisseweski.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="938" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSuY8qoOjfdbq1Gj9XiL3YLNeuDGYf4IW-XYodQXJ_gTIoKYCfd9pbUVUDyMFCFc7uVHOuryyLJFtkhtPfPec-3mEiF_-b1sS1bNLobC5hAH0XHb9gl8X_C9H9D5PcF6NZs8bj07-FVjm0GpzjNRDKIHrBHyQg0nrSbT_Op1A8i_kRo3Dax44EjwXPA8/w250-h400/Lisseweski.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>What made you decide to write a Christmas themed book? </b></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Christmas is my favorite time of the year and I love sitting down, by the tree, and reading Christmas books or watching Christmas movies. This led me to writing my own Christmas book!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia;"><b>Could you give a short synopsis on the books for my readers?</b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />My debut novel, <i>Meet Me In Winterberry</i>, is a clean, Christmas romance. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Here's the tagline and blurb... What would you do if you thought you had it all figured out, but life had different plans?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Penelope Maxwell has it all. She lives in a penthouse in Manhattan, has a successful acting career, a closet that most women would die for, and is newly engaged to the man of her dreams. Until the day after Thanksgiving, when it all came crashing down. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Now she finds herself stranded in a Christmas obsessed, small town in Vermont where no one knows her identity. With no phone and a car that doesn’t run, she is forced to reevaluate the life she thought she loved.<br /><br />For Brent Harrison, not long after losing his wife, he moves back to his hometown of Winterberry, Vermont with his daughter Nora, to help his parents run their Inn. He hates all things Christmas and isn’t looking forward to the craziness of the season in the small town.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">When he comes across a broken down car in the middle of Main Street with the most beautiful woman inside, he decides to do the right thing and invite her to stay in a room at the Inn.<br /><br />As the two spend time together, an attraction grows that they both can’t seem to ignore. Will this be a Christmas that will change both of their lives forever? Or will Penelope go back to her old life, leaving Brent to pick up the pieces of his heart once again? <br /> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?</span></b><br />I love getting hot cocoa and driving around to see Christmas lights. Also, my husband, daughter and I always watch <i>Elf</i> the night we decorate the tree and my husband gets Chick Fil A for dinner!<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">What’s next in writing for you? </span></b><br />I have a few books planned for the future and the next Winterberry book will be coming out next Christmas!<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?</span></b><br />There have been two things I have learned from writing my first book. First, write every single day. Even if it is a jumbled mess, sit down in the chair every single day and write. Second, write from your heart. Don’t try to write a book just so that it sells. Stay true to you and what feels right.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?</span></b><br />I wish I knew everything that went into publishing a book! From the marketing and the editing to all of the decisions you have to make, I have been learning as I go.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Any last words or tips?</span></b><br />If you are like me, and you have wanted to write a book but have been too scared to do it, just go for it. I promise, it is worth it!<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about?</span></b><br />I’m excited for Mary Kay Andrews’ new Christmas book, <i>Bright Lights, Big Christmas</i>, as well as a a novella that comes out every year, part of a series, called <i>The Moonglow Christmas</i> by Deborah Garner that I look forward to every year!<br /><br />That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Karen's writing, here are some links to get you started. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Liszewski/author/B0CLT5KMWW">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Liszewski/author/B0CLT5KMWW</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Facebook: </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/karenliszewskiauthor">https://www.facebook.com/karenliszewskiauthor</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Instagram: </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/authorkarenliszewski/">https://www.instagram.com/authorkarenliszewski/</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">And here's a bonus for my readers...</span></i></b>Here's a chance to get some free Clean romance eBooks, but these books are only available through 12/15 so use this link today!</span></div><div><a href="https://books.bookfunnel.com/cleanromancefreebies_endsdec15th">https://books.bookfunnel.com/cleanromancefreebies_endsdec15th</a></div>Christine L.Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351506882885055776noreply@blogger.com0