MwM Author Spotlight: Allie Boniface
Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: Allie Boniface
Q: Tell us a little about your experience with Samhain Publishing.
A: I've published four contemporary romance novels with Samhain, my first in 2007. I've had really positive experiences with them, from the editors to the cover artists to the owner, the author liaison, the business personnel and everyone in-between. They are a very professional organization and they treat their authors well. I was a brand new author coming to them, and I definitely learned my way around the publishing business thanks to Samhain.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: I try to maintain a regular online presence (Facebook, Goodreads, publishing my own blog, guest blogging, giving interviews at romance websites, donating giveaways to various online contests) and I try to combine that with participating in events that will draw readers as well. I do in-person author events when I can (bookstore signings, craft and/or book fairs, readings, conference presentations) and publish online articles or give online workshops when the opportunity presents itself.
Q: What is one thing you'd want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: If you're in it for the long haul, be prepared to grow a thick skin and devote a lot of your own time to promoting yourself. Writing for publication is not easy; not everyone will like your work, and trends and publishers will change. Be prepared to change with them while remaining true to your own vision. Be your own biggest advocate; believe in yourself and your work. Don't let the negative experiences bring you down.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
A: Summer's Song is a sensual contemporary romance set in a small town in upstate New York. The heroine, Summer Thompson, returns to her hometown after her father dies to put his affairs in order – but then she meets super-hunky handyman Damian Knight, who's been hired to work on her newly inherited estate. That's not her central problem, though: Summer begins having flashbacks about the night her brother died – a night she has no memory of and no explanation for.
Meanwhile, Damian is in town to protect his mother and little sister from a crazed ex-husband, so falling for a woman who's only there temporarily poses more than a few complications. And when said ex-husband tracks the family down, the crazy man will stop at nothing to seek revenge.
Ultimately, both Summer and Damian have to deal with their past demons before they can find happiness together. Several readers have called Summer's Song "inspiring" and "touching" because it really deals with finding peace with the past so you can move on and find new love in the future.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP's?
A: I'm currently working on another small town contemporary romance (they're my favorite!) as well as a series of novellas. I have three of my print books releasing in audio book this summer as well, and I have a YA novel on the back burner, needing attention before too long!
Q: How did you get into writing?
A: I've always loved to write. I'm a full-time English teacher by day, so reading and writing is in my blood!
Q: How do balance family and writing?
A: I do most of my writing on the weekends and sometimes in the evenings. I also try to do big chunks of writing during the summer, when I'm not teaching. It's tough, no doubt, but I've found that doing something related to my writing every day (whether it's actual writing or promoting my books) helps keep me focused and motivated.
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