M.R. Merrick's Blog, page 7
April 2, 2013
Blogger Fail – M.R. Merrick Drops The Author Alert Ball
Today would normally be the day I post April’s Author Alert. The thing is, I usually leave this to the last minute when I know I shouldn’t. It’s always worked out before but this time it did not. After being in the editing cave on Endure for the past two weeks, the month of March slipped away. Left scrambling to get my interview questions together, I realized I forgot to ask the author to be featured on my site! I know, I’m horrible. Now that I’ve reached out to the author and they’ve agreed, I’m a month ahead for May! Hopefully I won’t be leaving it to the last minute again.
This leaves me with one of two options. First, I can ask a different author and rush them to get it done. Authors are busy people and I like to take some time to develop the questions. I don’t want to feel rushed and neither do they, so that leaves us with option two, don’t have an April Author Alert. Well that’s not fun, is it? So what’s a handsome Canadian to do? Well, I shall improvise. I’ve developed a third option! I will be April’s Author Alert. That may seem silly, but here’s what I propose: In the comments section of this blog, ask me the question you want an answer to. It can be about the series, about the characters, about me, whatever you like. I shall face the Interview of DOOM, but it will be you asking the question! The only request I have is that if you are going to post any type of spoiler from my books, please put *SPOILER ALERT* before your question so that nothing is given away for any other readers who may not be as far into the series as you.
What do you think, something worth playing for? Oooh maybe I could have prizes! Lets get to it.
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Questions the comments will be posted and answered here in the update!
The Interview
1. From Danielle: How do you choose your beta readers?
This is actually a really simple process, or rather, not much of a process at all. It all comes down to the person and my relationship with with, or the ‘vibe’ I get from them. I need someone who is going to challenge me, my book, and what is happening on the pages. I need people I can trust to be honest, but not harsh. I have to feel comfortable hearing “this sucks and doesn’t work,” and yet they need to approach it with tact, supporting their claim so I can see it from their perspective. There are no special qualifications for this role, but essentially I limit myself to a few people who I trust to help me see the flaws in my story and can help make it the best that it can be.
2. From Laura: Teenage Matt finds himself taking the place of Chase in your books. Does he attempt to hook up with Rayna early on? Not at all? Or take his time wooing her appropriately? Does he approach things the same way Chase does? Do a better job keeping things together? Or does he die early on?
We’ve got a few things to answer here. Does young Matty attempt to hook up with Rayna early on? More than likely, but given his awkwardness and lack of ‘game’ at the age of seventeen, he’d probably leave with more than broken nose. Rayna’s feisty. Although he would probably take his time trying to woo her first before making his move, the result would be the same. He would definitely approach things the same way Chase does. Young Matty was a stubborn kid. He never took advice from his ‘elders’, always doing the opposite or what he thought was best. As you can guess, the elders were almost always right and he learned a lot of things the hard way. He would do a similar job of keeping things together though, and after enough tough lessons, he would realize he doesn’t know anything. Young Matty wouldn’t die early on I don’t think because although he’s awkward, Rayna finds it cute and would protect him with her bad ass skills, eventually turning him to someone equally bad ass whom she would glady accept “the moves.”
April 1, 2013
Blogger Alert – On A Book Bender
April’s Blogger Alert is pretty special for a number of reasons. First off, Amanda at On a Book Bender is an amazing blogger. One of my favorite things is that although she is involved with so many events and other bloggers, she really maintains independence on her site. She does her own thing and doesn’t pay much attention to the outbursts that we can see in the blogosphere once in a while. Amanda hosts some fabulous discussion posts, hilarious reviews with some of her co-blogging friends, she co-hosts Bout of Books, and well, she’s a busy blogger! What else is so special about this month’s Blogger feature? She just so happens to be my copy editor, a fantastic friend, and a constant supporter of both me and giraffe shifters. As you can see this girl is practically swimming in awesomeness.
Because she’s also my editor, I want to link you to her business site too. The reason being is that she offers so much more than just editing for authors and I want everyone to know! If you have a blog, a business, use online media, etc. Amanda has a lot of different features that can help, and some of them are even do it yourself resources she’s developed. I know they’ve helped me and so I need to share the love.
Now, let’s see how this giraffe shifter loving, tentacle book obsessing blogger handles the INTERVIEW OF DOOM.
The Interview
1. You’re an active, consistent, and organized blogger. The “About” page on your website even outlines exactly what posts will come when. How do you stick to that schedule and avoid falling into the dreaded “blogging slump?” And if you can’t avoid it, how to you keep your blog rolling with new posts, reviews, and interesting discussions?
I think the biggest trick I have to sticking to my schedule is that it is sustainable. I read more books than I review, for example, so I’m always scheduled ahead. But no one is immune to the blogging slump. I went through one earlier this year. This is part of what led me to taking on another associate reviewer. I evaluated how much I could realistically do, stopped doing extra, and got help where I needed it. I have time to make do without an associate reviewer, but an associate reviewer gives me the sanity I need to continue blogging.
2. As an avid reader and talented editor, you have a passion for the written word. Have you ever considered publishing your own work, and if yes, what genre do you think you’d work within?
Yes. Giraffe shifter erotica, NA contemporary, or adult urban fantasy. At least those are the current story ideas I have rattling around in my brain.
3. Hypothetical #1 – You’ve been given the opportunity to venture to Canada for an editing conference. While leaving the airport, your taxi is attacked by a trio of yetis. When the taxi gets turned over, your luggage spills onto the ice covered roads. Using only what is in your luggage, how do you defeat the yetis?
As the yetis attack my taxi, I notice certain…glances between the three of them. The glances are quick—I barely have enough time to catalog them—and within a minute or two, the taxi gets rocked over. Naturally, my luggage is full of books. When one of the ménage books slip out (I brought it on the insistence of Kelly, who attempts to corrupt me at every opportunity), the yeti glances click and I realize what’s going on here: yeti sexual tension.
My hunch is confirmed as I stumble out of the taxi and my nose is assaulted with the yeti stank. The yetis stalk forward and I do what any logical ménage reader would do under the circumstances: I ask them if they’ve given in to their sexual tension. When they tell me no, that it could never work, I scoff at them. I pick up my ménage book and hand it to the yeti nearest me.
I tell them, “Read this. It will answer your questions.”
They look skeptical, so I add, “Please. Your yeti stank is overwhelming. You need to do something about it. I promise this book is the key.”
This seems to satisfy them, and they bound off into the setting sun, no doubt to do naughty things to each other.
4. When you’re not editing books, you also do editing for other bloggers. You do edits for individual posts, websites, as well as marketing services. You’ve helped me and others use social media to the fullest with your website and social media analysis, as well as some of your DIY offerings. You have a passion for words, that much is clear, but where does your passion for marketing come from?
I find that there are two main components to marketing: language and psychology. With marketing, I get to be more creative with language than editing. And I’ve always found psychology to be fascinating. Combining the two is fun and challenging.
5. One of the things I love most about your business website and blog is all the grammar tricks and tips you post. The approach you take makes things that would easily confuse me, become understandable and in the end, strengthens my writing. What would you say is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to common grammar mistakes?
Honestly, my biggest peeve has evolved over time. What bothers me more than any single grammar mistake is the assumption that people have to somehow be very careful about what they say to me because I’m going to be silently correcting their grammar and judging them. Do I notice grammar mistakes? Yes. But I’m not going to care about it or correct you and your grammar unless you pay me to do it.
6. On a Book Bender has a review policy that states what genres you read and review. Although you’re open to all genres, there are three specifically that you thoroughly enjoy: Mystery, Romance, and Fantasy. Can you tell us one book from each genre that you would recommend and that surprised you in the last year?
Mystery: Criminal by Karin Slaughter. This is the latest in the Will Trent series. The mysteries themselves are fantastic, but what makes Karin Slaughter’s books some of my favorites are her characters. They are real and flawed and amazing. I can’t get enough of them.
Romance: Lord’s Fall by Thea Harrison. I am seriously in love with the Elder Races series. This is the latest book in the series, and it features the same couple from the first book. I was skeptical that a romance book could feature an established couple and still rock it, but Thea Harrison completely won me over.
Fantasy: Cinder and Scarlet by Marissa Meyer. I don’t think these are straight fantasy—they’re futuristic and sci-fi-ish, but I’m going to put them here anyway. I was hesitant to start this series because I was sure I wouldn’t like it. (Cyborgs? Pffft.) But I was so, SO wrong. I adored these books and they’re definitely among my favorites.
7. When you’re not reviewing and not working, what kind of things do you enjoy doing?
You can usually find me on Twitter or hanging out with my boyfriend. Sometimes I run or do yoga. Oh. And I take a lot of pictures of my dog niece, Lucy. If you’ve seen pictures of her, you know why.
8. Hypothetical #2 – You’re working on one of my books and a very repetitive grammar error continues to come up. It’s driven you to the brink of madness. You close your eyes to keep from screaming and when you open them, that grammar error has crawled off the page, taking on a hideous form. What mistake is it, what is the hideous form it has taken on, and how will you defeat this beast now that it has come to life?
Well, since you ASKED. I’d say that your error is your, use, of, commas, in, places, they, don’t, belong. And I’m guessing that the monster will be large and look odd due to misplaced commas. It’ll breathe, weird, because the commas are, all in the wrong spots. I’ll stab it with my, red pen and when it deflates, all will be better.
This was supposed to be funny. All it did was make me cry.
9. You don’t take part in blog tours or any of those types of promotions, but you keep your blog jam-packed with events. Is there a conscious reason you don’t do those promotions? And out of the events you’ve been involved in, do you have a favorite? What is it about that event that you enjoy so much?
I think my lack of promotion just evolved that way. While I understand the importance of promotions from the standpoint of an author, my blog has always been about creating community and discussing books. Bringing in promotion dims that community for me, unless it’s a book or author I feel THAT STRONGLY about. I’ve never seen my blog as a vehicle for authors to promote their work. My blog is about me and the books I love.
Staying out of promotion also helps me to keep the line between pleasure (my blog) and business (editing). Though I genuinely want the authors I work with to succeed, I don’t personally review their books. Once money exchanges hands, I lose credibility to offer an opinion on a book because my success is wrapped up in theirs. It’s easier to stay out of promotion completely.
Outside of the events I’m personally involved in, I love participating in Bloggiesta. It really focuses on the blogging part of book blogging. And I like that.
10. What kind of advice could you give to any avid readers out there that are interested in starting a blog?
I’m going to go the self-promoting route and say that you should buy Blog Smarter and DO IT. Honestly though, I think if you want to start a blog, DO IT. You CAN do it. And do it your way, whatever that way is.
11. Your editing business offers a wide range of opportunities for authors, bloggers, business owners, etc., but what is one area you haven’t tackled that you’d like to see yourself approach in the next few years, and why?
I’d like to get into web design and branding. I’ve taken a web design class (and used the skills I learned to design my business site, redesign my book blog, and tweak the Bout of Books site), and I’m about to embark on a course about creating brands from both a copywriting and graphics standpoint. When you build your brand, you’re going to be more successful. And I want to help people do that.
What’s your preference?
Paperback, Hardcover, or eBook: Yes
Dream Vacation or Dream Car: a late 60s Ford Mustang with a manual transmission
Cats or Dogs: Dogs
Spiders or Snakes: No
Chocolate or Caramel: Yes
I’d like the record to show that these responses are pure cheating. I’m giving you an ‘F’ for not following directions according to The Book of Matt (coming soon to a world near you).
5 Favorites
Food: Jalapeno cheeseburgers
Color: Green
80s Movie: I don’t have one. o.O
Smell: Freshly cut grass
Reading spot: My bed
March 21, 2013
10 Things Publishing Has Taught Me
1. You’ve got to have thick skin. No matter how many times you hear it and say to yourself “I’ve got this,” you don’t. You don’t go into publishing with thick skin. At least not in my experience. It’s something that toughens along the way. Sometimes it’s a rocky road to travel, but if we persevere, we get there. Eventually.
2. Taste is subjective. I knew this going in, but again, it was something that truly had to be learned along the way. And in stride with this point, another thing I learned was that subjectivity sells books. If reviews are to play any part in a customer’s choice to purchase, all five-star reviews doesn’t do the trick. You need a good spread among all the stars. That’s when a review sells a book.
3. A good cover goes a long way. I’ve always liked a good cover and before I published my first book, covers were what got me to pick up the novel. But the numbers of times I’ve heard people tell me they read Exiled just because of the cover really cemented this into my brain. Good covers are…GOOD!
4. Nothing is a sure thing. Since I first published my book, there have been a lot of ups and downs. When a literary agent tells you they want to help you succeed and they’re excited at the prospect of working with you, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll hear from them again. When an agent schedules a phone call with you, that doesn’t mean they’ll call. When a reader tells you they loved your book, that doesn’t mean they’re going to leave a positive review. If you have a few big sales months, it doesn’t mean it will last. Yes, what goes up really does come down. And no matter what is selling in the market, writing that story doesn’t mean you’ll see success. There are so many different aspects to what makes a book successful, but sometimes what we really need is a little luck. And an incredibly loyal and wicked fan base.
5. Authors are amazing people. I’ve experience some not-so-friendly ones, of course. One’s that think you’re their competition. They don’t realize a book only lasts a reader a few hours to a few days, after that they’re on to something new. Another author in your genre is not your competition, they’re your ally. And I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some pretty incredible allies in this crazy world of books! They’ve offered support, opinions, and you can always count on them to make you smile. It bears repeating: authors are amazing people.
6. Having readers is the most surreal feeling in the world. Knowing that there are people out there actually waiting for the next book in my series is a mind-blowing idea. I’m coming up on my two-year anniversary of publishing Exiled and I still haven’t wrapped my head around it. It makes me smile, and to be honest, a little giddy. Getting e-mails from readers who love my book(s) never gets old, and I grow more appreciative of the supportive readers I have every single day. Seriously, I love you guys.
7. It’s harder to write “The End” than you can possibly imagine. At the end of Exiled, I was excited, and the same goes with Shift and Release. But for Endure, writing those words really hit home for me. This series is going to be done? That’s unbelievable to me. The Protector has taken up four years of my life, and I’ve loved it. How can this be over? How can I move on to new things? Sure, I have new stories planned and I’m excited for them, but this will always be my first, and like most firsts, that’s pretty damn special. After writing those words and knowing this series is coming to a close, The End will never mean the same thing to me again in any book I ever write.
8. Every word you read and write makes you a better writer. The writing in Endure far surpasses anything I could’ve managed with Exiled or even Shift. I’ve learned so much over the course of four books, not just from working with professional editors and writing more, but from reviews, reader feedback, and looking at books I read with new perspective. When they say “read as much as you can, it helps you become a better writer,” they really mean it. That was a fact I denied over and over again for years, and now I finally get it. Apparently, on occasion, I can be stubborn. Who knew?
9. My writing method changes each time I start a new story. It’s never the same and in fact, it’s enough to drive me crazy. With Exiled I had to write with music and I didn’t use an outline. With Shift, I used an outline, followed it closely for the most part, and always had music. With Release, I could never write with music and although I had an outline, after I wrote it I hardly looked at it. It isn’t even the same book I plotted out at the start. And with Endure, again, no music, but this time I couldn’t even manage an outline. Go figure. So when people ask what my method is, it’s impossible to answer. It seems to me like each story—even when a part of the same series—requires a different approach. I just have to start writing and figure it out along the way.
10. Dreams do come true. Thirteen months after publishing Exiled, I quit my job to become a full-time writer. It’s true I did it more abruptly than I had expected, but the time had come and I needed to be investing more time in my craft. It’s also true that writing was not a life-long dream for me. It was a hot-blooded passion discovered late in life, due in part to bedtime stories I’d tell my daughter, and the never-ending encouragement of my wife. Here I am, doing something I love every day and although that doesn’t mean each day is perfect, or even that I work as much as I should, it means when it’s time for me to go to work, open up my imagination and let it all go, I always look forward to what might spill out onto the page. It’s exciting, scary, constantly refreshing, and always challenging, but it’s mine.
March 12, 2013
Book Update
Yesterday was an intense and wonderful day. Not only did I break my record for most words written in a day, I finished Endure. In case you don’t follow me on Twitter or my Facebook Fan Page, it took over five and a half hours, but I tapped out 13,333 words. What does that amount to? The first draft of Endure is officially done. I am excited, to say the least.
This book has been hard to write. I started it at the end of November, wrote about 20,000 words, and then didn’t touch it until the middle of January. After that it was a lot of start and stop. Write 11,000 words one day and then not write for a week. Write for two more days and add another 6,000 words, then stop for a week. I’ve known how this series was going to end since I finished writing Exiled. I especially had the last scene in mind. It’s true some things changed over the course of the book, and even now having just written The End, some things were altered from my original vision, but it left me wondering if I’ve known how this was all going to happen, why did it take me so long to write? I mean, in reality I only spent about seven weeks of actual writing time, but this book has been in progress since November. What gives?
The truth is, I think there are a lot of things involved in this. The first being that I had all the major scenes planned out, but not the transitional scenes. I became stuck in some of those for quite some time, and rather than write through it and fix it later, I waited it out and wanted to get it right the first time. I don’t know if I successfully managed that, but I’ll know when I go through my first round of revisions. The second reason for this was that it’s the last book. I think it was harder than I expected to close it off and let it all go. I’ve been working on this series for four years and it’s been one hell of a journey, both good and bad. Part of me, I think, wasn’t ready to say goodbye. That, and I’m terribly nervous about it. It’s the last book! I don’t want to disappoint any of you. Of course there are other reasons involved as well, but in the essence of saving time, we’ll save those for another day.
I’m going to be jumping straight into revisions later today, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how this all comes together from a reading perspective. I’ll be reading the story from beginning to end, cleaning it up as I go along, and changing/adding some stuff that I missed putting in the first round. This revision could take a week, two weeks, or more. It all depends on how the story goes. If there are some major revisions needed, it could take me much longer. If all goes splendidly, I’ll have Endure off to my critique partners the last week of March, work on revisions from there, and hopefully after it goes through the editor, you’ll see the book available in May. I really wanted to have this book out in April, but with the delay in writing this draft, that just isn’t feasible.
And finally, I plan to start writing the first book in my new series as soon as I send Endure off to betas. I’ll be going back and forth with those two books until Endure is published, and I’m looking to put that one out late summer/early fall. Again, I try not to be too accurate right now because it’s a new series and I haven’t even started writing the first book, so I’ll have more for you on that in the future. I’ll be releasing the series name for that around the same time that Endure comes out, as well as hopefully the title. Endure’s cover is being worked on now, or will be soon, and if all goes well you’ll get your hands on that next month!
Oh, and I almost forgot. The entire Protector series is on sale right now. Shift is and Release are $2.00 off, and Exiled is down to $2.99. This is a deal on at Amazon and Kobo only. If any of you would help spread the word, I would be eternally grateful. I’d love to see the Protector series move up the charts before Endure comes out, and I know that can’t happen without your help!
Hope everyone is having an awesome week so far! Happy Tuesday.
March 5, 2013
Author Alert – Tiffany King
Today is a pretty special day. Not only do I have a bestselling author for March’s Author Alert, but I have one of the kindest, most supportive people I’ve met in the industry yet. Tiffany King is a one-of-a-kind type of person. She’s a great writer and is entirely supportive of all the authors around her. It isn’t a competition; she truly wants to see everyone succeed. In an industry that sometimes seems far more competitive than it really is, Tiffany is a diamond in the rough.
Tiffany was one of the first people I met when I joined Twitter, and she immediately became my friend. She was fun, open, caring, and supportive with me right from the get-go, and she is one of the most active authors I know with her fans. She reaches out to any who might contact her, she does some fun random giveaways through social media, and since 2011 she’s been making a kick-ass name for herself. Today I shall subject Mrs. King to my 11 Questions of DOOM, and show you just how great she is.
The Interview
1. You’ve been in the self-publishing game for two years now and surely you’ve been through a rollercoaster of experiences. With everything you’ve learned so far, what are three pieces of advice you would give to any writers out there considering getting into the industry? Anything specifically you wish someone had been able to tell you?
The first piece of advice I would give is to create a brand for yourself and stand by it. Secondly, write what you know, and let your passion for that subject shine through. Finally, no matter what, never give up. You will have your highs and lows. Some will love your writing, and others will hate it. People can be cruel, but you have to believe in yourself. Overall, the ride will be the most exciting one of your life. I was extremely lucky. I met some wonderful people at the beginning who were always willing to help when I needed it, and I always try to carry that forward to anyone that asks me for help and advice. I do wish someone would have shown me the perks of Facebook way sooner though. LOL.
2. Although all your books have some level of romance, you started out writing books with more of a Fantasy edge to them, later transitioning into more coming-of-age style novels with a similar romantic flare. With your most recent release, Jordyn (A Daemon Hunter Novel Book One) you’ve come back to Fantasy. Do you have a genre preference, or does it really vary per project and what mood you’re in?
I enjoy both. Paranormal is tough because while you are writing about a made-up world, the story still has to have a continuity and believability to it. My husband and I often bounce ideas off each other to come up with something original. Contemporary, on the other hand, is compromised of real life experiences, which in itself can be challenging because you need characters your readers can relate to. I think in contemporary, I find the words flow more smoothly for me as I immerse myself in the story.
3. To date, you’ve been published in two anthologies and have published eight novels. From all the books you’ve released unto the world, do you have a favorite? What is it about that novel that makes it so?
Miss Me Not is my favorite. The subject matter is delicate, but I wanted to challenge myself and show that even though life can present tough challenges, nothing is ever hopeless. In the story, I was able to highlight real life people that have helped me throughout my life who showed me that caring people do exist. I am extremely proud that the book has been my best reviewed book thus far. The readers have really seemed to connect with it.
4. Hypothetical #1: You’re in a small, empty office with only the glow of your computer monitor staring back at you. It’s quiet…too quiet. The eerie silence is wrapping around you like a barbed-wire blanket when a loud crash shatters through the room. Broken glass rains down over the floor and you notice a small, purple creature on the ground. His feather-like hair looks soft, but as he unfurls, you see he’s actually a Furby-gone-wild, infected like a zombie. Sharp claws hang from his miniature arms, fangs drip from his fluffy jaws, and his eyes are lit-up with madness. One bite from him and you’ll be gnawing the flesh off your neighbor. The door to the office is locked from the outside and jagged pieces of broken glass are stuck in the window frame. This little guy is fast, difficult to catch, and hard to see in the shadows. Worst of all, the sensor on his forehead helps him learn, and each moment he watches you, the more information he gets to take you out. In one paragraph or less, tell us how you keep yourself zombie virus free and rid yourself of the mini-monster.
Luckily for me, the little fluffy zombie crashed in while I was eating lunch. He sizes me up, eagerly anticipating the taste of my sweet human flesh, when he catches a whiff of my Philly cheesesteak. The scent of greasy steak with grilled onions and peppers, topped with gooey provolone cheese was more than his overly sensitive zombified senses could handle. “You want that, don’t you, you little mutant hamster,” I said as he looked back and forth between me and the tantalizing treat. He leaped forward on the sandwich, giving me a small window of opportunity. I reached into my purse for my over-sized can of “Ultra-Hold” hairspray. I soaked the little rodent as he continued to devour my sandwich. The quick drying hairspray instantly hardened his fluffy fir as he struggled to move. I grabbed the Louisville Slugger from underneath my desk and took a wide stance. “Good night,” I said before splattering the unwelcome fluff ball across the wall.
5. You’re a wife and mother, an author who publishes several books each year, attends multiple book events both locally and non, you have a wonderfully active online presence and you’re an avid reader. That is enough to fill the most organized person’s schedule. When you do get a chance to slow down, what do you like to do for fun that doesn’t involve any of the above?
LOL, my family often teases me that my phone is never far from my hand, which is sadly the truth. When I’m taking a break though, I enjoy spending time with my family. Even though my kids are getting older (13 & 17), we still like to do everything together. It could be as simple as walking around a store, or as big as visiting a theme park. As long as we’re together I’m a happy girl.
6. Hypothetical #2 – You’ve awoken in the middle of the night to find a monster from one of your stories has come to life in your basement, however, the hero from your story remains trapped in the pages. In a paragraph or less, tell us how you defeat the beast and keep your family safe. Should you wish to upgrade to challenge mode, please include the stipulation that the only weapon you have is a frayed toothbrush and a jug of vinegar.
Wow, this is a tough question for me since I write about my biggest fear, which is demons. I will not be taking the challenge mode (since vinegar and a toothbrush won’t help), but instead, I’ll be taking the Poltergeist (they’re here) method. Yep, I would load my family up in the car and get the hell out of dodge. Is this the wimps method? Hell yeah, but if you’ve ever seen the Poltergeist movies, you know this is the only option. Unless I can find a little old ghost whisperer lady who will proclaim, “this house is clean.”
7. Was self-publishing an option you chose, or had you tried to shop any of your manuscripts to agents before deciding on that path? And as a follow-up, having done it on your own for so long, would you ever be interested in pursuing the traditional path, or perhaps doing both at the same time?
A couple years before I decided to publish Meant to Be, I made a halfhearted attempt to query a couple of agents. At the time, I was a full-time student and working full-time, so eventually, pursuing anything with the book was pushed to the back burner. It was only when I was getting ready to graduate a few years later that I decided to dust off MTB and give it a try all on my own. At the moment, I’m extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish in self-publishing. I would consider going the ‘traditional’ route if the right deal came along, who wouldn’t? The business is changing everyday. Some of the more successful authors out there now are capitalizing on opportunities in traditional and self-publishing at the same time. You have to be willing to recognize every opportunity that becomes available to remain successful.
8. You are a massive, dare I say, obsessive, Harry Potter fan. Tell us your favorite, and most hated part of the entire series. This question is not optional.
I love, love, love how the series grows throughout the seven books. I think it’s brilliant that things that happened in the first book were pivotal in the last book. To be able to create an entire world where readers feel like they are a part of it is truly a phenomenal accomplishment. My favorite moment is in book seven when Lupin asks for the final words Dumbledore spoke to him. “Harry is the best hope we have. Trust him.” I am crying right now. If I had to pick something I hated about the story, it would be that we didn’t get enough insight into Snape’s head and the reasons why he did what he did. I would love a book based on his perspective.
9. Tell us five things that most people don’t know about you.
I have a potty mouth.
My mind regularly hangs out in the gutter.
I hate bananas.
I’m extremely shy.
I’m scared of small spaces.
10. Tell us one of the best, and one of the worst experiences you’ve had since you started out on this insane journey we call self-publishing.
Hands down, the best experience is when a reader says my books are on their favorites list. That feeling will never get old. Also, my husband always cracks up when a reader gets so excited when I respond to a tweet they sent, or a comment on my blog. He’ll say, “would they be that excited if they saw you sitting here in your pajamas?” The worst experience is when someone hates my book. I know that reading is subjective, but I can’t help feeling like I’ve let them down.
11. Your newest release, Jordyn, is the first book in a new series. Is that what you plan to work on for your next few projects, or will you be bouncing back and forth between multiple stories? If the latter, what’s on deck for your readers?
At the moment, I’m currently working on my first New Adult book (eeeeeep). It’s a new experience for me, but I’m thoroughly enjoying it. When I wrap up this story I’ll be diving back into Jordyn’s crazy life.
11.5 Bonus, Random, and Just For Fun: If you were turned into a supernatural creature of your choice, what creature would that be and why? And how would you accommodate that massive change into your life today?
LOL, a vampire, baby, but only if I’m Bella Swan because let’s face it, that chick had it all. (Edward for example). Also, if I were a Twilight vampire, I wouldn’t need sleep and could write 24/7.
What’s your preference?
Writing With or Without Music: Without. Every once in awhile I think I want music on, but have come to realize it’s more of a distraction.
Dream Vacation or Dream Car: Dream car. It lasts longer, LOL.
Cats or Dogs: CatsCatsCatsCats!!! Cats rule and dogs drool 
UPDATE: Tiffany did lose a few awesome points for this.
Spiders or Snakes: Snakes. Spiders are just WRONG!!!
Chocolate or Caramel: CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!!!
5 Favorites
Food: Chocolate;)
Cereal: Cocoa Pebbles
Color: Pink
80’s Movie: Breakfast Club
Concert you’ve been to: Chris Daughtry!! He touched my hand squuuuueeeee!!
Smell: Apple Cinnamon or Chocolate LOL.
That was wonderful! Thank you to Tiffany King for taking the time to answer my randomness, and after that, I know you need more so here it is:
Website
March 1, 2013
Blogger Alert – Laura @ Little Read Riding Hood
Today I bring to you a pretty kick ass book blogger. At least I think so, and since for today only I’m adopting this blogger’s blog philosophy of “this is my blog, so I’m always right,” it doesn’t make any sense for you to disagree with me. Good? Good!
I’ve spent some time getting to know Laura at Little Read Riding Hood, and I immediately liked her because she’s a dog person. So much so, that she actually works with dogs for a living. If I wasn’t a writer, I think working with animals would be amazing career. But this isn’t about me, it’s about Laura, my scuba diving, dog loving, Fantasy reading, occasionally adult-language oriented book blogger for March, so let’s get right to the interrogat—I mean the interview!
The Interview
1. Laura, I’m going to ease you into this. Tell us about your earliest memory of falling in love with books.
I can’t remember a time NOT loving books. It was all I wanted when I was little, to have my parents read to me. Did I want to go outside and play? No, read me a story. I think they got tired of reading to me so they taught me to read at a pretty young age. I think they did that so when my younger siblings came along, I could read to them.
2. You primarily read Fantasy books in some aspect. In fact, on your blog you make a bold statement that says you read to escape reality, so you prefer not to read something based inside reality. I think that’s a fair statement, but is there any times that you venture out of the Fantasy realm, and if so, what are a few great books you’ve discovered since stepping out of your usual reading routine?
I have ventured into some New Adult, Contemporary Romance, and some Historical Romance, though those usually have some sort of fantasy/paranormal element to them! I am pretty loyal to what I consider ‘my’ authors (and before you ask, yes Matt, you are mine!) and if I’ve loved something they wrote in the paranormal/fantasy realm, I will try anything else they write. Some examples are Chelsea Cameron, with My Favorite Mistake and Deeper We Fall. They are in the New Adult category and take place in college. For the most part, I really liked college and enjoy putting myself in those books. Another example is Karina Halle’s newest release, Sins & Needles, which I am happy to say has been buzzing all over the book universe. It is of course well deserved buzz. That is NOT a story I would want to live, but man the ride she takes you on with Camden and Ellie is wild.
3. You’ve recently achieved your scuba diving certificate. That’s a much more outgoing activity in some respects, compared to locking yourself up in a reading chalet and disappearing into another world. What other things do you like to do that do not involve books?
Ha! I think you have listed all my hobbies … are you stalking me? – books and anything related to them, animals – having worked at a zoo, an aquarium, and now with dogs I have a large appreciation for all the critters – except spiders, they can burn in a hell of a thousand suns, and SCUBA which is freaking awesome and terrifying at the same time. I do like to try new things; one year for my birthday we went parasailing and it was amazing, right up until we saw lightening strike the ocean. I would eventually like to travel more, but having just got married in October, we don’t have the budget for that just yet. OH! I am a HUGE American Football fan. Though right now I am ashamed of my team so I won’t say who specifically, but I will say my husband roots for a different team and this year our house had a 4 – 28 record. Maybe next year.
4. Hypothetical # 1 – You’re on your way to the ocean for a scuba diving excursion. Naturally, you’ve always got a book with you, and this time, it just so happens to be a physical book, no eReader to be had. You’re driving a long when the cover starts to shift and flutter. You glance over, somewhat confused, and a primordial roar slips from the pages. Your books has been turned into a paper beast and is ready to attack. Fierce fangs have dropped from the book’s spine, and it’s chopping into your passenger seat, tearing it to pieces. Eyes bulge from the book’s cover and they slowly turn to you. A low rumble escapes its throat, and then it attacks!
In one paragraph, diffuse this completely unrealistic situation with the stipulation that although a monster book, it is still a book and you cannot destroy it. That’s a crime. Also, if the book successfully bites you, you will turn into a very realistic, completely non-fantasy, book. Not just any book, but your own personal memoir.
Way to set the stakes high! Since this a hypothetical, I am obviously going on a diving trip to help cull the wildly out of control Lionfish population in the Caribbean. So I would have the proper spears and bags (to store them – they have very venomous spines). And because I am a responsible diver I would of course have a buddy (never dive alone!) in the car. So, while I slowly pull the car to the side of the road, making sure the little beastie keeps its eyes on me without making any sudden movements, my buddy will grab the spear and slowly stalk up to it. I would then of course shake my head no, as we cannot hurt the poor beastie. Once the car was pulled over, we would release all the airtanks valves and hop out of the car, slamming the doors shut. If you don’t know, pressurized air is very cold when released suddenly. Which would of course make the beastie sluggish so we could safely scoop him up in the bag meant for Lionfish.
Yeah, I’ll leave the writing to the writers. Don’t quit my day job.
5. Since you work with dogs for a living, and you happen to own three yourself, do you have a favorite breed? If yes, what is it about that breed that you love so much?
Funny you should ask that. I don’t actually have a favorite breed, but the longer I work with dogs, the longer the list of breeds I will never own gets. You would be surprised at the breeds I would laugh in your face at if you tried to give me a puppy. For example, Labs, English Bulldogs, most Poodle mixes (but not poodles), Weimaraners, and Mastiffs. That isn’t to say they are bad breeds, just definitely not for me. Oh, and Huskies, Beagles … In my opinion, the best dog is a mutt. They usually end up with the best qualities of whatever they are mixed with.
6. Books are pretty powerful objects. Considering that it has all come out of a person’s imagination, it’s amazing the effect one book can have on so many people, and in such different ways. Is there a single book that’s really changed your life? What book was it and what did it do to shift your reality?
Books are amazing. Seriously. I think they all change my life in some small way. Early on I devoured anything I could written by Anne Rice. Her characters are so damaged yet so beautiful. You can’t help but feel everything they feel. More recently Stacia Kane’s Downside Ghosts series is actually the catalyst that got me blogging and introduced me to the world of online book communities. I remember reading the first three in a matter of days, and immediately went to her website to stalk find out more information on upcoming releases. On her blog she had written something about Goodreads, and as many of us know, it is all downhill from there. My TBR grew from a handful of books to an overwhelming amount that I will never finish.
There are so many more, but if I listed them all, I would forget someone, and feel like a jerk. So I will just say to all the authors out there - if I’ve ever read your book (even if it wasn’t for me), THANK YOU for writing it. I will treasure the time we spent together, and your book(s) forever changed my life, for the better, just by being there.
7. Can you tell us what it was that made you get involved in blogging? Was it simply the love of books? Did a friend push you into it? I’ve said on my blog time and time again that blogging can be a full-time job. Especially for how committed some of you are. So what made you want to invest so much time into sharing your love for stories?
Well I kind of started on this earlier, but Stacia Kane got me on to Goodreads. Once there, I realized how many people actually had blogs, and thought, “Hey, this might be something I could do!” Then a friend of mine started a health food/workout blog (Nutty About Health for those who are interested) and I realized that maybe I should do this. So I took the plunge. I honestly had no idea how much time it would take. Even now the dogs are sitting in the kitchen, waiting on dinner, my husband is out in the garage, using the fading daylight to build us a new composter (the old one needs to go), and what I am doing? Working on this interview. And mentally planning what’s for dinner. So that totally counts as being productive … right? RIGHT?!
My favorite thing about blogging has got to be when someone comes back and says “I read X book because you said you loved it, and I think it’s the best too!” Or even, “I read X book, and what the heck were you thinking? It was horrible!” Honestly, people taking the time to read my thoughts makes me a little queasy, in a good way. And even if we are on opposite sides of the book, I love discussing it. Trying to sway opinions one way or another is so much fun. And all the books I might not have ever heard of … that thought scares me. If for nothing else, I will keep blogging so I can find out about new authors.
8. March is the one year anniversary of Little Read Riding Hood. Congratulations! Is there anything you’ve learned in the last year that you think would help anybody reading this who might be considering getting into blogging?
Thank you! The thought that I was actually able to stick with something for a whole year … if you knew me well, you would be amazed.
For the love of everything holy, PLAN AHEAD. There is nothing worse than realizing you have no posts scheduled for the next week and it is suddenly Sunday night and you spend hours throwing stuff at the screen until you are positive none of it makes sense.
9. We’ve spoken very briefly about you writing. Is this something you do only for a hobby and for yourself, or are you hoping to see one of your books published in the future? And what kind of story do you have in store for us?
*snort* I’ve written some very short stories in a Goodreads group I am in. The problem I have is when I get stuck and don’t know where the plot is going, I just stop. I don’t write through it, knowing I can go back and fix it later, I don’t skip ahead to another scene just to get the juices flowing again. I stop. I don’t even attempt to come back to it later. So right now, my character is sitting in a bar booth, with some bad men & some friends, looking for a way to get the bad guys outside without making a scene or killing any innocents. Poor thing has been there since August.
10. Hypothetical #2 – While at work, you start to hear a strange banging on the doors. As you go to check the front door, you see nothing is there. Then the sound comes from the back. As you make your way towards the door, the sound gets louder, but now it’s coming from all sides of the building. You glance out the window to see a small army of eleven cats. At some point, one of your dogs chased the wrong kitty and now she’s back for revenge, and she’s brought all her friends.
The cats are under the impression that you’re the ring leader, and naturally, if they take out the head of the snake, everything else falls with it. Dressed in full ninja kitty apparel, their diamond dipped claws are cutting out windows and you haven’t got much time. Armed with a near-empty squirt bottle, a bag of dog poop, and a single cat kennel that is within reach, how do you defeat the onslaught of felines?
I am pretty sure you hate me Matt … working with animals, all the things you mentioned are always in easy reach. What you forgot is the catnip. Bam. Problem solved. And of course animal control on speed dial …
I want to point out for the record, that I did not give you catnip, therefore you cheated, and I win. *insert Matty’s winning dance here*
11. There has been mention that you would love to take your love of books to the next level. If you had to step away from working with man’s best friend, and jump into the book world professionally, what kind of career would you like to pursue?
A girl can dream … I would love to get into editing, and think I could be good at it. But my schooling background is in Science, so I would need to take some refresher English/Grammar classes. Or a publicist. Or an agent. Really, anything. I am not picky.
What’s your preference?
Paperback, Hardcover, or eBook: I hate to say it – ebook for the instant gratification & convenience. Though I love having physical copies of my favorites
Dream Vacation or Dream Car: Easy, Vacation. Cars come and go, pictures & memories are forever
Cats or Dogs: While I own both, I would have to say dogs.
Spiders or Snakes: Snakes are awesome. Remind me to show you pictures of the two headed snake I used to work with …
Chocolate or Caramel: Chocolate. The darker the better.
5 Favorites
Food: I’m a Midwest girl all the way. Meat & potatoes are the way to my heart.
Color: Dark purple.
80’s Movie: The Breakfast Club. I mean hello? They are in a LIBRARY for crying out loud.
Smell: My husband’s cologne. Yup, go ahead, make fun. I can take it.
Reading spot: When the weather is nice, the hammock out back. Though I usually fall asleep pretty fast out there. I do have a big chair in my front room, though I do most of my reading in the car (audio books) or in bed.
Need more Little Read? Hell yes you do. Check her out:
Website
Goodreads
And keep your eyes posted on her website. March 23rd is going to kick off her one year blog anniversary. There will be some great prizes and lots of fun posts!
