Adding Mystery, Suspense, and Holding a Reader's Interest: Author Interview with Luana Ehrlich

You’ve now published 27 books according to Amazon lists, but what inspired you to write that first one? 
I was inspired to write my first spy thriller, One Night in Tehran, after hearing about the persecution of Christians in Iran about twelve years ago. Because I've always been an avid reader of mysteries and thrillers, I knew my first book would be in this genre, so one morning, after hearing a news story about the difficulty of living as a Christian in Iran, I asked myself several questions, which eventually became the plotline of the book. 

I wondered what would happen if a veteran CIA intelligence operative in Tehran encountered a group of Iranian Christians and became a believer. How would his conversion affect his career? How would a man trained to lie and deceive others be able to follow the teachings of Christ in the real world?

 Within an hour of hearing the news story, I sat down at my computer and began writing the first chapter, creating the character of Titus Ray as I went along. From that point, it took me a year to finish the book. Since that time, I’ve gone on to write ten more books in that series (and there’s more to come), plus two other series, and now, each book takes me about four months to write.

You’ve now published 3 series. Your Titus Ray Thriller Series has a subset called Ben Mitchell. Why did you create it that way? 
I decided to write a spinoff of the Titus Ray Thriller Series featuring Titus’s protégé, Ben Mitchell, when I agreed to be in a romantic suspense box set with several other Christian authors. Once I wrote the first book, Ben in Love, I went on to write two more, Ben in Charge and Ben in Trouble. These three spinoffs are still told in the voice of Titus Ray, so they’re actually Titus Ray Thrillers and chronologically, they’re part of the series.

When do you decide it’s time to do a new series? 
Several years ago, when my fourth book in the Titus Ray Thrillers Series, Four Months in Cuba, was up for a Carol Award from the association of American Christian Fiction Writers, I attended the ACFW Conference, where I met the agent of another author who asked me if I’d ever considered writing a mystery series. Strangely enough, I’d never thought about doing that! But the more I thought about it, the more it appealed to me, and thus, I wrote the first book in the Mylas Grey Mystery Series, One Day Gone. I’ve now written six books in that series, plus a prequel (and there’s more to come.)

My newest series, the Silas McKay Suspense Series, was also started when I was asked to be part of a box set with other Christian authors. I’ve written three books in that series so far, One Wonders, Two Believe, and Three Confess, and the fourth book, Four Doubt, will be published in July 2024.

If you haven’t noticed yet, my protagonists’ names all rhyme—Titus Ray, Mylas Grey, and Silas McKay—plus, I added the thriller, mystery, suspense on each name according to the main character’s first name. It’s strictly a branding thing. I thought it would be easier for readers to remember them that way.

I love suspense thrillers but would have no idea how to put one together. How do you go about plotting your suspense thrillers? What research do you need to do?
The plots in my mystery/suspense/thrillers are usually straight out of today’s headlines.  From the time I was a teenager, I’ve followed current events on the news, and I’ve enjoyed reading books and articles about geopolitical happenings around the world, so writing about them seems very natural to me. When I’m considering using a news story for the plotline of a book, I collect everything I can find on the subject and after immersing myself in the subject for a week or so, I write a two-page synopsis of what will happen to my protagonist. I’m always surprised by the end of the book when I read the synopsis I originally wrote, that my characters have taken me in a slightly different direction.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
The best encouragement I’ve had in my writing is from my readers. While my family certainly encouraged me when I was writing my first book, it wasn’t until I read the reviews on Amazon and started getting emails from readers who loved the character of Titus Ray, that I was encouraged to continue writing. Even today, I tell my readers that I hope they’ll never stop asking me when my next book is coming out, and I often say my readers are the reason I keep writing past midnight.  

Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produces more sales rather than just clicks?
You’re right that marketing is the key to getting readers to buy a book. There are millions of books published each year, and unless an author uses some method of marketing, their books won’t get noticed. I primarily use four means to keep my books before potential readers—(1) advertising on Amazon and BookBub, a book promotion service for discounted books, (2) putting a few of my books on sale for 99c every 90 days by having my books on KindleUnlimited, (3) giving away a book by entering giveaways like Celebrate Lit and Ryan Zee, and (4) sending out a newsletter every two weeks to keep my subscribers updated about my books and to let them know when they’re discounted.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
The best advice I could give anyone who wants to become a published author is to be disciplined in your writing. Set aside a specific time each day, or several hours during the week, to write and do it consistently. In reality, writing 800 words a day produces a 70,000-word book in three months, which is the average word count of most mystery books.  Secondly, I believe the best writers are also the best readers. The more you read, the better you’ll write.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
I suppose I should mention that all my books are written in first person, and that’s the only point of view in the story. The protagonist is telling the story, so it’s his “voice” the reader hears. Events in the story are told from his perspective, and readers only know other characters as they interact with him. I believe this makes for a more intimate relationship between the reader and the main character and creates an atmosphere where the reader is able to “experience” the action in a more personal way.
 
I should also mention that all my books are clean Christian fiction, and that each of my protagonists is in a different place in his journey of faith. Although his Christian beliefs play a role in the story, it’s not the main emphasis of the storyline. There’s also a hint of heartwarming romance in each story—yes, each of my protagonists has a love interest that continues throughout the series.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
My next release is Book 10 in the Titus Ray Thriller Series, One Good Time, which is up for preorder and will be released on April 11.

Here’s a short synopsis:  CIA covert operative Titus Ray gets involved in a deadly game of cat and mouse when he agrees to lead an FBI/CIA joint operation to the Texas border to help a known terrorist enter the U. S. illegally. By following the terrorist to his final destination, Titus hopes to stop a deadly biological attack on the nation’s heartland. But when disaster strikes, Titus is faced with a torrent of emotions that threatens to derail his mission. Can he overcome his personal anguish in time to avert the disaster?

That's all for today's interview. To learn more about Luana's writing, check out these links.
Website:   http://www.LuanaEhrlich.com
Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/luanaehrlich
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LuanaEhrlichAuthor
Devotional Blog: http://www.hisglorymyjoy.wordpress.com

And here's a special bonus for my readers... Leave a comment on this post and next Friday we'll choose one winner to get a free eBook. Here's what Luana is offering...The winner will have a choice of the first three eBooks in the Titus Ray Thriller Series, Titus Ray Thriller Series, Books 1-3,  or if the winner prefers mysteries, then, you would get the first eBook in either her mystery or suspense series, One Day Gone or One Wonders.

So leave that comment now!

Discoveries as You Write: Author interview with Rebecca Velez

Your first three novels were historical fiction set in Old Testament times. Since then you’ve written books outside of Biblical times. What made you decide to switch genres?
Esperanza Ranch 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.

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.

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?
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.

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.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
A reader wrote on FB that my first novel Such a Time as This was one of her favorite books. 

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?
Interacting on the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction FB group has brought in the most sales for me.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
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. 

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
 “Butt in the chair,” or as Nike would say, “Just do it!”

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.

 Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
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 A Place for Annika to her. 

 

You just released A Place for Annika. Can you give me a short synopsis?
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.

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. 

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Rebecca's books, here are some links to get you started.

https://www.amazon.com/Place-Annika-Rebecca-Velez-ebook/dp/B0CSF7R63K
https://rebeccalvelez.wixsite.com/rebecca-velez-books
https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-velez-53392036/
https://www.instagram.com/rebeccalynnvelez/

And here's a bonus for my readers, leave a comment on this post with your name and we'll pick one reader who'll receive an eBook of A Place for Annika. So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next Friday!

There Is a Place in This World for Your Story: Author Interview with Lauren Ranalli

What made you decide to write your first novel? Was there a book/author who made you think, I could do that?  
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. 

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, The Great Latke Cook Off.

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? 
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.  

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing? 
Seeing all of the incredible reader reviews is always so rewarding! I recently had a teacher tell me that her classroom gave my book, Let's Meet on the Moon 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.  

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? 
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.  

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner? 
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! 

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give? 
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! 

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add? 
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.  

Tell me about your latest book
My latest book, Snow Day at the Zoo, 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. 

Are there any other points of writing you would like to add?
 If you're interested in becoming a self-published author, I've put together some of my favorite (free!) tips in The Self-Publishing Guide: 5 Resources to Get You Started

That's all for today's interview. I you'd like to learn more about Lauren's writing, here are the links to get you started.

Website: https://www.laurenranalli.com/

Her website features free coloring pages for each of her books

Free self-publishing guide: https://www.laurenranalli.com/guide
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3ALauren+Ranalli

And here's a special discount from Lauren... Buy any of her print books and Lauren will give everyone a 15% discount. Just use the code  THANKYOU15 online at checkout.

And here's another bonus for my readers... Here's a free eBook to inspire and challenge children to reach for their dreams and not give up. https://www.amazon.com/Lotti-Big-Dream-Charly-Froh-ebook/dp/B0BP2QPN69

Laughter, Suspense and Love: Author Interview with C.L. Rain

What made you decide to write your first novel? Was there a book/author who made you think, I could do that? 

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.
 
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? 

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.
 
What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing? 

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.
 

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? 

For me, so far it's been Facebook. Between takeovers and ads, those have been the most successful for me to date.
 
What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner? 

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.
 
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give? 

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.
 
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add? 

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. 
 

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis? 

I released my newest book last month. It's called Bullet & Blaze.  If you can picture a mix of Mission Impossible meets The Tourist 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. 

That's all for today's interview. Here are the links to find more about this author's books.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.L.%20Rain/author/B0CP8LBP6Z/allbooks

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/38435929.C_L_Rain

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094640120717

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clrainauthor/

Bullet & Blaze: https://books2read.com/u/mYDQrp

And here's a bonus for my readers, leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive an eBook copy of of Bullet & Blaze!  So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next Friday!

Engage Your Readers and Buyers: Author Interview with Erin & Kent Barnard

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.

What made you decide to start writing picture books?
Erin: 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.

Kent:  I grew up in a reading house, even though we read a lot of comic books, we also read virtually everything else around.  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?  *(that answer is below!)  Many years later, I was inspired by one of my Storytime kids to write Mom Needs a Dinosaur!  (He is now a sophomore in high school!)

As a husband and wife team, how do you go about writing, editing, and formatting?
Erin: This is a very involved question! I will try to make this short, for your sake [you're welcome]! Kent wrote Mom Needs a Dinosaur! and I did the rest. For the Rhino & Dino 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! 

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. 

 I always save the covers 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.

Kent: Since I have a full-time library director job, Erin has been amazing at doing all of it!  I do some editing, mostly she bounces things off of me and I give an opinion, but Erin is a real workhorse!  We could not have come this far without her ability to learn new things (as frustrating as that has sometimes been!).

You publish as an indie author. How much of the book do you do yourself? 
Erin: 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.

Kent:  Erin should really say she does everything.  I worked in sales as one of my jobs over the years, so that helps.  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. 

What was the hardest part of putting together your books?
Erin:  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.  

Kent:  There was a lot of learning about writing and rewriting and rewriting (ad infinitum).  Every single word in a picture book has to be the right word, the best word you can use.  Even when we went to publish the second edition of Mom Needs a Dinosaur!, I changed a word, because when I read it out loud at Storytimes, I always used that word, not the one in the book!

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had from readers?
Erin: That kids who adore series like the Elephant & Piggie books love our Rhino & Dino books 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.

Kent:  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.  So many kids (and adults) love dinos - and they know more now than I did at their age!  When Erin draws them, she makes them correct anatomically because she knows kids will notice!!

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?
Erin: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.

Kent: Word of mouth so far, but we will be making a concerted effort to get out there and visit indie sellers when I retire.

What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner? 
Erin: 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.

Kent:  There is still a huge stigma that self-published books are not quality books.  Unfortunately, in many cases this is true.  We found out, when we did Mom Needs a Dinosaur!, that the quality of print on demand picture books is not where we need it to be - so we make sure we get a good printer with quality paper and always hardcover, they're just better.  Another big problem is distribution.  We have found that some of the big distributors do not want anything to do with self-published works.  I understand where they are coming from, but one of the first things we hear at a bookstore is "Is it in Ingram?"  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.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Erin: 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?

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.

 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.

Kent:  "Edit, rewrite, repeat.  Then set the book aside.  Then do it again. Until it's the best gosh darn book it can be."  Jerry Apps told me that during one of our talks at our library, which is in his hometown. 

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.

Always save every copy you have made. I have a book which I liked.  Then I got disillusioned with it and scrapped it to start over.  After trying to start again, I realized the first couple drafts weren't bad, but I had lost them.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add? 
Erin: 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!

Kent:  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."  He told me that because I wrote that book like a screenplay, thinking the illustrator needed to know every detail.  They don't.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me some details? 
Erin: 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!

Kent:  We have several things in the works, Erin has a couple of books ready to print, and more after that.  We haven't decided which direction to go in, since we have a lot of books in our house to sell!

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about their books, start with these links. 

Website: https://www.seabearpress.com/

Facebook: facebook.com/seabearpress
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AErin+Kant+Barnard

Here's a bonus for my readers. Leave a comment on this post and I'll pick one winner to get a PDF copy of  Rhino & Dino Snazzy Jazzy Activity Booklet? A winner will be chosen next Tuesday. 

Writing with Purpose: Author Interview with Joi Copeland

What made you decide to write your first novel? 
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.

It’s actually a funny story why I started writing historical books. My first one was A Christmas Home for Hannah. 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! 😊

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?
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.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
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.

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?
Newsletter swaps with other authors. That has been a huge blessing in the marketing area.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
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!

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Have a newsletter, a website, and a mentor. All three are important!

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Writing is a joy! I absolutely love it! I’m so thankful to my author friends and readers who encourage and challenge me.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
A Match for Malachi 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.

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Joi's books, here are some links to get you started. 
https://www.instagram.com/booksbyjoi/
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Joi-Copeland/author/B005IH4T5C

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joi-copeland

https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=joi+copeland&qid=

https://joicopeland.com/

And here's a bonus for my readers. 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 A Match for Lief. One winner will be chosen next Friday. So write that comment now!

Writing Action-Packed Thrillers: Author Interview with Bill Best

You have now published multiple thrillers, but what inspired you to write that first book? 

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?

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. 

Had you planned on your books  becoming a series? 

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.

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. 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

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!

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? 

I depend on editorial help and book cover designers. My website, emails, formatting, marketing, and virtually everything else? For now, it’s all me!
 
How do you go about doing research for your thrillers to make them believable – especially when the storyline is action packed?  

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!!

Your series is subtitled End of the Sixth Age. What does that mean? 
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:

• ONE Adam to Noah
• TWO Noah to Abraham
• THREE Abraham to David
• FOUR David to Christ
• FIVE Christ through the Apostles
• 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) 

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing? 

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.
 
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? 

Experts recommend focusing on building your email list, especially with those who are interested in your specific genre. I tried numerous things that failed miserably. What almost doubled my list over the past year is participating in Book Funnel newsletter promos. Do this after you have at least 2 books in a series (I have three). 

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. 

 
What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner? 

I wish I had written the first two novels in my series before 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.
 
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give? 

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. 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.

 
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add? 

Start with your genre. Make sure your intended genre is even drawing that many readers. Brainstorm many 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?

 

What is the next book coming out? 

Honestly not sure. Do I start a new series? Do I add another book to my trilogy? My series 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. 

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!
 
That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Bill's writing, here are some links to get you started.
Website: https://www.billbest.net/

Email: Bill@BillBest.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColBillBestAuthor

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf-Is8RPcwPOiGIIoyaUBtA

And here's a tip for my readers... Get a free eBook novella that introduces the  series by using this link: https://www.billbest.net/free/

And here's another bonus...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 Five Score and Ten. Do that now!

Creating a Meaningful Story: Author Interview with Silvia Tabor

What made you decide to start writing picture books? 
My greatest inspiration was my daughter and her curiosity. But also, the circumstances - COVID. I wanted to try something new and that was just the right opportunity to start this new adventure.

How long does it take for you to complete a book?
That's different for each book. I write picture books for children so my timing is set by the illustrations. One illustrator can take 1-3 months, another can take 3-6 months.  I prefer  watercolor illustrations so sometimes these take longer. 

For my first book,  it took about 2 months, but I got the chance to work with an experienced illustrator who worked pretty fast. For my current book,  it’s more than one year. Mostly because my illustrator works on different projects and for a while I took a break. 

Did you personally design the full book, or did you have assistance? 
All my books are indie-published.  I hired professionals to get started. I plan to learn as much of the process as possible. For now, I'll hire others who know well their job because I want good quality books. 

Did you provide both the English and Spanish translations for the books? 
For the books I've published in other languages, I first translated them, and they were published later. I have two of my books translated into both Spanish and French. Mynewest book will be published in three languages at the same time.

What was the hardest part of putting together your books?
Working with an illustrator is very interesting and fulfilling but not easy. There are many great illustrators, but it is really important to work with someone  who is not only good, but who’s personality fits  the author’s personality.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had from readers?
I believe my books have important educational content so when I get a review from teachers or parents that the book was helpful, this makes me happy.  I've had people buy a large number of books, often in two different languages. Most likely this means it was a school purchase. I'm happy to know teachers found my books good enough to use in the class.

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?
I am still learning. I've tried different marketing strategies to see what works best for me. I always say that you need 1% talent to write a book and 90% talent to sell it.

What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?
I wish I had a better understanding of the difference between traditional/hybrid/vanity publishers. There are many other things that I learned along the way, and of course I wished I had known them before, but it’s process, it’s normal to make mistakes. 

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Don’t start this adventure with the idea of becoming rich from selling your books. You most likely will be disappointed. Invest an amount that you are comfortable losing and can afford not to recoup. That doesn’t mean you can’t make money from your books, but you need to understand that selling books is a profession that takes a lot of work. Writing books is a creative process. This has to come from the heart, of desiring to leave something beautiful for this world. Material gain has to be secondary.
 
What is the next book coming out? Can you give me some details? 

My newest book,Charlotte-Marella and the Sea, was released in September. The book is about a girl who is a sea lover at heart, she sails her boat to enchanting places, with Little Coral Island being her favorite—an oasis for her beloved friends, the wise turtle she saves, a chameleon, a parrot, and a toucan. Alongside her loyal friends, she orchestrates a plan to teach some irresponsible boys a lesson—cleaning up their mess and respecting the island's inhabitants. This tale underscores the significance of responsibility, respect, and nurturing relationships. 

That's all for today's interview. To learn more about Silvia's books, including a Christmas book, check out her Amazon author page: 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Silvia-Tabor/author/B09QW9Q2H1

And here's a bonus for my readers, leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive a copy of one of  Silvia's eBooks. So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next Tuesday!