Writing Action-Packed Thrillers: Author Interview with Bill Best

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

Growing up, I devoured every Science Fiction book in the libraries. And, yes, comics. Then there was Star Trek, Star Wars, and similar TV shows and movies. As an adult, I occasionally wondered, what about a Christian “superhero?” How might that work?

I began writing toward the end of my other careers. I served in the Air Force for 30 years, the first 9 on Active Duty and the remaining 21 as a Reservist as I helped start and then continued on staff with a Christian radio ministry. 

Had you planned on your books  becoming a series? 

A trilogy was always my plan. It started with what later became Book Two, the story of a near-retirement engineer who helps design a prototype hypersonic manned interceptor. When a nuclear missile threatens the United States, the only hope for intercept is Guardian.  The intercept fails due to sabotage. Roger creates an EMP by collapsing the ion drive’s supermagnet and safely detonates the missile far off the east coast.  Roger and Guardian survive the nuclear blast. but they were somehow transformed. They are now transdimensional, invisible to the world. Roger can walk through walls. A devout Christian, he is now clearly in the world but not of it.

That covers the first two novellas!  Then, I worked through a prequel, which I later rebranded as Book One. It goes back years earlier to introduce a second main character to the series. Jennifer is a college grad whose priorities are getting what she wants and partying. That is until she witnesses a murder. Roger and Jennifer become the first of many members of an “end times team” who risk everything to hold off the ultimate, prophesied evil as long as possible

That finishes books one and two. Book Three (released last November) has the team fighting the likely Antichrist and the clandestine One World Peace Now organization who are on the verge of global domination. Amazingly, it was released just a week before the latest war in the Middle East began!

You’re an indie author, which means you’re in charge of everything from writing to publishing and marketing. Other than writing, what other parts of the process do you personally do or hire others to do? 

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

That comes from my years of reading, my military background, working with engineers, and asking a lot of questions from folks who know more about certain things. And from invaluable feedback from beta readers!!

Your series is subtitled End of the Sixth Age. What does that mean? 
The series title is finally explained in Book Three by a persecuted pastor. He and his wife are driven underground when their lives are threatened. He begins blogging, drawing a huge following as he simply and clearly explains some key Biblical fundamentals. He starts by going through what he describes as the six ages from creation through where we are now, in the so-called church age:

• ONE Adam to Noah
• TWO Noah to Abraham
• THREE Abraham to David
• FOUR David to Christ
• FIVE Christ through the Apostles
• SIX Church Age after Apostles through the Tribulation(SEVEN: The Millennial Reign, and then the final age would be eternity with the new heavens and earth) 

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

From other writers! Don’t expect instant success. Focus on the basics: A good story, good editing, great cover, and a compelling “book blurb”  But realize that there’s a whole lot more. You have to do your own marketing. Try to keep a good balance.
 
Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks? 

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

Offer your first eBook for free in the promo. Each person who downloads your ebook, will be added to your email program. At a minimum, send a personal email to each new reader, preferably offering your second book at a discount. Provide anything else you can to your email list to keep them interested, without overwhelming them. Those who stay with you are the ones you most want to have engaged when you release a new book. 

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

I wish I had written the first two novels in my series before publishing. Many will disagree and say to just “get it done.” But at the very least, I should have finished an entire novel and not tried to begin by marketing individual novellas.
 
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give? 

Count the cost. You may be a terrific author. But remember, if your goal is “best-selling author,” selling involves marketing. There are millions (yes, MILLIONS) of books languishing on Amazon. Get a website and a domain. Buy an email management program. Use writing and formatting software followed up with a good editor and a book cover designer. Make sure this is something you really want to do, and can do so for months (years?) without making a profit.

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

Start with your genre. Make sure your intended genre is even drawing that many readers. Brainstorm many different ways your storyline could be presented.  Use a program like the outstanding Publisher Rocket marketing analyzer. Select the storyline you’re comfortable with that has the best chance for success. Science Fiction? Thriller? Espionage? Romance?

 

What is the next book coming out? 

Honestly not sure. Do I start a new series? Do I add another book to my trilogy? My series is science fiction from a Christian, prophetic perspective. It leads up to the Tribulation. I am praying about an “epilog” novel from near the end of the 1,000-year “Millenial Reign” of Jesus Christ, with flashbacks to the actual end of the Church age. 

I also feel the Lord leading me to narrate and produce longer scripture videos. I have many 30-second videos on YouTube (link below). Unlike most other narrations I've heard, the long ones I have in mind would be grouped by topic such as Praise, Salvation, Godliness, Repentance, and Overcoming. These would be FREE for use in devotions, meditation, memorization, and even for going to sleep. I’d love to hear from your readers whether there would be interest in these!
 
That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Bill's writing, here are some links to get you started.
Website: https://www.billbest.net/

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

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

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

And here's another bonus...Write a comment on this post about what interests you about Bill's books. We'll randomly pick one name to receive an eBook of Five Score and Ten. Do that now!

Be Choosy in Finding the Right Illustrations: Author Interview with Kelly Louise Jarris

You’ve now published four picture books, but what made you decide to start writing the first one?
I have always written and had published articles here and there but once I had my children the love for kids books became more important. I decided to do a children’s book writing course in Melbourne that got the ball rolling and the motivation I needed to begin my first book.

You publish as an indie author, but you’re not an illustrator. How did you go about finding an illustrator? What advice can you give in going through that process.
I usually source the illustrators from chatting with other fellow author’s recommendations. I've built up such a wonderful network of publishers, established authors and book shop owners who I can now call friends. Word of mouth is really important.

With the process, I sometimes like to pay for one sample of work first just to see if it’s the style I’m after and to see if we would work well together. I’ve had instances where the folio has been amazing but the illustration sample is not what would work with that particular project. It’s important to get it right from the start to save time, money and stress. I’d also highly recommend getting a clear contract written with timeframes , cost and expectations so that it runs smoothly.

What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known
Find industry professionals who you can learn from, have your best interests at heart and want to see you shine. If you can find the right ones… They are invaluable.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
If you are doing this as an indie publisher, and are doing a rhyme book make sure to get an expert editor in rhyme to look at your work.

This may seem obvious to some but If you are submitting to traditional publishers, find out the type of books they publish and the themes they gravitate towards. What might not work for some may work for others.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Rejections are all part of the job. Never give up, keep submitting to publishers and keep writing.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me some details? 
The book is called The Postman’s My Mate and is about a little boy called Charlie who lives in the outback on a farm. The postman delivers him a very large parcel that he can’t open until his birthday. Charlie and his animal companions use their imagination to guess what’s in the box.

The book covers themes of friendship, recycling, diversity and imagination. This one is my all time favourite book to work on.

I love to give illustrators creative freedom as well and working with the very talented Natalie Herington has been fantastic. It’s all done In watercolour and her amazing landscapes and Australian animal characters are perfect. 

It should be released soon in 2024. Keep an eye out for it.  

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Kelly's wonderful books, here are some links to get you started.
https://kljbooks.com/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Kelly%20Louise%20jarris
https://www.amazon.com.au/s?k=kelly+louise+jarris&crid=1OGIO3JZQG6D9

And here's a bonus for my readers... Leave a short comment on this post saying which of  the covers you like best that are on this post (or what you like best about her books) and you'll be entered to win a free eBook of hers. We'll choose ONE winner next Tuesday!

Here's another opportunity for a free eBook, but the time frame is limited. Just click on this link to get a free picture/comic book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Stick-Stone-Go-Beth-Ferry-ebook/dp/B09ZYGHMFL

Giving Thanks for Thanksgiving Themed Books 2023 with C.K. Fyfe

You’ve now published several books, but what inspired you to write that first one? 
I was actually inspired by my love for animals. My first cozy mystery short story, A Hare-Raising Haunting, was my submission for a multi-author anthology called, The Big Fang. The anthology organizers were searching for all types of mysteries involving animals. Since I enjoy reading mysteries and I have a soft spot for animals, it felt like a purrfect fit! Although I adore cats, I chose to write about a spunky little rabbit named Pepper, who readers seem to enjoy. However, for me, the most gratifying aspect of writing that story is the fact that I got to make a difference in the lives of animals. The Big Fang is a charity anthology, and all proceeds go toward helping the animals at Harbor Humane Society in West Olive, MI. 

How do you go about plotting your mystery? What do you think makes for a perfect cozy murder mystery?

That’s a good question! Since I’m more of a pantser-style author, meaning I write by the seat of my pants and come up with details as I go, I don’t spend much time plotting out my mysteries. I usually have a general idea of the characters, setting, and storyline. But other than that, I tend to let my characters lead the way and allow them to tell their own stories. When it comes to the perfect cozy mystery, I enjoy quirky characters, small-town traditions, and Nancy Drew-type sleuthing. And in my opinion, the perfect cozy mystery, no matter how serious the crime, should include a touch of humor.  I love to insert humor into the dialogue and action of my stories. 

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

An author I admire once encouraged me to write from my heart. When you let the passion from your heart flow onto the pages, readers connect with your characters on a deeper level. Also, writing from the heart allows an author to discover his or her unique writing voice. 

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

I’ve had the best success with multi-author promotions, where there is a central landing page for all the books, and each author shares the link to the page with their readers via newsletter and social media. This type of promotion is a wonderful way for writers to work together, while offering readers a variety of options that they may not have considered before. 

 

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

I wish I had known that you shouldn’t beat yourself up over a lousy first draft. It’s easy to think that your manuscript is garbage. But the thing you must remember is that a work in progress will go through several rounds of revisions. So, it’s okay if the story isn’t polished at first. There’s plenty of time to do the corrections necessary to make your story shine!  

 

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

My best advice is to do something writing-related every day. Write, research, revise, or brainstorm. But do something! I had an English teacher in high school who often had her students do brainstorming exercises. To this day, when I’m battling writer’s block, I do what she taught me all those years ago: I jot down whatever pops into my head. Hopefully, somewhere in there, among the chaotic scribbles, is the solution to my problem. 

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

Take advantage of the opportunities around you. You’ll find that there will always be writers who are more prolific and experienced than you. Learn from them. You’ll find yourself miles ahead of newbie writers. Take the time to teach them. Both experiences will help you grow as an author. 

 

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

My Thanksgiving-themed cozy mystery short story, Turkey Trot Trouble, was just  released. The main characters, Kenzie and Blaise, are long-time best friends who end up with more of an adventure than they bargain for when they join the local 5K race. When several runners collapse without explanation, they must race against time to solve the mystery. In the meantime, they’re forced to confront their true feelings about each other without losing their friendship. 

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076476694980

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21678089.C_K_Fyfe 
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/c-k-fyfe 

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

Your First Draft is Not Perfect: Author Interview with I.M. Maynard

What made you decide to start writing middle-grade books?  
I’ve been writing off and on since about middle grade, and all sorts of different genres and formats, including screenplays and short stories. I started writing my Roger Tarkington and the Magic Calendar series after my son was born. I was reading a ton of picture books and chapter books and wanted to write something that he could read when he was older. 

How do you get into the mindset of that age group?

It was easy for me to get into the mindset of middle school aged students as friends and family had older children—about the age of the target of this book. Also, I consider myself a grownup kid, at least at heart, and so that always helps!

How long did it take for you to complete your first book? 

Because writing is a hobby, meaning I fit it in around my professional career and family responsibilities, my stories take longer to finish. It probably took me a full year to complete the first draft of book number one, which was after several months of ruminating with the idea and outlining the concept. 

How many rewrites did you do? 

Overall, book number one in the series required 2-3 major rewrites and then a half-dozen or so smaller rewrites for punctuation and dialogue revisions. After finishing book number one in the series, I immediately started to plot, write, and eventually finish book number two in the series before moving to the publishing process. During that publishing process, I plotted and began to write the third and final book in the series, which I hope to publish in early 2024.

What was the hardest part of putting together your books?

Like many writers, I love the shiny object, meaning that the next story idea is often more appealing than the story I am working on or just finished. I was not a disciplined editor or rewriter in my early writing. I often shifted my attention to another project rather than put in the work to make my current story better. I was so keen on the premise of the Roger Tarkington and the Magic Calendar series that I pushed myself to appreciate (and implement) the adage, writing is rewriting. For me, the hardest part was my first major rewrite of book number one. Rather than move onto another project, I took the constructive feedback of my story development editor, a good friend of mine, and dived into the rewriting process, which resulted in a much better story. So, if you are writing or interested in writing, don’t give up on your project. Keep at it, because writing really is about rewriting.

 

Did you personally design the full book, or did you have assistance with formatting or cover design, etc? 

While I initially pursued an agent, I opted to go the independent route instead to keep the goal of the series intact and, just as importantly, to publish at my pace given my other commitments. Luckily, one of my good friends is a talented story development editor. He provided high level constructive feedback that helped to make the series what it is today. 

The cover was designed by a professional that I found through online and podcast research. I formatted books one and two in the series through book formatting software. And while I edited book number one myself, I hired a copy editor associated with the cover design company for book number two, which was more costly but preferable. 

I would definitely recommend that writers turn to others for feedback of the first draft. I have found that family and friends are not the best options as they sometimes give the feedback that they think you want to hear. My editor friend and I have a strong enough relationship that can withstand constructive feedback, which is really what you need to make your story the best it can be.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had from readers?

My best reviews have been from student reviewers who really got my story. As background, my series is about an ordinary 11-year-old boy who comes across an extraordinary power: he can repeat days of the week by touching inside a day on his wall calendar. While the story has a science fiction/time travel angle, I wanted the story to focus on everyday middle school issues. The time travel twist was to keep the story interesting and unpredictable. These young reviewers read the book for what it was meant to be: a fun, entertaining read that includes tips for navigating middle school and middle school friendships. 

I also enjoy watching the progress of readers through Kindle Unlimited (KU), where you can see how many Kindle pages are read each day. Through the KU dashboard, I can see that readers are not only starting my series, but they are finishing it too, which is the biggest compliment for an author, especially authors who write in the 10-12 age group given there are so many other things these young students can be doing besides reading. In the end, my top goal as a writer is to develop a story that is interesting enough to maintain the attention and interest of young readers. So far, I have been successful in doing that.

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

I have tried Amazon ads, Facebook ads, and book site promotions. I’ve also participated in book events in my region. Marketing is so critical and also the hardest for me given my limited time. Blog posts like this are also super helpful. So, thank you for what you do! It is so valuable for readers and authors.

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

I wish I would have done more preplanning for my book launch. I decided to publish during the pandemic, given I had more free time, and really just jumped in feet first. While I did research the process by reading articles and listening to podcasts, I wish I would have developed a better plan for launching my first book in the series.

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

Two come to mind. First, make sure you are super enthused about your idea because, if you do it right, you’ll be with that story and those characters for a long time. Two, and this builds off of the first tip, rewriting is critical. So, know that your first draft won’t be perfect, but that you can make it better in subsequent drafts. And beware of the shiny object. It is always more fun to start a fresh new story and develop new characters. But don’t fall for it. Stay at it and make the story you are currently writing the best it can be. 

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

I am often asked if I outline my stories or if I simply start writing with a basic premise or character. I have tried both. I prefer outlining first. For me, there was nothing worse than setting aside time in my schedule to write, then spending the entire time staring at my computer thinking about what to write next. Now, I do that thinking in the outlining stage. However, rather than sitting behind my desk, I typically work on breaking my story while I am out for a walk, sitting on a bench, or eating a sandwich. I am only sitting down in front of my computer to write and edit the story. I prefer outlining first, but each writer should do what feels right to them.

 

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

I am in the final rewrite phase of the third and final book in the Roger Tarkington and the Magic Calendar series. I am hoping to release it the beginning of 2024. Pick up books one and two now so you are prepared for the final!

Love the plot premise of this series, Hope you do as well and will check out the links below to buy one of the books. 

Author Page: https://www.maynardauthor.com/

Goodreads Page:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/18948965.I_M_Maynard

Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/I.M.-Maynard/author/B07PHB5MC3

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