The Challenges of Publishing: Author Interview with Deborah Jean Miller

What inspired you to write that first novel? Who encouraged you to finish and publish it? 
The inspiration for my first novel, The Essence of Shade, was a story that had mysteriously appeared in my brain 20 years ago and never left. I love a story where I cannot guess the ending, so after watching the movie “Presumed Innocent”, I fell in love the excitement of the unguessable. I hope this comes across in my first book.

The person who encouraged me the most is my brother, Gary Murrell, who wrote a self-help book. He is by far a better writer, but he consistently pushed me along, praising my work. I don’t think I would have continued to write without his support.

Your books are independently published. Did you do the formatting and cover design, or did you hire others? 
I am a research fanatic, so I wanted my book to look professional (per the many posts about the importance of looking professional) and hired a designer. Since my book is Christian fiction, I looked for a Christian designer who also offered an affordable package that included formatting.

I did a lot of research about ISBN codes, how to self publish my book, etc. I ended up publishing on Amazon (of course!), and also used Draft 2 Digital for non-Kindle eBooks. Then after reading about how book stores and libraries acquire books, I published on Ingram Spark. I did all of this myself after reading countless articles.

What’s the hardest part for you in publishing your own books?

For me, marketing is the hardest part and I’ve yet to conquer this beast. I created my own website after watching YouTube videos. I’m not a web developer but learned how to do this after research. I hate social media and I’m not good at creating a following. Most of my sales are through friends, a few editorial reviews, and eBook promotions, the biggest being BookBub. And I always hound people to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads. These are very helpful.

What is the hardest part of writing for you? 
The hardest part of writing is finding quiet time and finding the right words. I have no writing background, other than creating training manuals for my job, so I just kept refining, rewriting, etc. I probably reread the book over 10 times, cutting scenes along the way. My brother was a big help, reading sections as I went along. 

For tension and scene creation, I usually stop and picture myself as the character and how I would react based on the personality I’ve given her. The Essence of Shade is very much a romantic novel. I got so wrapped up in the character, that I actually fell in love with man I had created. It was a very emotional experience for me. Hard to describe.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
When someone actually likes the story (and you can tell who is lying!), that is the biggest motivator. And seeing reviews written by unbiased people like book bloggers or the general public. I get so excited when someone I don’t know leaves a wonderful review. And my brother’s constant encouragement when I complained about my writing. I too often compare myself to great writers, but my brother told me that some people love long, flowery prose (which is so not me), and others just want an engaging story. I fit the latter.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
I wish I would have taken writing classes in school, but I didn’t. I also wrote my first novel at the age of 62! I wish I would have started sooner.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Be true to yourself and write for yourself. Don’t try to please the masses. And when you start writing, just do a brain dump through the whole novel. Don’t try to be perfect in the first draft, then go back through several times and refine. Cut sentences and words that don’t matter. Then get a group of friends to read your book and give honest feedback.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
I tried to secure an agent and sent out over 70 Query letters, but no bites. This can be discouraging, but keep your chin up. When there were no takers, I decided to self publish. In the long run, it's better for me to self publish since I have all control.

Can you give me a short synopsis of your latest book?
My most recent novel is Escaping Pretense. Unlike my first, this is not Christian fiction, although it is Christian leaning. It’s about a dysfunctional woman who decides to embezzle money from her wealthy clients after being denied a promotion. 

Just when she thinks she has pulled off the perfect crime, she is confronted by the FBI in her office inside the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. But she manages to escape and is presumed dead. It’s really more about self-discovery and redemption.

Sounds intriguing! If you'd like to learn more about Deborah's writing, here are the links to get you started.

Website: https://deborahjeanmiller.com/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Deborah-Jean-Miller/e/B07N6PCPFL

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18821153.Deborah_Jean_Miller

Finding the Right Marketing Assistance: Author Interview with Terrance Layhew

Most everyone thinks they can write a novel. What made you decide to write one? 
It’s actually a surprise that I wrote a novel. I’ve always been a writer, but in my late teens I decided to put my efforts towards non-fiction. For nearly a decade now, I’ve been writing essays on various blogs and platforms. 

Talking to a friend, Scott Hebert, I’d mentioned starting a book one too many times. He challenged me to actually finish writing one for a change. Taking the bull by the horns, I picked a premise which I’d joked about as a book idea, and ran with it. Now that I’ve finished my first novel, I'd actually be surprised if I ever try writing a book of non-fiction.

How long did it take you to write that book? How many rewrites did you do on it? 
It took about 18 months from serious start to completion, I began writing it in December of 2020, and finished the final draft in December 2021. After finishing the second draft in July 2021, I passed it along to a few friends whose opinions I valued for feedback. Some of them had great notes which actually became incorporated into the book as I wrote the third draft. 

The fourth one was a final pass to smooth any transition points and correct as much of my horrible spelling as possible before I passed it along to an editor. The fifth draft was created after the editor I hired, Meghan Stoll, who read through it and corrected the grammar.

What made you decide to self-publish rather than seek a traditional publisher?
I flirted with the idea of traditional publishing at first, but frankly I didn’t have the patience to deal with sending it out, getting rejected, and sending it again, and again, and again. Still, there’s a part of me which wishes I had tried. It’s probably just my ego, but I think Reason and Romance is better than I gave it credit for when I wrote it.

The idea of self-publishing has always been attractive to me from the start. Mainly because I have (presumably) more control over the process and timeline.

Since self-publishing means you do it all (or pay someone else), what has been the hardest learning curve for you?
Definitely the marketing process. I’ve never been shy about self-promotion, but this is a different context than I’m used to. Since this is my first book, I’m experimenting to see what works and what I can improve on with the next book.

What has worked best for you in generating sales?
It’s still a little early to see what tactic worked best to increase sales or notice, but I did a couple of things which I think are fairly rote for self-publishing these days. I ran a giveaway on Goodreads which netted 10K requests in two weeks for three copies; worked with bookstagram accounts on Instagram and early review copies; and I wrote content pieces about the book to publish on Medium. 

The thing I think I enjoyed most was making a short YouTube video about the book. For some of these things, it wasn’t so much that I was focusing on quick turn around (which I’ll improve on next time), but I also wanted linked content out there for people to stumble on the book in the future also.

What do you know now about writing/publishing now that you wished you had known sooner?
I should have hired a publicist.  There were a lot of things I did which I could have hired someone else to do better. Sure, it’s great to try yourself and get experience with it. Some authors do it all themselves and create an amazing effect, but I don’t think I’m one of them. I like writing, and I’m good at talking about it, but all the detail work to get in the right conversations and in the right places, I don’t think I possess the patience or disposition for.

Recently, I came across a Tim Ferris article where he asked what one decision you can make to improve your life. For him, it was not reading any new books as they came out, because he gets sent nearly every book published these days. For me, I think that decision is to double down on what I can be better than average, then hire other people who are better than me at the other things. That's why I hired Meghan to edit my book. I know grammar isn’t my strong suit, so it worked well to have her review it. Hiring a publicist or marketing guru doesn’t need to be any different.

Your website shows that you do consulting and speaking engagements based on the Suit Up Philosophy. Can you explain what that means?
I love this question. That’s actually a remnant of the past life of my website. For five years I hosted a Podcast called The Intellectual Agrarian where I talked to farmers and agricultural professionals about farming and philosophy. Since my day job is in agriculture, it was a great show to host and produce. 

When my website was created, it was actually to market myself as a moderator, speaker and consultant for agricultural events. A brilliant move to make in late 2019 before a pandemic. Though that idea died on the vine, I’ve modified my website around my writing and other work, but never changed the offer to speak and consult because I can talk about anything anywhere (as this interview has probably reflected).

The Suit Up Philosophy is an idea I’ve been teasing and developing in many of my essays over the years unconsciously, and more consciously started codifying in the last two years. It’s the idea of becoming fit for every opportunity. We’ve all seen the scene in the movie where the hero needs to step up to face the villain. That’s when they Suit Up to face the foe. 

It’s the visual transformation where they take the skills, knowledge and training and apply it to the challenge they face. We experience the same challenges in life, the same open doors, the same moments where we need to Suit Up if we want to win the day.

What is the best advice you’ve been given about writing or that you’ve learned that you would like to pass along?
In an interview with Joel Salatin on The Intellectual Agrarian Podcast, I’d asked him advice for writers since he was actually a reporter prior to farming and has been a prolific author about agricultural topics. His advice was to know what you want to write before you sit down to write it. It’s something I’ve tried to apply as much as possible.

Any other comments about writing that you'd like to add?
I started a Podcast earlier this year called The Daily Pages, it’s a daily podcast with meditations and tips about writing and creativity. It’s principally a Podcast for me, a way to force myself to engage with the ideas of creativity on a daily basis using quotes from other writers and creatives as prompts for creative principles.

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Terrance's writing and podcasts, here's where you can start.
Website: https://terrancelayhew.com/  
Book: https://terrancelayhew.com/reason-and-romance/
The Daily Pages Podcast: https://dailypages.us/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVo6PQ7xYlU9gxjHrp3q2tQ
Suit Up Philosophy: https://terrancelayhew.com/suitup/

Conquering Your Writing Fears: Author Interview with Jane Delaney

What made you decide to write your fantasy novel? 

I've always been drawn to the fantasy genre, even when I was a very young girl. I love exploring different worlds and peoples and customs and letting my imagination take flight. I had a lot of tragedy in my life as a child, and fantasy books were the perfect refuge: evil vanquished and love and justice triumphs in the end.

For many years I was afraid to write. Afraid of failure. Afraid of ridicule. Afraid no one would like it. Afraid that even after hundreds of hours of work in the end my manuscript would be rejected, and all that time would be wasted. Then, one day I sort of had an epiphany, right around the time an old college friend of mine was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. I realized that when my life comes to an end, I would regret never giving writing a go, and so out of that epiphany, Theorie of the Storm was born.

How long did it take you to write the first book?

A long time. About 18 months, but during that time I had months where I didn't write hardly anything at all, and many of those early months were spent learning as much about the craft as possible. 

How many rewrites did you do on it? 

Honestly, I don't even know. If I had to guess I would say about six. I started off as a "pantser," someone who just sort of wings it as they go, with a very loose idea of the characters I wanted to create and the direction of the story I wanted to tell.

I am sure for many writers this method works well, but for me? It was a disaster. The story kept changing, evolving, and my characters and their motives became increasingly complex. I kept having to go back and rewrite earlier chapters to fit the changing narrative, which made the whole process three times as long.

I am currently working on a very detailed outline for my sequel, Visions of the Storm, along with fully fleshed character sketches. Because of this, I expect my writing process to be much smoother, with fewer bumps in the road. At least, that is what I am telling myself.

Who helped you with the editing?

I hired a freelance editor I found through a writer's group. To be honest, I wish I had shopped around a bit more. But my husband, and my little sister, who is 16 years my junior, helped with early critiques. This really made me see the book through a potential reader's eyes and make changes accordingly. For Visions of the Storm, I will be asking for unbiased Beta reader volunteers and looking for an editor with a bit more experience. 

Could you give me a short synopsis on the first novel, for my readers?

This is a hard one without giving anything away! My book has lots of turns and twists! If there is one thing I hate, it's a boring and predictable read. But basically, the story follows three main characters. The first is Theorie, an acolyte mage whose magic is stunted. The law states she has to take a test called "the trials" by her 19th birthday in order to determine her abilities. If she passes, she'll be granted the title of magi, a rank that brings great wealth and the privilege of making your own choices. But those that fail become the property of the High Council, who determine where and in what capacity you'll work.

In other words, acolytes who fail the trials usually get shipped off to fight in far-off wars or end up with not-so-glamorous public works positions. Theorie is somewhat spoiled and rebellious and resents this dilemma. She longs for adventure and wants to travel. Like most teens, she doesn't want anyone telling her what to do. 

The second main character is Kyte, a crime lord who has a big secret of his own--he isn't entirely human, but as he was abandoned at a young age, he has no idea who or what he really is. He wants out of Dynas Rhydent so he can find answers and forge a new life for himself, and he sees Theorie as the perfect meal ticket: a hostage who can be ransomed for enough money to pay his debts and start over.

Of course, things don't work out as he plans, and the two end up marooned on an island thought lost to the world forever. This remote island is home to ancient Fae who once ruled the world before disappearing after a long and bloody civil war. On the island, Theorie and Kyte meet the third main character: Taren,  a Fae prince who desperately wants to free the remainder of his people from the wards that have kept the Fae trapped and hidden for the past five hundred years.

But there are those on the island who have different plans, and things soon come to a head. The book ends on a cliffhanger, and readers can expect any unanswered questions from the first book to be revealed in the second.

Have other books been started and stopped along the way?

Well, when I was in high school my best friend and I started writing a book together. This was in the late 90s before everyone had their own computer at home, and so we wrote in notebooks and on loose leaf paper, and anything else we could get our hands on. We would each take turns writing a chapter. Our whole friend group got involved and was very enthusiastic. We even had friends draw beautiful character sketches and maps, all inspired by our story. I really wish I still had that old manuscript and those drawings.

In the end, the project fell by the wayside. Writing is tough, and even more challenging without the benefit of a word processor and the internet. But those memories of writing and collaboration have stuck with me, and I hope to one day write a book with my high school best friend, but this time we'll finish it. 

When did you decide to self-publish? 

For a long time, I thought I wanted to traditionally publish. I think there is this narrative still circulating that you aren't a "real" writer unless one of the big publishing houses validates your work. However, as I started to talk to fellow writers and do research, I came to realize that finding success in the traditional publishing world is very, very tough, and publishers are not eager to take on unknown, unproven authors. 

Further, I had a friend--a fellow indie author who will remain unnamed--tell me about some shady practices in the publishing world, stories like having to repay publishing advances if their book didn't sell, even if the publishing house did next to nothing to promote the book.

So, with the encouragement of my husband and my author friend, I decided to self-publish. It certainly isn't easy, as you have to take care of your own cover art, editing, formatting, and of course marketing. But I have no regrets. The indie publishing world is thriving, and it is easier than ever before to put your work out there. 

What type of publicity do you do to promote your book? What has worked best for you in generating sales?

This is something I am still working on. I had a Goodreads giveaway in January and over the holidays I ran a few Amazon ads. Those ads are expensive, and as an unknown author with only one book  I wasn't seeing a positive return on investment. I've decided to focus on promoting my book through book bloggers and via word of mouth until I get closer to releasing Visions of the Storm.

My plan is to start promoting about 8 weeks before the release of my second novel. I will utilize Facebook, Amazon, and Instagram ads, as well as pursuing a Bookbub deal and maybe even attending some conventions (if time and money allow).

The indie market changes every day, and one thing I love about self-publishing is the camaraderie it brings with other writers. We all work together to share tips on selling books, and I've practically made a new hobby of listening to writing and marketing podcasts and doing all the research I can. 

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

"Comparison is the thief of joy." That is a quote someone recently told me, and it is so very true. Self-publishing takes so much time and energy and if you are constantly comparing yourself to the Titans in the industry, you aren't going to appreciate the small, but important victories. Every page read, every book sold, every person who "follows" me on Goodreads, or writes a review--those are all victories.

I have a competitive nature, and I've learned to step back and realize that so much about "success" in this industry is writing the right book at the right time and having the right people believe in you and promote your work. Like a lot of things in life, success in the writing world takes a lot of work, but also a fair amount of luck. I am learning to block out the "noise" and focus on what I love best: telling stories.

What other books do you have in the works?

My sequel, Visions of the Storm, is currently underway, and I hope to have one more book after that. I also plan on writing prequel/sequel novellas. I want to listen to my readers. If there is a character or a story line that is especially appealing to them, I will definitely give that more "page time." 

What is the best advice you’ve been given about writing or that you’ve learned

that you would like to pass along?
People always say to "write what you know," and I couldn't disagree more. Write what you love. Write what appeals to you. If you want to write about swashbuckling assassins but live in a small town and work at the local ice cream shop, chances are, you don't know much about assassination or swordsmanship. So learn.

Read and research all you can. And don't let fear stop you. In his masterpiece, the science fiction novel Dune, Frank Herbert writes that "fear is the mind killer." For too long I ignored those words and allowed my fear to rule me, killing my creativity and drive. Don't make my mistake and let fear stop you from working towards your dreams.

That’s all for today’s interview. If fantasy is what you read, check out Jane’s books.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18676900.Jane_Delaney

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VasEhries/

Instagram: @TheMain_Jane

Starting with a Novella: An Interview with Jillian Eaton

My interview today is with Jillian Eaton who indie-published her first book, A Brooding Beauty, in 2012. Since then she has written over twenty novels and novellas. So, let’s look back and learn how she started.

What made you decide to write your first novel? Was there any particular author you read that made you think, I could write like that?
As a reader, I fell in love with historical romance pretty early on and over time my writing started leaning in that direction. If I had to choose an author that influenced me the most, it would be Lisa Kleypas. Her witty and endearing writing style is definitely something that inspires me. 


How long did it take you to write your first book? How many rewrites did you do on it? Who helped you with the editing?

The first book I ever self-published was a novella, and it took about six months from start to finish. I probably did about two rewrites, with lots of editing in between! I did – and continue to do – the editing myself, and was encouraged by my parents to keep plugging away. I am not active in any writing critique groups, although I wish I was! Something else to put on my to-do list. 


What is the hardest part of writing for you? Starting? Creating a scene? Dialog? Tension, etc?
Generally, my books are pretty easy to start. They’re all based off a random idea, usually while I’m in the shower. I enjoy writing dialog and I love character development, but I usually get bogged down around the middle. Sometimes I have to take a few days or a week and step away from my characters to give myself a fresh perspective. Once I’m over that 50% mark it gets much easier. 

We have all experienced rejection. Give me an example of how you learned to

write past it.
Negative reviews. At first, they really got under my skin, but now I’m able to read and move past them. Of course, I wish every review was 5-stars, but I’ve actually learned quite a bit from the 3-stars and 2-stars and in several instances have taken what the reviewer wrote and used it to strengthen my writing. 

What has surprised you the most in writing/publishing?

I was – and am – surprised by how welcoming the writing community has been to self-published authors. Especially the bloggers! My career wouldn’t be what it is today if not for some very kind blog owners who gave a little known self-pub author a chance.

What frustrated you the most?
As far as frustrating…I’d have to say finding the perfect stock image for my book covers! It can take minutes, or it can literally take months to track down just the right picture 

What do you know now about writing that you wished you had known sooner?
Some things can’t be rushed, and writing is one of them. 

What is some of the best writing advice that you’ve received or could give?
There is one quote by Nora Roberts that has always stuck with me. “You can fix anything but a blank page.” Even if you just write a sentence, it’s a sentence that you didn’t have before. 

So my advice is to write that sentence. And the one after that. And the one after that. Enough sentences and you have a paragraph, enough paragraphs and you have a page, enough pages and you have a chapter, enough chapters and you have a book! 

What is the next book that will be coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
My next book, A Dangerous Proposal (Bow Street Brides #2), is coming out on July 25th and is available for pre-order now! Although it’s the second novel in the Bow Street Brides, it’s very much a standalone. 

Here’s a quick teaser…Having been hurt by men twice before, Miss Felicity Atwood doesn’t trust the charming Felix Spencer any further than she can throw him. But when she finds herself unwittingly entangled in a deadly conspiracy, Felix is the only one she can turn to. Somehow, she must find the courage to trust him with her heart…or risk losing her life.

That’s all for today’s interview. If you would like to learn more about Jillian’s writing or buy her books, here are some links to get started.

Website – www.jillianeaton.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/jillianeatonbooks
Twitter - @jillianwrites
Instagram - @authorjillianeaton

Going from Indie-Published to Traditional: An Interview with Paul Mosier

What drew you to write Middle-Grade stories?
I started to find the idea of writing for amiddle grade appealing while reading to my own daughters, who are now 8 and 13. Specifically, reading Junonia by Kevin Henkes made me think about how it's possible to write a story for ten-year-olds with enough emotional depth to be satisfying as an adult author.

How do you find the voice for your young age characters without writing down to them?
I feel very connected to my younger self-- Iremember very much how it feels to be that age, but I think that writing smart characters that feel and understand more than adults might realize is just a matter of being respectful to the audience.

How long did it take you to write your first book? How many rewrites did you do on it? Who helped you with the editing? Who encouraged you along the way? The first book I wrote, the grown-up Breakfast At Tuli's, I coughed up for NaNoWriMo in November of 2011. Obviously, that took one month, but then I spent the next 9 months revising and adding to it. Next, I paid an editor to help clean it up, and in backward fashion, then brought it to a writer's group a couple of times per week until it was completely workshopped. 

Those people became my comrades, my colleagues, and helped me get it to its final form. They also provided me with encouragement in their enjoyment of it. I continue attending that workshop, as often as four times per week, and see it as an indispensable part of my development and of the process. As I tend to be economical, my novels have always grown during the editing process!

Your first two books were indie-published Did you go through the normal process of pitching your book to agents and traditional publishers? What feedback did you get?
I tried to get representation for my first three books, two of which I have self-published. I'm quite proud of them, though no doubt they could benefit from a high-level edit such as Train I Ride has received. I got more than 100 rejection letters from agents for Breakfast At Tuli's, but also a fair amount of encouragement, which I think was very important for feeding my persistence. 

A few Big League agents said they loved my voice, but that my story wasn't right for their list, which I heard so many times. But it's true. That novel is a bit of a freak show, and the agents didn't think they had relationships that would acquire it. It's hard to imagine selling it. 

Ultimately I turned to Createspace. It was pretty easy to use, there was no investment required, I'm an artist so I could paint my own cover art, and produce and find a limited audience for my labor of love. Which is what it is all about, first and foremost. Those books still get new readers, and I think my big five book deal may expand their reach.

I’ve often heard at writing conferences from agents and editors that if you go the indie route you will never get a contract with a legacy publisher such as Harper Collins. How did you do that? What made your book stand out?
My contract with Harper Collins came via my amazing agent, Wendy Schmalz. The first time I queried her was for Train I Ride, and she offered representation, then took 15 days to find two of the majors wanting it. I think it's true that with few exceptions a publisher such as HC won't want something you already self-published and sold to your 100 closest friends, but I think that having a few books under your belt actually makes you look more appealing. If they love your novel, they hope there's more where it came from. 

If you've already written and self-published a few, it's more likely that you can keep doing it. And it's understandable and expected that your work will get better as you keep writing and develop your talents as a writer. As to what makes Train I Ride stand out, I cannot say, but it isn't a book that is trying to follow any trend, which I think would tend to work against a book standing out. The story makes me feel a lot, and that seems to be the case with lots of readers.

We have all experienced rejection. Give me an example of one you’ve had, and how you learned to write past it.
As previously stated, I had well over a hundred rejections for my first three novels, and I've also had my editor say no to what I hoped would become the second book of my contract, twice. They view the second book on the big stage as the most important of your career, so they choose very carefully on that one. But having had it demonstrated to me that there are lots of stories where the earlier ones came from, and having personally risen from the ashes many times already, writing is always what feels best. It is its own reward.

What is some of the best writing advice that you’ve received or could give?
My best advice about writing-- what has worked for me-- is that one doesn't need to see the whole story, or even more than the first line-- to begin. I think that planning too much in advance can prevent one from hearing your muse, and the muse never stops whispering. So many times I have been surprised by my own stories, and that's about as good as it gets. Planning in advance can't give you that. I try to put on paper the scene playing in my head, even if it's out of order. And it usually is-- I tend not to write chronologically.

What is the next book that will be coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
It looks likely that the next book to come out from Harper Collins will be one called Echo's Sister, which is a departure for me in that it's informed by my own experience, or rather my 8-year-old daughter's experience fighting cancer, as told by her big sister. It has a happy ending. But my editor and I are still rather far apart on it, so there is a chance that it will not be published.

The next book they would consider would be Summer and July, about a gothic girl filled with fake phobias who meets a prototypical, adventurous California Girl while living(reluctantly) in Santa Monica for a month. As my contract is middle-grade, the protagonist and her friend are nearly thirteen. I guess I'd say it's about two friends helping each other through emotionally difficult times. It's also a summer crush story set in a seaside town, with skateboarding and boogie boarding and surfing, etc. It was inspired by the sense of place of the Ocean Park neighborhood of Santa Monica, where my family stayed for a week last summer. 

What message would you like parents and children to take away from your stories?Generally, I don't have a message or an agenda that I want to present. Instead, I think that exploring a story teaches me something, and if I've done my job well, that will be visible to the reader, too. I think any legitimate artistic experience teaches the artist something she wasn't asking to be taught, and the product is a roadmap of that discovery. 

I can't see past the hood ornament of the car I'm driving, but I trust that if I listen to the muse things will work out. But I would say my stories are evidence of my respect and affection for the female gender, my love for humanity in all it's flawed glory, especially marginalized characters, and-- as it becomes apparent the more you read of me-- that I like bebop jazz, opera, vegetarian food, and Beat Poets in particular. I also tend to embed beloved lyrics in my work! Everything I do is an homage to something else.

That's all for today's interview. If you would like to know more about Paul's current books and future works, here are some options for you. Click to open in new hyperlink.
Amazon author page: http://amzn.to/2lzWU62
Facebook page: http://bit.ly/2lzZ9WI

Writing Past Your Fear: Author Interview with C.L. Collyer

Of all the genres that you could choose, what made you decide to write a picture book for children?
 As a young child I was very lucky that I had parents who read to me and my siblings nightly. We grew up on books by Marjorie Barrows, Beatrix Potter, Milne, Tolkien, Twain etc. In school, English composition and literature were my favorite subjects. Fascinated by the magic and fantasy found in children’s books, it became a natural inclination to write in the same genre. I’m only sorry I waited so long to pursue this passion. Aside from being a father and grandfather, I have always loved children and if even in a small way, I can make a child smile or laugh by writing or telling stories, I have accomplished what I cherish most.

Who encouraged you along the way?

My wife Cindy has been extremely instrumental and encouraging in my writing.

Who helped you polish your story?

I have an editor that I use as well as asking friends and even family members who I trust explicitly to give unbiased reviews.

Are you active in any writing critique groups?
 Yes, I belong to the SCBWI as well as two Facebook subgroups.

 Prior to writing this book, what was your publishing and writing background?
I absolutely knew very little about publishing a year ago. In high school and university I wrote short stories and articles for college courses and even stealthily wrote papers for classmates. I have been writing commercial content for years as a marketing & communications executive.

Did you try the traditional route of seeking a publisher and/or agent to market your book?
Quite frankly, I thoroughly researched the publishing industry as far as books were concerned, when I first started to write my book.  I discovered it is a rapidly changing industry run by old-school publishers burdened with legacy procedures. Most traditional publishers will not accept submissions unless they come through a literary agent. The process, if followed the traditional way, can sometimes take months before a publisher says yes or no. 

 Agents take their time and if they like your manuscript will tender it to a publisher(s). They want 20% of your sales as a fee. When you take all the other discounts and fees publishers/distributors take, there really isn’t a whole lot of margin left. 

The Vanity publishers are also problematic. As an author, you pay for everything up front, i.e. printing, marketing, advertising etc. Even if your book does well, you continue to pay dearly. Based on my research, I decided to go solo. Perhaps it’s taking longer for market presentation but I am controlling my expenses and destiny.

Were you overwhelmed in trying to learn everything about publishing from print format to cover design and marketing?
Truthfully yes, but only to a degree. As a commercial writer, research was always something I did and became very adept at. I was lucky in so far as discovering my illustrator and my book designer using extensive Google searches. I have never laid eyes on either of them. My book designer, in turn, was able to introduce me to a reputable U.S.-based printer who printed my first book. I never met them either. The marketing aspect was a little more onerous and I am still learning a lot as I go along. Being a marketing consultant, of course, has helped immeasurably. 

What are some of the promotions that you’ve done for the book that have been the most successful?
 The Goodreads Giveaway promotion, although just recently done, will be good in time. Getting positive reviews from both experts and readers has helped to get others  interested in the book. I did submit the book for a Moms Choice Award, which it got and which gives it some validation. It has also been submitted to Kirkus and Publishers Weekly for professional reviews and assuming that it gets the kind of reviews I expect it to, will go a long way in helping the book go into bookstores and libraries. I have arranged for several readings at various Barnes & Noble stores, small independent bookstores and at libraries over the next couple of months. I did exhibit my book at the American Library Association convention in Orlando through the IBPA and did a book signing there which got the book into the hands of librarians across the country.

What would you tell other authors to avoid?

Fear! If you are referring to new authors like me, avoid fear! Undoubtedly it can be a daunting task going into uncharted waters. But planning, research, doggedness, unrelenting passion for what you do will overcome every obstacle and ultimately every fear.

We have all experienced rejection. Give me an example of one you’ve had, and how you learned to write past it.
Rejection is never an easy thing. No one likes rejection. But rejection can be all part of the learning curve. One must remember that most rejection in the sense of business is not personal. It’s not you that was rejected but, in this reference, your book, your artwork or your manuscript was rejected. If you find out why it was turned down, go to another literary agent, a different publisher, marketer or distributor.

I remember taking my book to the head of youth services at a very large local library. She said the illustrations in my book would prevent her from requesting the book for her library. She thought they should be more subdued. One of the reasons my book has been accepted by bookstores and other libraries has been the illustrations. They all love the vibrancy and color and fun characters that were developed. If I crumbled at the first rejection it would have been a monumental error.

How do you handle writer's block?

Writing generally has been easy for me. If there’s a hard part to it, it might be the occasional writer’s block. I will have days on end that I can write and write and maintain a fair semblance of continuity in the theme. There are other times where, for any number of reasons, I stop dead in my tracks. With my wife’s encouragement, I stop, turn off the computer and leave my home office and get involved in something totally unrelated. I may be able to go back to it later that day or maybe not for several days. It happens to everyone who writes. Just don’t let it be a permanent cul-de-sac.

What is the hardest part of writing for you? Starting? Creating a scene? Dialog? Tension, etc.?
I would have to say starting can be the hard part. At this time, I am actually writing a series of children’s picture books that are all based on the same cast of characters with different storylines. I have chosen to write these books in narrative-poetry style and I want to keep the same rhythm and metric through each book. It can be tedious.

What has surprised you the most in writing/publishing?
If there was just one thing, I would say that it would have to be that old-boy legacy. Notwithstanding the seismic changes in the industry, it is very evident that there’s still a lot of gratuitous attitude around. The people who have been in the industry for years won’t acknowledge the changes that are imploding around them.

What frustrated you the most?
Singularly I would have to say that what I just spoke to above has been the most frustrating. When you know that you have a good story book and you are getting rave reviews from readers about the quality of your storyline and illustrations, but you still have to follow time-consuming protocol, that’s frustrating.

What do you know now about writing that you wished you had known sooner?
I wish I had started writing children’s books, and other genres, sooner. I love the fact that I can make children smile. When I read about and see how many children in American families don’t have books or are not read to, and when I see the various school systems not only in America but everywhere else that lack the resources to buy and maintain an adequate supply of books for children, I am frustrated and angry. I wish that I had started earlier so as to make a lasting contribution to fill the void, however little that is.

What is the best advice you’ve been given about writing or that you’ve learned that you would like to pass along?
I would have to say that it is to be yourself when you write. Don’t try to be another J.K. Rowling, James Patterson, Beatrix Potter or Dr. Seuss. Be yourself. Write in your own style and use your own thought processes. But if you do have even a modicum of talent, write, write, and write! If grammar and punctuation is an issue, editors can take care of that. No one but you can recreate your thoughts.

Do you have any other works in the process?

Yes, the Jacky Foster Adventure series is a planned six-book project. I have actually written the basic manuscripts for all six books. The second book is expected to be published in mid-November. I have also started two children’s short stories but have set them aside while finishing off this second book.

Any other tips or words you’d like to share about writing?
Writing is like any other profession. You have to have not only a sparkle of interest but a fundamental knowledge. When you discover a talent within yourself, exploit it to the fullest. Be consumed with passion for your talent and write. Read books by authors who write in the style you feel you want to write in. If you have a purely scientific mind you might not want to start off writing young children’s fantasy picture books.

That's it for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about C.L. Collyer's books, here's two links to get you started: 

 http://www.inspirion2.com             https://www.facebook.com/santiago2.sosa

Vegies and Kids: Author Interview with D.S. Venetta

You’ve now done two books teaching middle-grade readers about growing vegetables. What made you choose this topic for your book?

A few years back I spear-headed a school garden for my children’s Montessori school. Working with kids K-8, I had so much fun watching them take charge, explore and question everything they did and that simply inspired to write about it. It’s a far different subject matter than my romance novels, but one I felt compelled to share. Maybe it will inspire other youngsters to garden.

Who helped you polish your story?

Actually, I had a few children editors join the process. In addition to my normal routine of editors and copy editors, I asked a few youngsters to read through my stories and weed out any “boring” spots. These books must be entertaining as well as educational. According to the reviews thus far, it worked!

Love your gardening puns! Are you active in any writing critique groups?

Lately, my involvement with writing groups has been online. Between writing romance, children’s books, marketing and sales, plus my number one job as Stay-At-Home Mom, I don’t have a lot of time to spare. But I do help other writers whenever possible. It’s crucial to staying connected in this industry.

Prior to writing this book, what was your publishing and writing background?

As I mentioned, I write romance, too. My debut novel, Jennifer’s Garden, is a romantic women’s fiction and won Best in Romance from the Indie Romance Discovery Awards. Ironically, it’s set in a garden. My romance readers know that I LOVE to garden. To prove it, my street team is known as the Bloomin’ Warriors! I write romantic cozy mystery fiction and general romantic mystery in addition to my romantic women's fiction. Quite the variety, but it works!

Did you try the traditional route of seeking a publisher and/or agent to market your book?

I did. I began marketing Jennifer’s Garden to agents and publishers as romance before I realized it was romantic women’s fiction. The responses were all the same: “Great writing, but where do I shelve it?” My response was: “Huh?” It’s not a typical romance, but it is a romance.  So after a couple of years seeking the traditional route, I realized—through the help of many like-minded authors—that what we were writing was romantic women’s fiction, not traditional romance. Where it didn’t exist as a genre before, it does now. Accepted and understood. It was my impatience with the “shelf” issue that propelled me toward indie publishing. I figured I’d let the readers decide. So far, so good!

I understand what you mean about women's fiction with romantic elements. I run into problems with editors on that as well. When did you decide to self-publish your own imprint?

I created BloominThyme Press back in 2011 as an umbrella for all of my writing endeavors. It actually stemmed from my garden blog, BloominThyme, where I make gardening easy and fun for moms and kids, including gardening tips, fresh recipes and kid crafts. No wonder that I now write children’s gardening fiction, right?  My tagline for romance is “A woman will bloom in her own sweet time” since romantic WF is all about a woman discovering her true identity. I also contribute gardening advice for various websites, publications and schools. It makes sense for me.

Tell me about the process. Did you have previous marketing or publishing experience?

No publishing experience, but I’m a sales gal at heart. Gift of gab, drive and determination, those things come easy to me making indie-publishing a good fit. My only issue is time. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything I want to do, so I have to prioritize and remind myself that I’m building a pyramid not a slingshot. It’s a commitment. So long as I enjoy what I’m doing, I’m okay with the longer road to “household name” status. Build it and they will come, right? (He, he. Gotta dream big!)

How did you go about choosing your marketing plan?

I started by asking questions. Who are my likely buyers? Where do they buy books? How do they choose them? The list went on until finally I developed a fairly specific target market. For me, that includes green communities, organic lovers, educators, librarians, moms, etc. What do we all have in common? A love for gardening and getting our kids involved. I then created a marketing packet that includes educational resources for the funding and development of school gardens, fun activities for the kids, information about my books. Next, I get the book and packet into the hands of as many people as I can!

That's a lot of work. Were you overwhelmed by trying to learn everything about publishing

from print format to cover design and marketing?

Yes, in the beginning. And the deeper I delved, the more I realized how much I didn’t know. It was a daunting process, but I knew that if I persisted and didn’t give up, I’d win. I also understood the value of hiring professionals. While I can do a lot on my own, I can’t do everything—shouldn’t do everything. I continue to learn as much about the industry as I can, because my goal is always to expand my reach and put the best product forward as possible. It’s a steep learning curve, but I’m okay with mistakes along the way. It’s called life!

What are some of the promotions that you’ve done for the book that have been the most successful?

Put a cupcake in their hand and they will eat it. If they like it, they’ll buy another.

I put books into the hands of interested readers. Like most books, the best marketing is word of mouth. I’m convinced that if people read book #1 in my Wild Tales & Garden Thrills series for kids, they’ll buy book #2 and #3 and then they’ll tell all their friends!

What would you tell other authors to avoid?

Avoid thinking you’re a one-person show. You’re not, nor do you want to be. Network with other authors, help as many as you can and they’ll help you. Their success doesn’t negate your success. There is enough pie for everyone.
(Yes, as an indie or traditionally published author this is a prerequisite.)

What has frustrated you the most in putting this book together?

The artwork. I have a wonderful artist who creates beautiful images that bring my story to life, but I must first explain what I’d like those images to look like. That’s been hard. I had no idea how difficult it would be to convey what goes in my imagination to another individual. Apparently, not everyone’s mind works the same way mine does. Translated: I’ve edited images more times than I care to count—my artist, too. Poor guy probably thinks I’m nuts, but in the end, the result has been spot on.

What has pleasantly surprised you in the process?

How much satisfaction I derive from sharing my books and meeting people who share my passion for gardening. Especially when it comes to kids. It’s so gratifying to hear the reviews from youngsters reading my books. Really makes me smile.

What advice would you give someone who wants to publish their own book?

Go for it. Understand it’s not an easy process, but if you love what you’re doing, it’s totally worth it. Every day that I write and create, market and sell, I’m enjoying myself. Every day.

What is the best writing advice you’ve been given?

Get the words onto the paper. Write them, and the rest will come. So many people struggle with writing the first paragraphs or chapters, because they get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of words required to ultimately create a book. I say write. Outline. Get your thoughts on paper and then organize them. You can always edit. You will edit. Just let the words flow and don’t worry if you have to cut half of them out. It’s a process!

What message would you like parents and children to take away from this book and future books?

Gardening is fun! It’s easier than most people think, and once you catch the bug, you’ll be hooked. And it’s certainly a healthy addiction, one with a ripple effect. Gardening leads to healthier eating habits and healthier eating habits lead to a happier individual. And a happy individual will share the adventure of gardening with a friend!

What other books are in the process?

Book #3 in the series will address community and library gardens, while future books include square-foot gardening for apartment living, hydroponics, butterfly gardens and more.

Any other thoughts on writing you’d like to add?

Whether you write for a living or write for pleasure, it’s an outlet we all share in some form or another. And what a great way to connect and communicate. I love it!

That's it for today's interview. Hope you learned some tips and might even be encouraged to try some gardening for yourself. If you like to learn more about Dianne's books, here's links to get started.

Website: www.dsvenetta.com        Garden blog: www.bloominthyme.com

Breaking Through the Genre Mold: Author Interview with K.M Weiland

The description for your current book, Storming, says it is “a jaunty historical adventure / dieselpunk mash-up that combines rip-roaring steampunk adventure and small-town charm with the thrill of futuristic possibilities.” What made you decide to mix all those genres together? 

Honestly, it wasn’t so much a decision as just something that happened. The story started out as straight historical, set in western Nebraska in the 1920s, but it soon took a turn into something with a slightly fantastical bend. I knew from the beginning I wanted it to have a distinct “summer blockbuster” vibe—an adventurous romp of a story, but one with a lot of heart.

What do you think makes it work? 

As for why it works, it’s deeply grounded in our realistic world, with only touches here and there of the speculative, and those I tried to keep realistic in their own right, even as I had fun with them and didn’t worry too much about the physics and science.

How did you get started in writing? 

I started writing when I was twelve and published a small newsletter throughout high school. I independently published my first novel, the western A Man Called Outlaw when I was twenty. But I didn’t really take it seriously as a business until my next book, the medieval historical Behold the Dawn, came out three years later.

Who encouraged you? 

My family has always been incredibly supportive, and I’ve had many wonderful writing buddies and critique partners who have joined me in the struggles and joys of the writing life along the way.

Besides writing novels, you’ve also published short stories. What is the market for short stories? Even though they are not printed books, you still have to buy a cover, format and market them. With those expenses, how can you make a profit? Or are they like loss leaders at a grocery store meant to create interest in your novels? 

When I first started writing, I churned out about 120 short stories in 5 years. Since then, I’ve written hardly any. But I emerged from that intensive apprenticeship with three shorts in particular that I was proud of. They were just sitting there, doing nothing, so I decided to throw them together as little e-books and offer them to my readers for just $.99 apiece. They obviously aren’t very lucrative, but they’re an easy way for new readers to gain an introduction to my work

PenForASword Publishing is your own imprint, correct? Why did you decide to indie publish? 

Yes, PenForASword Publishing is mine. As both an independently and traditionally published author, I’m a proponent of both publishing venues. Independent publishing has presented authors with previously unheard of opportunities that should always be taken into consideration and weighed against the pros and cons of traditional publishing.

However, independent publishing does not guarantee success. I’ve seen far too many indie authors who jumped into publishing, believing with all their hearts their books were polished and professional, when they were anything but.

What pitfalls do you see for those who are new to indie-publishing? 

Before opting to self-publish, I always recommend that authors take that extra moment to be brutally honest with themselves about their priorities. It's always worthwhile (even crucial) to hire professionals (especially an editor) to help produce a product that will enhance a career as an author, rather than tarnish it.

It's also important to realize that even if you do have a great product, there's no guarantee it will be profitable. I couldn't live off what I make from my fiction.

That said, self-publishing as a whole has treated me very well and if you can make it work, I definitely recommend it over a traditional route.

How do you go about choosing your cover art? 

Book cover design is an art unto itself, and one that is integral to any author’s marketing efforts. Unless you happen to be an expert in design and marketing (in addition to being an awesome author, of course!), your book cover probably isn’t something you’re going to want to relegate to DIY.

I started using the awesome design company Damonza when Structuring Your Novel came out—and then I immediately had them redo my existing cover for Outlining Your Novel, so the two books would be visually branded together.

Since then, Damonza has also done the covers for Outlining Your Novel Workbook, Structuring Your Novel Workbook, Conquering Writer’s Block and Summoning Inspiration, the updated version of my medieval novel, Behold the Dawn, as well as Storming, of course.

What makes for a good cover? 

I start out by describing the book to them and the general tone I want to convey to potential readers. They take it from there, and then we go back and forth until I have something I’m completely happy with.

With all the books on writing in print and eFormat, what makes your writing tips a must buy?

I’m addressing niche subjects that are in-demand but that aren’t being covered in much depth elsewhere. I break down complex subjects—such as story structure—into the smaller pieces of an overall process. I like taking the big picture and analyzing the different integers that make it work. I think people find that nitty-gritty approach useful, amidst what is largely a swarm of very general information.

As writers we’re told that social media is the live blood to growing an audience and readers. Your blog is listed as one of the 101 Best Websites for Writers. How did you become so popular? How do you find time to build or find content? 

I stumbled into blogging about writing because, hey, every writer needs a blog, right? And you’re supposed to blog about what you’re interested in, and that would be…writing. Then one day I woke up, and the blog had just sort of taken off!

I keep a running list of blog article ideas, and in over six years, I’ve never run out. Many of my ideas are based on the lessons I’m learning in writing my own novels; other posts are subjects requested by readers. They say, “Those who cannot do, teach,” but I don’t think that’s true at all. When you’re forced to distill thoughts into a teachable form, you learn so much more from it yourself.

What do you know now about publishing that you wish you knew sooner?

Probably the biggest bit of advice I would have offered myself would have been to seriously consider where my blog would be in five years if it succeeded. By that point, many of the decisions I made in the beginning were too difficult to change. I wish I’d spent more time considering my blog title, url, publishing platform (Blogger, Wordpress, etc.), subscription options, all that stuff. You don’t want to have to make major changes down the road that might undo some of your hard work in building a following.

What’s next for you in writing?

I’m currently in the throes of editing my next novel, a historical superhero story set in Regency London. I’m also getting ready to start work on several new writing how-to books, including one on character arcs, which I’ve been getting lots of requests for.

That's it for today's interview. If you would like to learn more about K.M's writing and books, here's some links to get you started. 

http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/

http://www.kmweiland.com/

https://twitter.com/KMWeiland

https://www.facebook.com/kmweiland.author/

http://www.amazon.com/K.-M.-Weiland/e/B002RCXQ00