

# Writing Tips From Authors.

© Cover design and formatting by Paradox – Patti Roberts.

2016 publication edited by Tabitha Ormiston-Smith.

First published

Copyright © 2013 Patti Roberts.

Copyright © 2013 Participating authors.

#  FACT

Stephen King has published 49 novels and counting, all of them bestsellers. He has sold more than 350 million copies of his works. According to Forbes, he earns approximately $40 million per year, making him one of the richest writers in the world today. His acclaimed nonfiction book, On Writing, was also a bestseller. He is the recipient of the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.

"Writing isn't about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it's about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well."

Stephen King

#  About this publication

Dear reader, regardless of whether you are a budding writer or a successfully published author, I hope you enjoy reading the stories, interviews and shared advice from some very talented people. I hope you find the information in this book not only interesting but also insightful. Perhaps you will take something interesting from this book that will assist you on your own writing journey. For those published authors who would like to share your stories with others, you can contact me any time.

On behalf of all the authors involved, thank you, and enjoy the book.

For further information regarding this publication, Writing tips from Authors, you can contact Patti Roberts at pattiroberts7@gmail.com or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PattiParadox

# Authors

Fact

Dedication

On the two types of writers

Sites for marketing your books

David Bishop – The Woman (Amazon bestselling mystery author)

Suzy Turner - The Ghost Of Josiah Grimshaw

Ella Medler – Blood Is Heavier (Editor, writer, publisher)

Kenneth Hoss \- Deadly Storm

Patricia Puddle – Ominous Love

Tarek Hassan Refaat – Ribbons & Heels

Elaine Raco Chase – Double Occupancy

Sasha Kildare – Dream Walking

Barbara Watkins – Thorns Of An Innocent Soul

Glenn Starkey.- Mr. Charon.

Donya Lynne - All the King's Men

Carlyle Labuschagne – The Broken Destiny

Carole Sutton – Flash Harry

Thom Locke.- The Ming Inheritance

Suz Demello – Desire In Tartan

Tabitha Ormiston-Smith – Gift Of Continence (Editor and writer)

James Eggebeen \- Foundling Wizard (Apprentice to Master)

S. M. Hineline – Hunting

Solease M Barner – Secrets Of The Ghosts

Emerald Barnes – Read Me Dead

Michelle A Horst – Vaalbara. The Land Of Shadows

Peggy Holloway – Time and Time Again

Patti Roberts – Paradox – Bound By Blood (Writer, cover designer, formatting)

Lavinia Urban – ERIN. The Fire Goddess. The Beginning

Annie Miles - Misled

Tiffeny Moore – Past Unleashed

Contact

# License Notes

Smashwords Edition.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold, copied or re-produced. If you did not purchase this copy, please return to Smashwords and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting and supporting the author's work. Comments and reviews are welcomed.

#  Dedication

This book is dedicated to all those who spend hours, days, months, even years, with the sole purpose of entertaining others with the written word.

# On the two types of writers:

George RR Martin [Game Of Thrones] says, "I've always said there are – to oversimplify it – two kinds of writers. There are architects and gardeners. The architects do blueprints before they drive the first nail, they design the entire house, where the pipes are running, and how many rooms there are going to be, how high the roof will be. But the gardeners just dig a hole and plant the seed and see what comes up. I think all writers are partly architects and partly gardeners, but they tend to one side or another, and I am definitely more of a gardener. In my Hollywood years when everything does work on outlines, I had to put on my architect's clothes and pretend to be an architect. But my natural inclinations, the way I work, is to give my characters the head and to follow them."

# Sites for marketing your books

Facebook and Twitter are not enough to get your book out there. Try some of the following.

eBookSoda

eBookArrow

Kindle books and Tips

Read Cheaply

Bknights - Fiverr

Bargain Booksy

Thunderclap

ebookbooster

Goodkindles

My Romance Reads

OHFB (Featured Ad at top of page)

Awesome Gang

Bargain eBookHunter (Not guaranteed)

Pixel Scroll (Not guaranteed)

eBookLister

Booksends

I Love Vampire Novels

Fussy Librarian

Riffle

#  David Bishop – The Woman.

David, when did you begin writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

I am a writer of mysteries/thrillers/suspense novels. I have read mysteries all my life and always wanted to write them. I needed no more inspiration. I only needed to bring my life to a point where I could find/make/take the time to begin the process of writing fiction. Prior to writing novels I spent twenty-five years as a financial analyst. During those years I wrote a lot of technical financial articles for legal and financial journals, including a nonfiction book which was published, on the subject of determining the value of privately owned businesses or business interests. Then I switched to fiction and loved it, as I knew I would. I've not looked back or done anything else since.

Was there a particular book that inspired you? And if so, what was it?

No particular book or author. There were and are many authors I admire and many books with which I am fascinated, but no, my inspiration is as I described in reply to your first question.

How do you overcome writer's block?

I've never had it so I am a poor source for an answer to this question. I avoid discussions about writer's block and do not read articles about it, and do not attend writer's conference sessions where it is discussed. When I have time to write, I sit down, read the prior paragraph of what I am working on and continue.

Do you have a particular word count I try to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

The second part first: I do not write every day. As for word count, again no. I write when I have time and write the number of words I can write in that time. Some days I get up early and start writing at six in the morning and stop when it's time to go to bed for the night—naturally, except for eating and personal hygiene. Other days I play golf or work out, or use the day supporting the efforts of family and friends.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

I don't plot, so given the two choices, I guess I must write by the seat of my pants. I would guess that all these self-imposed borders such as number of words per day, whether I write better in the morning or at night, when I'm alone, or with or without music playing, the position of the moon and all the rest of that kind of thing may be part of why some writers get writer's block. My plumber doesn't only fix my plumbing problems on mornings when it isn't raining and when the moon was full the night before. He's a plumber so he plumbs. I'm a writer so I write. When you have time, sit down and do it. Life is often hard enough without our making it harder.

GOING ON VACATION APPROACH TO WRITING: Being a crime writer, I start with the crime itself: the who, what, when, where, and why of the dastardly deed. After that, I decide the protagonist. Next I identify the villain in a broad sense, and then decide how the story ends. I usually write the last scene first, more on that in a minute. Then I go back to the beginning and start writing. Commonly, I change the opening chapter several times in very meaty ways. The last chapter rarely gets changed in a material sense, but is, like the entire story, rewritten many times.

What did I mean by the Going on Vacation Approach to Writing?

No one loads the luggage in the trunk and puts the kids in the back seat and drives off to begin their vacation without knowing where they are going. If they did, the vacationing family would not know if they ever got there. Same with mysteries (and I suspect with romances, westerns, paranormals and all stories). Where is the story headed? If we don't know, then how does the writer choose the twists and turns designed to get there? Knowing where you are going is always a great aid to getting there. Simple? Right! I told you this writing is not all that complex. Knowing where the story is headed allows the writer to move the hero and the villain and justice, in whatever form the author decides it will take, toward the story conclusion. The clues, the scenes, etc., are all designed to get where the family is going on vacation, so to speak.

My next step is to complete a seven-page bio on each primary character. This bio includes age, where they live, are they straight or gay, are they married? What is that character's education, profession, special training, etc. Does s/he have children? Pets? Handicaps? Illnesses? Parents alive or dead? Hobbies? Vices? Tics? Talents? What is that person's appearance? Favorite foods, best friends? All of it. In this step I am inventing people. I want to know these characters like I know my friends and coworkers and neighbors. This way I know how they will speak and react within the context of the story. This also helps prevent all your characters from walking and talking the same as all your other characters. (Doing that will kill the story.)

Okay, I digress. Let me get back to your questions.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

Absolutely essential. Can you do it yourself, sure, but likely you will not do it very well. Even if you have the skill, which few authors have, you are wrapped up in the story. It is your turf and you will defend it. You will also get caught up in how you told the story, which action verbs you chose, how you might rewrite the scene better. All of this is a distraction to pure editing. I know, you may think that you are an exception and you can edit your own work. You aren't. None of us is. However, you are the author so you are free to take or reject this advice.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

I'll choose to ignore the obvious list of which places to do it, how to do, how to arrange signings, on which social medias to focus, etc. There is a lot out there on that and if you are at all determined to be a writer you have likely seen some of this already and won't be able to avoid seeing more of it. So, let me answer this a different way. The most successful way to market your work is to write it exceedingly well. Excellent writing entertains. And those who are truly entertained by it will want to buy other books you have written. They will want to tell their friends about your book. Recommend it to their book club, etc. I cannot tell you the number of times I have read an author's telling of how they did the same thing(s) to market their book that others have done, but that the marketing didn't work—when it did work for other authors. If this happens, quit looking at the marketing and start looking at the content of what you wrote. Don't defend your work as good. Investigate why your work may not be good enough—yet. Then rewrite. I also hear authors say, "I don't care if it sells or not. I write for myself." Yeah. Right. Sure. If they write for themselves or maybe their family and friends then why spend the time and money to have it published? If we aren't honest with ourselves, we will never hear the truth. Go ahead, stomp on your own ego, like the rest of us have. Get used to it. You get published and others will stomp on it along with you. Authoring is not for the faint of heart. Now, having said that, authoring is also wonderful and courageous, so if it's for you, then saddle up and be ready to ride hard. Thought to carry with you. Readers love to read. Give them an entertaining story and they will tell others and buy more of your books. If they don't, forget about criticizing the readers and stop blaming the marketing venues which you think failed you. Look at your content. Successful writing is all about content. Then market it, so the world knows you have built a better mousetrap. And, as I said, there is a lot out there on marketing.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

Reread this once a week for a month, then once a month for a year. You're reasonably intelligent. You're basically honest. You're willing to work hard. Are you also willing to challenge your own skills? Let others do it too? Read a lot and rewrite everything you write more times than you can count—an exaggeration, but not by much. Avoid too often using the word was, words which end in 'ly', too many exclamation points—it's the words, not the punctuation, that establish true exclamation. When you want to dial up tension, shorten your sentences. Use active words which vibrate with energy. Be literary, but not too often—a little goes a long way. Example: The sky was streaked with white clouds. Yeah. Okay. OR: The clouds were stretched toward the horizon like white taffy pulled by the hands of mischievous children.

Get into the story pretty fast. Due to TV and movies, readers (who are also viewers) are used to being hooked early. If you don't do it your book will become a wallbanger and they will pick up another. Many of the past masters of fiction would have a hard time getting started in modern times given the impatience of today's readers. Later, fade back and sprinkle in the backstory so necessary to fleshing out your key characters. No information dumps.

What advice were you given when you first started that has been the most helpful?

Read. Read. Read. Write. Write. Write. Rewrite. Rewrite. Rewrite. Rewrite. Rewrite. Rewrite. Rewrite.

Any further information you feel is relevant on writing to the new writer reading this book?

I think I covered it pretty well above, but a few deep-thinking exercises for authors—particularly those who publish independently.

1) When authors use the popular social media (facebook, twitter, Linked-in, etc.) are they using it as a social media or as a business promotion on a social media? This is subtle yet an important distinction. Are the pictures of you drunk sleeping on the diving board at Club Med appropriate for the author image you are trying to convey? That picture may be fine for your family and friends, but is it right for readers and prospective readers? Same thing with discussing politics and religion on social media, or just being a complainer about anything.

What is the true cost of a book bought by one of your readers?

The 0.99 or 9.99 or whatever you charge for the book, or the investment of 40 hours that a reader invests in reading your book? Nearly every author labors over whether he should price his book at 2.99 or 3.99 or 7.99, or whatever. If the true cost is the time the reader must invest when reading, then selling your book may be less about the price (within reason) and much more about selling the perception of value in the read. Very few readers (I'm close to saying no readers) will look at your book and think, "This cover and blurb doesn't engage me, but it is only 1.99 instead of 3.99 so I'll buy it and waste 40 hours being bored. So stop laboring over a dollar or two one way or the other and get your focus on conveying the perception of value in the read itself. If you connect with that, they buy your book at whatever reasonable price.

About the Author.

David Bishop stuck his author nose under the edge of the mystery tent with his first novel in October 2011. Since then his mysteries have maintained a constant presence on Amazon Best Selling Lists in multiple categories of mystery novels. He has also been listed numerous times among the 100 best selling authors of mysteries, including appearances among the top 10.

He writes several series characters:

MATT KILE MYSTERIES (in the order of release): Who Murdered Garson Talmadge, The Original Alibi, and Money & Murder.

MADDIE RICHARDS MYSTERIES (in order of release): The Beholder, and Death of a Bankster.

JACK McCALL MYSTERIES (in order of release): The Third Coincidence, and The Blackmail Club.

The stories within these series are independent, not continuing. They can be read in any order.

Some personal comments from David:

I was born in Washington, D.C. From there my life likely mirrored that of a lot of my readers. We moved around. I got some education. Played some sports, and got some more education. Prior to becoming a novelist, I worked as a financial analyst determining the value of companies. But let's talk about my current and final career, writing mystery novels.

As a writer, I conjure up occurrences designed to quickly bring the story to a roiling boil. Along the way, I invent people. Victims and villains and heroes are needed, as well as a supporting cast. I make these people fun and interesting so you will welcome them and introduce them to your friends. Primary characters need habits and tics and talents, the qualities that bring them to life and make you love them or hate them. You'll want to see them humiliated or hunted down, be successful or seduced.

My mysteries offer you the opportunity to be challenged to find the villain from among the suspects. Clues as large as a log or as tiny as a bump thereon are salted throughout the stories. There are distractions in the form of false clues, called red herrings, which point to someone other than the real villain.

Take a journey with me. Laugh. Hold your breath. Cheer. Boo. The characters are rich and the plots are grabbers. I promise that you'll be glad you came along. Some people don't like golf or chocolate or even a hearty laugh. But I'll bet you like some of those things and I'll bet you'll like my mysteries.

Yours very truly, David Bishop

#  Suzy Turner – The Ghost Of Josiah Grimshaw.

Suzy, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

I first started writing back in my early twenties but it wasn't until I was made redundant in 2010 that I got serious about it. I am inspired by so many different things that I can't put my finger on my greatest inspiration, to be honest. People, places, music, dreams, ambition. I could go on!

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

I was really inspired by a book that I read for A level English Literature called A Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. It's a beautifully written dystopian novel that took my breath away. Also, I'd have to say Harry Potter and Twilight, because it was through them that I discovered a passion for urban fantasy.

How do you overcome writer's block?

Watch a good movie. Listen to some music. Spend an hour on Pinterest!

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

I don't write every day unless I have a deadline, and when I do, I like to try and write anything upwards of 2,000 words.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

I always have a rough idea of the storyline beforehand and then I write by the seat of my pants. It usually works out pretty well.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

It's my least favourite part of being an author! But its got to be done, so I edit my own work a couple of times, then send it out to a handful of beta readers and then once I've done all their corrections, I send it off to be professionally copy edited.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

The single most effective way has been to make one or more of my books free (especially the first in the series). This has resulted in thousands and thousands of downloads which in turn has resulted in thousands of sales!

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

Find a group of dedicated beta readers - they are absolutely invaluable. Don't let negative reviews get you down, they're just a part of your world now and you must learn to accept them. Don't try and produce a cover yourself unless you are a fantastic designer! People do judge books by their covers and if your cover doesn't grab them in the first few seconds, you're going to lose sales.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

Just to write, write and write some more! The more books you have out there, the more sales you're going to make :D

About the author:

Suzy Turner has worked as a journalist, assistant editor, features editor and magazine editor. Early in 2010 however, she began writing full time and has since completed six books for young adults: The Raven Saga trilogy and The Morgan Sisters series as well as a contemporary women's novel called Forever Fredless.

Although Suzy is a Yorkshire lass at heart, she left her home town of Rotherham, UK, to move to Portugal with her family when she was ten. The Algarve continues to be her home, where she lives with her childhood sweetheart and husband of 15 years, Michael, their two neurotic dogs and a cat who thinks she's a princess. For more information, visit www.suzyturner.com

A finishing note from Suzy:

Personally, I hate reading books where the author has tried to sound super intelligent. It irks me. I don't care about long words and poetically written sentences. Just entertain me with a great story and I'll be putty in your hands ;)

#  Ella Medler – Blood Is Heavier.

Ella, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

I began writing comic skits as a child, after realizing how much watching comedies on TV lightened the lives of people around me. I wanted to make people happy, to see them smile. It wasn't until much later in life that the penny dropped and I simply understood I would never be able to live without writing. That's when I decided it was time to start publishing.

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

Hundreds of books passed through my hands, maybe even thousands, as a child and adolescent. I read as if my life depended on it until full-time employment and children stole my every spare second. As the children grew, and I changed my career, spare time began to re-appear and books snuck back into my life. Now, the days I don't read something are very rare indeed.

How do you overcome writer's block?

I re-read some of my favorite passages in my books, so I can reinforce the message that I am capable of writing decent stuff. Once confidence is restored, writer's block crawls back into its dark crevice at the back of my mind, tail between its legs.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

No. I tried that and pushed myself to complete burn-out. I write when and what I fancy. Occasionally, I need to be prodded into action, but I write the way I feel – from the heart. Word counts don't matter when you concentrate on the work at hand.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

I plot, but not excessively. Some genres are impossible to get right without plotting, while others are looser, so to speak. I have had to do a lot of research and therefore plot carefully for my thrillers, but the fantasy satire, for example, flowed freely from one chapter to the next.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

I strongly believe that even the most experienced author needs the critical eyes of an editor in order to make the most of a good book. It's impossible even to proof your own text perfectly because you always see what you think you wrote. Such blind spots in unedited content could turn a great novel into a laughing stock.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

Word of mouth. The more people sample your work, the more chances they'll tell their friends about it. Of course, first you'd need to write a breathtaking, extraordinary book. Make your readers happy, and they'll talk about your book – because they loved it.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

Three words: ignore the critics. Too many people are ready to criticize for the sheer sake of it. A beginner's confidence is easily rattled. I've seen many authors fold at the harshness of other people's comments. I'm not saying you shouldn't listen to constructive remarks aimed at the book, not at the person. Learn to tell the difference as fast as you can. Improve the writing, but don't try to change as a person to fit others' whims. It would be the worst thing for you to do as an individual.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

Never give up. Goodness knows, you'll have plenty of chances to think of reasons why you shouldn't go on. Hang in there and do your best. Better days will come.

Thoughts from Ella Medler:

Have you stopped to think what keeps readers interested in a book? I don't mean why they pick it up in the first place, but rather why they stay with it to the last page. Whatever artifice you may employ to make someone invest a few dollars to buy your book is wasted if that's all you get out of them. You haven't won the battle unless you've convinced them, through the wonder of your amazing creation, to come back for more. What you really want to do is get those readers to say 'Ah, I remember that author! I read their books, and they were awesome!' and then run to tell all their friends about you.

There's no denying the fact that not all books have that key ingredient, the hallucinogenic that makes us continue to ignore the world while we turn the pages until the dinner's charcoal, the cat has ventured to take its chances on the open prairie and the neighbors have unofficially – and somewhat illegally – adopted the baby. That stuff is magic.

Some give up on a book after the first chapter, if they haven't been drawn in. Others keep reading until the end, simply because they hate not finishing what they have started, of all the silly reasons on Earth! You think I'm joking? No chance. GoodReads have done in-depth studies on this subject, apparently. As a rule, I believe studies, though I'm often skeptical of the motivations.

Anyway, back to the real deal – what is it that makes a novel un-put-down-able?

Back in the early days of my writing career, I was searching for the perfect novel recipe. Now, I know there isn't one. If you don't write from the bottom of your heart, you're only half-writing. But back then, I learned an important lesson: human beings are disaster-hungry.

If we have reason to believe the world is likely to end half-way down the next page, we'll read on. If the villain looks well-set to kill the protagonist by the end of the chapter, we'll read on. If our characters are likely to suffer, we want to watch it happen.

And so the most important feature of a good novel can be found: the conflict. Give your reader a conflict, give them mystery, give them the opportunity of things going wrong, and they'll read a few pages. Finish the chapter on a cliff-hanger and you've got them to move on to chapter two.

But conflict isn't enough. What is conflict between slugs? You need to make your characters strong enough to support it, not only initially, but also as the plot thickens and obstacles cut out their avenues to success. You need to make the reader care, feel something about your main character – a strong emotion, such as love and hate, or its younger cousins: pity, envy and disgust.

Whatever you do, you must create the lure, the pull one feels when they can identify with a person or a situation, because it is at that point that we ask ourselves: what would I do if I was faced with this problem? We love to judge others, and we love to offer advice. We're hard-wired to help others. If we care about a character, emotionally, we are invested. We want to cheer for the hero and we want to boo the villain out of the room!

Still, the characters may be awesome, and there could be mystery and conflict, and our readers may be on page thirty by now, but then what? How do we keep the book stuck to their fingers?

That, my dears, is where the magic happens. The magic is in the plot, and the author holds the magic wand. Make your world charming, make it sensory and rich, multi-layered and enticing. Make the readers want to pack up their bags and move into your world right away. Whether fantastic or real, this is the place where your characters interact, where wars are won or lost, where love is found. It would be a pity to have worked so hard on establishing the conflict and creating amazing characters, if your plot lets you down.

Fascinate the reader! Imagine your storyline like a balloon. Pump it up – it changes shape and color. Suddenly you see what was hidden in the creases. Pump it up some more, and it changes again. Don't, whatever you do, take that nasty pin to it. No one likes a let-down. Twist your balloon, make it different, make it unpredictable, and when the time comes, let it fly.

The ending to your novel should be just that – a satisfying dream that's rightfully ended. Something a dreamer might want to go back to, to dream about again and again. Be the person who takes care of the dreamers, be the dreamweaver, the author they'll go back to when they need to drift off again.

About the Author:

Ella Medler is a U.K. author and free-lance editor. She writes fiction in more than one genre in a seemingly vain attempt to slow down her overactive brain enough to write non-fiction on subjects she knows a thing or two about. She also does not believe in the starchy use of English and ignores the type of rule that doesn't allow for a sentence to be finished in a preposition. Her books are action-driven and well-developed characters are her forte. Loves: freedom. Hates: her inner censor.

Ella is the author of an impressive list of titles:

Martin Little Series

Martin Little, Resurrected (Book 1)

Martin Little Takes Epic Action (Book 2, coming after Book1's contract expires)

Hunter Series

Blood Is Heavier (Book 1) — also part of the anthology Weapon of Choice (Coming soon)

Blood is Power (Book 2) — also part of the anthology The Edge Of Madness (Coming March 1, 2016)

Blood is Not Enough (Book 3 — Coming 2016)

Eternal Series

Eternal Island (Book 1)

Eternal Immortality (Book 2)

Eternal Illusion (Book 3)

Eternal Innocence (Book 4 — Coming Soon)

Addicted to Love Romance Collection

(Stand Alone Titles)

Not Juliet

Trial Run

Safe Haven (Coming Soon)

To Catch A Guy (Coming Soon)

True Blue (Coming Soon)

Fly With Me Series

Frozen Heart (Prequel) — available as part of following anthologies only: Wrapped With a Bow, Flights of Fantasy, Legends

Lionheart Series

Someone To Turn To (Prequel) — available exclusively in the charity anthology This Beautiful Escape

Find A Lion's Heart (Coming Soon)

Heal A Lion's Heart (2016)

Tame A Lion's Heart (2016)

Break A Lion's Heart (2016)

Own A Lion's Heart (2016)

Afire — available exclusively in the anthology Sensual Diversions

Authorship Adventure Series (Non-Fiction)

The Author Platform — How to build yourself a castle that will stand the test of time

How To Build A Novel — What works, what doesn't, and how to fix the unfixable

10 Sane Thoughts For Harassed Writers — How to gain perspective and turn setbacks into triumphs

Proof And Edit 101— Easy basics guaranteed to save you time and money

50 Things No One Tells You About Book Publishing — And what to do about them (available now)

Proof And Edit — Comma Special

The Author Organizer — How to anticipate, survive and master the whirlpool of your publishing career.

Blazing Ends and Riveting Beginnings — Capture your readers' hearts from the first line and give them a finale they'll want to tell the world about. (Coming soon)
Kenneth Hoss – Deadly Storm.

Ken, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

I started writing in High School, mostly Science Fiction short stories. I would go outside after lunch, find a nice shady spot and start writing. My influences were Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, and Ray Bradbury, and I read anything by them that I could get my hands on. There were others, but these were the most memorable.

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

I recall the first time I read "Have Spacesuit – Will Travel", and became fascinated with the idea of travelling to the Moon and writing about other worlds.

How do you overcome writer's block?

This hasn't happened to me lately, but when it does, I usually take a break from writing. I'll break out a book and read, or go down to my favorite pub, have a few and people watch. If the block isn't too bad, I'll pull up a blank document, stare at it and the words eventually come.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

I don't have a set word count I shoot for, unless I'm under a self-imposed deadline. Mostly I shoot for a thousand a day, but don't always hit that mark. Having to work a day job puts a damper on my writing. By the time I get home in the evening, my brain is too fried even to think about it.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

I do both. I plot, to an extent, but mostly by the seat of my pants. Before I start a new book, I have an idea of what is going to happen, what events will play out. Mostly though, I sit down and have a chat with my main character, Kelli Storm, and she guides me through the story.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

Never edit until you have completed your first draft. I had, and still have to a point, a problem with this myself. With my first Kelli Storm novel, I would write a few paragraphs and would immediately go back and change things. It took far longer to finish the draft than it would have if I had just written it and then edited. I still catch myself editing as I'm writing, just not as much as before. (I'm even editing this as I'm writing it.)

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

I have yet to find a "most" successful way to market. I do what I can. I have a Facebook Author page, a Twitter account and a blog. I've done book signings, with the first two books, and had good turnouts. However, most of my marketing is word of mouth.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

Stick with it. If it's what you love to do, then keep doing it, no matter what others say. You will have your detractors, your naysayers, but don't get discouraged. Write what you love to write, write for yourself if no one else.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

Many years ago, before there were computers and self-publishing was a viable option, I would type my stories up and show them to my friends and family. One person told me, and this was not really helpful, that my writing was awful and I should concentrate on other things. I think this was the push I needed, it hardened my resolve to one day see my work in print.

About the author.

Kenneth Hoss was born at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas in 1957 to Albert and Mary Hoss. He served a combined total of fourteen years on active duty from 1974 to 1987 in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. His tour in the Army took him to Frankfurt, Germany where he had the opportunity to travel Europe. While in the Navy, Kenneth spent most of his time stationed in San Diego and Long Beach. His Navy travels took him to Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Okinawa, the Middle East and Pakistan. He has lived in several States, including South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Washington and California.

Storm Rising - A Kelli Storm Novel, is a Police Procedural and is the first book in a three book series. Storm Warning and Deadly Storm, books two and three, are also available on Amazon.

Kenneth currently lives in Fort Worth, Texas.

Blog: http://kenhoss.blogspot.com

Twitter: @kenhoss

#  Patricia Puddle – Ominous Love.

Patricia, when did you first start writing?

I made stories up as far back as I can remember, but I was fifteen before I actually wrote one. At the age of six and seven, I was in and out of hospital with different childhood illnesses. This caused me to me to fall behind with my school work and I found it hard to catch up. Although I could read, I couldn't write properly and our new teacher accused me of being lazy. Instead of following her instructions, I would gaze out the window or draw imaginary people. This got me into trouble and she often sent me to sit outside the principal's office.

After immigrating to Australia at the age of twelve, I got even further behind with my lessons because I went to three different schools. My parents were looking for a permanent residence, so we moved frequently that first year. When I turned fourteen, my mother had to go into hospital, so I left school to help look after my younger siblings. I still couldn't spell, and had no idea where commas went, but the day I turned fifteen, I started work at a typewriter company in Sydney. I was thrilled when my boss sent a typewriter to my home so I could learn to type. I practiced by writing my antics as a mischievous seven-year-old, which many years later became my first published book. It's a fictitious children's book for reluctant readers called Star-Crossed Rascals.

Although I wanted to be an author, I had to learn to write first, but I had to put that on hold because I was married with a child at seventeen, and had another baby when I was eighteen. When the children started school, I began working for a Sydney newspaper, but the managing director soon complained when my bad spelling and grammar turned up in the advertisements of the Saturday Morning paper. I was expecting him to fire me, but instead he sent me up to the Script Room to search for a long lost manuscript. Lucky for me, I found it and had it on his desk in less than six minutes. He'd apparently been looking for it for ages and nobody could find it. I was thrilled when he gave me a job where I could use my artistic abilities. I was to assist the manager who organized advertisements for the theatres. I had to phone the companies, then set their advertisement out with different fonts and borders.

I couldn't have been happier, but I was still determined to learn how to write properly. When we moved away from the city, I worked in a loans office for a bank, then a large photo print company. I also worked as a photographer's assistant, a waitress, and at another newspaper. However, I didn't get the opportunity to learn to write until I was fifty-three. I had just spent two years helping my husband to build our full brick house in the country and when we'd finished, he bought me my first home computer. First I had to learn how to use it, but because we live in a remote area, I signed up for an online computer course at TAFE. After doing IT Cert II, I searched for online websites for writers. The one I chose was: Absolute Write Water Cooler. Later I was to find: Critique Circle.

I turned my memoirs of a mischievous child into many fictitious children's tales, then posted the first chapter on the Writing For Kids forum on the Absolute write Water Cooler web site. Of course, my spelling was atrocious and my commas were in the wrong place. I knew I'd get laughed at, but I didn't care, after all, they couldn't see me. But I was shocked when the members didn't complain about my bad grammar. Instead they taught me how to correct it, but the best thing was they laughed at my stories and encouraged me to add more. That was it. I was addicted and I posted chapter after chapter, day and night, but I soon learned not to keep editing my own story every half hour. The other writers complained and told me that a critique takes a long while and that they were sacrificing their own time to do it. They were annoyed when they came back to post their critique of my work to find that I'd already edited my own chapter and re posted it. Ooops! They said I should wait until all the critiques were up before editing it. I soon caught on, and I also learned that critiquing other writers is the best way to learn most things about writing, and that even I had something to add. I found I was good at action, dialogue, comedy, and characters. Every writer has her own unique talent for something. All critiques serve a purpose.

How do you overcome writer's block?

I go for a long power walk and pretend I'm the character. I try to think what she/he will do next, and the consequences. This always works for me. Sometimes I talk in the character's voice when I'm alone in my car. I know it's weird, but it works for me.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

No particular word count, but I write every day. If there is a day I can't write, I get withdrawals.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

No, I just think of a character and what it is that she/he wants, then I just start writing and the plots, scenes, and characters just flow. It's like someone else is writing it for me. When I first started writing I worried that I wouldn't be able to come up with story ideas, but that never happened. As soon as I start typing on my laptop, the characters just appear onto the screen. It's funny though, because if I try to write on paper, I do get a kind of writer's block. I think it's because I had such bad experiences at primary school, mainly with a really mean teacher, who bullied me and some of my classmates for years, though I managed to draw my own illustrations for my Rascals books. I guess all the doodling I did in class paid off after all. The mean teacher was eventually taken to court by a child's parents, and she was banned from ever teaching again.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

Well, after studying writing and critiquing on Critique Circle for seven years, my grammar and spelling have improved. I still have other writers read my work before I publish, just in case there's something I've missed. Then my husband reads through for typos and errors. Then I read and edit my book about thirty times before publishing. It's great that when you self-publish, you can edit a book even after it's been published. That shouldn't be relied upon, though, because if readers see a lot of errors before you change them, they may give bad reviews and you have no control over reviews. Authors should never publicly complain about a reader's review, no matter how bad it might be. If you do, you may get a backlash from other reviewers. I've seen that happen. However, if a review is really offensive, you can privately complain to the website.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Blogs, Pinterest, LinkedIn, UrTurn, Google, but when on Twitter, it's best to make friends. They will see your work when you tweet it, but don't send them links to your books in private messages unless they ask you to. If you start spamming your twitter friends, they may un-follow you.

I never go out of the house without copies of my paperbacks. Every opportunity I get to promote my books, I do, though I try not to do it obviously. I just mention things in conversation or make friends. I've sold books this way to bank tellers, receptionists, coffee shops, service stations, dress shops, mothers' groups, waiting rooms, even to people in shopping queues. And I've found pensioners in retirement villages love humorous children's books. Some of my biggest fans are pensioners. Also you can do giveaways on Goodreads, Facebook, or your blog. I've had some wonderful reviews after doing giveaways and found some fabulous fans. But beware of anonymous reviewers; if they don't have a profile, they may just want to give you a bad review. If someone actually asks me for a free book to review, I'm wary and check out their reviews of others to make sure they are genuine readers. I gift eBooks as prizes though, and find many new fans that way. If you gift an eBook from amazon, it puts your ranking up. Giving away author copies of your paperbacks doesn't help your ranking on amazon, but it does get you fans and you earn money. I also donate my books to libraries and schools in my area.

I tried the markets, but that didn't work for me, though it has for others. The time and cost involved only works if you manage to sell a lot of books. There's petrol, the rent of the market spot, and the insurance you have to pay. If it rains, you may not get reimbursed. I didn't. Also consider that time spent at markets is time that could be spent writing. Once I spent $60.00 on a stall, $30.00 on the petrol, got there at 6.30 am to set up, and before the gates were even open, there was a tremendous storm and everyone went home. That did it for me. No more markets. And whenever I've left my books in local shops, they either got soiled, stolen, or hidden where nobody could see them. Author copies may be cheap to buy from the publisher/printer, but the postage from America to Australia is more expensive than the book. If you publish with CreateSpace, your books can be available with many other online book stores in the country where you live, so check that out on Google.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

Be wary of publishers that charge the author to publish without even editing their books. It's tempting because they create the book for you, but most of these companies do little as far as advertising goes. That's all left up to the author. And you don't get paid unless you earn a certain amount, usually over $100.00. I made a mistake with my first book by publishing it with a company that allowed you to cancel the contract after 90 days. But they charge for the service and there is no refund if you cancel. If you're not happy with them, ninety days seems like forever. My book was in limbo with only four books sold when their contract was up. They did nothing to market my book and I was never paid for the four sales because you have to earn over $100.00 before they send a cheque. With a $2.00 royalty that means you have to sell fifty books before getting paid. In ninety days, they sold only four books and they were to my friends. And the worst part was when I re-published the book. It had to be a second edition even though the content inside was exactly the same. That first publisher didn't edit my manuscript, just published it exactly as I sent it. So I changed the cover and published it with CreateSpace and sold it on Amazon, and the eBook with Amazon's KDP. Then to my horror, there right next to my new version, was the first edition. I was competing with my own book, a book I would never get paid for unless I sold over $100.00 worth. I complained, but was told that as long as the original publisher had books that were printed before I cancelled the contract, they were allowed to sell them. Plus there could have been some second-hand ones for sale. It seems a book once published never goes away. I was annoyed, but the more copies of my newer version that sold, the more that book disappeared, though it's still there somewhere. I'm just glad it was only one book. I self-published all my other books with Amazon's KDP, Createspace, and Smashwords.

If you publish with Smashwords, you can download a free eBook with all the instructions on how to make an eBook. It takes patience, but it's easy to understand. There is also a help button at the top of their website if you have problems, so you can email them and the owner, or his staff, will write back. Also if you publish with smashwords, you can have your book available with iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and many other online websites.

CreateSpace is a great place to publish paperbacks. There is help and instructions to take you through from uploading your manuscript to creating book covers. Though if you can afford it, it's best to have a cover professionally made. The cover is the first thing the customer sees, and I know that if I don't like a cover, I don't usually look inside. With CreateSpace, you can have your paperback available with many online booksellers too, and if you live in Australia, they are available with Fishpond and they sometimes have free shipping for the buyer and cheap prices.

Don't publish until you've had it read by other authors or an editor, and if you can't afford an editor, get someone with good writing skills to read it, then edit your work many times for typos and errors before you publish because after editing, even more typos can show up.

It is possible to create a book cover yourself, I did at first. They weren't too bad, but getting a professional cover maker helped my books sell better. They use professional quality photos and will work with the author on the design. I have added a link to my book cover creator at the bottom of my page.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

The best advice I was given was to buy a book on grammar and study it. I did, I bought The Pocket Basics for English by Lyn Magree. It's only small, so you can take it anywhere, but I keep it on my desk.

I was also advised not to use the same word more than once in a paragraph if possible and to try and avoid words being repetitive. There are plenty of alternative words in the Thesaurus on your word document. After finishing your story you should go through the whole manuscript to check for repetitive words and overuse, and of course, typos, spelling and setup.

Don't have characters with similar names because it sometimes confuses the reader and slows down the story.

Go on writers' blogs and learn as much as you can about writing and publishing.

Join other published authors on Facebook and learn from them. Help promote their books and they'll hopefully do the same for you.

Join online critique groups, read as many books in your genre as you can, show the story, don't tell it, and read the writing rules of The Hero's Journey. That helped me. If you do a Google search you should find it on some website.

I tried critique groups in my area, but that didn't work for me. They only met once a month and only critiqued one author a month. I was too impatient, so I joined online critique groups and was online day and night, and eventually joined a private group with my favorite few writers.

Long before I started to write seriously, I created an A to Z folder with tips I'd been given. I added body language and dialogue, and anything I thought might help with my writing. Listen to people talk and if you hear funny or interesting dialogue, write it down, also write down the body language of people's different moods. You may be surprised at what you come up with.

Always be careful what you write on the internet because even if you delete it, someone could have already tweeted it. Also be careful on Facebook. Someone might share your post or save it on their computer. Personally, I would never give another author a bad review. If I can't give three stars or more, I don't write one. I'm an author before a reader and would hate to cause a peer to lose sales.

Start a blog and follow other writers' blogs. Join groups on Goodreads. Get a twitter account.

Have a separate FaceBook page for your work. Don't let your fans and fellow authors see your private page because you never know what relatives or friends might post that could be embarrassing, including photos you may not want made public.

Join Pinterest, LinkedIn, UrTurn, Goodreads, and any other promotional website you find that could help with promotion.

About Patricia

I studied writing children's books for four years before self-publishing, but getting an illustrator was more than I could afford. I decided to draw my own and was surprised at the results. I guess my doodling at school paid off after all.

After publishing four children's books, I began writing paranormal romance and adult humor. At the moment I'm working on sequels to my paranormal romance Ominous Series, a children's fantasy Series, Velvet & Roseberry, and an adult comedy/horror story called Delusional. My other books are: My Rascals series, and Adventures of Molly Gumnut.

I'm lucky enough to live in a village in the middle of a forest, and when I write I can gaze out at kangaroos and wallabies in our garden. I'm a wife, mum and nanna, and also a lover of all animals. For many years, I have volunteered for an animal rescue charity for orphaned or injured animals. We also had three little guinea pigs living in our lounge room for nearly ten years, but sadly, the last one died of old age.

My books are available on all online stores.

Where I buy my Book Covers:  http://paradoxbooktrailerproductions.blogspot.com.au/p/book-covers-for-authors-by-patti-roberts.html

My Children's Book Blog: http://trish-mollygumnut.blogspot.com.au/

My Adult Romance Blog:  http://patriciapuddle.blogspot.com.au/2015/10/my-interview-with-author-john-m-w-smith.html

#  Tarek Refaat - Ribbons & Heels.

Tarek, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

Well writing has always been a part of me since the days I learned to hold a pen and write. It almost felt like a natural thing or part of my life, something urged me to write; there was always something I wanted to share or talk about. My greatest inspiration came with the first book that actually had a role in changing my life. The biographer who wrote Reach for the Sky, Mr. Paul Brickhill

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

Reach for the sky was the major inspiration, as it portrayed the struggle an Ace pilot, Sir Douglas Bader, had undergone, and how he faced it.

How do you overcome writer's block?

Writers are very prone to writer's block for so many reasons. I've been facing it for the past 3 years for a multitude of reasons, but facing it is a completely other game, that involves not letting it take control of you. Mainly what I did on many occasions was to try to think about other things to write (articles, short stories, quotes...) anything basically that would drive my mind in another direction and keep the flow of words running in my mind. As to when it comes to a complete shutdown and things seem completely blocked, this is when I decide to clear my mind and perhaps go out or on a walk.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

100k words is my main goal, currently I have not passed the 30k and I look forward to breaking the 50 and the 100. As for the average I write when I am working on a book, it is 1500-3000 words a day

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

I write by the seat of my pants. I just see the events and my hands automatically begin to work

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

I personally tried it and it didn't work out, because I sink so deeply into the story, I forget the editing.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

I couldn't quite say there's a 100% successful way of marketing, but it's a combination of getting people to see your work and giving them the chance to read and talk about it. There are blog interviews, book reviews, forum interviews, as well as of course book signings, facebook events, giveaways, Kindle free giveaways, Youtube trailers. The list is endless and each author, I believe, tries to combine the things that help him/her most.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

First and foremost advice: it's not a 1 mile journey. Keep your calm, stay focused, you will be rejected, you will be faced with harsh criticism, but if you like what you do, chase your dream, learn and improve. The chance of hitting a best seller from the first book is like trying to shoot a fly standing on a tree almost a mile away.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

One very important advice was to write. Write every day. Every damn day!

About the author:

Born & Raised between KSA and Egypt. 2nd child of Hassan Rifaat & Amani Khalil . Brother of Samih Rifaat. Husband and Dad. I work in the field of Information Technology.

I've been into writing since I was thirteen. But I never really gave it serious thought until a few years back. I published my first book, Ruptured, in Egypt and it has been published online on Kindle and back in Jan 2013 I published my second book, Ribbons & Heels.

I would always be glad to help any author who feels they have a question. I've been inspired by many other authors and the amount of help they provide to their fellow authors, so if anyone has any questions they can contact me via e-mail : tarek.h.refaat@live.com

#  Elaine Raco Chase – Double Occupancy.

When did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

My writing life started by accident – I was working at a TV/radio station and that said, you become a Jill of all trades! My boss would say: "write a promo for the end of (pick a show) then go in and do a voice over – 'cause you've got a great voice." So I learned to write descriptions in under 20 seconds and speak them! I loved it, and graduated to writing radio shows and then went on to work at a PR agency writing, directing and producing radio/TV/print commercials.

I then decided to try to expand and write short stories – science fiction of all things – thinking that since I didn't read or know the genre I'd bring a 'fresh voice!' Oh my. all it did was bring me rejection letters from various science fiction magazines. But they were great rejection letters – they loved my characters, loved my style, but said my plot ideas were old and had been done and done better since 1925! OUCH!!! On my third rejection, the editor said: "why don't you write in a genre you read."

Well I was reading mystery/thrillers- this was 1979- and I turned my talents to creating a mystery series. I had met an agent at a writers' conference, she loved my work and my style (which was 85% dialogue – I still struggle with description) but at that time, there was no room for newbies in mystery. I had written a romance novel which gained an 8 page rejection by Harlequin – they loved it but I was an American, and they had just contracted their first American author and weren't sure we Americans would be embraced by romance readers.

Well American publishers were looking at getting into contemporary romance and Dell snapped me up, later Silhouette and Avon added me to their romance roster... finally my mystery series was bought by Bantam. Later, Writer's Digest Books asked me to write a non-fiction book for their HowDuniT line...and Amateur Detectives was added, and was nominated for the Agatha Christie Award and is still in the FBI library at Quantico!

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

The book that has always stayed in the back of my mind is a very old tome called Green Mansions by author W.H. Hudson. It was my high school summer reading assignment and transported me out of Schenectady, NY to the Amazon... I have never forgotten that book!

How do you overcome writer's block?

I do all things physical that need little concentration: cleaning, mowing lawns, washing cars, hanging wallpaper... physical tasks let my mind wander and pretty soon words pop in, scenes are created, characters come alive and it's back to the computer!

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

I try to write every day but usually take one day a week to create promos on my books for PR. I don't deal in word count, just quality words.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

Both. I plot and do extensive character outlines, but sometimes I find that characters and scenes have a reaction/mind of their own...off we go!

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

I was blessed by learning how to edit from some of the best editors in various publishing houses, in fact Signet asked me to edit a mystery short story collection called Partners in Crime. I'm ruthless on myself when I self-edit, and often have to go back and expand scenes, as I'm a very lean writer. My line editors dubbed me "queen of the sentence fragments" back when I first started writing – love them. Now everyone is changing the rules of grammar, and why not!

Since I'm now an indie author (and very proud of it!) I try to do the best editing, grammar and typo search I can, but I am famous for missing: "Her hand covered his fish." (should have been fist.) But not only did I miss that in Calculated Risk \- so did my 8 beta readers. Alas, it was picked up on Goodreads and mocked heavily. But is there anything that is perfect? I've read books from major publishers with quite a few typos, and even a few eye and hair color errors.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

Facebook! Twitter! Blog hops! EBooks are a different ballgame; there are quite a few sites on FB that are totally readers looking for a good book.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

Write the type and style of the book YOU love to read because it will come naturally. Use action verbs, compelling characters, great dialogue (practice reading out loud into a recorder and then listen to how it sounds), and a taut plot. There are only 7 plots in the world but it's how you use them that matters!

And don't just write what you know! I mean really how much does anyone know? These days with research, you can know just about anything.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

I started writing when there were no writers' groups, no computers, no internet – just me, pencil/paper, Royal typewriter, carbon paper, onion skin, whiteout and the public library. I was given NO advice whatsoever, and that was probably the best advice!

About the author.

If you like sassy, laugh out loud, contemporary romances - some more explicit than others - you have found the right author!

Reviewers have called them: "cat & mouse" - "slow burn" - "hot and steamy" - "highly addicting" - "solid characters & lots of humor" - "amazing reads!"

I call them fun! My heroines are NOT: thin, petite, clueless or submissive. They are strong women who aren't looking for a man - until the right one comes along!

And those men! Tough-guy, alpha males who don't know what hit them! But do know they want MORE!

I also write erotic mystery/thrillers and the Agatha Christie nominated non-fiction How to write the Amateur Detective Novel which is in the FBI Forensic Library at Quantico. There is NO age limit on writers. Or on the characters' writers create. And don't ever censor your writing. Let your dialogue, actions & reactions be true to your characters – no matter how vile they are.

Some days, when I read or hear the news, I cannot believe man's inhumanity to man. I often hear myself saying, "if this were fiction, no one would read it." Unfortunately, it was real. So never censor your writing – or apologize for it.

And this is my humble opinion on nasty reviewers, a.k.a. trolls – it's a power thing. It's instant bullies. Many say – ignore! I'm not sure about that any more. If a review is negative and it does not relate to errors in the story – then it is personal preference. If a review is negative and what the reviewer is saying is wrong (ie. not your characters or plot) then comment back. If a review is negative and just nasty – dammit – stand up to the bully, be proud of what you write.

That's my new motto!

In the arena of promotion – if you are a new writer I'd say start with Amazon Kindle Prime program. You can control your free days, which is great to kick-start a career, it ties your book up for 90 days BUT it also helps you get into a promotion mode, hunt down FB promo sites, genre FB sites, get your twitter promos going and frankly, you might think you have found all your errors but reading it on a kindle... damn, there's always one more to be found. That way, when you get ready to send your new baby into the world, your .doc file is perfect!

As for covers – well I'm not so sure they are the end-all – I've seen and read books with the worst covers make NYTimes lists and books with the best covers flop because the book itself does not equal the stunning cover!

Don't forget audiobooks. I have all my ebooks in audio via acx.com. I found talented narrators and I truly feel audiobooks are coming on strong no matter what genre you write in!

You can find me:

www.elaineracochase.com

@ElaineRaco on twitter

https://www.facebook.com/elaineracochase

http://pinterest.com/elaineracochase/

#  Sasha Kildare - Dream Walking: A Novel of Madness and Healing.

Sasha, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

I came across a brief story that I wrote when I was seven years old, and was blown away by its sophistication and subtle humor. My home life was traumatic at times and by my teens, although I appeared confident, no one could convince me that I had any talent. I would write stories and then rip them up and throw them away.

My greatest inspiration has always been storytelling, whether it is through movies, songs, paintings, journalism, non-fiction, or fiction. As an art form, writing is the least expensive to practise and the easiest. You can write anywhere, you don't need to coordinate rehearsal time, and you don't need expensive supplies or equipment.

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

As a young teen, Agatha Christie's books inspired me. I read every single one and was fascinated by their range of characterizations and plot twists. Tolstoy swept me away, as did a number of biographies, particularly Nancy Mitford's Zelda. After reading it I felt as if I knew Zelda and as if I had experienced the Jazz Age.

How do you overcome writer's block?

I had writer's block for eight years after being hospitalized for mania at the age of 26. I did not know I had writer's block or that I was mildly depressed; I simply had no desire to write. It was only after therapy, going back to school twice, and finally finding a professional job at the age of 35 that I regained the desire to write. A couple of years later, I took a screenplay writing class, at Writers Boot Camp, which taught me how to establish creative flow and overcome writer's block. The instructor emphasized that it was far more important to write almost every day, even if just for 30 minutes, than to attempt long hours on the weekend, which would result in frustration, as much of that time would be spent establishing creative flow. He said that flow magic kicked in when you logged 10 hours a week writing.

I have other tricks such as scheduling writing sessions and setting deadlines to submit projects. Working on two projects at once also helps me, because when I get stuck with one, it is a relief to turn to the other one. Usually, one of them is a high priority one and the other is less of a priority.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

Between commuting, a demanding corporate writing career, and motherhood, I do not make my 10 hours every week, but I do the best I can.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

I definitely plot, but I am very visual and always start with capturing the scenes I see in my head. From those scenes, I craft a plot.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

Editing is part of writing. When I am doing a heavy edit, I need to print out what I edit. If you are self publishing, I think that working with a professional editor is a critical part of the process.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

I am still figuring that out! Book signings, street fairs, social media, getting published in magazines as a feature writer or humor writer are the ways I know. I think the key is figuring out your main audience and how to reach them. The main audience for my novel is women who have loved too much, women in recovery, and readers who have either directly or indirectly struggled with addiction or mental illness. I have not reached that audience so far.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

Read Steven King's book, On Writing, and check out Jonathan Gunson's website/blog Bestsellerlabs.com.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

My magazine journalism professor was also an author several times over and often emphasized, "Writers write." What he meant was that you become a good writer through practising your craft a lot.

What keeps you motivated?

Most of the other working moms I know have professional side jobs that pay them well. And then there are so many different volunteer commitments as a parent. I feel as if I have to throw away my ego every day to forgo all spare time to chase after writing assignments and fiction sales for little or no pay. What keeps me motivated is my desire to entertain and to share the hard-won insight I gained through overcoming manic depression and compulsive/self-destructive behavior. Also, creativity demands an outlet.

About the author:

Sasha Kildare's darkly humorous debut novel Dream Walking explores how addiction and mental illness feed off each other. As its main character, Georgia, comes of age, she comes undone. Her creative outlet shifts from choreographing dances to choreographing one-night stands. Her journey back to a productive life involves detours through psych wards and stints living on the streets of Los Angeles and New York City.

Prior to Dream Walking, Kildare's feature articles and humor pieces have been published in magazines. Her short stories often involve sports. A single mother of two, she performs stand-up comedy whenever she gets the chance.

#  Barbara Watkins – Thorns Of An Innocent Soul.

Barbara, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

As a young child into young adulthood, I started writing down many of my nightmares and paranormal occurrences that were happening in my life – many nightmares that I would later incorporate into storylines that appear in my writings now. My inspiration for writing comes to me in many forms. It could be something as simple as a picture, person, place, or thing that starts my creative juices flowing.

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

I have been inspired by many a writer's work, Stephen King, Clive Barker, Anne Rice, Dean Koontz, John Grisham, and the list goes on. However, I must include several indie writers as well – Yvonne Mason, Betty Dravis, Ashley Fontainne, Joanna Lee Doster – all of which inspire me with the excellence they put forth in their writing. I'm inspired by any writing that can provoke thought – that bring on feelings of fear, terror, or touch the human spirit.

How do you overcome writer's block?

I don't really think that one can overcome writer's block, but instead must work through it. As a writer, I often find myself having to slow down my creative juices, so to speak. I think sometimes a writer has so many ideas floating around in her mind; the ideas suddenly become entangled making it difficult to articulate into words.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

I personally don't have a particular word count set in stone to achieve when I write. I do set aside a time every day to write something, even if it's just a few paragraphs – whether it be flash fiction, or adding to a story that I'm working on – helps to keep the creative juices flowing.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

When I write, I tend to let the characters take me where I want to go – so yes, I'm more of a 'seat of the pants' kind of writer.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

Not even the most prolific writer edits his or her own work. Yes, as writers, we must all edit our work to some degree – however, the final product must have a second, sometimes a third pair of eyes scanning carefully over the manuscript, so as to flush out even the minute errors.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

I find social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin, when used in the proper way, a great tool for marketing. Maintaining a professional web site, investing in promotional tools such as flyers, bookmarks, book teaser trailers, are all excellent tools as well.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

My advice to new authors is to 'look before leaping,' to carefully research any publisher or book agent that says they will make you famous. True, you might hit the lottery with your first manuscript, although it is highly unlikely. When it comes to writing try 'thinking out of the box,' put a new spin on something that has been done and make it your own. Learn quickly to accept rejection – use it as a motivating force to reach your highest potential.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

The most helpful advice that I ever received, concerning my writing, was to stay true to my voice in whatever genre I chose to write in.

Are your books available in print, ebook, and audio? Can you share your thoughts on these different formats?

Several of my books are in print and e-book. I'm somewhat what they call 'old school' in that I still prefer to hold a book in its physical form; the new smell of a book to me is like the new car smell is to others. Of course, I have to admit that it's a thrill to see ones words come to life via Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader, or a PC for that matter. I am treading new waters in the world of books to audio with my latest novella, Thorns of an Innocent Soul. So far, it has been a wonderful experience. From print to ebook to audio is just another step forward in bringing a writer's work to a larger audience – that's a good thing. I wish that I could elaborate more on the subject, but as I said earlier, I'm somewhat of a virgin in this area. I will say, as a writer, if you decide to branch out in this area, venture wisely and read the fine print. Above all, network with other authors who have had positive results with their books in audio.

Do you have a book trailer? What are your thoughts on book trailers?

I have several book trailers highlighting my work and I do believe it is a great marketing tool. I advise hiring a professional or someone with experience in this field to do it. Although, there are several inexpensive programs that make it easy to create one's own trailer.

Do you prefer to blog, tweet or facebook for exposure?

Where my books are concerned, I blog, tweet, Facebook, and network as much as possible. The idea is to get as much exposure for yourself and your work as possible.

What are your thoughts on book reviews?

Book reviews, negative or positive, are very important to an author. They are essential in the publicity process and help in potential sales. Book reviews can spark a debate among readers, in turn drawing attention to you and your literary works.

Where do you sell most of your books?

All of my books are available to order on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Sony Reader, and several other Internet book sites. I have to admit that I make more sales as an Indie author purchasing them directly and selling them outright to individuals – larger percentage of sales that way.

Are you a traditionally published author or indie? What are your thoughts and experiences in this field?

My first novel, Hollowing Screams, was traditionally published in 2011 and sales were quite successful – in the beginning, that is. The sales in 2012 were less profitable. However, sales have recently increased. I believe my indie books have helped to draw the readers' attention back to my first book. If you have a publisher with a large clientele, some of whom are established writers already, you might find yourself waving a white flag. As an indie author you have more control as to how much promotion, and what type of publicity campaign is needed to connect with your reader. However, as an indie author much of the burden rests on your shoulders to make a mark for yourself. I have enjoyed both sides, but at this time in my career, I'm finding that being an indie author is more rewarding.

Barbara says, "where writing is concerned, decide what the meaning of success means to you. Are you writing in the hope of becoming rich and famous? Are you writing in the hope that your words will touch another's soul – maybe help change a life for the better? Are you writing because it gives you a thrill to entertain a reader with your creative thoughts? If you love putting pen to paper – enjoy entertaining others with your words – you're a writer... now go and perfect your craft."

About the author:

Barbara Watkins resides in Missouri with her husband and loyal 'boxweiler', Hooch. In her writings, she loves to evoke a false sense of security and expectations as she leads her reader into the world of the unknown. Her articles on various subjects, short stories, and poetry, have appeared in The Heartland Writers Guild, 2008 New York Skyline Review, and several on-line publications. Cold Coffee Magazine accepted her article, A Testament To Poets, for their second issue released in print and it is available online at Cold Coffee Magazine. In 2010, Watkins collaborated with New Zealand director, Dimi Nakov, on a screenplay for a short movie entitled BlindSide, in which her name appears in the films end credits for voice-over monologue. BlindSide has been accepted into the Cannes short film corner, as part of the 65th Festival de Cannes, and the 7th Cyprus International Film Festival 2012. Barbara Watkins is a member of The Thriller Writers' Association, and The National Writers' Association. Her charitable contributions include supporting the Partner in Hope program through the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Previous Publications: Mortal Abomination – Awaken Spirit – Hollowing Screams – Six-Pack of Blood (co-author, Betty Dravis) (Anthologies) Live Life: The Daydreamer's Journal, and newly released, Six-Pack of Fear (co-author, Betty Dravis).

#  Glenn Starkey - Mr. Charon.

Glenn, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

I've been an avid reader since my youth. The stories I read inspired my imagination and made me want to create my own. Years later, while a young Marine in Vietnam, I wrote long letters to a favorite aunt relating my thoughts about the war and all. She retained them, often saying they were short novels.

In time I married and our son was born. One day I realized that I knew little about my father's life other than that he worked long hours to support a family. I took a military log book and began writing about my years in the Corps. When I later became a police officer, I started a journal and related one event from each day I was on duty – whether the event was humorous or tragic. This journal ended when I left law enforcement. Wanting my son to know more about me when he reached adulthood and had his own son to talk with, I gave both journals to him one Christmas as a special gift. This, in some small way, began my true writing career.

As for who or what was my greatest inspiration, I believe reading as much as I did growing up truly contributed to my desire to become an author.

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

I cannot recall any particular book capturing my mind. Being a visual person and loving art, I enjoyed reading comic books and studying their artworks. After that, I read various books such as Treasure Island, Frankenstein, and others. To this day I still read a variety of classics and find that they are fantastic for inspiring one's imagination and studying the craft of writing.

How do you overcome writer's block?

Writer's block generally strikes me after I've pushed myself too hard and long on a novel. When I hit that wall, it's my mind's way of telling me to take a break and walk away from the project for a day or so. First thing I do is get involved in physical activities: work on the never-ending home "Honey-Do" list, go to the gym, play golf, go fishing – and literally attempt to forget my project. Within a day or two my mind drifts back to the story and the point at which I became stumped, so to speak. A couple of ideas will begin to seep into my thoughts and before long I have that all-consuming urge to return to the project and continue. I discovered through trial and error that this method works best for me. Sitting and attempting to force out an idea when you've reached a wall only produces junk that later you will probably have to delete or rewrite.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

I've never believed in establishing a daily word count. I tried it once, and spent most of my time checking to see how many words I had written during the past hour. Another factor with a daily word count is 'quality over quantity.' Some authors I know feel they must write a specific number of words per day, yet they also spend a large amount of time re-writing what they wrote. I feel part of that problem stems from placing 'quantity' over 'quality.' Word count may work for some, but it doesn't for me.

Whether working on one of my novels or writing a newsletter, I try to write every day in one form or another. I feel it keeps my abilities stimulated. Only when I am repairing myself from 'writer's block' do I truly stay away from writing. A writer must bring balance into his world. A day or two away from writing is often good to improve your thought processes. Too long away from writing can damage your ability to churn out an intriguing work.

Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants?

I dislike the old manner of outlining a book as was often taught years ago. I use my own form of outlining. I doodle and scribble on pieces of paper, placing thoughts about a novel on paper, then draw circles around them and connect them with lines from one circle to the next. Sounds awkward, but amazingly works for me. In the end, I have my novel mapped out with highlights of how I want the story to flow. Then I fly by the seat of my pants while writing the novel, modifying my notes as I go along. I've also used index cards to write out individual scenes. Once done, I spread the cards on a table and examine them for continuity of the story. Some people may call this 'story boarding.'

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

Editing is critically important to one's work. An author should never attempt to solely edit his own work. You need another critical eye to catch problems as well as typos in your novel. Your mind will play tricks and convince you that every sentence sounds fine and should remain in the story, but a good editor will expose the truth and even explain why something is wrong. I don't care who you are, at some point in time every author writes junk – and needs an honest person to tell him it's junk.

When a book goes through one of the big publishing houses, editors are assigned to the work and with or without the author they will do the fine-tuning. The problem with indie authors is that too many of them try to go it alone. Either pride or finances often prohibits an indie author from using a third party to edit his work. Paying an editor can be expensive, especially when it is at a by the hour or by the page rate. But there are many people who can help with editing. You simply need to look around at the people you know and realize the talent that is available there.

Again, I say that editing is critically important. It makes the difference between a professional novel and an amateurish first-attempt. I'm 100% supportive of all indie writers, but if an indie writer wants to be taken seriously, he must have his work edited.

Unfortunately, with good comes bad. I say this because it's good that indie authors can write a novel and have it published on the internet as an ebook within hours of completion. But the bad comes from too many indie authors having done just that! They typed the last sentence of their novel, dropped it onto one of the many websites to convert it for free to an ebook, then rushed to put the work out on Amazon, Smashwords, or one of the other free ebook-selling locations without performing in-depth editing and beta-reviews. Here's one reason why indie authors receive a bad reputation. Too many badly written novels flood the market without any form of editing, and readers rightly become upset. The backlash of this strikes all indie authors, not just those who were poor writers.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

I wish I knew the most successful ways of marketing my novels. This is one area which creates the greatest headaches for me. There are so many avenues to take – and each of them is very time consuming, exhausting, and often confusing.

Social media is presently the best resource available, but you must be careful to avoid getting locked into spending every day, all day on the internet, pushing your book. (After all, you are a writer and should be working on your next book!)

One bit of advice about the usage of the internet is DO NOT FLOOD social websites such as Facebook and Twitter with the same old 'catchy ad lines' followed by "Please, please buy my book." After reading an indie author's countless pleadings to buy his book, readers will begin to skip over them or delete them because they have becomes pest on the websites. My email inbox overflows daily with website messages from authors and I have a list of people I automatically delete when I see their names associated with an email.

Be professional about your marketing. Look to see what is working and what is not. Write a variety of professional ads about your book. The best advertising comes from your readers spreading good news and remarks about your work.

If you have the finances available and don't have the daily time to commit yourself to any good level of marketing, then hire a publicist. If you do, remember there are people who want to quickly separate you from your money, so do your homework and check the publicist's background and references.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

I have a few:

Either you are a "want-to-be" writer (the person that spends all of his time telling others about the novel he wants to write one day) or you "are a writer" (which means you are actively writing and will do so until the book's completion.)

Until you have a completed work in hand, forget about agents, publishing, marketing, your name in bright lights, book tours, fan clubs, and all the other stuff that swirls in your head. Finish your book first. Get it polished with the best editing you can obtain, THEN concern yourself with the direction you want to take in terms of marketing. I know you are going through severe withdrawals and want to shout announcements to the world each day as you complete a page or chapter, but don't. I repeat: "Finish the project first!"

Writing is serious business with the key word being business! It is a solitary profession and extremely demanding of your time. You can't be a party animal and expect the book to write itself. Writing is NOT a hobby, it's pure business. It requires so much of you to create a good story, then comes the editing, followed by a well thought out marketing plan of action. As in any business, maintain good administrative records of your correspondence, income and expenses for tax purposes. Keep receipts of everything related to your writing activities and properly categorize them. IRS isn't concerned with the great novel you wrote. They are only looking at the bottom line of what you owe them at tax time. Find an accountant to guide you through the tax jungle or ask other authors about all they do to maintain tax records – then pick the best methods you hear about. (No need to reinvent the wheel...)

You need honest "beta" reviews of your book before it's released to the public. Get reviews from people that you don't know. Yes, your mother, wife, girlfriend or boyfriend, may have all said your book was fantastic, but most often they may state that because they love you and don't want to hurt your feelings. Be thick-skinned when it comes to reviews you receive, because not all will be good. And after the book is published, be especially thick-skinned about reviews that come from internet 'trolls' and 'cyber-bullies.' (Those are people that never give their names on websites, yet derive pleasure in writing horrible remarks about your book even though they have not read it.) And don't argue with the reviews that come from readers. It serves no purpose. Learn from the reviews by paying attention to what was said about your book. Is the pace of the story too slow? Does it have interesting characters? Was your research faulty? The list goes on.

I once read an author's rant toward a reviewer (not a troll). She spent all day on a social media writers' group page posting about how unfair the reader had been in the review and how she evidently didn't know what she was talking about! The only thing this author accomplished with her rants was to look foolish and announce to the world that she was an amateur.

I'm basically a nocturnal writer, while others may prefer writing only during the day. Regardless of when you write, try to do so every day at the same time to establish a habit. Train your mind to accept that time of day as your creative time. You will be amazed at the quality writing you'll turn out.

Learn the craft as best you can before starting your first book. Go to a few conferences to talk with writers and listen to the discussion topics. Read books of all genres, especially the genre you are writing in. See how they are sculpted in terms of the storyline, suspense, tight structures, etc. Don't run out and buy every book you can find on "Writing the Next Great Novel." In the end you will only confuse yourself, and remember, there are people trying to quickly separate you from your money. Do you have a favorite author? Find their books and dissect them for every bit of information in terms of character development and action. Don't try to copy the 'voice' of those authors. Develop your own 'voice' in your books. One day you may find that others are reading your novels to learn from them.

By the time you establish the story you want and follow through with its research, plus write your book, an easy year and a half will have passed. Don't rush it. Pick a pace and consistently work at that speed. Perform good research for your book. The last thing you need is a reader correcting errors that you should have caught. Always remember that you will never know who is reading your book... and don't be surprised when you are contacted by a reader that is publicly well known.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

I was told to write with fury and passion, then edit without mercy! If something in my novel doesn't contribute overall to the story, then delete it. The next bit of advice I received was even more important: incorporate the human senses (touch, smell, etc.,) into my books and draw the readers into the story. Make the readers feel as if they are right there with your characters. "Show, don't tell."

Last words from Glenn.

Writing is hard work. With all of its headaches, you may well be looking at over a year to complete a book and move it through to a publisher. When it is finally released, a reader buys and reads it within a day or two, then asks when your next book is coming out. To a reader, writing a book only takes a few days. They have no true concept of all you as an author must endure to obtain a final work.

But, with all of the hardships and hours you spent writing, it is personally rewarding. You've accomplished something a large percentage of people around the world wish they could do – write a book.

There are no shortcuts to success, nor are there any guarantees about the number of copies your book will sell. Thousands of new books enter the market daily and basically, the odds of major success are against you, yet you've earned your stripes and the right to be called an "author."

Do not be conceited, but have confidence in yourself and your work. Be stubborn and persistent in writing your books, yet maintain an open mind to the craft of writing and the ever-changing industry. Always remember that every great author began his career as a poor unknown. The best fact about authors, especially indie authors, is that they are always willing to help other writers succeed.

And there is no better feeling for an author than to read a review from an unknown person who says he loved your book and you have become his favorite author.

Good luck. Glenn

About the author:

Glenn Starkey is a former Marine Corps Sergeant, Vietnam veteran, former Texas law enforcement officer, and retired from a global oil corporation as a security manager. He's been a consultant, lecturer, worked on the major Gulf of Mexico oil spill, and completed a six month assignment as interim Security Director of a major Texas Gulf Coast port. Glenn lives in Texas with his family and a 98 lbs 'Labradoodle'. He's written four novels: Solomon's Men, The Cobra And Scarab, Year Of The Ram, and Amazon Moon. All are available for order at bookstores and online booksellers.

Book trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlkGbx-rcG0

#  Donya Lynne - All the King's Men.

A Little Bit About Donya Lynne and How she Became an Author.

I came out of the womb with a pencil and pad of paper in my hands. That's how long it feels like I've been writing. I can't remember a time when I wasn't reading, writing, or bent over the kitchen table, studying words on vocabulary sheets my older brother brought home from grade school. So, I guess you could say I was born to write.

Even though I've been writing (and reading) for as long as I can remember, it wasn't until 2002 that I got serious about wanting to write a book. I had written a short story in fourth grade that won a contest, and I spent much of junior high and high school writing romance stories for my friends, to the point that they voted me Most Likely to Become a Romance Novelist when I grew up. Ta-da! Check that off my bucket list. At any rate, in 2002, I saw The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and instantly became inspired to write a tale of immortal love. That was when I got serious about getting published. I enrolled in two intense writing courses that took me about four years to complete through Long Ridge Writer's Group, and devoured everything I could on how to write a novel.

When I found myself unemployed and unable to find a job in 2010, I knew it was time to dedicate myself to my passion and apply all that I had learned toward writing my first book and getting it published. I published Rise of the Fallen, book one in the All the King's Men series, in March of 2012, and it has become my little book that could. Rise of the Fallen has won several awards and accolades, and continues to thrive in the paranormal romance genre. As of this writing, three more books have been released in the All the King's Men series, with a fourth soon to be published, and my fans can't seem to get enough of my emotionally wrangled, sexy vampires and their strong female counterparts. There are several more novels and novellas planned for the AKM Series, and two sister series are in development, so there are many more years of AKM to come.

Inspiration

I think it goes without saying that I'm inspired by paranormal authors such as J.R. Ward, Lara Adrian, and Sherrilyn Kenyon, but I find inspiration from contemporary romance authors, as well. Notably, Gayle Forman and Lisa Renee Jones have written fantastic contemporary books that have also inspired me. I think every author needs to read lots of well-written books to feed her own writing and style.

There's an electrifying sense of synergy between and among authors, and I think we feed off each other's energy and ideas in a positive way. I saw Lara Adrian at a writing conference in May of 2013, and she said that there are no original ideas. But each author can take an idea that other authors have written and put her own spin on it and make it hers. In that way, it's original to that author. I think that's great advice.

As far as story inspiration goes, I find it everywhere. Newspapers, songs, television shows, movies. I can get in my car, drive the I-465 loop around Indianapolis, and return home with five or ten ideas. Some might be for more stories, and other ideas might be for a current piece I'm working on. The point is, sometimes you need to get out from behind your computer for the ideas to hit you.

As an author, it's also important to read not just books, but newspapers and periodicals, too. I can't begin to count how many ideas I've found in articles in the New York Times, or in random magazines I picked up in the grocery store checkout. Recently, I read a piece of writing advice that said that authors who want to improve their craft should read quality writing, such as in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Smithsonian Magazine, etc. That's when I subscribed to the Times. I already subscribe to Smithsonian Magazine, though, and another periodical that I find invaluable from a creative and quality aspect is Rolling Stone Magazine. That one is a goldmine of ideas and skill with the written word. Sports Illustrated is also fabulous to help create strong alpha males. I once read an article on boxing and ultimate fight clubs in Sports Illustrated that inspired me to include boxing as an upcoming theme in my series.

Inspiration comes from everywhere. You just have to open your eyes and your mind.

Writer's Block

The concept of writer's block confounds me. I have never had writer's block and don't think I ever will. Recently, I read an interesting take on the concept of writer's block in the book, How to Write a Damn Good Novel II by James N. Frey. Mr. Frey admits that he previously thought writer's block was a result of fear of failure or success, but has changed his mind. He now thinks writer's block comes from a subconscious wish to be a martyr.

Think about it. Can a dentist cancel all his appointments because he has "dentist's block" and fears he will ruin someone's smile (fear of failure)? Should a dancer stop dancing from "dancer's block" because she fears showing up her teacher (fear of success)? No. The dentist has a job to do. He has to do it. He has to grow some cojones and work on those teeth or not get paid. And the dancer would be silly not to dance for fear of being better than someone else.

Writing, like every other paying profession, is a job. Other professions don't have the luxury of not working just because they feel "blocked." Project managers, administrative assistants, company CEOs, and everyone else has to suck it up and just do the job, even if it means facing his fears of failure or success. The same goes for writers. The difference is a writer can't fire him- or her- self. But the dancer can be fired by her director if she doesn't dance. The dentist would have to close his practice if he refuses to work on teeth. And project managers, administrative assistants, and company CEOs can get fired if they're not getting the job done.

So, if you're suffering from writer's block, think about the reasons why you are. Maybe writing isn't for you. I believe that when you find that which you were made to do for your profession, it will come naturally and flow through you with the ease of butter in a hot pan. If you were meant to write, you will cherish every part of the process, and you will eagerly approach the task of writing with joy and readiness. If you find yourself complaining and grumbling about writing more than enjoying it, it's probably time to look elsewhere for your career.

But maybe writing is for you and you're just stuck on this one part of your story. If that's the case, maybe you just need to change your perspective or work on something else until the story opens up again. In corporate America, problems exist that perplex managers. What do they do when that happens? Do they quit or sit and stare at their computer? No. Sometimes they take a walk (change their perspective) and the solution or new approach comes to them. Sometimes they put the problem aside and work on something else for a few hours or overnight and come back to the problem with a fresh mind. Sometimes they go to their manager or their team and brainstorm a solution. No matter what approach they take, they don't just sit there and stare at their computer screen. They act. They DO something. As writers, we need to take a lesson from corporate America. If a story isn't speaking to us, we need to take a walk, set it aside, work on something else (some other part of the story, perhaps), brainstorm with critique partners, or some other action. We can't just sit and stare. That's counterproductive and is like watching a pot of water while waiting for it to boil.

Be active. Do something. Don't wait for the pot to boil. And I guarantee that the story will begin speaking again when it's ready and you've put enough distance between it and you for the solution to come to you out of thin air. I get a lot of my best ideas like that, usually when I'm in the shower. Talk about timing.

There are days when I don't feel like writing, but that doesn't mean I'm blocked. I just feel like my time would be better spent on a different facet of being a writer, such as reading or studying the craft. This is not writer's block. This is part and parcel of being a writer. It's part of the process, and you must embrace the process if you are to succeed. So, on the days you aren't feeling the whole writing thing, read a book, go see a movie, watch a TV documentary, go for a drive, read a book on writing craft or technique, go to lunch at a new restaurant you've never tried, or spend the day at the park. Don't say you have writer's block, which will just feed your mind that you're a victim. You are not a victim. You are a writer, and as such, you simply need to feed your creative mind from time to time. You will be amazed at what walking away from your computer will do for your writing. You will return to your work-in-progress refreshed, with a new perspective and new ideas, and feel inspired and ready to write again.

Being a writer means observing your surroundings and letting your subconscious rest as much as it works. You need to allow yourself time to dream and fantasize. If you accept that this is simply the process of being a writer, you will never have writer's block again.

But if you're still not convinced that there's no such thing as writer's block, here's my advice: You can't edit nothing, but you can always edit crap. So, just write. Even if it's shit. Write, write, write. Because edits are where you do the work of writing the story, anyway, not in the draft phase. But you can't edit if you don't have at least a shitty draft to work with. It's better to have a poorly-written draft full of crap than it is to have nothing, because you will find a grain of genius within the muck, and that's where your edits and rewrites will stem from. More on editing in a bit.

Setting Goals

I do set monthly goals for word count, but if I don't meet those goals, I don't beat myself up. Most of the time I do meet them, but sometimes I don't. But an ideal daily word count is 3,000-6,000. When I'm in serious writing mode, 6,000 words are about the max before my brain starts repeating itself and dumping crap on the page. Still, if I really want to get a scene or chapter finished, I'll dump out the crap and worry about editing it later, which means I can have days of 9,000 words or more on occasion.

Plotting vs. Pantsing

In the world of writing, you have plotters and you have pantsers. Plotters plan and outline before they write, and pantsers write by the seat of their pants with no planning. They let the characters and the story lead them. There are New York Times Bestselling authors who use both methods, so neither is right or wrong.

I'm what I call a hybrid. Would that be a plontser or a panter? Ha. Anyway, my method is to jot down a few notes or a cryptic outline of what's going to happen and in what order, and each day before I write, I take a few minutes to think about and note in my notebook (I keep a notebook for every series and every book) what I want to accomplish with the day's writing, but then I let the characters lead me. About half the time, they take me down a different direction than I planned, so I have to regroup and rework my living outline for the next day's writing. I call it a living outline, because it's not set in stone. I allow my characters to change it, so from day to day, it lives, breathes, and grows into something different.

Editing—Where the Real Work is Done

No matter what method of writing you use, the editing phase is where the rubber meets the road. This is where the true work of being a writer happens. Writing the draft is the easy part. It's in edits that you will bleed.

Maybe I'm a masochist, but I love the editing phase. I love re-dreaming the dream, as some call it, where I take what I've written and destroy it as I rewrite, reorder, cut, and add. There are writers who can't re-dream the dream, and they inevitably fail. If you can't kiss your darlings goodbye and rework the story, a scene, or a chapter, walk away now. Writing books will only make you suffer.

A lot of authors fear the editing phase. They dread it and will do just about anything to avoid it. Some fear it so much that they refuse to edit altogether. Those authors fail miserably, and I've seen several do so.

Before I go any further, I want to make sure to clarify that a proofread is not an edit. Proofreading is where you look for spelling and punctuation errors. It's the last thing you should do before finalizing your manuscript—after you've done between three and ten rounds of editing. The newer you are as an author, the more rounds of edits you should conduct. I started off doing about ten rounds of edits. I'm now down to about five or six.

This is how I edit:

First and most importantly, I set the draft aside for two months after sending the error-filled draft to my beta readers (Note: I don't want to waste a lot of time editing my draft without my beta feedback, only to find out after I've done a bunch of editing that my betas hated xyz or abc, which means I have to start edits all over again. So, my betas get the draft, so they can read the story in the raw.). If you don't set your draft aside for a while, you lose your objective eye and won't see all the problems in your draft.

After two or more months, I take out my beta feedback, gird my loins, put on my armor, and read it. Ouch! Wow, some of that feedback is hard to read, but it's the best feedback you will ever get, so love it, embrace it, encourage it, and never ever NEVER argue or get angry at your betas for being so harsh. In fact, encourage them to be brutally honest. It's the only way you learn and will be able to provide a story that will be well-received by readers at large. Tell your betas thank you and let them know how valuable their feedback is and how much you appreciate it. I can't emphasize this enough. My beta readers are my content editors, and without their feedback, I would be lost.

First Edit - Chapter/Scene Scale

Okay, so once I've cried through beta feedback (okay, I don't cry, but my ego does take a blow or two), I begin the first edit, which I call the mass edit or the macro edit. I delete, add, or rewrite major chunks of text. We're talking scene to chapter level. In my last manuscript, I deleted over 60,000 words during the first round of edits (no, you can't form personal attachments to your work) and added about 30,000. During this phase, I also make notes that I highlight in the manuscript about things I need to add or rework, or that need to be moved around or fact-checked.

Second Edit - Paragraph/Scene Scale

The second edit is where I make changes on more of a paragraph to scene level. I might tidy up loose ends from the first edit, but the changes are on a smaller scale.

Third Edit and Beyond - Paragraph/Sentence/Word Scale

During the third edit, I'm working on sentence to paragraph level. Then I use the fourth and all subsequent edits to tidy up word choice and sentences until I reach the proofread, which is the final comb-through. This is when I send the manuscript to my copy editor. Since I'm using beta readers as content editors on the front end, I use my copy editor on the back end to make sure there aren't any lingering issues to be addressed.

What I'm doing throughout the editing process is taking finer- and finer-toothed combs through my manuscript. Another way to think about it is to compare your manuscript to a body. The rough draft is an emaciated form made of bones, a little skin, and a scant amount of muscle (or for those who overwrite, that draft could be obese and overburdened. I tend to underwrite during the drafting phase, though.). The first edit feeds your skeleton and bulks it up (or trims the fat in the case of an overwriter). The second edit tones the muscle and trims even more fat. The third edit refines, and the fourth through tenth edits sculpt until you've got a damn fine-looking body.

When it comes to edits, you have to be ready to kill your darlings. It doesn't matter if a sentence is the best bit of prose you've ever written and is so clever that it alone could win the Pulitzer. If that sentence does not add to your story, it must be deleted. I have had to painfully wipe out more wonderful scenes than I care to count, but they didn't contribute to or propel my story forward. And anything that doesn't contribute to or propel my story is poisonous to my story. It's dead weight and drags my story down. So, even though I loved this scene, that sentence, and this chapter, I had to send them to the proverbial graveyard. You have to personally detach from your work so you can kill what doesn't serve your story. A good editor will help you do that, so make sure you find a good one if you don't trust yourself enough to know what needs to be edited out.

Marketing

First and foremost, your best marketing tool is your next book. Period. Without a first book, you have nothing to market. Without a second book, you have nothing to continue the success and marketing of the first. Without a third book, you have no reason to continue marketing, etc. Why is this important? Because if you're not writing, you are fading into obscurity. So your most important marketing tool is writing. You must continue to write, or you have no reason to market.

Now that we've addressed the most important thing about marketing, here's my general philosophy about social networking as a marketing tool: You can spread yourself thin by trying to maintain a social presence across every platform imaginable. If all you're doing is social networking, which is what everyone seems to think is the answer to marketing, you'll never write a damn word. I know. I've tried writing while doing blog tours, writing my own blog, tweeting and Facebooking all day, etc. I've never written so few words as I did while I tried to keep up a strong social presence.

Here's a better way: Pick one social platform and own it. Don't try to be on every social platform all the time or you will never finish your book. For me, Facebook is my platform of choice. I tweet once every few days, but Facebook is where I find I'm most comfortable. With that said, I recently joined Instagram and have found this to be my second favorite social network. I'm not a big tweeter.

The other item to note about social networking is to turn it off! If you're Facebooking all day, you can't be writing. Get on in the morning, say hi to your followers, spend about 15 minutes doing what you need to do, and then log out and shut it down. Turn off your phone so you're not tempted to answer posts via mobile. Focus on your book and write. In the afternoon or evening, when you're taking a break or finished writing for the day, feel free to log back in for a while, but don't spend a lot of time social networking. As an author, your goal, and your job, is to write books, not gab. Remember that the most important rule of marketing is writing. Yes, social networking is important, but if you aren't writing, you have nothing to socially network about, because... here's the kicker... your followers follow you because they want to read more of your books.

Did you get that? That's so important, I'm going to say it again, in another way: you have followers because they like what you write, and they want more of what you write. If you don't write for them, they will eventually go away and follow someone else who is writing for them.

Yes, your fans love that direct contact with you. I'm still shocked when someone has an extreme fangirl moment simply because I replied to one of her posts or wished her a happy birthday. But I can't spend all my time posting to every one of my fans. You can't either. You need to write more than you need to socially network. And if you still have a day job, it's even more important that you spend less time networking and more time writing.

When I feel like I'm not socially networking enough, I remind myself that J.R. Ward isn't on Facebook every day, all day. She also doesn't tweet. And yet, she has fans who follow her in droves, and when she does write a post, hundreds or even thousands swarm to read what she's written. The same can be said of Lara Adrian, Gena Showalter, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Alma Katsu, and many other authors I admire. I know I'm not yet at the level of those authors, but I do believe in emulating the actions and behavior of those who have what I want, to get where they are. That means I need to spend more time writing and working on my craft than Facebooking. If you want to be where those authors are, too, then you also need to follow their example. Write more, play less.

However, as newbie authors, we do need to work harder to get noticed, but we can still be smart about our marketing and not overkill it. For example: Once you release a new book, do a blog tour. You can enlist friends to help you organize one, or you can go to sites such as Orangeberry, AuthorBiz, Author Marketing Club, Book Monster Promotions, or Parajunkee who can help you organize a tour for a small fee. If you have a series of books published, consider running a freebie or $.99 promo, and then advertise it on sites such as Freebooksy, Author Marketing Club, BookBub (the best, but the hardest to get in with), and Kindle Daily Nation. There are a ton of sites and blogs that will help you promote and advertise, and it will take time for you to build up those contacts, but it's time well spent once you've got three or more books out there.

Advice

From what I've written, it's probably pretty obvious what some of the advice I would give to beginning authors is, but to simplify things, here is an itemized summary of the advice I would give to budding authors:

1. Learn your craft. If you want to write, learn how to write. Don't just say, "I think I want to write a book," and then sit down and write one without knowing anything about craft, grammar, or writing in general.

I know a lot of writers who think that they don't need to learn about craft. Those writers do themselves a huge disservice and teach other writers bad habits. Writing for fiction is an art form. There is an art to writing for story, and that art is nothing like what they taught in English class when you were in school. Take a creative writing class and read everything you can get your hands on about writing for story. A few of my favorite books on writing are: Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King, On Writing Well by William Zinsser, Stein on Writing by Sol Stein, Write Away by Elizabeth George (this one's a bit more advanced, but excellent!), and How to Write a Damn Good Novel II by James N. Frey. But by no means is this list comprehensive. I have bookshelves full of writing books and have learned from them all.

Also, take writing courses. You can find them everywhere, but the courses I took at Long Ridge Writer's Group were intense and allowed me to learn from instructors who were published authors.

Lastly, join a writing organization such as Romance Writers of America (RWA) and attend every meeting and get involved in any local or chapter writing contests. What I've learned from my local RWA chapter is invaluable. Joining was one of the best things I've done to advance my writing career.

2. Build a critique group of beta readers and listen, listen, listen to their feedback. You want beta readers who are not family members or friends. Strangers are best. Preferably strangers who are well-read and enjoy the genre you write. It takes time to build such a group, but definitely do so. I found my group of twenty or so readers by posting on Facebook that I was looking for beta readers. I listed in my post what types of books I write, that I wanted brutally honest feedback, and what readers could expect as far as what they would be reading (first, unedited drafts full of mistakes). After several months, I finally have what I think is a well-rounded beta group.

After you have your group, listen to them. As I said earlier, don't argue with your beta readers and critique partners. Don't explain why they're wrong. If you do, you will make them quit being honest with you, and you might make them quit reading for you altogether. I used to beta read for an author who argued with every single piece of advice or feedback I gave her. Every damn one. She had a reason for everything I criticized. It didn't matter how contrived the scene was, or how unrealistic a facet of the action was, or that her dialogue was robotic without any use of contractions, I was wrong and she was right. In short, she was an ego writer. She asked me up front to be brutally honest and to cut up her writing, and as soon as I gave her exactly what she asked for, she argued about how right she was and how I was just being too harsh or too "know-it-all" with my feedback. I quit reading for her. It was a waste of my time and she wasn't getting anything out of it. Now, she gets a lot of bad book reviews, and many of the reviewers' comments point out exactly what I did in my feedback. She refused to listen to me, so now she has to take harsh criticism from her readers. It would have been so easy and taken just a tiny bit of work for her to correct what her readers now give her one-star reviews for.

I'm not down with bad reviews, and you shouldn't be either, so don't be that ego writer who doesn't listen to feedback. The results aren't worth it.

3. Edit, edit, and edit some more. Writing a book is a two-part process. The first part is in writing the draft. The second part is in editing it. And as I mentioned earlier, the second part is where the real work is done. If you don't edit, you fail. Period. If you don't edit, you've missed out on the most important part of writing a book.

Just because anyone can write a book now and self-publish it without following industry standards doesn't mean that they should...or that it's acceptable. I self-publish, but I approach every book as if I'm with a Big Five publisher (FYI: the Big Six is no more—two of the publishers merged to make them the Big Five). Like I said earlier, I believe in emulating that which I wish to become, so I'm going to work like a Big Five author to the best of my ability and resources. But even if your goal isn't to be with a Big Five publisher, you should still strive to put your best foot forward and to follow industry protocols. After all, readers still want a good, well-written, error-free story, and since readers are what fiction writing is all about, you need to give them what they want, not what you want.

True story: A while back, I saw a post on Facebook by a gal I knew from my days as a role player. She had just published her first book. Oh wow, I thought. Good for her. I went to her page and scrolled through her posts to see what she'd been up to. Three weeks prior to the post she made about her book being available on Amazon, she had made a post that indicated that she was, more or less, halfway finished with the book and wasn't sure how much more she had to write, but that she hoped it would be finished soon.

Okay, wait a minute. Three weeks before she self-published her book, she was only halfway finished with it? Whoa! Think about that a second, and you'll realize if you haven't already that she literally finished the rough draft and immediately published it without editing. I opened the Look Inside feature for the book on Amazon and cringed. The opening of the book was a disaster. The first sentence was even written in passive voice. If she had just been patient and given that book the edit it deserved, she would have caught so many errors and would have published a much stronger book.

Do not skip the editing phase. It will kill your reputation before your career even starts, and once your reputation is tarnished, it's almost impossible to repair.

4. Writing is a job. As with any job, you have to put in the hours and learn the tools of the trade. Architects don't leave college and become Frank Lloyd Wright overnight. Chiropractors, engineers, and every other profession require constant training and re-training as new techniques and technology are created. Writing is no different and requires the same dedication to continual learning. You must always be studying the craft, tweaking, honing, and sharpening your skills. There are countless books to read, and courses, workshops, and classes you can take, as well as conventions and conferences you can attend to keep up with trends and techniques. The world of publishing is ever-changing. What was once taboo is now acceptable, and what was once considered premier writing is now considered clichéd and drab. You have to stay on top of the trends and always look to improve.

Furthermore, you have to dedicate the time to write and adhere to it. A book won't write and edit itself. I no longer work an outside job, but I still get up by 7:00 and work anywhere from eight to twelve hours a day. I keep a schedule, break for lunch, and schedule appointments and errands so that I'm away from my home office only one day a week (I work at least six days a week). Everything I do is done with my writing career in mind. This is my life. It is my work. I treat my writing career as if it's a job in an office outside my home where I work for a company, except I can do it in my pajamas without fixing my hair and makeup.

And I love my job. Happy writing!

#  Carlyle Labuschagne – The Broken Destiny.

Carlyle, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

I started writing at the age of 12. I am inspired by the beauty of life, and feel a desperate need to share this life – hoping that others can see things a bit differently.

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

As cheesy as it sounds, Twilight did a lot for not only indie authors, but for me as a writer – I felt 'wow I can truly do this' – I need to let my stories go, to hopefully give others the spark her books gave me.' Stephanie Myers opened the genre with a bang!

How do you overcome writer's block?

I take a step back from my work, take a walk, a swim, a drive in the car with my playlist and work through it – get back to my piece and push through whatever scene is disliking me at the moment.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

About 1500 words a day, but as a young mother and full-time worker. I don't always reach my goal – but I can make it up by getting up really early on a weekend morning.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

I can't plot – I plot myself into holes! I sit and type and it all just comes to me.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

Hire a professional after you have done as much as you can, then have another pair of eyes. Proofreader. You can never edit enough – so when you think you are done, do it one more time.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

Be creative, giveaways, networking. Spend at least two – three hours a day on pushing your work. A website is essential, so are social media and writing networks. Once you feel you can't any more – just give it all you can. Hire a publicist to reach those gaps in the market you can't reach on your own.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

Never stop – be true to yourself, don't try and impress. Take a bad review as a learning tool; one never stops learning.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

Build up a network. Read and write every day. Give a little to get a lot.

About the author:

Carlyle Labuschagne is a South African debut author working her way into the hearts of international readers with her first young adult dystopian novel "The Broken Destiny". Evanescent, book two in the Broken trilogy, released in 2015. She is not only an author, but works as a sales rep and marketing manager by day. She holds a diploma in creative writing through the writing school at College SA.

Carlyle loves to swim, fights for the trees, and is a food lover who is driven by her passion for life. Carlyle also writes for IU e-magazine India, an inspirational non-profit magazine that aims at inspiring the world through words. The drive behind her author career is healing through words. Carlyle is also the founder of the first annual book drive – Help Build A Library in Africa Project.

"My goal as an author is to touch people's lives, and help others love their differences and one another."

#  Carole Sutton – Flash Harry.

Carole, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

I first started writing children's stories for my three youngsters. They spurred me on to write more, as they thoroughly enjoyed their homemade bedtime stories. I collected a few together and attempted to get them published. Enjoyment, though, was not the only criterion to publishing a book. I learned at an early age that publishing was not an easy path for the amateur. During my childhood the Enid Blyton series, known as the Famous Five, became my favourite reading and I loved her character, 'George,' the girl with the short curly hair who looked and acted like a boy.

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

Later, when I progressed to adult books, the fictional character Perry Mason, written by Erle Stanley Gardner, became my influence. I loved his court scenes and tried to solve his cases. I believe this is where I picked up my interest in crime fiction, and determined to write a book like that one day.

How do you overcome writer's block?

With difficulty – I am actually going through that process now. I haven't written anything for weeks. My fourth crime fiction book, Flash Harry, was published earlier this year, and I can't get stuck into another plot. But I will, because writing is part of my makeup. If you've got it in you, it's gotta come out! At 75 years of age it's just taking a little longer to surface, that's all.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

I love the concept of such discipline – so many words a day, but it doesn't work for me. The story either flows or it doesn't – I can't sit and stare at a blank screen. Apart from my four crime novels I have articles on wildlife published by Australian BirdKeeper, and had little or no trouble with the old writer's block then. But with my four novels out there in their own little world of crime fiction, I feel empty. I have managed a few short stories when the muse took over, but nothing substantial. Writing every day is good advice. Even if you have nothing new to add to your work in progress, go back and revise the earlier chapters. What did you write last week? What does it look like today? What does that scene you struggled with look like now?

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

I plot. In crime writing there are certain rules to follow – it's not like fantasy where you can create bright new worlds and break all the laws of nature – crime has to follow a certain pattern, too many people are aware of crime procedures from the cop shows on television, and will know if you get it wrong. At the same time, you need to turn out something fresh with each book, so it is a balancing act, and plotting is your guide.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

Love editing – hunting down the elusive typo, finding new words to express jaded clichés, going through previous work, improving whatever is already there. I think of the process as 'the mathematics of writing' – it's the time and place to add new ideas, subtractthose that are not working, multiply the good and divide the bad.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

I have never found marketing easy, and rely on the Amazons and as many Internet distributers as I can find. I have tried approaching bookstores, but without a literary agent behind you nobody is very interested. But the odd miracle does happen. Beginners' luck settled on me in 1995, when I sent a junior fiction book, Gus, Sore Feet-No Collar to a certain publisher by mistake. This publisher normally did not publish children's books. However they wrote back saying they had enjoyed the story so much that they'd like to publish it anyway!

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

Do learn the rules. There are plenty of small, handy grammar books around if you are not sure of them. One I would recommend is, 'Self Editing for Fiction Writers,' by Renni Browne & Dave King. I found that one very useful and easy to understand.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

Write, write and write some more. If you can, join a face-to-face writing group. If you have none near enough for you to attend, use the Internet. Places like YouWriteOn, where you get your samples critiqued by your peers in return for you doing theirs. Another excellent one is the InternetWritingWorkshop. This one is divided into groups, everything from Poetry to Novels – just join the one or more of your choice and a whole new world of writing assistance will open up for you. There are many others, but these are the two that I am familiar with.

About the author: Carole Sutton.

Reared in the county of Devon in England, Carole's earliest memory is of the Exeter blitz in 1942. Married in 1960, Carole and her husband reared their three children in Cornwall. They built their own sailing boats and sailed the English Channel, visiting ports on the French coast for their holidays.

They moved to the warmer climes of Perth in Western Australia in 1981, and took up a small retail business. Ten years later, on retirement, Carole had time to indulge in her personal pursuit, writing. She attended a creative writing course in 1995 and shortly after, Rawlhouse published her junior fiction book Gus, Sore Feet -- No Collar.

In that year, she became a member of a professional writing group that met on a weekly basis to discuss and review each other's work. They still do to this day. Carole followed up her 'Gus' success with short stories that were published in various anthologies, and articles with photographs in wildlife magazines, before she started on her novels.

Although she has short stories and wildlife articles to her name, Carole's real passion is writing crime fiction. With her love of Cornwall unabated she combines the two interests and sets her crime locations around boats and rivers.

Titles of novels:

Ferryman, published by YouWriteOn.com (2008)

And the Devil Laughed, (2009) set in Australia on the banks of the Parramatta River.

Blood Opal, (2010), available from Amazon.com, Book Depository.

Flash Harry – crime fiction set in Australia and Bangkok, Thailand, January 2012

More details and pics can be seen on my web: http://casutton.tripod.com/cazutt

#  Thom Locke – The Ming Inheritance.

Thom, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

In a sense I guess I've always been a writer at heart. My first work of note was my master's degree thesis. I completed two master's degree programs at Boston University, so somewhere in those hallowed dusty halls lie two works that bear my name. More specifically, I began writing my first Sam Collins Mystery, The Ming Inheritance, in April of 2010. My greatest inspiration has been my love of history and my love of reading.

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

So, because of these two passions I became somewhat of a voracious consumer of books with one in hand and one at the ready. No single book inspired me to put pen to paper, though probably Umberto Eco was lurking somewhere in the background of my mind.

How do you overcome writer's block?

I am forcefully knocking on my wooden desk as I type with the other hand. Thankfully that hasn't been a concern. In the future that nasty malady surely will visit me, and I'll be thankful that I have this handy little manual.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

No. My life is a 24/7affair. I own a business which takes up a great deal of my time, and I adore spending whatever free time I have with my wife and daughter. I don't need the pressure of a word count. That being said, writing is a discipline. So, Monday through Friday I'm at my desk pounding the keyboard from 7 till 9 in the morning. On some days I'm quite productive, and on others less so.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

Both, actually. My novels are erotic historical thrillers, so a great deal of research goes into getting my writing off the ground. I have a very specific idea of where my stories will start and where they will end. Still, certain characters force their way into the story in a way I had never envisioned. For example, Gemma, in my first novel, became a pivotal character. That sultry blonde bombshell of an adventurer burst into Sam's life and wouldn't let go. Zanny, in my second Sam Collins Mystery, Jim Thompson Is Alive!, followed a similar path. Both of them are strong female characters one is likely to come across if they stay long enough in the Kingdom.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

It is an essential element for the independent writer. For me I'm more concerned with sentence structure and variation. I'm confident in my use of punctuation and what constitutes a good sentence. But sometimes I find my sentences going on too long or, on other occasions, find myself over-using the present progressive. So those are the items I focus on when editing my books. After I finish my first draft I give it a detailed look to correct such mistakes. Then I send it off to three readers whom I trust. This is critical. The feedback I receive is incorporated into my third draft, and then it is off.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

I'm still sorting the marketing process out. Working with talented people such as yourself [Patti Roberts], and meeting like-minded authors is the most rewarding aspect of what can be monotonous work. But if you enter the field, you owe it to yourself and your book to promote vigorously. Hell, I feel an obligation to Gemma and Zanny as well!

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

Love your work! Love your characters! Love your story! If you possess these feelings then you'll love your book. Nobody loves the Sam Collins Mystery Series more than T. Hunt Locke. But you want your book to sell, so work, and it is work, at developing a network to promote your book. Other people in this book can guide you better in this respect as I have yet to develop a 'winning' strategy. However I work at it every day and am now starting to see positive results.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

"Start writing!" A fellow faculty member provided me with those words of wisdom some years ago, and it is advice that I pass on regularly.

Are your books available in print, ebook and audio? Can you share your thoughts of these different formats?

The Ming Inheritance & Jim Thompson Is Alive! are available in both ebook and print form. The ebook format is fantastic! I can offer my book for free on certain days, which is a terrific opportunity for emerging authors to find an audience. In addition, it allows an author like me to keep the cost reasonable to further develop that readership. Of course, I'm old school as well. There is something about holding your novel for that very first time. And when you see it shelved in a book shop your chest sticks out just a bit. So both options have their appeal and their champions.

Do you have a book trailer? What are your thoughts on book trailers?

I do not. That will be rectified shortly. I believe a book trailer can be an important part of a creative marketing campaign. For the past three years I have concentrated on developing my craft and putting product on the shelves. Now I'm turning my attention more to the matter of shining a bright spotlight on books that I'm quite proud to say I have authored. A book trailer is a fun, innovative, and cost-effective way to achieve that.

Do you prefer to blog, tweet or facebook for exposure?

The world's worst blogger is a title I wear proudly. I just haven't been able to nurture, and that is what you must do, an interesting blog. I don't have the patience, perhaps. Facebook, on the other hand, is both fun and useful. This platform allows me to connect to writers and other creative people in an organic way. Twitter is a social media outlet that escapes me. I'm not sure it is helpful in developing relationships that could enhance and enrich my writing career. I could be wrong.

What are your thoughts on book reviews?

There is no greater gift an author can receive than a well thought out book review. Perhaps the best review I ever received was a detailed 3 star review. The reviewer delivered an insightful criticism which helped me as I was working on my second novel. I would caution a first-time author to beware of book review exchange programs. I have had many positive experiences, but there are pitfalls as well. For example, I agreed to do an exchange with a writer from the States. I clearly stated that my book was an erotic historical thriller. In this case I really emphasized it, because I saw that her novel was written for a Christian audience. Still everything went forward. I read her book. It was pretty good and I gave her a nice review. About two weeks on she alerted me that she could not in good conscience continue with Jim Thompson Is Alive!. She quite liked the writing style, she explained, but was aghast at the sex. I reminded her that my books were erotic historical thrillers. She apologized. She had confused erotic for exotic. So beware that sometimes in the exchange process you can be riding the wrong way down a one way street. That being said, I would recommend an author to use these programs as a way of generating reviews.

Where do you sell most of your books?

I sell the vast majority of my books as ebooks. My print copy is available through CreateSpace, which I must admit has been a pleasant surprise. Another surprise has been my sales on Sony Canada. Don't ask me why.

Are you a traditionally published author or indie? What are your thoughts and experiences in this field?

I am an indie published author. From writing to editing to marketing, the onus falls on my shoulders. But as an independently minded person this suits me. I do have a great cover designer, however!

Please include any further information you feel is relevant on writing to the reader/new writer reading this publication – you never know whom you might inspire:

If I could add anything further, it would be to commit yourself totally to a project and see it through. At times you'll lose your way, but if you stay the course I trust you'll find a treasure at the end of the project. Writing is difficult. 'Harder than paving asphalt,' one noted author observed. But the rewards are great.

Thank you, Patti, for including me in this delightful and worthwhile project. I currently have four books available: The Ming Inheritance, Jim Thompson Is Alive!, Vinland and The Chiang Mai Chronicle. All are available through Amazon.

My day job is decidedly different from my writing career. I am the owner/operator of the N.U. Test Preparation Center in northern Thailand. Here I prepare Thai doctors, university lecturers, and professionals for life abroad. It is rewarding work! The most gratifying aspect of a thoroughly satisfying life is my family. I have a beautiful wife and a delightful and precocious five year old daughter. They make everything worthwhile.

#  Suz Demello – Desire In Tartan.

Suz Demello talks about writing.

Ego aside, I had always known I was creative. My parents were responsible, I'm sure. In our home, books lined the walls wherever a painting wasn't hung. Opera, classical and jazz filled the air, interrupted by rock in the 1960s.

But finding the correct outlet for my creativity was one of the hardest tasks I've ever tackled, and a failure to succeed led me down paths pocked by pitfalls and wrong turns throughout my life. A hint of my future occurred in high school, where I edited and published in our literary magazine. I was always a voracious reader, and you'd think that someone would have said, "Hey, Sue, what about taking your love of books and turning that into a living?"

Without knowing where I wanted to go in life or what I wanted to do, I made a terrible mistake—I let others make the decision for me. My parents had always pushed me to become an attorney, so I did.

Though I'd always been a scholar, I barely crawled out of law school at Hastings. I actually got a D on my first midterm in Civil Procedure, which should have been a message. Oddly, I won a place on one of Hastings' four law reviews via a writing contest, where later I again edited and published.

What ensued after law school graduation was a twenty-year-long deflection away from who I was into a tortured and unhappy soul. Needless to say, the job of trial attorney isn't artistic or creative. It's the opposite.

I married in 1995 at the age of 40, while I was still practicing law. A few months after our wedding, we hosted a local writing professor, who had been teaching a class called "Writing for Publication" at a local community college for years. He urged me to take his class, and I said, "Why not?"

A whole new world opened up for me. I learned about these wondrous lists called "writers' guidelines," in which publishers tell writers exactly what they want. And, while examining the publishing industry, I couldn't help noticing that romance novels comprised the bulk of fiction publishing. Though I'd been an avid reader, I hadn't read much romance except for Georgette Heyer. But I thought, "Hey, I bet I can do that too."

So I did.

I took a creative writing class, and in autumn of 1996 started my first manuscript, a simple boy-meets-girl tale. It was later (much later) published as Walk Like A Man as a hardcover, garnering good reviews. It was recently rereleased as an ebook.

My second manuscript was also intended as a sweet romantic comedy, but after numerous incarnations became The Wilder Brother, erotic romance available digitally and in print from Ellora's Cave. But it wasn't the first or the second manuscript to sell.

My third manuscript was the first to sell. Hopelessly Compromised was a labor of love, a Georgette Heyer style Regency romance, except with sex. Published in 1999, it won an award for the best historical romance of its year. It's been republished in ebook and paperback as Lord Devere's Ward, and continues to sell well.

How did people react to my new career?

I heard the usual sneers about "those books" until I pointed out that "those books" sell like hotcakes at iHop. And my late dad, bless him, grinned widely when I handed him a fresh, new copy of my first book and asked me, "Did you mark the naughty bits for me?"

After an author's first sale, she generally leaps to the conclusion that a thriving professional career is assured. Not so. I don't know why, but my editor at Kensington treated me as though I were a smallpox carrier, despite the book's success. I found an agent, and although she wasn't very good at what she did, I managed to sell a book to Silhouette Romance, a line that folded a few years later (that was one reason she wasn't good at what she did). Three more books to SilRom followed before the line shut down, but by then I'd abandoned lawyering with few looks back.

Then, tragedy struck. My father had died after a two-year bout of cancer. My marriage was falling apart. My eldest brother was diagnosed with stage four cancer, and one of my dearest friends committed suicide.

My writing tanked.

I'd sold four books and had written about eight additional manuscripts that my critique partners and my then agent (different from the first) told me were wonderful. But they didn't sell, and I didn't know why. Still don't.

The stress from the life changes and the rejections gave me a writer's block so heavy that most days I can't write anything. Since then, I've published unsold manuscripts and struggled to eke out more words but believe me, it's not easy.

And then what happened?

I hit the road. They say that "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." After my brother died—a whole saga in itself—I got going. I went all the way through Europe to Thailand, where I finally gained a measure of peace and a great deal of self-knowledge.

I learned that I don't need very much. Big houses don't do it for me. I lived in a room about 15x15 feet and was perfectly happy. I didn't need a car, which made life even easier. I discovered that I don't need a husband or a conventional life.

And I started writing again.

My friends had been telling me, "Write erotica for the online market. It's booming!"

So I did. I took all my old manuscripts that hadn't sold and revised them for the erotic romance market. They sold.

I began writing another book, Queen of Shadow, futuristic erotica, which explored a concept that had been on my mind for some time—what if a planet didn't spin? What if that so-basic unit of time, the day, did not exist? What kind of society would evolve? To this day Queen of Shadow remains my most interesting book.

I returned to the States and dealt with personal business. After my divorce settled I hit the road again, heading for Thailand where I earned a certification in English language teaching. I taught toddlers English in central China, which was fascinating. I loved to travel and discover new places, and for the most part, that has been fun as well as instructive. China was instructive but not fun. A developing country, China is coming very far very fast, but life isn't easy. Try to imagine life in a place where you can't drink the water that comes out of your kitchen tap. You can't wash fruit or vegetables in it—doing that is like bathing your food in E. coli. I didn't understand or speak Mandarin. There were few expats in my town, meaning that I was alone an awful lot.

The upside?

The upside is called Temptation in Tartan.

By this time, and despite my writer's block, I had developed a two-pronged career. Sue Swift's books run the gamut from sweet romances where the bedroom door is always closed to grittier romantic suspense where the dead bodies drop like maple leaves in autumn. Suz deMello pushes the boundaries—she writes erotic romance. Both personae fall under the motto "fearless, fast-paced fiction."

While in Thailand and China, I was promoting a Sue Swift book, Puckheads, a romantic suspense set in the world of pro hockey, and I started to write the book that eventually became Temptation in Tartan.

People were asking me if I was writing a book set in China, and seemed shocked when I said, "No, it's set in 1748 Scotland. And it has vampires." Folks often wonder where I get my ideas. Clearly not from where I happen to be at any given time.

At this point—August 2013—the Highland Vampires series consists of the following:

Temptation in Tartan (set in 1747)

Desire in Tartan (set in 1759)

Angel Laird, Vampire Wife (set in 1766)

Highland Vampire, published by Harlequin Spice Briefs (contemporary)

I left China uncertain about my next stop on the road of life but sure that China wasn't for me. I'm now back in the States and still writing.

Since I started that first simple boy-meets-girl manuscript in 1996, I've written sixteen complete novels—about one every year—plus a number of short stories and articles on writing. Though it's still a challenge, my writer's block isn't as crushing as it once was.

What I discovered was that the only way to get rid of writer's block is to write my way out of it—just sticking to the task at hand. I find taking walks helps a lot—often I'll set out on a walk and within a block or two or three, will have figured my way out of whatever story dilemma has me stumped.

And, being American, I'm an optimist. The next Highland Vampires book, Rakes in Tartan, has already been contracted by Ellora's Cave and is almost finished. It's set in the Regency era, 1816 London. And I'm planning the last book in the series, which will be steampunk set.

And, being British, I maintain a stiff upper lip and carry on.

©Suz deMello 2013

#  Tabitha Ormiston-Smith - Gift Of Continence.

Tabitha, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

Well, this is a bit embarrassing. I wasn't actually inspired at all. My boyfriend at the time, a computer nerd, had just built me a new computer out of spare parts, and I wanted to check out that it would work as advertised. I just opened up a document and started typing, more or less at random, to check out the word processing functionality (yes, I am a nerd too!). Hours later, I realised that the electric jug had boiled dry, ruining the element, and also that I had written the first two chapters of a novel.

How do you overcome writer's block?

Well writer's block, like Santa Claus and cholesterol, is a thing in which I don't believe. But of course, like everyone, I've occasionally experienced a 'freeze' when staring down the barrel of a big task. Cleaning up a really messy room/my desk/my mother's house after she died. Doing my tax. Preparing for an exam in Evidence Law. Writing my new book. It's all the same, and one method does for it all. Make a list. Break down each task. Then do the first thing. That's all.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

When I am writing a new book I try to write every day and I generally shoot for one or two thousand words, and that in pretty good shape. I find that any day where I don't progress makes it harder to get moving again. When I'm working on something that's in revision, though, I'm afraid I procrastinate a good deal, and have all kinds of reasons for not getting back to work - it's too hot, it's too cold, Ferret is lying on my manuscript, Ferret is lying on my notes, I really should ring up the minister and tell her how great last week's sermon was - no excuse is too stupid or embarrassing for me! I am not proud of this, and am constantly reminding myself that if I brought the same work ethic to revisions as I do to anything I do for a client or employer, I would have finished it ages ago.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

That depends on what I am writing. With my contemporary novels, Gift of Continence and Dance of Chaos, I pretty much wrote the first drafts by the seat of the pants, and I still write some things like that. My new book, which is the third in the Fiona McDougall trilogy, was written this way until about 3/4 of the way through, when I started to outline the remaining part. I did the same thing with my other work in progress, King's Ransom; I pantsed up until about half way, by which time my characters were all well developed, and then outlined the final part. Generally, I use an outline where a more rigorous approach is necessary; with King's Ransom, for instance, I needed to be in line with documented historical events. And with short fiction I nearly always use an outline. All the same, though, the plan is a loose one. Writing comedy as I do, I don't like to plan too rigidly, as often the opportunity for something really funny can be missed that way. Of course if I were writing detective fiction, or anything like that, I would not be able to go about it in this self-indulgent way, so other writers should be careful how they apply this to their own work.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

As a professional editor myself I tend to be fairly scornful about other people's literacy in general, and so I have to admit that I don't employ an editor myself. I do edit my work myself very intensively, and many times. Readers should approach this statement with extreme caution. I certainly do not recommend that anyone follow my example in this. It is most unwise not to have an editor, especially if you are a new writer. I have managed to get away with it so far; this does not mean that I will always do so. This is definitely an instance of "do as I say, don't do as I do." If you MUST edit your own work, I believe it's wise to finish the draft and leave it totally alone for at least three months, and as much longer as possible, before you start.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

This isn't a question I can really answer, as I have not to date been successful in marketing my work at all. Despite some wonderful reviews, by and large the reading public seems not to be buying it! I have to admit, though, that I have never given much time or effort to marketing. I'm a writer, not a marketing person, and I'm not attracted to spending my time that way, so I don't.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

1. Don't give up your day job. If you must give up your day job, at least be sure you do so on good terms! Don't quarrel with your boss - you may need to go back. In any case, you should always have some kind of job, even if you are lucky enough not to need the money. It keeps you in tune with the world. Volunteer somewhere one day a week if you really don't need to work.

2. Bring your English grammar up to scratch. A really great (and fun!) way to do this is by doing a couple of semesters of Latin. Any reputable university will have it, and if there isn't one in your area, try a seminary. It is wonderful how studying Latin enhances one's grasp of the fundamentals of our own language. Don't email me asking why this is so; I really have no idea, but it is. If your English (or other language in which you write) is not thoroughly competent, you are not ready to start writing. I don't care what your mother, your boyfriend or your 'street team' tell you. You are Not Ready. To attempt to write a novel without a solid competence in your language is like trying to build the Taj Mahal out of wet paper bags; not only will you fail, but you will embarrass yourself in the attempt.

3. Read a lot. Read everything. If you want to write, say, a fantasy novel about gay vampires, don't limit your reading to fantasy or vampire books. Read widely outside your chosen genre. Read the good stuff. Read Austen, Trollope, Stevenson. Read the people who sell millions of copies. Read Stephen King, J K Rowlings, George Martin. Notice what works for them. Think about whether it would work for you. Read old Sci-Fi magazines. Read the problem pages. Read Mills and Boon (o.k., not too much of that). Read Sartre, Plato, Descartes. You are allowed to buy translations. Read everything. At the very least, you will discover authors who will give you untold hours of pleasure for the rest of your life. You will also grow as a writer. Trust me. Read everything.

4. Get yourself a good editor. A good editor will help you make your book the very best that it can be. And you will want that, won't you?

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

A technique for overcoming what is sometimes called "writer's block" (but which I take to be a species of panic). This has saved me when I've had 'blank page syndrome' many times, and it was given to me by my mother. Writing academic papers, she would get stuck and start typing "Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of the party." Over and over again. She told me it would never let me down, and for once I have to admit she was right. I don't use 'Now is the time', but just start typing at random. It works for me.

The other really good piece of advice I was given was to steer clear of vanity publishers.

About the Author:

After 20 years in the I.T. industry, some years in credit control, degrees in Computer Science, Philosophy, and Law, and certificates in Dog Grooming, Private Investigation and Combat Shooting, I started my editing business from home. All of my work has been written against a background of other work. I am with Eliot on this; a writer needs to experience life, and to live deeply and widely as he reads deeply and widely, and in the same spirit.

My published work includes two novels, Dance of Chaos and Gift of Continence, a collection of short fiction, Once Upon A Dragon, a crime/romance novella, Operation Tomcat, a children's novella, No Such Thing, and the non-fiction Grammar Without Tears.

For further books by this author, check out her other books online.

#  James Eggebeen - Foundling Wizard (Apprentice to Master).

James, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

I remember writing in grade school. I must have been about thirteen years old. I wrote horrible stories for my friends, which are thankfully lost to antiquity by now. I'm sure they were typical adolescent self-absorbed fantasies. How could they be anything else?

I got more serious about writing when I was getting ready to graduate from my undergraduate program in college. I was faced with needing an English credit to graduate. When I received the books for "Chief Modern Poets of Britain and America," I ran to the Dean's office and begged for anything else. I was switched into a creative writing class, and fell in love with it.

The teacher was a great teacher and she told me I had a good grasp on grammar and sentence structure, so I was going to learn to write stories. When she had me analyze the structure of the last few novels I had read, it really opened my eyes. Of course I wrote a lot for that class, but it was just after my first wife had died of cancer, so those stories were more therapeutic and cathartic than commercial, but I was hooked. I kept writing after that. (That was 30 years ago, by the way).

A few years later, I fell in with a Usenet Newsgroup of writers (this was before the World Wide Web). We did writing prompts and critiques. One week we wrote from a prompt and followed that with one week of critiques. There were about ten to twelve of us in the group, so we got to know each other pretty well.

Each week the prompt came from another group member. It was a lot of fun. We did it for several years before the group fell apart. I sent quite a few short stories off and got a lot of nice rejections back. Some were encouraging and entertaining, a few were educational. Unfortunately, I lost touch with all of them. I've only reconnected with one of them. Last year I was doing the JuNoWriMo (June Novel Writing Month. which I finished first by the way. 50K words in 17 days) and one of the participants was from that group. I wish I could find more of them just to see how they are doing.

I sold a few stories during those years, so I guess that was the start of my professional writing career. I remember my first short story submission. It was to a computer magazine local to San Diego. I sent the obligatory self-addressed stamped envelope along with my story. When it came back a few weeks later I opened it, expecting a form rejection, but there was a check in it! How encouraging was that. I had been published in trade magazines and Time Life Books on Computers, but this was my first fiction sale.

A few years ago, my wife decided to take two months off in the Philippines for her vacation. I had to stay home and work. A married man left alone for two months can get into a lot of trouble, so I decided to take one of my old short stories and expand it into a novel. That's how Foundling Wizard came to be. It was derived from one of my short stories, but it's so different that you'd be hard pressed to identify which one it came from.

I had no idea what to expect. I found an editor and a cover designer, and spent almost nine months getting it into shape before I self published. I loaded it onto Amazon just before we left for Europe for our anniversary. We spent three weeks in Europe right after it launched. I could check in on it once in a while, but I couldn't do any launch coordination. I was lucky to get on FaceBook once in a while as we checked in and out of hotels all over England, France and Italy. It did well, so I kept writing. How could I not? I was truly hooked now.

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

I read a lot of science fiction while I was growing up and as an adult. There came a time when I was hard pressed for cash, so I'd go into the bookstore and find the thickest books I could get for my money. Heinlein and Asimov were very popular, but the first fantasy novel I read was Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind. It was fascinating and sort of opened up the genre for me. I had read Lord of the Rings, but it didn't catch my interest as much as when I came back to fantasy as an adult. Now that's almost all I ever read.

I've read the Hitchhiker's Guide and almost everything by Terry Pratchet. A lot of Niven and Pournelle, but no one book stands out. I have always been an avid reader and consume them by the stack full. Thankfully my kindle holds a lot, and if I'm ever without my kindle, then my phone fills in.

How do you overcome writer's block?

I almost never get writer's block. When I can't think of something to write, I take a walk and get a drink of water. If I'm really stuck I take a nap in my writing chair. I always wake up with a head full of ideas. I have more ideas than time to write. Lately I have been writing so fast I'm worried about editing and proof reading.

I watched a lecture by Brandon Sanderson the other day. He did a great session on idea generation, and I used that for my latest novel. It really sparked some great ideas. He also said that a lot of "early pros" tend to work an idea or theme to death. He said if they don't like your first book and you write a series right off, then you have nothing. Write standalone books for a while. You can always come back and extend one if it goes over well. I think that helps a lot, since each new book is all fresh, and that makes them easier to write (for me at least.)

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

I strive for 3,000 words every day. I usually write for about an hour and a half, and then move into revisions and editing, or outlining for a while. I still work full time, so I'm limited to about 3-4 hours a day for my writing, but that seems to be enough for me. On the weekends I revise and format, edit and do the non-writing stuff. I always seem to have more of that than first draft writing.

I have spent so many years on the keyboard that I'm pretty fast. During the JuNoWriMo sprints, I routinely turned in 40 WPM in half hour sprints. That puts my 3,000 word daily goal at just about an hour and a half, so it works out pretty well with my schedule.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

I was a dedicated plotter until I started my latest novel. I had this one idea that kept gnawing at me for weeks until I sat down and started writing. At the end of each chapter or scene, I ask myself "What could make things worse?" and that's what I write next. I can hardly wait to get up in the morning and start writing to see what comes out of the dark reaches of my subconscious.

Now that's not to say I don't follow good story structure and plot points and the like. It's just that I don't have the plot figured out ahead of time. I thought it was going to be a little uncomfortable, like working without a net, but I've really enjoyed it. I always seem to get a little panicky at about the middle of the book when I start to realize I need to wrap things together and I haven't figured it all out yet. That's when I do more outlining than early on. I can't wait to see what happens with the next book. Will it be easier or harder? I don't know, but then trying different things is how we learn.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

I would never work without an editor. I am happy to shell out a few bucks for each book to get this invaluable professional help. This time I used a text-to-speech reader and found a bunch before I sent it off to my editor, but no, just no way would I publish a book without an editor. Not that I wouldn't love to save the expense . but then I don't mind paying for the service, just like I pay for paper and ink when I print my books out for my own review. It's impossible to catch your own mistakes.

Ever see those things that go around the Internet where the letters are all scrambled up in the words, or they substituted numbers for certain letters and you can still read it fine? Well that's what your brain does when you edit your own work. It substitutes what should have been there for what is there. I was shocked at how much I missed when I started using the "robot" reader. The text to speech engine reads what is there, not what you wish were there. It's unforgiving. But. it's no substitute for an editor.

I remember when I sent my first book to my editor. I was so nervous. What would she think? She wrote back that she was upset about something I had done but wasn't sure what it was just yet. It took a few sessions until we both came to realize what I'd done wrong, and devised a strategy to fix it. That was worth more than anything else she did for me on that book. She showed me where I had missed the boat and helped me figure out how to fix it. I re-wrote several chapters and in the end, you don't even notice where the problem used to be. It's gone now.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

Write another book. Seriously. Write another book, then another, then another. Don't count on your first book to make it big. Even some of the famous success stories of the indie world didn't make it on their first book. After they hit it big, their earlier works also sold well, but not at first. Write more books. The more lines you have in the water, the more fish you're going to catch.

I'm terrible at marketing. I'm taking a class right now to learn how to market my books. I hope it's more than the few things I have already read. The instructor says he will show us how to get into bookstores and that sort of thing. I hope it helps, because I'm more of a recluse and not even big on social media. I'm still the shy nerdy kid who wants to tell you a story, but doesn't want to make eye contact.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

Practice, practice, practice.

Read a lot and analyze what you like. Read the book through, then go back and read it again with a pencil and paper. Make notes on what the author did that worked for you. I find that reading the successful authors is great. Especially when you see one of the top authors do something your writing group just criticized you for and demanded you edit out of a scene.

Don't think you're special and have the world's best novel bottled up in you. It takes a while to find your voice and your style. Keep writing, keep learning, and don't be afraid to try new things.

Take criticism well. Sometimes people will be cruel and sometimes insightful. Try to find the core of truth in the most scathing criticism you get but don't let it get to you. Everyone gets bad reviews. It's all part of putting your work out there. Not everyone will like it.

I have several friends who are still writing their first book (have been for years). I'm on number seven this month. They're worried they're not good enough yet. I tell them that I am practising in public. I can tell how good my writing is by the number of books sold and the reviews I get. Don't be afraid to put your writing out there. Now that doesn't mean put out garbage. Make it as good as you can make it and then set if loose in the wild. I know I could have done better if I practiced a few years, but I gained a lot of experience by writing more, not rewriting what I had already written.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

Just write. The more you write, the better you'll understand how it works. There are things you need to learn that won't make sense until you've written a few books. It sounded trite and pretentious when I was working on my fist novel, but the more I have learned, the more I realize I have yet to master. Never stop learning, never stop writing and most important of all? If you don't enjoy writing, your readers won't enjoy reading your work.

About the Author:

James Eggebeen is a serial masochist repeatedly taking high-tech companies through the growing pains of converting from a garage shop into a sustainable and profitable mature business. He learned the value of hard work by having been raised on a farm in Wisconsin, where he learned auto mechanics from his saintly grandfather who patiently tolerated him and his siblings always underfoot. His most frequent comment growing up was, "Why did you people settle here when there are much warmer places to live?"

He confounded his teachers and most grownups at a young age, writing incredibly powerful algorithms for phenomenally underpowered computers at the dawn of the computer age. This is a skill he has employed throughout his professional career and still takes great pride in (the confounding part mostly). At 17 years of age he made a deal with the US Navy: "Teach me about airplanes and computers. Take me anywhere it doesn't snow and I'm all yours." They kept the bargain and started him on a world traveling adventure that has continued far beyond his six-year enlistment. He continued his world traveling adventures as a businessman, frequently logging one fourth of his time out of the country. He feels as comfortable abroad as he does at home, and has developed an appreciation for a wide range of cultures and cuisines.

He settled in Southern California after his service was complete, and studied Engineering, Business and Finance at night, while working at a series of start-up firms by day. He claims that growing up on the farm and the Navy have ruined his ability to sleep late, and habitually gets up well before the sane portion of the population starts their day.

For further books by this author, check out his author page.

#  S. M. Hineline – Hunting.

Sena, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

I first started writing when I was pretty young. There are a couple of stories my mom has that I made up and forced her to write down for me (I couldn't spell or really write well at all, but I had many stories and characters knocking around in my head.) I think she was also probably my greatest inspiration early on. Both my mother and father were avid readers, and for story time at night we would often get not only a book read to us, but also a created story that we would help build. Mom would ask us what we wanted to have a story about, we'd give her a topic, and she'd make something up off the top of her head. I took that creativity with me, and finally let it out of the box in College, beginning to write down the stories I'd been telling myself (and various kiddos who needed entertaining) for years.

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

I read a lot when I was a kid. I never went anywhere without a book. I couldn't pick out just one that inspired me, but I think the act of sinking into so many fantastic worlds, and finding new friends and having amazing adventures, really inspired me to try writing my own stories. I wanted to be one of those authors I was reading. I was so amazed at their talent, and how each of them could create worlds that were so unique and exciting, that I wanted to be a part of them. I wanted to create a place where people would want to come and lose themselves for a few hours. I wanted to give people that glassy-eyed 'I'm not really back here in the real world yet' look I get when I have to put down a really good book for mundane things like eating dinner.

How do you overcome writer's block?

I just keep writing. Sometimes I'll take a break, read a book I love, watch some TV, or just put it away for a couple of days, but I've really found that the best way to get past a block is to sit there and write. Even if it's something I know I'm going to go back and delete later, it's sort of a 'fake it till you make it' situation.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

That depends on how heavily I am into my writing at the time. If things are going slowly, I tell myself to just get to 1k words each day; if I'm on a roll I like to see how far past 5k I can get.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

I do a really high-level plot outline. It could be something to the effect of: there's going to be a bad guy who steals a thing, he'll go to trial, this character will meet him and they'll fight. Really very sketchy outlines of how I think the story might turn out, and then I just go by the seat of my pants after that.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

Editing is one of those things everyone really must do. I know we all like to think we're perfect, but everyone has spelling errors, grammar issues, and story line drama. I like to get a lot of feedback from people when I'm in editing mode. I have different people I go to for different types of editing. There are the people who'll tell me the story doesn't make any sense, and the people I know will call me out on every instance where I've butchered some punctuation rule. Each one of my many rounds of editing finds different things that need to be fixed up, and even after what feels like hundreds of rounds of revisions, I can publish and STILL find things I missed.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

I've found that reaching out to other indie authors is the best way for me to get the word out about my book. The indie author community is filled with people who will help you promote the work you're doing, encourage you, and give you tips. I am a huge fan of doing author interviews with giveaways; this gives potential readers a way to find out more about me, the book I'm promoting, and gives them an opportunity to win a free copy. Reach out to bloggers (make sure you read their rules for interviews and reviews first so you don't annoy them), and work on setting up relationships with them.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

Don't be discouraged. I know there are a lot of stories out there about the overnight successes and the amazing amounts of money people make self-publishing. If you're in it for the money, you'll have a long road ahead. Write what you love and what you're passionate about. Celebrate every single download of your book, and measure success not by how much money you're making, but by how much fun you're having writing stories that are being read by people you don't know. I geek out every time I get a review on Amazon or Goodreads, even if it's only a one star review, because it means some stranger found my book, read it, and felt strongly enough about it to write a review. Pretty amazing.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

My husband is a really blunt guy, and I'd written a book but left it sitting under my bed for years. He looked at me one day and went, "what's the point of writing an entire book if you're never going to let anyone read it?" I started working on getting it published that same day. He's also fond of going, "You can't be a writer if you're not writing," which shames me into opening my computer and trying to crank out a couple of chapters. Those are the two things I try to tell people; keep writing, and put your writing out there for the world to see.

About the Author:

S.M. Hineline has always loved reading, especially anything to do with vampires or werewolves, much to her parents' dismay. She recently moved with her husband to Indiana, where they're setting up a house and learning how to be urban farmers (but she's not sure about the whole gathering chicken eggs thing).

Check out her website at http://huntingbook.wikia.com/wiki/Hunting

#  Solease M Barner – Secrets Of The Ghosts.

Solease, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

I initially started writing when I was about 10 years old, writing poems and short stories. I never thought writing would be my career choice. I went to college still not thinking of writing as a way of life, but in late 2009 I began to write a poem and when I was finished, I didn't feel like the poem had done the story justice. I was going through some things in my life and had plenty of time, so I began to write the poem as a story and that developed into my first book, Secrets of the Ghosts-The Sleeper. I can't say what was my greatest inspiration, I'm not sure. I just knew that writing became a relief and a joy, more so than ever before. Now, I can't see myself doing anything but writing.

How do you overcome writer's block?

When I have writer's block, which doesn't happen often, I usually listen to music, go for a walk, or even read a book totally different from what I'm writing.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

I try to write every day. I feel good when I'm writing, and I write until I think the story is complete.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

I'm a seat of the pants type of girl. I mean, when I'm writing I'm shocked the way a story has turned out and sometimes it's not what I want. I let the character in the story work out the storyline, and I love it that way. I think if I were to write the plot before I write, it would make it hard for me to complete.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

Ha, I never try to edit my work. When I was in college, both under-graduate and graduate school, I never edited my own papers, and it's the same with my books. I need fresh eyes on my work, so they can catch things I didn't see, and also to correct me on things I thought were right. I say always use a very good editor, one who will hold your feet to the flame too.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

I use social media, interviews, and anything else I can. Yet, word of mouth is very still good and I still think it's the best way. I mean friends are always going to tell you about a good book, movie, or even a sale at the mall. I buy things based on recommendations of others because I trust them, and I believe that goes for many. I do believe that when you have a huge publishing company backing you they can get you in front of many more faces faster, it doesn't always guarantee you will be successful or that you will like working under contract. It's really an individual thing.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

I would first tell them, never stop writing. I would let them know it's not easy and you will have to get strong skin and get ready for the best time of your life.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

The advice I was given that was most helpful, was to keep writing and never give up on your dream. There have been days where I thought I should go back to law and work, but then I remember that advice - never give up on your dream.

About the Author:

Solease M. Barner has been writing from around the age of 10 years old. She loves to live in her fantasy world and enjoy each new character she introduces. She loves writing mystery/ romance/ Sci-fi books and has recently fallen in love with writing paranormal romance. Solease is a huge reader and reads all genres of books as she enjoys reading. Solease is married with one daughter and loves spending time with her family. Solease graduated from University of Michigan with a B.A. in Sociology, and went on to get her Master degree in Criminal Justice. Solease's first book, "Secrets of the Ghosts- The Sleeper" shows her imagination. Solease's new Series "The Draglen Brothers" is her new baby. Solease hopes that you will connect with her, as she is known as the social butterfly among her friends and family.

For further books by this author, check out her author page.

#  Emerald Barnes – Read Me Dead.

Emerald, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

I first began writing when I was in high school, back in 2004. It wasn't a very good story, and it was probably more dialogue than "story." However, that was when I first found my passion for writing. When I graduated in 2005, I spent the summer between high school and college writing my first novel. It wasn't great, and I didn't even finish it. That was when I knew I wanted to be an author, and I wanted to pursue it as a career.

My greatest inspiration has been through a few things. Mostly, though, I'd have to say it was my parents, sister, and a wonderful teacher who put the love of the English language and reading into my life.

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

No, but there was a particular author. Dean Koontz. I have been obsessed with his writing since I was probably thirteen or fourteen. Once I read From the Corner of His Eye, my first Koontz book, I knew that I wanted to inspire that type of mystery and suspense in others' lives. I wanted to provide a means of escape from reality like his books did for me.

How do you overcome writer's block?

I allow myself a few days' break because it can get stressful if I don't. Then, I force myself to write something. I usually take that time just to write plot ideas, thoughts I've had regarding a certain novel, and go from there. Usually I find something in those ramblings that allows me to break through the block and continue.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

No. I don't do well under pressure, so I don't set myself a goal for each day. Usually that's when I do my best word count, which is anywhere from 1-4,000 words a day. I do try to write every day, taking the weekends off, though, unless I'm completely inspired.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

I write by the seat of my pants. I sometimes plot, but when I do, I usually deviate from my plotting. I find that my story goes well when I don't put my characters or my story within boundaries.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

Oh, that's such a tough one! I hate editing, but it makes the story so much better. I do love the final product of edits because my novels are so much better after editing. And it's so important. The story and writing are fun, but the editing is what will make or break an author.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

Having friends and readers who help out. It helps to be engaging with your readers and other authors. It makes the readers feel like they're part of the experience, and it helps me to know that I have a group of people who are willing to help me market. Those are the people who will retweet your tweets, showcase you on their blogs, and Facebook for you.

But you can't go wrong with buying ads and generally getting onto tweet teams where you help spread the word for others while they do the same for you.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

Never give up. It's so clichéd, but it's true. It's hard work being a writer, and it's even harder being an author. Prepare for breakdowns and disappointments, but push through them. The end product is so worth the effort and hardships. It's also important to develop a thick skin, show your readers that you actually care, and always make sure to have your favorite snack, chocolate maybe, on hand!

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

To make sure that my novel has been edited the best that it could and to just be myself. Those are the two single most important pieces of advice that I've ever been given. It's true. I cannot be anyone else other than me and write stories that I don't want to write simply because it's what's popular. Also, making sure that your novel is the best it can be is the best advice any author can have. There's no need to put out books that are good but can be great.

About the author:

Emerald Barnes graduated with a B.A. in English with an emphasis on Creative Writing at Mississippi University for Women. She resides in a small town in Mississippi and has the accent to prove it. She's the author of Read Me Dead and Piercing Through the Darkness. She mainly writes suspense/thrillers in the YA genre, but she dabbles in other genres and her books are enjoyed by all ages! She's constantly working on new novels and has more ideas than she knows what to do with.

Emerald blogs at emeraldbarnes.blogspot.com and ebarnes23.wordpress.com which takes up more of her time than she anticipates but loves it so very much! She's also a volunteer at the World Literary Cafe which is so amazing!

She's an auntie to three beautiful nieces and two handsome nephews who take up the other half of her time, but she couldn't imagine spending her time in any other way!

She's a Whovian, a little bit of a nerd, a reader, a writer, and a family-oriented person. God is number one in her life, and she thanks Him continuously for His love and favor.

You can download Emerald's books from online stores.

#  Michelle A Horst – Vaalbara. The Land Of Shadows.

Michelle, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

I started writing at the end of 2009. I always played around with it, but that's when I really sat down and took things seriously. My greatest inspiration is my dreams. I feel as long as you can dream, you can write.

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

I just love reading in general, there isn't one in particular.

How do you overcome writer's block?

I start with a new story until one finally takes. I once ended up with eight uncompleted novels, but I got the original one written.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

I just write every day. I don't set a word count, that's when things go wrong and you never get to it.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

I write by the seat of my pants. I'm too impatient to get to the story. I'll do my research as I get to the actual piece. I also find that my stories can change at any time, so plotting would be useless, I'll always end up with something totally different from what I started with.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

You need a good editor. If you don't know one, look at books that are edited well and contact that writer, asking them whom they use. The key element here is not to get worked up when the edited piece comes back. You can learn so much from an editor. Every error is a stepping stone. But I will never edit my own work. I'm too close to the project and will always skip something important.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

Freado, I use the site a lot. Networking. Blog tours. Book giveaways with other authors. Word of mouth. If you're bring out a sequel it might be good to offer the first one at discount.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

Don't expect too much at first. Just enjoy writing. First get a few books out and make sure they are edited. Your first badly edited book can be the other three well written books' downfall. Don't give up if you don't make it instantly, or even in five years. Authors like Stephen King and J.K. Rowling never gave up, and it took them years. Write for yourself and the rest will fall into place.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

Write what you know. Write from experience. If you do this you write with your heart, and that is what readers want to read.

About the Author:

Michelle A Horst lives in the quiet town of Alberton, South Africa. She is currently writing the Vaalbara trilogy. She's also part of the 7DS Short Stories Collaborations: The Seven Deadly Sins II, The Seven Dress Sizes, and The Seven Dwarfs.

To download books by this author, check out Michelle's author page.

#  Peggy Holloway – Time and Time Again.

When did you first start writing, and, who or what was your greatest inspiration?

Even though she's a fictitious character, I was first inspired by Jessica Fletcher. When I was still in the industrial rat race, I used to watch Murder She Wrote and think to myself, "What a great life that would be. To live in a small town and write." I had always had a novel in the back of my mind that I wanted to write one day. After retiring, I moved back to my home state of Florida and started writing that novel. I thought I would write the novel, find an agent and everyone would want to read it. Pretty naïve, huh? When I started writing the book, the characters seemed to have minds of their own. Once I decided to let them have their way, the book wrote itself. I have been unable to stop writing. It's as if the floodgates have opened up.

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

I have always read a lot. Sometimes I would read one or two books a day. My very favorite books, and what made me want to read, were the old fashioned gothic romance novels by Daphne Du Maurier, Victoria Holt, Dorothy Eden, and several others. These usually took place in the 1890s where the heroine wasn't sure about the man she married or the man she was involved with. The covers always had a picture of a young woman running away from a big mansion in the middle of the night. I read these authors over and over because they were hard to find. I always said that when I wrote my novel, it would be patterned after those books but set in more modern times: Voila, Blood on White Wicker, my first book.

How do you overcome writer's block?

I think I have the opposite of writer's block, whatever that's called. I keep hearing about writer's block, and sometimes wish I could catch it. Besides my characters waking me up in the middle of the night, there are always about five ideas for other books in the back of my head trying to get my attention.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

For me, writing is a very creative process. I don't see how I could possibly put that process on a schedule. To me those two concepts are at opposite ends of the pole. I tried to put myself on a schedule and write 1500 words a day, after seeing others on facebook and twitter doing this. I was getting words down, but there was no emotion in it. It was boring and difficult. Once I took that pressure off myself, the creative juices began to flow once more.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

Definitely, the seat of my pants. There was an article a few months ago, in Writers Digest, about this. They called my writing style, "organic writing."

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

I think you need to edit your work several times before sending it to an editor. I didn't have an editor at first. I would read over my MS out loud, over and over, and then have some of my friends and family read it. I now know that I still need an editor. I have a very good one now, and am letting her edit my books.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

That's the hardest part of being an author. I don't like marketing and would rather just write. I'm on twitter, goodreads, facebook, and linkedin. Since I have enough books that I can offer one free on kindle every weekend, I do that and advertise on all the media I'm on. I participate in interviews when asked, like I'm doing now. I have a website and write blogs, but getting people over there to read them is difficult. I think word-of-mouth is probably the best marketing tool, but it takes a while to build up your reading audience.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

Read, read, read, read.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

I can't remember being given any advice. Actually, most of my friends and family just sort of laughed and shook their heads and said, "Peggy's now writing? Ha, ha, ha, I always wonder what she's going to try next."

Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in a poor, poor family and was determined to make something of myself. I worked my way through college and put my first husband through two degrees. I got my BS in geology and an MCS in mathematics. I taught high school and college math for one year and then went to work in the oil industry, working for BP as a geophysicist, for sixteen years. After being laid off, after the oil crash, I went back to school and got an MA in psychology. I worked as a counselor/therapist for ten years and then sort of drifted around trying different things. When I finally decided to retire for good, I started writing. I believe I should have been writing all my life.

I wasted a lot of years thinking about writing. I would say just go for it. Sit down at your laptop or computer and start writing. You would be surprised how the ideas come to you as you're writing. If you can't think of anything to write about, then start noticing everything around you. Ask yourself the "what if" question. Notice how different people talk and interact with each other. When you get together with a group of people, instead of talking, listen. That will help you with dialog. You will notice that most people don't speak in complete sentences, they interrupt each other, they use incorrect wording etc. Take walks around your neighborhood and really notice things. One day I was walking downtown in Daytona Beach and walked past an old abandoned hotel. It was a beautiful old hotel but there were "no trespassing" signs on it. My imagination went wild as I stood there and looked at it. That one event gave me ideas for about five books.

You can download Peggy's books from online stores.

#  Patti Roberts – Paradox – Bound By Blood.

Patti, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

I started writing in 2008 to cure a broken heart. Heart all fixed now and, thinking back, I have to wonder what all the fuss was about. If it wasn't for a broken heart, though, I would never have started writing. Today, I look back at the incident as the best thing that could have happened to me. As of writing this, I have published six books, with more on the way. So that was my inspiration. Other things that inspire me are people, a good book, movies, TV shows, art, music (Two Steps From Hell) but most of all, life. Inspiration is all around us every day. In a news story, the lyrics of a song, a dream, a tear, a laugh, the smell of tea brewing, the bowing of a tree trunk in the breeze...

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

A writer that has inspired me so much recently is George R R Martin, the author of Game Of Thrones. George is a master when it comes to fantasy world building, interesting characters and brilliant storylines.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day and do you write every day?

I like to have a goal, so I set a word count that I like to reach on my writing days. Usually around 1000 words. This is particularly true when I have a deadline to meet. I like a challenge, I need a challenge, it drives me, and having a word count helps me to stay focused on meeting the challenge, bringing me a step closer to publishing day. To me, a word count is like my personal trainer - without the weights.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

I have an outline for the story, points I want/need to cover, then it's seat of the pants for the continuation of the journey. Although I like to think I'm the one telling the story, it is really the characters that are in the driving seat, propelling the story to its conclusion. My "voices" are the noisiest when I first wake up or when I am taking a shower...

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

Anyone who thinks she can 100% edit her own work is preventing herself from publishing her best work. You need help, like it or not, from a good editor. And until you find a good editor, I suggest you join support groups that have beta readers who are happy to critique your work. And don't be afraid of criticism; there is so much to be learned from constructive criticism. Take it all on board because you will learn so much from it. No one ever learned anything from being told how wonderful his or her work was. You really want the opportunity to make your work shine before you publish, not after. There would be nothing worse than reading a long list of bad reviews about your book on Amazon. Listen to criticism and see it as an opportunity to do better. Don't view bad reviews as a personal attack. Someone took the time to read your work, the least you can do is listen. You can find beta readers on many facebook groups. You can also source editors on facebook. It is always a good idea to contact other authors and ask who edits their work. You can also source book cover designers from authors on facebook who are only too happy to point you in the right direction.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

Definitely word of mouth via sites such as facebook, twitter and book reviews blogs. You can never give too many ebooks away for reviews and blogger competitions. It costs nothing to give away ebooks. View it as free advertising.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

Read every day. There is no better way to be inspired. You will also broaden your word base and discover different writing styles. When you feel a bout of writing block coming on, pick up a great book. That will get you going again. Stephen King says, "If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that." In fact, read Stephen King's book, On Writing - one of the most inspiring and entertaining books I have ever read in regards to writing. Read your work out loud or have someone read it back to you.

Your thoughts on writer's block?

To me, I think it means you are heading in the wrong direction when and if writer's block strikes. Perhaps you are going down the wrong path. Play around with the storyline, throw a spanner in the works and change things around a little, and above all, listen to your characters. Have conversations with them... They will guide you on how to proceed.

Do you have a book trailer? What are your thoughts on book trailers?

I do have book trailers for my books. I think they are just another way of getting extra exposure for your books other than just using your cover. And let's face it, you can never have too much exposure.

What are your thoughts on book reviews?

The more the merrier. You will receive some you don't like, it is the nature of the beast. Grow a thick skin. Take what you can from them. And never, ever, respond to a bad review. It just makes you look unprofessional. We are all entitled to our own opinions, right or wrong. That is what book reviews are - opinions. You can't please everyone. Go look up your favorite author on Amazon and you'll see that even the greats receive bad reviews.

Where do you sell most of your books?

One word. Amazon.

Patti's thoughts on self-publishing.

You do not have to be rich to be a published author. I'm a self published author, and Amazon for one makes it really easy to publish your own books. I also publish on Smashwords, and they distribute my books in online stores such as Barnes & Noble, Kobo and a host of others. They are all free sites, so once you have your book formatted and your cover ready to go, your book can be online within moments for customers to buy. It really is amazing. I use Createspace for my print books. And as Createspace is a print on demand company, it costs you nothing to publish your books in print.

The publishing industry has really grown, really stepped up. Traditional publishing is no longer a writer's only option to achieving her dream of becoming a published author. There are many successful indie authors out there today. It doesn't happen overnight, but there is absolutely no reason why you can't become one of the success stories. Take the plunge. The rewards, and the great people you will meet in support groups along the way, are well worth it.

Forget about the old system, when writers sent out manuscript after manuscript, then spent months waiting for the right reader to pick it up. There are still those that look down their noses at self-publishing—but with the increasing number of writers flocking toward self-publishing, and a growing list of success stories making the top 100 list on Amazon every day, it won't be long before that, too, starts to change. I think there will be many traditionally published authors in the very near future who will eventually abandon their publishers and go indie. And why wouldn't they? The advantages of self-publishing are hard to deny. The last time I looked, there were more self-published authors on the top 100 list than traditionally published authors. That has to tell you something.

Bestselling author Lilly LaRue was recently quoted saying, "With my old publisher, I never made enough money to quit my job as a Nobel prize-winning research scientist. Nine months after I started self-publishing with KDP, I said good-bye to the lab and am writing full-time. I've never been happier."

I often hear people saying, "I wish I'd started writing earlier in life. I put it off because I was scared that I wouldn't be good enough..." I know how that feels, I was one of them. Regarding my first novel, and I think many writers feel this way, I wish I'd invested more in re-writing and editing it before I released it. All I can say is, go for it – but don't rush. You really have nothing to lose by taking your time, and everything to gain when you are finally ready to publish. There is so much support out there for fledgling authors today. Join groups, ask for advice, and share your experiences with others. Treat other indie authors as your allies, your support group, not your competition.

Here are some things to remember when self-publishing:

Set yourself a target to work towards. I do this by choosing a release date. Then I take off two to three months, because you will need that for rewrites and editing. Work out how many days there are between now and your chosen release date. Divide that by your estimated word count. I work on an 85k word count per novel - this will vary with each author. This will give you an idea of how many words you have to write daily to keep yourself on target. If your estimated word count is calculated at 600 words per day, try writing double that. This will keep you on track for those days that you are unable to write. At the end of each week recalculate with your new word count to stay on track to reach your pending release date.

Don't publish without an editor. Ask other authors whom they use.

Make sure you have a cover that catches the eye – in a positive way. You can source some great cover designers on facebook. Again, ask other authors.

If you can't do it yourself, find someone to format your book. Again, ask other authors.

Self-publishing also means self-marketing. Once you are published you have to market your book. If you don't let others know about your book and supply links to where they can buy it, how will you ever sell it?

Never respond to bad reviews. Learn what you can from them and move on.

Find a writing buddy to keep you on track – share daily word counts; this is really great for keeping you focused. It's like having a sparring partner at the gym, they keep you motivated.

Start writing your next book.

Oh, and if I haven't said it enough already... Ask other authors for advice.

About the Author:

PATTI ROBERTS was born in Brisbane Australia but soon moved to Darwin in the Northern Territory. Her son Luke was born in 1980. Patti now lives in Cairns, Queensland, where she is writing the Paradox Series of books. Patti is also working on a teen series, Witchwood Estate, which is being published as episodic fiction. She is also the author of the standalone novel About Three Authors – Whoever said love was easy, and non-fiction book called Surviving Tracy – True live accounts from survivors. Patti also designs book covers (Paradox Book Covers and formatting) for authors.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PattiParadox

Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/PattiRoberts7

#  Lavinia Urban – ERIN. The Fire Goddess. The Beginning.

Lavinia, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

I started writing from an early age, and when I got into double digits I really wanted to become a published author, but back then it was so hard to get noticed. I was 14 and getting replies back from publishing houses saying, 'We do not accept unsolicited documents.' That is so disheartening for anybody, especially someone as young as I was, so I resigned myself to the fact that it would never happen. My Granddad used to keep telling me not to give up and just keep trying.

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

No there was never one particular book. I read so much that maybe it was a variety of them all and my dream of 'I want to be like them.'

How do you overcome writer's block?

I never get writer's block, per se. If I get stuck on a particular scene I just put it to one side and move onto a different scene and come back to that at a later date. By then I feel I am a bit more prepared to tackle that particular scene.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

Not really. I do try and aim for 1,000 but if I don't get it then that is no biggie. Some days I may only get 500 and others I get 4,000.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

I mainly write by the seat of my pants. I like to let my characters guide me. I have written some scenes and thought, 'Wow I never saw that coming.' But with each book I do like to know how I want it to end. It is just getting to that that I have to work out. With my series I have no idea where my characters are taking me as I do not plot each book. I just know how I want the final series to end. How the characters get there is their choice.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

Ugh! I think that kind of sums it up. When I first started out I could not afford an editor, and technically I still can't. But at the beginning I had four proofreaders and I thought that was enough. However, I got feedback about my grammar and I would lose review stars because of it. A few months ago I found a British editor at an excellent price, and she has managed to re-edit all of my books so far. The reviews I have had since I hired her have been truly amazing. Some have said that it had been a long time since they read a book without typos or grammar mistakes. That made my heart swell.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

Because I am self-published I find it difficult to market myself. Some people also say it is because I am British. But I have found that the best way is through networking. You not only get to meet some great authors, you get to hear how they market, and you can market each other's work.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

Work at your own pace. Just because one person is churning out books left, right and centre, it does not mean that you are in competition. Just take your time and don't publish it until you are happy with it. Feel free to ask friends, fellow authors etc. for their opinions.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

When I first started writing I was told not to give up, but after taking many a year's break due to starting a family etc., I decided to pick up pen and paper again and start writing. At first it was just for my daughter, but then I would have friends telling me they loved my story and I should think about getting published. To me this was a scary prospect, because my story was my baby and it was like I was sending it off for its first day of school and I was worried that people were not going to like it. But I was told to take everything with a pinch of salt and not everyone will like what you write, and this is very true.

Also I sometimes find it hard to sit down and write. I may have the whole book in my head and writing it down is easy, but it is the whole discipline. I get distracted. I was told to sit down and write every night, even if it is only a little bit. Eventually you will get into a rhythm, and hopefully do this every day.

Are your books available in print, ebook and audio? Can you share your thoughts on these different formats?

Currently my books are available in print and ebook. I have looked into doing audio, but right now I do not have the funds to cover the costs for this. I find that ebooks sell really well, print not so well, but the benefits to having print is that it can be stocked in libraries, book shops etc., and there are lots of people out there, like me, who like to own the hard copy.

When I started out I just had my ebooks on Amazon's kindle, but there are so many people out there that don't own a kindle or kindle app. So I now use other sites to accommodate this market.

Do you have a book trailer? What are your thoughts on book trailers?

I made one about a month or two ago. I personally don't like them, and a recent survey shows that the majority of people do not pay attention to them.

Do you prefer to blog, tweet or Facebook for exposure?

I personally prefer Facebook, but I do blog and tweet, even though not as often. It is essential that you use all media tools available.

What are your thoughts on book reviews?

They are essential for helping an author grow. Some authors do not read their reviews, but I am one of those authors who reads every single review. It is my way to find out what readers like and don't like.

Also there may be readers who have never read my books, and they will often check out the reviews first to see if it is worth their while purchasing it.

Where do you sell most of your books?

As in which selling place, that would be Amazon kindle, but worldwide my books sell mostly in America. Which for me being a British author is a huge sense of achievement.

Are you a traditionally published author or indie? What are your thoughts and experiences in this field?

I am a self-published indie author. The biggest hurdle is marketing, I don't have a publishing company behind me doing all the marketing, but if you use the media tools out there you will slowly get there.

What I like about being an indie author is that the only deadlines I have are what I give myself. Plus I get a bigger royalty amount than I would being tied to a publishing house.

I was told at the beginning of being a published author and getting my first review not to reply to the review. Sometimes it can be hard.

Being an author does not mean you will be an overnight success. It is a long haul full of sleepless nights, crazy dreams and voices constantly living in your head, but if you believe in yourself then anything is possible.

I am not going to lie, there will be some people out there who will leave nasty reviews. You just have to laugh it off and move on

Check out the author's book on her author page.

#  Annie Miles – Misled.

Annie, when did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

I started writing as therapy about four years ago. At the time I was coping with some tough personal issues, and I needed an outlet. I was up to a five or six book a week reading habit, so I'd say my greatest inspiration was all those authors whose books helped me escape from my painful world and into a happier one.

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

While I was writing my first book, I don't think there was a particular book that inspired me. But about a year ago, I read The Witness by Nora Roberts, and was blown away by it.

How do you overcome writer's block?

A long drive on a highway is great for writer's block. Showers are good too. The only problem with both is that as soon as you get an idea, or figure out how to say some piece of dialogue, you have to hurry to write it down before you forget.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

I usually write every day, unless life gets too crazy. But I don't have a particular word count I want to meet each day. I figure whatever gets on the screen is good. It's like that saying, "Love is like a fart: if you have to force it, it's probably s*it." IMO, the same goes for forcing yourself to write just to reach a word count goal!

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

Both. I like to have an idea of where I'm going, although even that evolves as I write. But I do let the characters take over and lead me where the story should go.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

Some degree of editing your own work is necessary, but I think it's imperative that you hire a professional editor before you publish the work. Even if you have beta readers and think you have it all covered, get a professional to look at it. It's just impossible to catch all the nits in your own work.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

I think the more blogs you can be featured on, the more word of mouth you get, and that's really the best way to sell a book. When you have other people recommending it, or when you get your book out there in front of more and more people, it really helps it sell.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

First off, be very discriminating with publishers. There are a lot of unscrupulous small presses out there just waiting to prey on newbie authors. Find out all you can about a publisher before signing with them. If they can't offer you more than what you can do yourself, or hire to have done, then you're better off self-pubbing.

Copyright your work before sending it out to anyone.

I also think beta readers are essential. Have as many people as you can get help you hone that manuscript. But go with your gut. Don't change something you feel strongly about. Only you know your characters the best.

Scour the Internet for ways to make connections with other writers and readers. Read everything you can on publishing. And keep reading. Good writers are avid readers.

And lastly, don't be in a hurry. Take your time to produce quality work.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

Show, don't tell.

About the Author:

Annie Miles is the pseudonym for the real woman portrayed in Misled. She writes a mystery series and is the mother of two sons and the legal guardian of her mother, who gives her new material daily. Annie is a firm believer in the saying, "People are put into your life as either a blessing or a lesson." Her sons are definitely the former, and her mother is unarguably the latter. Annie lives in the South where she enjoys reading, writing, baking, and photography. She welcomes correspondence, particularly from women who are suffering through trying times.

Blog http://anniemiles.us/

#  Tiffeny Moore – Past Unleashed.

When did you first start writing, and who or what was your greatest inspiration?

I started writing as a kid, my greatest inspiration was reading all of the authors growing up.

Was there a particular book that inspired you, and if so, what was it?

There were several books, but the one that sticks in my head is Into The Land Of Unicorns; my daughter and I now read that book together.

How do you overcome writer's block?

Spend time with my family. I don't know why, but when I have writer's block I spend time with my family, and don't write, and ideas usually start flowing again.

Do you have a particular word count that you like to achieve each day, and do you write every day?

No I do not have a particular word count, and no I do not write every day as of right now, but as soon as school starts I will go back to writing every day while my daughter is at school, and keeping weekends free for family time.

Do you plot, or write by the seat of your pants?

I start off plotting, but then there are times that even when I plot I end up writing by the seat of my pants.

What are your thoughts about editing your work?

Editing your work is very important, not all of us are great at editing though, but editing is very important.

What have you found to be the most successful ways to market your work?

I am still learning how to market as I am new.

What advice would you give new authors entering the writing arena?

Never give up. You're going to have up and down days, and some days will be harder than others, but never give up.

What advice were you given when you first started writing that has been the most helpful?

That no matter if it's your first book or your 10th, it is normal to feel nervous about your book. This is because you put yourself completely into your book.

Not everyone will like your books; it's the ones who do that matter. Write for yourself and everything else will fall into place with your hard work.

About the author:

Tiffeny Moore has survived abuse, and the loss of her son due to protecting him; he lives with his grandma. She finally was able to get away and divorce her ex-husband and is now married to a wonderful man. She and her husband now have a beautiful daughter and they live in Alaska. Writing has always been a dream of hers and she wants to follow her dream, so hopefully her daughter will follow hers.

Check out the author's book from online stores.
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# Contact.

For further information

E: pattiroberts7@gmail.com

