REUTS Author Interview: C.L. Denault


C.L. Denault is a speculative fiction writer who loves dreaming up tales of adventure and intrigue. A former systems analyst, she gave up her nerdy code-writing skills to care for her family (including a son with special needs), and currently lives among the vast stretches of cornfields in Illinois.
Writing and blogging are her biggest passions, along with drinking coffee and watching sci-fi. When she’s not hanging out with her husband and kids, she can usually be found at a library or tucked away in the shadowy corner of a hip coffeehouse. She’s also been glimpsed sneaking into her garage, late at night, to work on her time machine.
She enjoys connecting with people—especially those from other planets, nearby dimensions, and the future. To find her, just visit www.cldenault.com or The INFJ Café. Or use a Stargate. Whichever is easiest.
Tell us how you came to be an Author with REUTS.
My introduction to REUTS was a classic case of serendipity! I was a member of an online writing community and had some of my material out there for feedback and review. When Kisa Whipkey, Senior Editorial Director at REUTS, started following my work, I noticed her status as an editor. Intrigued, I reached out, and she encouraged me to submit my manuscript. A couple of months later, they offered me a contract.
What do you enjoy most about being a REUTS Author?
I really like the way the REUTS team considers all of us a family. They encourage and support their authors in our journey toward publication, lend their expertise at every turn, and work hard to foster community. They’re not just co-workers, they’re friends, and that’s a huge comfort to someone like me, who’s very new to the publication process.
What have your experiences been like working toward being published?
At first, the whole thing was overwhelming. I walked in a complete newbie with zero experience and a huge learning curve to tackle. Fortunately, the REUTS team was patient enough to show me the ropes. They held my hand and supported me through everything from cover design to coping with line edits. I never dreamed that publication would be such a multifaceted process, but REUTS has gone out of their way to make it enjoyable.
What would you have done differently?
Nothing. I’m a firm believer that things happen for a reason, and my journey with REUTS has shaped me in some really unique and important ways. I never argue with serendipity!
How has your book been marketed?
As an introvert and rookie novelist, I knew very little about how to market a book. So REUTS helped me set up a Facebook fan page and Goodreads account to get started. They provided Facebook and Twitter banners, as well as teaser images and a book trailer to draw attention to my release. They’ve also been very good about sharing links, retweeting, and setting up a blog tour to help spread the word.
Any advice on how to better market a book?
Build lots of authentic connections. Especially with extraverts! Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool, and the bigger your community, the more likely you are to have your work in front of the right people.
Last question; If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, when would it be, and what would you be wearing?
Definitely New Zealand. Auckland’s at the top of my bucket list, and since they have summer in December, I’d leave behind the snowy Midwest and enjoy hiking some trails and jet boating. Stopping first, of course, at Eddie Bauer for some high-quality hiking outfits. And then…bring on the adventure!
Thanks so much for having me, Katie!

In Earth’s battle-ridden future, humans have evolved. Those with extraordinary skills rise to power and fame. Those without live in poverty.

Sixteen-year-old Willow Kent believed she was normal. But when a genetically-advanced military officer shows up in her village and questions her identity, long-buried secrets begin to emerge. With remarkable skills and a shocking genetic code the Core and its enemies will do anything to obtain, Willow suddenly finds the freedom she craves slipping through her fingers. Greed, corruption, and genetic tampering threaten every aspect of her existence as she’s thrust, unwilling, into the sophisticated culture of the elite Core city. To ensure peace, she must leave the past behind, marry a man she’s never met, and submit to the authority of a relentless officer with a hidden agenda of his own.

Her life has become a dangerous game. How much will she sacrifice in order to win?
Gambit releases on March 31st.Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19314543-gambit
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Published on March 27, 2015 00:05
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