Finding the Right Place to Start the Story: Author Interview with Donna Schlachter

You’ve now published dozens of books, but what got you started to complete the first one?  How many rewrites did you do before you thought it was ready for publication?
That's a great question. My first book was actually a cozy mystery, and I wrote it because I wondered if I had at least one book inside me. Somewhere around 2002, I came across a link to NaNoWriMo, and I took the challenge. I wrote 50,000 words that month -- a record for me. Then I realized I loved my heroine and wanted to spend more time in her world and in her head. Thus was born my first series, By the Numbers, featuring a forensic accountant. 

How many rewrites did you do before you thought it was ready for publication?

I probably did about 20 re-writes before I finally published in 2015.

What made you chose writing historical romance?
I started writing historical romance when a friend mentioned she was working on a Pony Express project, and I piped up, "I'd like to do something like that." She had all her writers at the time, but emailed me a month later because one had dropped out. Hubby and I drove the Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Utah portion of the Pony Express route just to get a feel for it, researching along the way. I was hooked. History was interesting! Even that story took me at least 3 tries to get the beginning right.

How many publishers did you query before you got a contract for your first book?
Back in the day when there were more publishers--or so it seems--and everything was done by print, snail mail, receipt of package cards, and SASE, I believe I queried at least 10 publishers. One was interested and asked for some re-writes, pointing out a couple of glaring errors in my cozy mystery. I am forever grateful that editor took the time to invest in me. While they didn't buy the book, I know it was better because of their input.

Marketing is a big part of increasing book sales. What marketing venue have you found most successful in not only getting clicks but sales as well?
Facebook seems to be where my readers hang out, but really, Kindle Unlimited comes a close second. Both pull readers in, and while it's difficult to know which generates the most sales, I know they're both important. 

What is the hardest part of writing for you? 
For me, character names can be wicked in that I tend to gravitate to the same ones, and I have to remind myself I just used that in another book.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
This was about 18 years ago. Hubby and I were walking to the post office on a Tuesday.
I paused and said. "If I get any more rejections, I don't know what I'll do."
"How many yesterday?"
"Six."
He looked at me a long moment, then said, "If I told you right now that you'll never be published, would you quit?"
I thought about that questions just about as long. "No. I can't. The stories are in there, and if I don't write them, I'll burst."
He gripped my hand and pulled me along. "Then it doesn't matter how many rejections you get."
He was right.

That is so true. I get frustrated by rejections, but I can't stay away from writing for too long. Next question...What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
Start at the right place. By all means, spend time getting to know your character, but before you submit, go back in and check for where the story begins. It isn't in the middle of a filing marathon, which is where I started my first book. I wanted my readers to know that organization and order was important to my character, and where better to show that than in the office, I thought. Wrong. Start where the character is confronted with something that will shake their world. Weave the rest in along the way.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Never. Give. Up. (Winston Churchill)  Of course, this pertains to most things in life, not just writing. Don't die with the story still inside you.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Readers, please take a few minutes to leave a review online after you've read a book and if you enjoyed it. If you hated it, please don't lie and say it was great. And if you didn't like it because the cover model didn't match your vision of the heroine, don't blame the author. They probably had no control over the cover.

Can you give me a short blurb about your latest historical book?
Hollow Hearts features Middle-aged widow Edith Cooper who walks away from the cemetery along the Green River near Simpson’s Hollow, Utah Territory. Away from the husband buried there this morning. Away from their plans and dreams for their future. Along the way, two men offer their hand in marriage. For her protection, one says. For his children’s sake, says the second. Were any of these reasons enough to marry? She must choose one. But which?

Albert Whitt, stationmaster of the Pony Express Station, loves his independent life. Twice stood up by women, he takes the only course that ensures no more rejection: stay clear of them. But when he learns that the stoic Widow Cooper is considering two proposals from men not worthy of lacing her boots, he must do something. But what?

Can Edith and Albert find a new beginning in the midst of tragedy, or will they choose the most convenient path—alone?

Good plot set up. And I love how your cover images fits your plot. I enjoyed doing this interview and caught myself thinking "me, too" with a lot of what Donna had to say. I love my writing community and all that they teach me. And I love sharing their books with my readers as well. So, I hope you explore her website: https://www.donnaschlachter.com/ If you subscribe to her newsletter, you'll get a free e-book. Go ahead and sign up.
Here's the link to her latest book:  https://www.amazon.com/Hollow-Hearts-Book-Pony-Express-ebook/dp/B0B5B7H4XG

It's All About Making Contacts: Author Interview with Lea Geller

Most everyone thinks they can write a novel. What made you decide to write one? 

I began writing for public consumption by blogging. In my blog, www.thisisthecornerwepeein.com, I shared publicly the parenting stories all my friends were urging me to “write down.” As a mom of five kids relatively close in age, I felt like each week brought a new misadventure or mishap. Once I started sharing them, I was surprised by how many people wrote and thanked me — and I heard a lot of “I’m glad to know it’s not just me.”  

I did this for a few years (and still do) and one day, a reader reached out and asked me if I had ever thought about writing a novel because a friend of hers was teaching a novel workshop at Sarah Lawrence. The class was actually a romance novel class, and I knew one thing for sure: I did not have a romance novel in me (at least not at the time). The instructor assured me that a novel is a novel and I’d learn all the basics I’d need for any genre. She was right. I walked into the class and started working on the book. 

What inspired your story?

The story was inspired by some of the women I’d met when I lived in Santa Monica years ago — at the time I began having children. They were women married to much older, wealthier men, and I’d always wondered what their marriages would look like in ten years’ time.  

It was also inspired by my sons when they were in middle school. The house was full of them and their friends and I remember sitting where they would not see me, but I could listen to them talk about how little their teachers liked them, how little they thought their parents liked them, and how little they liked themselves. Middle school is a fascinating time for me as a parent and this book was partially borne from those experiences. 

Okay, that needs some clarification. How do Santa Monica trophy wives and insecure MG kids fit into the same book? Could you give my readers a short blurb about how they merge together in the book?

The two are not a normal mix, but I started with the boys and asked myself -- people don't really like middle school boys... who else don't they like? who would be a good foil? I think that's I fell upon the fallen trophy wife idea. Also, they are both underestimated, and at times misjudged... the more I thought about it, the more it seemed like a good fit.

And it seems like the idea worked with your publisher as well. Tell me about your publisher, Lake Union, which is Amazon Publishing’s “Book Club” Fiction imprint. What exactly does a “book club publisher” mean?

That’s a great question. I think it means you write a book that people — often women — want to sit around and discuss. It’s a pretty wide genre, when it’s put like that — because virtually anything can be book club fodder. But I think books about women, in particular, are front and center. 

How did that connection come together? 

I actually sold to Lake Union without an agent, early on in the process. I had sent a draft out to agents and through a friend got it in front of Amazon Publishing.

When they made me an offer, I jumped! The pros and cons of Amazon Publishing are pretty well known to authors — you may not see your books in all stores, but as an Amazon author, there are certain benefits/promotions. So far, I have been really happy. 

Is Lake Union a hybrid or a traditional publisher? What marketing do they expect you to do?

They function as a traditional publisher in terms of buying your book and setting you up with an editor, cover artist, and marketing team. Then they distribute your book online and in some stores. A few months after they bought the book, I began the editing process with them. As with any publisher, as a new author, I am responsible for a good amount of my own publicity - both in terms of social media and promoting myself at events. 

How long did it take you to write your book?

It took me a year to write, and a year to take apart and rewrite! 

Who encouraged you along the way?

My novel workshop, my teachers, my blog readers and my family. My kids were calling me a novelist when I only had a rough draft in hand. It’s hard not to be encouraged by that! 

How many rewrites did you do on it? Who helped you with the editing?

MANY - too many to keep track of. I worked with a teacher of mine at Sarah Lawrence who read and commented on many drafts of the book. 

What has surprised you the most in writing/publishing?

I’ve been surprised by the incredible online community of women’s fiction writers and readers. It turns out that the loneliest profession isn’t so lonely after all.

What frustrated you the most? 

I think all writers are frustrated by things they hear along the way. I’ll never forget a call I had with an agent who told me that women’s fiction was dead. Most of the book-buyers I know are women and they all love to read stories by and about other women… 

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

If the scene adds nothing to your story, cut it - even if it’s hysterical.

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

Nora Ephron: Everything is copy. (Your life is material, even if you don’t directly write about it.) 

Any other points about writing you would like to add?

I know a lot of people who say they’d write if they could find the time. I said that, too. At the end of the day though, the time is there to be found. It can be done, and if you’ve been waiting a long time to do it (as I had), it’s surprisingly liberating to sit down and start. 

That’s all for today’s interview. If you’d like to learn more about Lea’s writing and buy a book, here are some ways to do that.

www.leageller.com

www.thisisthecornerwepeein.com

Write Like it's Your Job: An Interview with Mike Martin

What made you decide to write your first novel?
I have always wanted to be a writer, a real writer. In my mind, that meant writing and publishing fiction. But I never felt I was good enough and quite frankly I did not know where to begin. But when I was ready, the inspiration for the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series came, and six books later, I am still going. 

Who are your favorite authors?
So many writers inspire me, but my favorites are Charles Dickens and JRR Tolkien. I will never match their talent, but I work to create an imaginary world that can be as real as the ones they have left for us to enjoy.

How long did it take you to write your first book? Who encouraged you along the way?
It took me almost a lifetime to begin my first book. When I finally got started, it took about six more years to get it out of my head and into print. Many, many rewrites. I discovered the value and importance of beta readers. They have been my lifeline. They pushed, pulled, and prodded to get the best out of me. I will forever be grateful to them. I am also grateful to the Ottawa Independent Writers group. They offered ideas, suggestions, and encouragement.

What made you decide to go with Booklocker for your publishing? What has that experience been like?

Booklocker is a family-run enterprise. They are hands-on and helpful. They guide you through the process, step-by-step. Angela and Richard Hoy have created a professional and affordable service for hundreds of writers.

What came as a surprise to you in the publishing process?

What surprised me is that no matter how careful you are, there’s always one more mistake to correct. This was also the greatest frustration. But I have also learned that you need professional help in editing and proofreading, even if you decide to self-publish.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Someone once said that the hardest parts of writing a book are the beginning, the middle, and the end. For me, it is knowing where to stop, where to end. That made getting the first book in the series finished a real challenge. Now that I know it’s a series, I can let the story go and pick it up again in the next book.

What does your editor remind you to do most often?
There are so many things that it’s hard to pick one. It’s probably to remind me to slow down and add more detail and context to the storyline. She reminds me that readers need to sometimes have more information so that they can understand what my addled brain is trying to say.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
I think that my partner has been the most solid and consistent supporter and encourager-in-chief. She has picked me up many times and reminded me why I write and why it’s important to continue. I have also received many notes and e-mails from readers who thank me for brightening up their day. That is enough to get me through the rough patches.

We have all experienced rejection. How have you learned to write past it?
I have been a freelance writer for a long time, so I know rejection well. I have learned that not everybody will like what I do. It may just not be their ‘cup of tea’ as one one-star reviewer once said. I try not to take rejection personally. That helps.

What has frustrated you the most in writing or publishing?

Writing is easy. All the rest is hard. By that, I mean the relentless self-promotion that is required of writers. It is also frustrating to see the same handful of popular writers get all of the media’s attention and adulation. There are hundreds of great writers, both independent and with the big publishers who do not get a whiff of that public spotlight.

What do you know now about writing that you wished you had known sooner?
That it is not about the product, but the process. That the joy is in the writing and not what gets published. If I do not get joy from my writing, there is no point in continuing, because that is my reward. Everything else is up to the readers. They decide whether it’s a good story. 

What is some of the best writing advice that you’ve received or could give?
I had no idea of where to even begin writing a novel, so I followed others suggestions. I offer that same advice to all aspiring writers: Read about how other writers did it. One book that really helped was Stephen King’s “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.” In this book and others, I learned the way to write a novel was to start and keep at it until it was finished. It didn’t matter about the weather, or money, or the economy, or relationships, or even family or sickness or anything. If you want to write a book, you just get up every day and you do it. Good luck with your writing.

Are there any other points about writing that you would like to add?
I sometimes wonder whether what I am doing as a writer makes any difference in the world. Then I get word from a reader who tells me that reading A Tangled Web is helping her get through the recent loss of her husband. Or someone else writes to say that having a friend read chapters from my book eases the stress of chemotherapy treatments. 

We never know when one of our small actions can have a positive impact that we never dreamed of. So keep doing what you are doing even when you have doubts. You may already be helping somebody else.

What is the next book that will be coming out?
I am just writing the next Windflower book. It will be out in the fall. I can’t give you a synopsis because I don’t know what’s going to happen yet.

That’s all for today’s interview. If you’d like to purchase Mike’s books, here are some links to get you started.

http://assets.booklocker.com/pdfs/9456s.pdf
http://amzn.to/2snoAlY

Follow Sgt. Windflower’s adventures on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore/

Making Someday Happen: Author Interview with Dawn Ford

What made you decide to write your YA novel?
Knee-high Lies is a reflection of my teen years growing up in a dysfunctional home. Both of my parents were alcoholics, and there was oodles of drama to draw from. And it was the story that kept trying to come out. I’d push it back into the recesses of my mind, and it would pop out to nag at me. This book just had to be written!

Was there any particular author you read that made you think, I could write like that? 

I don’t believe I ever thought that. I would read other authors and wish I could write like they could—pulling a complicated plot off or creating characters that stayed with you long after you finished reading them. That’s what I’ve always strived for.
How long did it take you to write your first book? 

Seven long, grueling years and three edits. 

Who helped you with the editing? 

My critique group, several beta reader friends, one Professional Writing college student, and a professional editor with Splickety Publishing Group all helped me polish this book. 

Who encouraged you along the way? 

My family and friends were all encouraging. Since I am part of several writer’s groups, there was always someone there to tell me I could do this. Without them I would’ve given up years ago. Are you active with any writing critique groups? I am actively involved with one critique group that I found through the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writer’s and Illustrators). I’ve been lucky to be a member of this group since 2010. They are amazing!

You are the Operations Manager at Splickety Publishing Group, which publishes flash fiction magazines. How did you get involved with them? 

I found Ben Wolf, the founder of SPG, at a conference five years ago. Three years later I found out they were searching for an Operations Manager and I applied. The rest is history. 

I see they are the publishers for your first novel. Tell me about that process. 

It was a roller coaster ride! Two years ago SPG was going to change direction and start publishing books along with their flash fiction magazines. Submissions were open to staff before they were going to go public. I sent in two manuscripts to Sarah Grimm, their lead acquisitions editor, and she accepted one of them—Knee-high Lies. 

I received two professional edits from them before Splickety chose not to pursue publishing full-length novels. However, since we had come so far in the process, Ben Wolf was generous in allowing me to use their brand to publish the book, I just had to do the rest of the work to publish KHL. I contacted a friend who helps in formatting books, and a photographer friend who helped me create the cover. Together with another friend who did a final read-through to make sure we hadn’t missed any typos (hopefully we caught them all!), I hybrid published Knee-high Lies. (It pays to have friends in the right places!!)

Your first published novel is a contemporary YA, but your second one is fantasy fiction. What led you to write in a totally different genre? 

My first love is fantasy. It’s ironic that the first book that I published was in a genre I normally don’t write. But, like I said before, this book is the one that had to come out. So, like the strong-willed child it is, it got it’s way! 

That story won you the 2016 Genesis award for the best-unpublished novel, which is titled Kingdom Come. Do you have a publisher for it? 

Kingdom Come is yet to be published. Unfortunately several personal tragedies happened the year I was writing Kingdom Come—right in the middle of it. Now, though it’s finished, I feel there’s something still missing. But I haven’t given up! I love this story and continue to work on it with the hope one day it will be published. 

Can you give me a short synopsis of that story? 

Things come easily to orphaned scullery maid Tambrynn, literally. She has the gift of telekinesis. But every time she calls an object to her, trouble follows. When her ‘gift’ gets her kicked out of her job, and headed for the stockade, her carriage is wrecked in a dark forest and she has to find her way to safety. However, she’s never safe for long. The wolves who killed her mother to get to her are on her heels, and a familiar shape-shifter claims he’s come to take her home—to another kingdom. Who can Tambrynn trust when she doesn’t even believe she can trust herself? 

What is the hardest part of writing for you? Starting? Creating a scene? Dialog? Tension? The middle is always the hardest. I know how I want to start the story, and I can picture the end. It’s how to get there that’s the hardest for me. And I’m a panster, so plotting doesn’t come naturally to me.

What does your editor remind you to do most often? 

Oh, gosh! Several things!! However, commas are my kryptonite. Put them in, take them out. I detest them.

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

After I published Knee-high Lies I received several messages from readers telling me they were only going to read one chapter and they ended up reading half the book before they could put it down. That’s huge for me. Especially since this book is so close to my heart it was like a part of me poured into every word I wrote. I’ve been so touched by so many positive comments.

We have all experienced rejection. Give me an example of one you’ve had, and how you learned to write past it. 

The worst rejection I had was not a rejection at all. I’d met with a publisher at a conference who loved two of my manuscripts and asked me to send him full proposals which included a genre analysis, marketing strategy, back book cover, chapter by chapter synopsis, and full polished manuscript for both books. 

I spent months working on them, and had my critique group take extra time to help polish them. I sent them in and waited patiently to hear back for three months. I then contacted the publisher to see if they’d received my proposals. Crickets. I never heard back from them. All that work and not even a real rejection! It was frustrating. The only consolation I had was that those proposals were ready for the next publisher. Luckily, it didn’t stop me. It just let me know which direction to never go down again.

What has surprised you the most in writing/publishing? 

When I tell people I’m a writer I often hear from them how someday they’re going to write a book. Someday, like when the more important things in their life are accomplished, they’ll sit down and write a book, just like that. What they don’t know, and what I didn’t know, was how much work it takes to get a book that is not just gibberish, but actually publishable. Readers want something that is worth their time and money. And it takes work. 

What frustrated you the most? 

Writing is so subjective. One person might love my writing and the next one thinks it’s garbage. You’ll never get everyone on board to love what you do.

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

Just get the story written. I was always so worried about making it perfect as I wrote. You can do that once the story is down. I’ve learned to make my inner editor shut up. 

What is some of the best writing advice that you’ve received or could give? 

Keep writing. When you finish one manuscript, write the next one. Don’t waste your whole life on one manuscript that you think is the next revolutionary novel, or your defining work. It’s a book. You’re not going to die if it never gets published, but you will continue to hone your writing. So, keep writing! 

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

Write the hard stuff. Dig deep into your soul and pull out that thing that you don’t like to think about. Yeah, that awkward, humiliating thing. Because we all have those things. And your reader will identify with it. And they’ll remember it. And they’ll buy your book because it makes them feel and heal. Don’t fear the hard stuff. Embrace it. And then write it. 

That's all for today's interview. If you would like to learn more about Dawn's writing, here are some links to get you started.

website:   http://dawnfordauthor.com http://dawnfordauthor.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dawnfordauthor, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawn_ford_author/

Rewriting and Staying Motivated: Author Interview with Karen Rose

First off, kudos to you for winning two Rita Awards (RWA) and for being a finalist in five others. It looks like the first book you had published was Don’t Tell in 2003. How long did it take to write that first book? 
Thank you :-) DON’T TELL is my first published book and it took about 3 years to complete. I was working full-time as an engineer at the time, so my writing time consisted of stolen moments after my children were in bed and the weekends my hubby would take the girls to the bookstore or library to give me a few hours peace and quiet. 

In your bio, you said that book went through 5 full rewrites. 

I did write DON’T TELL five times before I finally sold it in 2001 and each time was a little different. The only things that were common in all five iterations were the prologue and the scene where Caroline meets her ex-husband face to face. Everything else changed and varied by mood and how much I’d learned from the past attempts. It wasn’t even a suspense until version four. It had been women’s fiction or mainstream romance for the first three versions.
Why are there multiple covers and imprints for this book?
There are two covers in the US – the original 2003 cover and a re-release in 2011 or so. The other covers are international versions. There are two for the UK and at least four for Germany!

From what I can see, you've always been traditionally published. Do you think it was easier then or now to get the attention of a large publishing house? 
Yes, I’ve always been traditionally published. That was the primary option back in 2001 when I sold my first book. Easier or harder now to get the attention of a large publishing house? That's a hard question to answer. I think there are many more paths to getting a traditional publisher’s attention such as the traditional query (although some houses do not accept unagented queries so you’d have to find an agent first), winning a contest where the prize is an editor’s read, successfully self-published sales, but the paths are much narrower, able to hold fewer authors. The number of houses has decreased, mostly due to mergers and buyouts. There are only so many slots for book releases, so fewer new authors can be considered. 

What are your thoughts on the rise of indie publishing?

I personally think the rise of indies is good because it allows so many more options for readers, but now there are so many that it’s hard to see the forest for the trees. Net? I really don’t know! If you do, please tell me :-)

What made you decide to write romantic suspense?

I didn’t start out writing suspense. My first books were women’s fiction or contemporary romance. It was my first agent who read the prologue to DON’T TELL and said, “You have a suspenseful voice. Have you considered writing a suspense?” I said, “No, but I’ll give it a try.” 

I approached it from a reverse engineering standpoint, LOL, and chose a suspense whose ending had surprised me. I read that book backward to figure out how the author had dropped the clues. Then I watched a LOT of original Law & Order to get rhythm and cadence of a suspense. Then I just sat down and wrote.
What are some of the more difficult aspects of writing a romantic suspense novel?
I think the most difficult aspect of writing a suspense is creating characters and plot compelling enough that readers are so caught up in the story itself that they don’t look for the clues. The most difficult part of writing a romantic suspense is keeping the balance right. Some of my books are more “romance-y” than others, but all have a core romance.
Have other novels been started and stopped along the way?
The only novel I started and never finished was a paranormal. I set it aside because I had suspenses to write and deadlines to keep. It’s always stuck in the back of my mind, though. Maybe I’ll finish it someday!

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
When I first started, it was to never give up. But now, nearly 20 books later, it’s the words of my very wise editor who knows me well. “Every book doesn’t have to be better than the last. Every book just has to be good.”

Perfectionists like me can obsess that THIS book (whichever is the next one) won’t be asgood. It can become debilitating. I put my heart and all of my effort into every book. I push myself to be better. But there comes a point when that drive toward perfection can freeze a writer in her tracks. So I just write as best I can and hope my readers fall in love with my characters all over again.

We have all experienced rejection. Give me an example of one you’ve had, and how you learned to write past it.

Oh my. Hmmm. My last rejection before selling DON’T TELL to Warner Books (I signed the contract 15 years ago this month!), was from an editor who said my book was “generic and familiar.” Ouch. That really stung. I didn’t really have to learn to write past it per se – I got “the call” offering to buy my book from Warner Books a week or so later. But I did deal with the sting by writing the rejection back into one of my books. The villain was told his art was “generic and familiar.” It made him determined to prove everyone wrong. Unfortunately, that villain upped his killing game. I just kept writing :-)

What is the hardest part of writing for you? Starting? Creating a scene? Dialog? Tension, etc?
Easily the beginning is the hardest part. So many directions the book can go at that point! It’s like a long hallway lined with doors. Some have tigers behind them and some just lead to weird, wrong places. If I pick the wrong door, I’ll have to start all over again.

What does your editor remind you to do most often?
Keep it tight! My books tend to be complex and long, with a lot of characters. I’m reminded often to keep the storyline tighter.

What did you learn in publishing your first book that helped you in your writing?
Be respectful. Listen to feedback and carefully consider it because the editor wants the same thing I do – a good book. Be able to read between the lines of critique and understand what change the editor really wants to see, even if she or he hasn’t clearly articulated it. But at the end of the day, it’s my book. I have to be proud of the content. So I listen and make changes, those that are articulated and those that aren’t, but I stay true to my voice.

What has surprised you the most in writing/publishing?
The generosity of my readers! I love how much they love my characters.

What frustrated you the most?
That there are so many factors that make a successful book release – most of which I can’t control.

What do you know now about writing that you wished you had known sooner?
It’s not always easy to fall into the writing of a book (the “zone”) when it moves from hobby to business. The stress of deadlines can make creativity dry up. When I get caught up in the stress, I have to remind myself why I love my characters. So I wish I’d known sooner that I have to treat my characters like any other real-life relationship. Keeping my creativity, enabling my characters to thrive in my mind, takes work. I can’t expect it to always “just happen."

What is the best book you've ever read about the craft of writing?
GMC – Goal, Motivation, and Conflict by Debra Dixon.

What other works are in the process?
I am just finishing the edits on a summer-release book (I’ll have two out in 2017!) called The Monster In The Closet. It features all the Baltimore characters and is the story of Clay Maynard reuniting with his daughter, who was stolen from him before she was even born. And I’ve started the fourth book in the Cincinnati series!

Any other tips or words you’d like to share about writing?
Don’t give up. And don’t write to get published. That’s a lot of pressure! Write because you must, because you love your characters.

That's all for today's interview. If you would like to learn more about Karen's writing and her , latest book, here's the link to her EVERY DARK CORNER page on her website: http://www.karenrosebooks.com/books/every-dark-corner/overview

The Road to First Publication: Author Interview with Camille Di Maio

This is your first novel. When did you actually start writing? What made you decide to write a book inspired by the Beatles song, “Eleanor Rigby”? 
I have wanted to write for as long as I can remember, and wrote stories when I was quite young. As much as I wanted to write a whole book, I didn't believe that I had it in me. Then, I was driving one day, and out of the five thousand songs that shuffled through my iPod, "Eleanor Rigby" came on. I have always loved that song, and my dad used to call it "The Two-Minute Novel,"

This particular time, I thought about the characters - Father McKenzie and Eleanor. Who were they? What if they knew each other? What if they had a history? This last question really sparked my imagination, and I wrote down fifteen plot points, fleshing out the beginning of a full story. Ultimately, the book is not "about" the song - the names of the characters are different, but the story of a priest and this older woman created the idea behind it. And, it is set in Liverpool.

Prior to writing this book, what other writing credits do you have?  
I have written a few things here and there for magazines, but I don't have much by way of a writing resume. I suppose I decided to go big the first real time out!

How long did it take you to write the first draft? Who encouraged you to write?

The first draft took six weeks to write, staying up until 3 and 4 am every night and drinking lots of Dr. Pepper like a good native Texan girl. We have four children, and my husband, Rob, was a champ changing diapers, doing dishes, and losing me to writing during that time period. 

Other supports beside my husband were my parents. My mom lived through my early short stories and drilled a good vocabulary in to me. Some of the most fun on this journey has been sharing it with my dad, who wears his heart on his sleeve.

How many rewrites did you do? 

Now, in its published form, I'd say it's about fifteen drafts in, and I learned so much with each one. 

Did you have beta readers? Who helped you with the editing? 

Although many of my friends beta-read it, it was all self-edited until I got an agent, and she referred me to a great freelance editor named Catherine Knepper. After Lake Union Publishing purchased it, it went through the standard developmental editing process with an editor named David Downing. It was very interesting to have their different perspectives, but both were very insistent on it still being my voice.

How did you go about finding an agent? How many sources did you pitch? What type of feedback did you get? From the time your manuscript was delivered to the publisher, how long did it take to get an acceptance?
I made some rookie mistakes early on. Of course, I thought my first draft was all wrapped up and ready to go, so I started sending it out to many agents. After about forty rejections, I had to face the fact that it was not, in fact, ready to go, and that I had a lot to learn. Most of my rejections were the standard, canned email responses. "Not a fit for me." I set out to attend several writing conferences and classes, really learning the craft. I also learned that I had gone about querying agents in the wrong way - I had just sent email after email without really researching the person. 

What did you do next?

Once I had the manuscript very polished - this was several years later - I decided I was ready to query agents again. I took my time to research six of them, and two asked for full manuscripts! What I did right this time was to read their bios, see if they represented my genre, tell them why it was a fit, how it was like other books they represented, etc. I also decided to sell myself a bit - I have had great success in my real estate business, which has a lot to do with marketing. So, I told them that I was confident that I could take that experience and turn it in to successful selling of my book if they would take me on. 

How did you finally get your agent?

I ended up getting a contract from Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency in California. She has had great success with both fiction and non-fiction, and I was sure that we would "click". I was very excited when she asked for the first fifty pages, then a full, then she called me with an offer for a contract! It was one of the best days of my life. I think the rejection rate from agents is about 94%, and I believe that it is harder to get an agent than a publisher. Because, it's hard to get a good agent. But, if you do, it's because they're confident that they can sell it. That's the hardest door to get through in my opinion. Jill was an amazing partner through the process - I took her suggestions to heart, and it was only a couple of months before we knew that several publishers were interested.

Tell me about the process. How many changes did you have to do?
There were a lot of changes from first draft to finished product. The biggest change came after someone close to me committed suicide - the feelings there helped me explore the darker side of emotions, and I realized that my manuscript was lacking that particular depth. I worked through those feelings and changed the beginning of the book from something quite flighty to something with a lot of gravity. 

Another big change was my agent pushing me to rewrite something in the book that depended on a rather large coincidence. So, while on a walk with my husband, I bounced some thoughts off of him, and he said something that really broke open what I needed to do to change that scene - and it is so, so much better for it. 

The final big change was the ending. I'm a fan of tragic British books, Jane Eyre being a favorite. Again, my agent pointed out where my original ending needed some work. The new ending came about at breakfast with my dad - again, I was bouncing ideas off of him, and we had a great brainstorming session. In fact, that's one thing I learned more than anything else - writing is not a solitary event. I may be the one with my name on the front cover, but much has come from inspiration that others gave me. I now understand the reality of Acknowledgment sections at the back of books! In fact, it's the first thing I read when I start a book.

How do you write? Did you do an outline first? Did you do individual character development before doing the full plot?
I have a basic idea of where things are going in a story, but I'm not a plotter. I see picture boards of some of the walls of post it notes that authors far more organized that I am create. I just can't work that way. I need to feel things as I write them, and some of the best things I've written were not part of anything I'd originally planned. I also tend to be story-driven rather than character-driven. So, I write the story, and then go back and see how I can fill in the characters and give them greater dimensions.

What type of publicity do you expect your publisher to do in promoting your book? 
This will be a new chapter for me, so to speak! My agent told me that Lake Union Publishing (an imprint of Amazon) is particularly great at marketing, and based on other authors I've spoken to, this really seems to be the case. The book will be released in May, so we'll be having more serious publicity discussions in the next few weeks. 

What plans do you have to promote your book? How active are you with social media? 

I have gotten very active on social media - Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc., and had someone build a website for me. I've also printed 5x7 cards with information about the book so that I'll have that to hand out if I end up in conversation with someone about it. Just the other day, I got in to conversation with a cashier at Trader Joe's, and he wrote the name of the book down because he wants to order it for his girlfriend. Same with a new hairdresser I went to. It's natural for people to ask what you do for a living, and there seems to be some sort of fascination when you tell people that you're a writer! I like that kind of publicity. Just visiting with people, face to face.

What do you know now about writing that you wished you had learned sooner?
I wish I had known more about the craft of writing, although I would caution other young writers to find their voice before "learning" too much. I think you can also take so many classes that you kill your own creativity trying to follow "the rules". I wish I had known how much authors struggle. This image of having daily inspiration and words just flowing from your fingers is a myth. 

The VAST majority of the writing process is staring at a blank screen, struggling over a particular word, feeling like a failure, wanting to trash your own work. Then, there are those brief and glorious moments where you type out something brilliant and you love what you do again. But like anything else, writing is hard, hard work, and takes a lot of dedication. 

If I had known this earlier on, I would have written more sooner. I thought that since I wasn't just full of inspiration, then maybe I wasn't really a writer. What I was missing was the component of just being committed to it regardless of how I was "feeling".

Is this a stand alone book or are you planning a sequel or prequel for any of your characters?The Memory of Us is a stand-alone book, although there are two minor characters whose stories have been almost begging me to tell. So, maybe that will come along in the future. In the meantime, I've turned in book #2 to my agent and editor, so I'm waiting to hear if they're going to pick that up! I should know very soon. It's set in Texas and is a book about two sisters. I have an idea for book #3, and I can't wait to get started on that one. It's set in New York, and follows a family through an important part of that city's history. That one is just an idea, though, for now.

What is the best advice you’ve been given about writing or that you’ve learned that you would like to pass along?
The most encouraging thing I ever heard is from a very successful writer of historical fiction. She said that each of her books goes through about thirty drafts. It helped me realized the commitment that a writer must have, the humility to make mistakes and receive critiques, and the patience it takes to get it done. 

My other inspiration was reading about Stephenie Meyer, who wrote the Twilight series. She wrote that while at swim team practice with her kids. I have four children. It was a turning point for me where I said, "If she can do it, I can do it."

That's it for today's interview. If you would like to pre-order the book, here's how to do it: http://amzn.to/1P1JhmO

Other links for the author
Author's website: www.CamilleDiMaio.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/camilledimaio.author
Instagram: camilledimaio_author
Twitter: camilledimaio

From Writing Rejection to Acceptance: Author Interview with Becky Avella

What made you decide to write a Christian themed suspense novel?
I grew up reading Christian fiction of all kinds and also loved mystery and suspense books like Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and Elizabeth Gail. But as an adult I somehow missed the Christian Romantic Suspense genre. My good friend, Lisa Phillips, writes for Love Inspired Suspense and she is the one who introduced me to this genre as both a reader and a writer.

How long did it take you to write the book?
It took about 18 months total from start to finish including all of the rewriting and revising.

How many rewrites did you do on it?
After submitting it the first time, I had to do a complete rewrite. The setting changed and about two-thirds of the original story, but I’m so much happier with this version.

Who helped you with the editing?
I’m blessed to be in an extremely supportive writers group. They encouraged me to do the rewrite in the first place, and then they were instrumental in all of the revisions as well. I also have my good friend, Jennifer, who is a natural editor. I’m grateful she’s willing to read my work because she has an intuitive sense of what works and what doesn’t in story and catches my grammar errors. I probably should have had her double check this post for me.

Are you still active with any writing groups?
Yes, and I am so thankful for them! I belong to a larger local group of Christian writers and then also to a smaller group that has become so much more than just critique partners. When Lisa invited me to join them for a critique meeting, I didn’t realize what a gift she was offering me. I wouldn’t have made it this far without these women. We pray for each other, brainstorm together, compete for word count, and just support each other in general. They make the writing life more joyful.

Who encouraged you along the way?
I had so much encouragement along the way. I wouldn’t be published if it weren’t for my family, my friend Jennifer, and my writing buddies. (See above)

Did you ever want to give up on writing the book and getting it published?
Yes. After the original manuscript was rejected, I was pretty discouraged and decided it was a failed experiment. Lisa and our other author friend, Heather Woodhaven, helped me to see that the letter wasn’t a rejection but really an invitation to fix what was wrong and try again. I’m so glad that I listened to them.

How many publishers or agents did you pitch before getting your manuscript published?
I wrote this story specifically for Love Inspired Suspense so I only pitched it to them.

What was that process like? How did you get involved with Harlequin?
I’m ashamed to admit that I had an outdated view of Harlequin. I didn’t know they sold clean romance or Christian fiction. Again it was Lisa Phillips who introduced me to Love Inspired books and encouraged me to enter the pitch contest they were hosting called “Happily Editor After.” It was through this contest that I eventually sold Targeted.    

Walk us through how "Happily Editor After" contest worked.
The "Happily Editor After" contest was in 2013, and it was set up differently than the 2014 "Killer Voices" and this year's "Blurb to Book" contest. HEA was designed to mimic a speed dating event. We all had appointments on the Harlequin community boards. Once you were called into the special chat room, you had a set amount of time to post your 100 word pitch and wow the editor. She then either passed on your manuscript or requested a partial or full manuscript.

How did it work specifically for you?
I "won" the contest in the sense that Emily asked to read my full manuscript, but it was just a one day event and there were no contracts being offered at that point. I sent that submission packet in May of 2013 and heard back with a rejection in August.

The rejection letter said that she liked my voice but there were problems that wouldn't work for the Love Inspired Suspense line. I wasn't familiar enough with the genre and it showed. Since she had taken the time to be so specific about what didn't work, my friends helped me see that I needed to address those problems and try again. I'm so thankful that I did. 

The book blurb for your novel on Goodreads is 101 words – approximately the word count for first stage of Harlequin’s “From Blurb to Book Contest.” Was this part of a previous contest for that publisher? Did you write it? Or was it the publisher? The publisher is in charge of writing the book blurb. I wrote a similar one for the pitch contest (Happily Editor After) and also for the query letter that I sent to the editor. Learning how to boil your book down into 100 exciting words is a real challenge. It was interesting to me to find out how little control the author has over things like cover design and back cover copy. Thankfully, Love Inspired Suspense has great art and marketing departments. I’m really happy with how it all turned out for Targeted.  

What are some of the more difficult aspects of writing a romantic suspense novel?
This genre calls for tight manuscripts. You only have 60,000 words max to get in all of the character development, romance, suspense, and spiritual transformation that you want to accomplish. There isn’t any room for meandering. I had to learn to write as if the story was a line of dominoes, each event leading directly into the other without letting up on the suspenseful pulse. It’s a lot of fun to do!

Have other novels been started and stopped along the way?
I have begun so many novels! Entering the contest was the push I needed to finish a story. 

How do you write? Did you do an outline first? Did you do individual character development before doing the full plot?
I need to have a good feel for who the characters are first. I love discovering who they are and what they look like, how they think, etc. Making up people is easier for me than making up plot. I’ve been more of a discovery writer than a plotter. I’m hoping as I grow in experience, the outlining process will become more natural for me. Having a map to follow would make it so much easier.

Prior to writing this novel you wrote about dealing with your own personal miscarriages. What made you decide to open up that very personal and traumatic side of your life to others?

I was five months pregnant with our third child when I went to a women’s retreat. The speaker sent us out for some quiet time and asked us to talk to God about our dreams and to make sure they lined up with His will for us. I remember writing down a huge list of more than twenty things I’ve since forgotten but there were three written next to each other that I’ll be able to remember forever:

1. I want a son (we had two girls and I knew I’d be having an ultrasound that week)
2. I want to have an effective ministry
3. I want to write a book. 

Three days later, I went in for my ultrasound and found out that our baby boy’s heart had stopped beating. I couldn’t believe that that was what God had done with my dreams. 

After that I lost three more babies and had two failed adoption attempts. It was the most painful period of my life. In the middle of it all, I started writing. I was given five copies of the same book from people wanting to comfort me. It was a good book, but it was written by a man who could never truly understand what it’s like to lose a baby. After the second miscarriage, I felt like I was supposed to write a book. My first response was, “That’s not the type of book I meant! I wanted to write a novel!” 

What have you learned from writing that book?
God has used it in so many amazing ways to help other people and to help me heal. I’m so thankful that He has allowed purpose to come from all of that hurt. I’m glad I pushed through and wrote it.

Today, I’m so thankful to be able to say I have a little boy, I’ve been blessed to minister to hurting women through And Then You Were Gone, and my first novel was published this month. When we give God our dreams sometimes they have to die like a seed in the ground so He can grow something better than we could ever come up with on our own. 

That book was self-published through Pleasant Word, a division of Winepress. What was your experience like with them?
I started writing that book after my second miscarriage. I’m so thankful that I did and that I didn’t know more loss was coming. I was able to write through the pain and that gave more honesty to the book. After you have healed you are given a certain amount of amnesia, which is a good thing! Writing during it all helped me to capture emotions I don’t even remember feeling.

The publishing process went well but was a lot more expensive than it would need to be now. Independent publishing is so much more of a viable option these days and a lot cheaper. My post-publication experience was not a positive one, and I would caution anyone thinking about publishing in this way to do a lot of research beforehand. The company I worked with went out of business without warning. Thankfully, I’ve been able to find another way to keep my book available as an indie author.

What do you know now about writing/publishing now that you wished you had known sooner?
I didn’t think I was talented enough to be a “real” writer. When I read the book Plot and Structure by James Scoot Bell, it was the first time I heard someone say that writing was a skill that could be learned. I began devouring every writing blog, book, and podcast I could find. I don’t think I’ll ever believe I’ve arrived as an author, but I love knowing that I can keep growing, and that this is just the beginning.

I also wasn’t prepared for how shy I would feel about having my book out in the real world. It’s an exciting but also terrifying thing. I didn’t sleep well for weeks before my release. I’ve really had to learn to trust God and to find my value in Him not in the sales numbers or in the positive or negative reviews. This career requires a lot of humility. I’ve had to remember that pleasing God comes first. 

What type of publicity do you do to promote your book? What has worked best for you in generating sales?
I’m so new to all of this, I’m not sure what is working or not working. I am actively involved on social media like Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads, and I blog with other Christian Romantic Suspense authors on www.teamloveontherun.com. I love the camaraderie we share and the way we support each other. I’m also visiting a lot of blogs like this one to share about my writing journey and about the book. Marketing and publicity is definitely an area where I still have a lot to learn.

Is this a stand-alone book or are you planning a sequel or prequel for any of your characters?
Targeted is a stand-alone novel and so is my current work in progress. I’d love to write a series soon. I think readers really enjoy returning to familiar settings and characters. I think it would be a blast to write one. 
What is the best advice you’ve been given about writing or that you’ve learned that you would like to pass along?
It wasn’t necessarily advice, just more of an

impression. I thought great writers were born. I wish I’d figured out earlier that writing is something that can be learned and that many writers continue to grow and improve throughout their lives.

Keep writing and don’t let discouragement win. Perseverance is so important in this business. And seek out community. I would not be a published writer if it weren’t for the support of my writing friends.

Thank you so much for inviting me to share my story, Chris! Happy writing everyone!

If you'd like to learn more about Becky's books and other works in the process, here's some options. 

Facebook Instagram www.teamloveontherun.com

Creating a Story from Your Life: Author Interview with Gary Urey

As writers, we are often told to write about what you know. That is what today's author did. He took his family's genetic trait and turned it into an amusing story to delight young readers.

 

Of all the genres you could write, what drew you to writing for children?

Whenever someone asks me this question, I always think of the Stephen King response to why he writes horror. “The writer doesn’t choose the material; the material chooses them.” When the writing bug first hit me, I walked directly to the children’s room at my local library and never looked back. 

What inspired you to write the first book?
I’ll tell you what inspired me to write my first published book, SUPER SCHNOZ AND THE GATES OF SMELL—my childhood love of superhero comics and the fact that I was born into a family of humongous honkers! Seriously, the Urey family reunion looks like a twelve-step support group for people with big noses. 

When did you actually start writing your first book?  I started writing my first book when I was around twenty-five, the day after I graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC. It only took me twenty years to sell a book!

How long did it take to write your first draft?
It takes me about a month to write the first draft of a SUPER SCHNOZ adventure. The SCHNOZ books run around 22,000 to 25,000 words.

Prior to writing these children’s books, what was your publishing and writing background?
I had absolutely no background in publishing. When I graduated from high school, my goal was to be an actor. I spent three miserable semesters at my local state university and then moved to NYC. I spent ten years in the city working as an actor, script reader, and theatre reviewer. 

Are you active in any writer critique groups?
I’m not active now, but I have been very active in the past. For somebody just starting out, I think critique groups are very positive. My wife and agent serve as my first and second readers of a new book.

You are published by a traditional publisher. How many submissions did you make before it was accepted there? 
Do you really want to know? I don’t want to depress any of the aspiring writers who read your blog, but l submitted for many years with literally hundreds of rejections. The quote goes: A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit. So true!

What kept you going despite all those rejections? 

The thing that kept me going was faith, confidence, and a deep knowing that someday my time would come. I knew I was a good writer with a unique voice and sense of humor. The right editor/agent combo just had to see it. That finally came first with an agent signing me, and then the wonderful Kristin Ostby (now at Penguin) reading SUPER SCHNOZ and loving it. 

 

Also, a couple unique experiences happened to me when I was just starting out. I lived and worked in New York City for many years and became friends with a children’s librarian named Roxanne Hsu Feldman. She later went on to sit on the Newbery Medal Committee. Also, one day I popped into a sushi restaurant on Park Avenue South for lunch and struck up a conversation with an older man. He turned out to be legendary children’s book editor Richard Jackson. I figured those things were signs from the universe telling me to keep on typing away.

 

Did you keep polishing it?

No, I didn't keep polishing it. I wrote a couple drafts and then moved on to something else. My advice to writers trying to break in is don't spend all of your time working on one book. The reason is that if an editor or agent likes you, they want to read more of what you have written. They want to invest in you for a career, not just one book. Also, you become a better writer by writing, not constantly rewriting the same thing repeatedly. 

 

Did Whitman buy your books together? 

Before Albert Whitman bought the first SUPER SCHNOZ book, they had me write up ideas for three or four more. So, although I originally only signed a contract for one book initially, they always intended to make SUPER SCHNOZ a series. 

 

Do you have an agent?
Yes. The amazing Jill Corcoran of the Jill Corcoran Literary Agency.

Love your illustrator. Do you think he captured your idea? Did you have any input in the design of the cover?

Ethan Long (ALA Geisel Award winner and Emmy nominated animator) captured SUPER SCHNOZ perfectly! Keith Frawley illustrated the second book in Ethan's style and did an amazing job as well. Honestly, I didn't have any input on the look of the book. I'm just the writer, after all! The editorial team picks the illustrator and decides what the book will look like. I suppose if SUPER SCHNOZ reaches CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS levels then I will have more of a say in how the book looks, but the folks at Albert Whitman did a great job and I wouldn't change a thing.

Do you think you will ever try the indie publishing route?
I don’t have any plans to right now, but who knows what the future holds. When I first started writing for kids, the internet was still in its infancy and self-publishing was not an option. 

What type of promotions does your publisher do on your behalf?
The biggest thing my publisher—Albert Whitman—did was send me to BEA in NYC for a book signing this spring! What an amazing experience! I shared an escalator ride with Kate DiCamillo, chatted about books with Jon Scieszka, and watched Jeff Kinney sign hundreds of books and pose for even more photos!

What are some of the promotions that you’ve done that have been the most successful? 
I’ve done Blog Tours, radio interviews, and book signings in Maine where I live. The most successful thing for my first book was that it got a STARRED REVIEW from Kirkus. I think that brought the series to the attention of a lot of teachers, librarians, and booksellers.

What has frustrated you the most in putting these books together? 
I had no frustrations. I was so thrilled to sell a book series; I would have worked on my edits standing in the center of Monument Square in downtown Portland, Maine in my Scooby Doo underwear.

What has pleasantly surprised you in the process?
The most pleasant thing is that I get to work with awesome editors. Writers need editors like a baby needs a caregiver. Good ones nurture your book and improve it immensely. I think this is the biggest mistake of self-published authors—they don’t use the services of a reputable editor-for-hire to help shape their books. 

What do you know now about publishing you wish you had known sooner?
That it’s a business just like anything else. Publishers love to put out great books, but they also need their books to be profitable. I used to freak out whenever I saw “celebrity picture books” and “novels” from people like Rush Limbaugh displayed front and center at Barnes and Noble. But when those celebrity books make tons of cash for the publisher, they are more likely to take a chance on a great book by an unknown author.

Would you recommend your publisher to others?
Albert Whitman publishes the SCHNOZ books. They are an awesome independent publisher based in Chicago. I think they have been around for eighty plus and put out all the Boxcar Children books.

What advice would you give someone who wants to write children’s stories?
Write, write, write, read, read, read, and don’t submit anything until you’ve written at least two novels or ten picture book manuscripts. (You just aren’t good enough yet until you’ve put in the BIC—Butt in Chair—time.)

What is the writing best advice you’ve been given?
I first started out trying to write gritty YA novels. When that wasn’t working, a friend advised me to switch things up and write something weird and funny. That advice turned into SUPER SCHNOZ and it became my first published book. Moral: Don’t be afraid to abandon a style that’s not working for you and try something different. 

What other books do you have planned or are currently in process?
I have just completed the third book in the SUPER SCHNOZ series (SUPER SCHNOZ AND THE SECRET OF STRANGE) and emailed it off to my editor. I’m also just about to finish an upper middle grade techno-thriller that my agent and I are excited to submit.
 

I hope you've enjoyed today's interview and have learned something to encourage to keep on writing. If you would like to learn more about Gary and his writing, here are some options for doing that.www.garyureybooks.com          www.albertwhitman.com

https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/gary-urey/super-schnoz-and-the-gates-of-smell/