Author Talks - Author Interviews

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2008-09-21T20:56:00.003-04:00

This is just a test. We are trying out new formats. If you have come upon this blog through the search engines, believe me, this isn't done on purpose. Please come back. Hopefully, we'll know more than an ostrich with its head in the ground.

Interview with Christian Fiction Author Sydney Molare'

2007-12-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

Sydney Molare, author of the christian fiction, DEVIL'S ORCHESTRA, is here with us today at AUTHOR TALKS!

Sydney Molare’ is one of the latest crop of Southern authors to watch. Her novel’s messages cross genres, ethnicities and locales. Her goal is to always have “little message for everyone.” Her books are garnering her awards from bookclubs and reviewers across the country. Sydney was recently named, “Mississippi Hometown Hero, Most Likely to Succeed” and the 2006 Mississippi’s BEST Author.

Sydney's novels include—Somewhere In America; Small Packages; Changing Faces, Changing Places; Grandmama’s Mojo Still Working; and Devil’s Orchestra. Her website is: http://www.sydneymolare.com/ .

Welcome to Author Talks, Sydney! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you've been writing?

I'm a veterinarian that caught the writing bug late in life. I've been writing since December 2001. I remember the date because my marriage was breaking down and I was on the winter break and needed something to occupy my hands and mind besides my situation.

Can you please tell us about your book and why you wrote it?

Devil's Orchestra is a novel of social consciousness. For every action, there is a reaction, good or bad. For every choice, there is a consequence, postive or negative. Three celebrities are enticed to review their lives by old friends. Of course this is a ruse. Luke, AKA Lucifer, is using these minions a cover for his true purpose: The make sure they stand behind their lives, then welcome them into his kingdom. Now you and I know there is probably a vast difference in truth levels between our friends and what you would fess up to with the devil. That is their dilemma.

I wrote it as my wake-up call to the world. It seems that the more vulgar a situation, our society can't wait for someone to top the antic. We are living in an ever-revolving eight ring circus and it's time we realized it.

What kind of research was involved in writing DEVIL'S ORCHESTRA?

I didn't want a "preachy" book. I wanted a book that related to people in any walk at any level of spirituality so I didn't focus of scriptures. My research included: different monikers for the devil, Cerberus, the three headed dog, the antics of our pop stars... nothing heavy but applicable and visible to the every day reader.

How much input did you have into the design of your book cover?

All the input! The cover you have is actually the second cover. The first had a man with fire coming out of his head. It was quite shocking! I loved it but it seems that many people thought the book was horror so I took my publicists advice and changed it.

Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing?

Getting published wasn't my initial goal. I was just letting off steam. But once the seed was planted, I was bound and determined to see it happen. I believe in giving yourself options and I'm impatient when it comes to getting something done for myself. Yes, I submitted prior manuscripts to publishing houses, but not all. I've been self-published, traditionally published and e-published. I definitely think I'm living an uncommon writer's life.

Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/she is?

Yes, I have an agent- Sha Shana Crichton.

Do you plan subsequent books?

Of course! I'm having a ball and don't plan to stop dancing yet.

Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

I am a writing vampire. I want to write after my son is in the bed or at least out from under my feet. Then I write for a few hours until I fall into bed.

If money was no object, what would be the first thing you would invest in to promote your book?

High quality book trailer movies. Our society is visual and are impulse buyers. So catch that attention quickly and cha-ching they are ready to buy it on the spot. I'd have every store where I had books run the trailer constantly too. I'm looking for exclusivity here. LOL.

How important do you think self-promotion is and in what ways have you been promoting your book offline and online?

Self-promotion is a must. If you don't promote, no one else will for any length of time. Yes, trad houses do some promotions, but the reality is, unless you have a big name and a large following, you are gonna have to beat the bushes and make contacts yourself to put yourself out there. I have the website, the blogs, I chat, give away galleys to bookclubs, have book trailers:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUA3sx6ZEOQ, etc.

Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

Remember the writer's trinity: Pushing, patience and persistence. Keep pushing by sending out query letters, have patience--the world really doesn't work on your personal time schedule, and be persistent. I think persistence is the key. The more your name flashes by, the more likely your book will get picked up when they see it in front of them. And remember, There is always room for another great book!

Thank you for coming, Sydney! Would you like to tell my readers where they can find you on the web and how everyone can buy your book?

Sure. Visit me at my site: www.sydneymolare.com . Devil's Orchestra can be purchased via my site as well as hundreds, maybe thousands, of online retailers.

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, Sydney Molare, Devil's Orchestra

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-21T14:17:00.000-05:00

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Dwayne G. Anderson, Author of PARTIALLY HUMAN

2007-09-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

Dwayne Anderson, author of the young adult science fiction novel, PARTIALLY HUMAN, is here with us today at AUTHOR TALKS!

Dwayne G. Anderson was born in Humboldt , Saskatchewan on September 23, 1982 . He spent much of his life in Naicam where he was raised. Diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age sixteen, Dwayne’s experiences with being different made him into the man he is today, one who is determined to face and overcome whatever challenges life throws at him. These experiences gave him the inspiration to write “Partially Human”.

Dwayne enjoys writing as it has become a way for him to express his thoughts. He tends to write stories with a hidden powerful message to inspire those who read his work.

You can visit his website here!

Welcome to Author Talks, Dwayne! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been writing?

I grew up in Naicam where I currently live today, though I plan to move to the city in a few years because there are much more opportunities available in the city than in a small town. I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age 16, yet I'm determined to make something of myself despite the constant doubts of others.

Before I wrote books, I wrote fiction for the rugrats and futurama. The links to them are available on my website. I've been writing books since September of 2001.

Can you please tell us about your book and why you wrote it?

Partially Human was based on my own experiences with Asperger Syndrome and how it changed my life. Like me, the main character's life was thrown in a new direction and people started to treat him differently after something about him is discovered and revealed.

What kind of research was involved in writing PARTIALLY HUMAN?

Most of the places in Los Angeles are real because I found them online. The only place I made up entirely was the Warris Heaven. I also included information on the Rodney King beating, blacks first coming to America, and a history of prejudice.

How much input did you have into the design of your book cover?

The publisher did all the work on it, though I don't really mind, I didn't know what to put on it, and I can't draw.

Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing?

It was difficult getting a publisher for this book because every publisher I sent it to rejected it. The only publisher that did accept it went out of business before publication was completed. Then I found Infinity Publishing and from then on, it was smooth sailing.

For this particular book, how long did it take from the time you signed the contract to its release?

Publication with Infinity Publishing takes between 6 to 9 weeks from when you send in the signed contract.

Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?

I do not have an agent. What would I need one for anyway?

Do you plan subsequent books?

Yes, two romances, another general fiction, two science fiction, and a fantasy.

Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

It varies on when I have some free time on my hands.

If money was no object, what would be the first thing you would invest in to promote your book?

Advertising in newsletters, on sites, and what else fits my budget.

How important do you think self-promotion is and in what ways have you been promoting your book offline and online?

No matter which publisher you use, it is the author's duty to promote his or her own work cause nobody knows it better than the author.

I have my own website, I've advertised on sites, in newsletters, gotten my book listed on several sites(currently submitting to more), going on Virtual Book Tour, gotten interviewed by my local paper, and joined a book club.

Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

Choose a publisher that offers outstanding service, quality products, bookstore returns, all at an affordable price.

Thank you for coming, Dwayne! Would you like to tell my readers where they can find you on the web and how everyone can buy your book?

The book can be purchased at Infinity Publishing's online bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. I'm sure there are other places, but these are the major retailers. You can find the links to purchase my book at these sites at my website.

Thank you for coming, Dwayne! If you would like a chance to win a copy of PARTIALLY HUMAN, leave a comment below. All winners will be announced at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on Sept. 30. Good luck!

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour, Dwayne G. Anderson

An Interview with Stem Cell Research Author Yvonne Perry

2007-09-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

Yvonne Perry, author of RIGHT TO RECOVER: WINNING THE POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS WARS OVER STEM CELL RESEARCH IN AMERICA (Nightengale Press, October 2007), , is here with us today at AUTHOR TALKS!

Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer, author and keynote speaker who enjoys assisting people on a spiritual path. She is a graduate of American Institute of Holistic Theology where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Metaphysics.

As a writer, Yvonne enjoys helping people get their message into a well-written book or article that is ready to publish. She is the owner of Write On! Creative Writing Services—a team of freelance writers located in Nashville, Tennessee. Yvonne publishes a monthly newsletter about writing, publishing and marketing books.

In 2005, Yvonne released More Than Meets the Eye: True Stories about Death, Dying and Afterlife, a book that address topics many people are not comfortable discussing such as suicide, the near-death experience, end of life decisions, and euthanasia. She has collected true stories designed to help people release their fear of death, learn to communicate with those on the other side and comfort someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. The book is available at Amazon.com.

Yvonne is involved with Toastmasters International and has held several officer roles within the club and at Division level. She has completed the program requirements for Distinguished Toastmaster and puts her skills to good use through Writers in the Sky Podcast a weekly show about the craft and business of writing in which Yvonne interviews guest authors, publishers, and book marketing experts.

As a networker, Yvonne loves to share her knowledge and connect people with one another. One way she does this is through Writers in the Sky, her free monthly subscriber-based newsletter. The ezine is filled with articles and great information about writing, editing, publishing and book publicity.

Yvonne is the mother of two adult children, three step-children and six grandchildren. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, Randy.

You can visit her website at http://www.right2recover.com/ and her blog at http://right2recover.blogspot.com/!

Welcome to Author Talks, Yvonne! Can you give us a little bit about your background?

I am a freelance ghostwriter and editor. I have been writing all my life, but it wasn’t until 2003 that I seriously decided to do something with my talent. That’s when I founded Write On! Creative Writing Services and left my corporate job as an executive assistant to make my living as a freelance writer. The decision started with the writing of my first book, Email Episodes. This humorous book was an online journal I kept during a dark night of the soul. I used my writing and wit as a vehicle for releasing the stress of raising teenagers, going through divorce and encountering midlife crisis. Since self-publishing that book, I have been writing for clients and growing the business. I developed a team of writers and editors to assist me and that is working out well.

How long have you been writing?

Since I could hold a crayon. I drew my stories then. Once I learned to write, I couldn’t stop.

Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time?

Life is a roller coaster ride of joy and greater joy! The publishing part of the journey has been easy. Doing the research was time-consuming, but marketing the book is the uphill part especially while having a business to run and other clients to write for. I’m ready for the downhill “Wheeee!”

Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?

I did not have an agent. I connected with Valerie Connelly of Nightengale Press after listening to a radio show in which Francine Silverman interviewed her. I picked up the phone after the show and let Fran know how much I appreciated her having Valerie on the show. She recommended I call Valerie, so I did. She was coming to Nashville the next week to visit Lightning Source and we arranged a lunch meeting to get to know one another. During our chat, I pitched my book idea to her. She thought it would sell so she took on the project then and there.

Can you please tell us about your book?

RIGHT TO RECOVER Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America is an educational book that sheds light on the way Americans view blastocystic (embryonic) stem cell biology. The book contains well-researched facts about all types of stem cell (bone marrow, amniotic and cord blood) treatments presently being used and their restorative effects. It also explores the research being done using stem cells derived from in-vitro fertilized eggs on laboratory animals and presents findings to support its curative potential on humans. The book contains a spiritual component and gives historical information about the influence religion has upon science and politics. I hope this will appeal to those who use their religious beliefs to oppose blastocystic stem cell research.

The information in this book was derived from intensive research, personal interviews, emails and other correspondence with national and international medical doctors, research scientists, religious leaders and elected officials as well as stories from patients, who hope to transform their lives through stem cell technology.

Do you plan subsequent books?

Not on this topic, but I’m sure there will be more books with my own name on the cover. I have a blog on which I post the latest news about stem cell research. I plan to keep up with up with the field of stem cell research and offer public education forums to get the information into the hands of those who want to know more about stem cell research.

Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

All day. I’m usually writing or networking using my writing from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. If I’m on a roll or have a deadline to meet, I may stay up until midnight working on a project.

Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

The law of attraction and saying affirmations really works. I don’t think it was a coincidence that I met my publisher face to face when I did. I had put that request out there and the universe responded. This is a common thing for me.

Thank you for coming, Yvonne! Good luck to you and happy sales!

Thank you for allowing me to share with you and your reader. Blessings to all.

Thank you for coming, Yvonne! If you would like a chance to win a copy of RIGHT TO RECOVER, leave a comment below. All winners will be announced at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on Sept. 30. Good luck!

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour, Yvonne Perry

An Interview with Erotic Romance Author CJ Maxx

2007-09-13T11:31:00.000-04:00

CJ Maxx, author of the sensuous romance novel, COMING BACK A VIRGIN, is here with us today at AUTHOR TALKS!

C. J. Maxx has always enjoyed writing, whether in the military writing citations or efficiency reports, in the private sector writing articles for trade journals, or in his personal life writing in newsletters for volunteer organizations. He turned his interest in writing to fiction in 2002. C.J. and his wife live in northern Alabama.

You can visit his website at http://www.cjmaxx.com/.

Welcome to Author Talks, CJ! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been writing?

I first wrote a piece of fiction back in high school. The teacher accused me of plagiarism. I was insulted back then. Now, I see it as a compliment. As I stated above I got serious about fiction in 2002, after retiring from the electronics industry. I wrote a political novel and an action/thriller before I tried romance.

Can you please tell us about your book, COMING BACK A VIRGIN and why you wrote it?

I couldn't write a romance scene at all so I wrote this short story to teach me to do that. I thought it was a pretty good story but I couldn't sell it to anyone. Then I decided to make it an erotic romance. Well, that changed everything. Now, people wanted to buy it.

What kind of research was involved in writing your book?

This isn't a story that required much research. I have this thing about reastaurnats and menus. If I write about one, it will be an actual restaurant and their menu. Same with wine, it'll be real. Other than that, the story revolved around the writer and his main female character.

How much input did you have into the design of your book cover?

Well, I suggested something but the artist had a better idea. I really like the cover.

Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing?

Is a roller coaster a smooth ride? I have my stack of rejection letters like most novice writers. I have been to the peak a few times, too. This business requires a thick skin and a lot of patience. It might be smooth for celebrities, but not for everyone else.

For this particular book, how long did it take from the time you signed the contract to its actual release?

I signed the contract on September 8th, 2006 and the book was released on August 1, 2007. A little less than a year. That's probably about average for releases now.

Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?

If I had a breakout novel, I'd want an agent. I don't think it's necessary for e-books or for small publishers. I've never had one but have a bunch of reject letters from them. I also have received a few encouraging letters.

Do you plan subsequent books?

Yes. I have to write the breakout novel. That's the only way I can become rich and famous.

Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

I'm a morning person. I usually get up between three and four in the morning. The time between wake-up and eight-thirty in the morning is available for writing. My two granddaughters, ages 3 & 6 show up after that and take over my life. No writing happens after they get here.

If money was no object, what would be the first thing you would invest in to promote your book?

I would place print ads in magazines aimed at my target audience.

How important do you think self-promotion is and in what ways have you been promoting your book offline and online?

Self-promoting is essential. I've been on various groups touting my books. I had an interview on a local TV stations just prior to a booksigning at a local bookstore. I've placed an ad to promote one book. Right now I'm with PR person Dorothy Thompson of Pump Up Your Book.

Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

Just keep at it. Refine your work, know what you're writing about, edit out the boring stuff, keep your reader's attention. There's no one thing that's the magic bullet, it's a lot of small things together that will make you sell.

Thank you for coming, CJ! Would you like to tell my readers where they can find you on the web and how everyone can buy your book?

My website is http://www.cjmaxx.net/. Thanks for having me. I've enjoyed the opportunity to pitch my book. The book is available for Whiskey Creek Press-Torrid at http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=211.

Thank you for coming, CJ! If you would like a chance to win a copy of ONLY MOMENTS, leave a comment below. All winners will be announced at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on Sept. 30. Good luck!

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour, CJ Maxx

An Interview with Author Nick Oliva

2007-09-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

Today's guest at Author Talks is Nick Oliva, author of the book ONLY MOMENTS!

Nick Oliva (O-lee-va’) has been a musician, composer, photographer, an audio engineer, an Entertainment Director and Technical Director for over twenty-five years and is a successful self-made money manager. He has just opened an upscale restaurant for his brother called “Wyatt’s” in Henderson, Nevada. He lives in the mountains outside of Las Vegas.

You can visit Nick's website here!

Welcome to Author Talks, Nick! Can you give us a little bit about your background?

I have been a musician, composer, photographer, an audio engineer, an Entertainment Director and Technical Director for over twenty-five years and a successful self-made money manager. I have just opened an upscale restaurant for my brother Tony, a leukemia survivor, called “Wyatt’s” in Henderson, Nevada. I live in the mountains outside of Las Vegas.

How long have you been writing?

I started in grade school writing for the school newspaper. I have always written poetry and songs, but this is my first novel. I have no formal training, but the nun who had a Master Degree in English, taught me by the stick and did a great job way back then.

Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time?

I spent years coming very close to the publication of this book through the Irene Rodgers Literary Company but as close as it was, it didn't get published. I eventually put it on hold for years until I was motivated to attempt it once more. After a near-death experience in October of 2004 I became hell-bent to get it published.

Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?

It is harder to get an agent than to get published. Irene Rodgers was great but even she couldn't get them to bite on a unique cross-genre novel. It wasn't the right time. Patience is a huge virtue in this business.

Can you please tell us about your book and why you wrote it?

“Only Moments” was originally written within the cyclical theme of Birth, Death, and Rebirth over ten years ago. I focused on the unforgiving world, the false hope of technology and religion, incorporating one’s own search and questioning of the spiritual aspects that provide some measure of meaning, and then tying it into the romance of total devotion of man and wife. Some might call it a fairy tale romance, but there are many “high school” relationships that have survived the test of time, however difficult. These two characters are both heavily flawed but those flaws are what binds and drives them with their deep passion for music.

This journey begins in the year 2020, with a romantic surreal dream and the waking of one sixty-six year-old widower Chris Vadia, a retired professional musician, and his sullen celibate perspective due to his wife dying fifteen years earlier. After establishing the human surroundings of the time period, we flashback to 1970 and we find how he meets the love of his life, while on a wild summer vacation driving through California. A beach in Big Sur is the dramatic background for the beginning of their impassioned romance.

Time then shifts through their college days, marriage, their struggling and successes, parental deaths, their Carnegie Hall debut, and then the crisis of having grown so far apart despite being with each other constantly. Our unforgiving fate, the duality of technology, the commonality of human emotion throughout history, ties into a tale of human devotion that eventually brings understanding and hope.

The road, throughout the novel is representative of one’s life path and sense of curiosity and discovery.

I wrote it because I challenged myself to write a better book than John Grisham. Now, don't misunderstand. That I have a small percentage of his success would be wonderful. I just wanted to write a book that was more meaningful and see if I could get it published.

Do you plan subsequent books?

I'm working on an audio book for Only Moments and then I will write a non-fiction book on the my life and details of my near-death experience.

Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

I like mornings, but anytime will do.

Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

Stay positive. Many people will tear into your to make themselves look good.

Accept reality. Perhaps your book isn't up to snuff. Go back an rewrite and make it clear to your audience and target market.

Don't assume! Never assume that the world needs another book.

Why is yours so special?

What makes it stand out? Does it stand out? Remember this-your finished a novel. 99% of the people who start one don't and rarely does anyone even begin one. You are part of 3 billion people in this world. Do the percentages. One percent of 3 billion is 30 million, one tenth of that is 3 million and one tenth of that is 300,000 and that is roughly how many books get published each year. That means you have 1/100th of a chance to be a part of 300,000 books that are for sale. That's a sobering thought! So don't get your hopes up or your expectations too high. On the other hand, do it for you! That's who counts anyway. You did it, you accomplished an incredible thing. Don't downplay it because you aren't on Oprah, or the movie of the week isn't based on your book. Life is about the little things. Enjoy them and be proud! Smell the roses.

Thank you for coming, Nick! Would you like to tell my readers where they can find you on the web and how everyone can buy your book?

Thank you! You can get it at:
Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Your Books Cheap, Harvard Booksellers, Spotlight Books, Big Rock Media, The Book Depository or go to http://www.onlymomentsbook.com/ and hit the Links header.

Thank you for coming, Nick! If you would like a chance to win a copy of ONLY MOMENTS, leave a comment below. All winners will be announced at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on Sept. 30. Good luck!

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour, Nick Oliva

An Interview with Historical Romance Author Hazel Statham

2007-09-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

Today's guest at Author Talks is Hazel Statham, author of the historical romance novel, DOMINIC.

Hazel lives in Staffordshire, England. She started writing at fifteen and has written on and off ever since. She has always been fascinated by history and writes mainly in the Regency and Georgian eras, although she has been known to occasionally stray into Mediaeval times.

When she was a child, she often told herself stories and this just progressed to committing them to paper to entertain family and friends. However, there have been gaps in her writing years where marriage and employment intervened, but now that she no long works, she is able to return to her first love and devote her time to writing.

She had her first two novels published in 2005.She has been married to her husband Terry since 1969 and they have a grown daughter and beautiful grandson. Apart from reading and writing historical novels, her other ruling passion is animals and until recently, she was treasurer for an organisation that raised money for animal charities.

She currently shares her home with a lovely yellow Labrador named Lucy, who is her constant companion. Lucy is a real sweetie, but it’s not always easy working at the computer with a large Labrador trying to get on your knee!

You can visit her website at http://www.hazel-statham.co.uk/!

Welcome to Author Talks, Hazel! Can you give us a little bit about your background?

I live in the UK and am now officially 'retired', although I haven't worked for the past thirteen years due to my health. I have been married to my husband, Terry, for 38 years and we have a beautiful five-year-old grandson named Daniel who spends a lot of time with me whilst his parents are working. Apart from writing, my other ruling passion is animals. Over the years, we have owned everything from hamsters to horses and currently share our home with Lucy, a lovely Labrador. Until recently, I was the treasurer of a group who raised money for animal charities but unfortunately we had to close.

How long have you been writing?

Many, many years. In fact, I have written on and off since I was fifteen.

Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time?

It took quite a lot of persuading to get me to submit my first manuscript. About three years ago, I joined a writers' group at our local college and the lecturer who headed the group constantly badgered me to try submitting. It took a long time for me to agree as, not thinking I was good enough, I was frightened of rejection. When I eventually plucked up the courage, I was delighted when I had two manuscripts accepted by All Romance Books.

Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?

I had an agent some years ago but I heard many adverse comments about the agency and withdrew my work. I think it all depends on who you are pitching to as to wheather an agent is necessary. There are many publishing houses that will accept unagented work but there are also those that will only accept work submitted through agents. If possible, I prefer to work without one.

Can you please tell us about your book and why you wrote it?

'Dominic' is a Georgian Romance and I wrote it for light relief as my previous book had been quite intense.

Dominic Blake, Earl of Vale, is a young man of privilege and breeding whose world is turned upside down by Jack, a beautiful young girl in boys' clothing whom he finds sheltering on his doorstep after fleeing an attack by her brother.

Despite leaving his protection, Jack is once more destined to enter Dominic's life when, injured in a horse race, Dominic is forced to rusticate to his father's estate and again meets Jack in her boyish guise. In turn, she becomes his pupil and his love.

Despite danger and misunderstandings, this is the story of their unconventional and delightful courtship.

Do you plan subsequent books?

I have three Regencies awaiting publication and two further manuscripts under consideration. My current work in progress is again a Regency.

Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

My best ideas come to me just as I'm dropping off to sleep and I have to write them down immediately, otherwise I forget them. It's as if I find the flow easier at night. I do write during the day but it takes more concentration to get it right.

Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

If you have the desire to write - just do it! Publication is just the icing on the cake. However, if your desire is to become a published author, I would say write what you know. As a writer of historical fiction, I know that research is an invaluable tool. If you are stating fact, make the story fit the fact, not the fact fit the story. Stay true to the era in which you write. There are too many readers out there who know their history and will put aside a book that takes liberties with fact.

Thank you for coming, Hazel! If you would like a chance to win a copy of DOMINIC, leave a comment below. All winners will be announced at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on Sept. 30. Good luck!

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour, Hazel Statham, historical romance

Author Interview with Historic Suspense Author Nikki Leigh

2007-09-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

Historic suspense author Nikki Leigh, author of the book, LADY LIGHTKEEPER, is here with us today at AUTHOR TALKS!

Nikki's love of the coast, history and lighthouses is apparent in her stories. On a trip to Cape Ann, she discovered the perfect setting for the Misty Cove series. The rugged land, hard working people and rich history were too compelling to ignore.

Nikki owns a small business consulting and promotional business under her legal name, Shri Henkel. Shri has 21 years of management and 15 years of marketing experience. Visit www.sandcconsulting.com/books_4_sale.htm for information about her business books.Book Promo 101 – Basics of Book Promotion is the latest book by Nikki Leigh and it was created to share her promotional background with authors. It includes tips and suggestions to help beginning book promoters and more experienced promoters. There are review questions at the end of each chapter. For more information about this title, visit http://www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm.

For additional information about promotion and Book Promo 101 feel free to visit Muze’s Musings. This blog is based on an element of Book Promo 101. The link is: http://muzesmusings.blogspot.com/. Nikki and Muze invite you to visit and to post your thoughts, comments and questions.You’re invited to one of Nikki’s websites which offers the chance for readers and writers to communicate. That website address is: http://www.readersstation.com/ and you are welcome to join their message board. Nikki is the Promotion Topic Editor at http://www.inspiredauthor.com/.Nikki’s website address is http://www.nikkileigh.com/.

Welcome to Author Talks, Nikki! Can you give us a little bit about your background?

I have 20 years of business management experience and over 15 years of promotional experience. But, I finally got time to start writing about 4 years ago. By the end of this year, I will have 12 books in print and I freelance fulltime. In addition, I own a consulting business.

How long have you been writing?

I started writing as a kid, but I got away from it after graduating from high school. Then 4 years ago, I got motivated and haven’t stopped since then.

Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time?

Well, I thought that I had to have an agent. So, I spent endless hours researching agents, their reputation, what genres they handled and so on. But, after getting about 40 agent rejections, I shifted gears. The first publisher I approached offered me a contract. Then my first non fiction publisher hired me to write for them. After waiting over a year and a half for my first novel to be released, I approached a different fiction publisher about my historic novel and she accepted it within about 2 weeks. I’ve submitted all of my fiction and my first promotional book to her since then.

Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?

Sort of answered this above. No I don’t have an agent and that doesn’t bother me at all. I prefer the personal attention and the freedom I have with a small epublisher. I also like the fact that I have more than a couple of months to promote my books. I have a great situation where I am and am glad that I don’t’ have to give a publisher part of my royalties.

Can you please tell us about your book?

I have four novels in print and four business books (the business books are released under the name on my birth certificate instead of Nikki Leigh). I have two series. One is set on the Cape Ann coast of Massachusetts and has two historic and one contemporary books – Widow’s Walk, Lady Lightkeeper and Stormy Shores (being re-released this winter). The other series is set along the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Do you plan subsequent books?

I plan at least one sequel to Lady Lightkeeper and at least one short story. There will be more books in the Cape Hatteras series and I’m working on planning the next book at this time.

Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

I get much more done at night --- writing this at 10:50 pm.

Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

For anyone who wants to be published, don’t listen to the naysayers and try not to let the rejections get you down. I have over 40 rejections in one box, but I also have 8 books on my mantle and more to come. It is possible, but it takes patience, perseverance and plenty of perspiration. Take the time to hone your craft and continue to make your stories better so that they will be the best stories possible when you find someone to publish them.

Thank you for coming, Nikki! Good luck to you and happy sales!

Thank you for having me. For anyone who would like more information, feel free to visit my website – http://www.nikkileigh.com/.

Now's the time to win a copy of LADY LIGHTKEEPER! Leave a comment and you'll be put in the pot to receive a free copy! Winners will be announced at our blog at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on September 30!

But the fun doesn't stop there. Here's a note from Nikki on another great contest she is running:

Each person who decides to buy a copy of Lady Lightkeeper, needs to email me a copy of their receipt. I just need a receipt that shows you bought a copy of Lady Lightkeeper and I'll enter you in the drawing for a copy of Widow's Walk. That seemed like a good giveaway since the story starts with Widow's Walk. However, if the winner already has a copy of Widow's Walk, I'll be happy to send a copy of Lilah and the Locket instead.So, leave a comment to enter the drawing to win a free copy of her book, LADY LIGHTKEEPER, but if you can't wait and want to pick up a copy of her book now, email Nikki your receipt and you'll be put in the pot to win another book!

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour, Nikki Leigh, historic suspense, lighthouse

Author Interview with Art Appraiser and Author Scott Zema

2007-09-03T00:00:00.000-04:00

Art appraiser Scott Zema and author of the book, THREE STEPS TO INVESTMENT SUCCESS: BUYING THE RIGHT ART, ANTIQUES, AND COLLECTIBLES is here with us today at AUTHOR TALKS!

Scott Zema is a professional appraiser certified by the International Society of Appraisers and has been in practice for twenty years. Based in the Pacific Northwest, he has a national clientele. He has actively promoted the appraisal profession and includes among his clients the University of Washington, museums, local municipalities, corporations, and numerous other institutional clients, as well as numerous private clients of high net worth.

You can visit his website here and his blog here!

Welcome to Author Talks, Scott! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been writing?

Hello hello! I own a very successful corporation and appraise art and antiques for a living, do a little writing, and have degrees in art history and architecture. In general terms I am a Renaissance type intellectual with many interests; I like to write poetry and have great and original ideas for stories and books--which brought me to my present dilemma.

How long have you been writing?

Off and on seriously for about ten years.

Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time?

I am actually trying to publish for the first time.

Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?

With the internet, I think it may be possibly to garner all the cash and all the glory without involving other picky people with their hands out...perhaps this is naivete incarnate!

Can you please tell us about your book and why you wrote it?

I actually sat down and wrote a book which is truly the only one of its kind and which is based on an idea which runs counter to everything everyone in my profession says about its subject matter--except me.

I am the one of a few people in my profession who actually and fervently believes that a body can successfully invest in art and antiques and treat these commodities like other investments. I wrote a book detailing how this was possible--written I believe in a simultaneously informative and entertaining, anecdotal manner--because I had no emotional choice in the matter. I had to have my say (and perhaps make some money in the process)! I think its a great, ground-breaking piece of work.

So now its me against the establishment, conventional wisdom, and all that stuff--with a series of highly original ideas that I can't discard or back down on...are great rewards forthcoming, or do I end my days mumbling in a bar? :)

Do you plan subsequent books?

HAH! Don't know.

Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

Anytime I get the urge writer.

Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

Watch out!

Thank you for coming, SCOTT! Would you like to tell my readers where they can find you on the web?

Thank you too! I can be found at www.arklimitedpublishing.com and http://www.arklimited.com/.

Scott, in conjunction with Pump Up Your Book Promotion, is hosting a free book giveaway! If you'd like to be eligible to win a copy of Scott's book, leave a comment below. Winners will be posted at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on September 30!

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour, Scott Zema, art appraiser

Erotic Romance Author PG Forte Visits AuthorTalks!

2007-08-31T00:00:00.000-04:00

PG Forte, author of the erotic romance, WAITING FOR THE BIG ONE, is here with us today at AUTHOR TALKS!

Dubbed an ‘author to watch’ by Euro-reviews, her critically acclaimed Oberon series was also named ‘personal favorite reads of 2005’ by reviewer Carrie White (of Book Worm Critics and Sexography). Although her writing runs the gamut from dark-edged paranormal romantic-suspense to won’t-take-itself-at-all-seriously romantic-comedy , there’s one thing you can be sure of: It might not hit you right away but, sooner or later, there will be heat. 'Cause PG...it’s a name, not a rating!

You can visit her website at http://www.pgforte.com/ or her blog at http://www.rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com/!

Welcome to Author Talks, PG! Can you give us a little bit about your background?

I kind of think of myself as a California author--up until now, anyway. I've lived there (primarily) for over twenty years now and all my published books to date have been set here. However, some of my current works in progress are set elsewhere and that's something new and different for me. It's exciting.

How long have you been writing?

Forever, really. But seriously, on a more or less full time basis, writing books...about seven years.

Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time?

It was pretty easy to get e-pubbed. Of course, I have to credit my very well connected critique partner for pointing me in the right direction. As I recall it, we attended a convention together and she kept throwing me at publishers until one stuck!

In terms of print publishers...I've been hampered by the fact that my first series of books was very long and didn't fit neatly into a single category. But I have high hopes that some of my newer books will find homes with print publishers in the not too distant future.

Personally, I'd be happy to stay e-pubbed forever, but from a business standpoint, being in print currently has more legitimacy. Unfortunately.

Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?

I never really found an agent with whom I could see eye to eye. I'd like to, but...hasn't happened yet.

I think it's very necessary for a lot of print publishers--especially the really big publishing houses where everyone wants to be--not so much for others and not at all for e-publishers.

Can you please tell us about your book and why you wrote it?

Waiting for the Big One was originally written for a zodiac themed contest. That's part of the reason for the Astrology theme of the book, something that's confused some reviewers since the story wasn't released as part of the series for which it was written. I wrote it at my critique partner's insistence. Yes, the same CP--I sometimes suspect the woman doubles as my muse.

It was the most fun of any book I've written. It's a very sexy, light hearted, humorous, story. The main character, Gabby, has been waiting for her soul mate to arrive. Little does she know, he already has--but he's been waiting for her to realize it! It's going to take a little competition, an earthquake, a lot of astrological musings, some good food and a fantasy menage before these two sort things out.

Do you plan subsequent books?

Absolutely. Actually the second book in this series, Love, From A to Z was just released (also from Liquid Silver Books) and I've finished the third book in the series, Let Me Count the Ways, as well. I'm very excited about them all--I hope readers will enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them.

Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

Mostly a night writer. I've always been a night owl. Lately though, I've noticed I'm doing more writing during the day.

Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

Don't give up and don't limit your options. There are a lot of different markets out there and each book needs to find its own audience. Write from the heart. If you write the book that you'd want to read, at least someone will be happy with it--you. And the odds are very good that you'll write something that others will love as well. And always remember that the only person you're in competition with is yourself.

Thank you for coming, PG! Would you like to tell my readers where they can find you on the web?

Thanks for having me. It's been a pleasure!

I can be found at http://www.pgforte.com/
I also have a MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/pgforte and my own chat group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pgforte

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour

AUTHOR INTERVIEW - Marilyn Meredith, Author of JUDGMENT FIRE

2007-08-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

Marilyn Meredith, author of the mystery novel, JUDGMENT FIRE, is here with us today at AUTHOR TALKS!

Marilyn Meredith is the author of award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series, the latest, Judgment Fire, from Mundania Press, Fringe Benefits, the third in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series, with Smell of Death soon to follow. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, EPIC and Public Safety Writers of America. She was an instructor for Writer’s Digest School for ten years, served as an instructor at the Maui Writer’s Retreat and many other writer’s conferences. She makes her home in a small foothill community much like Bear Creek where Deputy Tempe Crabtree lives.

You can visit her home on the web at http://fictionforyou.com/ or her blog at http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/!

Welcome to Author Talks, Marilyn! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I'm the author of the Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series. I'm proud to say that several of the books have won several awards. I've written and published other books, most mysteries, but some horror too.

I'm the mom of five, grandmother of 18, and great-grandmom of 10. Needless to say, family is a huge part of my life. Also, I'm active in my church.

How long have you been writing?

I've been around for a long, long time, and writing ever since I was old enough to know how. Before I could write, I told stories by drawing pictures. When I was a kid, I wrote stories like those I read and loved, in middle school (they called in junior high back then), I wrote plays for the neighborhood kids to star in and wrote and printed my own magazine which I sold to my friends. I married right out of high school and had children right away so for several years my writing was mostly for the PTA newsletter and plays for my Camp Fire Girls. I did write two books during that time period, which were rejected and I didn't send them out again. (Big error.)
Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time?

Oh, my has it ever been a bumpy ride to getting published. My first published book was an historical family saga based on my family's genealogy. My sister did the genealogy and gave me a copy. There were so many questions left unanswered, I decided to do some research and write a book that filled in the details. I spent a long time on that book. It was back in the days before computers. Everything had to be typed with no mistakes and when you sent it out and you had to have a second box with postage on it to be returned to you when it was rejected. And in my case it was rejected nearly 30 times before it was finally accepted. (Big change from what I'd previously done.) About every five or so times that it came back to me, I rewrote the entire book which was 500 plus manuscript pages.

My next book was another historical family saga written about the other side of my family. That one was published quicker--however, the publisher turned out to be a crook and finally, I was mailed all the books printed. From their I began writing mysteries as that was mostly what I read.

Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?

I do not have an agent at this time because I'm published by small independent publishers and an agent wouldn't be helpful. However, I've had about six agents over the years. I learned a lot from each of them though none found a publisher for me. One agent, quite well known, only sent my book out three times in four years. That's when I decided I could do better myself.

Can you please tell us about your book?

Judgment Fire is the latest in my Deputy Tempe Crabtree series. Tempe is a Native American resident deputy of a small mountain community in the Southern Sierra of California. She's married to a Christian pastor. In this particular book, memories Tempe has repressed about her difficult high school years surface after she participates in a starlight ceremony, helping her find the murderer of a battered wife.

Do you plan subsequent books?

Oh yes. The next one is already with the publisher, Mundania Press, and I'm finishing up the one that follows that.

Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

I do best in the morning, but I'll write anytime when the story is flowing. One thing all unpublished writers need to know is no matter who you are published by, you'll have to spend a lot of time on promotion. It takes some planning to balance your writing and promotion--both are so important to your career.

Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

First, learn the rules of writing. These rules can be broken, but you have to know them before you can do that successfully. Second, read the kind of books that you want to write. Third, write, write, write. When you're done, rewrite. Be sure you have a polished book before you start sending it out. Fourth, once you've sent the book off whether to an agent or editor, start on your next book.

Thank you for coming, Marilyn! Good luck to you and happy sales!

Thank you so much for this fun interview. Readers can also visit me at my website: http://fictionforyou.com/

Marilyn Meredith is represented by Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours. If you would like to see where else Marilyn will be this month, click here!

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour

An Interview with Author Caridad Pineiro

2007-08-15T10:38:00.001-04:00

Today's guest at Author Talks is Caridad Pineiro, author of the book, SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN.

Caridad Pineiro is a multi-published and award-winning author whose love of writing began in the fifth grade when her teacher assigned a project – to write a novel to be placed in a class lending library. She has been hooked on writing ever since. Caridad’s seventeenth novel, SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN, is available in September 2007 from Simon & Schuster’s Downtown Press.

You can visit her website at http://www.caridad.com/!

Welcome to Author Talks, Caridad! Can you tell us how long you've been writing?

I wrote my first book in the fifth grade when a teacher assigned a project – to write a novel for a class lending library. I’ve been writing ever since, but seriously turned my attention to trying to get published in the early 1990s. In 1998, I sold my first book.

Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time?

It’s a bumpy ride even after selling multiple books! Publishing is a tough industry and you always have to be improving yourself and your sales in order to survive. As for getting published for the first time, I had been at the NJRW Put Your Heart in a Book Conference and sat next to Gwynne Forster. We were talking about what I was writing and she told me to send it to Kensingon (who I had on my list). Well, I sent it out and heard back shortly thereafter – the book was too long, but they had a new imprint and send the guidelines. I read the guidelines and realized I could adapt the book I was writing to meet their length criteria. I made the changes and sent them the book and within just a couple of weeks received THE CALL. Kensington bought that book and one other and eventually I signed to do eight books for them.

Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?

My current agent is Caren Johnson and I think that if you are going to submit to certain New York publishers, you need an agent because they generally will not look at unsolicited manuscripts. There are other houses, for example Harlequin, Kensington and Dorchester, where you may not need an agent to submit. However, you will definitely need someone familiar with publishing contracts for when you get THE CALL.

Can you please tell us about your book and why you wrote it?

SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN is a follow-up to SEX AND THE SOUTH BEACH CHICAS. When I was writing the first Chicas book, I absolutely fell in love with Sylvia and her mother, Virginia. They were both strong, empowered women who shared a great relationship, but were pushing away the men in their lives. I wanted to find a way to resolve those commitment issues and SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN was born.

Do you plan subsequent books?

I’ve had a very positive response from the fans, who seem to connect to one of the four women over the others. Inevitably, they want to see more of the story for one of the other women. So far, I haven’t done either Juli’s or Adriana’s stories and I’m working on the idea for Adriana’s novel.

Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

I’m a morning writer. I find that’s when I’m most creative.

Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

Never give up. Being a writer is about dealing with rejection, but getting up and trying again. It’s about always staying creative and taking risks with your writing so that you are always improving.

Thank you for coming, Caridad! Would you like to tell my readers where they can find you on the web and how everyone can buy your book?

SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN is available at all major online booksellers and will be available on the shelves the second week of September. Fans can get more information and write to me by visiting http://www.caridad.com/.

Thank you for coming, Caridad! If you would like a chance to win a copy of SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN, leave a comment below. All winners will be announced at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on Sept. 30. Good luck!

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour, Caridad Pineiro

AUTHOR INTERVIEW - Kim Baccellia, Author of EARRINGS OF IXTUMEA

2007-08-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

Kim Baccellia, author of the young adult multicultural fantasy novel, EARRINGS OF IXTUMEA, is here with us today at AUTHOR TALKS!

Ms. Baccellia's writing credits include numerous poems published in a variety of magazines, ranging from Beginnings magazine and Latino Stuff Review to Coil magazine. Her poem, My Father , appears in the Mind Mutations Anthology published by The Sun Rising Poetry Press. Her essay on the adoption of her son, Finally, Our Turn , appeared in both Adoptive Families magazine and the Adoptive Families 2003-2004 Adoption Guide . She is also a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators ( SCBWI).

Earrings of Ixtumea is a finalist in the 2006 Dream Realm Awards and was a finalist in the Smartwriters 2006 WIN contest.
You can visit her website at http://www.kim-baccellia.com/ and her blog at http://www.kbaccellia.livejournal.com/.

*****

AUTHOR TALKS: Welcome to Author Talks, Kim! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

KIM: I’m the YA author of the multicultural fantasy, Earrings of Ixtumea.

AUTHOR TALKS: How long have you been writing?

KIM: Since I can remember. I wrote a horoscope column for my middle school paper. I wrote for my high school newspaper. I even put together my own newsletter while attending junior college. My poetry section was in demand.

AUTHOR TALKS: Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time?

KIM: I always wanted to be a writer but one experience made me put my dream on hold. In my junior college creative writing class, the teacher told me I’d never succeed as a writer until I experienced more of life. Too funny but in the 80’s they didn’t like younger writers and now the publishing world can’t get enough of them!

Well, I put aside my writing dreams until 2000 after I’d taught for a number of years. Then I decided to write, again. My first poem was published in a magazine not much later.

I started writing Earrings in 2003 and I was offered a contact in 2006. So it took about 4 years for my novel to come out in print.

AUTHOR TALKS: Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?

KIM: Right now I’m looking for an agent. I’d like to have one to help me get my foot in the traditional publishing world. But I don’t think all writers need agents. I know writers who swear by agents and others who like to work alone. It depends on the writer. I’ve also heard it’s better to have no agent than a bad one.

AUTHOR TALKS: Can you please tell us about your book and why you wrote it?

KIM: Earrings of Ixtumea is a fast-paced fantasy featuring a young Latina who discovers ancient traditions in her family history that propel her to a magical civilization, where she struggles against evil forces that threaten her family, her heart, and her life.

I wrote Earrings because I wanted to create a fantasy that had a Latina heroine and showed a world of her Mexican ancestors.

AUTHOR TALKS: Do you plan subsequent books?

KIM: I have some ideas about a sequel to Earrings. I’d have Lupe a few years older, learning more about Ixtumea and her role as orucula. Of course she’ll have to go back. I plan to have a bigger role for Tonantzin and of course, Teancum will be there.

AUTHOR TALKS: Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

KIM: Morning. I’m not a night person.

AUTHOR TALKS: Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

KIM: Be persistent. If an opportunity presents itself, go for it.

AUTHOR TALKS: Thank you for coming, Kim! Would you like to tell my readers where they can find you on the web?

KIM: Check out my website at http://www.kim-baccellia.com/. Also go to http://www.virtualtales.com/ to check out the other stories.

Kim Baccellia is represented by Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours. If you would like to see where else Kim will be this month, click here!

*****

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Robin Jay, Author of THE ART OF THE BUSINESS LUNCH

2007-08-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

Robin Jay, author of the book, THE ART OF THE BUSINESS LUNCH, is here with us today at Author Talks!

Robin Jay is a past President of Las Vegas Women in Communications, and has served on the Board of Directors for several organizations including the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF) and The Advertising Community Talent Show (ACTS). She has written articles for Forbes.com, Hospitality Executive Magazine and What's On Magazine, and has also written ad copy for such clients as the MGM Grand Hotel and the Sahara Hotel & Casino. She has been awarded the WIC Electronic Media Award for Radio Account Executive of the Year. Ms. Jay enjoys playing golf, singing and is a gourmet cook. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with her dog Georgie.

You can visit her website at http://www.robinjay.com/ and her blog at www.robinjay.com/blog.

AUTHOR TALKS: Welcome to Author Talks, Robin! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

ROBIN: I am a professional speaker, award-winning author, consultant and trainer. These things all seem to go together. I am a 33-year resident of the Las Vegas , Nevada area.

AUTHOR TALKS: How long would you say you have you been writing?

ROBIN: I found a short story I had written that I sent to myself (a “poor ma n’s copyright”) waaaaay back in the 80’s….so I guess it’s been a long time coming. I can also remember submitting stories to Reader’s Digest when I was a kid. I didn’t begin work on “The Art of the Business Lunch” though until 2001.

AUTHOR TALKS: Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time?

ROBIN: It has been quite a roller coaster! Originally, I self-published my book. I hired a printer, an artist, a typesetter, and even a web ma ster. That was in December of 2003. I had resigned from my advertising job in November of that year. The printer I had chosen said that if I got my ms. to him by 12/31, I could ma ke my self-imposed deadline of 2/4/04. I had scheduled a luncheon for the launch that day. In June of 2004 I attended the BEA (Book Expo America ) in Chicago and found a distributor. Next on my list was finding the perfect PR person to help me promote my book. I found Bambe in NYC around August. She introduced me to three high-end literary agents that she knew and they all wanted to work with me! I was in heaven. The agent I chose recommended that I create a book proposal, since my self-published edition was only 24,000 words. He felt that I would have a better chance of selling it from a proposal, so another two months passed while I worked diligently on my proposal. Finally, in March of 2005, I got the call that my book had been sold.

At this point, my new publisher requested that I pull my original book off the shelves…so aside from selling it at speaking engagements I was not allowed to sell it anywhere. That was a costly year – with little income. I then had to double the word count at my publisher’s request. I had expected that, of course, as my agent had asked if I would be willing to double it. When my book came out from Career Press, at 55,000 words, it was finally the book I had always i ma gined it would be.

AUTHOR TALKS: Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?

ROBIN: I went with Al Zucker man , founder of Writers House. He represents such tremendous authors as Nora Roberts and Ken Follett. I think it’s important for authors to understand all the differences between self-publishing and selling their work. I speak on this subject, in fact, with a presentation called “The High Cost of Selling Your Book.” You can’t i ma gine how much I’ve learned these last few years! It’s priceless infor ma tion. I enjoy consulting with authors and helping them in ways that I wished someone had helped me through all of this!

AUTHOR TALKS: Can you please tell us about your book?

ROBIN: I sold advertising (TV, RADIO & PRINT) for 18 years. Because of the nature of my work, I usually had a business lunch booked three or four days a week. Put that together with breakfasts, mixers and networking events, and it wasn’t long before my clients began calling me “The Queen of the Business Lunch.” When it came time to write my first book, I decided to write about that. I wanted to help other people by sharing what I know about building high-level business relationships by introducing a social aspect – usually lunch – into the relationship.

AUTHOR TALKS: Do you plan subsequent books?

ROBIN: I have already contributed to two anthologies, which, by the way, are a great way for anyone who wants to be an author to get started! Instead of penning 55,000 words or more, you simply write a chapter! It’s the easiest way to have a book to share if you are a speaker or a business professional, plus you can help more people than you ever could with just a signature book. The day an anthology is released, hundreds or thousands of copies go into each of the contributing author’s hands. They begin distributing it to their friends and clients. It puts your name and message out there to people who might otherwise never learn of you or have the chance to read your writing. It’s really a brilliant concept.

Also, I just received confir ma tion TODAY that a chapter I submitted for consideration has been accepted into the Chicken Soup for the Soul series! The book that will have my chapter is “Chicken Soup for the Wine Lover’s Soul.” The chapter I wrote is about how to order wine when out with clients. It’s very important for business…and it’s an ideal tie-in for my business lunch book.

As fabulous as anthologies are, I still want to write more books. I think my next one will be a book to help people find the courage to grow as individuals. I have been pursuing and living my dream for more than four years now and I know I can show readers how to find the courage to move toward their own dreams. I also am very interested in quantum physics. I believe we are all connected and that we need to foster more love in the world. Oh, and – of course – I dream of writing a piece of fun fiction.

AUTHOR TALKS: Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

ROBIN: I am an anytime writer! If pressed, I would have to say I find my best groove around one or two in the afternoon. By then, I have sorted through all waiting e- ma ils (urgent ones, anyway!) and any essential business. I’ve gotten several calls out of the way. It is then that I find a great focus. Sometimes, it’s 4 or 5PM before I realize that all I’ve had all day is a piece of toast around 8AM. It’s great…that I become so engaged in what I am doing that time just slips away.

AUTHOR TALKS: Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

ROBIN: I must quote Stephen King on this one. He said that if you want to be a writer, (published or otherwise), you need to do two things: read a lot and write a lot. It’s true. You have to know what else is out there and you have to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) to ma ke progress. It can be intimidating to think to yourself, “Okay….I’m going to write a book.” If you keep stalling, try thinking, “Okay…I’m going to write a page!” As my daddy says, “If you write a page a day, at the end of the year you will have a book.” It’s great advice.

AUTHOR TALKS: Thank you for coming, Robin! Good luck to you and happy sales!

ROBIN: Thank you so much, Dorothy. I appreciate you and this opportunity to share some thoughts with other authors.

*****

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: CJ Maxx, Author of IN THE ARMS OF A WARRIOR

2007-08-01T01:02:00.000-04:00

CJ Maxx, author of the contemporary romance book, In the Arms of a Warrior, is here with us today at Author Talks!

AUTHOR TALKS: Welcome to Author Talks, CJ! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

CJ: I live in Alabama with my lovely wife. We watch our two young granddaughters during the week while their parents work. I spent 21 years in the Army with 12 of those years in Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets. I consider myself a warrior and a romantic.

AUTHOR TALKS: How long would you say you have you been writing?

CJ: I started back in high school. I guess I realized a had a bit of writing talent when my English teacher accused me of plagiarism with a short story I wrote for class. I just shrugged off her accusation, I knew I wrote what I wrote. After that I always had writing in the back of my mind but didn't act on it until I retired in 2001. The urge got stronger the closer I got to retirement though. Finally in the fall of 2002 I started my first novel.

AUTHOR TALKS: Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time?

CJ: Let me tell you about not being published after being contracted. My first novel was titled "The Second American Republic." It took two years to write and another to find a publisher. The release date was a year later. A few days before the release date the company went under. Four years and then-nothing. It's been a roller coaster.

AUTHOR TALKS: Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?

CJ: No, I don't have an agent. When I write my breakout novel, I'll get one.

AUTHOR TALKS: Can you please tell us about your book?

CJ: I have quite an extensive military background and it comes into play with this novel. This story is about a technical writer from a military family. Her grandfather wore a Green Beret, her father wore a green beret, her brother's a Ranger. She knows about warriors. She's seen her father and brother go off to war. She's listened to the war stories her whole life. She knows what it's like to be married to a soldier. She wants no part of it.

She a pretty tough cookie herself and knows what she wants. She falls in love with an engineer, happy that she's not going to marry a soldier. Of course, he turns out to be a warrior too. But, not in the traditional sense.

AUTHOR TALKS: Do you plan subsequent books?

CJ: I have an action-thjriller war novel that will come out next April. It's titled "The Red Dragon".

AUTHOR TALKS: Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

CJ: I'm a morning person. My writing takes place between 4:00 and 8:30 in the morning. Not straight through but during that time period. Let me add that the granddaughters get there shortly after 8:30. No writing takes place then. They take over.

AUTHOR TALKS: Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

CJ: Perseverance is the key. There will be a lot of setbacks, just keep at it. Remember, the more your write the better you'll be.

AUTHOR TALKS: Thank you for coming, CJ! Good luck to you and happy sales!

CJ: Thank you. I've enjoyed it.

*****

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour

AUTHOR INTERVIEW - Judi Moreo, Author of You Are More Than Enough: Every Woman’s Guide to Purpose, Passion, and Power

2007-07-12T10:36:00.000-04:00

Judi Moreo, author of the self-awareness book, You Are More Than Enough: Every Woman’s Guide to Purpose, Passion, and Power, is here with us today at Author Talks!

AUTHOR TALKS: Welcome to Author Talks, Judi! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

JUDI: I am a professional speaker and trainer. My subjects include Communication Skills, Creativity, and Customer Service. I specialize in attitude. My friends and clients say I am an expert in overcoming life's challenges....and I'm sure that's true. I've had my share.

AUTHOR TALKS: How long would you say you have you been writing?

JUDI: I have been telling stories ever since I began to talk, but actually writing them down started when I was in high school.

AUTHOR TALKS: Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time?

JUDI: It has actually been pretty well smooth sailing. I started reporting for a local newspaper when I was in high school which led to becoming a columnist. And even though I've had many other jobs throughout my life, I've continued to write free lance for magazines and newspapers. I self published my first two books. Then was asked by a publisher to write my third book. Asked by another publisher to write my fourth....This new book "You Are More Than Enough: Every Woman's Guide to Purpose, Passion, and Power" came about after my first attempt at writing a query letter at the Henderson Writer's Conference and showing the letter to a publishers representative. He liked the idea and took it to his publisher and now...the book is in the book stores.

AUTHOR TALKS: Can you please tell us about your book?

JUDI: "You Are More Than Enough" is a self awareness book. The idea came about as a result of traveling around the world speaking each day to audiences of 50 to 3000 people and asking the question, "Do you feel you were created for something more?" and watching 3/4 of the audience put up their hands. I have shared in this book, tools and techniques that I used which helped me in my journey to become the person I knew I could be. It was my goal in writing this book to help others make their lives a little easier, a bit more successful, and a great deal more satisfying.

AUTHOR TALKS: Do you plan subsequent books?

JUDI: Yes. The companion journal to You Are More Than Enough has been delivered to the publisher for production. In addition, I am working on a children's self esteem book and another success book.

AUTHOR TALKS: Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

JUDI: I'm a whenever-I-can-steal-a-few-minutes writer. I write in the morning, afternoon, and at night. I write in hotel rooms, airplanes, airports, restaurants.

AUTHOR TALKS: Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

JUDI: Continue to write, to submit your work to publishers for consideration, go to writer's conferences and if need be, self publish. Don't let others discourage you.

AUTHOR TALKS: Thank you for coming, JUDI! Good luck to you and happy sales!

JUDI: Thank you and remember....you ARE more than enough!

You can visit Judi on the web at http://www.judimoreo.com/!

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour

AUTHOR INTERVIEW - Lindy S. Hudis, Author of WEEKENDS

2007-07-08T23:55:00.000-04:00

Our special guest author today is Lindy S. Hudis, author of WEEKENDS (LBF Books)!

Lindy Sternberger Hudis is an author, screenwriter, and filmmaker. Her independent film, The Lesson, was screened at the 2000 Seattle Underground Film Festival and Cine-nights LA. She is a graduate of New York University, and is also a former actress, appearing on the Aaron Spelling daytime drama, "Sunset Beach". She lives in Santa Monica, California with her husband Steve, a Hollywood stuntman, her baby girl, Veronica Noelle, and newborn son, Cameron Michael.

You can visit her website at http://directorbabe.tripod.com/.

AUTHOR TALKS: Welcome to Author Talks, Lindy! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Lindy: Well, I am a California girl at heart. I have lived all over, though. I grew up in Tennessee, then moved to New York to go to NYU, where I was a theater major. I came to Los Angeles to seek my fortune as an actress, then I met a hot stuntman, married him, and now I am a mom. I am also a beach bum, but that is another story, heehee.

AUTHOR TALKS: How long would you say you have you been writing?

Lindy: All of my life. I love to read, and I have a huge book collection. I used to write short stories just for fun. Then, when I got pregnant with my daughter, I started writing and writing to pass the time. Then one day, I looked down and saw that I had 250 pages, so I thought "what the heck."

AUTHOR TALKS: Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time?

Lindy Oh, it is always a bumpy ride. You send out query letters, get rejected, send out more, get more rejections...the cycle goes on and on. It is an issue of being persistent. Just keep sending out your query letter, and somebody will bite soon. I started out with a small publisher, and they tend to be more open to new writers.

AUTHOR TALKS: Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it's necessary to have one?

Lindy: I was working with an agent back east, but sadly he has retired from the business. Most of the hustling I have had to do myself, but that is fine with me. My husband and father-in-law both work in the movie business, so I approach producers myself. I am in the process of trying to get the movie rights to WEEKENDS sold, as it would make a great movie...in my humble opinion of course. Agents are about money, that is the bottom line. They are a strange breed, agents....for example, there is a major film company that has WEEKENDS right now (again, I got this through personal connections and friends). This agent, who will remain nameless, emailed me to tell me that he won't accept me as a client, but if this movie deal goes through, he would "be happy to discuss it". I laughed and shook my head. Agent advice? Wait and let one come to you. Trust me, when you get rich, all the ones that sent your "Dear Author" rejection letters will swarm to you like flies. Just be prepared to do the work yourself.

AUTHOR TALKS: Can you please tell us about your book?

Lindy: WEEKENDS is about an innocent-sounding family reunion at an exclusive California beach resort turns into a weekend of murder, deceit, exposed secrets and unexpected intimate encounters.

John Peterson, the main character, is a respected, successful Beverly Hills entertainment lawyer with a sprawling dysfunctional family. He invites them to California for some luxurious fun, togetherness and re-connecting before revealing his secret. Unbeknown st to the family, a brutal serial killer is lurking in the midst of all the wondrous festivities. Feel free to visit my website to read an excerpt.

AUTHOR TALKS: Do you plan on subsequent books?

Lindy: Oh yes, I have two. My mystery/crime novel CRASHERS (another one at a film company too) and CITY OF TOYS, based on my actress years. Both are pretty edgy. I just write what come to me in my warped, twisted imagination!

AUTHOR TALKS: Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

Lindy: I am a "whenever the kids are asleep" writer, heehee.

AUTHOR TALKS: Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

Lindy: "Dreams do come true; without that possibility, nature would not incite us to have them" --John Updike

AUTHOR TALKS: Thank you for coming, Lindy! Good luck to you and may you have lots of sales!

Lindy: Thank you for having me. It was fun!

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW - Elena Dorothy Bowman, Author of GATEKEEPER'S REALM

2007-07-02T01:15:00.001-04:00

Our special guest author today is Elena Dorothy Bowman, author of Gatekeeper's Realm (Write Words, Inc., May 31, 2007)!

Elena is a published author who writes in several genres including science fiction, mystery, romance and the paranormal. She has been writing for over thirty years. She actually started writing when she was a teenager, although she didn't submit any of it for publication. She started to write in earnest as a challenge to herself. She really wanted to see if she could write a full-length novel, not just short stories or the technical papers that were a part of her profession in the aerospace industry. Publication finally came after many years of perseverance.

You can visit Elena's website here!

AUTHOR TALKS: Welcome to Author Talks, Elena! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Elena: I write in several genres including science fiction, mystery, romance and the paranormal. My early interest in space and working in the space industry had captured my imagination and was instrumental in writing my first novel in The Sarah's Landing Series—Sarah's Landing-I-Contact. All four books have now been contracted for and released in ebook format by Write Words, Inc., ebooksonthe.net and will be released in print by their imprint Cambridge Books sometime in 2007.

When the series was completed, I thought about writing a mystery novel. The mystery novel turned out to be a Romantic Suspense/Mystery/Thriller with a touch of the paranormal. It surprised me to say the least. I didn't know I could write in that genre. That novel, which turned out to be the first in a series, has now been published, by Write Words, ebooksonthe.net, as an e-book, and in print by Cambridge Books. All three novels in the series have been published in ebook formats by Write Words, Inc., ebooksonthe.net. The first and second novels are now in
print by Cambridge Books and available on amazon.com.

I am a former aerospace software engineer, an Honors graduate of Fitchburg College earning a BS Degree in Engineering and Management. And the President of the Merrimack Branch of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National League of American PenWomen.

AUTHOR TALKS: How long would you say you have you been writing?

Elena: I have been writing off and on for over thirty years.

AUTHOR TALKS: Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time?

Elena: Bumpy ride? I'd say it was more than that. Twenty years after penning my first novel, I finally got it published. And the only way I could do that is to publish it myself with BooksInDemand, a company I discovered on the Internet, but under my own imprint. The publisher of that company also published under another name and asked me if I would
consider signing with him. He liked my novel so much he offered me a contract and a rebate on the amount I paid BooksInDemand. Through him my first novel was also released as an audio book and won the APA Award for being one of the best new audio books in 2001. But that's where it all ended. This publisher sold out to another company before going down and the company that bought him out also went down. Meanwhile, I had the opportunity to go with another publisher, who also went down few years later. So there I was a writer with no publisher. That's when iUniverse came into the picture. I stayed with them until I finally found a publisher that liked what I wrote and paid me for publishing my books…that publisher is Write Words, Inc.

AUTHOR TALKS: Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?

Elena: Actually, I have had agents, two in fact. One charged $25.00 a month for administrative services, but nothing ever came of it, after two years when I finally realized what I had been paying him, I woke up and left that agency. (One should never pay an agent for services). My second agent was more interested in landing the big authors than in handling an unknown, and become more interested in becoming a producer than an agent, which left me again searching for an agent. After sending out numerous query letters to agents, I finally decided, to go for broke and started sending query letters directly to publishers instead. Now,
it appears that the New York Publishers will not take on an unknown or even consider a manuscript that doesn't have an agent attached to it somewhere. Some authors prefer to have an agent handling everything for them, and I suppose if they want to land a New York Publisher they would need one. There are many wonderful small presses out there that are willing to take a chance on an unknown…not so with the big guys. I hesitate recommending an agent to anyone when there are publishers willing to take them on.

AUTHOR TALKS: Can you please tell us about your book?

Elena: It's the second book in the series of a house one could say was enchanted. A house that appears to be alive because of a relic that dates back to the Crusades. In the second book, the appearance of uninvited and mysterious spirits from an earlier era causes the unusual
experiences that befall the guests. Some disappear into strange worlds, others into prehistoric times. The main characters do all they can to enlist the townspeople and the "local" ghosts, who have inhabited the house since the 17 Century, in searching for them. But since the house
has a mind of its own, and able to invoke visions that confuse and disorient the inhabitants to the point that no one can be sure where they looked was still in existence, the searchers feel frustrated.

AUTHOR TALKS: Do you plan subsequent books?

Elena: Yes, I most certainly do. I have several already out there and I am now working on two more.

AUTHOR TALKS: Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

Elena: Generally a night writer. It's more conducive to writing when everyone is asleep or close to it.

AUTHOR TALKS: Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

Elena: Write, write, write! Persevere never give up. Have faith in yourself and in your work and you will succeed.

AUTHOR TALKS: Thank you for coming, Elena! Good luck to you and happy sales!

Elena: Thank you for inviting me. I enjoyed my visit with you.

You can visit Elena's tour page here or her website at http://elenadb.home.comcast.net/!

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW - Kathy Holmes, Author of REAL WOMEN WEAR RED

2007-06-22T00:30:00.000-04:00

Our special guest author today is Kathy Holmes, author of Real Women Wear Red and Myths of the Fatherless!

Kathy writes women's fiction with attitude and is a believer in second chances and that every little girl needs to find her daddy which are the prevailing themes in both her books. Her first novel, Real Women Wear Red, is set on a Caribbean cruise which has a companion free ebook, Cyn's Fabulous Guide to Cruising. Her nonfiction book, Myths of the Fatherless, is about her journey to find and meet her father. You can find out more about her books by visiting her website at http://www.kathyholmes.net/.

AUTHOR TALKS: Welcome to Author Talks, Kathy Holmes! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

KATHY: Thank you, Dorothy. When I met my father for the first time in 2002, something happened inside of me and I decided to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a novelist. It was important to me to use my maiden name as my pen name and that’s when I registered my domain name of kathyholmes.net. Then I wrote my story in a nonfiction book called, “Myths of the Fatherless.”

AUTHOR TALKS: How long would you say you have you been writing?

KATHY: I did the usual stuff as a kid. I remember telling stories to my younger half-sister. I also tried writing them down but I was the most interested in performing – singing and dancing. I remember writing musical plays that I would perform for the neighborhood kids. Eventually, I became a technical writer professionally, but once I met my father I felt a need to express myself more creatively.

AUTHOR TALKS: Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time?

KATHY: Every step of the way has been bumpy and I’m still not where I want to be. When I got an agent for “Real Women Wear Red,” my agent was sure she could sell it. I was ecstatic, but I also learned getting an agent doesn’t mean you’ll sell to the big publishers. By the time I got my agent, the chick lit crash came and suddenly agents were finding their submissions were not selling. I eventually did receive a couple of offers from e-publishers, but I didn’t like the terms so I self-published.

AUTHOR TALKS: Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?

KATHY: I’m no longer with my agent so I’d rather not say who she was. But she gave me a real gift. She believed in my writing and said I had a poetic and lyrical rhythm to it. That was a real eye-opener for me because I had just discovered the paternal grandmother I had never met was a poet.

AUTHOR TALKS: Can you please tell us about your book?

KATHY: While there are three main characters (Cyn, Sandy, and Millie) from three different generations each telling their point of view, my book really showcases the contemporary woman at any age. The cruise ship setting allows the three women to interact with one another and discover their unexpected connection revealing more than one secret, but underneath you realize that women are the same at any age and really want the same things. And that aligns with my mission to support women at any age to be the best they can be and that it’s not about the age, it’s about the attitude. And that’s why I call my fiction “fiction with attitude” because “attitude is just how you see things” as my paternal grandmother used to say.

AUTHOR TALKS: Do you plan subsequent books?

KATHY: I have a proposal for sequels to “Real Women Wear Red” because there’s really so much more to discover about these characters, especially Millie’s daughter Robin, who is only introduced and never met on the page. But I’m also working on several other books so I’m not sure when I’ll actually write the book. Perhaps if readers fall in love with the three women and demand it, I’ll make it top priority.

AUTHOR TALKS: Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

KATHY: I have most of my writing energy in the morning but the muse can strike at any time. Often, when I’m working on a plot, my subconscious will awaken me in the middle of the night to write a scene.

AUTHOR TALKS: Can you tell us where you can buy your books?

KATHY: You can buy my book through all of the usual online book stores, such as amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and books-a-million. You can also ask your local book store to order it for you. But the best buy is from my publisher since there is the least amount of distribution markup with them. I have links to all of these channels on my web site.

AUTHOR TALKS: Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

KATHY: As that same paternal grandmother used to say, “Never give up in spite of age or the naysayers.”

AUTHOR TALKS: Thank you for coming, KATHY! Good luck to you and happy sales!

KATHY: Thank you, Dorothy.

###

If you are an author and would like to be interviewed, send us an email at thewriterslife(at)yahoo.com. Please put "Author Talk Interview Request" in the subject line.

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, Real Women Wear Red, Myths of the Fatherless, Kathy Holmes

AUTHOR INTERVIEW - Karen Magill, Author of LET US PLAY: A ROCK 'N ROLL LOVE STORY

2007-06-21T00:37:00.000-04:00

Karen Magill, author of Let Us Play: A Rock 'N Roll Love Story is here with us today at Author Talks!

Karen Magill comes from a family of writers. Her paternal grandmother, Katherine Magill, was not only a published novelist but also supplemented the family income with articles. Karen has written from an early age and past writing credits include poetry, a monthly column on music, a weekly newsletter on music and numerous other little things. If you look around on the Internet you will find her name here and there. It wasn’t until Ms. Magill was disabled by Multiple Sclerosis that she began to pursue her writing career more seriously. Her first novel, The Bond, A Paranormal Love Story was published in 2004 through Lulu.com. Presently Ms. Magill lives in an eclectic area of Vancouver, Canada.

You can visit her website at http://www.karenmagill.com/ or her blog at http://www.letusplaylovestory.blogspot.com/.

AUTHOR TALKS: Welcome to Author Talks, Karen! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

KAREN: I am forty-two on Tuesday, single and eccentric. I walk around the city of Vancouver Canada with my portable personal music player, dancing and singing. I use that time to think and create. It is also a way to keep myself active.

AUTHOR TALKS: How long would you say you have you been writing?

KAREN: Ever since I could put words together, I have written and I have done many things. I edited, produced and primarily wrote a newsletter on rock music in the early 1990s. I have written poetry, screenplays and novels. It wasn’t until I was disabled by multiple sclerosis in 2000 that I found the time to become even more dedicated to pursuing writing as a career.

AUTHOR TALKS: Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time?

KAREN: Lots of rejection but that is normal for most writers. The first thing I ever got published was a poem entitled ‘It Just Ain’t Right’ and it appeared in ‘Modern Romances’ magazine.

AUTHOR TALKS: Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?

KAREN: I don’t have an agent though I did have for a while. Nothing happened with him, he was starting out and had to dedicate time to making a living. I was naïve and didn’t realize exactly how the industry worked. We didn’t click.

AUTHOR TALKS: Can you please tell us about your book?

KAREN: In an uncertain time in the future, rock and roll music has been banned. Kaya More uses second sight to lead a group of rebels to bring it back. Their quest leads them from the streets of New York City to the peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the beaches of California. The pursuit heats up as combatants switch sides and the world joins forces as the rebels find adventure, music and love.

AUTHOR TALKS: Do you plan subsequent books?

KAREN: Yes. My next one is supposed to be the sequel to Let Us Play and it is entitled TJR – Truth, Justice and Rock ‘n Roll. It will focus on a different character from Let Us Play. Kaya will not figure greatly into the new book at all.

AUTHOR TALKS: Are you a morning writer or a night writer?

KAREN: I usually write at night but lately have been going to be early so I have to readjust myself.

AUTHOR TALKS: Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?

KAREN: Do what feels right and don’t listen to everyone. Some know what they are talking about but so many don’t.

AUTHOR TALKS: Thank you for coming, Karen! Good luck to you and happy sales!

KAREN: Thank you for having me.

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If you are an author and would like to be interviewed, send us an email at thewriterslife(at)yahoo.com. Please put "Author Talk Interview Request" in the subject line.

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, Let Us Play: A Rock 'N Roll Love Story, Karen Magill

Author Interview - Vicki M. Taylor, author of TRUST IN THE WIND

2007-06-20T08:24:00.000-04:00

We have special guest, Vicki M. Taylor, author of Trust in the Wind, here with us today at Author Talks!

Vicki is an award-winning author who writes dramatic fiction with strong, unforgettable women. You can visit her website at http://www.vickimtaylor.com/ or her blog at www.vickimtaylor.com/blogs. You can order her books from any brick and mortar store or find them online at Amazon.com, BN.com, or if you'd like to purchase an electronic copy, you can go to Fictionwise.com.

Author Talks: Welcome to Author Talks, Vicki! Can you tell us when your passion for writing began?

Vicki: I think I was born with the soul of a writer. Writing has been a part of my life for as along as I can remember. Writing and reading. My passions.

Author Talks: Can you tell us what your typical 'writing' day is like?

Vicki: I don't think I have a typical writing day. I try to write every day, at least something. Sometimes, that will be in the morning, sometimes in the afternoon. I like to have some of my household chores done before I write. It makes me feel less pressured to hurry and write so I can get them done.

Author Talks: Do you write full time?

Vicki: I don't work outside the home, if that's what you're asking. But, I do have quite a bit to do, inside the home. I take care of my husband, dog, and bird. They all take up their fair amount of my time. I probably write for a couple hours a day. The rest of the time is answering e-mail, keeping up with various forums, promotion, and maintaining websites.

Author Talks: Can you tell us a little bit about your book?

Vicki: My most recent book is Trust in the Wind. The blurb is as follows: When pregnant teen, Joanne, chooses single motherhood, she loses everything, including her family. Four years later, she's fiercely independent, trusts no one and is barely keeping her head above water. Roy is a Hillsborough County Sheriff, and a widower who lost his wife and child during a burglary gone terribly wrong. Six years later, he still refuses to love for fear of losing it again. Together, these two just might get a second chance to learn about trust and love. When you can't count on people, TRUST IN THE WIND.

Author Talks: Who published your book and how has your experience with them been?

Vicki: My publisher is Mundania Press, LLC. They can be found at http://www.mundania.com/. They are an author friendly publisher who believes in quality in their books and their authors. They've been great. They help provide the author with as much promotion as they can, considering their size and staff. They'll work with authors, that's the best part.

Author Talks: Can you tell us the inspiration behind your book?

Vicki: Trust in the Wind was a dream I had. I woke one morning with a book synopsis in my head. I hurried to write it all down before I forgot any of it. I believe there are ideas for books all around us. We just have to listen and pay attention.

Author Talks: Can you tell us ways you are promoting your book? Have they been successful?

Vicki: The Internet has been by far the best place for promotion. When Trust in the Wind came out, it was a featured book at http://www.fictionwise.com/. That was incredible publicity. I also join forums related to writing, promotion, and general topics like special interests I have. I use my websites and books in my signature and people follow them to my sites. I spend time with potential readers on author chats too. It helps to keep your name out there in front of people. Give workshops. People are interested in what you have to say. One of the things I've put most of my money in was my website and bookmarks. I'm not exactly sure what the return on investment is with the bookmarks but they're a great way to get in front of a lot of potential readers. Earthly Charms lists conferences that are looking for stuff for goodie bags. I send them bookmarks.

Author Talks: Do you have a mentor?

Vicki: Not exactly a mentor. But, I do belong to my local RWA chapter and I consider everyone there a success. They are so great about sharing information. They're an awesome motivator. I feel so energized and buzzed about writing after our meetings.

Author Talks: What future projects do you have in the works?

Vicki: I have finished a romantic/suspense that I've been sending to contests. It hasn't made the finals yet, but I'm getting outstanding feedback. I'm currently working on a women's fiction about a 39 year old mother of 5 who decides to adopt a pregnant fourteen year old and her baby. The results are tragic.

Author Talks: Can you give aspiring authors words of advice towards getting published?

Vicki: Never give up. Never sell yourself short. Read. Read. Read. Everything that is out there. Read your genre. Read outside your genre. Keep that butt in the chair and write. No one else is going to type "The End" except you.

Author Talks: What’s one thing about your life that you think is important, but nobody asks?

Vicki: How passionate I feel toward my pets, my dog, Jack, and my parrot, Bailey. They're part of my family. I love them so much. I've even created websites for them. My dog, especially, he's an extension of me. We can't be apart for very long or we both start suffering from melancholy. That's why I take him on vacation with me.

Author Talks: Thank you for coming, Vicki, and we wish you much success!

Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, Trust in the Wind, Vicki M. Taylor

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE INTERVIEWED?

2007-06-19T17:43:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Author Talks! If you are an author and would like to be interviewed, email us at thewriterslife(at)yahoo.com and please put "Author Talks Interview Request" in the subject line.

Thanks for stopping by!

Dorothy Thompson
CEO/Founder Pump Up Your Book Promotion
http://www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com/