The Challenges of Writing: Author Interview with Feather Chelle

What made you decide to start writing picture books? How long did it take for you to complete your first book? How many rewrites did you do?
I wrote my first picture book for my oldest son when he was a toddler, and it took me less than an hour to write. I didn’t publish it until he was turning nineteen, but he appreciated the gesture anyhow. I have enjoyed writing poetry since first grade, so I love the challenge of writing a rhyming picture book. I have never had to completely rewrite something, but I do read it through and make a few changes before I send it off to the editor.

Your bio states that you are blind. What software do you use to dictate your stories? 

I am soft-spoken and do not work well with dictation. I have a tablet with a Braille display that I can read. When I write on my phone, I use a Bluetooth keyboard to type faster. My iPhone has a screen reader, called Voiceover, that makes it accessible for visually impaired individuals.

Your books are indie published. How did you go about finding illustrators, cover designers, formatters, editors, etc.?
It has definitely been a trial and error process, and I have been burned a few times. After several years, I think I have finally built a stellar team. There are definitely some sharks out there that will try to get away with anything, if they think you may be an easy target though. I actually stopped telling people about my blindness until I built a rapport.

What was the hardest part of putting together your books?
I struggle the most with illustrations because it is hard for other people to look at images and describe them in a way that tells me as much as I need to know about whether or not they match what I am trying to accomplish. It amazes me that I can show a picture to several people, and each person will say something completely different about it.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had for your writing?
I love getting feedback from kids because they are almost always honest, and their wording is generally priceless. When I get compliments from children, it means so much.

Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produces more sales rather than just clicks?
Marketing is my arch nemesis. My brain goes fuzzy when I think of it. I have had some success from FreeBooksy promos and Itsy Bitsy Book Bits tours though.

What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?
I wish I had known to actually plan out a book launch in the beginning. It does give you a pretty good boost.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
You cannot please everyone, no matter how hard you try. Take the opinions of others into consideration for improving, but do not allow them to change your vision or discourage you from continuing along your path.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
If you become overwhelmed with a writing project, don’t be afraid to put it down for a while. You can always do something to relax, gain perspective, and get back to it.

Can you give me some details on the next book coming out?

I have a new picture book coming out on my birthday next month, May 16th. It is called People Safari. A raccoon guide, named Ranger Marco, takes an animal family into town to spy upon the peculiarities of humans. It will be my 8th published book, but I have dozens more in different stages of getting ready for publication. I am starting a crowdfunding project for illustrating another picture book series as well.

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

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Feather-Chelle/author/B08SPGF1SY

Website: https://www.dldbooks.com/featherchelle/ 

The Joy of a Reader's Enthusiasm: Author Interview with Elizabeth Wehman

Prior to writing your books you were a journalist and an editor who wrote or edited shorter stories. How hard was it to turn your writing into a full-length novel?
Journalistic writing is much different than creative writing. If you watch my publishing timeline, I didn't write a novel the year I worked at the newspaper as an editor. I just couldn't pull off both writings at the same time. Mostly because my newspaper writing was extensive, so when I had time to write creatively, I just couldn't do it. Once I quit the newspaper, it was my goal to write my third novel and I set aside the journalism and went to full-blown creative writing again. My third novel resulted at the end of that year and I loved it. I've been writing novels ever since.

When you self-published your first book how much of the project did you do yourself or hire others to do the steps for you?

I hired editors. One was a friend I'd made at a writing conference but editing was her day job. She did much of it for free which was helpful. I then paid for my cover and also, of course, my ISBN. Other than that, I did the rest by myself. I learned more about what to hire out and what to do myself as I've progressed. I now have three editors that I hire but I have done the last three book covers with the help of my professional photography daughter. We like our covers better than hiring them out. I always get positive feedback from my covers from my readers. 

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

I've currently started my 8th novel and writing the first chapter is always hard. I've started three times and this last version was my fourth and I like it the best. I will probably change it three or four times more. Yet from that point, it seems much easier. There is also a stumble around 2/3 of the novel. I usually know how it will end but those last few chapters before the climax seem to always be a struggle. 

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

My encouragement comes from my readers. I have some very encouraging readers. Last summer I had a woman who stopped by my table at a local craft fair. She sat a bag beside my chair and said, "Can you sign all of these?" They were all of my books except for one. She then went around to the front of my table and placed her hands on it and said, "I have to tell you. I love your books. I read one and got online and ordered all of the rest. I couldn't get enough of them. And now, I'm finding my life has changed." 

That was the most encouraging moment in my writing career. That's why I write. To help change lives. To make a difference. It made all those moments when I stumbled, felt frustrated and inadequate as an author...all worthwhile.  I've had several encounters like this and thankful for every single one. It keeps me writing. 

Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks? 

There are places I've sold multiple books in just hours where I've joined a vendor fair at the last minute. I continue to go back to these markets because I inevitably have returning customers. I recently was the top book seller at a local bookstore for the summer. Unfortunately, that bookstore went out of business in the fall. 

Do you sell more eBooks or print books?

I do sell many more print books than ebooks. I also do fairly well at local retail stores and gift shops. My books all have Michigan settings and I do well at gift shops in tourist locations.

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

I am my worst enemy. It took me some time to get over the fact that I was a writer and a good one. I doubted myself for years. The first time I handed a book to a reader and she paid me, I clutched the book so tight I wasn't sure if I could actually give it to her. Doubting yourself does one thing, it freezes you. It stops momentum. It stops you from writing and you don't appear comfortable in front of your readers. Don't doubt yourself!

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

Use critiques wisely. Edits as well. They aren't meant to ruin your life but to help you. That's why you are paying for them. As much as they hurt your feelings or your self-esteem, every comment is a help to make your writing better. Look at it that way. So many new writers hate to have comments on their work. They look at their work as perfect or their babies and forget that it is just writing and EVERYONE needs critiques. Everyone needs editing. See how much better a sentence becomes with less words. Don't let edits cause you to stop writing. But...be careful that an editor doesn't take away your voice. Know the difference between editing and voice stealing. LOL!

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

Find other writers to collaborate with. Join a writing or critique group. You need other writers. They encourage, help, cheer you on...if you find the right group. Each one can help you in different ways. Avoid the ones who don't. Be an encourager to others. It always comes back...triple fold. Always. 

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

I'm working on the last book in my recent series. It will be the fourth book in the series. The Newburg Chronicles is based on one of the first farmers to come into The Michigan Territory in 1833. The saga family-like series has been successful. I've taken the family through establishing a new village, through Indian encounters/situations, planting crops/gardens, making new friends/neighbors, family deaths, and many details of making a virgin forest into a small community. 

This last book in the series will be the first farmer's family growing up and having families of their own. The village will be adding more businesses and two hotels. A main road will be heading through the community with stagecoaches traveling through on a daily basis. With all this activity, the family encounters many new events including one of the worst winters Michigan has ever experienced in 1842, several new neighbors, and also a horrible pandemic which takes many family members, and in this family...several children. Nothing about 1842 era is easy but families seemed to survive due to determination, stamina, and strong beliefs in God. A village emerges despite the heartache and trials. It will conclude the Newburg Chronicle series as a fourth book. 

That's all for today's interview. Lots to ponder! If you'd like to learn more about Elizabeth's writing, here are some links to get you started.

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

Facebook for North Newburg Chronicles: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2881456845305239

Website: https://summitstreetpublishing.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8456125.Elizabeth_Wehman

And here's a bonus for my readers... Leave a comment on this post, and next Friday we'll choose a winner for one of her eBooks of your choosing. So, write a comment now!