A small update and a guest among us!
It’s been a bit quiet on the western front regarding the book. Since signing with Ghostly Publishing, I’ve contacted many media outlets hoping for some sort of attention from them regarding my first novel.
But while it’s quiet for me, my fellow friend and author Lisa J Hobman is bouncing up and down today as her first novel ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’ is officially released today! Happy book day!
Although i’m insanely jealous of her, I am very happy also as it wasn’t so long ago that twitter brought us together – a pair of hopeful wannabe writers dreaming of publication. And what result, we both get our dreams! Though Lisa gets to live hers out before I do. Boo hiss boo!
Because it’s launch day today I asked Lisa if she’d be a guest on my blog and she’s agreed to it! Yay! So without further ado, let’s get down to it!
Interview with Lisa J Hobman – Author of ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’
So Lisa – What made you decide to write a book?
I had started to write a blog about our relocation to Scotland and enjoyed writing so much I wanted to do more. I’d thought about writing a book before but work and study didn’t allow it. Relocating gave me the perfect opportunity.
Can you tell us a bit about Bridge Over The Atlantic?
Bridge Over the Atlantic is a passionate love story. It’s centred around a young woman who has been unlucky in love and has concentrated on running her business, meaning her love-life has suffered. A chance meeting changes everything.
Do you relate to any of the characters in BoTA?
Absolutely! Mallory my main female character is a curvy girl who struggles with self-esteem. I relate to her all too well and I think there are little bits of me in her. I suppose that’s to be expected really :-)
Will there be a follow up or a direct sequel to BoTA? Will we see Mallory again?
To be honest, I had no intentions of writing another book about Mallory. Her story is completed really in BoTA. My novels are tending to be stand-alone stories but I am working on an idea for a trilogy right now. But that will be a long way off!
As there are so many books out there, what makes yours stand out from the rest?
Oh wow, there are so many wonderful books out there…I have written about things I know and things that are easy to relate to. The people I write about are realistic characters which I hope will endear readers to them. I hope it stands out foe being a wonderful story amongst other wonderful stories. I am not out to steal readers but to attract readers who love the romance genre.
What was the hardest part of the publication process for you?
Waiting! I am so impatient! And I worry…A LOT! I think I kept waiting to wake up and find it had all been a dream. But as of April 4th it’s all official. And my second novel has been signed now too so I guess I will be starting the whole process over again!
Speaking of publication – tell me more about your publisher!
5 Prince Publishing are based in Denver, Colorado, USA. They are growing rapidly and taking on different genres in addition to romance. They believed in my story and have been absolutely wonderful. My editor, Bernadette, has taught me so much that I really feel I am growing as a writer. They work with fantastic people who design their cover art and have just been so supportive. I can’t thank or praise them enough!
Sounds great – Where can I get my copy of BoTA?
Well, Allan, you can pop on over to http://www.5princebooks.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes and Smashwords depending on how you would like your copy! From April 4th it’s available in eBook and Paperback! Yay!
Any tips for aspiring authors?
Yes!
1)Learn how to present a manuscript. (This is SOO very important! Publishers and agents can dismiss a fantastic story if the manuscript is untidy. There are many websites out there to help with this.)
2) Look into Point Of View for your work (I have to admit to not realising this was an issue until the editing process)
3) Be persistent – you will get rejections – but don’t let them put you off!
4) Find a small team of people who know you well enough to be honest with you about your work – they will be your beta readers.
5) Remember WHY you decided to write.
6) Enjoy what you do! The minute you don’t it’s time to stop.
Many thanks for this brief, but insightful interview Lisa! Good luck with release day!
Thanks, Allan for giving me the opportunity to spread the word about Bridge Over the Atlantic!
A lovely lady! Hopefully I can bring you some more news regarding ‘James Knight and the Orb of Ziarn’ soon, but until then, please please please, check out ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’, I know I will be!
Images used courtesy of 5 Prince Publishing, Craig of Craig Photography and Viola Estrella.
