Rachel Carrington's Blog, page 45

Meet the Author: USA Today Bestselling Author, Antoinette Stockenberg

Today, I welcome Antoinette Stockenberg, a Top 100 indie author

 

 

 

First, tell my readers something new about yourself they can’t read on your website.

When I was a little kid, I told my younger twin sisters that I could fly.  And they believed me.  I suppose that’s when I first suspected I could tell lies for a living.

When you started indie publishing, did you expect to be as successful at it as you have been?

Nope.  My primary goal was simply to have my out-of-print books available again for readers.  If they brought in a bit of supplemental income, so much the better.  No one was more astonished than I when A CHARMED PLACE  hit the NOOK bestseller list in March and stayed on it for half a year.  On the other hand, my husband, a computer geek and #1 fan of my books (a practical and adorable combination) has been convinced for years that eBooks were the future.

You’ve written books with ghostly elements. Is that because you believe in ghosts? Have you had an “experience” that left you more of a believer?

Anyone who knows me would say that I don’t believe in ghosts.  I’m hopelessly realistic about events.  But there was that one – well, odd — time, when we still lived aboard a boat, that I bolted upright from a deep sleep to see a figure standing in front of the mast in our cabin.  He was wearing an avocado green velvet jester’s outfit and looking right at me.  In retrospect, I ‘m wondering whether it was my muse, encouraging me to write medieval romances instead of contemporary romantic suspense.

Actually, I’ve written only six novels with ghostly elements in them, and the emphasis varies widely, from EMILY’S GHOST, a lighter fantasy with a walking, talking ghost, to BEYOND MIDNIGHT, a book set in Salem, where the ghostliness is more a chilling sense than anything else.  (If you’ve read Henry James’s TURN OF THE SCREW, then you know you can create tremendous atmosphere with mere suggestiveness.  He was a master at that.)

I think that  my own skepticism about ghosts, which flows directly into my heroines, may actually make my six ghost novels more believable.  The women in those six books are normal, busy people who haven’t thought about ghosts one way or the other.  Why should they?  They’ve never had any contact with one.  So when they finally become convinced that something is really, truly going on – then if I’ve done my job, the reader will be convinced as well.  A reviewer once wrote that she didn’t usually read ghost stories, but that mine were so completely plausible that she had no problem suspending disbelief.  I loved that comment.

You lived for so many years aboard a boat. What do you miss the most about those times?

I could say, “The sunsets, the stars, the wind in the rigging,” and all of that would be true.  But we lived aboard in snowy New England for half of those many winters.  That meant hooking up six or seven near-frozen hoses to get to a water source to fill our tanks.  It meant foraging for little six-inch chunks of wood that we could feed into our tiny fireplace for heat.  It meant crawling under a canvas cover that we rigged over the boat to protect its varnish from the snow.  Oh, and then there was the winter that I had to chop through the ice daily with an ax to keep our wooden boat from shredding itself on its solid edges.  Pioneer living!  (It got old.)

Now that you’ve ventured into indie publishing, do you think you will continue to publish your books yourself?

I think so.  It’s been really satisfying – well, since March of this year, anyway.  (But I have to confess that the first full year before that was a bit of a slog.  It was hard to keep motivated because I was selling so few books.  So I understand completely what writers are going through, trying to get their books noticed.)

What is your favorite part about being indie published?

Definitely the control.  I’m lucky to be married to someone with the skill and determination to stay on top of all of the technical stuff you need to know to get an eBook out there.  You know how they say opposites attract?  Well, I’m a Luddite when it comes to computers (I probably should be writing medieval romance, and with a feather quill), whereas my husband is genuinely curious and enthusiastic about the eBook phenomenon.

Between us we’re able to cover virtually all aspects of getting an eBook published.  So if I want to change the font from Cambria to Kartika, the turnaround time is an hour.  And  if, for example, a cover concept doesn’t work out the way I’d hoped, I have only myself to blame.  The beauty is, I can and will tweak it, as I’ve just done this morning with EMILY’S GHOST.  And this afternoon I’ll be choosing from three or four images for the backdrop of TIDEWATER, my October release.  It doesn’t get better than that.

 And now for the fun questions…

If you could sit down with three authors, living or dead, whom would you pick and how would you start the conversation?

I’d love to have Charles Dickens, Dorothy Sayers, and Ngaio Marsh to dinner at my house.  I’d start the meal with an ethnic dish – Russian Borscht or Portuguese Kale soup, maybe – and, as I was ladling out the bowls, I’d ask them whether it was harder to weave a mystery through a romance, or a romance through a mystery.  Which came first for them?  (Although with Dickens you just know that everything came first, in simultaneous explosions inside his head.)  For dessert I’d serve good old chocolate cake.  They would go home full and happy that I wasn’t a pretentious cook.

What does “soulmate” mean to you?

Someone who can finish my sentences.  That would be my husband, except that I never stop talking long enough for him to have the chance.

In four words, describe your idea of a perfect day.

Fragrance.  Spring.  Tea.  Energy.

If you had to choose, would you be a rock star or a movie star?

Film, because I can deliver lines but I can’t carry a tune.  And  I wouldn’t want to be on the road all the time anyway.

What is your favorite opening line of a book you’ve read?

“Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”  Leo Tolstoy.  With an opener like that, a novel can practically write itself.

If you could memorize the dialogue from any movie, which one would it be and why?

The script from “Music and Lyrics” charmed my socks off.  Nothing deep, nothing shattering … but I went to bed with a smile after watching it.  I like stuff that makes me smile.

 

Meet the Author, Award Winner Liliana Hart

Today I welcome award-winning author, Liliana Hart.

Thanks so much for having me!

Liliana, please tell my readers about your latest release or upcoming release.

My next release is the second book in my J.J. Graves Mystery Series. J.J. is going home to Bloody Mary, Virginia, hoping to heal emotionally after her near death experience and the loss of so many people who were close to her. But what she gets is another dead body and a run-in with the one man she’s not ready to face. A DIRTY SHAME will be out on October 30th.

You’re addicted to the television show, Bones, as am I. What is it about the show that attracts you?

It’s always about the characters to me. I have to have that emotional chemistry, and BONES does such a great job of that. The relationship between the H/h are always going to be more important to me than the plot. Also, David Boreanaz is super sexy, so it’s no hardship to watch him. Jack Lawson, from the J.J. Graves series, might resemble Booth a bit. Just sayin’.

When you were teaching music in public schools, did you ever imagine you’d be an award-winning author one day?

I’ve ALWAYS wanted to be a writer. But I needed a job that actually paid money, so teaching was it J I remember using my conference period and lunch period to write, and I’d stay up late at night after the kids went to bed. Then one day my husband suggested I quit teaching to write full-time, and I was like, “That’s the best idea I’ve ever heard. You’re amazing.” And then I tackled him to the floor in gratitude.

In reality, I came home crying every day because I hated teaching (I loved the kids, but I could’ve done without all the bureaucratic nonsense and irritating parents). I also hated spending so much time away from my kids (they were 2 and 3 at the time). I was a band director, so I spent 70 hours a week at school. I’d get up early to write. Go to school and teach. Write between classes and in my off-period. And I’d write when I got home at 9 or 10 each night. I think my husband mostly felt sorry for me and was tired of the tears, so that’s why he suggested I quit. I should also add that he worked a second job so I’d be able to stay home with the kids and also write full-time. He’s the man. Seriously. I couldn’t have done this without him, because it was definitely a long, hard road.

How much has your life changed since you segued from teacher to writer?

Well, the pay is definitely better. I love the freedom writing full-time gives me. I keep a pretty strict schedule, and I write 7 days a week, but if I need to go to a school meeting or take one of the kids to the doctor I can rearrange things a bit. I also get to travel a lot, which is my FAVORITE thing to do. It’s also nice that my husband works from home as well, and we get to spend more quality time together. I don’t miss the “rat race” at all. Though sometimes I have to tell my husband to stop bringing me takeout because he’s making me fat.

Are mysteries/suspense novels your niche, or do you think you’ll branch out into other genres at some point in your future?

I love writing mystery/suspense. I think all of my books have at least a little of that in them. My husband says I’m much too fascinated with the criminal mind, and that could be true. I’m also fascinated with different ways to kill people, but we don’t talk about that because it makes him nervous. But along with the mystery, I love having the romantic elements of those books come out. I’m a sucker for happily-ever-afters. Here’s a fun tidbit though—I do have a paranormal romance/urban fantasy coming out some time next year, so that’s definitely a little different for me. But it was really fun to write.

And now for the fun questions:

If you could go to any place (fictional or real) for a day, where would it be and why?

Ooh, so many choices, and you know how I love to travel. I’d probably go back to Ireland and sit at the edge of the Cliffs of Moher to watch the waves crash against the rocks. I’d sit huddled in my parka and let the mist and fog surround me, while ideas for a new book flooded my mind. It’d be a perfect day.

 If you could have a conversation with a writer, living or dead, who would it be and what would you want to talk about?

That’s a really hard question because I’m not much of a people person. Just the thought of talking to a stranger (even a famous author) in awkward conversation has me shuddering. But if I had to pick someone, I’d probably choose Jennifer Crusie. She’s a brilliant writer and she seems like she could tell a good joke. We’d probably talk about wine, because that’s always a safe topic with other writers.

What is your favorite movie quote?

That’s easy. Steel Magnolias is one of my favorite movies of all time.

: “I do not see plays, because I can nap at home for free. And I don’t see movies ’cause they’re trash, and they got nothin’ but naked people in ‘em! And I don’t read books, ’cause if they’re any good, they’re gonna make ‘em into a miniseries.” 

What is your favorite romantic song? Favorite dance tune?

Too Young by Nat King Cole. My husband and I were high school sweethearts, and the lyrics always make me think about what people said about us. Sigh…I love that song. Now I have to go listen to it.

As for the dancing…for the safety of everyone around me, I don’t dance. Not ever. Not even when everyone is sloppy drunk at a wedding where I hardly know anyone and there are no potential blackmail opportunities. Not. Ever.

If you could play a role in any mystery/suspense movie, which one would it be and why?

I’d pick CASTLE. Kate and Castle look like they have a lot of fun, and that’s something I require while on the job. I need someone to crack jokes with. I’d also need a partner who was good with organization and time management because I can be a spazz.

Thanks so much for having me!

You’re very welcome, Liliana! It was great to talk with you!

Liliana

Would You Marry a Man With Machinery?

In my latest novel, Waking Up Immortal, the hero, Kier, is half man/half-machine. As a result of a terrible accident, he’s had to be rebuilt to a certain extent, and he has the speed and strength to show for it. Of course the heroine, Chloe, is fascinated by him as any heroine is supposed to be. But would you be? Do you think you could trade I Do’s with a man who could give Mr. Atlas a run for his money?

Let’s break this down into the pros and cons.

 

PROS

Here is a man who has steel where muscles should be. (This could come in handy when you need him to do yard work. No complaining of sore muscles here.)

He can run at speeds faster than an ordinary car. (Talk about saving some time on errands. Just send him out to the store for that gallon of milk you forgot.)

He can dangle a man six inches or higher off the ground with one hand. (No more pulling and tugging the sofa away from the wall to vacuum underneath it. You’ve got your very own forklift.)

This man doesn’t get tired. (This could go in the con category as well because, well, while a certain amount of stamina is great, we still need our sleep.)

 

CONS

If he decides to walk (or run away) from an argument, you’re never going to catch him.

If he’s sitting on that sofa you need to vacuum under, you might as well pick another chore to do.

A playful punch to his stomach could break your hand.

Are those machinery parts paid for? Will they rust? What happens when they start to creak? All perfectly valid questions when you’re considering marriage to a cyborg hybrid.

Of course, this particular hero also more than a few secrets up his sleeve and is a fierce protector of the woman he loves. That last part would probably be enough to sway me. If I’m willing to marry a man who isn’t fully human, then I’m going to call myself a heroine. And all heroines deserve a man like Kier in spite of the cons.

All of this said, would you walk down the aisle to tie your life to a man who had more machinery in him than a Dodge Dart? I hope you’ll read Waking Up Immortal first before you respond. Kier just might change your mind.

 

Are You A Shy Author?

I have a close friend who is an author, and she happens to be extremely shy. No public appearances for her because even thinking about speaking in front of a crowd or being the center of attention makes her ill. She doesn’t even like the idea of radio. Sound familiar? So what do you do if you have a paperback or hardcover book you’d like to promote, but you can’t have every eye or ear in the room on you? You do exactly what I told my friend to do. Promote outside the box.

Instead of a typical booksigning where you show up to sign your books in person, opt for a virtual book signing in a chat room or forum. You can pre-record a message to your readers via webcam where it’s just you and the camera. In addition, you can hire someone to read a portion of your book on camera as well. Fiverr.com has plenty of talented voice over actors who are more than willing to record a video for your book for only $5.00. So not only do readers get a reading from your book, they then get a message from the author, and you can mail them a signed copy of your book.

Many authors are targeting radio to get the word out about their book, but you can’t even imagine knowing people are listening to your voice. You’re sure you’ll choke. Then how about a podcast between you and a close friend? Just have a conversation about your book and record it. It doesn’t have to be fancy or formal, just you and a friend talking. You’ll feel more comfortable, and you’ll have a recording you can upload to numerous places, including your website.

You don’t think you can handle going to a convention like Romantic Times because you know you’ll have to meet readers? Take an outspoken friend with you. Someone who is good at being the life of the party will be an excellent ice breaker and stand in the path between you and eager fans. If just the thought of attending such a convention makes you hyperventilate, sponsor an event to get your name out. Romantic Times has so many promo opportunities that don’t require your attendance.

These are just a few ideas, and I’ll be back soon with more for the shy author. Though I don’t know what it’s like to be shy, I do know it doesn’t have to stand between you and personally promoting your book. If any of you other outspoken authors have any ideas, please share in the comments below! I’m sure my friend will appreciate any extra advice.

 

Meet the Author: Terri Reid

Today I welcome bestselling paranormal mystery author, Terri Reid.

Terri, please tell my readers about your latest release or upcoming release:

hank you so much.  My latest release was “Broken Promises – A Mary O’Reilly Paranormal Mystery.” It’s Book Eight in the Mary O’Reilly series. I’m now working on Book Nine and hope to have it out soon. I’m also working on a new series that will be out next year – some of the main characters will be introduced to my readers in Book Nine.

Can you tell us something about yourself that readers can’t find on your website?

I’m part gypsy and part Celtic.  My grandmother on my father’s side had gypsy blood in her and both of my parents have Celtic blood.

How much has your life changed since you published your first novel?

I feel like I’m living a dream now.  I have to opportunity to write full-time, something I never thought would happen.  I have met so many wonderful people through my books.  I feel very blessed.

 What’s one thing you would change about the writer’s life if you could?

It can be a little solitary at times. If life could be a continual writer’s retreat where you could toss around ideas and then have quiet time to write – I would be quite content.

 If you could meet all of your readers face to face, what would you want to say to them?

I’d give them all hugs and thank them for taking a chance on my books.  My readers are so wonderful.  I can’t tell you how many wonderful e-mails and Facebook comments I’ve received that have been heartfelt and emotional.  I just love my readers.

And now for the fun questions:

 If you could go to any place (fictional or real) for a day, where would it be and why?

A castle in Scotland.  I think it would be wonderful to be in a place where the history of the buildings is in the thousands…not like here in the states where we haven’t even reached 500 years old in our cities. I’d love to walk where generations have walked. I’d like to meet a ghost or two.  And I’d love to feel if my Scottish roots would make me feel like I’ve come home.

 If you could have a conversation with a writer, living or dead, who would it be and what would you want to talk about? 

Actually, I would love to sit down and talk to Nora Roberts.  I have loved her books since I was a young woman.  I think she’s a ground-breaking example for most women writers.  She took romance to another level and has captivated her readers for generations. I’d love to hear her story.  The struggles she faced and the way she conquered her insecurities and came out on top.

 What is your favorite movie quote?

“Oh, it’s nobody’s fault but my own! I was looking up… it was the nearest thing to heaven! You were there…”  An Affair To Remember

 What is your favorite romantic song?  

“I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” Elvis

 If you could play a role in any paranormal movie or television series, which one would it be and why?

I’d be the female version of Carl Kolchak – the reporter in the television series “Kolchak: The Night Stalker.”  I loved how he solved paranormal mysteries by just investigating things and listening to his gut. J  He was no one’s idea of a hero – and yet he saved the day every week.

Meet the Author: NY Times Bestselling Author, Heather Killough-Walden

Today I welcome the USA Today and New York Times Bestselling Author of the Big Bad Wolf Series, Heather Killough-Walden

Welcome, Heather, and please tell my readers about your latest or upcoming release.

Hi Rachel! I’ve got a few set-in-stone release dates for upcoming books at the moment: October 1st for the second book in the October Trilogy, Secretly Sam, and January, 2013 for the third book in the Lost Angels series, Death’s Angel.

Secretly Sam is a young adult paranormal romance focused in the month of October – very Halloween, spooky, gothic, thrilling, and romantic. Tons of magic in this series, believe me.

Death’s Angel is the MUCH anticipated, HIGHLY desired third full-length book in the Lost Angels series focusing on the third of the four favored archangels, Azrael, the Angel of Death. He also happens to be the Lord of the Vampires, and the lead singer in a very successful rock and roll band. Azrael is dark power incarnate and this book is so freaking hot, I can’t bloody wait for you all to read it. It will send you reeling sideways and leave you unable to think of any man but Azrael for a long, long, long time.

You’ve hit two of the top bestsellers’ lists. Can you tell us what that moment was like when you found out?

I wrote about them in my diary. But I hit the USA Today list first, when I was fairly new at my career and unburdened by the stresses of editing and re-editing and deadlines and marketing and what not. It was unexpected and such a wonderful surprise, I jumped up and down and I think I even did a cartwheel. I wrote about it and called everyone and made a bit to-do. LOL

By the time I hit the NYT list, which is much more difficult to get onto, I was hampered by so much responsibility and hard work and the harder, darker realities of print publishing that, even though the book to hit the list was an indie book, I was waylaid by mental and spiritual exhaustion. I received a phone call from my agent’s office to let me know I’d made the list. I shared the news with my husband – and then it took a back seat to more pressing matters. I didn’t even write about it in my journal until a week later, and then it was only as a side note to a rather depressing entry about something else entirely. Life definitely can get in the way of enjoying those moments that should make life worth living in the first place.

Why do you write paranormal romance? Have you ever tried other genres? Think you ever will?

I have books in almost every genre available for purchase. Hell Bent is a romantic thriller (mostly a thriller). Redeemer is a straight-up thriller with heavy philosophical and a few paranormal ingredients. Forever Neverland is a young adult/intermediate reader fantasy. The Chosen Soul series is a romantic paranormal fantasy. The Game is a science fiction/fantasy romance. The October Trilogy is young adult paranormal romance. And then, of course, there are the books that everyone is more familiar with, the Lost Angels, the Big Bad Wolves, and the Kings. I love to write other genres and am in fact working on something very special for my agent right now – it has nothing at all whatsoever to do with paranormal romance. And it’s wonderful.

Besides “don’t give up”, what would you say to a struggling author who hasn’t had even a modicum of your success?

Hmm. LOL You’ve taken away the one thing I would say over and over and over again to a struggling beginning author. It’s the most important thing by far. Not giving up includes moving past rejection after rejection (I had more than 300 of them), ignoring the rolling eyes of friends or acquaintances when you tell them you’re a writer trying to get published, standing your ground when an editor wants to change your style of writing past the comfort level, finding time to write even if it’s in the middle of the night and on less than two hours of sleep. It means not losing sight of your end goals and it also means never coming to a point where you no longer write because you want to. Don’t give up on writing, either physically or spiritually.

Other than that, there are the simple, basic rules an aspiring author must adhere to: 1. Finish the manuscript 2. Edit the manuscript (make certain there are no unnecessary repetitions, that everything is spelled correctly, that there are no conflicting continuity scenes, etc., but don’t allow another reader to change your style – remember that some of the greats, like Ray Bradbury, believed that less editing was more.) 3. If you are self publishing, create a great, eye-catching cover (if you’re print publishing, attempt to insist that your print publisher do so), 4. Set the price appropriately for the market (eBook vs. print book, and again only if you have the power to do so) 5. Be nice to your readers. They are everything. They will make or break you – and some of them will become very close, very wonderful friends.

What do you think are three of the top mistakes new writers make when they’re trying to get published?

1. They pay attention to the negativity and blunt apathy of rejections. 2. They pay attention to the negativity and blunt apathy of haters who leave cruel reviews out of jealousy or because they’re bored. 3. They give up. (see previous interview question, LOL)

Now for the fun questions:

If you could go anywhere you wanted to go whenever you wanted to go, what would be your number one destination spot?

Hogwarts. I also have always wanted to live in the Star Wars universe. A Star Trek holodeck would be fantastic too. ?

What three things do you automatically pack in your carry-on?

Only three? I have several essentials, actually. Three wouldn’t come close to cutting it, so I’ll expand a bit.

1. car keys

2. lip balm

3. pen and notebook

4. wallet

5. lotion

6. ibuprophen

7. cell phone

8. small bottle of water

How long do you think you could be without your cell phone before you felt panicky?

Not long. I honestly don’t know how we got along before cell phones. For some reason, I can’t remember. LOL

What is your favorite romantic song? Favorite dance tune?

I love “Sleeping in the Fire” by Wasp and “I’m on Fire” by the Boss, Bruce Springstein. Dance music? Anything with a beat.

If you could travel back in time, what time period would you choose and why?

Hmm. Going back in time is tricky. There’s a lot to be said for the modern day. It has its issues: too many people, too many cities, too many cars, too much pollution, several extinct animals, etc. However, we also have medicine, clean drinking water, women’s rights (in some countries), and I can vote for my president. If I had the choice, I would probably head into the future instead, except that I personally think it’s impossible. To me, time is like a broom. The past is the handle, decided and straight. It’s already happened. The future is the bristles, endless choices, countless possibilities. We exist just behind the bristles at all times and everything we do and say decides which of the bristles becomes the handle. We can never travel into the future because we would not be able to pick just one bristle; it hasn’t yet been decided.

So I’ll just stay here and try to make the best of it. ?

Meet Bestselling Author Dannika Dark

Today I welcome Dannika Dark, author of the bestselling Mageri Fantasy Series.

Thank you so much for having me here, Rachel.

Dannika, please tell my readers about your latest release.

My latest release is “Twist”, book two in the Mageri Series. It takes place a paranormal world where immortals co-exist with humans without their knowledge. A young woman named Zoë is forced to become a Mage without her consent or her knowledge. When she discovers what she is, her only option in order to survive in this world is to take shelter with another Mage who is appointed to be her Ghuardian. In this world, a Mage is not a sorcerer, but they have an inner light that is powerful and coveted by others. That makes her vulnerable if she doesn’t learn how to use her gifts and protect her light.

What I really loved about creating this world was the opportunity to make it realistic. We have romantic notions about immortality, and this series delves into a world of power hungry immortals. Their laws are not as just as you would assume. There are some familiar Breeds of immortals, and also some new ones that readers will be introduced to as the series progresses. I also had a lot of fun creating these new characters, as well as taking existing ones and putting a spin on them. Twist is exactly what it says—there are a few twists in the sequel to “Sterling” that many readers didn’t see coming.

What made you decide to utilize the indie publishing route?

There is a misconception about an indie author becoming one for lack of alternatives, but I specifically chose this route. It’s a fantastic opportunity that has given me 100% control in all aspects of my work that traditionally published authors don’t always have. I can write and publish at my own pace.

You’re involved in every aspect of your book, including designing the cover. Do you think you’ll continue down this same path, or eventually, share some of the duties with other designers?

I absolutely love graphic design. I don’t do it for lack of options because there are some wonderful cover artists out there that I would be flattered to use. However, because I do have the ability to design my own covers (and other artwork), I feel like this allows me to give the cover a more personal touch. I put a lot of thought into the overall concept and spend many weeks or longer developing various mock-ups. It’s more than just creating an attractive cover, it’s about representing the book in a visual format. I took a risk with the first cover, but the model and the pose felt completely right for the book. I don’t think I could give up the privilege even if I wanted to. It’s in my bones to do this!

What is the one most important thing you’ve learned about the publishing industry in your career?

That readers make you successful, not a marketing campaign. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to make mistakes, you just have to pick up and learn from them and be better at what you do.

You’re on the top 100 list of indie published authors, and you’ve achieved countless other successes in your career. What would you say to a struggling author who has yet to achieve even the most modest of success?

If you are publishing with the goal of making a ton of money, then you are not publishing for the right reasons. I still retain my 9-5 job with a good head on my shoulders, although it’s not to say that one couldn’t make a career out of this because many do, but you never know what will happen from one day to the next with sales. I personally began publishing because I fell in love with my world enough that I decided to share it when the reality hit that I could bypass a traditional publisher and take fate into my own hands. It may sound a little sappy, but it was never about hitting the bestseller list or top indie list that motivated me. It was every e-mail or message I received from a reader who had to tell me about staying up all night to finish reading the book. It’s a brilliant feeling when that happens. Not everyone will like your books and that’s okay; for every story, there is a reader out there. That’s the bottom line is creating a piece of work that someone will love and connect with as much as you do. That’s success.

According to your bio, you’ve written a lot of poetry. Has any been published? If not, do you think you’ll ever bring any to the light of day?

I did submit my poetry for publishing when I was younger, and perhaps that is where I felt traditional publishing was a brick wall that I didn’t have the right shoes on to scale. When there are thousands of letters and manuscripts sitting on a desk and someone skims over your work and makes a judgment call that no one will ever want to read it based on their opinion, that’s disheartening. Will it ever be published someday? Maybe. I always had that fantasy that years after my death, someone would uncover all of those papers stuffed in an old cedar chest. Emily Dickinson syndrome. Poetry is allowing someone to see your insides without compromise; I haven’t decided at this point if I’m ready for that kind of exposure.

Now for the fun questions!

Wait a second, I thought those were the fun questions!

 What is one piece of technology you wish had never been invented?

Cell phones. I am SO not a fan of these. I see the allure of being able to get on the net anywhere, anytime, but it’s created zombies out of the general public! People not looking when they’re driving, using them in public restrooms, and if you see a group of friends or family sitting together in a public place, half of them are on their phone. It’s ironic that a piece of technology that was created to connect people has inadvertently disconnected them from real life going on right around them. What did we do before we had phones?

 If you could pick one of your heroines and trade places with her, which one would it be and why?

Considering I’ve written one, I guess that would be Silver. I think she’s living in an exciting time and doesn’t realize it just yet. The laws are antiquated and there are so many opportunities for change in not only public perception, but in the laws themselves. Oh yeah, and the hot guys.

What one song do you wish had never been written?

“Baby got Back” by Sir Mix-a-lot. Is it possible to listen to this song without singing along? Well, for me, apparently not. I’ve received more stares from drivers on the road because of my in-car performance. Is it because I like the song? No. It’s because I know all the words and I’m a girl who prides herself in lyric memorization. And WHY do the radio stations still play this? Please, allow me to salvage some dignity and please put on the Air Supply or something else.

 What is your all time favorite movie?

This is the most difficult question you could possibly ask because I have top 10 movies in every genre and sub genre. I used to go to the movies with a pen and paper so I could write down my notes about the characters and scenes.

I’m going out on a limb with this one but I’ll say “Clash of the Titans”. I’m a huge fan of the fantasy and sci-fi genres. I loved Ray Harryhausens Dynamation technology even though most see it as outdated. I think modern movies lean so heavily on the CG effects that it’s too flawless.

Had you asked me what my favorite TV show was, I would have answered you faster than you could snap your fingers. Twilight Zone.

If you could choose an actress to portray Silver in a movie version of your books, who would it be and why?

Wow. I’ve never given that any thought. Maybe Keira Knightly? I think it would be important to have someone who could pull off sass, vulnerability, and toughness. Silver is an ordinary girl who finds herself challenged continually by her situation and evolves as a character. If the series ever did go to the movies, I think it would be far more exciting to have an unknown actress. Did I mention I’m a big fan of indie

films?

Thanks for joining me here today, Dannika, and best of luck in the future.

Waking Up Immortal is on its Way!

My upcoming novel, Waking Up Immortal, will release on October 20th, and while I want to share the book description with you, I also want to share the video I created to go along with it!

I could die today, and it wouldn’t matter. I’d still wake up tomorrow. Some people might consider that a good thing, and the time I took my first bullet, well, I can’t say I complained when I woke up, but that’s the middle of the story.

At first I didn’t want this “gift” which led me to a long search for my father. I thought he could help me. Turns out my father was in prison, and I just happened to get on the bad side of his warden—a huge, cyborg type of guy who could body double for Sylvester Stallone. He didn’t want me to see my father, and he was a pretty big obstacle for me to overcome.

So here I am trying to convince this guy, Kier, to let me see my father when all hell breaks loose. Then I suddenly learn I really don’t want to see dear old Dad after all. My life isn’t in danger, but how I spend the rest of my immortal existence is. The only thing standing between me and certain torture is Kier. 

I don’t doubt he’ll protect me, but being so close to him makes me forget about things like safety.  And the first time he kisses me turns into heat up the windows type of scene in the front seat of my car.

My immortal existence is safe with Kier. My heart is on shaky ground. Only I could fall in love with a cyborg while my life is going to hell in a handbasket.

 

Meet the Author: New York Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy

Today I welcome New York Times Bestselling Author, Barbara Freethy.

You’re publishing your entire backlist yourself. Did you know ahead of time how daunting of a task this would be, and if you had to do it all over again, would you?

I had no idea how much work I was about to take on. When I began self-publishing, there was much less information available on how to do it. So it was a steep learning curve for me. One thing I learned the hard way is to have at least three proofers on every book! I would definitely do it again, because it’s been an incredibly lucrative experience!

Can you tell my readers what it was like when you discovered you had made the New York Times Bestsellers’ list?

It was amazing and awesome and totally shocking. And I didn’t just hit the NYT list for the first time in my life, I hit #1 with my book SUMMER SECRETS. Nine of my other books hit the lists as well. The fact that I could put my books on the bestseller lists through my self-publishing efforts was a great reward for all the work I’d put in.

If you could meet your readers face to face and say one thing to them, what would it be?

I’d say thanks for trying out my books! I also really appreciate when readers take the time to write to me and express how a particular book touched them and sometimes even changed their life. Some of the stories I’ve heard from readers have been truly wonderful.

What would you say to that author who has so many rejections she’s lost count and is ready to throw in the towel?

Writing is a tough business on so many levels. Whether you’re starting your first novel or have written your fifth book and are still trying to battle your way to success, rejection is part of writing. Because reading is a subjective experience, everyone will have a different opinion of your book. I believe in listening to constructive critiques, working on developing your craft, and following your heart when it comes to story telling. As long as you enjoy the process of writing, you should keep going.

And now for the fun questions

What’s your favorite book series that you’ve read? I really don’t have a favorite series. I read a lot, across many genres, and I can never pick a favorite when asked. There are so many good writers and good books out there, it’s hard to choose one.

Do you prefer television or movies?

I love movies because the longer format allows for bigger plots and deeper character construction.

If you could have a conversation with one author, living or dead, who would it be and what would you talk about?

I’d love to talk to Nora Roberts. I’m a big fan, and I would probably ask her how she keeps it so fresh and creative with each and every book when she’s written over 200 novels.

If you could choose any author to write a book with, who would it be?

I don’t think I could write a book with another author. In my opinion, it would be extremely difficult to co-write a story. I feel like my stories just pour out of me. I’m not sure I could take someone else’s viewpoint and ideas into consideration.

What is your favorite part of the day?

I love dusk, the sun going down, the quiet after the busy day, the deepening shadows of night.

Meet the Author: L.J. Sellers, best-selling author of the Detective Jackson series

Today I welcome L.J. Sellers, whose best-selling books include Secrets to Die For and Thrilled to Death.

 

L.J., please tell my readers about your latest indie-published release.

The last book I indie published was Liars, Cheaters, & Thieves, the sixth novel featuring Detective Jackson, a series that has been a consistent bestseller on Kindle. But just last week, I finished writing Rules of Crime, the seventh Jackson book and the first to be published by Thomas & Mercer. My indie sales were impressive enough that in May, Amazon bought my backlist of nine novels plus two I had in development. Right now, my indie versions are still selling on Kindle, but near the end of the year, Amazon will release its new versions and mine will come down. So I’m currently straddling both worlds, but I’m excited to have Amazon as a partner now.

What made you decide to utilize the indie publishing route?

The main reason was that I wasn’t making any money with my small publisher. Also my press only wanted to release one book a year. Not only can I write faster than that, but I also had several standalone thrillers I wanted to make available to my readers. It was just the right time to take control of my fiction career, get all my stories out there at once, and reap the rewards of my efforts.

Why do you write only thrillers and suspense? Is there something about the danger that gives you an edge?

I write suspense because that’s what I like to read. I do love the edginess of crime fiction, but it also gives me an opportunity to explore my fears and highlight social issues at the same time. I believe it’s the most engaging and thought-provoking genre on the market.

What is the one most important thing you’ve learned about the publishing industry in your career?

I’ve learned so much that it’s really hard to narrow it down. But if I had to summarize, I would say that succeeding in this business is about visibility. No one can buy and read your book if they don’t know about it. So authors and books have to be visible. Especially on the Amazon lists. So that’s my overriding goal. Keep at least one or two of my books on an Amazon bestseller list, so new readers can see me.

As a journalist, you wrote about older people doing amazing things. What type of things can you see yourself doing in forty years?

I think about that, but it’s hard to predict, because who knows how the world will change and what new opportunities will be available. I hope to still be active though, biking and sky diving and maybe competing in senior cross county events just to be inspirational to others. Will I still be writing at ninety? Probably, but I also want to get more involved with politics, so who knows, I may become the oldest-serving senator some day.

What does the “bestselling” title mean to you? What would you say to a struggling author who has yet to achieve even the most modest of success?

For me, the term bestselling means I have the support of a lot of readers, so I use it when I want to convey to new readers that my books are worth checking out. To struggling authors, I would advise them to seek professional feedback on their novels, and once they’re confident their work is marketable, to never give up. It took me twenty years to break into the market. And even with a readership, it’s a still a struggle for me to keep my books visible. So the second thing I would say is to be prepared to work hard…forever.

Now for the fun questions!

Coffee or tea?

I love coffee but it doesn’t love me back any more, so I’ve given it up to become a tea drinker. But I don’t drink anything with actual tea leaves, which I don’t like the flavor of, so I drink herbal teas, like mint, licorice, and lemon.

Morning person or night owl?

Again, I have to say both. I get up early (5:30 or so) and I work until 9:30 or 10:00, then go to bed between 11:30 and midnight.

What is one piece of technology you wish had never been invented?

You’re the first person to ask that, and I feeling a little stumped. One piece of technology I never use is an alarm clock. I hate waking up like that, and I’m grateful I don’t need one. For a non-personal example, I’ll say fracking, the environmentally destructive method of extracting natural gas that levels mountain tops and poisons ground water.

If you could pick a heroine and trade places with her, which one would it be and why?

Again, you’ve stumped me a little. Most of my favorite fictional detectives are men—because women (in general) didn’t used to write realistic crime fiction, but they do now. But two female characters I really like are Detective April Woo, a discontinued New York-based series by Leslie Glass, and Nina Reilly, a lawyer who practices (and solves crimes) at Lake Tahoe. But as much as I love visiting both places, I wouldn’t want to live in either one. And I love my life, as is. I wouldn’t trade it for anyone’s.

What one song do you wish had never been written?

This morning my little niece was here before day camp signing “God Bless My Underwear,” and now I can’t get it out of my head and I wish it had never been written.

Thank you for spending time with my readers today, L.J. Readers, if you’d like to learn more about L.J.’s books, visit her website at www.ljsellers.com.