Samantha March's Blog, page 23

Update on My Writing Life

I am super happy to say that The Green Ticket is (finally) in the hands of my editor. Whew! It feels so strange not working on it, but while it is in the editing process I try to not touch the story, re-read it, make changes, etc. I just let my editor do her magic, then feel scared everyday at what her comments will be ;) I am excited to get it back, make any changes she has suggested, put some polish on, and then sometime soon start looking for some beta readers. Right now, I am working on developing my third novel. I’ve started to name characters (which is seriously so hard!) and start learning their personalities. One idea that I am going to put into play with this book is interviewing my characters. I’m going to develop a list of questions and answer them like my characters would. This will help give me a better idea of who they are. Has anyone tried this before?
I’ll be excited to share some more information about that book once I have it. I did give one clue on Facebook and Twitter the other day – I am planning a murder to happen. This book will also be written in third person, switching POV from two main characters, so that will be a new challenge for me since Destined and Green are both in first person, one main character POV. But I’m excited to challenge myself to new writing skills and I’m very much looking forward to this journey with my new characters!  

Interview and Excerpt: A Contented Mind by Samantha Hoffman

When did you know writing was for you?
I always knew I wanted to write, or at least I should say: starting at a very early age I knew I wanted to write. Finding the courage to do so, however, well...that’s a different story. Writing, A Contented Mind, was a pivotal moment in my life. In my own way, putting my fingers on the keyboard was much like a final throw of a life preserver. I needed something to keep my head above the water’s of depression - letting my inner voice become a storyteller provided that buoyancy. I wrote it quite fast (editing took years), so once I went back over and read my novel, I knew writing was what I wanted to do with my life - if given my choice. 

How would you describe your books?
I write both contemporary fiction and a series of children’s chapter books. That’s quite the span! But my mind has quite the span, so it’s a comfy thing. As for my adult books, all three have strong women as the protagonist. In A Contented Mind, Meg may not seem strong at first glance, but in the end (especially in the sequel), she finds more than enough strength to reshape her world. Her raw emotion and sincerity toward life and others may be seen in a passive light, but nothing could be further from the case. She offers no false pretenses or fluffed up camouflage in an intentional or unintentional attempt to cover herself. With Meg, what you see is what you get: a complex, genuine woman who has some pretty deep wounds and has accidentally fallen haphazardly in love with a man she finds almost too sexy. lol That part always makes me laugh. The novel I’m working on now, Safe People, which is referred to in A Contented Mind as the novel Meg wrote, has a very strong protagonist. But like many of us, Bertie has built an impenetrable wall around herself due to some very hard incidents that happened to her. And now, Bertie is trying to find a way to free herself from the walls she created. 
They are all about how we deal with life; the life we’ve lived through and the life we hope to experience. Finding the ability to overcome what has been, while keeping our compass set toward what is yet to be. 
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Marketing. Plain and simple. I love talking about my books. But, it is never my instinct to shout the loudest to be heard.
What are your favorite genres to read?
My favorite genre is classic literature. I often have three novels running at the same time. One in my Jeep, one on my bed...and so on. My favorite is Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. The way in which he articulated the many thoughts of Rodya Raskolnikov, the mental torture Rodya went through dealing with the aftermath of his actions, endeared Dostoyevsky to me forever. But I have many other favorites. Sometimes one line, one perfectly written, all encompassing line is enough for me to cherish a book forever.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
Love yourself. Every bit. Love the darkness, love the light. If you have a black mark from your past, it doesn’t define you. You - define you. There are so many things about ourselves that we dismiss, disregard or are ashamed of, and yet all of these things, combined, make the whole and the whole is a beautifully unique individual who is capable of accomplishing great things. So never hide in the corner for fear of being less than. We’ve only got one shot at life, grab hold of it, shape it, and make it your own.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
It is incredibly important. The publishing industry seems to be teetering and trying to find its place among all of the millions of readers. Many great authors have achieved success solely through the use of social medial. And good for them. There’s a place for all of us out there. Social media makes it easier for readers to find exactly what they want. 
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Don’t give up, and don’t change your voice to sound like another. Its a temptation to which many have succumb. Sometimes literary agents or publishing companies will ask, “Who do you write like?” To which I want to reply, “Me.” But, if you write like a bestselling author they may just feel you’re a worthy risk. But who wants to sound like another? We all have, or should have, a unique voice. My style is very singular. I could try to change that, and maybe in the end become an even greater success. But I won’t pigeon hole myself. I wouldn’t recognize my voice if I did! I write with a very rhythmic, soft prose, yet my children’s books are quite different. It’s my style. And we all have one. Find yours, and be proud of it regardless of ratings or reviews.

**A Contented Mind Excerpt** 


Mama Gump was right after all: life is like a box of chocolates. But Meg’s heart-shaped box was filled with the bittersweet variety, or so she believed. Yet for the moment, while gazing at her new Southern California beachfront home, Meg savored only sweetness, even if she couldn’t ignore the bitterness that had brought her there.“This looks good,” Meg said, standing in the driveway.“Is this really what you want?” Devon asked, eyeing the two-story house skeptically.“Mandalay Bay is such a beautiful place. Smell that fresh ocean air, Dev, ” Meg said, taking a soulful breath while glancing up at Devon. “This will work out. I know. Somehow, I just know.”Turning to get a better view of her surroundings, Meg surveyed the neighborhood. The street was quiet enough, with only the occasional car passing by. Most of the traffic, from what she could gather, came from those walking their dogs. The peaceful images brought an immediate smile.She also liked the old trees bordering the street. Standing tall above everything else, their age gave them the appearance of authority and grandeur. But most of all, she loved the warm air that held the scent of desert willow and California white sage, mixed with the salt from the ocean. For a moment, Meg felt like bathing in the aroma.“Well, I for one don’t care for your being so bloody close to people, Meg,” Devon whispered. “That run-in you had on Martha’s Vineyard nearly scared the life out of me.”Devon was many things to Meg. Beyond being her publisher, he was her friend. She liked their rhythm, and they worked well together. Although Meg could easily question the sincerity of her own shadow, she never thought to question Devon’s. She never needed to.***********************************************************************************
Author Bio Samantha started writing books as a child. Although those roughly hewed works are kept under lock and key, they possess the same need to understand life as her current novels. In the past, Samantha has written numerous columns on health and spirituality for a local newspaper. Currently, she writes the popular blog: Insanity - A Writer’s Commentary On All Things, as well as two novels: A Contented Mind, it’s sequel, Chasing Nirvana, and the children’s chapter book series: Dainty Delaney. Currently she is at work on her third novel. On May 18th, 2012 Samantha will be featured in Art & Entertainment section of The Traverse City Record Eagle newspaper.Life can get rough at times, loving oneself shouldn’t be. That, in a nutshell, is the message that is imbued within the books Samantha writes.  Connect with Samantha!
www.bysamanthahoffman.com  www.bysamanthahoffman.com/buy_now/
http://www.sanesamantha.com/

Interview and Excerpt: Finding Felicity by Monica Marlowe

When did you know writing was for you?
One day, in high school English class, our teacher gave us a surprise test. He set up a scene with a couple stranded in a cottage during a snowstorm and our assignment was to write about it during class. When he returned our papers at the next class, he bent down and quietly said to me, “How do you do it?”.  Without waiting for my reply, he placed my paper on my desk. It had a huge red A+ marked on the corner. I knew then that I wanted it write; it just took me another 20 years or so to get around to it.
 How would you describe your books?
Hard question.  Finding Felicity is the only book I’ve published so far, and my current project is a memoir. Once that’s done, I really want to focus on writing about spirituality and personal growth. I guess I’d have to say that I write about following your heart, whether fiction or non-fiction.
 What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Letting go of the outcome. I’m very goal-oriented and find myself asking, “What the point of writing if not for publication? If no one reads it?” I think that thinking creates writer’s block for me and I need to just trust that time spent writing for its own sake is time well spent. Anything written from the heart is worthy of reading, even if only by me.
 What are your favorite genres to read?
I love women’s fiction (think Kristin Hannah) and personal growth books (think Marianne Williamson).
 What do you want readers to take away from your story?
I think the tagline says it all: Love always finds a way.
 How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
Very. Very. Very!  With increasing numbers of ebooks being sold, social media is the place where authors and readers can connect.  Electronic connections are becoming just as important as in-person connections, perhaps even more so. For instance, I’ve made some wonderful connections through social media; I found ChickLitPlus on Twitter, and here I am on a CLP blog tour! Connecting through social media with other authors is just as important as connecting with readers, too.  So should an author be on social media platforms? Yes!
 What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Keep writing! The road to writing Finding Felicity was a long one and once it was finished, I took a break from writing. Years later, when it finally was published, I don’t have very much in the pipeline. If I had kept writing, I’d have another manuscript to send to my publisher! As it is, I don’t. So keep sitting down at your desk and keep writing … every single day.
**Excerpt**
“Why are you so upset?”

Chess. I’ve had it with men who play games, she thought. Men who answer questions with questions. Who talk in riddles instead of truths. Her anger ignited into adrenaline.

She crossed the room. Wrapped her arms around the back of his neck. Pressed her lips to his. His lips opened to hers. Her tongue found his and encircled it. Slowly at first. Then more fervently. He responded and they kissed deeply. Passionately.

He pulled her to him and she felt him grow hard against her body.

Checkmate. He wants me, she thought. She knew.

They kissed long and tenderly. Reached into each other.

He pulled his face away slowly and gazed into her eyes. His look caressed her. Balmed her raw emotions. Somehow he excavated her anger, dug beneath its surface, and uncovered the love that swelled, unbidden, in her heart.

“That’s why,” she said quietly. *********************************************************************************** Author Bio:

Monica Marlowe was born in Toronto and later moved to Los Angeles. While in LA, Monica studied the craft of novel writing and participated in the Noel Hynd Workshop. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Spiritual Psychology. Now, Monica makes her home in North Carolina and divides her time between the East and West Coasts. Monica is currently writing a memoir, The Gift Horse, about acquiring her first horse and finding herself on a most unexpected path. Monica writes stories about heroes and heroines who follow their heart, wherever the path may lead, knowing that the heart has reasons of its own.  Connect With Monica! http://www.monicamarlowe.blogspot.com/p/links.html
www.monicamarlowe.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/monicamarlowe www.twitter.com/authormonica **Everyone who leaves a comment on Monica's tour pag will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! If you purchase your copy of Finding Felicity before June 18 and send your receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, you will get five bonus entries!**  ***********************************************************************************

Interview & Excerpt - Vivid by Andrea Murray

When did you know writing was for you?

 Well, I've always loved literature, which is why I chose to teach English (to the disappointment of my math teacher).  I think writing is a natural extension of that, but I never thought seriously about writing a novel until last spring. My fifth hour class was made up almost entirely of girls, and they were avid readers.  I was reading at least a novel per week to recommend new books to them.  Most of those novels were young adult, paranormal romances.  Some were great, others not so much.  I caught myself complaining to them about weak characters and confusing narration, and since I've always been a big believer in "put your money where your mouth is," I decided to give it a try!
I wanted to create a female protagonist those girls could look up to, someone strong and independent who saves the day.  I wanted to give them a female, teenage hero.
 How would you describe your books?
As far as categories go, it is a paranormal romance, but there's a lot of realism to it as well.  I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but I wanted to keep elements of it as realistic as possible.  I wanted Vivian to be unsure of herself at times, to feel awkward like most teenage girls.  She has this awesome power, but she can't pick out an outfit for her first date. She's smart but doesn't want to show how smart because that would draw too much attention.  She likes a gorgeous boy, who likes her, too, but she worries about how someone like him could like someone like her.I also wanted the high school to be as realistic as possible.  Trista, the diva/minivillian, bullies Vivian and Abby, her friend.  Trista's the top of the food chain, and she want everyone to know it.  THAT is reality.  As much as we do to stop bullying in schools, the truth is it still exists.  But come on, who doesn't want to see the underdog win?
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Publishing. Storytelling is something I've always done but just recently began writing down.  But publishing is a whole other beast!  I find it discouraging and tedious to send query letters and browse literary agency sites.  In fact, I think it sucks the joy out of the writing. You pour the proverbial blood, sweat, and tears into a work only to be told how 'it's just not what we're looking for' or 'I just couldn't connect to your story'.  That is why I decided to e-publish.  Life is too short to wait six months to hear back from agents who are overworked and overwhelmed by their slush piles.  What are your favorite genres to read?
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal.  Becca Fitzpatrick, Bree Despain, Sophie Jordan, Rick Riordan, Lauren Kate, Kresley Cole, and Gena Showalter are some of my favorite authors.
I usually have to force myself to read any other genre, but I do like historical romance and some realistic, too.  Simone Elkeles, Gail Giles, and Roland Smith are great realistic authors.
To be honest, I wish I enjoyed realistic fiction more.  It seems like everyone is writing paranormal romance, but alas, it is my first love.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
I want the readers to see a strong, independent teenage girl. In so many paranormal romances, the female character, while typically the narrator, is not the supernaturally powerful character.  She waits for her brooding, Byronic hero, who happens to be a vampire, werewolf, angel, demon--take your pick--to rescue her from some terrifying situation that is usually the result of her bad boy syndrome!  I didn't want that for Vivian.  I want readers to see that she takes care of herself (and anyone else when she needs to).  
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
Social media is extremely important.  I never had a Facebook account until I published, but that is the easiest, fastest way to get the word out about your work.  This blog tour, for example, is an amazing opportunity to connect with people worldwide!  I've spoken to bloggers from England and Ireland, and I would never have thought that was possible a few years ago.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Interesting that you ask this because just last month I had to speak at Career Day in the junior high school where I teach.  The counselor asked me to speak not as a fifteen-year veteran of teaching but as an author.  I felt like a total phony!  What do I know about writing?  I've written one novel that I e-published!  When I said this very thing to my nephew, he said, "Have people bought your book and told you they enjoyed it?" When I answered that they have, his reply was, "Then you're an author."   So, when I spoke to this group of eager faces, I tried to remember that, and the one thing I stressed was DON'T GIVE UP!  If an agent rejects you, if you can't get your format just right for some site you're trying to upload to, or if your computer crashes right before you publish (and yes, that did happen), don't stop.  Sounds like a cheap inspirational poster, but it is 100 percent true. Believe in yourself, even when you want to give up.    **Excerpt - Vivid** “Stop!  What are you doin’ to me?”  On her face is a look of both panic and pain.  I maintain constant eye contact with her; I can’t do otherwise.  For these few seconds, we are totally connected.  I can actually hear her thoughts and see into her mind, and she is afraid, very afraid.  This girl has never been truly afraid until now.  She is petrified, more of her failure to intimidate me than of the actual pain she is feeling.  I can feel her fear in every cell of my body, and though it scares me to admit it, I think I like knowing she is scared of me.  This is a power I haven’t let myself experience in so long, and it feels exhilarating.  There will be repercussions, but right now, I don’t care!  I am standing between her and the majority of the gawking student body.  I lean down into her face just as she had done to me earlier and force her arm to bend, so that it is between my body and hers.“Your eyes . . . what the hell are you?!”  Her arm is beginning to smoke slightly beneath my fingers, and I can smell burning hair.  I jerk her right into my chest, as though she weighs nothing, crushing her arm and the smoking skin between us.  I put my mouth close beside her ear.  “Haven’t you heard?  I don’t play well with others,” I whisper, and my voice sounds strange, tense, stretched tight like a rubber band.  Finally, my brain takes control again, and I release her, pushing her away from me.  She lands on her back and quickly sits up.  She clasps her wrist to her chest, now in the same position as Abby.The girl lets go of her wrist to assess her injury, and I see dark red marks shaped like fingers, my fingers, maybe even a blister or two around the edges.  I look at my own hand where, in the center, a jagged line glows blue, snaking down my palm like lightning.  I squeeze my hand and eyes closed, and when I look again, the mark is gone, my palm my own again.  Then I turn to face the aftermath.   Author Bio:

Andrea Murray has been teaching English for longer than most of her students have been alive.  She has taught everything from junior high language arts to concurrent credit freshman composition. She lives in a very small town in Arkansas with her precocious daughter, energetic son, and racecar-driving husband.  When she isn't writing or reading novels for her students, she's probably watching reality television or cheesy science fiction movies.  In addition to Vivid, Andrea has also written Vicious, the sequel to her first novel.    Buy the Book! http://www.amazon.com/Vivid-The-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B006M5L7EK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335996082&sr=8-1 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vivid-andrea-murray/1108019987?ean=2940013881563 https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/144332 http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5418176.Andrea_Murray/blog?format=rss  

Novels & Reality TV

I was reading a book the other night (no way, right?) and I was really enjoying reading about one of the characters. She had a lot of the same thoughts and fears that I have about getting married and having babies and the whole grown-up thing in general. I found myself wondering if the author was writing from experience, and how I would love to chat with more if that was the case. That led me to thinking about the publishing world these days – more and more authors have a story to tell, and a lot of times it’s based on something in their own lives. I wrote Destined to Fail to tell my story about physical and sexual abuse, hoping it would help others. And I have read scores of other novels where the authors say parts or even the majority of the book is based on themselves.
This led me to think about reality TV. Why is our world now so obsessed with dancing and singing competitions, shows about women searching for wedding dresses or breaking down over their big day, showing families with multiple children and how they cope, even people who love to cut coupons or are struggling with addictions? Reality TV has literally taken over. A lot of people can connect with a show – and no, I’m not talking about reality shows like The Kardashians or The Jersey Shore – clearly these people are dealing with first world problems. But I was thinking about the show Giuliana and Bill in particular, G’s story about breast cancer and then their troubles with having a baby – how many other women and couples out there go through that? It can be comforting to know you’re not alone, and to be able to see how others deal and handle their situation. And it doesn’t have to be a celebrity show – look at hits like John and Kate Plus 8 (the early years). I’m sure other families with multiples enjoyed looking into the lives of another family like them. It’s connected us in a different way than before – whether for the good, bad or the ugly. 
I just found the similarities between novels and reality TV a little interesting. I love reading a book knowing it’s based on someone’s true life, because it makes me feel more connected as a reader. And when I find a book that has a character really speaking to me like the one I mentioned above, it makes me happy. It was almost like free therapy. Okay, someone else has my same feelings. Someone else went through these same fears. I’m not crazy for these thoughts. So even though writing a novel and being on a reality show are clearly very different things, I was able to somehow connect the two, and I just thought it was interesting and wanted to share my two cents. Because that’s another thing that connects us now – blogging and being able to share random thoughts like these with so many people. Hopefully this post makes a bit of sense to others – I got to get back to my reading J Till next time!

Interview & Excerpt - Interview With a Jewish Vampire by Erica Manfred

When did you know writing was for you? 

 In college, when professors started admiring my writing. A well known one thought my essays were really funny and another sent my grade with a note to let him know when my first book was published.
How would you describe your books?

  Varied.  So far I've written a consumer medical book, a book about divorce, a detective novel and a humorous vampire novel.   I have no idea what that means.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?

   Getting started.   I'll do anything to avoid writing, including shopping at Walmart.
What was the inspiration for Interview with a Jewish Vampire? 

 I've been a vampire fan ever since I read Anne Rice's Interview With a Vampire in the 80s.  Her writing was mesmerizing and the whole concept of a vampire society with it's own rules, cast of characters and passions fascinated me.  Of course it was all in the writing.   Anne Rice was a wizard in that book.  She's never written anything so brilliant again, but I still read her anyway.  From there on I became a fan, watching all the movies and reading vampire books that intrigued me.  I lost interest for a while but then Twilight came along and I fell in love all over again, and True Blood captured me completely.
What are your favorite genres to read?  
These days I like great fantasy novels, like Game of Thrones.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?  

I'd like readers to be so convinced that my book was hysterically funny that can't help telling  everyone they know to read it and leave a rave review on Amazon.  But then my work has no redeeming social value.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?

  Everyone seems to think it's a big deal, but there are a lot of ways to promote and social media is just one of them.  Personally I love Facebook but hate Twitter, and a lot of authors are big Tweeters.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?

  Don't give up your day job.  
**Excerpt - Interview With a Jewish Vampire**
Despite the fact that I had a pretty face, I didn’t get a lot of action on  JDate because I had checked “a few extra pounds” in the body size box. “A few” was an understatement, which is why I always met dates at night in bars. I wore black and got there first so they would see me sitting down. My face was a lot slimmer than the rest of me. Jewish guys were the worst when it came to weight—and everything else. Only a Jewish supermodel who ran a law firm was good enough for the Jewish princes I met on JDate.I was perched on a barstool too teeny to accommodate my rear end, which spilled over the edges. I peered at everyone else's barstools and felt worse seeing all those visible edges. I decided that from now on my goal in life would be to sit on a barstool and be able to see the edges.  I tugged on my low-cut tunic top trying in vain to hide the bulges between chest and crotch which seemed to have a mind of their own, ballooning out despite my best efforts.  At least I was showing some cleavage, my best physical attribute.  He rescued me from what was rapidly becoming a severe fat attack.   
Author Bio:

Erica Manfred is a freelance journalist, humorous essayist, and author.   Her most recent book is the novel,  Interview with a Jewish Vampire.  She’s also authored two non-fiction self-help books, including most recently He’s History You’re Not; Surviving Divorce After Forty.     Her articles and essays have appeared in Cosmopolitan, The New York Times Magazine, Ms., New Age Journal, Village Voice, Woman’s Day, SELF, Ladies Home Journal, and many other publications.  Erica lives in Woodstock, New York with her Chihuahua, Shadow, and her daughter, Freda. Brought up by Jewish parents who spoke Yiddish but avoided religion, she got her Jewish education at the Woodstock Jewish Congregation which welcomes Jews from all backgrounds, from atheist to Orthodox, to vampire.    Her website is www.ericamanfred.com, or visit www.jewishvampire.com

*Interview with a Jewish Vampire is now $2.99 for Kindle and FREE for Amazon Prime Members!*

Interview with Toni Aleo

When did you know writing was for you?I think I knew when I was fourteen, writing Backstreet Boys fanfiction. I was the best one out there! I had a website and all kinds of cool stuff! It was awesome! I was horrible at writing sex scenes though. I was a virgin, so my stuff was ridiculous. I found a box full of my writing a couple months ago, and I just giggled. 
 How would you describe your books?Fun. Emotional. Intense. Steamy. It’s a Happily Ever After. I love a good love story and I think mine meet those requirements of the hot hero, and the relatable heroine. I don’t like heroines that you have nothing in common with or are to fake. I think my characters face real issues and grow. And most of all love.  
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?When I get stuck. I wrote Taking Shots and Trying to Score for 10 months straight. I have been working on Empty Net since January, and I am stuck. BLAH! Its driving me insane! Other than that, when it comes it comes and I am just too happy for words! 
How is writing a series different from a stand alone novel?I like series, you get to see the characters from past books in the new. I knew that Elli and Shea’s story couldn’t be over. People would want to see them grow, so I decided to write a series. When I tried to write a stand alone novel, it just did not work, and I knew I was meant to write a hockey series.  
What are your favorite genres to read?I am a hopeless romantic. I only read romances. I tried YA but I felt weird reading about kids, falling in love with a 14 year old when your 28 is kinda weird so I tend to keep to adult reads. Then I can lust after guys my age! Hehe!
What do you want readers to take away from your story?Love, I guess. I want you to feel good inside and be happy that you took that ride with my characters. They are an amazing bunch, and I love them dearly. 
 How important do you think social media is for authors these days?I think it is a huge importance. I have been involved in social media since the beginning. Facebook and Twitter are huge and it connects you with so many people across the world.  
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?Just do it. If you want to write, then write. Don’t give up and don’t let anyone else tell you differently.
Please visit Toni's tour page on CLP Blog Tours!

Interview with Terri Giuliano Long

Thank you so very much for hosting me, Samantha. It’s an honor to be here today!
When did you know writing was for you? When I was a child, my mom read to my siblings and me every day before our afternoon nap, instilling and nurturing a love of reading and story. Throughout my childhood, I entertained myself by making up stories and plays. In high school, nearly all my hobbies and activities somehow involved writing. I wrote for the school paper, edited the yearbook. One day, determined to be a “real” writer, I marched into the office of the town paper and asked the editor for a job. At first, I covered sports and general high school news. Soon, the editor offered me my own column. I was sixteen. That column was my first paid writing job. I earned about a dollar a week. Writing that column – that people read and talked about my work - was exhilarating! I knew then that writing was the only job I’d ever want.
While my stories, and even genres, differ—my novel-in-progress, Nowhere to Run, is a psychological thriller with a historical twist—the stories always tie back to the family. Families fascinate me - the ways we love, yet often hurt one another, the grief, the revelation, the joy. We’re all part of a family, which, it seems to me, is why we connect to family stories. For me, this connection, the dialogue between writer and reader, is what writing is all about.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?I’m a perfectionist and I’m also persistent. I tend to go over and over my work. I work hard and I expect a lot from myself, which is good, I think, to a point – but you have to let go. My father has always said, “What makes you good makes you bad.” Our best qualities, taken to their extreme, get us in trouble. That’s certainly true in my case. You have to know where to focus your energy and when it’s time to move on; otherwise, you never finish anything. This is something I struggle with. Nothing I write ever feels quite good enough, quite finished. I could tinker for years – I have at least 100 files of revisions for In Leah’s Wake – but after a while the changes are so minor that I’m the only one who’d ever notice the difference. This has been a life-long struggle, but I’ve finally recognized it. That’s a huge step for me!
What was the most difficult scene to write for In Leah’s Wake?The scenes with Zoe were the toughest to write. She loves her children deeply – I hope that comes across – but, ironically, as she’s a child therapist, she makes a lot of parenting mistakes. When times are toughest, she allows herself to escape into drugs. Despite her mistakes, I wanted readers to see her as a good, decent person.  I also wanted to create a character different from me. I feel this way about all my characters – the stories are not, and should not be, about me – but with a mom it’s hard, because I am a mom. With too much distance, I’d lose authenticity. If I didn’t separate enough, I’d lose the essence of the character I meant to portray. That was hard. I was constantly struggling to find the right balance.
What are your favorite genres to read?I’ll read almost any book if the description catches my eye. I enjoy stories that offer insight into our lives and struggles; for that reason, I’m drawn to literary fiction.  The Road, by Cormac McCarthy, my all-time favorite book, blew me away. I also enjoy chick lit – the Shopoholic series, which my daughter Elizabeth convinced me to read, was a guilty pleasure. Thrillers and police procedurals are the books I devour.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?The epigraph from The Grand Inquisitor says it best:“everyone is really responsible to all men for all men and for everything.” Although the Tyler family is far from perfect, they’re decent people, and they love one another deeply. Had the community rallied around and supported rather than ostracizing them, perhaps Leah would not have gotten as lost. Most teens just want to feel accepted and loved – not for what they accomplish or contribute, but for who they are. I’d be thrilled if my novel inspired readers to suspend judgment, to look less harshly at troubled teens and their families. I feel that we owe it to our teens, our communities, and ourselves to support and encourage all kids, not just those who conform. As Hillary Clinton famously said, it takes a village to raise a child. We must all do our part to be supportive members of the village.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?Before social media, it was nearly impossible for indie writers to sell their books. Only the lucky few sold more than a hundred copies. Social media has changed all that.
For nearly six months after publishing In Leah’s Wake I did no marketing at all – and sold very few books. Last May, realizing I could either market or watch the book die, I began to reach out to readers and other authors through social media. Since then, I’ve sold close to 110,000 books. Just a few years ago, this could never have happened.
Book bloggers, who read our books and spread the word across the Internet, have changed the publishing landscape. Social networks help us enhance and spread our message. And it’s not only indie authors who rely on social media. Traditional publishers, noting the astounding success of authors like Amanda Hawking, have turned to social media to promote their authors and books. To rise above the noise, to raise awareness of your book, social media is not only important – it’s absolutely necessary!
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?Publishing your book, putting it in the hands of readers, is an amazing experience! As the industry evolves, more opportunities are opening for authors. Today we can choose to self-publish or go the traditional route. Either way, we need to put out quality books. Critique partners and professional editors can help us spot errors and inconsistencies and bring our writing to the next level. I’m working with an editor on my novel-in-progress, Nowhere to Run. I’ve taught writing at the university level for 16 years; still, I’m amazed by what I miss. We get too close to the work; another set of eyes can really help.Writing is a lonely profession. We spend long hours alone at our desk. Cherish your friendships. A community of supportive writer friends can encourage and sustain you when your confidence flags.
Above all, believe in yourself. No matter what, don’t ever give up. You can make your dreams happen!

More Thoughts on Self-Publishing

I’m a little behind on this, I apologize. I’ve been in an editing coma for about four weeks, but I am finally poking my head out so I can give my two cents worth on this topic – shall anyone even care. A few weeks back, Jodi Picoult said in an article, and I quote “DO NOT SELF PUBLISH.” Well, clearly Jodi would not be impressed with me. I don’t really get it. A lot of self-published authors fired back, and I salute you friends. To me when I read it, I saw this, “DO NOT FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS. DO NOT WORK HARD TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS. GO FLY A KITE YOU IDIOT.”
Photo Credit: The Creative PennWhen self-publishing first started, it had the bad rep. That rep still follows, but I like to think it has lessened. There are some utterly fantastic authors out there whose query letters get lost in the shuffle. I’m just confused as what Jodi thinks those who make it their goal to be published should do if they never get a response. What if we put ourselves through writing workshops (check) (editing workshops (check) online seminars about writing, editing, publishing, etc (check)? All that for nothing? I don’t like hearing that people think indie authors are taking an easy route, or don’t work as hard. I’ve always said I feel like they work harder. And a big thing – we are investing our own money into our story and publishing. We don’t have anyone to hide behind or can blame our editor or publisher for making us change or vision or characters. It is a tiring process, costly, and then someone wants to look down their nose at me and tell me I’ve made the wrong choices?
I named my publishing company Marching Ink, partly based on my pen Samantha March, but also it is what I believe. We’re marching forward into a new era. You may not agree with it, but let’s think – some people didn’t agree airplanes or automobiles were a great idea when they first came around. A lot of people were wary when cell phones came out. Facebook was a foreign language when that sprouted up. Women’s rights – hello! But instead of being afraid and criticizing those who aren’t, let’s try to have an open mind. Let’s say “good job” to those we have put in the hours and tears when it comes to their writing. The article didn’t have any follow-up question or response from Jodi on why she doesn’t want anyone to self-publish, so I’m not sure exactly what her thoughts are, but I’m disappointed that some aspiring writers might see that article and become too scared to self-publish. I’m all about making your own opportunities, and there have been so many self-publishing success stories, I like to think mine included. My advice for writers? If you want to be an author, be an author. Do your homework, work hard, but most importantly- don’t give up, and don’t let anyone convince you to throw in the towel.

Welcome Kaira Rouda and All the Difference

 I have Kaira Rouda visiting today, author of Here, Home, Hope and All the Difference. Read on for my interview with Kaira & check out an excerpt from All the Difference!
When did you know writing was for you?
Samantha – thank you for having me on your blog! It’s funny, I knew writing was for me the same time you did – early. I find most writers I’ve met are the people who fell in love with reading and the written word from a young age. And whether they were able to pursue that love full-time (don’t get me started, we all know those lucky ones) or are like me and got the career rolling rather later, we can spot a fellow book lover, word lover, writer a mile away.
I knew I wanted to be an author by third grade. My teacher told us to write a letter to the person who had the job we wanted. I wrote to Robert McCloskey – Make Way for Ducklings, Blueberries for Sal – fame.  I was so excited when I received a letter back. In it, Mr. McCloskey wrote: Dear Kaira. Thank you for writing to me. I am glad you want to be an author, but I am an illustrator. Best regards.
I think that anecdote nicely sums up the writing life.

When I read Here, Home, Hope, I closed the book feeling so inspired and empowered as a woman. Were there any life lessons and experiences that helped you write the book?Thank you for saying you were inspired by my novel Here, Home, Hope. One of the first, official  reviews of Here, Home, Hope was by the esteemed Library Journal. I was thrilled to get the review, but the reviewer seemed chagrined. She wrote: “This fiction debut often feels like a how-to book on starting a small business—not surprising, as the author is an entrepreneur and real estate expert, who here highlights women’s entrepreneurial spirit.”
Well, yes, so my background is as a woman entrepreneur. As a fiction writer, everything, every experience in my life is fair game for my fiction. It’s just remixed, escalated and plopped into imaginary worlds. My publisher for Here, Home, Hope felt that my experience as a woman entrepreneur – and the fact I had a nonfiction book out titled REAL YOU INCORPORATED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs – would help bolster my fiction debut. I think it’s irrelevant. Women don’t buy novels because they’ve read a business book, and vice versa.
But, the person writing both books is me. My experiences are woven into both books – as well as my new novel All The Difference. I’m so thrilled if a reader has fun and enjoys one of my books. If she is inspired by one of them, all the better. I’m finally stepping into the career I’ve dreamed about, I have a lot to say, and I love it when my words resonate. 
How would you describe your books?     Contemporary suburban fiction. I like that category, but it doesn’t really exist. My characters – so far - live in a world where they are fortunate to have stable, relatively secure – monetarily – lives.  Everything else is up for grabs. The setting of Here, Home, Hope, A Mother’s Day and All The Difference is the comfortable suburb of Grandville. Some characters appear in multiple stories, but they all stand alone. I’ll probably break out of the suburbs someday…but I’ll be writing there for a while. My next novel, In The Mirror, is set there, too.  

What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?     The rewrite.  And the next revision. And the …
What are your favorite genres to read?I love all things women’s fiction…whatever that means. So, I guess, I love to read broadly and a lot. I believe that’s the key to good writing. A love of reading takes you far.
What do you want readers to take away from All the Difference?All The Difference is very different from Here, Home, Hope. In my debut novel, characters were having affairs (read sex) but it was off-screen. In All The Difference, they are much more active on the page. This novel has an unreliable character and a hidden murderer – so I think you’re getting the idea that this isn’t another midlife crisis/reinvention tale. I love Susan Isaacs’ tales of suburban murder and intrigue, so this is my salute to her style of contemporary suburban fiction, with a little suspense included.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?Social media is THE MOST IMPORTANT medium for authors these days. Period.

You are known for your philanthropy. What suggestions and tips do you have for someone wanting to contribute and give back as well?  Join organizations you believe in. Give money but also time. If you see a need in your community that isn’t being met, meet it. By all means, follow your passions. If you give back from the heart it strengthens the real you.

What would be your advice to aspiring writers?Write. Do it. Start.

Kaira Rouda is an award-winning entrepreneur and author. She lives in Southern California with her husband and four children and is at work on her next novel. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or KairaRouda.com. Books by Kaira Rouda include:
All The DifferenceHere, Home, HopeA Mother’s Day: A Short StoryReal You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs
Website: http://www.kairarouda.com
All the Difference Excerpt: 
CHAPTER 2
Three Weeks Earlier, Friday, May 1
Ellen Anderson could see the fork in the road from her kitchen window. She watched as cars chose one route or the other. Some drivers were confused, swerving at the last minute as they made a choice. Many seemed to know exactly where they were going. Only a couple had smashed into the tree growing in the median.That’s me, she thought. In the middle, smashing into the tree. Barren. Empty. Dead. Hungry.
It was almost time for lunch. She stared out the window past the bright green carpet of grass at the acres of farm fields rolling behind her Victorian dream home. She expected her husband’s red convertible Mercedes, top down, to burst around the back corner of the house any minute.
Michael’s dark brown hair—thinning on top—would be tossed by the wind. He liked his hair like that—young, carefree. His six-foot frame folded into the front seat, and even in a small sports car, he appeared in command of the road, his home, his life, and of course, his wife. With his sunglasses on and his face locked in a grin, his music cranked, he still looked the part of the fraternity social chair he was when they met. Glasses off, he had lines at the corners of his eyes, golf squint lines, defining his thirty-eight years.She didn’t see him yet. So Ellen waited. She’d been cooking all morning. It was her hobby, really her only passion these days, and now, with the Internet, she could find recipes for anything. Everything had a recipe. Except, of course, her life. She planned, thought she had all the ingredients, but always, something was missing. Having finished cooking, she waited.
An observer may have thought that, standing there on her tiptoes, silhouetted by sunlight piercing the leaded glass panes, Ellen looked like a bird about to take flight. Her shiny black hair was pulled up in a high ponytail. Her dark skin, a tribute to her Brazilian roots, made the perfect contrast to the white countertops and yellow and white walls of the kitchen.
As with most things in the house, the countertops were built too high for her, a bow to Michael’s height and ultimate say on everything, even her kitchen. After thirty-three years of feeling small, whenever Ellen wanted to feel empowered, by habit, she would stand on her toes and lean forward.
The last time she had done so was earlier that morning, as Dr. Burnhardt, her fertility specialist, murmured there was nothing else he could do and handed her an adoption brochure. He didn’t seem to understand adoption wasn’t an option for Michael and, therefore, wasn’t for her either. She’d endured years of tests and humiliating procedures. All in vain. The dream home she and Michael had completed the year before was a family home, with four extra bedrooms and a large nanny suite.
“I’m so very sorry, Ellen, dear,” the doctor said. Listening, Ellen fell off her toes. Her last hope was gone; she felt deflated, subhuman. Women were supposed to get pregnant and have babies. Weren’t they? It’s supposed to be natural. Why had she worried about contraception all those years? Maybe it was the miscarriage, she thought, and shuddered.“But, you know, I had, had—”“Yes, you mentioned the miscarriage. I remember, dear. And while you were able to conceive then—I believe that was what, ten years ago, right?—your body changes, and conception is harder the older a woman is. It’s a mystery. I wish we could control conception like we can contraception. I am sorry, Ellen,” Dr. Burnhardt said again, sounding anxious to conclude the discussion and send his pitiful patient home.Ellen thought she was about two months pregnant when she had lost the fetus. I wonder if it was a boy or girl, and I wonder who the baby looked like. The same questions floated through her subconscious often, never dislodged by the reality of a new fetus growing inside.
She was still dreaming of the baby she would never hold when she heard the sound of gravel rumbling outside. Michael had arrived home for lunch. They’d planned this date at home so she could fill him in on the results of her latest and final round of tests.“Ellen, what did he say?” Michael asked quietly when he walked in the door behind her.“We won’t be having any children, Michael. I wish I could’ve kept our baby, the one we made,” Ellen said, turning, tears streaming down her face.
“Maybe it’ll still happen, Ellen. We need to get on with life. You know, maybe you should go back to work,” Michael said, trying to be calm, be nice.
“What about adoption, Michael, please?” Ellen asked between sobs.
“I’ve told you my feelings on this. I’m just not going to raise a kid that isn’t mine.” Seeing her tears, he softened his tone. “It just wasn’t meant to be, El. You know that. It’s OK. You can start up your career, or do that garden club or whatever. That’s why I put you through school. You’ll be fine. We’ll be fine.”“You’re already fine, aren’t you? Where were you last night?” Ellen asked, quietly. She wondered why, if he thought she was as pretty as he said, why she wasn’t enough.
“Working.”
She turned back to the window then, as Michael grabbed the sandwich from the plate on the table and said, “Have a nice day, and don’t wait up. It’ll be another late night at work.” She heard the rumbling as his car pulled out on the gravel and then sped silently back down the winding driveway.
Ellen counted to twenty and then pushed the button to close the front gates.
****“Well, I wanted a boy and we ended up with this scrawny thing,” he said to his girlfriend, who moments before, in a final agonizing scream, delivered his fourth child. Her first. Delivered in a twelve-dollar hotel room so no one would  know.
“She’s pretty. Just give her time, you’ll love her, you’ll see,” said the new mother, shaking as she cradled her newborn.
“I doubt it. I’ll see you later; I have stuff to do.” He left then. And he never came back. If the manager hadn’t found them and called the ambulance, they both would’ve died.
Subsequently, instead of celebrating her birthday every year, her momma dreaded it. Dreaded the day and blamed her daughter for her aloneness. For their poverty. For being.
By her second birthday, she’d caught on. She knew how to be quiet, to be like a mouse. She didn’t want to get a beating on her birthday. She didn’t want anything except for her momma to love her.
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