Interview with Christian Fiction Author Sydney Molare'

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.